Wow, reading all this makes me wonder--when is it too much? Water just too cold? Course just too tough? Especially the water...I draw the line with life threatening. Yikes.
Just so glad everyone is safe!! I have to agree with Carrie and Linda about the decision to even have the swim. Congrats to all of you on what was obviously an epic, tough day. Enjoy your success!!
As someone who has been pulled from the water with hypothermia before (and that was an Olympic distance) I just don't see how I could survive this race (much less training through the dark of winter for it). Oh yeah, and then there's the hills on the bike and run. There are just so many reasons why I can never see myself doing this race!
Hi Team!! Great news! Steve got a Kona Slot. There were 5 in his AG and he was 4th.
We are so excited. I love cheering for him there and this year I will have the pleasure of cheering for ManKona too!! with his wife Theresa and our kids!!
All, great to see you out there getting it done! I did my best to get out to Veyo (40+ miles on a winding dirt road that just brought me back to my hotel) but found a great spot at the park to cheer everyone on. Pretty sure I saw just about everyone but there was a time when you guys were coming by fast and furious!
Carrie, pretty sure the girl you describe was one that tossed me a cross word. You coming down the hill out of the last out and back and, as I told you, I though you were chasing down #418 somewhere ahead. I yelled at you to "run her down," and the 27yo said "gee, thanks," like I was talking about her. I felt pretty bad about it but...what can I do .
This was a tough, tough course, no doubt. Folks, you really can't describe the run course to do it justice, though Tom's WKO chart comes pretty close. I'm pretty sure there is no more than about 100yds on the whole run where you are running flat. And the combination of the winds and hills on the bike course aren't kind to even the smartest and most disciplined.
Very curious to see how registration goes for '11.
I'll record a podcast either on my drive home or when I get home, with more thoughts. Until then, have a great rest of your weekend and don't do ANYTHING next week...you earned it!
Someone posted on Paula's FB Page (former EN-er), that more than half of the women in her age group (50-54 I believe) DNF'd. Could that be true? I bet it is.
54F is too cold for an hour + swim, full stop. Um, 3200' of climbing (Tom, l does your Garmin "dither" like mine does, adding 20% or more to total elevation gain?) is also a bit extreme for a North American IM. More like an Xterra, or that IM race in Norway where you climb up a mountain at the end. Sounds like one tough course.
I was following my own AG during the day, and saw that the winner was someone who had a 13+ minute T1, and then went way slower than many others on the first bike section - sounds like he experienced what Carrie described. Then, he held a steady pace for the two loops, unlike all the others in that AG, and his run was pretty steady. Either he was following strict EN race protocol, or the condition forced him into it!
Someone posted on Paula's FB Page (former EN-er), that more than half of the women in her age group (50-54 I believe) DNF'd. Could that be true? I bet it is.
Dunno- I can't quite tell. But the Preliminary Results that they have posted show 1634 finishers. They don't list the DNF's or the no-shows, so its hard to say. But if 2500 was the registered field (I'm guessing that number too), that's a lot of no-shows & DNFs
I went to the awards luncheon. They never once mentioned the flipping cold water. They don't want to own up to it. They kept saying rather defensively that this is an IM, no one said it would be easy. Then Paul Huddle made some wise crack about people who decide to race next year can now prepare themselves properly. I about popped up out of my chair to give him a piece of my mind. I am tired and sore and edgy so I didn't. They will get a letter from me though.
There were 2500 registered, 1900 plus started the race and there was an 86% completion rate so about 260 or so DNF's. Second highest to IMWI 05.
The run course was sparse that is for sure especially loop 1.
And Al, the run could easily be 3200 ft elevation change in 2 loops.
We are just getting back from Zion National Park. Beautiful!!
Athlete tracker shows 24 finishers, 36 swim finishers, and 53 registrants in F 50-54. Don't know how many entered the water. So probably a 35% drop out rate, at least.
@ Al, I corrected my Garmin data in WKO using the "fix elevation with GPS", so that I'm pretty sure the data is accurate.
I think the race would be an excellent 70.3 series event. I would consider it very similar to the "World's Toughest Tri" in Auburn CA, which is a half iron distance. On Wednesday the winds were gusting to 50 mph. I can't imagine trying to compete in an event with those conditions. We were lucky in that the temperate and weather were perfect.
Someone posted on Paula's FB Page (former EN-er), that more than half of the women in her age group (50-54 I believe) DNF'd. Could that be true? I bet it is.
Dunno- I can't quite tell. But the Preliminary Results that they have posted show 1634 finishers. They don't list the DNF's or the no-shows, so its hard to say. But if 2500 was the registered field (I'm guessing that number too), that's a lot of no-shows & DNFs
Just added up all the participants: 2360.
So 2,360 entered, 1,634 finished, means 726 DNF. That's 30.8%, Wow!
There were 2500 registered, 1900 plus started the race and there was an 86% completion rate so about 260 or so DNF's. Second highest to IMWI 05.
Wow- Gotta say, I would have thought it was even worse than that. Still pretty bad though. I wonder if the "second highest" includes the former and now defunct IM Utah from 2002.
Hi Team - Like the others, I will do a race report soon. I was also in a world of frozen hurt after the swim. Suffered majorly at various points in the race. I fell short in some of my approaches to managing the conditions, so can't blame my poor performance completely on the conditions, but let's just say I'm sick of being cold!
I will share a story about the gentleman with a broken collar bone that was referenced earlier, the younger of two that I saw. He made some snide comments to me about EN and didn't make a good impression. So while I applaud his efforts, I think he has something to learn about sportsmanship. Once he said to me something to the effect of "you're not doing what Rich told you to do, he's waiting for you up there, you know," and then again, when I was nearing the end, and stopped to walk up a hill after running most of the second half "I thought you EN people were supposed to run after mile 18." I was annoyed, but said to him "...looks like you're going to have a May first story too. Let me tell you mine." etc. I told him that I faught my way back and that I hoped he would too after surgery and whatever therapy he needed. My voice didn't even shake like it had earlier in the day. I tried to provide an example of the notion that we should "Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." Not sure who said it but it's an important concept to remember....in IM and everyday life.
Again, RR to follow...I'm still mentally reviewing my day....
I appreciate all of your support....thought of the Nation and said "hi" whenever I crossed a mat!
As a new ENer, glad to find the race day thread. Thanks for the moral support from many who did not know me before the race. It was great to get smiles and greetings along the course.
The day did not start well: broke stem extender inflating tires (thanks for bailing me out, race mechanics) and developed calf cramps 500 yards into swim (I have never had this happen in training, but I imagine cold water played a role). I also came out of the water mildly hypothermic - took me a 1/2 hour into the bike to stop shivering after 15 min transition.
After that, however, I had a great race following the EN plan. I needed to be conservative to manage my calves throughout the day. I kept my HR at target throughout the bike and did not pay any attention to time. The bike took longer than I would have imagined, but I felt ready to go for the marathon.
I kept the HR dialed in for the run as well - would have loved to use pace, but was impossible to judge targets given course ups and downs. I walked up all steep hills (proactively managing calves). At the end, I was feeling quite good, but had to manage very painful stitch in my side during last 4 miles, which forced me to walk a couple of times on the downhill (really frustrating since I was feeling strong).
Crossed the line just under 14 hours (goal time which I stated to friends). Secretly I thought I would be faster particularly on the bike. Who knows, altitude/race day may have elevated my HR. In any event, feeling quite good today after getting off flights home to Boston.
The volunteers at St. George were terrific and it is a great town (I have mountain biked the area several times before). The scenery along the course was spectacular - I was fortunate to enjoy a final sunset up on the bluff during the last leg home. This was my first tri since 1987 (Bud Light Ironman on Cape Cod) and I was amazed by the support of volunteers and spectators. If not for the training demands on my family, I would be back next year for another go. I may need to try the half ironman distance now that my midlife Ironman crisis has been resolved.
All that said, I am having troubles fully enjoying the accomplishment knowing that others were not able to finish given course/conditions. I met a wonderful woman on the plane who had been pulled after the bike just after the deadline, but was convinced she could have completed the marathon under 17. She kept a positive attitude and was hoping to try again on a flatter course. So, to those who did not achieve IMSG race day goals, lets celebrate the process of getting ready for the race and the hope of achievements to come.
Olivia, if the guy was about 40 I know him. Jeff Rhodes, former marine infantry, I sorta trained with him for Imfl'00 and roomed with him for the race. Decent guy and probably thought he was being funny, which he wasn't. If it's any consolation, when saw him after I said hello, sorry about your shoulder, I called him a girl for not running, suck it up marine and run. :-)
Decent guy and probably thought he was being funny, which he wasn't.
In my world, no one is very funny after about 9 hours into a race Nice to know though he wasn't a hater.
Olivia- class act! Not knowing the guy, and not knowing his sense of humor, I woulda assumed the same as you and I don't know if I would have been as level headed. But more importantly- you didn't let him get into your head or take your energy. That's something I need to learn!
just like to second your comments on the race day event and the volunteers. For a first time event, I thought they did a fantastic job. Friendly, effiicent and a typical Ironman world class event.
The town fully supported the race and were glad to have us around. Many of the people I've talked to were kind of amazed anyone would do something like this, but were happy to hear about the race, how we liked it, what we thought about St. George, etc. There were plenty of hotels, restaurants and things to do. I didn't get the feeling that the IM event overwhelmed the town. Little quiet on Sunday with everything closed.
FYI- St George itself is a wonderful place. The St George Marathon (pretty sure that's a lottery entry because it's so popular) has been successfully running for years and is absolutely fantastic. The whole town really comes out to support it. I have no doubt St George was an awesome host town.
Comments
Wow, reading all this makes me wonder--when is it too much? Water just too cold? Course just too tough? Especially the water...I draw the line with life threatening. Yikes.
Just so glad everyone is safe!! I have to agree with Carrie and Linda about the decision to even have the swim. Congrats to all of you on what was obviously an epic, tough day. Enjoy your success!!
The run course. 3200 feet of climbing
wow... what an unbelievable day. you are all heroes for getting out there.
We are so excited. I love cheering for him there and this year I will have the pleasure of cheering for ManKona too!! with his wife Theresa and our kids!!
Carrie
Nice work team!
All, great to see you out there getting it done! I did my best to get out to Veyo (40+ miles on a winding dirt road that just brought me back to my hotel) but found a great spot at the park to cheer everyone on. Pretty sure I saw just about everyone but there was a time when you guys were coming by fast and furious!
Carrie, pretty sure the girl you describe was one that tossed me a cross word. You coming down the hill out of the last out and back and, as I told you, I though you were chasing down #418 somewhere ahead. I yelled at you to "run her down," and the 27yo said "gee, thanks," like I was talking about her. I felt pretty bad about it but...what can I do .
This was a tough, tough course, no doubt. Folks, you really can't describe the run course to do it justice, though Tom's WKO chart comes pretty close. I'm pretty sure there is no more than about 100yds on the whole run where you are running flat. And the combination of the winds and hills on the bike course aren't kind to even the smartest and most disciplined.
Very curious to see how registration goes for '11.
I'll record a podcast either on my drive home or when I get home, with more thoughts. Until then, have a great rest of your weekend and don't do ANYTHING next week...you earned it!
Someone posted on Paula's FB Page (former EN-er), that more than half of the women in her age group (50-54 I believe) DNF'd. Could that be true? I bet it is.
54F is too cold for an hour + swim, full stop. Um, 3200' of climbing (Tom, l does your Garmin "dither" like mine does, adding 20% or more to total elevation gain?) is also a bit extreme for a North American IM. More like an Xterra, or that IM race in Norway where you climb up a mountain at the end. Sounds like one tough course.
I was following my own AG during the day, and saw that the winner was someone who had a 13+ minute T1, and then went way slower than many others on the first bike section - sounds like he experienced what Carrie described. Then, he held a steady pace for the two loops, unlike all the others in that AG, and his run was pretty steady. Either he was following strict EN race protocol, or the condition forced him into it!
Registration is still open for IMStG 2011!
Not surprised one bit!
Dunno- I can't quite tell. But the Preliminary Results that they have posted show 1634 finishers. They don't list the DNF's or the no-shows, so its hard to say. But if 2500 was the registered field (I'm guessing that number too), that's a lot of no-shows & DNFs
There were 2500 registered, 1900 plus started the race and there was an 86% completion rate so about 260 or so DNF's. Second highest to IMWI 05.
The run course was sparse that is for sure especially loop 1.
And Al, the run could easily be 3200 ft elevation change in 2 loops.
We are just getting back from Zion National Park. Beautiful!!
Athlete tracker shows 24 finishers, 36 swim finishers, and 53 registrants in F 50-54. Don't know how many entered the water. So probably a 35% drop out rate, at least.
I think the race would be an excellent 70.3 series event. I would consider it very similar to the "World's Toughest Tri" in Auburn CA, which is a half iron distance. On Wednesday the winds were gusting to 50 mph. I can't imagine trying to compete in an event with those conditions. We were lucky in that the temperate and weather were perfect.
I'll post a full RR later.
Just added up all the participants: 2360.
So 2,360 entered, 1,634 finished, means 726 DNF. That's 30.8%, Wow!
Wow- Gotta say, I would have thought it was even worse than that. Still pretty bad though. I wonder if the "second highest" includes the former and now defunct IM Utah from 2002.
Rest up for ToC.
Vince
I will share a story about the gentleman with a broken collar bone that was referenced earlier, the younger of two that I saw. He made some snide comments to me about EN and didn't make a good impression. So while I applaud his efforts, I think he has something to learn about sportsmanship. Once he said to me something to the effect of "you're not doing what Rich told you to do, he's waiting for you up there, you know," and then again, when I was nearing the end, and stopped to walk up a hill after running most of the second half "I thought you EN people were supposed to run after mile 18." I was annoyed, but said to him "...looks like you're going to have a May first story too. Let me tell you mine." etc. I told him that I faught my way back and that I hoped he would too after surgery and whatever therapy he needed. My voice didn't even shake like it had earlier in the day. I tried to provide an example of the notion that we should "Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." Not sure who said it but it's an important concept to remember....in IM and everyday life.
Again, RR to follow...I'm still mentally reviewing my day....
I appreciate all of your support....thought of the Nation and said "hi" whenever I crossed a mat!
The day did not start well: broke stem extender inflating tires (thanks for bailing me out, race mechanics) and developed calf cramps 500 yards into swim (I have never had this happen in training, but I imagine cold water played a role). I also came out of the water mildly hypothermic - took me a 1/2 hour into the bike to stop shivering after 15 min transition.
After that, however, I had a great race following the EN plan. I needed to be conservative to manage my calves throughout the day. I kept my HR at target throughout the bike and did not pay any attention to time. The bike took longer than I would have imagined, but I felt ready to go for the marathon.
I kept the HR dialed in for the run as well - would have loved to use pace, but was impossible to judge targets given course ups and downs. I walked up all steep hills (proactively managing calves). At the end, I was feeling quite good, but had to manage very painful stitch in my side during last 4 miles, which forced me to walk a couple of times on the downhill (really frustrating since I was feeling strong).
Crossed the line just under 14 hours (goal time which I stated to friends). Secretly I thought I would be faster particularly on the bike. Who knows, altitude/race day may have elevated my HR. In any event, feeling quite good today after getting off flights home to Boston.
The volunteers at St. George were terrific and it is a great town (I have mountain biked the area several times before). The scenery along the course was spectacular - I was fortunate to enjoy a final sunset up on the bluff during the last leg home. This was my first tri since 1987 (Bud Light Ironman on Cape Cod) and I was amazed by the support of volunteers and spectators. If not for the training demands on my family, I would be back next year for another go. I may need to try the half ironman distance now that my midlife Ironman crisis has been resolved.
All that said, I am having troubles fully enjoying the accomplishment knowing that others were not able to finish given course/conditions. I met a wonderful woman on the plane who had been pulled after the bike just after the deadline, but was convinced she could have completed the marathon under 17. She kept a positive attitude and was hoping to try again on a flatter course. So, to those who did not achieve IMSG race day goals, lets celebrate the process of getting ready for the race and the hope of achievements to come.
Thanks to my new IMSG friends.
Vince
if the guy was about 40 I know him. Jeff Rhodes, former marine infantry, I sorta trained with him for Imfl'00 and roomed with him for the race. Decent guy and probably thought he was being funny, which he wasn't. If it's any consolation, when saw him after I said hello, sorry about your shoulder, I called him a girl for not running, suck it up marine and run. :-)
In my world, no one is very funny after about 9 hours into a race
Nice to know though he wasn't a hater.
Olivia- class act! Not knowing the guy, and not knowing his sense of humor, I woulda assumed the same as you and I don't know if I would have been as level headed. But more importantly- you didn't let him get into your head or take your energy. That's something I need to learn!
just like to second your comments on the race day event and the volunteers. For a first time event, I thought they did a fantastic job. Friendly, effiicent and a typical Ironman world class event.
The town fully supported the race and were glad to have us around. Many of the people I've talked to were kind of amazed anyone would do something like this, but were happy to hear about the race, how we liked it, what we thought about St. George, etc. There were plenty of hotels, restaurants and things to do. I didn't get the feeling that the IM event overwhelmed the town. Little quiet on Sunday with everything closed.
I wouldn't rule out doing this again someday.
tom
[Insert Rich's comment about calling his Marine buddy a girl]
I guess punching him in the arm would have been too much even for a marine!