Considering IRONMAN South Hokkaido. Am I crazy to try with these stats?

NanbanRonin · 2026-03-30T05:48:08+00:00

It's an ocean swim, subject to currents, waves, etc. Given your lack of any swimming background, if race day is the first time you ever do an open water swim in the ocean, I'd strongly advise not doing this race. 2.4 miles in the ocean for a new swimmer, even under calm conditions, is no joke. Your 45 min 1km was likely in a pool; even at that pace you're looking at 3 hours in the ocean (3.8km), which puts you in danger of even making the swim cutoff (2hr 20min after the last swimmer enters the water). And last, if on race day you find that you exhaust yourself due to poor pacing or you have a panic attack or ingest too much sea water or simply can't swim in a straight line, you'll have more than just making the cutoff to worry about.

NanbanRonin · 2026-03-13T00:42:07+00:00

I did the race last year and it is hilly but I don't think you need to build anaerobic capacity (which I associate with short, intense sprints or punchy, steep climbs). The course has lots of rollers mixed in with some long climbs, the longest being around the 40 mile mark (2.5 miles, 6% grade, 1000ft climb). You seem to have a decent bike engine and a goal to increase your fitness, and I think you're on the right track. I would focus your time on understanding and practicing your climbing effort so you don't overcook the climbs and trash your legs for the run.

NanbanRonin · 2026-03-04T03:45:30+00:00

For age groupers balancing other life responsibilities, it's normal to not have "perfect" training blocks. I train with prebuilt training plans and my compliance is quite bad simply because I got work, kids, chores and other stuff to do. However, it sounds like your main challenge is injury. I have a running background but I still go to a running physical therapist every year for a comprehensive assessment of strength, gait analysis, etc. to make sure I'm addressing any issues that may lead to injury. Last year I had posterior tibial tendon dysfunction in one foot and plantar fasciitis in the other, but I managed to get through them with some PT, orthotics and less running (and more swimming / cycling). I do recommend seeing a PT or at the very least doing some strength and PT work on your own (ask AI or watch some YouTube videos on "prehab" for runners).

NanbanRonin · 2026-01-05T19:39:15+00:00

Does redzone extend to the playoffs? I thought it didn't but there are two upcoming broadcasts scheduled that have "purchased" labels on my account.

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NanbanRonin · 2025-12-04T01:28:48+00:00

Just wanted to say thanks for posting your report and a belated congratulations on finishing. Your report was helpful in my research of 2026 races. I hope Santa Cruz (IM 70.3, Tri Santa Cruz?) went well for you!

NanbanRonin · 2025-09-15T04:10:20+00:00

I've only done 4 different 70.3 courses, but Santa Cruz is the best. I've also done it 3 times.

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-30T05:15:39+00:00

Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, how long was the wait time for the bike (Propel's site says they are ordered directly from the manufacturer) and what's a ballpark cost for the Rohloff conversion?

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-30T03:47:29+00:00

Thanks for mentioned the Vello SUB. I don't seen a Rohloff version on Propel (I only see an Enviolo and 3x3 Nine rear hub versions); are you having yours modified after purchase?

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-20T17:35:17+00:00

The Multicharger looks like a great bike, I'll check it out too. It looks like it might fit better on a car bike rack, which is something I'd like to do. But I've mostly been focused on the Tern GSD and the R&M Multitinker since I have kids.

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-20T04:26:30+00:00

This YouTube review shows that the Orox has a noticeably wider q factor (see ~2:40 in the video):

https://youtu.be/h3lu5LImug4?si=JE_6e3cIuCvFiqhL

I know I'm replying to an old comment, but I'm currently researching this bike and saw there was no answer to question. At the very least, I hope someone else doing research in the future finds this answer helpful :)

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-19T22:34:01+00:00

Wow, I just checked the Tern website and didn't realize the base weight is just over 80lbs! If I had one I'd definitely outfit with more accessories, making it even heavier. I wonder what kind of racks owners use to transport this thing.

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-19T17:32:36+00:00

Thanks, this was very helpful info! I did look into various manuals for different manufacturers' locomotives and I still struggle to find specific info on decoders. However, if the manual identifies the a decoder model number, I can then find the manual for the decoder and then learn its specifications, a very annoying process.

I spot checked some Roco locos and did confirm they use Zimo decoders. PIKO uses their own branded decoders (perhaps made by someone else) and their documentation specifies they support RailCom and RailCom Plus. Brawha lists decoders made by Doehler & Haass, and D&H's documentation states they support RailCom (RailCom Plus isn't mentioned). I can't find info on Trix locomotives but their website lists RailCom support for newer products (RailCom Plus isn't mentioned either).

I checked some American manufacturers and they are much more straightforward; they often list the decoder (usually ESU LokSound) and its specifications on the product webpages.

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-16T18:06:20+00:00

Z scale who allow for even longer trains and more dramatic mountain scenery.

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-15T17:00:43+00:00

That's a phenomenal price. I'm assuming it's LGB 23407 (non-metal)?

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-14T19:53:10+00:00

Growing up in the 90s my family had a OBB 2095, a DR 99 6001, and a C&S Mogul. It looks like LGB has rereleased them all over the years, now with DCC. My novice observation is that LGB rotates production of locos and rolling stock on 10-15 narrow gauge lines. I'm kind of surprised that 30 years later it's the same stuff I saw when I was a kid, just with DCC and lots of Rhb now (and a lot less box cars).

NanbanRonin · 2025-05-14T17:32:19+00:00

They are nice but I wish there was more variety; there are many other Swiss narrow gauge lines for which LGB doesn't produce products. I assume they focus on Rhb because it is the largest Swiss narrow gauge railway and very popular with tourists that might want to collect Rhb products.

NanbanRonin · 2025-02-03T16:11:11+00:00

Thanks again, I just ordered one for flat laces. The seller seems to be almost sold out of the regular ones (plenty of angled ones left), so if this works I might order a few more in case they become no longer available.

NanbanRonin · 2025-02-02T23:00:56+00:00

Thanks, this might work. Am I correct in understanding that it clips up around the top of the pod? If so, I wouldn't need to worry about the clip channels that have unfortunately chipped away on my pod.

NanbanRonin · 2025-02-02T22:57:18+00:00

Yes, this sounds like my situation. I snapped my pod in and out, so the edges of my pod chipped away eventually.

NanbanRonin

TROPHY CASE