General Discussion Iron Distance Race Groups » Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 3
 
 
2014-07-14 1:34 PM
in reply to: rgarcia1501

User image

Chicago, IL
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread

I did Steelhead in 2012. I much prefered the bike course, relative to Racine. There are some rough patches, but overall it's decent condition.

It's a very rolling course. Nothing crazy. The only "out of your seat" climb comes at about the 50 mile mark.

The run features a hill near the start, before you enter the loop. The loop is bascially downhill for 99% of the time, with a steep hill to climb as you exit the Whirlpool campus.
Take a look at my race report, I think I went into a little more detail in that.



2014-07-15 7:58 AM
in reply to: rgarcia1501


10

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Originally posted by rgarcia1501

So for those that have done this race before.... how is the bike ride? Many climbs? Rough roads, etc? I did Racine last year and had heard the roads were rough. I didn't think they were that bad but there were a couple or rough patches. The thing that really bothered me were the seams, they really rattled my teeth. * * *


I didn't do the race last year, but my wife and I rode the bike course this past weekend--and we're doing Racine this year, so we rode that bike course a couple of weeks ago. The Steelhead course was VERY smooth, with the exception of a short portion where the pavement is just a bit crumbly. Nothing at all like the bumps all along the Racine course, and very little elevation change. There are virtually no climbs, just a few short rollers. Steelhead should be a very flat and fast course, weather permitting. The run course seems equally flat and easy. The big question mark for Steelhead always seems to be the swim. The water looked perfect (and it was warm) when we were out there on Sunday, but yesterday, there was a high wave and rip current advisory! Pray for east winds, I guess ...

Jason Kilborn
tri newbie
2014-07-21 10:46 AM
in reply to: jkilborn

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Any ETA on the Athlete Guide?????

For those looking for hotels, if you check Expedia often, you can still find an occasional room in Benton Harbor, I assume from cancellations.
2014-07-21 4:13 PM
in reply to: Swimbikeron

User image

New user
18

West Lafayette
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Good luck guys. I have to pull the plug on this race. Have injured hamstring, and this was a C race for me. A races Augusta and IMFL so need to rest now or pay later. Good luck to all
2014-07-23 8:56 AM
in reply to: marc1estes

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Originally posted by marc1estes

Good luck guys. I have to pull the plug on this race. Have injured hamstring, and this was a C race for me. A races Augusta and IMFL so need to rest now or pay later. Good luck to all


Sorry to hear that! Good luck and good health in August/ IMFL !
2014-07-23 2:41 PM
in reply to: Swimbikeron

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
2014 Athlete guide is now posted on the website


2014-07-24 12:14 PM
in reply to: Swimbikeron

User image

New user
69
2525
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Noticed the option for the bike drop-off the night before OR the day-of. What's everyone's preference with that? I think mine will decision will be made when I get to town and see the transition area setup, security, and weather forecast. I have a lat wave start time so I am not worried about feeling rushed that AM. (other than for the 6:45 vacating of transition).

What's everyone else doing?
2014-07-24 1:23 PM
in reply to: Parkie

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
There is no parking at the park itself, maybe some street parking. So, to me the difference is that you can shuttle to transition from the Whirlpool Center parking lot on race day, but not with your bike.

So I am going to check my bike the night before. Then in the morning, I can just drive to the Whirlpool Center (tons of parking) , and shuttle to transition with my bag.
2014-07-25 10:00 AM
in reply to: Parkie


10

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
I checked my bike the night before at the mandatory check-in at Racine last weekend, and it was fine (of course, the weather was perfect). Make sure you pump your tires, though, the next morning. My tires lost nearly 5 pounds overnight, which is extraordinary--they normally lose next to nothing over one day.
2014-07-25 12:44 PM
in reply to: jkilborn

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread

Given the option I will drop it off the night before.

2014-07-28 12:45 PM
in reply to: Socks

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread

Anyone getting excited? I have no idea how this is going to go for me. Its usually good on the swim and the bike and try to survive the run for me.  I fly out a week from thursday. Closest thing I am going to get to vacation all year



2014-07-29 9:11 AM
in reply to: Socks

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
I'm looking forward to it, getting excited. Looking forward to a taper week and hitting the race relatively fresh. Crossing my fingers for relatively calm waters.
2014-07-29 11:54 AM
in reply to: 0

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread

Originally posted by Swimbikeron I'm looking forward to it, getting excited. Looking forward to a taper week and hitting the race relatively fresh. Crossing my fingers for relatively calm waters.

 

YAY!!!  Looking forward to getting a pseudo mini vacation more than anything. My run is going to be UGLEE!!! 

Whoop whoop I get to start not in the last wave!!! 7:12 wave!!!

BTW they have bib # up.  I am lucky #402



Edited by Socks 2014-07-29 12:11 PM
2014-07-31 10:52 AM
in reply to: Socks

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Was happy to be in the middle of the pack at the start too. Looking forward to it and looking forward to a taper week and being fresh at the start line.
2014-07-31 11:11 AM
in reply to: Swimbikeron

User image

Veteran
149
10025
Charlotte, North Carolina
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
I'm looking forward to the taper week and the race too. What's the event like after the finish?
2014-07-31 1:38 PM
in reply to: kweezen


6

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Getting nervous my first HIM, completed a very basic training tapering now, so a little nervous....Bib number # 1757

Where did u guys check your wave?



2014-07-31 1:41 PM
in reply to: alito


6

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Found it, almost the last wave!

Wave #16,

I am very slow so not sure if this is a good or bad thing....
2014-07-31 4:22 PM
in reply to: alito

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Originally posted by alito

Found it, almost the last wave!

Wave #16,

I am very slow so not sure if this is a good or bad thing....


Less congestion at the back end of the waves, so that is a good thing.
I'm in wave 10, but they haven't updated the bib list in a couple of weeks, so do not have my # yet.
2014-08-03 2:34 PM
in reply to: Swimbikeron

User image

New user
90
252525
Philadelphia
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Hi guys, any word on recent Lake Michigan water temps?

Safe travels and have a fantastic race everyone.
2014-08-05 8:30 AM
in reply to: NurseHeather


10

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Originally posted by NurseHeather

Hi guys, any word on recent Lake Michigan water temps?



I did a quick swim out there this Sunday, and it was very nice, probably about 70 degrees. The MSU water temps site has been showing high 60s/low 70s for some time now. Should be no problems with temp--now cross your fingers for calm winds and low waves!

Jason Kilborn
newbie, Forest Park, IL
2014-08-05 12:35 PM
in reply to: jkilborn

User image

Champion
7704
50002000500100100
Williamston, Michigan
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread

FYI the email I received today says bike check in on saturday is now mandatory so plan on that!!!



2014-08-06 7:10 AM
in reply to: Socks


6

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Weather forecast still looking good partly sunny, low wind....Chance of rain 10%

Fingers crossed!
2014-08-06 9:43 AM
in reply to: alito

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Originally posted by alito

Weather forecast still looking good partly sunny, low wind....Chance of rain 10%

Fingers crossed!


I'm hoping it holds, checking it twice a day!
2014-08-06 12:30 PM
in reply to: Swimbikeron


13

Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
Really getting excited for Sunday as well! How is the wave start on the swim for Steelhead typically?

Also, for those who have done it, how "easy" is it to navigate the bike rest stops? Just trying to come up with a nutrition plan and all. I might even take a 1-2 minute breather just after getting through one of the rest stops.

First time I've done this race - anything out of the ordinary to expect that hasn't already been said on this thread?
2014-08-12 8:38 AM
in reply to: DorkRocketKirk

User image

Regular
589
500252525
Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread
So how did it go squad? For me -

Swim took a little getting used to the swells, but got into a rhythm on at about the 3rd buoy
Bike - averaged 17.7, not too challenging, tried to take it easy
Run - got HOT and walked more than I wanted to, but finished.

Liked the course, thought the walk to the swim start before sunrise was beautiful
New Thread
General Discussion Iron Distance Race Groups » Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread Rss Feed  
 
 
of 3
 
 
RELATED POSTS

Ironman 70.3 Steelhead : Official Thread Pages: 1 ... 2 3 4 5

Started by maverickbassets
Views: 18970 Posts: 105

2013-08-09 2:45 PM Morpheus

Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon : Official Thread

Started by baran072597
Views: 5226 Posts: 4

2012-05-24 9:24 PM wdl386

Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon : Official Thread Pages: 1 2 3 4

Started by leftrunner
Views: 16687 Posts: 78

2011-08-15 12:34 PM rubeone

Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3 Triathlon : Official Thread Pages: 1 ... 2 3 4 5

Started by chipsin
Views: 14677 Posts: 106

2011-11-10 7:07 AM mollypocket

Ford Ironman 70.3 California: Official Thread Pages: 1 ... 7 8 9 10

Started by kwfire
Views: 30607 Posts: 235

2009-05-07 8:59 AM Project_A
RELATED ARTICLES
date : March 28, 2012
author : packetron
comments : 4
My personal experience to complete the Ironman 70.3
 
date : October 8, 2009
author : brianyanowski
comments : 2
Some mistakes I made during the Hawaii Ironman 70.3. Don't be caught out on the course not knowing how or not having the equipment to change a flat tire.
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 : August 21, 2008
author : vm354
comments : 1
How Pilates training helped a wanna-be triathlete realize the goal of completing a half-Ironman, Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island.
 
date : January 1, 2008
author : jgosse66
comments : 0
Here is my five step plan for getting mentally prepared for next year’s Ironman Newfoundland 70.3, or any other race that you may have.
date : October 4, 2007
author : jgosse66
comments : 0
It was the morning of Ironman Newfoundland 70.3, I felt queasy. I didn't want to eat or drink anything. I had a full blown case of the pre-race HEEBEE GEEBEES.
 
date : June 6, 2006
author : Ingrid Loos
comments : 4
A bad race left me smoldering, but time and a gentle breeze ignited my passion to race again.