Steelhead 70.3 tri

[Lise]

Not this year, but next...
http://www.steelheadtriathlon.com/06s/course.htm#

This is a 1/2 IM at the beginning of August, about a 2.5 hr drive from Chicago. I wish Madison had a 70.3 option, but no...just the big race! I don't know, I may someday succumb and do a full IM, but right now I don't have time to train for something like that. A 1/2, however, is possible, if I train solidly for the next year. The promo video for "IM 70.3" is pretty funny. It's got Miami Vice type music, with lots of shots of girls in bikinis playing volleyball in Clearwater, FL, where the championship is held. The tag line is "Ironman 70.3, live the experience!" (or something like that). To me it says, "Hey, dude, you'll never do a "real" IM, but chicks will think you're hot if you do this, and they don't know what the little '70.3' means anyway!"

Anybody else really annoyed when non-triathletes call a sprint distance a "mini" tri? A friend and colleague asked about my weekend today. I told her about the tri. She said, "Was it a real tri, or just a mini?" "Mary", I said, "there's no such thing as a 'mini' tri. There's sprint, international, 1/2 IM, and IM distance. I did a sprint. I swam 1/4 mile, I rode 11 miles, I ran 3.12 miles. It was hard. Nothing mini about it." She knows perfectly well that she's not doing any of that anytime, ever, and I know she respects me. Still. Mini. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! L.

[KSH]

Not this year, but next...
http://www.steelheadtriathlon.com/06s/course.htm#

This is a 1/2 IM at the beginning of August, about a 2.5 hr drive from Chicago. I wish Madison had a 70.3 option, but no...just the big race! I don't know, I may someday succumb and do a full IM, but right now I don't have time to train for something like that. A 1/2, however, is possible, if I train solidly for the next year. The promo video for "IM 70.3" is pretty funny. It's got Miami Vice type music, with lots of shots of girls in bikinis playing volleyball in Clearwater, FL, where the championship is held. The tag line is "Ironman 70.3, live the experience!" (or something like that). To me it says, "Hey, dude, you'll never do a "real" IM, but chicks will think you're hot if you do this, and they don't know what the little '70.3' means anyway!"

Anybody else really annoyed when non-triathletes call a sprint distance a "mini" tri? A friend and colleague asked about my weekend today. I told her about the tri. She said, "Was it a real tri, or just a mini?" "Mary", I said, "there's no such thing as a 'mini' tri. There's sprint, international, 1/2 IM, and IM distance. I did a sprint. I swam 1/4 mile, I rode 11 miles, I ran 3.12 miles. It was hard. Nothing mini about it." She knows perfectly well that she's not doing any of that anytime, ever, and I know she respects me. Still. Mini. Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! L.

Shoot for your dreams lady! You can do the half IM next year!

As far as "mini" tri's... I never have anyone ask that.

It's more like everyone thinks that a triathlon is ALWAYS the length of an Ironman. I think they get a little disappointed when I tell them the distances I do... HA!

[Bella]

I'm registered for this event. I'll let you know how it goes......

[Bella]

By the way, I'm sure you knew about the Lake Geneva 1/2 Ironman? Usually takes place in late July?

Many area training groups specifically train for one or the other. Last year was so hot - many did not finish or collapsed on the course. It is closer than Benton Harbor, but I heard the organization of it wasn't that great - families, dogs and kids allowed in the transition areas, not a lot of volunteer support, etc.

The Whirlpool Steelhead is run by Capri Events which is famous for Accenture's Tri. I believe this is the third year for the Steelhead and still isn't closed out for registration (their cap is 1,400).

So it's never too late.....

[Lise]

I'm happy to hear that you'll be doing this event and can give us the scoop!

I had considered Lake Geneva, but I understand it's really hilly. I struggle enough on the flat land, and don't have much opportunity to do hill training, so I've ruled that one out. And, like you, I've heard that it's poorly organized.

I'm not doing the 1/2 IM distance this year. This year I want to get good at the Int'l distance, OK with running 13 miles, then spend the winter training more than I did this past winter. If I stick with the plan, I'll be ready by next year.

Are you planning any other races this season? Lise

[Bella]

Just the Chicago Marathon in October and a Century in Indianapolis in September. Triathlons, as you can attest, are not cheap hobbies. Besides the entry fees (Steelhead is a whopping $160), hotel room and travel/gas for the out o' state events, I splurged on snazzy tires and jerseys and went well beyond my novice intentions. I figure there is no reason to spend even more money and burn my self totally out in the process. Even $45 for sprints is out of the question now.

I also do a lot of volunteering for events - that way I do get in the spirit of things and give back to the sport. I always appreciate those volunteers that are there with the cup of gatorade and the unending supply of encouragement, so that's my way of saying thanks too. Besides, you get all the goodies the athletes get too!