Quassy expectations?

Brad Marcus

For you folks that have raced Quassy 70.3 before - I was looking at some finishing times and speaking with some local friends that have raced it before and this got me to thinking about what to expect. In contrast to moderately hilly 70.3's that I've raced, where does Quassy fall? I've read the climbing elevations for bike and run (although haven't been on the course first hand yet), but are we talking about serious amounts of time added to finish times in general? It's still months away, and the plan will be to dial in power for the ride, but I'd guess that for a very hilly run like this, using pace as a guide can get thrown out and will be forced to use hr and RPE. Is this correct to assume? I'd love to know how much extra time I can expect to tack on my finish time, but realize that this is a useless question. I'm just trying to manage my expectations.This race is really being used as a stepping stone to my first full in IMLP....but coaches encouraged me to treat it as an 'A' race vs a 'B-C' that I had suggested. Any comments / suggestions appreciated.

John Withrow

Take your flat-ish 70.3 time and expect to add 20-30 mins. The hills on the bike are steep. I threw out "pace" on the run and just watched my HR. I walked several of the steepest hills. It was damn hot last yr as well. It is a fun, well run race, you'll like it. Just don't expect a PR.

kimmydct

I haven't done the half but I've done the Oly which is just as hilly, just shorter.

I looked at my bike results from 2 races in 2013, Quassy vs. "super flat" and the Quassy bike time was 38% more. That may vary depending on your overall speed as well as your hill ability.

For the run, my Quassy run took me 11% more time vs. the flat race. (In looking at these 2 pieces of info, that surprises me)

But anyway, not sure if it helps, but relatively speaking, may give you some idea. Maybe? Maybe not.

PS John- I am totally expecting a HIM PR at this race since my last HIM was Rev3 Maine in 2012 and I damn well better have improved since then, hills or no hills! Yup, I've gone mad!

Robert Sabo

Unless you're Kim you will not PR. The bike is challenging but fun and a good warmup for IMLP. Watch your watts and flatten the hills. Patrick will give you a great plan specifically for the course about a week or two out from the race. The run is very challenging and you should expect a few minutes off your normal HIM times. Again for the run, Patrick will give you heads up for where the biggest of the hills are and where to slow down your expected pace. You will enjoy it and you will be ready. Quit worrying and follow your plan.

Steve boer

Posted By John Withrow on 11 Mar 2014 09:54 AM


Take your flat-ish 70.3 time and expect to add 20-30 mins. The hills on the bike are steep. I threw out "pace" on the run and just watched my HR. I walked several of the steepest hills. It was damn hot last yr as well. It is a fun, well run race, you'll like it. Just don't expect a PR.

Speak for yourself, i'm going for (and expecting) a PR 



But honestly, it is a TOUGH course. Everybody talks about how hilly the bike is, which it is. Just know that the run is just as bad. My garmin data from the past 2 years showed ~4k feet of climb on the bike, and 1k feet of climb on the run. The climbing starts early on the run. Once you make the the right after the first aid station, you've got a little bit of climbing, and then a LOT of climbing. 



here's a link to my bike from 2013

here's a link to my run from 2013

[Deleted User]

It's really a well put-together race but it is HILLY and HARD! I don't know how anyone can PR on this course! The bike is hilly and the run is even worse. But there is something very special and cool about this place! Just don't have high expectations and enjoy yourself! A lot depends on the weather as well. Last year it was pretty hot so that didn't help one bit. Yes, Patrick will give you some good advice and you should pay attention to that. Not sure how anyone can run the whole thing, but my hubby did so it's possible:-)

Brad Marcus

Thanks for all the input. Didn't expect a PR, and hoping I'll get a chance to ride the course prior to the race being that it's labout an hour from where I live. At worst, it'll be a good lead up to IMLP.

Antoinette Rose

Great thread - I'm enjoying everyone's feedback here.  This is only my 2nd HIM and all I have to compare it to is the IM70.3 Poconos which was definitely not flat.  

For me, this will also be a great training race as prep for IMLP.