Swimming the the Tempe Town Puddle
Here are my observations and suggestions, based on three races, and one year as a spectator, for swimming @ IM AZ.
- IM AZ is, as you know, a one loop swim. This tends to space out the swimmers, especially after the turnaround, and you may find yourself alone coming back, depending on how fast or slow you are (if you are 62-76 minutes, you'll probably always have feet to follow, but no one to really fight off after the first 4-800 meters.)
- The "lake", which is just a dammed up segment of the Salt River, has concrete sides, is not very deep, and has a slight "S" shape. All these are importaqnt for planning your swim day.
- The water, while cool/cold, is very smooth (remember that shallow bottom). Heading out, you'll be looking up into the rising sun.
- Getting in: I recommend getting to the transition exit arch ready to go at least 10-15 minutes before the time they let you leave; I put on my wet suit by 6:15, drop off my morning bag, then hang out on the left side, near the trees, which have concrete "planters" on which you can sit.
- I count on being one of the first ones in, except I DON'T actually get in the water. That concrete side wall of the lake has a little ledge about 6" below the surface, So I step on to that, and sidestep my way down under the Mill St Bridge (watch out, it can be slippery with algae, and have litle pebbles underfoot), and hang out on the ledge until after the pros start, to stay warm. Then, pop into the water, do a little warm up, and position myself.
- It's a deep water start, so the first 100 meters or so are actually less crowded than later. Seed yourself front to back as usual based on expected time.
- But notice that "S" curve of the lake,: http://ironmanarizona.com/course/swim/
- Things may have changed this year, but in the past, bouys were lined up parallel to the shore, NOT in a straight line as shown on the map, so they are curving out in front of you as you look upstream. People will tend to migrate to one of two locales - far left along the buoy line, and far right along the wall. If you follow the wall, you'll increase your distance unnecessarily, and there is a boat dock about 2-300 meters upstream you have to go around. If you follow the buoys, you'll get beat up, and continually pushed left, unless you are faster than ~62 minutes.
- I place myself about a third of the way from the right, and plan on cutting the tangent toward the bouy line, which I hit about 800-1000 meters upstream. Things will naturally get more crowded as I do this, but at least I'm swimming the shortest distance possible.
- Coming back, you have three choices: follow the bouy line and find some feet, follow the wall, or again cut the tangent and swim straight. If you choose the latter, you'll be alone, but again swimming straight. Swimming by the wall is just stoopid, but some will do it for safety.
- You've probably heard about the steep steps getting out of the lake over the concrete sidewall. Best stategy is to aim for the least crowded area, use the railing and the helpful volunteers to haul up onto the first step as if you are climbing a ladder. Don't try to turnaround and sit on the step - you'll just get in everybody's way, and have to turn around again to climb up. WALK left to the strippers. Get steady!
- AFTER the strippers, there is a long uphill route to the bags and tents. You can pass a LOT of people here if you have relaxed up to the strippers, by running instead of jogging. Just watch out for the slippery surface.
I'm not sayhing any of these thoughts will make you faster, but it might make things a little easier. Good Luck!
0
Comments
Thanks, Al!
Danka
Great info thanks Al!