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Posted

Are there any half IM considered "good" vs. shitty.  I live in Houston so Galveston would make the most sense.  But the prospect of an 18 mph headwind scares me.  I should also mention that I'm in a low key cold war with my wife over excessive cardio.  I can tell she doesn't exactly think 15 hours a week on a bike is reasonable, with the kids and sports and all.  At the same time, I'm not out boozing, drugging, chasing girls or golfing, so she usually leaves me alone.  I've already tried to float the idea of vacationing somewhere to run a marathon and she was not exactly a big fan.  All this to say, it's going to take some craftsmanship to (1) get a tri bike, and (2) enter a race that requires travel.  I could drive to galveston the morning of and come home after, or stay at friend's beach house.  But flying to California because the breeze is nice is probably going to be a no-go.

Posted

I’ve heard NC is a really cool half IM as well as the one up in Boise. Galveston is pretty shitty IMO. I haven’t done it before but the thought of swimming in…that…and the shitty bike course makes me want to pass. Waco is your next closest and it’s OK. Gulf Coast is supposed to be the best course for first timers. It’s really flat, ocean swim. The wild card is the weather. The beaches are amazing in the PCB area.

For me, my wife knows I have to be doing something physical. She wanted an RV to road trip in. She’s a runner too so she loves cheering the athletes on. My son digs it too. You don’t have to have a tri bike to do an IM. Tons of people use road bikes. Try out a few shorter distance tris before you dive into the long distance to see if you like it.

Glad you’re on the mend @Clintonaldo. I got a 50% off code for another race in 2025. I told my wife I’m doing Waco again and she said I should just shoot my shot at a full. Chattanooga 2026?

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Posted
I’ve heard NC is a really cool half IM as well as the one up in Boise. Galveston is pretty shitty IMO. I haven’t done it before but the thought of swimming in…that…and the shitty bike course makes me want to pass. Waco is your next closest and it’s OK. Gulf Coast is supposed to be the best course for first timers. It’s really flat, ocean swim. The wild card is the weather. The beaches are amazing in the PCB area.
For me, my wife knows I have to be doing something physical. She wanted an RV to road trip in. She’s a runner too so she loves cheering the athletes on. My son digs it too. You don’t have to have a tri bike to do an IM. Tons of people use road bikes. Try out a few shorter distance tris before you dive into the long distance to see if you like it.
Glad you’re on the mend [mention=1080]Clintonaldo[/mention]. I got a 50% off code for another race in 2025. I told my wife I’m doing Waco again and she said I should just shoot my shot at a full. Chattanooga 2026?

Yes do it!
Are there any half IM considered "good" vs. shitty.  I live in Houston so Galveston would make the most sense.  But the prospect of an 18 mph headwind scares me.  I should also mention that I'm in a low key cold war with my wife over excessive cardio.  I can tell she doesn't exactly think 15 hours a week on a bike is reasonable, with the kids and sports and all.  At the same time, I'm not out boozing, drugging, chasing girls or golfing, so she usually leaves me alone.  I've already tried to float the idea of vacationing somewhere to run a marathon and she was not exactly a big fan.  All this to say, it's going to take some craftsmanship to (1) get a tri bike, and (2) enter a race that requires travel.  I could drive to galveston the morning of and come home after, or stay at friend's beach house.  But flying to California because the breeze is nice is probably going to be a no-go.

I think for your first you might want to do the closest one to you. There is so much that goes into it and it’s stressful enough without traveling 400 miles.
Posted
7 hours ago, Clintonaldo said:


Yes do it!
I think for your first you might want to do the closest one to you. There is so much that goes into it and it’s stressful enough without traveling 400 miles.

Great point. Very great point @Basil

Shoot for Galveston next year or Waco this year.

  • Like 1
Posted
The swim has a 50% chance of being cancelled Sunday. Does Ironman have the balls to cancel the swim on me twice in 8 months???? stay tuned

That would suck. Hope they man up and toss you all in the water. Every man for himself.
Posted
8 hours ago, pearlandhorn said:

I’ll be following and giving updates for you. What time do you head out? 7:30 I’d assume. Also since youre a high bib, I imagine you won’t roll out until about 9?

Good question. We kind of self seeded and I am closer to the front I think. I would guess around 8:00 eastern time I will finally take off. I’m probably not even arriving tomorrow until 7 since there isn’t anything to do but stand around. I can’t decide if I am going all out or just taking it easy and having fun. 
 

My buddy who got me into triathlons ( Kona finisher ) is beside me so I might go a little slower so he can stay with me. He is 64 but still pretty fast for his age. He is friends with the guy who brought Ironman to Chattanooga so yesterday we got to meet Michellie Jones who is an Australian silver medalist and Kona World Champion ( 06 I think ). 

Posted
3 hours ago, Clintonaldo said:

For anyone that is going to do a triathlon heed this advice. 
 

you don’t need to wear your fucking racing kit to bike check in. You look like a damn idiot. 

But bro! It makes me look like I know what I’m doing!

Posted

I ran 2 this morning. I am exhausted and had a small issue with my bike this morning. Tomorrow is now but nothing more than a training ride I did last summer multiple times yet I am nervous. I hope I wake up feeling better and enthusiastic. 

Posted

Forgot to mention my other buddy who is doing the race is hosting a pro this week by the name of Sam Appleton who is racing this weekend and I got to meet him. He has a good shot at winning tomorrow. Very nice and humble guy. 

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Posted
2 hours ago, Clintonaldo said:

I ran 2 this morning. I am exhausted and had a small issue with my bike this morning. Tomorrow is now but nothing more than a training ride I did last summer multiple times yet I am nervous. I hope I wake up feeling better and enthusiastic. 

What was wrong with your bike?

Posted
What was wrong with your bike?

Couldn’t get psi to show when pumping up front tire. I went to the Quintanaroo tent and they helped me. Some sealant got into the presta valve. It holds air fine and now I have it at the psi I need I am not messing with it tomorrow and I will figure it out after the race.
Posted

44 miles down, just over 2 hours in.  I was told last minute this morning that Clintonaldo would not be requiring his typical 4 eggs + biscuits and gravy at our post-race brunch.

Posted

Finished in just over 4:51. Fantastic bike leg of the race. I imagine he will be a tad disappointed in his HM time (2:06). Maybe he gassed himself a bit on the bike but nevertheless, fantastic job @Clintonaldo. You did hard shit today. Congratulations!!!

Posted
3 hours ago, pearlandhorn said:

GG bud. I also went for a run this morning and was on the struggle bus. It’s hot and humid in NE Texas as well.

Congrats again. Go lay down and get some water.

Appreciate your support. I’m on the verge of hanging it up. We will see. 

Posted
50 minutes ago, Clintonaldo said:

Appreciate your support. I’m on the verge of hanging it up. We will see. 

If you aren’t having fun with it, might be time. Running half marathons pushing a cart is a good substitute.

Posted
On 5/14/2025 at 5:47 AM, pearlandhorn said:

I’ve heard NC is a really cool half IM as well as the one up in Boise. Galveston is pretty shitty IMO. I haven’t done it before but the thought of swimming in…that…and the shitty bike course makes me want to pass. Waco is your next closest and it’s OK. Gulf Coast is supposed to be the best course for first timers. It’s really flat, ocean swim. The wild card is the weather. The beaches are amazing in the PCB area.

For me, my wife knows I have to be doing something physical. She wanted an RV to road trip in. She’s a runner too so she loves cheering the athletes on. My son digs it too. You don’t have to have a tri bike to do an IM. Tons of people use road bikes. Try out a few shorter distance tris before you dive into the long distance to see if you like it.

Glad you’re on the mend @Clintonaldo. I got a 50% off code for another race in 2025. I told my wife I’m doing Waco again and she said I should just shoot my shot at a full. Chattanooga 2026?

NC was my first one amazing race but the run can get a little boring because it’s an out and back and it’s a split transition so for your first time that can be confusing I really loved Pennsylvania. I did it the first year that it was out and that was awesome tough bike. Indian Wells is also really awesome but cold water like a mofo Chattanooga rocked as well but for a first one Indian Wells is pretty cool if you like cold water. 

Posted
4 hours ago, Clintonaldo said:

I am doing a 70.3 distance in August in Fall Creek Falls Tn and then likely getting a free entry for the 140.6 in September. I ran 3 yesterday and 6 today.

Free entry?

I cashed in my 50% off code from Florida. My son was sitting next to me when I signed up and my wife told me to do a different race than Waco. My son and I started looking at full distance and my son yelled “DAD! Do Chattanooga!” I said next year…my wife said why not this year?

Shes given the OK for full distance now. I just don’t think I can realistically get in training for a full this summer with work right now. 

Posted
Free entry?
I cashed in my 50% off code from Florida. My son was sitting next to me when I signed up and my wife told me to do a different race than Waco. My son and I started looking at full distance and my son yelled “DAD! Do Chattanooga!” I said next year…my wife said why not this year?
Shes given the OK for full distance now. I just don’t think I can realistically get in training for a full this summer with work right now. 

You could do a full and it would guarantee me doing it. I have a big discount code thanks to a friend. You just need to ride 100 miles twice but other than that ride 60-80 and run 7 and 8 a lot.
Posted
5 hours ago, Clintonaldo said:


You could do a full and it would guarantee me doing it. I have a big discount code thanks to a friend. You just need to ride 100 miles twice but other than that ride 60-80 and run 7 and 8 a lot.

You’re already doing it this year with or without me. I’ll pull your ass across the finish line next year when you’re cussing me out.

Posted
You’re already doing it this year with or without me. I’ll pull your ass across the finish line next year when you’re cussing me out.

Funny enough. My wife and I had a big talk today. I don’t want to but I think this year is it. I will get your hotel room next year and support you if you come do it.
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Posted
6 minutes ago, Clintonaldo said:


Funny enough. My wife and I had a big talk today. I don’t want to but I think this year is it. I will get your hotel room next year and support you if you come do it.

No need for hotel room. We will RV it. I’ll take a finishers beer though.

Posted
On 5/24/2025 at 5:11 PM, Clintonaldo said:

I ran 10 this morning with no breakfast or gels and every mile was a challenge. I’m still tired from Sunday. 

I ran 10 yesterday and it was a slog. It’s too hot and humid unless I get up at 5 and hit the road.

Was planning on riding this morning but was up late and I slept in. I’ll hit the bike in the morning and maybe hit the gym.

Ive noticed that after races, motivation is lacking. I should have taken a few more days off post race.

Posted
On 5/25/2025 at 8:50 PM, pearlandhorn said:

I ran 10 yesterday and it was a slog. It’s too hot and humid unless I get up at 5 and hit the road.

Was planning on riding this morning but was up late and I slept in. I’ll hit the bike in the morning and maybe hit the gym.

Ive noticed that after races, motivation is lacking. I should have taken a few more days off post race.

I did 60 on the bike Saturday and was getting nauseous the last 20.  I left about 7:45 and the sun was full out with a heat index of 100 when I was done.  I left at 5:15 on Monday and did the first 20 in the neighborhood with a headlight, and then hit the hike and bike trail when it got light.  There was a system coming through to the north, the weather stayed cloudy and mild and I did 75 and felt fine the whole time.

I was used to getting up way too early in years past to run before the sun came up.  I don't know why it didn't occur to me it would be the same with cycling.

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Posted
On 5/27/2025 at 9:14 AM, Basil said:

I did 60 on the bike Saturday and was getting nauseous the last 20.  I left about 7:45 and the sun was full out with a heat index of 100 when I was done.  I left at 5:15 on Monday and did the first 20 in the neighborhood with a headlight, and then hit the hike and bike trail when it got light.  There was a system coming through to the north, the weather stayed cloudy and mild and I did 75 and felt fine the whole time.

I was used to getting up way too early in years past to run before the sun came up.  I don't know why it didn't occur to me it would be the same with cycling.

Curious. Do you take anything to snack on when you go do these 60 mile rides?

Posted

For sixty, I'll usually take one water bottle, one gatorade bottle, a banana and a granola bar.  If its really hot or I add on more 15 or 30 more miles I'll stop at a gas station and refill the bottles, sometimes with a Fanta, and grab a carb-loaded bar or candy.  I know that's underfueling but I've never bonked, and these are just weekend rides.

Posted

Highly recommend Maurten Solid 160 or BPN's Go Bar for a carb-packed granola bar alternative. Also, LMNT prior to or during any longer ride for sodium replacement during the warmer months. 

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  • 2 weeks later...
Posted
On 5/29/2025 at 8:27 PM, Basil said:

Looks like the Maurtin is 40 carbs. The one I use is 36. Does the Maurtin have any other advantages?

Quicker digestion is what I’ve heard and read regarding Maurten. They don’t taste bad or have any taste at all really. The gels are a consistency of unflavored jello. I call them sugar boogers because they look like…well…

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