Hey guys,
Not a big poster here, but I am looking for another full and would like your advice on race venues, etc.
I have raced Louisville in 2016, Wisconsin in 2017, and most recently Santa Rosa this past month. I am looking for another full either later this year or early next and nothing on the Ironman site is jumping out at me.
To give some background and my opinions on my experiences on the previous fulls I have done;
Louisville was my first full and I had a great time. Swim was pleasant (hated the long line rolling start and wait time early am though), the bike was fair and the run was great with the spectator presence and running through the town. Finish line was fantastic. Not much to do in the town, but as my first full it was easy to navigate and a great first timer race. Hard to get that first full magic feeling again.
Wisconsin last year had a messed up swim start which I hated, the bike was hard but fun and the run was hilly for my taste. Great town and nice people though. I would not do this race.
Santa Rosa had a beautiful swim, bike was scenic, rolling and enjoyable despite the massive headwinds later in the day and the run was fine minus the three loops and isolated run course with minimal spectators towards the back sections. People complained about the rough roads but I did not find much issue with them. T1 and T2 being in different locations was not ideal for spectators, but I would do this race again.
The above is based on my personal experiences at these races. I will say all races were put on professionally and the volunteers were great at all three.
Admittedly, I am not speedy. Normally finish high 12's, low 13s, but I enjoy the mental part of Ironman and really am looking for a race that is more about having a fun day than scoring a PR. I'd prefer cooler temps not only for wetsuit reasons but I tend to overheat easily. Should also be noted I have a wife and two young kids (4/2) that I like to share the experience/journey with. We usually go early or stay after to get a small vacation in. I am from PA and usually use TriBike to ship out gear/bike.
Thanks in advance
Not a big poster here, but I am looking for another full and would like your advice on race venues, etc.
I have raced Louisville in 2016, Wisconsin in 2017, and most recently Santa Rosa this past month. I am looking for another full either later this year or early next and nothing on the Ironman site is jumping out at me.
To give some background and my opinions on my experiences on the previous fulls I have done;
Louisville was my first full and I had a great time. Swim was pleasant (hated the long line rolling start and wait time early am though), the bike was fair and the run was great with the spectator presence and running through the town. Finish line was fantastic. Not much to do in the town, but as my first full it was easy to navigate and a great first timer race. Hard to get that first full magic feeling again.
Wisconsin last year had a messed up swim start which I hated, the bike was hard but fun and the run was hilly for my taste. Great town and nice people though. I would not do this race.
Santa Rosa had a beautiful swim, bike was scenic, rolling and enjoyable despite the massive headwinds later in the day and the run was fine minus the three loops and isolated run course with minimal spectators towards the back sections. People complained about the rough roads but I did not find much issue with them. T1 and T2 being in different locations was not ideal for spectators, but I would do this race again.
The above is based on my personal experiences at these races. I will say all races were put on professionally and the volunteers were great at all three.
Admittedly, I am not speedy. Normally finish high 12's, low 13s, but I enjoy the mental part of Ironman and really am looking for a race that is more about having a fun day than scoring a PR. I'd prefer cooler temps not only for wetsuit reasons but I tend to overheat easily. Should also be noted I have a wife and two young kids (4/2) that I like to share the experience/journey with. We usually go early or stay after to get a small vacation in. I am from PA and usually use TriBike to ship out gear/bike.
Thanks in advance