question about IMs

[tygab]

I haven't volunteered yet but I've been up there for 05 and 06 on unrelated or semi-related business. This year I brought my bike to train for the PMC so it was a real thrill and inspiration to be among all the athletes and just have Ironpeople and cyclists all over. Plus there is some beautiful riding up there.

That was when I got the bug to see how a triathlon might be, which I hope/plan to do next summer. It's a big leap yet to go to IM level, but then again seeing them all makes me think could that be me? And hearing stories of the Iron Dad who pulls his son around, etc. I have a friend in Jay NY (along the IM route) who used to manage a wheelchair IM competitor (who sadly was killed while training a few years ago) and the stories he's told me are just unbelievably inspirational as well.

[Running Mommy]

I guess I should weigh in...
But really what Tri girl said was pretty much spot on. Here are some other tid bits... This is all WTC Ironman branded races I'm speaking of.....

For most all the races, registration for the next year will take place at the race site and online at 10:00 am the day after the race. But it's best to check the Ironman website for specifics as sometimes this changes.

IM lake placid (IMLP) and IM Wisconsin (IMOO) probably fill the quickest as far as stateside IM's go. In fact I believe that IMOO is going to a lottery set up next year. You pretty much have to be onsite the day after the race in line with all of the other kooks. Or you need a real fast internet connection and be ready to pull the trigger. Think "concert tickets for the Stones"...

IM canada is nearly impossible to get into. I believe they have a partial lottery set up right now. I'm a little fuzzy on the facts, but I don't even think standing in line for next day registration is a guarantee up there anymore.

IM Couer D'Alene(IMCDA) and IM Florida (IMFL) are the next easiest, but they still fill really quickly. In fact now that I think of it IMFL probably fills as fast as IMLP or IMOO. I think it filled in two hours last year, so nix IMFL and put it on the other list.

IM Arizona (IMAZ or IMHOT) and the new race IM Kentucky (IMKY) are probably the easiest to get into. I think it took IMAZ a good 4-5 months to fill up. Usually mid summer before it fills. IMKY is a new race, so time will tell on that one, but there are alot of people who are leery about spending 500 clams on a first year race. They want to sit back and see what others think of it. IMAZ prolly takes longer to fill because it is such an early season race. Most folks have no desire to train through a rough winter for an April IM.

Now all of that being said, if you have deep pockets you can pretty much sign up anytime. They have the charity slots that go for a thousand dollars a pop. Also Canada has some new high dollar system where you can pretty much buy your way into the race. I'm not too big on it, but whatever. I still think 500.00 for an entry fee is outrageous, but heck I paid it! Twice now infact!!
The WTC races are top notch first rate. They treat you well and there really is a big buzz around the race. There is nothing like the nervous energy of Ironman village in the days leading up to the race. But I do acknowledge that they know they have a money maker and are doing whatever they can to capitalize on that.

And like tri girl said, there are some top notch races out there that are 'Iron distance". There is the full vineman in nor cal, and the Silverman in Nevada. My friend Kil did that and he really enjoyed it- tho I understand the course is TOUGH!
So really what you need to decide is what you want out of the race, and also what kind of terrain, weather etc you want to race in. Do you mind humidity? Or will the hills kill you? How would you do in the desert? There are alot of things to take into consideration as it's a LONG race!!
Ohh and then there are the overseas races!! Now you could combine a vacation AND a race! That's a whole other topic!!
Anyway, hope this helps. Feel free to send me a pm or email if you have any other questions.
Ciao!
Denise

[Nanci]

Sometimes they have a sign up for a bunch of different already filled IMs after other tris. For instance, at Gulf Coast Triathlon in Panama City, which is a half IM distance in the spring, after the race (can't remember if it's the afternoon of the race or the afternoon the day after) some woman from IM comes, and people line up very very early to get about 40 slots for different IMs. That's how BF has gotten into IMFL after it was closed- but they also had Wisconsin and other ones available. They must do that in other places, too.