Here are a few tips for a better Ironman 70.3. Regardless of whether you are a first-time finisher or Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, these tips can help you finish faster and fresher.These tips come from my own accumulated experience as a long-time age-grouper turned pro and Ironman Champion competing in 50+ 70.3s.
Race Week - Pre-Race
#1 Less is more - this is the theme of the week. The hay is in the barn. The logistics of Ironman 70.3 may keep you busy, but resist the temptation to get in any more serious training. It will only hurt you!
#2 Start planning your recovery now - it is easy to get caught up in what you need to do for the race, but think about recovery too! There are a few basic things you can do to expedite the recovery process. One of the simplest and most effective is having a family members bring you a protein shake immediately post race. I wrote a separate article on Ironman 70.3 recovery.
#3 - Get good sleep - The night before the race you probably won't sleep well. Don't sweat it! Worrying about it will just make it harder to sleep. Instead, focusing on sleep in the days leading up to the race - especially the sleep two nights before the race. Do whatever it takes to create the proper sleeping environment for yourself. Take an extra day off from work if you can.
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| Rolling thru the corn fields at one my favorite 70.3s |
#5 - Write a list of everything you need before travel - Write a list of everything you need then check it off as you pack. If you forget something don't stress it. You can likely get whatever you need on site.
#6 - Stay hydrated. Focus on staying hydrated before the race. This is especially important if you are traveling by air or have a road trip.
Race Day Morning
#1 - Morning breakfast - aim to have your breakfast finished no later than 2 hours before the start of your race. The simpler the breakfast the better.
For me, I keep it super simple with two Ensure Plus (700 calories) + a couple of gels. Yes gels for breakfast. I know that sounds gross to many but it is fast to digest and I know the result for me. I have another gel about 20 minutes before the start of the race. Do whatever works for you.
#2 - Be mindful of race day logistics - if this is your first 70.3 or your first 70.3 at this particular event give yourself more time for unplanned things like traffic, bathrooms, etc that can leave you feeling rushed.
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| Keep it simple with Body Glide + Sunscreen |
#4 - If you aren't allowed a swim warm-up - bring swim cords to get the body warmed up.
#5 - If the water is really cold (ie below 62) - Try to get in and warm up. If that isn't allowed dump a bottle of water in your wetsuit a few minutes before getting in. This will help build a barrier and the cold water won't shock the system when you do finally jump in.
The Actual Race
1# - Slow down - You are likely tapered, excited, and caffeinated, and it is very easy to start too fast. The beginning of each segment should feel easy - if it doesn't feel easy you are going too hard!
I suggest the 20% rule. For roughly 20% of each segment (ie, the first 400 meters of the swim, 10 miles of the bike, and 3 miles of the run) start below your race pace effort for that segment. This will allow your body to work into the effort and this is likely the fastest way to do the race regardless of your fitness.
#2 - Check your ego - don't let your ego get the best of you on race day. There will be people who are faster and slower than you and they come in all shapes and sizes. Stick to your race plan! Stick to your pace! Don't chase!
#3 - Be mindful of transition - Your heart rate will be very high in the transition from swim to bike. Be mindful of running thru transition and try to consciously slow down a bit. With the excitement of the crowd. it is very easy to get carried away and blow your race.
#4 - Keep the nutrition simple - the less stuff you have on your bike the better from an aerodynamics, digestive, and simplicity standpoint. Focus on foods that are easily absorbed and digested even with a high heart rate. Gels, gummies, and very basic bars work the best.
#5 - It is ok to walk during run - yes sometimes incorporating some walking can be faster than continuous running. Doing so can give your muscles a chance to reset, your core temperature falls, and your body absorbs calories. Try incorporating strategic walking for 5-15 seconds thru an aid station.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Craig Alexandar (3x Ironman World Champion) walked sections of the Ironman Kona marathon when he set the course record? Strategic incorporation of some walking can yield faster running.
#6 - Keeping your core temp cool on hot days - For hot and/or humid races it is important to make sure you keep your core temperature in check. Overheating the body is a sure way to slow your pace and make for a miserable run. Start the first 5k on the run below race pace.
You can help shed heat by grabbing ice and carrying it in your hands, chewing on ice, dumping ice down your jersey or shorts, wearing a visor, grabbing sponges and glasses of water and dumping them on your head, neck, and shoulders.
#7 - If food or drink keeps coming back up - Then you are likely going too hard and/or taking in too much. Slow down and give your body a chance to digest whatever is in your stomach. You can't force it, your body is smart. Switch to water if you feel thirsty.
#8 - Positive attitude & smile - Racing is as much about attitude as anything. For full Ironmans I always tell people if they can't smile at any point they are going too hard!
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| Trying to practicing what I preach - Smiling & starting slow to finish strong! |
#9 - If you are struggling - try setting smaller goals - like getting to the next aid station. Take it one pedal stroke and one stride at a time.
Also, try giving someone else encouragement - you would be surprised by how much energy you get back from what you give.
#9 Enjoy the finish - Finishing is awesome. Slow down and enjoy the finishing chute emotions.
Lastly if you are a triathlete or endurance athlete, I have set up a FREE Ironman Q&A group on Facebook. Feel free to ask any question you might have about Ironman Training or endurance sports.
A few more Ironman 70.3 race tips for first-time triathletes
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| Body glide is your friend |
#1 - Body glide is your friend - make sure you have Body Glide for the back of your neck, arms, nipples, armpits, and legs to prevent chafing. In addition, Body Glide makes taking off a wetsuit much easier, and it prevents serious chaffing to your neck.
#2 - Avoid changing clothes - you would be surprised just how hard it is to change clothes in transition. First, clothes don't go on wet very easily. Second, you might have severe mobility restrictions from tighter muscles after the swim. Third, you heart rate is high and your manual dexterity is greatly reduced
#3 - Never make your first open-water swim the race - If you have never swam in open-water please at least swim open-water once before race day. Swimming in open-water is different than a pool.
#4 - Never make the race your first swim in a wetsuit - Wetsuits can be restrictive, both from a physical perspective but also psychologically. Get comfortable with your wetsuit by swimming in it prior to the race. Join an open water swim group or practice in the pool. If you don't have a wetsuit you should consider one... they make a big difference in terms of speed and buoyancy. Here is an article on some things to think about when purchasing a NEW wetsuit.
