Imaz 2008

[Tri Girl]

mel- I know you asked KSH, but I'll tell you what I did. I used an online (and free) iron distance training program at www.trifuel.com All the workouts were based on time. Because I was slower than they assumed I was (based on how far they thought I should be able to swim/run/bike in a given time), I usually added a little on to the weekday workouts, and more to the long weekend workouts. For a total novice like me, the training program worked. I'm a believer in it (and I've known a handful of others that used it and were successful).

Offthegrid- the swim at Redman was good! It's in a lake that is not allowed to be used for swimming (it serves as a water source for the city, so no swimming allowed- except once a year now at Redman). This year the water level was very low due to the big drought we were, and still are, experiencing. We had to walk through some mud before we hit the water, and then again when we came out. No biggie, tho. They built a VERY long concrete ramp going into the water from the shore so there was really only about 50 feet of mud walking, and another 50 feet of walking in the water until it was deep enough to begin swimming. Normally the lake is not that low, but we've been super dry lately, and it was unfortunate that there wasn't a higher level of water- can't help that. The water itself was a little cool- but my sleeveless wetsuit did just fine. The swim was a counter-clockwise triangle- shape had to be changed the day before due to water levels. Depending on the wind (which is, of course, a major factor), the water is either smooth as glass, or choppy. Race day this year it was choppy, the day before and after- smooth as glass. It's a crap shoot with the rainfall and weather, but it's a good place to swim.
I'm tellin' ya- Redman is top notch for a small sized event!

[Bikingmomof3]

I think I could do this one in 2008....

[KSH]

I think I could do this one in 2008....

Hhhuuuummmm.... which distance lady?

[Bikingmomof3]

Hhhuuuummmm.... which distance lady?

I have the flu, and I am feverish, so no comment. LOL I have no idea. I should do a half first, eh?

[Tri Girl]

I think I could do this one in 2008....

Yeah you could!!! And I'd be your personal cheering squad if you did! You could come down here and do the half in 2007, you know...
Heck, I'll be KSH's personal cheering squad if she comes out. Come on down to OK and I'll cheer for you girls all day long!

KSH- I won't lie to 'ya. The finish line is not like an M-Dot race. There are not thousands cheering you in. I guees it depends on what time you finish. My friend finished in 14 1/2 hours and there were lots of cheering fans. When I finished in 16 1/2 there were about 10 people (but man, were they yelling for me)... BUT Jeffrey (the race announcer who's out there ALL day long) hollers your name as you make it to the finish line, announcing you're a first timer and then calls out when you cross the line. There is red carpet laid all the way down the finisher's chute, and they're playing music, making noise, and I didn't even notice there being only a few people. In fact, I don't remember much about that moment- only that I saw the red carpet, heard Jeffrey calling my name to come home, and looked over at my DH. I'm glad he videoed it so I could watch it later. It was a happy blur. For me, I didn't mind the less amount of people- in fact it made it better because of the fewer folks, I got to talk to many people on the run course, a couple waited for me to finish, and all the finish line folks waited on me hand and foot as I crossed the line. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I'm a sucker for smaller, more personal races (have done marathons with 20,000 and marathons with 40 and I like the smaller ones better). That's just me, tho. But yeah, one day it would be nice to expereince an M-Dot race- just to do one! If you don't do Redman for your first, you gotta do it sometime just to do it- you're so close you're almost obligated to cross the Red River and spend some time up here.

[Offthegrid]

Now if I could mudwalk the whole 2.4 miles, that'd be the race for me.

[KSH]

KSH- I won't lie to 'ya. The finish line is not like an M-Dot race. There are not thousands cheering you in. I guees it depends on what time you finish. My friend finished in 14 1/2 hours and there were lots of cheering fans. When I finished in 16 1/2 there were about 10 people (but man, were they yelling for me)... BUT Jeffrey (the race announcer who's out there ALL day long) hollers your name as you make it to the finish line, announcing you're a first timer and then calls out when you cross the line. There is red carpet laid all the way down the finisher's chute, and they're playing music, making noise, and I didn't even notice there being only a few people. In fact, I don't remember much about that moment- only that I saw the red carpet, heard Jeffrey calling my name to come home, and looked over at my DH. I'm glad he videoed it so I could watch it later. It was a happy blur. For me, I didn't mind the less amount of people- in fact it made it better because of the fewer folks, I got to talk to many people on the run course, a couple waited for me to finish, and all the finish line folks waited on me hand and foot as I crossed the line. I guess it depends on what you're looking for. I'm a sucker for smaller, more personal races (have done marathons with 20,000 and marathons with 40 and I like the smaller ones better). That's just me, tho. But yeah, one day it would be nice to expereince an M-Dot race- just to do one! If you don't do Redman for your first, you gotta do it sometime just to do it- you're so close you're almost obligated to cross the Red River and spend some time up here.

Well, the finish line sounds like the sprint races, and the HIM's I have been to.

Basically, if you are near the end... the crowd gets really thin. It's that way with any race.

And, let's face it, typically if people are at the finish line, it's because they are waiting for someone they know.

I like the idea of a small race... but I also like the idea of a big race. I will be SO FAR towards the end... a larger race means more people will be back there with me. HA!

Of course, with a smaller race... that means you probably get a little closer with the people left and that is nice.

I have to say... that for my first IM... I think I want to do the "tourist" thing. Buy into all the "hype" of an M-Dot race... even though I am sure it's very commercialized and overdone. Do that for the first one... then do a small and personal one (if I even get ONE under my belt!). After the first big race, I know I probably won't want to go back. Crowds get old real quick.

I really loved your race report though, and that's so cool that you have a video of the moment. I understand how in moments like that... it all becomes a blur! *Reminds me of when I got married* Everything you have said about the race really does "sell it"!

And you know, I might make it to OK to cheer on my cousin if he does the Redman. I think he is still thinking about doing it. And it's not completely out of my thoughts... UUUGGGGGHHHH... at least I have a few months to make this very hard decision.

[Bikingmomof3]

Yeah you could!!! And I'd be your personal cheering squad if you did! You could come down here and do the half in 2007, you know...
Heck, I'll be KSH's personal cheering squad if she comes out. Come on down to OK and I'll cheer for you girls all day long!

I would chose this one because I could meet some of you. Yes, I definitely should do a half first. Running is the least of my concern. Biking, must be able to bike. I do not know if I could be ready for a half in 2007-will know more after my neurology appointment 12/22. Will it be too late to sign up? I better check into that.

[Tri Girl]

Yes, Jennifer, you should defnitely check with the neurologist first! The event has yet to fill up, and you can sign up through the summer if need be (price goes up at the end of May). The new, updated site is set to launch today sometime.
A half doesn't seem out of the question for you! I'll be here for 'ya!

Oh, and thank you for the Christmas card! I LOVED the boy with his tongue on the pole. Reminds me of "A Christmas Story" which is my favorite holiday movie. You're very sweet to think of me!!
I hope all goes well with the neurologist next month!!!

[Tri Girl]

KSH- I don't blame you AT ALL for wanting the first to be an M-Dot for your first. The hype and excitement is something I want to experience someday, too!!! You can't beat an M-Dot for the crowds and thrill!!! Plus, if you can make a vacation out of it- all the better!

[KSH]

mel- I know you asked KSH, but I'll tell you what I did. I used an online (and free) iron distance training program at www.trifuel.com All the workouts were based on time. Because I was slower than they assumed I was (based on how far they thought I should be able to swim/run/bike in a given time), I usually added a little on to the weekday workouts, and more to the long weekend workouts. For a total novice like me, the training program worked. I'm a believer in it (and I've known a handful of others that used it and were successful).

Thank you for answering! You have done it... I haven't. You and RunningMommy are the experts here. Not I!

Thus far, I have only trained for sprint tri's. And... honestly... I don't think I ever did enough bricks to race the way I wanted to.

As far the plan I am going to use... I am going to check on www.beginnertriathlete.com... and I will also check out the site you gave a link for. I might also look for some online coaching options... so I can find a coach who can give me a plan that's suited for my skill level.

OMG! What am I saying? I'm talking like I might actually do it.

Seriously though, my heart is totally into doing an IM... but my legs may not be. I have to slowly ramp up my running miles... and even then, I am not sure my legs will make it.

So, as much as I would love to mentally commit to one... I can't do it until I see how my running comes along. I am working on it though!


OH, and TriGirl... how *different* is the finish line at the Redman vs. at an M-Dot race. I have to be honest, I want the full experience of the crowds and my name being called when I cross it.

AND... does the Redman allow wetsuits? What about IMAZ... does it allow wetsuits? Anyone know?