Message posted by: Jim K.

I know, it wasn’t a race, but I thought I would post some thoughts about it anyway. Recent posts have indicated that some of you have had your lives touched by diabetes, as I have. I watched my grandpa live with it for years, so it hits close to home. Saw the race and put it on the calendar because it allowed me to raise a nice chunk of change for a great cause (thanks to generous friends and co-workers) and get a 100 mile ride under my belt as my IM training starts next week. I’ve never ridden longer that 70 miles, and nothing over 55 this year, so I didn’t really know what to expect. Except my usual butt-headedness, trying to “hang with the big dogs” right from the start….you know who I mean….the roadies, whippet thin, young, and very very fast….like they were born with a bike hanging out of their ass. Anyway they beat me up the first 20 miles or so, until I throttled back to a more reasonable 20mph or so.

My thoughts on my first century:

-Damn that’s a long way….made longer by a volunteer who pointed me in the wrong direction at an intersection (honest mistake hopefully!!) So I actually went 105 miles, which is fine since I’m ramping up for 112. Luckily, one of the bike shop vans stopped us and let us know we were off course…had they not, I’d probably be biking thru Havana right now.

–Drafting rocks!!!! Never done it before….didn’t know what I’d been missing!!! No wonder it’s illegal in most tri’s…it’s like your own personal tailwind. Except being up front, that sucks.

–People who volunteer for these things are awesome, selfless people. Never done that either, but am going to volunteer for a local race soon.

–Assuming you have the proper base training to cover the distance, success in a LONG distance event is almost 100% about nutrition. I was sure to get 300 calories per hour in food and drink, and it kept me strong the whole way…my long training bike rides usually just get fueled with a little gatorade. After 100 miles I was still clipping away at 20 mph. Had to be the nutrition

–I hope this represents a “breakthrough”, as I usually start whining after 45-50 miles on the bike. Going thru this exercise will hopefully make those seem easier. Covered 105 miles in 5:35 and could have kept going…….a lot more confident now about tackling 112. Great weather, a great day and a great cause!!!

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Message posted by: Dan W.

I forgot to buy a ticket for the shuttle to the race start until just a couple of hours ago, so I have to leave on the 4:15 bus (yeah, that’s a.m.). That should get me there at about 4:45. Thing is, my wave doesn’t start until 7:20. By my math, that’s a long time. And my T1 is basically already set up.

Question: if I normally like to swallow down a couple of bagels before a race, should I hold out until the ‘2 hours before’ time to do so again, or can I have some yogurt and granola in my room before heading out. I get foggy when I don’t eat, not matter the time. But would this be too much?

Is there a better way to prepare I’m ready (nutritionally) but not over-fed?

Thanks for any help you can lend. This whole “time” issue wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t my own fault

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Message posted by: Karla B.

Aleck A - 531

Karla B - 912

Dan W - 427

Dale W - 233

Chris L - 1046

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Message posted by: Tara C.

this may be a dumb question, but I’ve noticed that tri shorts seem to come in varying lengths — at least for the ladies. Any thoughts on the difference b/t 3inch, 6inch, 8inch? Is it just a personal preference thing? Is there any functional difference?

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Message posted by: Bridget M.

Was away for work this week, but took my bike to do my long Saturday morning ride.

Was all prepared the night before. Drink bottles full, snacks ready, shoes, glove etc… Got to bed early and had a great sleep.

Was out the door by 6 and cruising along after about 10kms my hair kept coming into my face I and anoying me. It was only when I brushed it off that I realised I forgot to put my helmet on! What a loser.

Saw a taxi, so jumped in that back to the hotel to start all over again.

Oh well had a great ride in the end!

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Message posted by: Coach Lee Z.

What one piece of tri gear would you take with you to the grave if you had/could? Just some fun to kick off the weekend!

Ok I will go first. MY SRM. It would have no use but is so cool!

A close second is my Garmin 305 so if I ever moved I would no where I am!

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Message posted by: Lisa N.

Hi, I live in Mercer County, NJ and looking for a training partner or partners, particularly for open water swimming. This is my first year in this and I’m loving it already. I appreciate anyone willing to help.

- Lisa

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Message posted by: Kent S.

Ok. They look cool and I am thinking about getting them for an upcoming HIM. But, I have read about complaints concerning the high back rubbing the achilles. No store locally has them in stock so I can’t try them on. Before I order a pair, any input would be greatly appreciated. They do look cool!

KBS

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Message posted by: Karla B.

JUST CHECKED IN!!!!

HIM BOISE…..

WOOHOO!!

ONTRIERS DAN, DALE, CHRIS AND KARLA….. HERE TO REPRESENT!!!!

ROCK IT!!

btw……… water temp 57 degrees……. holy s*&t…

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Message posted by: Mark R.

I just wanted to give some cudos to Promotion for their fantastic customer service. It is so rare these days that I just wanted to mention it and tell y’all the story.

Purchased a wetsuit from Promotion and it was shipped out via UPS. Apparently the UPS driver smokes crack or something and determined that I had moved - despite the fact that it was being delivered to my business address where I have been for three years - and he delivered it to an apartment 12 blocks up the street. Note that I have never lived or had any affiliation with the location. UPS, unlike Promotion, was not at all helpful and told me they would have to open an investigation, sometime in the next 1-8 days. They would not give any commitment to getting the wetsuit for me. They suggested I call the shipper and have them send another one.

Now for the good stuff. By the time I returned to my office, and before I had even called Promotion, they had called me!! Apparently they found out from UPS there was a problem and they responded immediately by calling me to see what they could do. When I spoke with them yesterday they simply asked what could they do to help me. When I asked them to ship me another one, they agreed in a heart beat. When I mentioned I was going to try to go for an open water swim this weekend and that I was disappointed to not have my wetsuit, the service rep said he would ship it overnight express. At 11:00 a.m. this morning my wetsuit arrived in my office.

NOW THAT IS GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!!

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