2021 saw Frankfort, Michigan play host to Ironman 70.3 Michigan and by all accounts, the event and location were tremendously popular! Successful amongst athletes, spectators, the community, and organizers. We at Organic Coaching wanted to share a little guide to the event. In the form of a race recon for first-timers or veteran racers. We’ll walk through what to expect, things to look out for, and a general coaching perspective on how to approach this amazing event. So in classic triathlon form, let’s dive into the swim, bike, and run of Ironman 70.3 Michigan.
While beautiful Lake Michigan is a stone’s throw away from the race site. The swim takes place in nearby Betsie Bay. Where contrary to the potentially rough waters of the big lake, you’ll find an extremely calm and smooth swim course. Coupled with a stress-free rolling start and two simple left-hand turns, this swim is pleasantly uneventful and should prove to be a great start to an outstanding day. The water temperature is likely to be in the mid-to-upper 60s. But pack a wetsuit and swimskin to cover both bases as it’s a toss-up as to whether this one will be wetsuit-legal.
A practice swim in Betsie Bay is unlikely. However, there will be Lake Michigan access to get a feel for the water in the days leading up to the race. The entry and exit are on a forgiving sloped and paved surface. The run to T1 is quite short and straightforward. You should find this swim one where you can ease into a rhythm, focus on your stroke, and swim well without lots of extra stress or complications!
Onto the bike and what should be a relatively flat and fast ride! As of 2022, the course has been modified to no longer have the two significant climbs that came at the beginning and middle, respectively in 2021. Note, that the official course map has not been updated as of this publishing. But local news and editorials have indicated this to be the case (check the Ironman event page as the race nears). This means you’re in for a very pretty and moderate ride! One that does have the occasional rolling incline, but consists of smooth road surface and low technical demands.
This allows you to settle into your 70.3 effort and focus on nailing your nutrition, and hydration and set yourself up for an outstanding run. As the course is primarily north-south, the wind shouldn’t play a large factor. However, with Lake Michigan and Crystal Lake in the mix, you may encounter some cross-winds along the way. Overall, this is a very accessible route that should be favorable for a first 70.3 or set you up for a nice bike PR.
After a moderate final climb near the end of the bike, you’ll roll into transition on a nice downhill that should give you time to loosen the legs in an easy gear and get ready for the two-loop run course. The initial turnout of transition is a little awkward. It involves a short jog back toward the finish line as part of the start to the first loop. So study the orientation prior to race day and be sure to attend the athlete briefing where they explain this little nuance to the course. The route takes you out and back twice around Betsie Bay. While the average temperatures shouldn’t be blistering, the majority of the run is fully exposed to the sun. So managing your hydration and nutrition will be key!
The course is very flat save for a few short inclines on each loop. And while the Bay and Lake Michigan are nearby. The breeze tends to be surprisingly nonexistent as the thermometer rises with the afternoon sun. Aid stations arrive at the standard 1ish mile increments, but the hallmark of this run has to be the spectators, both local and athlete supporters. Who you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see and be cheered on by. Along with the constant stream of fellow competitors to connect with on the out and back course, making for a very engaging run! As with any 70.3, managing your effort, nutrition, and hydration from start to finish can make or break your run. But all in all, this route is flat and fast with amazing support on nearly every stretch of the route!
At the time of this writing, the latest athlete guide hasn’t been published. So please refer to that for finalized routes, rules, and guidelines.
Overall, Ironman 70.3 Michigan is a phenomenal event in its challenge, approachability, and organization. Athletes and spectators alike will have the opportunity to see one another at many points. Particularly on the run course which only adds to the magical Ironman experience. The community of Frankfort is extremely welcoming and hospitable! Paired with the late summer and the beautiful upper-lower peninsula of Michigan should make for a wonderful day! Have a great race!
Carly and Tyler Guggemos built Organic Coaching in 2014 with a simple philosophy that works. The idea is to take what you have and grow it to get faster, fitter and stronger. And to do it with the time you have – not the time you wish you had.
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