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IM Cozumel vs IM Florida
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Mrdavidalex
Jul 1, 12 8:15
Post #1 of 25
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IM Cozumel vs IM Florida
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I was wondering what is a better race? Crowd support, course, volunteers, etc. Also, how much easier is the IMFL course vs. IM Cozumel?
adal
Jul 1, 12 8:26
Post #2 of 25
(2493 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Mrdavidalex]
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Mrdavidalex wrote:
I was wondering what is a better race? Crowd support, course, volunteers, etc. Also, how much easier is the IMFL course vs. IM Cozumel?
Did both:
1. Cozumel definitely has more "holiday" value. It is paradise. If you bring family, it can't be beaten
2. Cozumels course is easy, the problem can be heat and wind. But there are days without wind as well, so difficult to predict
3. Florida has seen some terrible weather in the past as well
4. Discs are illegal in Cozumel, so if you always ride a disc, you need a plan B or should choose florida
5. Crowd support and volunteers are great in either race
6. Wetsuits are illegal in Cozumel, so better be ready to swim without one
7. But the swimcourse in Cozumel is a bit too fast, you swim against the current on the beach and with the current in deeper water (where the current is stronger) so in the end, you loose almost no time on the swim
8. The swim in cozumel is in the clearest and best water, I have ever seen . For a slower swimmer like me, it is paradise. Dolphins jump at the start ... did i mention paradise?
For me, Cozumel ist about 10 minutes slower on a normal (not too windy) day, because of the heat during the run, the disc wheel and the wetsuit.
So if an ironman is your business or you want a PB -> Florida
If holiday value is part of the game -> cozumel
Mrdavidalex
Jul 1, 12 8:37
Post #3 of 25
(2480 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [adal]
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adal wrote:
Mrdavidalex wrote:
I was wondering what is a better race? Crowd support, course, volunteers, etc. Also, how much easier is the IMFL course vs. IM Cozumel?
Did both:
1. Cozumel definitely has more "holiday" value. It is paradise. If you bring family, it can't be beaten
2. Cozumels course is easy, the problem can be heat and wind. But there are days without wind as well, so difficult to predict
3. Florida has seen some terrible weather in the past as well
4. Discs are illegal in Cozumel, so if you always ride a disc, you need a plan B or should choose florida
5. Crowd support and volunteers are great in either race
6. Wetsuits are illegal in Cozumel, so better be ready to swim without one
7. But the swimcourse in Cozumel is a bit too fast, you swim against the current on the beach and with the current in deeper water (where the current is stronger) so in the end, you loose almost no time on the swim
8. The swim in cozumel is in the clearest and best water, I have ever seen . For a slower swimmer like me, it is paradise. Dolphins jump at the start ... did i mention paradise?
For me, Cozumel ist about 10 minutes slower on a normal (not too windy) day, because of the heat during the run, the disc wheel and the wetsuit.
So if an ironman is your business or you want a PB -> Florida
If holiday value is part of the game -> cozumel
So you think a good estimate for how much slower IM Cozumel is about 10-20 mins slower?
adal
Jul 1, 12 9:10
Post #4 of 25
(2451 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Mrdavidalex]
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Mrdavidalex wrote:
So you think a good estimate for how much slower IM Cozumel is about 10-20 mins slower?
If the conditions are optimal on both locations 10 minutes. If you get "one of those days" in Cozumel, where it really blows, the difference can be much bigger.
The 10 minutes come down to the heat on the run and the fact, that you can't ride a rear disc.
jmim2006
Jul 1, 12 11:32
Post #5 of 25
(2368 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [adal]
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adal wrote:
Mrdavidalex wrote:
So you think a good estimate for how much slower IM Cozumel is about 10-20 mins slower?
If the conditions are optimal on both locations 10 minutes. If you get "one of those days" in Cozumel, where it really blows, the difference can be much bigger.
The 10 minutes come down to the heat on the run and the fact, that
you can't ride a rear disc
.
Oh, I'll bring my front disc wheel then...
"Hold on, you run a marathon AFTER you ride your bike?!?....oh, you people are just insane"......(my Mom)
Rockin' the W in 2013!! Wattie Ink Elite Team
EricinSC
Jul 1, 12 12:23
Post #6 of 25
(2326 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Mrdavidalex]
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Just my 2 cents but I have done both as well. Florida is good. Cozumel is awesome. I hit Cozumel the first year - wind was tough on the backside of the island. Heat wasn't as bad as it could have been.
Given the option, I'd pick Coz hands down. The crowds at Coz was amazing. The bike course had spectators 2 and 3 deep in the villages and town - almost like a road race - flags, music, parties, you name it. The run course was packed as well, and the finish line was deafening.
The swim is amazing. The bike course is beautiful and it has 3 loops. Dead flat, but the winds on the back of the island may as well be a 12 mile long hill. The run is 3 loops and that messed with the psyche a little.
My time was 1hr15m slower at Coz, but I was sick. It still would have been slower than Florida.
Its a pretty affordable trip as well.
(This post was
edited
by EricinSC on Jul 1, 12 12:26)
scobig
Jul 1, 12 15:00
Post #7 of 25
(2250 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [EricinSC]
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Completely agree. I've done both and, like you, did Cozumel the first year. I've also registered to go back to Cozumel this year but sincerely doubt I will ever go back to Florida.
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jime
Jul 1, 12 15:58
Post #8 of 25
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Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [scobig]
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Never did IMFL but I did Cozumel the first year. It was great. Tried to get in this year but I waited too long.
I will go back again some day. The swim was awesome. My family and friends were following on line and thought I had become Micheal Phelps.
On the way back in to the dock we swam over a miniature statue of Jesus, just like the one in Brazil. It was one of those, holy shit, look at that, moments.
The crowds were going nuts although I don't think most of them knew what was going on. it didn't matter. Going through town was "Tour" like for me.
The bike was windy on the back side but hey, your biking within 50 feet of the Carribean Ocean. Gives you more time to take in the scenery.
I'd go to Cozumel if all other factors were equal.
ps If your a diver then there's no choice. Also, try to fly right into Cozumel if you can. Cancun was fine but lugging my stuff to the bus, off the bus, on the ferry, off the ferry, into the cab, out of the cab, was a pain. More $ to fly to Coz but if you can afford it I think it's well worth it.
(This post was
edited
by jime on Jul 1, 12 15:59)
.david.
Jul 1, 12 16:42
Post #9 of 25
(2168 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [jime]
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http://www.active.com/triathlon/cozumel-/ironman-cozumel-2012
It's not sold out yet?
triwausau
Jul 1, 12 18:56
Post #10 of 25
(2084 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [.david.]
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I have never done Florida either but did Cozumel the first year. It was an amazing experience. The locals are very supportive, friendly and make the trip amazing. I am going back again this year and look forward to the unreal support on the course.
My parents are signed up for their third IM Cozumel. Great venue.
Prof Warren
Jul 1, 12 19:27
Post #11 of 25
(2058 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [triwausau]
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In short:
Florida is ok, boring.
Cozumel is amazing!
__________________________________________________
"Stay active and healthy so life won't out run you, because once it does, it's almost impossible to catch up!"
-Warren Caputo
linhardt
Jul 2, 12 5:30
Post #12 of 25
(1970 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Mrdavidalex]
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Did both - FL '06 and Coz '09
If you are
drivable
to FL it is a
major plus
. If you have to fly I would rather do Cozumel.
Cozumel
Swim - crystal clear flat water vs. murky sometimes choppy water
Bike - more exotic and less boring as you bike along the water more.
Schwag - jacket and shirt
Crowd support is better, but relatively close
Easier to get spouse/family to come along -- better spectating weather and more family activity
Florida
Bike - Faster
T1 & T2 are the same place which is convenient
Logistics are better as you don't have to constantly pick up a taxi
Hotels are cheaper
Organization is considerably better -- pre-race and the aid stations during the race
Specific nutrtiional/personal needs are easier to fulfill
Racing weather was better at Florida
I would do Cozumel again, because even though I did the 17 hour drive once I would not want to do it again. I would only make that long drive again to Placid.
Swim - Bike - Run the rest is just clothing changes.
Spoon
Jul 2, 12 7:14
Post #13 of 25
(1914 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [adal]
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Thanks to all for the info. On my list to do as a thank you to wife & kids for putting up with this crap for so long.
ironmom5
Jul 2, 12 8:27
Post #14 of 25
(1870 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Spoon]
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I've done both IMFL and IMCZ. IMCozumel is Ironman goes to Mardi Gras. The parties in the village, the kids on the streets playing soccer with water bottles, bars setting up tables on the sidewalk for people to watch race. People thanking you for coming to the island. Hotel and airfare was reasonable. I took my family to both races. They never asked to go back to Floridia but they ask every year when we are going back to Cozumel. FYI: Fly into Cozumel... do not do the ferry from Cancun.
support crew
Jul 2, 12 8:33
Post #15 of 25
(1863 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [EricinSC]
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So how does the numbers drafting on the bike compare to IM Florida?
Support Crew
travelmama
Jul 2, 12 9:41
Post #16 of 25
(1807 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [ironmom5]
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ironmom5 wrote:
I've done both IMFL and IMCZ. IMCozumel is Ironman goes to Mardi Gras. The parties in the village, the kids on the streets playing soccer with water bottles, bars setting up tables on the sidewalk for people to watch race. People thanking you for coming to the island. Hotel and airfare was reasonable. I took my family to both races. They never asked to go back to Floridia but they ask every year when we are going back to Cozumel. FYI: Fly into Cozumel... do not do the ferry from Cancun.
I haven't done Florida and have no desire to. What Ironmom posted is right on the money. Mexicans like to party and when there are over 2000 guests, the party is nonstop. No matter how fast or slow you are, someone is out there remembering your face and calling your name all day long. One year I flew into Cozumel and out of Cancun which was fine and easy on the arrival. I did some sightseeing which is why I flew out of Cancun. Last year I flew in and out of Cancun because the price was right, no charge for the bike. I stayed in Playa for a night to attend the jazz fest then took the 45 minute ferry to Cancun.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJLIiF15wjQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn-enjcgV1o
cowardlydragon
Jul 2, 12 10:37
Post #17 of 25
(1764 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Mrdavidalex]
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In reply to
]
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Mrdavidalex wrote:
adal wrote:
Mrdavidalex wrote:
I was wondering what is a better race? Crowd support, course, volunteers, etc. Also, how much easier is the IMFL course vs. IM Cozumel?
Did both:
1. Cozumel definitely has more "holiday" value. It is paradise. If you bring family, it can't be beaten
2. Cozumels course is easy, the problem can be heat and wind. But there are days without wind as well, so difficult to predict
3. Florida has seen some terrible weather in the past as well
4. Discs are illegal in Cozumel, so if you always ride a disc, you need a plan B or should choose florida
5. Crowd support and volunteers are great in either race
6. Wetsuits are illegal in Cozumel, so better be ready to swim without one
7. But the swimcourse in Cozumel is a bit too fast, you swim against the current on the beach and with the current in deeper water (where the current is stronger) so in the end, you loose almost no time on the swim
8. The swim in cozumel is in the clearest and best water, I have ever seen . For a slower swimmer like me, it is paradise. Dolphins jump at the start ... did i mention paradise?
For me, Cozumel ist about 10 minutes slower on a normal (not too windy) day, because of the heat during the run, the disc wheel and the wetsuit.
So if an ironman is your business or you want a PB -> Florida
If holiday value is part of the game -> cozumel
So you think a good estimate for how much slower IM Cozumel is about 10-20 mins slower?
You should expect 20mph+ winds on the ocean side of the island, and I had a slight headwind heading southward. The main downwind leg into the interior of the island, the wind dies down fast as you go inland.
Although very flat, the winds will take 15-20 minutes from you on a typical day. That's why they ban discs, because the wind is almost always like that.
imsparticus
Jul 2, 12 13:49
Post #18 of 25
(1704 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [support crew]
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Support Crew,
Off topic, is Joe back to racing?
support crew
Jul 2, 12 13:58
Post #19 of 25
(1693 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [imsparticus]
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Yes, but no long stuff this year.
Support Crew
imsparticus
Jul 2, 12 15:53
Post #20 of 25
(1655 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [support crew]
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Great. Good luck to you both.
jime
Jul 2, 12 18:36
Post #21 of 25
(1592 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [.david.]
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I'm must be losing my religion......I swear I looked it up about 6 weeks ago and it said sold out. All I have to do know is talk the wife into missing Thanksgiving with the family. ( not too hard ) And start training a little. ( harder ) Thanks!
kathy_caribe
Jul 2, 12 18:48
Post #22 of 25
(1578 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Spoon]
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There is a reason the crowd support is amazing at IMCOZ. The ayutamiento gets EVERYONE wound up with billboards and ads on radio STRONGLY encouraging everyone to come out and support the racers. They specifically state, "YOU are the reason they (the racers) make it to the finish" (and having done IMCOZ, they're right). Then, the entire week after IMCOZ the radio stations are playing YOU ARE AN IRONMAN constantly and thanking everyone for coming out and supporting the athletes. Gotta say, Solidaridad (the municipality) does it right (course, I am biased). It is a good thing this is a local race for me. I have no need to go anywhere else.
http://harvestmoon6.blogspot.com
deh20
Jul 2, 12 19:16
Post #23 of 25
(1563 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [support crew]
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support crew wrote:
So how does the numbers drafting on the bike compare to IM Florida?
Support Crew
Despite lots of packs and officials riding around on mopeds, the penalty tents were empty. If (when?) I race there again, I will definitely join in...I felt left out (and annoyed when people, pro-women included, got on my wheel.)
Otherwise, fabulous race, especially if the family is with you.
I suffered in the heat, though. Hard to prepare for humidity in October in South Carolina.
Might be nice to fly in to Cozumel, but we saved over $1400 for a family of four by flying in to Cancun.
I thought hotels were an absolute bargain. Our all-inclusive (Cozumel Palace) was incredible. I can still taste the avocados. Had a great time swimming with the dolphins, traveling around the island, snorkeling, etc.
Prof Warren
Jul 21, 12 9:52
Post #24 of 25
(1276 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [deh20]
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I paid $47 per night at the Suite Bahia and they were so welcoming and right on the run course downtown! Nice, quaint place with amazing breakfast!
__________________________________________________
"Stay active and healthy so life won't out run you, because once it does, it's almost impossible to catch up!"
-Warren Caputo
Robert
Jul 21, 12 12:09
Post #25 of 25
(1201 views)
Re: IM Cozumel vs IM Florida [Prof Warren]
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Ditto.
Cozumel wins hands down, imho.
-Robert
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." ~Anne Frank
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