Midlands Ultra round the corner

[Claudenova]

Hi All

I heard it's hilly for an ultra... any truth to that or just the opinion of someone who ***'D off on the day?

[IceCreamMan]

Hi All

I heard it's hilly for an ultra... any truth to that or just the opinion of someone who ***'D off on the day?

It is hilly for an ultra. Most difficult half ironman I have ever done. I think its around 1350 metres of climb but the course takes and gives back so its not a total sufferfest. The heat also can climb into the mid 30s so hydrate.

 

underestimate this one at your peril, esp if the temperature climbs. My only ever DNF was at the midlands ultra where I seized up with cramps around 5 kays from the end on the run ....

 

if this is your first half ironman take it easy in the early stages then guage how you feeling and take it from there.

[MarkW]

Ive booked the sprint for end November to test the waters. Next year I will be doing the ultra. And after reading this post I'm glad I've given myself until next year LOL

[MarkW]

Perfect prep for ironman 70.3 in January 2018

[dave303e]

Ok so looks like am in for this one, first triathlon in years, better start swimming tonight...

[Collen Future Fit Sports Coach]

I will be doing my first ulta at Midlands and to say the least, I am worried but not going into it un prepared... so thanks for the tips

[shaper]

I will be doing my first ulta at Midlands and to say the least, I am worried but not going into it un prepared... so thanks for the tips

As it is your first, just pace yourself and aim to finish, afterwards in your post analysis you can take note of what worked, what didn't, where you felt strong, where you suffered, was nutrition right or wrong etc.

 

You can then say to yourself that you can finish one of these and look to race the next one rather than just aim to finish.

[Collen Future Fit Sports Coach]

Hi ALL,

 

I did this race yesterday and my, the bike route was tough for me. This was the FIRST ultra and but my 3rd ever Triathlon. Big rude awakening I got that's for sure.... BONKED completely on the run (was non existent) but happy with my 6h27 - I hoped for a sub 6 but that was never gonna happen with the run I had.

 

Cheers all

[IceCreamMan]

Hi ALL,

 

I did this race yesterday and my, the bike route was tough for me. This was the FIRST ultra and but my 3rd ever Triathlon. Big rude awakening I got that's for sure.... BONKED completely on the run (was non existent) but happy with my 6h27 - I hoped for a sub 6 but that was never gonna happen with the run I had.

 

Cheers all

Nice one... my best ever there was a 6:24 so 6:27 first time out is excellent. The cycle is tougher than people realize with the amount of climb you do and that effort is claimed on the run.

 

See TRautman did a 4 straight, impressive.

[ScottCM]

As it is your first, just pace yourself and aim to finish, afterwards in your post analysis you can take note of what worked, what didn't, where you felt strong, where you suffered, was nutrition right or wrong etc.

 

You can then say to yourself that you can finish one of these and look to race the next one rather than just aim to finish.

 

I shall use this methodology for my 1st 70.3 in Durbz in June.

[ScottCM]

Hi ALL,

 

I did this race yesterday and my, the bike route was tough for me. This was the FIRST ultra and but my 3rd ever Triathlon. Big rude awakening I got that's for sure.... BONKED completely on the run (was non existent) but happy with my 6h27 - I hoped for a sub 6 but that was never gonna happen with the run I had.

 

Cheers all

 

Congrats on the completion of your 1st Ultra, give us a race report please

[Collen Future Fit Sports Coach]

Hi - So RACEREPORT from a NOVICE :-)

 

Well to start off I felt that the race was very well organized. Everything simply looked to flow just right. I found the RED and YELLOW transition bags concept a fantastic inclusion to the race. As it turned out later the day it came down with a massive rain storm with cloud burst, lighting and small hail stones. 

 

The swim start was delayed by 30 minutes due to fog and as a safety precaution - ended up being a wise decision. The course was laid out well, however swim in between the sail boat may be a little more than some would feel comfortable with. The water temperature was 20 deg C which made it a wetsuit legal swim and to me that was an absolute NO BRAIN decision. I managed to get out the water in a new 1.9km - 2km PB of 34 minutes and still wonder how on earth the lads at the top of the leader board smashed it out in 20 minutes :-O

 

Out of the water and a fair steep run, rip off the wetsuit top into a marked MALE & FEMALE transition tents where the clock for transition started. I was told this is a similar system as Iron Man, I for one enjoyed that and knowing your race number becomes a MUST to grab the right transition BAG. Little over 4 minutes to get rid of wetsuit, putting on cycling gear and rush out with your RED bag, handing it off to marshals an yet another fantastic inclusion I was told in the support of marshals taking care of your transition.

 

Got to my bike and a strange, yet almost relieved feeling that I don't have to clutter the transition with wetsuit, swim stuff etc.... clean open - just grab your bike and go. I also enjoyed being on grass and with the mounting of the bike line virtually just off the grass, it meant SAVED MY CYCLING CLEATS :-D

 

The bike course was tough, phew, 1100m of climbing in 90km, ok, most GPS distances recorded 91.7 / 91.8km meaning a longer ride than I prepared for in my noggin. 

 

I took it really slow out first lap, I recalled reading an article from Raynard Tissink saying be very careful not smashing that first lap hard. As novice one tend to just go all out hard and pay for it later. It was fairly hot and humid and I used ALL my water and my carb mix, which wasn't a lot, but I never run out of water or anything, yet I did - that end up to cost me a lot at the end.

 

The hilly course was tough and if you didn't ready the bike course carefully, your next 2 laps would either see you fix an imaginary puncture or simply wait for someone to pick you up. NASTY climbs up the last 6-7 km of the loop out... Managed to do a 3h14 on the bike section, however compared this to the weeks prior 94.7, I believe this was tougher at Midlands, the road surface is rough, no road closures, no drafting and it's just you and your bike.... by the way did I mention this my longest ride on a TT bike.... just love that Argon 18 TT bike of mine.

 

So on the last lap I thought, hang on a bit, 21km run in itself is not easy, so just hold back on he bike and leave some in the tank for the run. Heading back to the transition area I was greeted by a pleasant surprise by someone saying "I WILL TAKE YOUR BIKE", now people, I am from Gauteng, GP (Gangsters Paradise), right, handing my baby to just anyone was a big leap of faith, thank goodness for full comprehensive insurance LOL... Dismounted and someone took my bike and racked it well for me to find later on. Again through the transition tent area I made my first massive mistake, NO SUNSCREEN. OUTCH, I look like a TOMATO!!! 

 

Having finished all my liquids on the bike leg too early, meant I was struggling throughout the run. I started off the run quite OK, actually I thought today might just be my day with a good run, then.... slowed down and more slowing down and then the wheels came off. I started drinking more and more water and Coke and it just got me to a grinding halt. The run route was also undulating, nothing that will scare me at the best of days, actually, I would have loved to run it if it was just a 21km run, man that would have been fantastic. The handouts of sponges filled with icy cold water was oh so good. wow, it was hot out there and any means of cool down was a blessing.

 

First lap down and proudly sporting my pink hair band, the start of the second lap was painful... I had to dig really deep for the white and the last lap's blue band. but knowing you have 3.5 - 4km left from receiving your last band, you know you are going home.

 

Entering the final stretch, running on the carpet, announcers calling out your name and going wild, just gives you that extra step as if you are not tired or completed stuffed up, WOW, what a fantastic feeling.

 

I did find the finishers tent a fantastic, 2 thumbs up great welcoming setup. Immediately given a medal, some GU recovery horrible drink and a water and the tent to spoil yourself with a hot meal - mmmm, Beef or Chicken curry with rice, slush puppy and a fridge to help yourself with ice lollies.... I saw all this and said, IF ONLY I HAD MONEY, but it was FREE, WOW! 

 

The tent included massage tables, soft cushions and pads to sit down or lay down, compression station to recover those tired legs, just ENDLESS support which was in my time of any sport, UNMATCHED no matter what I have done!

 

The race got called off short due to massive rains, lighting strikes and hail, some people braved it to the end and some were pulled off and race was done for them.

 

Me and my mates all made it and I sit back today, RED, fairly stiff and sore, but satisfied to say the least. From Saturday registration to getting your bike, rack it back up and leaving the venue, I am saying WELL DONE MIWAY and associate SPONSORS, this was a memorable day for me and I am sure for all.

 

Thanks

 

Collen - (race no 254)

[dave303e]

I also raced, 2nd ever triathlon(have done plenty AR before though). It was a really well organised event.

Me on the other hand was not so well organised...

On Sat morning I rode the lead motorbike for the trailseeker Diamond Dash and from there it was a quick stop off home to drop off car and motorbike and jump in other car packed for midlands Ultra, then on the way down when we reached Harrismith I realise I had forgotten to pack trisuit. Thankfully Troisport saved the day, a few phonecalls and didn't have to drive back they had one for me to buy late saturday afternoon.

The race itself went well, had a great swim which was surprising on 4 weeks of swimming training.

I then forgot to put on suncream for the bike leg(being dumb as usual) and on a borrowed bike which I hadn't set up well enough, it was not my best cycling performance, had a sore back within 20 mins but pushed through.

Finally got to the run leg and found some sun cream but it was already too late. Really had a good run it was flat and fast just put your ears back and run, waterpoints were well stocked on the run which saved us a lot. 

All in all enjoyable route, not too tough, I don't know official time yet(don't run with watches etc) but was under 6 hours.

But as mentioned above, finnishers tent and race organisation was top knotch...

[Collen Future Fit Sports Coach]

I also raced, 2nd ever triathlon(have done plenty AR before though). It was a really well organised event.

Me on the other hand was not so well organised...

On Sat morning I rode the lead motorbike for the trailseeker Diamond Dash and from there it was a quick stop off home to drop off car and motorbike and jump in other car packed for midlands Ultra, then on the way down when we reached Harrismith I realise I had forgotten to pack trisuit. Thankfully Troisport saved the day, a few phonecalls and didn't have to drive back they had one for me to buy late saturday afternoon.

The race itself went well, had a great swim which was surprising on 4 weeks of swimming training.

I then forgot to put on suncream for the bike leg(being dumb as usual) and on a borrowed bike which I hadn't set up well enough, it was not my best cycling performance, had a sore back within 20 mins but pushed through.

Finally got to the run leg and found some sun cream but it was already too late. Really had a good run it was flat and fast just put your ears back and run, waterpoints were well stocked on the run which saved us a lot. 

All in all enjoyable route, not too tough, I don't know official time yet(don't run with watches etc) but was under 6 hours.

But as mentioned above, finnishers tent and race organisation was top knotch...

Try this link for the results

http://results.finishtime.co.za/results.aspx?CId=35&RId=2201&EId=3

[Craai]

Also did the race this weekend, for the most part it was an enjoyable experience.

The good:

- Nice, challenging course

- Easy, quick registration

- Quick access to and from the venue

- The meals at the end were a nice touch

- Nice nutrition on course (GU, water, coke, gels, banana)

 

Some constructive criticism though:

• Security with regards to bikes and the race bags were lacking. After the race, I could literally walk in and take any bike/race bag I wanted without anyone stopping/checking me.
• On the Saturday (registration day), the staff at the Midmar reserve didn't seem to have any clue about an event that was due to happen the following day.
• Paying for entrance (R40) was more than a little bit annoying - Could this not be included in the race fee?
• Have a designated spot for each competitor for his/her bike (ie number each spot) It was a bit of a free-for-all at bike check-in with everyone parking there bike wherever they like.
• Did I miss the race t-shirt? Website states that each competitor will receive a "Limited edition Event Garment / Item". As I didn't see any race shirts at the end I could only assume that the item was the branded notebook? (I don't count the Miway cap as it's not an event garment)
• Have some way of letting competitors still on the course know (siren?) that the race has been suspended. I did complete the full course, but spent the last couple of kays of running dodging lightning bolts
• Road closure - I had a couple of close calls with cars turning in front of me, going 80km/h on a downhill and having car cut in front of you was not the most pleasurable experience. Also, with the bike course only being 30km, surely a plan can be made to close at least part of the course. Even more so with the run course which is really only 3.5km. It was a bit annoying with cars weaving between competitors the whole time.
• The swim course seemed about 200m/300m short? I checked a few people on Strava and all seemed to have measured +- 1700m instead of 1900m.
• I know this doesn't have anything to do with the organizers, and it is a bit pedantic, but the venue did look a bit run down with weeds and grass all over the paved areas. Maybe tidy up a little.
• Never saw a marshal on the bike, quite a few people I saw drafting on the bike
• Don't know what went wrong with the time adjustments of people that had their race cut short. Running time is

 

For other competitors:

• I read beforehand that some people reckoned that the bike course is fairly technical and that a road bike as opposed to a TT bike will probably be better. I can't really say that I found the course all that technical (did it on a TT bike) but do ensure that you have the correct gearing on your bike. There are three sharp little bastards climbs at the turn-around which makes you suffer. For me, having the 11-23 cassette I had on was a bit of a struggle.

[Collen Future Fit Sports Coach]

 

Also did the race this weekend, for the most part it was an enjoyable experience.

The good:

- Nice, challenging course

- Easy, quick registration

- Quick access to and from the venue

- The meals at the end were a nice touch

- Nice nutrition on course (GU, water, coke, gels, banana)

 

Some constructive criticism though:

• Security with regards to bikes and the race bags were lacking. After the race, I could literally walk in and take any bike/race bag I wanted without anyone stopping/checking me.
• On the Saturday (registration day), the staff at the Midmar reserve didn't seem to have any clue about an event that was due to happen the following day.
• Paying for entrance (R40) was more than a little bit annoying - Could this not be included in the race fee?
• Have a designated spot for each competitor for his/her bike (ie number each spot) It was a bit of a free-for-all at bike check-in with everyone parking there bike wherever they like.
• Did I miss the race t-shirt? Website states that each competitor will receive a "Limited edition Event Garment / Item". As I didn't see any race shirts at the end I could only assume that the item was the branded notebook? (I don't count the Miway cap as it's not an event garment)
• Have some way of letting competitors still on the course know (siren?) that the race has been suspended. I did complete the full course, but spent the last couple of kays of running dodging lightning bolts
• Road closure - I had a couple of close calls with cars turning in front of me, going 80km/h on a downhill and having car cut in front of you was not the most pleasurable experience. Also, with the bike course only being 30km, surely a plan can be made to close at least part of the course. Even more so with the run course which is really only 3.5km. It was a bit annoying with cars weaving between competitors the whole time.
• The swim course seemed about 200m/300m short? I checked a few people on Strava and all seemed to have measured +- 1700m instead of 1900m.
• I know this doesn't have anything to do with the organizers, and it is a bit pedantic, but the venue did look a bit run down with weeds and grass all over the paved areas. Maybe tidy up a little.
• Never saw a marshal on the bike, quite a few people I saw drafting on the bike
• Don't know what went wrong with the time adjustments of people that had their race cut short. Running time is

 

For other competitors:

• I read beforehand that some people reckoned that the bike course is fairly technical and that a road bike as opposed to a TT bike will probably be better. I can't really say that I found the course all that technical (did it on a TT bike) but do ensure that you have the correct gearing on your bike. There are three sharp little bastards climbs at the turn-around which makes you suffer. For me, having the 11-23 cassette I had on was a bit of a struggle.

 

Yep, valid points, I was stopped at the exit where bags and numbers and bikes were checked, maybe they got slack... the gearing was so not right on my bike... I had all flats gearing and that cost me loads of time... nice spot that too :-)