IRONMAN 70.3 St. George
Racing IRONMAN 70.3 St. George is an incredible experience. It’s scenic, challenging, and totally rewarding. Here's your some tips to help you tackle the course with confidence:
Swim - Expect a chilly start. Water temps are usually between 60–65F. It’s wetsuit legal, so bring your T1 Pullover and Bibjohn and consider a Green Goma neoprene cap if you are sensitive to cold. The swim is a single loop, and the first few hundred yards can be pure chaos. Find clean water and settle into your rhythm to going out to hard. The sun can be right in your eyes on the return leg. Using the right goggle tint is important. Practice sighting off buoys AND land markers just in case visibility gets tough.
Bike - Manager your intensity early. The first half is mostly rollers, and it’s easy to go too hard. Save your legs. The real work begins at mile 40 in Snow Canyon. It’s about a 4-mile climb with beautiful views but limited shade. Stay relaxed, spin in an easy gear, and don't spike your heart rate. After Snow Canyon, there's a fast descent back into town. Know the turns and stay in control. Free speed can be yours if you race smart.
Run - The hills get REAL real quick. You’ll climb out of transition and again in the second half. Practice uphill and downhill running in training so your quads aren’t caught off guard. Temps can creep into the 80s with dry desert air. Stay cool and wet at every aid station with our Skin Cooler Tops —sponge, dump water, ice in top if available. The run has out-and-back sections and looped segments. Focus on one chunk at a time and use visual checkpoints to stay mentally engaged.
General - Acclimate to altitude & dry air - St. George sits around 2,500 ft. Use Skin Cooler to protect against powerful UVB rays. Pre-ride Snow Canyon if possible. Get familiar with the gradient and pacing. Gear check: the dry desert air can mess with tire pressure - check before race morning.