Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3

[Bella]

To those in the midwest region, I would highly recommend this event:
www.steelheadtriathlon.com

I just did it on Saturday - my first of this calibre and actually only the second tri I've ever done. The stars seemed to be in alignment for us because the waters were smooth as glass and the killer heat that has plagued us lately seemed to step aside. It reached a high of 84 but I never felt it. The skies were slightly overcast too.

I cannot say enough about the race organizers and the volunteers. They were everywhere, they were awesome, they were encouraging and they made every mile a thrill. I am VERY pleased with my time, learned a lot about my self and have some things to iron out in the refueling/nutrition department (hit by "runners trots" syndrome on the run). Legs felt strong and cardio-wise I was good to go to the end, but lower GI distress forced me to walk a good portion.

So if anyone has any good info on how to battle this issue of jumbling up the innards without destroying the run portion, I'd certainly welcome the advice!

[Lise]

Bella, welcome to the boards, and thanks so much for posting about this tri. My goal is to do this race next year, my first 1/2 IM. I've done 3 Olys and 4 sprints so far, my next Oly is Pleasant Prairie in Kenosha, on 8/20.

I always have GI problems, in part due to my endometriosis. I take 2 Imodium before every race, and I've been fine. (knock wood)

If you haven't done so, please post a race report, either here or in the race reports board--the more details the better--we eat 'em up! L.

[Tri Girl]

Congrats on completing your first (of many?) half IM! I'm so excited for you! Yes, we would love details about the race, and any photos that you have. We love to hear about other's races for sure!
Seems like a great venue, and sounds like you had a great time!

About the GI distress, I can't help much there. Luckily I haven't had problems down there yet (knock on wood), but I always get a queasy stomach when doing anything long distance. Hope you can figure that one out so the next one won't be so...bothersome.

Congrats again!!!

[skibum]

I'm mostly a lurker on TE, especially in the tri forum but I thought I'd emerge from the shadows to post my race report for the Whirlpool Steelhead 70.3. This was my second tri and my first HIM. My first tri was an oly and was only a few weeks ago so I am truly a beginner at this.

I've been wanting to do a tri for years but never took the time to find a race, pull together a training plan and just do it. A friend of mine has wanted to do one too so we decided that this would be our year. Both of us are more endurance type people so we decided to jump right into the half iron level. The oly was an afterthought... getting nervous about the upcoming HIM, we wanted something under our belts for practice. We picked the Steelhead purely for schedule reasons, the timing of it fit nicely with other obligations in our lives and it was far enough out (14 weeks) from when we decided to do it that we had some time to train.

It seemed like we had just made the decision to race and then suddenly race day was upon us. We arrive in Michigan on Friday, assembled our bikes (first time without BFs help!!), got registered and checked our bikes into transition. Saturday morning was beautiful, even a little chilly. Even though I've been training all summer in 90+ degree weather, it was nice that the heat wave had broken. We got the remainder of our stuff set-up in transition and then took the shuttle to the swim start.

The swim is my weakness. I'm slow and I didn't get any practice (other than during the oly) in the open water. Thankfully Lake Michigan was pretty smooth so I didn't have to battle the waves. The swim start was a jump (or dive for the brave) off a pier and you swam parallel to the shore. Did I tell you I have a problem with heights? I'm sure the pier wasn't that high, maybe 8-10 ft, but starting that way was really intimidating to me. I had to wait until everyone from my wave had jumped in and then go in last. By that time, the group was swimming away so I got no drafting benefit. I discovered that not only am I slow, but I can't swim straight either. I kept getting way off course and had to cover extra ground to get back to the buoys. There was only one wave that started behind me so I was among the last out of the water. But, I finished and that's all that mattered.

Out of the water, I ran up a slight hill to cross the beach and then down a boardwalk into the transition area. Removed my swimming gear and put on my bike gear and I was off. The bike is my favorite part and it was a great course to really cruise. It was almost totally flat, one short hill near the beginning and a longer, 1-2% grade climb near the end. I lost track of how many people I passed and no one passed me. Of course, since I was one of the last ones out of the water, there weren't many people behind me to have an opportunity to pass. I finished strong and was ready for the run.

By the time I started the run, it was getting warmer but it was overcast so the temperature was comfortable. I can't say I was crazy about the run course -- a lot of mini out-and-backs strung together. I'm not the fastest runner but I can hold a solid pace for a long period of time. I had to visit the port-a-potty at about mile 6 but was still on pace to achieve my goal of finishing in 6:30. Then, the blisters hit I guess my socks had gotten wet or maybe I rushed to put them on and there was a little lump in them. I'm not sure because I don't normally have a problem with blisters. I had to slow down my pace and walk some just to be able to endure the pain. But, I managed to make it through and finished with a time of 6:37.

It was such an adrenaline rush seeing that finish line ahead. I completely forgot about the pain as I crossed the line with a smile on my face. It was such a blast and I am already planning to do another race (probably in the spring) and am figuring out what I can do to improve my time.

I can't say enough good things about the Steelhead race organizers. Everything went smoothly. There were lots of friendly volunteers everywhere. The aid stations were well-placed and well-stocked. Like Bella said, I would highly recommend this event to anyone who is considering an HIM.

[Lise]

Thanks, skibum, for the great report! I'm planning to do this race next year, and it helps so much to visualize it before hand. Sounds like we're similar--I don't mind diving, but I'm not a really strong swimmer. Perhaps I'll follow the training plan this winter and become a stronger swimmer!

I'm feeling more and more excited about doing this race in ... 11 months and three weeks!

[Bella]

Hey Skibum! Glad to hear your success story! I'm still on somewhat of a high from the whole event. Even now I am quickly forgetting the tough parts. My BF and I (he also did the race) visited Tiscornia Park on Sunday mid-morning before heading out of town. Hard to believe 24hrs earlier there was so much activity there. The lake was still smooth as glass but almost crystal clear. It was good to say goodby in that fashion.

Congrats again and good luck in whatever events you may have next! I will probably do another Midwestern half IM - Racine next summer. I hear it is flat and fast.