Silverman is approaching fast

Posted October 22nd, 2007 by patrick123

So here we go, I am about 3 weeks out from the Silverman 1/2 ironman event in Las Vegas, NV.  I only have one triathlon under my belt and about 5 bike races/time trials for the year (although my last time trial of the year I averaged almost 25mph for the entire race with some pretty good headwinds).  My high end race experience is definately lacking for this year but my triathlon racing experience is now hitting about 10yrs.  For the year, I have close to 3000 miles on the bike, nearly 500 miles running, and just under 100 miles swimming.  I definately have the mileage for the race.
The things I am nervous about:  this course is very hilly on both the bike and run, the race is November 11th (temps. can get cold in Vegas during this time of the year), I will perform best at a racing weight of 153-155lbs (currently I weigh 160lbs and it's hard to lose weight when the weather is cold and man-o-man do I love Qdoba burritos, pizza, and ice cream!), my 1/2 ironman experience has been on mostly flat courses.  I am a high 4hr/low 5hr 1/2ironman athlete and I am just not sure if this is going to be a fast day and I think that a 6hr. day for a 1/2 ironman will flat out suck!!!
The positives:  racing on my Litespeed Blade TT bike (one of the best and most desired TT bikes ever produced), putting on my Zipp 909 racing wheel set, using my new Spiuk aero helmet, and putting on a good pair of racing flats for the 1/2 marathon run (I usually run good when I put on my Asics racing flats - never have used a pair in a longer event, however - I need them to make my big legs and muscle butt run faster!!!).
I have received some limited advice from fellow Athlete in you members regarding this race and 'am greatful for all the comments so far.  However, I am hoping that there are more of you out there that can really give me a good description on this race (although this race is only a couple years new and this is the first year they have added the 1/2 ironman to compliment the ironman race).  Anyone please feel free to comment on the bike and run course as the description on their website is very vague.  Thanks in advance to everyone for your much needed advice.

Silverman

AGBurnett's picture
On October 25th, 2007 AGBurnett said:

I dont know anyone who has done that race, Pat, but since I spend frequent time down there, all I can say is the conditions will mimic Reno's in the early summer -- dry, windy, and warm.  The lake is nice and warm, and I imagine you are in for a hilly, boring ride course and run.  You will do well, though, because of your training.  I am hoping to run with you and Chris this weekend.  Later.

Go Back to Bud Light

Trithesport's picture
On October 22nd, 2007 Trithesport said:

Not drinking it, but the Bud Light Olympic Distance National Championship Series was there every year for several years.  The climb out of Lake Mead sounded like a killer warm up!  So maybe look at Triathlete Mag archives or maybe Riccitello has done that one in his past life.  Good luck.  You'll have to blog your race and say how it goes.