Ironman 70.3 Raleigh : Official Thread

I did it last year and am doing it again this year.

This will be my first 70.3! Really excited and looking forward to it

I'll be there. I'm doing this race as a lead up to Ironman Chattanooga (I think A LOT of people are doing this).

I've never been there but heard its a great course. Not the most spectator friendly...but i'm not spectating!

Definitely training through the winter. I have an April HIM so unfortunately I cant eat cookies and get fat this winter

This will be my 2nd HIM - first WTC 70.3. Looking forward to it.

I am glad I wont be the only one making this maiden vourney! I am still trying to get over my fear of the open water. I will swim forever in the pool but the lake and ocean gets me all wound up!

it looks like its about the sell out. the RD mentioned on facebook yesterday that there were only 100 spots left. if you havent signed up, get on it!!

I did the race in 2013 and I am signed up for 2014.

Run course change should make for lots less suffering and be better for spectators.

Bike course had a surprisingly large amount of spectators. Seems like every subdivision that you passed was having a "block party" out by the main roads.

Swim is course is fine, too. Maybe it will be wetsuit legal again!!!!!

wetsuits would be nice again haha! also, glad they got rid of the rubbish double loop on the mid run. i bet there will be less crowd support on the bike this year.

6 Months out from the race and my buildup starts today to get ready fro the formal program. Filled with basic Swim Bike Run with emphasis on the swim. How is everyone else' training going?

Formal training starts in January. Right now I'm just spending time on the trainer and trying to shed some turkey weight..

Training plan starts in January for me too - I've been mostly swimming (my weak link) and running (got a marathon in the spring)...but I really need to get my behind on the trainer and build that back up.

I don't think there is a map available yet but I have heard they cut out that greenway section, where the art was (and all those nasty hills).

I don't think there is a map available yet but I have heard they cut out that greenway section, where the art was (and all those nasty hills).

Updated map has been online since I made the announcement of the change. Check the course tab on the ironmanraleigh.com website. Thanks.
Brian

I have been swimming more too - just survived the "parent's relay" at my daughter's swim meet - rough! I also need to shed a few pounds and that will be a challenge if the girls keep making cookies...

Happy training.

Looking for cheap lodging in the area. Also, how do I get to T1 in the morning? Can I drive there to set up my bike nutrition,etc. and get ready for the swim or is it like B2B where there is no parking and I have to find a ride?

You need to get to T2 on race morning and take the shuttles to T1. There are plenty of buses (the nice kind.....like Greyhound buses. Not old school buses like some races use). If you are not staying within walking distance of T2/Finish Line area, there are multiple parking garages nearby. The cheapest option for lodging within walking distance is going to be a Hampton Inn that is very new, but it is about 1 mile or so away. Probably going to be close to 1/2 the price of the Marriott or Sheraton that are both literally at the finish line.

ETA: On race morning, Private passenger vehicles will not be allowed into the park where T1 is located.

Edited by japarker24 2013-12-21 10:28 PM

Five months out - hope everyones training is going well. My swimming continues to ramp up, focusing on form. Also spending time on the trainer in the basement.

Biggest challenge I have is my daughter has suggested I need a time goal... Now that's a lot of pressure. Anyone else have a time goal or focused on finishing?

Yeah! My official plan starts 1/6. Ramping up bike - got a speed/cadence sensor for Xmas so hours on the trainer are not so hideous. I paid for TrainerRoad so I can watch the numbers while I ride and that keeps it a little interesting.

For my first 70.3, my time goal was to finish. Ideally before they shut down the beer tent (which could shut down before the finish line). Now that I have a finish under my belt, I do have a time goal for #2.

I'm hoping to go under 6 hours this year after a 6:04 in 2013.

If its your first don't worry about a time goal, but otherwise I think it helps with motivation. I'm shooting for sub 4:50 in lead up to IMCHOO. Spending plenty of time on TrainerRoad.

Happy New years to all!!

Are you on any particular plan on Trainer Road? Or just trying to pick workouts of the right duration and with endurance or sweet spot power targets?