Ironman Question

[ALCR]

I have viewed the site a number of times, but I'm not sure what coarse other than Florida would be good for a first timer. Florida, as I understand it, fills up extremely fast, so I wanted to know if someone would recommend another coarse to me. I also know that there are other ironman distance events here in the US that are not trademark Ironman events, example Vineman, i just don't know all of them and wanted to know if anyone would recommend any of these events to me? Also, how fast do these races fill up and would they be a good back up if I can't get into a trademark Ironman event or should I have another trademark Ironman event as backup? Would I not get the same experience at a non-trademark ironman event? I am looking for a friendly coarse for a first timer. I don't mind some hills, but I don't want to go out onto an extremely challenging coarse for the first time. I don't know if I will ever do a second ironman event so I want to make sure I get the right coarse for me the first time. I want to be challenged, but I also want to have fun.

I have also viewed the volunteer page on the Ironman website, but have not been able to find out if this will help me get into the event the following year. I was curious if anyone has done this before or knew anything about it? I like the idea of volunteering at an event so that I can see first hand what it is like to do an ironman before I attempt the distance myself.

Thanks