A long 116 mile bike and "buzz saw" run makes this course formidable if you don't have the proper plan and raceday strategy. Our key bike sessions most remember when preparing for this course in their training peaks plan.... we build up lots of firepower on the bike in training only to not use it in favor of unleashing efforts on the run. We LOVE this course as our Tristar plan includes a sound raceday strategy prepared by our TSA level III coaches that beats out the competition. We find pacing so crucial to both the bike and run that we have been able to have our athletes consistently beat "fitter" athletes based on pacing intelligence. Ask your Tristar coach about our proprietary pacing calculator for this race when registering for this plan and coaching. — Adam Daniels, TSA Level III Coach
“The beast of the Ironman East Coast! It is one of the top Ironman races on the circuit and we as TSA coaches love it because our training plan and raceday strategies help you achieve your goals. This course takes "artwork" in terms of preparation and pacing.” —Coach Adam Daniels, TSA Level II Coach
Connecticut 70.3 is a fantastic test of early season fitness with 3800 feet of climbing on the bike and an additional 900 feet on the run. With early summer temperatures typically on the cooler side, the most important part of managing this course (besides enjoying the beautiful New England views) is controlling your efforts on the many hills and not burning too many matches early in the race. Do this, and you’re sure to start your season off on the right foot.
Tulsa is NOT flat... ! The rollers on the bike in this area + the heat will challenge most long course racers as they ride through the Ossage Hills. The run leaves Oklahoma State University’s Tulsa campus and make its way through historic vibrant downtown Tulsa to the River Parks Trail System. Runners will have flat and fast views of the Arkansas River as they make their way down past Tulsa’s Gathering Place and back to downtown to finish at the beautiful Guthrie Green. Our Tristar coaches have a plan for being balanced on all three disciplines and hill specificities to ensure a great run off the bike.. — Coach Cliff, TSA Level III Coach
A beautiful and scenic race but not to mention challenging. Those who can rise to the occasion on this tough course will move up the ranks. Not a first timers course but certainly one if you are looking to test your limits. Our Tristar Athletes plan for this course develops the necessary sessions for extensive muscular endurance found both on the bike and run course. Each training block will have regular testing to ensure you are making progress towards your goals and raceday. - Coach Cliff Scherb, TSA Level III Coach
The air may be thin but the training is “thick”! Steady ups and downs on the bike and run course make this course challenging but quick. Quick? The bike paced well with our Tristar Athletes plan teaches you how to pedal when up to speed and coast when effort is not needed. Onto the run you will benefit from key sessions we put together that tax your legs when running uphill. Our coaches know Boulder, live in Boulder and can help you be your best at this course. —Adam Daniels, TSA Level III Coach
A single loop wetsuit legal swim without any "drama" to worry about in the gorgeous waters of Elk Lake. One single loop of the coastline on the bike gets your legs slightly fatigued for the run but nothing too difficult if you stick to the Tristar plan. The total bike training load is slightly weighted in the plan versus swim and run stress to the training plan during the final build phases. For the run specific aspects of your training plan we have created treadmill to trail specific run sessions that are unique to the event. —Cliff Scherb, TSA Level III Coach
The air may be thin but the training is “thick”! Steady ups and downs on the bike and run course make this course challenging but quick. Quick? The bike paced well with our Tristar Athletes plan teaches you how to pedal when up to speed and coast when effort is not needed. Onto the run you will benefit from key sessions we put together that tax your legs when running uphill. Our coaches know Boulder, live in Boulder and can help you be your best at this course. —Adam Daniels, TSA Level III Coach
Plenty of bike climbing and technical descents will challenge athletes on the course. How you pace your day and these hills will dictate what happens on the run. Athletes will want to follow the key mid week Tristar training plan session bricks that simulate the "Pemberton flats" so as not to blow up your run legs. This is one of our favorite courses to coach and dial in your training plan. — Haluk Sarci, TSA Level II Coach
A very underrated Ironman that is one of our favorite courses as coaches here at Tristar Athletes. The hills keep coming on the bike and can really slow even the strongest of Ironmen and Ironwoman. This Tristar plan calls for vertical elevation training specific to this course with sessions that take you at and beyond the TSS required to ride well on this course. All sessions sync with your devices so you can learn to pace both the bike and run well. Our Raceday nutrition plan and strategy also are a Tristar favorite for this race.. — Adam Daniels, TSA Level III Coach
...Don't be deceived this bike course has some elevation! For the Tristar plan we dial up the total training stress and hill work to be well prepared. (Be sure to tell us if you live somewhere flat ; ) ....Featured bike and run course specific time trials are part of this plan as well for IMLV. This ironman course takes place in the South in October which can be warmer during the day and cooler in the morning and evenings with heat being less of an issue. The flat run finishing on Fourth street is fun as the fans pull you home! —Cliff Scherb, TSA Level III Coach
You'd better be ready! This hot and hilly long ride is one you will remember and especially if you don't prepare. Our custom Tristar BWR plan takes you to new heights - literally on the road and trainer with awesome Strava workout sessions to get you fit.
One of the tougher half ironman on the Ironman circuit. Hilly and extensive long climbs on the bike make this course one of our favorites here at Tristar. For your plan we feature muscular endurance sessions for the bike and the run to make sure your go big in the desert. (*Plan includes custom course Zwift workout files)
