General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Rev3 in Branson Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2013-05-06 11:31 AM

User image

Veteran
1127
100010025
Shawnee
Subject: Rev3 in Branson

Am I crazy for considering this for my 1st half iron distance on 9/22?  I know the bike course is supposed to be among the most difficult out there.  My schedule for the summer will include OLY distances in May, June X2, July and then 2 weeks prior in September.  The September is an "A" race. Honestly, to date, I've shied away from this distance simply because I have not been able to dedicate the time required for a longer event.  However, my thinking is that my goal would be to finish in one piece,  Also, by that point, I should be pretty well conditions from a long summer of shorter distance races.  

Reece, I know you've killed yourself on this course, what do you think?



2013-05-06 12:32 PM
in reply to: #4729351

User image

Master
3888
20001000500100100100252525
Overland Park, KS
Subject: RE: Rev3 in Branson

Actually I didn't "kill" myself on this course because I managed my energy well.  My first HIM was Kansas in 2011, where I killed myself on that one.  Went too hard on the bike, then bonked on the run which took me 2:03 to complete.  So for Branson I was able to hold back a little on the bike and not try and hammer up the hills.  That allowed me to run a 1:55 which I was happy with due to the hilly bike course.  I think I averaged 17.6 on the bike where at Kansas I probably could have averaged 20 mph with the same effort (assuming little or no wind).  My nutrition was good at Branson as well which played a role also.

I recommend you incorporate some good hills now in your training.  It will translate to good flat speed in your upcoming race schedule.  Seek out those hills and make them part of your routine.  A workout that's boring but pays dividends is to do repeats out at SM Park.  Either that or run through there as part of your long rides etc.  I want to try Ogg Rd just north of SM Park, I've heard it's a doozy.

Do not go into that race with a time in mind, especially if you haven't done a hilly bike course.  I weight 195 lbs so those hills were no joke.  The descents happy too quickly so recovery from climbing doesn't last long.  The event was great, talk about a great run atmosphere, and flat to boot!  It should be even better this year as a Rev3 event.

I'd take the bike course seriously though.  Make it a priority to get hill work in as well as long rides on the weekends.  Because of the hills, plan on a much longer bike time so if a training schedule has 3 hours of biking on it, add at least 30 minutes.

Honestly if your goal is simply to finish and you don't mind walking a lot of the run, then I think you'll be fine.  If you goal is to run the entire 13.1 then I'd get to those hills and long rides.

And to answer your opening question, no I don't think you're crazy for considering this as your first HIM.  It's just much more challenging than most HIM races.  Some people like a challenge.....

My $ 0.02 worth.

 

2013-05-07 9:30 PM
in reply to: #4729351

User image

Regular
67
2525
Whites Creek, Tennessee
Subject: RE: Rev3 in Branson
Don't worry, this will be my first one also! Plus it'll be my 40th birthday the day before, so might as well make it an epic one, right? I can't wait!
2013-05-09 10:07 PM
in reply to: #4729351

User image

Extreme Veteran
669
5001002525
Olathe, Kansas
Subject: RE: Rev3 in Branson
I think Reece gave you great advice. Follow it and you will be ready. Pace yourself or you will be pushing the bike up the hill at mi 49. I remember squealing there quite a bit.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Rev3 in Branson Rss Feed