Ironman 703 Lake Stevens

[Susan Otcenas]

Okey dokey, so, I'm doing Lake Stevens this weekend as a training race for IM Canada at the end of August.

Pretty sure you can track me here: http://ironmanlakestevens.com/ though I don't know my bib number yet.

My goals for the race:
1) don't panic on the swim. It's a wave start, which helps. I plan to start at the back of the wave and off to the side. I'd rather swim extra distance than be in the middle of the washing machine. Goal time is 45-50 minutes. (though really, my main goal is to just swim steady and remain calm! )

2) The bike course is hilly. 3500 feet over 56 miles. My goals are to keep my power in check and not overdo it on the bike. I tend to leave a lot on the bike course and consequently suffer on the run. Also, need to hydrate hydrate hydrate on this ride, especially if it looks to be hot. Though, right now the weather looks perfect. http://www.weather.com/weather/wxdetail6/USWA0219
Goal time is 3:20, but given how hilly it is, 3:30 will be OK too.

3) Run: I'm planning a run-walk strategy on 4/1 intervals from the get-go. Hoping to eke out 10:30 per mile this way, but 11:00 would be OK too. Goal time is 2:30 or less.

Factoring in transitions, potty breaks, etc., I hope to be done in 6:45. MY only other half to date I did 7:09, though that was a 58 mile bike course, not 56. I'm pretty sure I can do better than that this time around, but I guess we'll find out....

Anyone else doing Lake Stevens?

[Tri Girl]

just want to wish you good luck this weekend!! Hope you have a fantastic race!!!

[Wahine]

Good Luck Susan and have fun!!

I've not done Lake Stevens, so I don't have any insider info for you.

[colby]

Never made the trek to do Lake Stevens, but I'm interested to see what you think! Fingers crossed for great weather and smooth sailing!!

[salsabike]

Sounds like such a sensible plan, Susan! Have fun out there. We'll be cheering you on.

[OakLeaf]

Good luck and have fun!

[sgf726]

Good Luck Susan! Sounds like you have a good plan for the race.

Sharon

[Susan Otcenas]

If you want to stalk me tomorrow, my bib # is 938. Wave start is 6:56 am. http://ironmanlive.com/tracking.php?...70.3&year=2012

I drove the bike course. Very technically demanding. Lots of hills (no flat stretches to speak of, actually!) with lots of twists and curves. No falling asleep on this one! 3500 feet of gain in 56 miles. Major sucker punch at mile 38. Oof! Running after that is going to be a challenge! My coach has challenged me to do a 6/1 strategy, so well see how that goes.

[Blueberry]

Good luck, Susan! I'm sure you'll do great!!

[spindizzy]

Out of the water-way to go!

[salsabike]

Not the friendliest race weather here today....power on, Susan!

[colby]

I don't trust Ironmanlive splits to be up to date, so I'll check back in a bit to see if the bike and T2 times come in. I hope everything is going well!! (Trying not to be worried)

[Susan Otcenas]

I dnf'd 10 miles into the bike.

I'll write more later, but I'm not in the right frame of mind right now.

[salsabike]

Thinking of you with affection and respect, kiddo, and glad you're okay.

[Veronica]

I'm sorry to hear that. It's never an easy decision to DNF, especially when someone is as tenacious and gutsy as you! I hope that you are okay.

Veronica