First problem is you're racing HITS.

Semi-kidding.

But the links are in fact there... http://hitstriathlonseries.com/...fl-208/sarasota-maps

ETA: quick shortcut for you: https://www.strava.com/routes/13869179

Ha, ha. I did Naples last year too ... damn cold! I had hernia surgery earlier this month so Sarasota is not in the cards. I hope you have a lot nicer day than we did at Naples.

Thanks!

I’m not sure how I missed those. Stupid me.

Run out-and-back four times. That’ll be interesting.

I froze in Naples last year as well... not to mention that headwind for 70k of the ride...

I really loved the Naples race when it was all at Vanderbuilt Beach - but hated the move to Ava Marie.

Does anyone know if this area of Sarasota is nice? I struggle with spending $250 (current price and actually $340 Cdn dollars) for a race that does not offer a lot of value... last year, at least, was as bare bones as I had ever seen it.

Also, it looks like the bike would only be 84k (52 miles)... I guess a good chance at a PR!

I would be coming from Ft. Myers and wondered if giving up a day's vacation for this race compared to a solid bike and run workout.

Thoughts?

I wonder the same but more concerned about the weather. I will decide race week.

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http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com

Nice? I guess so. It is at Nathan benderson a rowing venue and where ITU races. Everything flat and fast. Can be windy by benderson. UTC is a nice shopping center and hotels are ok. Several real close about 1 mile. Swim in benderson gets cancelled at times due to algae...maybe not bad in winter. Once leaving benderson not very scenic. Haven't bike ridden the roads much but driving on them a few times they seem ok. Some have nice bike lanes. But watch out for seniors, I am one, cause they drive like crap, but you already know it. There are some youtubes that show ITU races there and also some drone youtubes of Nathan Benderson. Will give you glimpse at athat portion of race especially the run.

When I have raced in Sarasota it has been at longboat key or siesta key. Much more scenic and gulf swim fun.

Love to here how it went today for everyone.

Is it worth the $175 to sign up for next year's event (deal open until tomorrow night.)

Thanks for any input.

Didn't race; weather about 53degrees early, winds in 12- 15 range early. Looked like mild turnout.

I did the half. It was just ok. The swim was fine but the bike course was sketchy in places (especially at turns) with it being open to traffic, and a good deal of debris on the road in some places. The run course for the half was fine but not well marked at all. With loop courses, I’m always annoyed if there are no timing mats to ensure everyone completed the course; that was the case here. Food was sparse at the end. Good weather, a fun day, but not sure I’d do it again unless they made some improvements.

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The only way to avoid disappointment is to not try anything at all.

was it wetsuit legal?

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My marathon PR is "under three, high twos. I had a two hour and fifty-something."

Yes, it was. I can’t remember how much leeway we had temperature-wise, but it had been very chilly the day before. It was comfortable in a sleeveless.

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The only way to avoid disappointment is to not try anything at all.