question about IMs

[tygab]

So, in my limited exposure to IMs, it seems like they fill up nearly immediately and there aren't enough of them to meet the demand. How would an interested person actually get into one? Just curious about the process. Thanks.

[Tri Girl]

Yup, the Ford IM series races fill up very quickly (I think IM Canada filled up within an hour or so). If you know when the registration date opens, you can be vigilant online and try to get a spot. I think the registration for IM Kentucky opened up last Sat.- don't know if it's full yet or not.
If you don't want to mess with the hassle (and higher expense) of a Ford IM race, there are numerous other iron distance races held all over the country. Most will have a much lower entry fee, and are much easier to get in to. That is what I did for my first IM last month. Sometimes smaller races are nice, sometimes they are lonely. Depends on what you're looking for. For my first IM, I was nervous about doing a race with 2000 other swimmers at the same time. My little race of 500 suited me just fine! Look on www.trifind.com and the USAT site www.usatriathlon.org for more information on sanctioned races (make sure it's a USAT sanctioned race for sure).
Now, don't get me wrong, tho- I'm jones'n to try my hand at a Ford IM race in 2008. I'm eyeing Arizona in '08!
Have fun!

[Offthegrid]

Yes, they fill up almost immediately (and they're more than $400). You have to know when registration opens online and get to it. If there's a race somewhat near you, you could volunteer and then sign up in person the next morning (I think).

[crazycanuck]

Ok, this may sound silly...but if you ever want a vacation to coincide with your ironman race..why not do one of the two in Australia or NZ?

December 5th in Busselton, Western Australia.

Port Macquarie on...i'll have to go and look up the date...

Start saving now and you could kill two birds with one stone-nice vacation and cool place to do a tri.

Oh, even better: YOu can stay at our house....

c

[tygab]

Ok, this may sound silly...but if you ever want a vacation to coincide with your ironman race..why not do one of the two in Australia or NZ?

December 5th in Busselton, Western Australia.

Port Macquarie on...i'll have to go and look up the date...

Start saving now and you could kill two birds with one stone-nice vacation and cool place to do a tri.

Oh, even better: YOu can stay at our house....

c

That sounds good too, would be good to keep in mind.

[Offthegrid]

Oh you're psychic. I'm actually planning to volunteer at Lake Placid next year. I went in 2004, and it was one of the most inspirational things I've ever seen. Oh, and I accidentally hit Simon Lessing while taking this photo. Fortunately it didn't affect his performance.

(Although I will NOT be doing an Ironman in 2008. Maybe a half.)

[tygab]

Yes, they fill up almost immediately (and they're more than $400). You have to know when registration opens online and get to it. If there's a race somewhat near you, you could volunteer and then sign up in person the next morning (I think).

Ohhhh really??? Hmm. It just so happens that someone I know has registered to volunteer for IM LP next year. Maybe that would be a good time for that someone to have figured out if this is of interest to her.