Shadowman HIM

rodneyr1981

Any body know much about this race?
Expected numbers etc.
Tempted but hard to know with it being it's first year.

Noel123

this is what i got when i sent a mail:

Yes, our event is most certainly going ahead and we have over 230 competitors signed up across the middle and full distance event this coming August and we will be publishing entry list in the coming weeks

Noel123

it would be great if the event organizers updated their website with this type of information in order to get people like you and me, who are half interested, to sign up

rodneyr1981

Noel123 wrote: »

it would be great if the event organizers updated their website with this type of information in order to get people like you and me, who are half interested, to sign up

Agreed. Interesting to hear they have got them numbers signed up. I'd say there is a good few sitting on fence on signing up for it.

big mce

I'm thinking of doing it but the 5:30 swim has me wondering....

Abhainn

big mce wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing it but the 5:30 swim has me wondering....

Doubt swim will start at 5:30
I'm not aware of any (IM) long tri events that starts that early

I'm planning to do the half but information on website is damn poor.

rodneyr1981

big mce wrote: »

I'm thinking of doing it but the 5:30 swim has me wondering....

Oh that's very early start. Race info hard to come by. At least with an early start like that u'd. have quiet roads on a bank hol Sun morning

mrbungle

Half Distance start has been pitched at 0800.

ShineyShiney

I was intending to do shadowman but I and 2 mates have switched to swinford.

Very little talk about shadowman and really poor web prescence had me worried it might not happen.

Hope it goes ahead and is a great success but the organizers could do with getting a bit of a push on the pr side of things.

big mce

Just registered. 8:30 Swim sounds a lot better than 5:30, and Swinford doesn't suit.

The Davestator

Im in the same boat as a few others - havent signed up for it, but waiting for the hype to kick in to convince me!

rodneyr1981

big mce wrote: »

Just registered. 8:30 Swim sounds a lot better than 5:30, and Swinford doesn't suit.

big mce
Do u happen to know if registration, bikes etc need to be done night before?

big mce

According to the website you must register on the night before which is a joke but maybe that will change like the start time did.

ironmonkey

I'd like to do the half aswell but while the website looks fancy there's not much info. It would also suit me to come down early in the am to register but they have probably have done some deal with local hotels. It looks as flat as a pancake which suits as I haven't done much training.

big mce

Email I received yesterday evening:

Evening folks,

Derek Nugent here from the Shadowman just touching base with you all on the run in to our inaugural event.

First and foremost, on behalf of myself and the rest of the committee we would like to thank and wish the 260 of you who have chosen to join us this August the very best of luck as you swim, bike and run your way through our flat, fast course. We've not closed entries as of yet, so if you have anyone still sitting on the fence and need a gentle push then let them know we are ready for them.

Firstly, we are very pleased to announce that KINETICA will be our aid station sponsor, and each athlete can expect a bar and gel at each passing of our Aid Stations (excluding our water only Coosan station on the run), as well as fresh fruit and other treats. There will be two aid stations on the run, one main Kinetica filled one and another at the halfway point stocking fresh water only.

We are also pleased to announce that there will be the following prize categories:

Middle 1, 2, 3 Male and Female and fastest relay team

Full 1, 2, 3 Male and Female plus fastest relay team

There will be over €1,800 handed out in cash prizes as well as some really awesome spot prizes from our title sponsor, Shadow, Irelands premier custom clothing company. There will also be a goody bag with a fantastic long sleeve jersey for each competitor. Details of all this is on the website.

Here is out list of entrants at the start of this week male/female:

Middle Distance 146 17
Middle Distance Relay 7 7
Long Distance 43 4
Long Distance Relay 2 0

As we are within 7 weekends to race time we are just coming back with a brief update on some of the common queries and developments that will be important to you come race day.

Full Distance Shadowman: (3.8k, 180k, 42k)

We've been listening to you and have decided to move the Long Distance Race Start from 0530 to 0630hrs. Yes we know that's still early, but with sunset estimated for 2115hrs we need this to ensure a safe environment at the back of the event (the tail end of the run).

You will still only be allowed to register on Saturday for the long distance event in Buccaneeers Rugby Club, with precise timings to follow.

There will also be your opportunity to send your own special nutrition bag out to the feed station at the half way point on the bike (Lanesboro). Athletes will need time on race morning to put their running kit into T2 and get down to swim start in time for brief and then the off, so it will help if you familiarise yourself with the split transition venue on the day and plan to be on site on time!

The swim venue is still Coosan point, with two laps of our bike route giving 182km, and 4 of 10.5k laps of our run giving the 42km needed. Water temperature is currently a balmy 16C, and we'll let you know more come race week.

Middle Distance: (1.9k, 90k, 21k)

Registration will also be on Saturday in the Buccaneers with precise timings to follow. We will be offering a limited on the day registration for the half distance in T1 from 7-8am with the race scheduled to start at 0830hrs. We would encourage athletes to place their kit in T2 (Buccaneers RFC) and then make their way to T1 ready to race.

There is no racking of bikes for either race the night before as the area will not be secure. Bikes must be racked Sunday morning only.

Prior to race day all athletes will be given a Bib number which will correspond to their racing numbers at T1 and T2. this will be your designated slot, use this space and no other.

For both events, and with all athletes, we will be giving you numbered bags that you will place your kit into after you make your transition. Your bag will then be brought to T2 awaiting your arrival later on in the day. Details of this will be given out via email closer to race week.

We'll be updating with the final schedules and info closer to race day,

Stay safe and happy training,

Derek
Race Director

TheEagles

Many people on here doing this event next weekend? not alot of talk about it!!!

911sc

See this thread. http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=85082167

EC1000

I'm in!

Therapysucks

I received the same email. Replied to the organisers suggesting a later start to the HIM so those of us doing the long distance might have some company on the run. They never replied.

Have received no further info. The numbers are very low which can be put down to the little or no attempt to market the race. It's my first attempt at iron distance. Have put the hours in over the last six months, neglected work and family, and am wondering already why I didn't just go the whole hog and sign up for an overseas race. So far, Shadowman seems like amateur hour.

Good luck to everyone competing. Looking forward to seeing you there. Hope we can make an event of it despite the organisation so far.

EC1000

Therapysucks wrote: »

I received the same email. Replied to the organisers suggesting a later start to the HIM so those of us doing the long distance might have some company on the run. They never replied.

Have received no further info. The numbers are very low which can be put down to the little or no attempt to market the race. It's my first attempt at iron distance. Have put the hours in over the last six months, neglected work and family, and am wondering already why I didn't just go the whole hog and sign up for an overseas race. So far, Shadowman seems like amateur hour.

Good luck to everyone competing. Looking forward to seeing you there. Hope we can make an event of it despite the organisation so far.

This post annoys me somewhat. When you enter an IM in ireland you know it will be low key, it will be small and the route will be quieter than the continental equivalent. If you were asking for the half to be moved to an 11 or 12 start to facilitate your run, I for one am glad they didn't comply!

Its entirely unfair to moan about organisation prior to the event. Lets give it a chance and if there are issues on the day/weekend, then fair enough. Best of luck on sunday.

Therapysucks

EC1000 wrote: »

This post annoys me somewhat. When you enter an IM in ireland you know it will be low key, it will be small and the route will be quieter than the continental equivalent. If you were asking for the half to be moved to an 11 or 12 start to facilitate your run, I for one am glad they didn't comply!

Its entirely unfair to moan about organisation prior to the event. Lets give it a chance and if there are issues on the day/weekend, then fair enough. Best of luck on sunday.

I take your point completely - it is unfair to complain about organisation before an event takes place. However, if a race is to be successful, organisers know they need to communicate with registered entrants prior to the event. Take TriAthy (and I have nothing to do with that race or the club that runs it), but after you enter, you get regular emails and notifications related to the race and the area and whatever else takes your fancy. They engage with their customers, and that's what we are. I've been working my hole off all year for this race - I would like some information from the organisers to at least assure me preparations are under way. The way it is at the moment, I half expect to turn up in Athlone, wander out to Buccaneers to register and have a bunch of ex-rugby players laugh me out of the place.

Course it's going to be low key, so is the Lost Sheep, but they keep you up to speed from a couple of months out. They make an effort and that race sells out every year.

As for the run - wouldn't it make sense to have both races come together towards the end? Like the way they calculate the times of the half, full and ultra marathons to come in together in Connemara. Seems like common sense to me, even from an organisational point of view.

Seriously, I hope the thing goes brilliantly, and I'm gonna shut up now cos I don't want to wreck me buzz too much in the week before I possibly die. Am absolutely stoked to be doing this at the weekend and just hope the organisers realise how much we've all put into the preparation.

BTH

Therapysucks wrote: »

As for the run - wouldn't it make sense to have both races come together towards the end? Like the way they calculate the times of the half, full and ultra marathons to come in together in Connemara. Seems like common sense to me, even from an organisational point of view.

To do this would require water safety crew and equipment to be on site for circa 8 hours. An hour before the start of the full distance until after the end of the half swim, which you would like to start about 6 hours later. Thats just not possible. Its an awful lot easier to marshal a run course for hours on end than have people sitting in canoes all day. Cheaper too. Doing this in a run race is a completely different proposition.

TheEagles

EC1000 wrote: »

I'm in!

Did you also do the Humbert half in Mayo a couple of weeks ago??

I did, and not sure weather 3 weeks has been enough rest/training in between.

Time will tell!!

elvis jones

I hope it goes well, i really do. I only live 40 min from Athlone and it would be great to have a half distance race that close me . Can't do it this year with all i have on but its on my 2014 radar !

EC1000

TheEagles wrote: »

Did you also do the Humbert half in Mayo a couple of weeks ago??

I did, and not sure weather 3 weeks has been enough rest/training in between.

Time will tell!!

Did Humbert last year, skipped it this year for Athlone instead. Time will tell in relation to the above rest period, but I guess the answer lies in what your goals/expectations are. You could do a half every weekend if you were happy to plod around. If you have a particular goal in mind then you ideally need to peak for one race and manage your training accordingly.

Best of luck!

eoin ryan

Looking forward to it. Rain or shine....

TheEagles

Any one have any idea where you could get some breakfast very early Sunday morning?? Traveling down there on the morning. Weather not looking great for Sunday but who knows...

rodneyr1981

TheEagles wrote: »

Any one have any idea where you could get some breakfast very early Sunday morning?? Traveling down there on the morning. Weather not looking great for Sunday but who knows...

Have u received any e-mails etc? I haven't got anything and wondering is it just me? No briefing up on web?? Cheers

mrbungle

There's a big petrol station on the Dublin road outside the town on the east side beside McDonalds/Woodies, has a hot food section and sit in, think the hatch/window would only be open very early in the morning.

Better off bringing your own food and get hot drinks if needed.

Abhainn

TheEagles wrote: »

Any one have any idea where you could get some breakfast very early Sunday morning?? Traveling down there on the morning. Weather not looking great for Sunday but who knows...

Id say you'll be lucky even to get a coffee at a fuel station.
I found out at the June BH weekend they only serve it from 8am.

Bring brekkie with you. A pre 5am rise for me.

mrbungle

rodneyr1981 wrote: »

Have u received any e-mails etc? I haven't got anything and wondering is it just me? No briefing up on web?? Cheers

This was on FB earlier:

Waterways Ireland triAthlone
Race briefing document is being finalised and will be published tomorrow. We will post a link on Facebook.

TheEagles

I haven't got any yet either, thought it was just me but obviously not. We were ment to get race brief today...

rodneyr1981

TheEagles wrote: »

I haven't got any yet either, thought it was just me but obviously not. We were ment to get race brief today...

Race brief now up on fb. Now we just need the sun..

big mce

Hope having two different transition area's doesn't become a problem!

TheEagles

Just after reading the race brief, when we put our stuff in the blue box for T2. Is that our running gear ONLY or everything??? Wetsuit etc. or are these boxes taken before the swim start.?

EC1000

TheEagles wrote: »

Just after reading the race brief, when we put our stuff in the blue box for T2. Is that our running gear ONLY or everything??? Wetsuit etc. or are these boxes taken before the swim start.?

The box is brought to T2 for you so the only things in it should be what you will need in T2.......

I cant for the life of me think why you would be putting a wetsuit in transition anyway?!!!

TheEagles

Maybe I was clear..my fault, I was really looking to c can we leave stuff behind in T1 like the wetsuit etc or did they want us to be fully cleared out of there after we leave on the bike. As they take our boxes after we leave and bring all our stuff to T2. I thought I saw a wetsuit in the box in the picture they have up on the race brief...

mrbungle

TheEagles wrote: »

Just after reading the race brief, when we put our stuff in the blue box for T2. Is that our running gear ONLY or everything??? Wetsuit etc. or are these boxes taken before the swim start.?

Stick your runners/socks if used in a plastic bag in case it pisses.

Unclear if you put you're wetsuit in a drawstring bag IM style or put it into the blue tote so all your gear ends up at T2. Am guessing bag.

The suspence is killing me.

elvis jones

I got the long sleeve jersey today, its blue with red and white on it. Its nice and light with Shadowman on the sleeves !

rodneyr1981

elvis jones wrote: »

I got the long sleeve jersey today, its blue with red and white on it. Its nice and light with Shadowman on the sleeves !

Registered already. Your on the ball!

elvis jones

rodneyr1981 wrote: »

Registered already. Your on the ball!

Na race organisers like to keep Elvis sweet:cool::D

Nwm2

Question: the Kinetic energy drink handed out on the bike, how will this be dispensed? Anyone know? I know the water is in 5L bottles.

tubos

Was watching the swim today. What a morning for it, perfect. There was a few little things that could be improved for the next one - they really needed a kayaker at the end of the swim race to guide swimmers to the last buoy as quite a few missed it an had to swim back and round the buoy. Also there was quite a few stones at the transition and those with their cycling shoes attached to their bikes suffered a bit!!! Coosan point is a lovely spot though and perfect for the race, the pub was open as well for refreshments which was good for us spectators.

I really hope all goes well later, especially on the run, as the roads around Coosan are very narrow, hopefully drivers will be well aware of the runners.

Bambaata

Any tracking anywhere?

Abhainn

Winning time 4:10 I believe

Yes a few went wrong at last bouy including myself
My bike was 92.5k. Went wrong last roundabout like a few other did also - no stewart
Run 19.2k, (not flat!) shortened by T Ire today. They brought turn around by 500m
Lovely course

My time 4:40.

Will post some tips for improvements, this one has great potential

tubos

Yes definitely a few more marshalls and better signage would help. I presume it was the roundabout at Gnaleys were you went wrong, easily done. I think if it is better promoted in future there may be plenty of people willing to volunteer. I dont mind sitting at a roundabout or a junction for a few hours!!

It would be great for Athlone and the midlands if it happens again.

Nwm2

Abhainn wrote: »

Winning time 4:10 I believe

Yes a few went wrong at last bouy including myself
My bike was 92.5k. Went wrong last roundabout like a few other did also - no stewart
Run 19.2k, (not flat!) shortened by T Ire today. They brought turn around by 500m
Lovely course

My time 4:40.

Will post some tips for improvements, this one has great potential

Why was course shortened?

Any results? I'm expecting them here:

http://www.precisiontiming.net/result/racetimer?v=%252Fen%252Frace%252Fshow%252F1442%253Flayout%253Dprecision_timing

BTH

Abhainn wrote: »

Winning time 4:10 I believe

Yes a few went wrong at last bouy including myself
My bike was 92.5k. Went wrong last roundabout like a few other did also - no stewart
Run 19.2k, (not flat!) shortened by T Ire today. They brought turn around by 500m
Lovely course

My time 4:40.

Will post some tips for improvements, this one has great potential

Good going. Didn't see you out on the course, I was cycling the opposite direction between lanesboro and ballymahon cheering everyone on. I probably shouted at ya anyway!!!

TheEagles

Has potential to be a great race, I enjoyed it.

Some areas to improve in my eyes, extra bouys for swim, 3 was not enough. More toilets at T1, as said above the car park had a lot of little stones in T1 which made it hard to get around. Didn't see any marshals on bike leg only at traffic lights near the end.

Run leg prob shortened due to extra 2k on the bike. I had 19.8k approx.

Yes the run and bike legs had some nice hills...

Over all very good event, great support at the finish area. Would recommed the event based on some minor changes (not critisim)

eoin ryan

Really enjoyed the race. Been 6 years since i did a Tri... Great fun!
I don't think you could get a better day for it too
Loved the mosh pit in the swim. Took awhile for my left arm to realise it needed to also make a contribution. lack of practice but it came good.
No issue with the bhoys. Learned from an old master that you site the landscape not the bhoy. Maybe races have more bhoys in them now...?? I think its part of the skill of openwater swimming. The brief was clear to be fair.
9mins in T1 to towel off and apply sunscreen. No rush eh....
Enjoyed the bike. Not used to tri shorts and the lack of padding, so had to put up with that. Feeling it today. Had some great ding dongs with some people. Getting caught on hills and passing them on the flat. Good banter.
Signage was good. But at roundabouts and major junctions - it needed to be bigger.
Have been working back from an Achilles injury for past few months so was careful on the run to begin with. It was the first real test of progress. I was prepared to walk if required. Thankfully all went well. Very well
Great race lads. Room for improvements but i reckon it will grow...
I defo won't leave it another 6 years until my next. Maybe a crack at the long distance next year. Now its all about training for the MDS and minding the auld achilles

rodneyr1981

TheEagles wrote: »

Has potential to be a great race, I enjoyed it.

Some areas to improve in my eyes, extra bouys for swim, 3 was not enough. More toilets at T1, as said above the car park had a lot of little stones in T1 which made it hard to get around. Didn't see any marshals on bike leg only at traffic lights near the end.

Run leg prob shortened due to extra 2k on the bike. I had 19.8k approx.

Yes the run and bike legs had some nice hills...

Over all very good event, great support at the finish area. Would recommed the event based on some minor changes (not critisim)

Would agree with above. Very positive overall. Wasn't sure how the different T1 & T2 would work but was fine. Reckon this race could really take off. Lovely lake, with a nice bike and run course. Location very central.
They even organised some sun!!