We are allowed to go as fast as we can and we don't apologize for it.
You may be new to the sport and think you are too slow. Don't worry, there is always a boy who is slower..
| Ironman St George Preview |
I just returned from a 3 day reconnaissance mission for Ironman St George.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn on Bluff Street- 2 miles from T2 and 19 miles from the Swim Start and T1.
Race overview: SWIM: Sand Hollow Reservoir- located 19 miles from T2. Water was 57 degrees and air temperature low 50’s in November when we arrived- simply too cold to swim. BIKE You leave the reservoir and ride 20 miles to where the 2 loops of the course take place. I did not ride that portion, but plan to return and ride in March. It appears to be a long climb, not too steep, but gradual out of the reservoir and meets up on part of the run course. Soon thereafter the road crosses 18 and becomes Snow Canyon Parkway and you begin the 2 loops. 5 miles of rolling hills through neighborhoods, roads are in good condition. You come upon a series of turns and will slow you a bit as … Turn Left on 2000 North * Turns into Pioneer Parkway * Turn Right on 400 East * Turn Left on Center Street * Turn Left on 200 West ( in Ivins) * Turn Right on 400 South * From there you turn onto Hwy 91 and begin the work. Steady climb on decent roads until you turn right towards Gunlock and the road changes to chip seal. As you ride through the canyon the scenery is stunning and you are going over rolling hills. The climbs are moderate and mostly rollers until the last climb which is a very steep switchback, not long, but out of the saddle steep. The course is doable however overriding the 1st lap will cause damage that may come out on the 2nd loop or on the run. Keep in mind,this is not just a hilly bike course, it offers the hilliest run course to follow. Be ing convsevatively on the bike will be key to a successful race and even completing the race for many. Once our out of the canyon you turn right on the highway and have a series of long rollers which are very fast, however, on our 2nd loop we had a significant head wind which slowed the return. About 8 miles from T2 you will turn right on Snow Canyon Parkway and start your 2nd loop- RUN Running out of T2 you will run through the town center, surly will be lined with crowds for the 1st 2 miles. This is a gradual uphill as you wind out to Hwy18. As soon as you hit Hwy 18 the uphill becomes steeper and you soon turn onto 1250North for a short out and back which is up hill. Return to 18 and continue climbing and turn onto Red Hills Parkway - after the turn the grade increases significantly and my pace slowed by 2 minutes/miles. Very steep climb and finally crests to a few rollers and a relatively steep descent where at the bottom you turn around and go back up. The 1st 3.6 miles are uphill and need to be taken conservatively. COMMENTS GO PREVIEW the course!!! Experiencing the course ahead of time will allow you to properly pace the bike and prepare for the run. Ride the loop twice to see what the 2nd lap feels like and then do a transition run up hill. Run 1 lap the following day to get a real feel for how steep and hilly the course is. This will not be a PR for anyone, unless it is your first. If you worry about your time you will not finish Be prepared to be out there a long time. This is the time to get a powermeter so you do not over ride on the bike
IRONMAN ST GEORGE TRAINING CAMP
Idropboys.com is planning to return March 5-7 or 12-14 ….stay tuned and drop me a line if you are interested and I will add you to the list. Arrive Friday- swim late afternoon in reservoir if temperature /weather permits Saturday-ride the course- 112 miles Sunday- long run on 1 loop of course + ½ of course or what you need to get in your mileage
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