MRP4891

I get everyone will have an opinion. And I can respect that. But I also think it’s silly to argue that “elite age groupers” belong there any more than a legacy athlete when justifying with “it’s not a true world championship”. If we want to go on the premise that it should be a “true world championship” then they should limit the field to about 10 pro men and pro women. Have 20 athletes race and leave it at that. Those are the only people that are true world champions.. if you’re not a pro then you really don’t matter in the category of “world champion”. Let’s not even factor in the rampant cheating amongst the elite age groupers looking for any edge.

I’m proud as hell of my journey as a legacy athlete. I’ve toed the line 14 times and finished all 14. I’ve had great races in the 10hr mark, ok races in the 11-12hr mark, and I’ve had some disappointing days finishing 14+. I had a 16.5 hour race once when crashing and having a grade 3 AC separation. Found myself in the back of an ambulance but continued on. Fun fact.. in all 14 of my races I’ve beaten some elite age groupers and pros. Most recently in Kona I actually had a bad race but still beat 10+ pro men that quit.

The great thing about Ironman to me is the inclusion of all athletes, all ages, all abilities, even the disabled. Same day, same course.. No sport can claim that. I knew a lot of legacy athletes and the crowd that did 13 Ironmans in 15+ hours just coasting to get to Kona is a small small minority.. in fact I’d bet my life that there are more elite age groupers that qualified for Kona by cheating than there are legacy athletes that did 13 races in 15 hours plus. Either way.. I raced the big island and I have no regrets.

Augusta was my first 70.3. Close enough to drive for me being in Lafayette area. I was nervous about my first open water swim so with the downstream current and wetsuit.. it gave me some piece of mind. I liked it much more than Galveston if I’m honest. That bay swim can get choppy. Galveston is an out and back bike too.. so much more flat but depending on the wind it can get tough. Usually it’s a headwind one way and a tail the other. The run course is a little boring but your spectators can see you a lot so that’s nice.

Tri-suit is what you race in. Wetsuit is just for the swim. Everyone’s different and you just need to experiment with what you’re most comfortable with. You can’t wear a wetsuit for every race. Race rules decide that based on water temp. I personally rather a 1 piece tri-kit. Someone people like 2 piece. Some people change into running shorts/shirt after their bike. I personally never did that.. I’d have on my tri-kit and if it was wetsuit legal then I’d put my wetsuit on over it. (Wetsuits can get pricey so I’d try to find a friend to borrow from for your first tri since you’ll only wear it once). Also those tri-kits thin out quick. So the one you race in .. I’d only test it out a few times before the race. For a couple bikes and runs just to get used to it and see if the zipper or any spots run so you can address that if needed. I like zoot kits personally.

For bike there’s a lot of good brands out there. So I’d mostly focus on the size which you can look up on line for your height and what each company recommends. I love my trek. Cervelo and QR are really good. Specialized has some nice ones but I think those are a little harder to adjust and get fit on. Id check for frame cracks and just to make sure it seems to be taken care of. I also would try to buy one that’s not too old.. gear updates quick so if you get a bike that’s too old it may not be as compatible with some things.

My old tri team was based in that area just south of Houston. Used to do a lot of training and riding out there.

Swimming is so difficult. Form and technique are more important than anything. If you’re feeling like you’re having a hard time floating and speeding up your stroke to stay above water then a few things to try.

1) use a pull buoy between your thighs and do catch drills. Focus on long reaches for your stroke and just find a comfortable grove. Also think about your breathing technique.

2) think about your body position. Look down not straight ahead (imagine if you were trying to hold a tennis ball between your chin and chest). Think of your hips being up and kicking on top the water. You want to be parallel obviously. Hips dropping means your feet are dropping too causing drag.

3) in swimming smooth is fast. Look up some YouTube videos on swim form and just keep practicing. The more you touch the water the more you will progress. Be patient with yourself. It’s the hardest disciple of the 3 to really master.

If you’re talking to me.. I may have accidentally downvoted. Long time lurker but just recently made an account. So kind of learning here lol. As you can see in my nonexistent post history.. I’m a poster in training ha.

No, those are great. I use a buoy and paddles. I’ve never used a snorkel but don’t see how it can hurt. The paddles will help with your catch. And if you have a buddy that’s a collegiate swimmer then I’d take any and all advice he gives.

That’s awesome. I almost did 70.3 Des Moines but opted for Louisville instead. I’ve done double digit Ironman 140.6 races along with Kona. So, if there’s anything I can do to pass on some experience or knowledge I’ll be happy to do so.

I’ll say from reading your post and not knowing too much.. based on your current fitness.. you’ll be fine. Lifting and stretching is great and something a lot of triathletes overlook. Swimming is everyone’s weakness typically but confidence just comes with time in the water. One thing I would say is to take less of a break on your swims. I’d say 30 seconds max.

I’d also highly recommend a trainer. I always did 2 rides a week inside and my long rides on the weekend outside. I have a wahoo kickr and love it. Has a built in power meter which is so crucial for cycling. If you plan to continue on the road for triathlons I’d highly recommend a smart trainer and a power meter for the bike. Best of luck at Des Moines

I actually signed up for this event 2 weeks ago. Will be my first time out there and first real ruck event. Any advice or recommendations?

And actually there is only one living survivor of the Bataan Death March left. Mr James Bollich from Eunice Louisiana. I believe he is 104 now and a graduate of SLI. He wrote a book about his experience called “A Soldiers Journal” and Jocko just did a podcast where he reads parts of the book throughout and talks about it. (Jocko podcast #139). It’s a great listen and I highly recommend it.