General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Florida Challenge March 22, 2014 Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2013-08-30 9:55 AM

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
I received a message on FB that the 2014 Florida Challenge (aka "70.3") in Clermont scheduled for March 22nd is only a $100 until Sept 1st.  Looks like I may have found an early season long distance event to do for a good price.


2013-09-07 3:15 PM
in reply to: Donto

User image


13

Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp
I was considering that one also.
It'd be my first HIM (I've read all about the course). I'm wondering more about the swim and water temp.
Did you do this one last year?

Anyone have thoughts on appropriate swim gear? Neoprene cap? Booties?

Thanks!
2013-09-07 6:31 PM
in reply to: CurvyJew

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp
Originally posted by CurvyJew I was considering that one also. It'd be my first HIM (I've read all about the course). I'm wondering more about the swim and water temp. Did you do this one last year? Anyone have thoughts on appropriate swim gear? Neoprene cap? Booties? Thanks!
I did a long course race (1.2mi, 60k, 15k) there in mid April in 2007 and it really all depends on the weather.  It was warm leading up to the race but a cold front was blowing in and made for a nasty day until it blew past during the bike leg.  I used a sleeveless without any issue.  It could be cold if its one of those springs or it could be nice!
2013-09-12 6:09 AM
in reply to: Donto

User image


13

Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp
Gotta love Florida's weather! Never a dull moment.
2013-10-28 10:30 AM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Member
169
1002525
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp
Originally posted by Donto

Originally posted by CurvyJew I was considering that one also. It'd be my first HIM (I've read all about the course). I'm wondering more about the swim and water temp. Did you do this one last year? Anyone have thoughts on appropriate swim gear? Neoprene cap? Booties? Thanks!
I did a long course race (1.2mi, 60k, 15k) there in mid April in 2007 and it really all depends on the weather.  It was warm leading up to the race but a cold front was blowing in and made for a nasty day until it blew past during the bike leg.  I used a sleeveless without any issue.  It could be cold if its one of those springs or it could be nice!


My friend is trying to get me to do this one with her and I'm considering it. The website says the water temp is expected to be 80-82 so it wouldn't be wetsuit legal. Is the water really that warm by late March? The Cocoa Tri is in April I think and that was wetsuit legal last year, though it is brackish water.
2013-10-28 3:56 PM
in reply to: aliddle9876

User image

Member
169
1002525
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp
Emailed the race director. He confirmed it was a typo and the race will almost certainly be wetsuit legal.


2013-10-28 5:21 PM
in reply to: aliddle9876

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp

Originally posted by aliddle9876 Emailed the race director. He confirmed it was a typo and the race will almost certainly be wetsuit legal.
Yeah, average high in Orlando for March is only 78F.  Come do it!

2013-10-28 9:44 PM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Expert
1130
100010025
Fernandina Beach, FL
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014-re:water temp
I'm signed up for the HIM but decided not to do the OLY on Sunday. Wish now I would have just paid the extra $$$ for the OLY too
2013-10-28 9:58 PM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Member
169
1002525
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
Break break. I've done more research on this race and I think I'll need to pass on this for my first HIM unfortunately. I've barely trained on the bike and have done no significant hill riding at all and it sounds like Clermont is known for tough hill riding in Florida and sugar loaf sounds like it's beyond my capability right now. There's no way I could properly train the bike with the Disney marathon in Jan. I don't think I could do a 50 mile leisure ride through there to be honest. Sounds a bit out of my league.
2013-10-28 10:04 PM
in reply to: aliddle9876

User image

Expert
1130
100010025
Fernandina Beach, FL
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
Not sure where you're located, but I think Sugarloaf gets blown out of proportion by us Floridians. I've seen peoples elevation files from the GFT and it doesn't look that bad. However this will be my first race in Clermont. I'm also running a marathon early in the year, in Feb.
2013-10-28 10:22 PM
in reply to: rjrankin83

User image

Member
169
1002525
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
I'm in Melbourne. It's flat as hell here.


2013-10-29 7:01 AM
in reply to: aliddle9876

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

Originally posted by aliddle9876 I'm in Melbourne. It's flat as hell here.
Hey I'm in Melbo too! 

I know that when I was HM focused a few years back I couldn't train on the bike as I would for a tri.  I used the bike for 20-30 minute warmups for some of those "cold" winter AM runs (winter 2009-2010 when it was really cold).  In some previous Clermont rides with my 53/39 & 13-25 cassette I was only turning low 50's on the SL and The Wall climbs.  I'm changing over to a compact on my new bike to help out with climbing this round.

To put it in perspective for us east coast flatlanders, SL & The Wall are probably 20-30x the length of the Highpoint climb off of Indian River Dr just north of the 528 overpass.

2014-01-04 2:33 PM
in reply to: Donto


286
100100252525
,
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
Since it's flat in most of central florida, Clermont should be a challenge. I should come out to spectate. Thx for sharing.
2014-01-13 10:41 AM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Member
388
100100100252525
Miami
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
I am also doing it, can't wait for this race!!

Is the bike ride as hard as I read in some places?? I live in Miami and as you can imagine there are no mountains/hills or similar where I can properly train for that type of terrain...
2014-01-13 11:38 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

Originally posted by davidfedez I am also doing it, can't wait for this race!! Is the bike ride as hard as I read in some places?? I live in Miami and as you can imagine there are no mountains/hills or similar where I can properly train for that type of terrain...

The climbs are short but steep.  I motored up Sugarloaf with a 39/25 last time I rode the area but knew if I ever did a race out there that involved SL I would go compact (34) with a 25 or at least a 39/28.  I recently put on a compact with my new bike build.

I was talking with a friend last week about this and I should put this out there now.  I'm going to plan/organize a group ride of the bike course next month, soft plan right now is the 22nd or 23rd, about a month out from the race so it'll be perfect.  Let me know if anyone on this thread (or others you know) would be interested. 



Edited by Donto 2014-01-13 11:39 AM
2014-01-13 3:00 PM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Member
388
100100100252525
Miami
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
Thanks for the quick reply Donto!

I currently have a compact crankset, so I am good there. However, I ride a 12-25 cassette... I hope it will be enough! I am from Spain and I used to climb the Pyrenees, but I've been living in Florida for almost 7 years and now I get concerned when I see a race with a hilly terrain

Keep us posted about organizing a ride at the course next month. Not sure if it will be possible for me to go up there in February, but I would definitively try to.


2014-02-10 10:24 PM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Expert
1130
100010025
Fernandina Beach, FL
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
Where are people staying for this race? Any advice on closest hotels? The website isn't much help. I'm currently booked at a place 15 miles way (closer to Orlando).

Thanks
2014-02-11 5:49 AM
in reply to: rjrankin83

User image

Extreme Veteran
639
50010025
Lakeland
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

Originally posted by rjrankin83 Where are people staying for this race? Any advice on closest hotels? The website isn't much help. I'm currently booked at a place 15 miles way (closer to Orlando). Thanks

There is nothing that is right there by the lake area, but you can find something along 27 to the north that is closer. But with that said even if your closer to disney time is not an issue. It's not WTC crowded so no worries.

2014-03-05 2:06 PM
in reply to: tri/tbay

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

FYI, several Brevard Co. athletes will be over in Clermont riding the course this Saturday starting about 8:30am from Waterfront Park (race site).  For those that haven't been there before, IIRC, there are showers in the park. I'm counting on it!

2014-03-17 4:18 PM
in reply to: #4843043


7

Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
So do you guys think a wet suit is recommended for the race this weekend in clearmont? Its my first tri and have not bought one yet. Will I have problems with cold water temps?
2014-03-17 5:37 PM
in reply to: lytespan23

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

Originally posted by lytespan23 So do you guys think a wet suit is recommended for the race this weekend in clearmont? Its my first tri and have not bought one yet. Will I have problems with cold water temps?
All I could find for the current temp was from a fishing website stating that the water temp is currently 65F, seemed to be up to date as it mentioned the passing of the full moon and certain species spawning.  If that's true then water temps might be about 68-70F if the forecast holds out. 

I'm a cold water weenee so any race that's wetsuit legal I use a wetsuit.   Some bike shops over here on the east coast use to rent wetsuits for $50 a weekend.  You might want to check around your area if you think 70F or less is cold for you.



2014-03-17 8:03 PM
in reply to: Donto

User image

Extreme Veteran
639
50010025
Lakeland
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

Was wondering the same and i saw the same water report. Also just saw a post from Tom Z water temp at Lake Eva in Haines City is currently 68 so it looks like about 70 would be tops for Lake Minneola.

2014-03-18 7:51 AM
in reply to: Donto

User image


191
100252525
Melbourne, Florida
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

This past weekend I wore a wetsuit at a race in Lake Moss (East Orlando). At the start of the race the air was 48º and the water was 66º. I think only two people skinned it in the Olympic waves. I rented my suit for the last race - yes, $50 from Thursday through Wednesday. For the Florida Challenge, I bought my own. It should be here before Friday (fingers crossed).

Even if the water's not crazy cold, the buoyancy is worth the 5 seconds that it take to peel the suit off in T1. It felt like paddling a shortboard. Once I got the rhythm down, on the 2nd lap, I was cruising past swimmers from my wave and the wave before mine. 

2014-03-22 7:08 PM
in reply to: lytespan23

User image

Expert
1130
100010025
Fernandina Beach, FL
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014
Was I the only one who didn't get an email about only ONE water station on the bike?
2014-03-23 8:51 AM
in reply to: rjrankin83

User image

Pro
6582
50001000500252525
Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Florida Challenge March 22, 2014

Originally posted by rjrankin83 Was I the only one who didn't get an email about only ONE water station on the bike?
NO!  That pissed me off as I could have used water where the 2nd SAG was suppose to be, I was empty (28 oz) 5 miles from Sugarloaf.  I asked the other guys I was with afterward and said the 2nd was all setup by the time they got there.  The 1st was two cars by a porty pottie, guess they had to go to the trunks to get bottles and them to people. The trunks weren't even open when I went past, IMHO it was located to close to the start. I thought they were just being spectators.

When I went by where the 2nd was suppose to be the U-haul trucks were just arriving.  Apparently they had everything they were suppose to have once they were setup.  Didn't do me any good.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Florida Challenge March 22, 2014 Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2
 
 
RELATED POSTS

Canadian looking for Sprint Tri in Florida in March 2013

Started by Dental mom
Views: 1377 Posts: 6

2012-10-13 10:37 AM islandflyer

any events in the tampa area april 22-may 1st

Started by biggoofy
Views: 1258 Posts: 5

2010-03-23 10:46 AM TrkHilo2k

Riverwalk 5m run 3/22

Started by yogus
Views: 873 Posts: 1

2008-03-06 6:51 AM yogus

Tradewinds Park Sprint triathlon in S. Florida on 10/22

Started by tbctbc
Views: 1052 Posts: 3

2006-08-11 9:13 PM tbctbc

Florida Challenge Triathlon - HIM

Started by jjweav
Views: 1265 Posts: 13

2006-06-28 4:20 PM jjweav
RELATED ARTICLES
date : January 14, 2011
author : Kyle Pawlaczyk
comments : 2
Going for broke in a race, as a pro or an amateur, can mean failure or exhilaration -- or both.
 
date : July 28, 2009
author : Coach AJ
comments : 1
I'm doing the 22 week sprint tri program and the 2 mile bike ride it starts with is not very challenging. I see this as a opportunity to train the right way and challenge myself. Any ideas?
date : July 1, 2009
author : mrmarkcole
comments : 37
Or why an Ironman 70.3 may not be your best choice for your first triathlon.
 
date : August 21, 2008
author : TriChica
comments : 8
I thought of all the times I didn’t attempt something I wanted to do because I was too afraid of trying something new or of failing completely.
date : October 9, 2007
author : dr_forbush
comments : 9
The boat was being tossed around. Someone noted that there were whitecaps on the waves. Another guy said, “This is going to be challenging.” I began to wonder what he meant by 'challenging'.
 
date : July 10, 2007
author : Ontherun
comments : 0
Having three seasons under my belt I thought I knew what I was doing. That all changed with a few new challenges and a bunch of new friends.
date : March 5, 2006
author : chrisandniki
comments : 0
A distillate of March happenings regarding races, workshops, products and news.
 
date : November 14, 2004
author : czone
comments : 0
At one of my last swim sessions the week of my first Ironman, one of my training partners told me how she was envious..."your first Ironman is fun, you have no pressure and no expectations!"