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!

[Lise]

Yeah, I know. It adds up. My "little" tri last weekend was $60. I try to pick events that benefit the community somehow. The YMCA, in this case. I was thinking of doing a sprint tri in June and July also, but I think I'll only do the July one. Why spend more money, when I could simply train? Good for you on the marathon and the century. Tough events. You know you're an endurance athlete when your season consists of 1/2 IM tri, marathon, and century ride!

[Running Mommy]

It gets better... When I talk about doing the Ironman they ask if I did the one in Hawaii... and are visibly disappointed when I say "no. Arizona" as if the distance is not the same!!
But yeah, it's annoying. I actually had a parent from my sons school say "are you the one that did that walk?" and when I kept saying "I did an Ironman triathlon" she CONTINUED to call it a "walk"... I finally gave up! Another mother there saw my annoyance and was amused by it all.
What really annoys me is when people refer to ANY distance running race as a "marathon"...
Ohh I could go on and on!!
Oh, and as for prices? Try 485 clams for IMAZ 07 after all the 'fees'!!!!!

[Lise]

It gets better... When I talk about doing the Ironman they ask if I did the one in Hawaii... and are visibly disappointed when I say "no. Arizona" as if the distance is not the same!!
But yeah, it's annoying. I actually had a parent from my sons school say "are you the one that did that walk?" and when I kept saying "I did an Ironman triathlon" she CONTINUED to call it a "walk"... I finally gave up! Another mother there saw my annoyance and was amused by it all.
What really annoys me is when people refer to ANY distance running race as a "marathon"...
Ohh I could go on and on!!
Oh, and as for prices? Try 485 clams for IMAZ 07 after all the 'fees'!!!!!

Harumph. I know, when people referred to the 8K Shamrock Shuffle as "the marathon this weekend"...ARGH! The funny thing is talking with other people who've done both runs. They both end with this "hill" up Roosevelt Rd. It's a lot easier to take after 5 miles than it is after 26! Ironic that Ironman has gotten to be such an expensive endeavor. You still have to train just as much. Money can buy equipment, insurance, fancy swag, television coverage, whatever, but you still have to propel yourself 140.6 miles under your own power. That's what impresses me. Having just propelled myself a whopping 14.57 miles under my own power on Sunday, I realized I'd forgotten how hard that really is. Nothing but training and preparation will get you there.

[Brina]

bella,

I can't wait to hear how Steelhead goes. I have a warped set of goals right now that culminate with doing a 70.3 probably a year from now.

[Bella]

Oh, and as for prices? Try 485 clams for IMAZ 07 after all the 'fees'!!!!!

Ouch!! One needs a second mortgage to undertake these things!

I know I will never do an IM. I'm afraid I'd put fifteen years of age on my body after all is said and done. Good for you!

[Bella]

bella,

I can't wait to hear how Steelhead goes. I have a warped set of goals right now that culminate with doing a 70.3 probably a year from now.

If it is any consolation, I used to say and think these same thoughts. And now I have August 5th barrelling my way at full speed.

[Running Mommy]

I've heard good things about Steelhead. I can't wait to hear the report. I may just have to trek out there next year to sherpa for Lise.. I'm always up for a good road trip!

[Lise]

I've heard good things about Steelhead. I can't wait to hear the report. I may just have to trek out there next year to sherpa for Lise.. I'm always up for a good road trip!

Nothing would get me to train for a race like knowing my friends paid airfare to come cheer!

[Bella]

I'll be looking for you next year when I am volunteering for the event.....