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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
general IM tips?

stechan

Nov 9, 09 21:11

Post #1 of 8 (389 views)

general IM tips?	Can't Post

I know, the title of the post is kinda vague, but...

I'm doing IM AZ in a couple of weeks --- my first ever IM!!! Totally psyched. My goal is to finish, likely in the MOP. Do you have any general tips/advice for a first-ever IM participant? Not training advice or nutrition plan or HTFU or stuff like that -- but things like:

1. When approaching the finish line, make sure I'm not too close to someone ahead or behind of me, so we're all evenly spaced out for the finishing photo -- and take off my visor/cap so the photo will actually capture my face
2. Savor every experience, as there's only one first-time for the IM

Other general tips/advice? Thanks!

IRONwolf

Nov 9, 09 21:15

Post #2 of 8 (386 views)

Re: general IM tips? [stechan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

-have fun
-run as much as you can
-high 5 everybody who tries
-finish

As it turns out, what you have is less important than what you do with it...
-Bernd Heinrich, why we run

slmcknight

Nov 9, 09 21:27

Post #3 of 8 (373 views)

Re: general IM tips? [stechan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

There was a thread about this already.

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/..._latest_reply;so=ASC

stechan

Nov 9, 09 22:09

Post #4 of 8 (354 views)

Re: general IM tips? [slmcknight] [In reply to]	Can't Post

not looking for IM AZ-specific tips, but just general IM advice.

like, remember to pee in the water before you emerge, to save yourself a porta-potty stop down the road (though I suppose this pertains to any triathlon, not just IM)

or

be careful around the special needs station for the bike, as there are always lots of people slowing down and stopping suddenly around those places.

stuff like that.

Thanks!

dddave

Nov 10, 09 4:03

Post #5 of 8 (279 views)

Re: general IM tips? [stechan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If you choose to sit in the changing tent pick a seat near the exit door. The helpful? tent volunteers may try to direct you to the first seat available. Too conjested and anxious near the entrance. After they pack up my wetsuit I ask them to apply some sunscreen, that way they're busy and I can do the rest myself, as practiced. The volunteer will put alot of sunscreen on, better than you when hurried and you're out alot faster.

pat.allen

Nov 10, 09 5:01

Post #6 of 8 (249 views)

Re: general IM tips? [stechan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I did my first at IM-Moo last Sept. Let's see...

Pre-race: bring your own bottle of gatoraid for the first 12 or so miles of the bike. There will be NONE in T1

Swim: get in the water in enough time to pee. Warm you up and just make you feel more calm about it.

Bike: bring a camera! Honestly. I took pictures on the bike portion and got not only momentos, but lots of comments/encouragement.

Finish: listen as closely as you can to Mike Reilly, but more than likely you won't actually hear him call you an ironman. I don't think taking your hat off is necessary, but, as with any race, don't be fiddling around with your stopwatch. Your splits will be online, let it run a little while longer.

Transition: the volunteers are there to help you get in and out as fast as possible. Let them!

General: take as many pictures as possible. Work with as much variety in nutrition as you can. Don't plan on wanting to do anything for a month after. Post a nice, long, detailed race report.

ericM35-39

Nov 10, 09 5:06

Post #7 of 8 (241 views)

Re: general IM tips? [stechan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

don't shit your pants.

dforbes

Nov 10, 09 5:43

Post #8 of 8 (194 views)

Re: general IM tips? [stechan] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I did my first this past summer... that being said, I forgot to get my special needs bags to the right area and screwed up my bike portion of the race, so make sure you get every question answered before you go back to the hotel saturday. Go with someone who has done it already and stay with them as much as possible! They will show you the ropes, if not, find someone! As Jack Daniels says, race the first 2/3 with your head (hold back!) and the last third with your heart... it is a long race, don't get anxious if you feel slow. And try not to listen to the wise asses on ST, they've been there before too, and have also asked questions that have been covered on ST before, not much has been left unturned on this site. Good luck, it is the best time of your triathlon life.