Ironman Question

[mkidd]

I'm definitely not ready for an IM, but this seems like really good advice for future.

I am about the same distance from a couple Danskin sprint tri race locations, and I had initially thought I'd do the NY Metro one b/c I had lived in NYC for so long.

But after some research I weighed flat vs hilly and ocean vs lake swim too.

I'm really glad that I chose Webster for the lake swim, though being out of shape and having a crappy ancient mountain bike with no gears, the NY Metro flat bike and run courses were very tempting! The hills on the Danskin Webser are killer--they say 80% of the women get off and walk at some point. I was so proud that I made it all the way.

[Tri Girl]

On the IM site you can overlay the different elevation profiles for each race and see how the compare. It really puts the different races into perspective. How DO you IMCD and IMLP or IMWI people do it????? Hmmmm.... for me it's no mystery why I chose AZ.

KHS said it all. It's such an individual decision on what's best for you. For my first iron distance race, I did one literally in my backyard (I can see the race start from my window now). It was close to home, pancake flat (although windy as all heck), and it came with tons of people I know cheering me on. For my next race, I chose an IM that held personal meaning for me. I'm from AZ and haven't been back on desert soil in almost 15 years. It'll be a homecoming for me of sorts. Plus, I'm a hill weenie (seeing as how we have none around here to train on), so any race with hills was out. I hate salt water (unless it includes me sunbathing on the beach), so an ocean swim was out. Canal water, OK. Fairly flat bike and run. OK. Wind? I live in OK, so that's definitely OK with me. AZ was a good choice for me.

Do you like hills? Are you comfortable in possibly colder temps? Do you dare tangle with jellyfish? When choosing a race, chose a place that you'll not only enjoy and do well on the course, but that you'll enjoy racing through and getting to see. For me, racing has a LOT to do with location. I choose places to race that let me see a bit of the country that I'll enjoy (a rule in our house is: every marathon must be in a different city so we can sightsee while being fed and watered on the course by strangers who are dedicated to making our day enjoyable). Enjoying my surroundings on race day makes the event much more memorable.

Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you decide.


Wow, I'm sorry that was so long-winded.

[JmcG]

These are all good advice. My first (and only so far) IM was IM FL in 2007. It does fill up fast esp with the new way that they do it (where it's going to be really tough to sign up online I think). But there are many other non-IM sanctioned iron distance races. I've heard great things about the Great Floridian. Up here near us is the Chesapeake Man. But yes, it all depends on the courses you like, how far you want to travel, etc. I loved the IM FL course, and am hoping to get into Lake Placid for '09. I like flat but I also like hills. I did IM FL as my first one b/c I was doing it with a friend (we wanted to train together, compare notes on training, etc) and the one that fit both our schedules was Florida. And I loved it, but I think you can't really go wrong on any course (my opinion of course!).

Good luck. Let us know which one you decide on!

[ALCR]

Thank you to everyone for giving me such good advice. I have considered IM AZ, but I think that it will be difficult to register this year since there will be participants registering for the 2009 race after both the April/Nov events. There may not be very many slots open after returning athletes register. Right now, I am leaning toward IM Louiville since I would prefer not swimming in the ocean, I am strong on the hills on the bike, but weak on the hills for the run, so the course sounds perfect. The only drawback for me is the time of year. I have two young children, so the bulk of my training will be before school starts. My husband is supportive of my quest to become an Ironman (IronMom), so we will find a way to work this out. I am also considering the Great Floridian (thanks JmcG), I really like the coarse and the time of year the race falls. It also looks like it will be easy to get into. Right now, my plan is to try and register for Louiville, but if I can not get into that race, I will register for the Great Floridian. Again, thank you so much for all your advice. It really has helped me make my decision.

[crazycanuck]

A wayyyy out there thought for you..

Why not travel down to Western Australia for the IMWA? It's FLAT & FAST!!!

It would be a great trip!

wayyy out there thought over

[firenze11]

I just picked up Triathlete Magazine. I'm strongly considering starting to do tris and in a few years I dream of doing an Ironman. (A lot of a few years )

Anyway, it was packaged with a magazine called "The Road to Kona and Clearwater" and has a information on Kona qualifiers. It lists the date, costs, deadlines, slots for Kona and '07 results. It also goes into some detail about what the swim and if wetsuits are permitte, bike, and run are like as well as weather, nearby bike shops, best restaurants, and best local attractions.

Actually, the Australia one sounds pretty great. CrazyCanuck, maybe I'll be down there in 5+ years.

Good Luck finding the right one for you ALCR!

[mcoleman]

DH did IM FLorida in 2007. As usual, I volunteered at the race. The night before the race at the volunteer meeting, they announced that the volunteers would have a special line to sign up for next year. They made a few changes in the sign up process at this race and this was one of the new ideas. I recommend volunteering if you are going to be there anyway-it could pay off!
Also, the swim in the gulf was great. I swam the course on one of the practice days and swimming is my weakest link.

[KSH]

A wayyyy out there thought for you..

Why not travel down to Western Australia for the IMWA? It's FLAT & FAST!!!

It would be a great trip!

wayyy out there thought over

So... you got a free room?

[crazycanuck]

Well, errmm..if RM, Firenze & you come at the same time.. We could set up a tent in our back yard.

If one of you came down, yes..YOu'd still have to find accommodation in Busselton but that can be arranged

You'd have your cheer team too Portable cheer team here