Tell me about IM StGeorge
Im seriously contemplating it.
It will be my 9th IM. Doing it as an epic race. Not looking for PB.
My challenges will be that Im from KS. Can ride outside consistently from March on here so more trainer riding long. Oh well.
What can you tell me about it, like:
1. How hard is the bike? (Ive done IMFL and IMLOU x 3)
2. What did you wear xtra on the swim?
3. Where to stay?
4. Anything else you can think of that is different from the other NA IMs...
5. How much slower is the bike that others....my best is IMLOU 2011 at 5:59 (65% IF).
Thx
0
Comments
After the first 20 miles of a few ups and downs the two bike loops are failry tough to judge as its basically uphill for 90 mins then screeming downhill for 30 mins-but its a fairly tough bike --compared to Florida add an hour and harder than Louisville by 30 mins I'd say.The run is a bit of a pig,first 3 miles each loop flatish but then some tough hills--be prepared for them.
We had an RV and parked it at a site just down the street and it was pefect--some camped there too --nice place with all facilities and a pool--Temple View its called --about 2/3 rds of a mile from the finish starigth down the street.
This was my first full distance IM, so I have no basis to compare to other courses. I remember Rich telling us to throw all other PB's and comp times out the window, especially on the run. The bike was as Eric said, slow grind up the first half of the loop and fast and furious going downhill. The run was the worst for me (even though I took it easy/jogged, it still took its toll). I hear that they've adjusted the run course for next year to keep it in/near town and much flatter (instead of two times up the ridgeline and 2000+ foot of elevation total).
My total time was 13:40. I wasn't fixated on a finish time during the race (I focused on hitting my numbers and following Rich's advice). That said, based on training coming into this race, I would have "predicted" a 12hr finish on a flat course (with everything going right). My bike was 6:42 with a slower second loop (was about 10 watts off my goal pace...which cost me almost 30min vs. the first loop). I really overhydrated and so stopped twice for potty breaks. The bike as a couple of quick and nasty grades they call walls (8%+) right about the half way point into each loop. I had a 28 in the back but wish I had a compact as well (like I do now). I thought they were brutal (new to biking at the time) but do recall the pro's blowing past me on the walls during their second loop (while I was on my first). So I guess they aren't so bad if you're prepared. Then I "blew up" on the run, having to walk in a couple of spots (and got a kick in the nuts once from Rich, which I needed...thank you!) and ended up with a 5:14 run (averaging abut 12:00/mile). Stomach shut down on the run too.
Learned a lot on this course, which I will proudly carry into all of my future races. Wouldn't have traded the experience for anything. Nor would I have chosen an "easier" course for my first. That said, I'm looking forward to "racing" my first IM! Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!
BTW...the swim was fine. I swam with a wetsuit hood, but in retrospect should not have. It lifted my head and upset my balance (I had practiced with it but never liked it). The water wasn't that bad with a full suit. Saw a few folks wearing double swim caps (which I think would have been a better choice.) I also practice with wetsuit booties, but chose not to swim with them race day on Rich's advice (they keep your feet from streamlining and slow you down). Since it was relatively warm at the start of the bike (low 70s I believe), the coolness of the water was a nice touch. Had the weather been like the first IMUT (when everyone was freezing on the bike), I might have been more concerned about staying warmer in the water. That said, I didn't notice the water as being that cold during the swim.
Tough course for sure, but in typical IM fashion, it's always a first class event. I did the inaugural event 18 months ago.
(1) Bike is one of the hardest courses with a couple of monster climbs and a wicked fast descent into town. Road is chip seal so can be a little tough with all the bike vibrations. Power meters rock! Hardest part for me was the fact that the water was so cold it took an hour to warm up on the bike and get into a good groove.
(2) swim was wetsuit, neoprene hat and booties. Needed them for sure. Those with near zero body fat had a very tough time staying warm.
(3) There are plenty of places to stay and go from Motel 6 to much better. Just tons of rooms for such a small town. I, along with tons of other athletes stayed at the Green Mountain Resort. We had a three bedroom condo with kitchen and living room. Two or three miles from the downtown area at the end of the race.
(4) The most different things were, (a) very cold water, (b) split T1 and T2 areas - busing to race start was great though. (c) It's Utah so many frown on drinking, everything is closed on Sunday. We toured the big Mormon Church, which was very cool. Zion National Park was also on the list to do after the race. Spectacular for sure. Got to fly into Vegas and drive to St. George as they have no major airport. It's easy to get into, unlike a bunch of other IMs!
(5) Most of my previous bike splits were in the 5:30 range. Did a 6:07 here on a 0.65 IF. Just cold getting started.
1) I think pretty clearly the hardest north america bike. But neat and fun. Though I died in the heat with a preceding illness.
2) Just neoprene hood. Though maybe if swim more than 75 minutes, think about more stuff, if allowed.
3) chalet motel. pretty cheap. nice folks.
4) The run will be flat this one year. So times should be a lot faster overall.
Overall lowest hype and mellowest of the four I've done. Highly recommend.
My notes: