I've done it twice and will be doing it again this year. This is one of my all-time favorite races. The finish line is all an Ironman-branded race is cracked up to be. Feels like the whole town shows up. They have aleviated a few of the traffic concerns for spectators at Sand Hollow with shuttle buses and I believe there is a new road that one can take but don't quote me on that one. My family has always been at the lake and it hasn't been too terrible. The lake and T2 are probably the best spots for your family to see you.
The lake is consistently chilly (typically no warmer than 62) and if the winds are moderate the swim is actually incredibly beautiful. The water is clear and the vistas are postcard-like. One of my favorite swims for sure. However, if there are hard winds, as you may know, this can turn into one of the choppiest swims you'll ever do. So you have to be ready with a strategy for either choppy water or for controlling panic. The course is well marked and there are tons of volunteers so you should be safe. Also, the only warm-up swim you will have is the 100 yard swim to the deep water start.
The bike - this is my favorite part. Sooo challenging but so beautiful. There are rolling hills and more hills. Soon after you leave T1 you are faced with Nemesis, which is a very long hill that can suck you dry if you push too hard. The key feature of the course is going up Snow Canyon, which is not as hard as people make it seem but if you don't deal well with heat the last 2 miles of that 4 mile stretch can be very difficult. It is definitely not a fast bike course so temper your expectations. Train in heat if you can and definitely train for hills. Snow Canyon is miles 40-44, so train for a hard effort later on the bike.
The run - this is brutal. There is no other word for this course. Brutal. The first three miles are uphill with miles 1.5-3 being almost straight uphill. It is no joke. Then after that you are rolling, never flat. Also, NO SHADE. Chances are it will be a hot day, although who knows what mother nature will do in St. George. If it is a hot day this becomes super challenging. Train hills at the end of long workouts and, if you can, train in heat. At a minimum turn off that fan during your treadmill and trainer workouts. Run fitness is key for this race.
As to where to eat I second the Bear Paw recommendation. As to where to stay I don't know because I have family that lives right on the course so I have never had to look for a place to stay.
One of the coolest things about the race is the number of Pro's that compete. The field is so deep it's like "Little Kona". So the Pro sightings during the week and out on the race course are a very cool component of this race. I really think you picked a good one and I wish you luck in your training.
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