General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ironman Transition Times Rss Feed  
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2006-06-14 12:44 PM

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Master
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Subject: Ironman Transition Times

Reading the "predict your IMCDA time" thread and looking at some IM race reports got me thinking - why is it that the transition times seem so long? Is it that most folks take the time to change clothes and have to work through the crowded tents? Are the transition areas so large that it takes several extra minutes to get to where you are going? Do you have to wait a little while for volunteers to get your bike or bags?

I had been assuming that if I do my usual T1/T2 routine, including not changing clothes, that my transition times at LP would be similar to what they are for other races, but now I'm not so sure.

Thanks for any info.



2006-06-14 2:01 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

At IMLP you have to factor in the 3 block run from the lake to T1 into that time and in T2 sometimes you just want to sit for minute.....

2006-06-14 2:37 PM
in reply to: #454264

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

In my T1 time was the time it took to ge my wetsuit stripped, then I had to run to my transition bag, wait until they found it, then run to the changing tent.

While in T1 I didn't want to forget anything, so I double checked my bag (of course my stuff fell out of my pocket when I tried to put on my jersey, so even though I double checked my bag I didn't have somethings for the bike.

In T2, I just didn't want to leave. It was nice and cozy and all the people were soooo friendly, plus I had to find a bathroom (but that's another thread altogether

2006-06-14 6:13 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

Figure IMLP T-1 like this.  Out of the water and across timing mat.  Lie down, wet suit strippers peel off suit.  Run up hill off the beach, left turn at top, 50 yards, right turn down the hill to the speed skating oval (T-1 tent area).  Enter rack area and find your bag, volunteers won't do it for AG-ers.  Grab bag, run back to tent, inside, find place to sit down.  Empty bag, grab essentials, helmet, shoes, nutrition etc (helmet not kept on bike, but in your T-1 bag).  I elected to put on cycling bib shorts and sleeveless jersey with 3 rear pockets for food storage capacity.  Pee.  Exit tent, run to bike rack, which in my case was WAY down at opposite end.  If you're lucky a volunteer will at minimum have it off the rack and at least to the end of the row.  Run all the way back with bike to the mount area.  Cross timing mat and mount bike.

I took my time, careful to make sure I had everything and had a pretty slow transition as a result (around 9 minutes).  I think if you fly, you can maybe do it in 5 minutes or so, but only the pros get "valet service."  Yeah, it will take you longer. 

T-2 is quicker though.  Hand off bike, run to rack, grab T-2 bag, enter tent, change to running shoes and exit.  A fast T-2 can be just a few minutes...3 would be pretty quick.

 

2006-06-14 6:47 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Queen BTich
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

I agree that the transistions are longer in an IM however, I tried to keep mine quick. I didn't want to have time to think.
My times were:
T1: 9:37
T2: 5:52 (1st in AG by almost 2 min!)

And T1 included a 'start over' getting dressed b/c I forgot to put on my HRM the first time.

2006-06-15 8:58 AM
in reply to: #454129

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
Silly question.  Do you have to find your transition bag or do the volunteers?  Madcow mentioned that the volunteers found it, but Max said he had to find his.  Does it just depend on the race??


2006-06-15 9:02 AM
in reply to: #454129

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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
It depends on the race...

At IMWI, all the bags are laid out on the floor in a room. There are volunteers everywhere showing you where to go. I'm slower in the swim so it wasn't so chaotic.
2006-06-15 9:03 AM
in reply to: #454129

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
Does anyone know with IM FL if you get your own transition bag or not?
2006-06-15 9:24 AM
in reply to: #455021

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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

runnergirl29 - 2006-06-15 10:03 AM Does anyone know with IM FL if you get your own transition bag or not?

That's an official "M-Dot" race so it should be run about the same.  You'll get 5 bags:  T-1, T-2, Bike Special Needs (halfway point), Run Special Needs (halfway point), Misc Bag (to put your morning stuff in after you put on your wetsuit).  At Lake Placid they had bag racks, set up in rows, all numbered!

 



Edited by max 2006-06-15 9:25 AM




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RS_IMLP 008.jpg (60KB - 35 downloads)
2006-06-15 9:31 AM
in reply to: #455048

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
Max, I thought she asked the same thing. I think she is asking if you go and get your own bag. Am I right Runnergirl?

Edited by madcow 2006-06-15 9:32 AM
2006-06-15 9:51 AM
in reply to: #454129

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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

Ooops yes, LOL...I see how you can interpret that question 2 ways!!  And to answer the OTHER way, at IMLP we got our own bags.  There are pretty narrow rows between racks (see photo) and it's like a 75% off day at the bargain basement in T-1 / T-2 with everyone scrambling up and down the aisles grabbing bags and heading for the tent.  Make a good mental note of where yours are so you will go right to it in the heat of battle!

 



2006-06-15 9:59 AM
in reply to: #455057

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

madcow - 2006-06-15 10:31 AM Max, I thought she asked the same thing. I think she is asking if you go and get your own bag. Am I right Runnergirl?

Yeah- I was asking if for IM FL you had to get your own bag or volunteers got it for you.  I like how at LP they're hung from racks.  I think that would be easier than having them just laid on the ground. 

2006-06-15 2:32 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
At IMWI last year:

T1 9:54 : Crossed the mat, pull wetsuit down below hip and dropped to the ground at the wetsuit strippers. Stood up and ran up the helix (a Wisconsin only phenomenon). Into the ballroom(another Wisconsin only phenomenon), grabbed bag and went to changing room. The volunteers were awesome. They went through the bag and asked what I needed and helped with everything. They brought over water and gatorade. I ate a gu and drank some water. I only put on a top, hr monitor strap, shoes, and helmet. Then ran out to sunblock people, and then to my bike. I had a long run down the transition to the mount line. Mounted and was on my way down the helix.

T2 4:48 : The volunteers were waiting at the dismount line to take our bikes. After dismounting, ran into ballroom, grabbed bag and into changing room. Took off helmet, glasses, bike shoes and socks and put on new socks, running shoes, hat and took gus and water bottle. Talked with volunteers for a moment and then out to sunscreen people. Then started the run.

I really did not sit and take my time nor did I change any clothing. The distances to and thru the transitions are a lot longer then even a Half Ironman (my experience = Eagleman). There is also the added detail of changing tents and bags, nothing can be left with your bike. Not even your shoes, only the pros can start with shoes on peddles.

Not many things about an Ironman T1/T2 are usual, so I think your routine will not be as usual as you think. I look at last years IMUSA transition times and base my goals on the fact that I am not the fastest but I am definitely not the slowest so I am hoping for between a 7-9min T1 and a 4-5min T2.
2006-06-15 2:57 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Master
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
Thanks all for the great inside info - the picture is much more clear now.
2006-06-15 3:08 PM
in reply to: #454129

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The Original
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
Do you HAVE TO use the wet suit strippers?  Is it easier and more convenient than doing it yourself??
2006-06-15 3:16 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times

You don't HAVE to use the wetsuit strippers, but it's so much fun!  Seriously...they have a blast and it's fun...IMHO.  I did a HIM that incorporated a IM too and I got to use the wetsuit strippers.

They say that's the first volenteer spot to fill up.



2006-06-21 8:45 AM
in reply to: #455752

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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
Do you HAVE TO use the wet suit strippers?


nope. and Mike Reilly doesn't HAVE TO announce that you are an ironman.
they are 2 of the best parts of the whole day though!
2006-06-22 12:11 PM
in reply to: #454129

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Ironman Transition Times
If you aren't going to use them, make sure you run WITH your wetsuit ON past the strippers.

At IMWI, I've seen people try to take the suits off 10 feet out of the water, and it causes a log jam. The strippers are their to 1) help you, and 2) keep the area moving.

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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ironman Transition Times Rss Feed