70.3? Doable? You bet!
Everyone of us who have been associated with triathlons and all of the varying distances have been asked about the Ironman New Orleans 70.3 event coming in April 2009. This distance, 70.3 sounds overwhelming, now throw in the name Ironman and wow, this event must be for the chosen few.

Is this a race only for the elite athlete in a fringe sport? Not so, we all have had this thought at one time but with proper training have proven that this is a doable event for the beginner triathlete, even a first timmer! . Years of trial and error have given us the knowledge and experience to break down the three sports into portions we can digest with our already busy lives. Just like your first 5k or Crescent City Classic this distance is made for the New Orleanian can-do psyche. A 70.3 parade with a first-class party at the end.
But…. back to the distance.

70.3 means 1.2 mile swim, 56 miles of riding a bike and finishing on foot, to run and/or walk 13.1 miles later. But if you are a local, we know what the distance really means, a couple of loops in a wetsuit around the Swimhole pilings, a ride out and back to the Chef Pass. bridge and a meandering 13 mile path that leads us to the French Quarter where the good times begins.

Now we’re talking! Where else can you participate in a international event and finish in a place known for the best food and partying in the world…the French Quarter. Imagine the gathering of friends, family and the Spring tourist season coming together to greet the athletes as they finish in front of Jackson Square.
This event will be both a party and parade for the elite and first time participants.
First, let’s start with training. The GNOtri site has received a lot of requests for training information.

We’ve simplified the base and adaptation training to 1 phrase, “two-fer + 1”. That’s 2 runs, 2 bike rides and 2 swims. The “+ 1” is a workout that includes a combination of a swim and bike workout or a bike and run session. All of the workouts are low key and low intensity. Of course there are some equipment basics, fitted running shoes, we recommend our shoe sponsor, Phiddipedes, a bicycle, we’re lucky to have 2 local bike shops, Bicycle World and Bicycle Connection as our sponsors and a pool.

We know the pool can be the toughest to come by. There are facilities through out the city with available pool sites like the Elmwood Fitness Center, Kenner Y, East Jefferson Wellness Center, UNO, the Reilly Center, JCC, NOAC and other swim clubs around the city. Of course this is just an overview but the training isn’t far off what will be expected to be apart of the 2500+ participants included in this 70.3 mile parade. I know there’s also a lot of talk about potential “Dream Teams” for the race. Who can put together the best male, female and mixed team. What’s the best time our best local trio can manage?
Checkout our GNOtri site and share your questions and triathon experiences through our own egroup chat.