Tuesday, March 31, 2009

New Orleans 70.3 Predictions

Some say this will jinx the whole race. Whatever. I don’t believe that stuff. Here’s what I’m THINKING I can do on Sunday ON A GOOD DAY, comparing my predictions to my past 2 Half IM splits:

1.2 Mile Swim:
- 2007: 44:35
- 2008: 38:13 (maybe a little short)
- NO Prediction: 39:30

56 Mile Bike:
- 2007: 3:05:13
- 2008: 2:54 (short - around 3:00 if correct distance)
- NO Prediction: 2:50 (18.5 mph)

13.1 Mile Run:
- 2007: 1:48
- 2008: 1:53
- NO Prediction: 1:40

Transitions:
- 2007: 9:08 total
- 2008: 7:57 total
- NO Prediction: 9:00

TOTAL:
- 2007: 5:47:13
- 2008: 5:33:58 (but a little short overall)
- NO Prediction: around 5:20??

Notes on those splits:
- Bike!?!? I’ve been on my new bike, Goldilocks, for 2 whole outdoor rides. I’ve spent a good amount of time on my trainer and in spin classes, but it’s the bike portion of the day that I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO EXPECT!! Training for a Half IM over the winter in MN leaves many questions.
- In 2008, I did the run in a Grim Reaper outfit, so that’s why my run was 5 minutes slower (even though I was in better running shape). Remember this?



I’d love to PR. I’d LOVE to go sub-5:30. I’d REALLY LOVE to go sub-5:20. I should just make sure to finish the race. A good time would just be icing on the cake.

If I can find a nearby WI-FI spot in NO, I hope to post a few quick posts and photos when we’re down there. So check back Friday through Monday to see what’s going on!! I CAN’T WAIT!!! Wish us all luck!!

61 comments:

  1. GOOD GOOD GOOD luck Steve!

    You are going to ROCK!

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  2. i stand by my prediction! keep your transitions fast and i wont be wrong! have fun and make sure your #1 goal is to finish.

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  3. Good luck, I'll be thinking of you this weekend, you will do awesome! :D

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  4. I want that runner in the Black Knight Army!

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  5. GOOD LUCK to you and Pharmie!!!

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  6. Good luck! Drink chickory coffee, it's the trick... :)

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  7. It's going to be GREAT! See you soon. I wish you all the best!

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  8. Good luck to all! I smell a PR.

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  9. Good luck; you'll have a blast - eat a beneigt for me.

    This is funny though - I was reading NO as meaning the opposite of yes, so I thought you were attempting to not jinx yourself by a non-prediction prediction. And then I realized NO meant New Orleans. And I'm from down there, I should know - I'm a goober sometimes.

    We called it NOLA when we were down there last summer...

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  10. Those look like solid prdictions - not a jinx just careful planning!

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  11. So it took me till the end of the post to remember that your race is abbreviated NO. I thought you were saying "no" prediction, to not jynx yourself. Very strange. I can't believe you bike 56miles?! I don't know if I told you but my biking portion of the indoor tri on Sunday was the slowest of the whole thing. That's right, I got the dreaded (1) next to my score. I deserved it. Next time it'll be better. So I'm in awe of your bike, just FYI. GOOD LUCK! Can't wait to hear all about it.

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  12. Good luck steve and as you know, i love the grim outfit! Kick some butt!

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  13. GOOD LUCK!!!!!! you will do awesome!!!!

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  14. You're going to do great! Good luck!

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  15. Good luck to you and Pharmie. I'm hoping for a sub 5:30. Regardless, it'll be fun. Hope to meet you guys down there.

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  16. Whoo whoo! Good luck! After the race, be sure to look around the local bars for Amy (above) Melissa and I! It's going to be a good time - hope to see you there!

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  17. GOOD LUCK out there! I'll be thinking of you guys and sending good vibes your way. I'm sure you'll do great!!

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  18. Good luck! Have a safe trip and race. I can't wait to read the race report. Being from MN you should be checking the weather report obsessively, at least that is what I would be doing right now. Go fast!

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  19. My best half was 5:51, so you are out of my league. I don't see any reason why you can't make it happen given your training to date. Good luck! You can do it!

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  20. Good luck, Steve!! Enjoy yourself before, during and after your race! NO is a special town! I know you will do awesome!! You have prepared for this PR!!

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  21. I heard the song playing during your grim reaper dancing and immediately though of your antics. The song and the costume are now linked for me.

    Best of luck in the race! You've definitely put in the time to own it. Have a great trip down there.

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  22. Could be pretty warm and humid, though - might make sense to go a bit slower on the bike, stay well hydrated and figure it will serve you well on the run...

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  23. Best of luck to the Stenzel Clan!! My prediction: You both will have a great race and a great time!

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  24. That's a good goal dude. Bring it home.

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  25. Good luck to you both, and here's wishing you a great finish!

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  26. New Orleans is a fun place and I bet the crowd is going to be CRAZY! Have fun and good luck to all.

    Stacy

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  27. Good luck!!! Have an awesome time out there!!

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  28. Good luck! I hope i get you meet you and Pharmie down there.
    I go out in the VERY LAST wave so y'all might be nappng by the time I finish.

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  29. Good luck! Swim, Bike, and Run FAST!

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  30. GOOD LUCK! have a great race, steve !!

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  31. Good luck buddy.

    I STILL laugh out loud at the grim reaper costume every time I see it.

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  32. I welcome you to my town.

    Enjoy and hope to meet you.

    Look for the big guy - that'll be me . . .

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  33. GOOD LUCK STEVE!

    You will rock it!!

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  34. Good luck to both of you in NO. I will be at Oceanside trying to manage a PR on my 2nd 70.3 ever.

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  35. I've something to say to both of you.

    GOOD LUCK!

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  36. Good Luck to the fastest IM 1/2 I'll ever see!

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  37. Best of luck, have a blast in NOLA and kick some arse. I know you will.

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  38. good luck dude! love the costume from last time. you are truly a nutcase. :) get out there and rock n'awlins!

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  39. rock the shit out of NO steve!

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  40. steve - keep an eye out for my old QT2 coaches and teammates - i fully expect Tim Snow/Cait Snow/Jesse Kropelnicki will make top 10 :) but i secretly (well not so secretly) hope Jen Harrison kicks more butt down in CA!

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  41. Have a great race you guys! Can't wait to read the reports!

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  42. Good Luck!!!!!!!! I am looking forward to reading all about your great times!

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  43. Good luck Steve! i will be there too try not to knock me over or anything.

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  44. Good luck, Steve!
    Good luck to Pharmie too!

    Will be sending good wishes all the way from Argentina!!!

    Gabriel

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  45. That's not jinxing anything Steve, that's just positive visualization! Have a great time (and a great Time)! Go Steve Go.

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  46. Best of luck to you and the wifey! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

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  47. Have a great time and I really hope you go sub 5:20!!! Ride Goldilocks like the wind :) hehe

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  48. Good luck meeting your predictions this Sunday!

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  49. Well Steve, I would LOVE to be at the finish line looking for finishers at 2:00!!! But I go out in the very last wave and will be having a great race to even be finishing then. So if y'all hang around for a while look for me. I will have on a yellow shirt with red flowers.

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  50. If you run in a Grim Reaper's outfit you HAVE TO SPRING FOR THE PHOTO. It's a rule.
    Good luck, I think you'll be markedly faster on that bike if you can keep the tuck. Either way hope both of you rock it.

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  51. Have been following eagerly on Ironman Live - congrats to both of you on some GOOD RACING!

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Thanks for your comments! Have a great day!