Ironman 70.3 Durban

[Cycling Major]

I think there will be many many crappy reviews on the whole setup of the race.

 

To go up and down for check in, with limited parking was crazy and took such a long time, when comparing it to something like EL.

 

On race day there were 2 shuttles running from Sun Coast to the start, with over 2000 athletes to transport, resulting in a 30min delay in starting. This is not to even mention spectators that wanted to join in.

We then drove all the way to the start as they noted that spectators would be transported back to Sun Coast after the swim, and again, my parents had to walk all the way back (And its flippen far)....

I normally always take a pump to the bike, but since they ensured they will have enough and we should not worry, I didn't.  Got there are with over 2000 bikes, they had about 8-10 pumps... RIDICULOUS!!!

 

Ok so now that my rant is over... Race went quite well... Very lekke course and the weather played its part

 

Had an amazing swim and by far quicker than I expected. Got out of the water in 34min (very happy)

 

Jumped on the bike (after the very long run in cleats) and flew all the way to Zimbali...

Had a bit of an incident on the bike where my rear box completely broke off with a small rough section on the road. Left it there and hoped that I wouldn't get a flat.

On the way back I was surprised how the wind was hurting the legs and it ended up being quite a hard ride back.

I must be honest I did not enjoy the loop, with cyclist joining on the on-ramp, resulting in massive bunches for the last 10km or so...

Ended up with a bike time of 2:44

 

Jumped off the bike and started with the run... The plan was to not overcook the run in the first 10km so wanted to run 5:30/km, and then speed up a bit after.

After the first 10km I started to feel the pain and could just maintain the pace I was running at. Had to tick off kay by kay and mentally push through.

Had a bit of a tough run in the end but luckily could maintain the 5:30...

 

Total time ended up being 5:28, with the goal being 5:30... SO very very excited and happy with the overall... Much improvement after EL

 

Also super proud of my wife... She started training with me about 3.5 months ago, starting from scratch. She finished the race with 23min to spare and since she has never been the sporty type I think she pumped the race

She is so amped and I think the bug bit. We will be setting up her Tri bike this week...

 

So we will be proper Triathletes soon :-)

[Groadie]

This was my first Triathlon. And I must say that the administration left me stone cold...that walking to and fro was a real ball-ache. So whilst I believe they could centralise and improve on certain things (in other areas the organisation is very slick!) it was a great experience despite some initial gripes with that.

 

As a mountain-biker (mainly) I enjoyed watching the sleek TT bikes rolling along. I was on my standard road bike (no tri bars) and definitely felt the difference between the two sets of weapons. I think my heavier build (93kg) is good for that kind of riding.... 

 

I knew I would bleed on the run (I did) but happy with a 5:38 at my first shot at this. Thanks again for this thread and advice given along the way. Much appreciated. I hope all of you who competed realised your own goals....

[bclark]

Are there any photos out of the days event, or the medal photos?

[shaper]

Are there any photos out of the days event, or the medal photos?

Give it a few days

 

https://www.finisherpix.com/events/single-view/standard-bank-ironman-703-durban-2017.html

[bclark]

Give it a few days

 

https://www.finisherpix.com/events/single-view/standard-bank-ironman-703-durban-2017.html

 

Thanks

[shaper]

So I see Jeannie Dreyer of Munga fame and ultra distance events did her first 70.3 and won her age group in 5:03 http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/durban/results.aspx?rd=20170618&race=durban70.3&bidid=2699&detail=1#axzz4kWlrQPhU

[bclark]

By the looks of things, Matt Trautmans brother is one to watch.

 

Came 6th.

 

http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/durban/results.aspx?rd=20170618&race=durban70.3&bidid=685&detail=1

[Chris_]

So I see Jeannie Dreyer of Munga fame and ultra distance events did her first 70.3 and won her age group in 5:03 http://eu.ironman.com/triathlon/events/emea/ironman-70.3/durban/results.aspx?rd=20170618&race=durban70.3&bidid=2699&detail=1#axzz4kWlrQPhU

 

That's awesome

[Andymann]

This was my Garmin after supporting my wife - from the swim, to our hotel, to T2 and on the run and then fetching bikes and bags for her after.

 

So yea, logistically it wasn't great

[ScottCM]

Wow what an experience for a novice like me. My plan was to start near the back of the 40+ min batch for the swim as I was expecting to be out the water in round 48min. By the time I got to the line I was the third last row to start even though I was following the correct board all along.

 

With a quick spit in the googles and swipe through the water they were set on the face and off I went. Shortly after turning left down the back straight my right calf started to act up with the tell-tale signs of cramps. This after a grand total of 425m! After numerous breaststroke breaks I found that the kicking action just made to onset of cramps that much greater, but by now in both calves, not just the left.  Anyway, it was here when I saw the only fish the entire swim, a very impressive grouper like looking fish.  Needless to say I was so happy to take the final right hand turn to head down the home straight. With what must have been the smallest of waves knocking me over thanks to the full on lock down from the cramps in both legs, I ended up flapping in the shore break like a beached whale.

 

Eventually I was able to get myself on my feet and after a few tugs at my toes to try and alleviate the pain I was off heading up the sandpit to T1 in 37:42. Man the wetsuit makes a massive difference!!

Maybe it is because I’m such a noob, but I would have put the changing mat and tent after the shower. Unfortunately I only saw them after wiping my feet off with a towel and getting dressed and heading for my bike. This left some sand in between my toes creating some lovely blisters.

The no overtaking zone was more like a neutral zone with extra slow overtaking from what I saw. Something I have absolutely no problems. With my cramping issues I thought it best to try and keep my HR down to below 150BPM (Zone 3) for as long as possible.

While overtaking someone on the way to Ballito, the ref was very quick to be on them for not leaving my wheel. Ironically though, nor they or any other ref did anything to put a stop to the massive bunches heading back into town. 

While the race was relatively flat in relation to other cycle events at only 635m (According to my Garmin), trying to keep ones HR in Z3 is tremendously difficult on every little incline. I had to sit up and watch everyone pass me who I worked to pass on the occasional flat and declines.  All in all I was happy to climb off the bike after an avg HR of 143 and 3H 24mn later.

In fact my ass was so happy to be off the seat, that I totally forgot about the cramps and hit the running way, way to fast. While stopping for a nature break which lasted for what seemed like an eternity, my legs just didn’t not want to work anymore. With the first 6km @ round the 5min pace, after the forced stop I was in a position that I could no longer even afford to walk the water tables for fear of total cramp lock out in all my leg muscles, from calves, quads even glutes. While I know its nothing compared to the shuffle that marathon and ultra-athletes go through, for me it was the first time I was in “this” dance to the line. Just as I came out from under the walk way of Moses Mabida stadium that mini incline increased the pressure on my left ITB to the point of a grinding halt.  I was fortunate enough to be able to get it to ease up once the elevation levelled out again and seeing my family on the stands at the finish line cheering me on gave me the strength to cross the line in a total time of 6Hours 32min.

 

While it is nothing compared to what some of you have already accomplished, it was my proudest sporting achievement to date and seeing the sense of pride in my son’s eyes is something I will treasure for eternity.

[Stretch]

 it was my proudest sporting achievement to date and seeing the sense of pride in my son’s eyes is something I will treasure for eternity.

 

THIS is why we do these things - not only for ourselves, but to instill a sense of what it is to accomplish goals for our offspring.

 

Well done Scott!

[MarcBurger]

1st ironman for me:

• Swim - Wasn't looking forward to the swim. Turned out to be absolutely beautiful conditions.
• Ride - Last minute adjustments to the bike turned out to be a *** idea, then a busted tribar pad. Not as enjoyable as I imagined.
• Run - Survived. The lekker scenery and power support made it enjoyable. 

06:30:28

 

#willdoitagaininaheartbeat #longhashtags

[Wheelsuck]

I think the general trend here is that IM has still not got it right. 

• The Bag collection was a stuff up
• Long rows at the final feed zone-I dont stand in a quee for food.
• The Finisher shirts are crap-Merrel was awesome and so are the bags-My Malawian gardener now tells me he only wants IM bags not 70.3 as it is "F#CKED UP-Too Easy" his words not mine .
• Dafting fest-big bunches-two of us old toppies were overtaken by the bunches a lot sporting their I AM TRUE sticker-we had a good moan as old people do and slogged on. 
• T1=700M we're the going or a Guinnes Record?      

On a positive:

• We swam
• It was a nice day
• People seemed to stay off the run course-caught some surfing action event happening.
• The IM Africa Tour Medal is GANGSTA-I look like Eminem with it-think I will use it as a coaster or a serving dish. 

 

As for the Race:

Swim was nice and the rolling start works. I  started quite up front as I wanted to be home by Lunch and I took one look at T1 and knew it was going to be a Black Friday Sale stampede. Swam a 34min and still had to find a spot to change.   

Bike was quiet and no incidents except I lost my Front Load Bottle that flew off somewhere and it was just gone. Also lost my second bottle so had to make due. Biked a 2:46.

 

Run was better than I expected and there was more spectators this year I think and a lot to take your mind off the pain. For the first time hit the HIGH 5 Cafeine-now that kicks like a mule. And then Finish and BEER!!!!  

 

I have one more 70.3 to get to my magic number and then its me done with this franchise-its just done to cheap and in general the quality of the 70.3 races has deteriorated. 

[Chris_]

 

Shortly after turning left down the back straight my right calf started to act up with the tell-tale signs of cramps. This after a grand total of 425m! After numerous breaststroke breaks I found that the kicking action just made to onset of cramps that much greater, but by now in both calves, not just the left.  

 

 

This is the absolute worst. You feel it creeping up on you and there's nothing you can do about it...

 

Well done on soldiering through!

[Chris_]

 

On a positive:

•  
• People seemed to stay off the run course-caught some surfing action event happening.

 

This really got me at the last Ultra event in Durbs. Full families strung out across the promenade with their kids throwing balls at us running past. Glad IM got a handle on it.

[_David_]