Correct. Thank you!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Thank you!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Thank you!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Thank you, Dr. G; I'm so happy for you! Enjoy.

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Correct. Thank you!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Mark, is the Grand Junction race going to stay around the same time next year? Was hoping for this year but it didn't work out with travel but hoping for next year. Thanks and best of luck with the series

Hi Iron07...Thanks for asking! And, yes, the GJ event will stay on the same weekend; too much going on at other times and the water/weather works on this particular weekend, as well. Sound good? Also, heads-up, there will be a STEEP discount available to the public on Sunday and Monday on race weekend; it's about 66% OFF everything (Sprint-Full). Enjoy. See you in 2015!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Just thought I'd pipe in here and echo some similar thoughts from others. Agree, the original post may have given off the wrong impression that for some reason the HITS series might be in trouble (but corrected later). Any company, that enters a new "business/industry" is faced with many challenges. Fortunately HITS has an established successful track record in the equestrian industry and I share the thoughts that any company helping to build and provide a service to triathlon should be welcomed. Yes, it's a somewhat unique event that some might like and others may not with the five different courses. It may not be as "formal" as the larger events that attract pros with prize money but if it's well organized with adequate safety precautions and provides the "essentials" of a nice venue, (the individual bike racks are a nice touch), good recognition for the winners, support services, food, etc., especially at a reasonable cost/price point, then that's usually good enough to provide a rewarding experience. I've only done one HITS event, (Naples, FL) in 2013, and Mark Wilson was very responsive before the race with communication and during the event as well, and is very open to suggestions for improvement the next time around. It was my experience at Naples if all RD's shared his openness and responsiveness, many races would be a better experience. I'm focusing on the larger events now, but would definitely do another HITS event if the opportunity presented itself (vacation in Naples again) and would not hesitate to recommend their event to anyone who is still developing their skills and might appreciate a little more relaxed environment and/or the more experienced triathlete who feels they might be ready for an overall winner podium spot. With other organizers going out of business (Columbia) and others doing major cutbacks (HyVee money/prizes), I hope their success continues.....it's good for the sport.

Thank you for your thoughtful post; MUCH appreciated. See you in Naples!!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Thanks for all your feedback on this thread Mark, and yes I plan to see you in Colorado next May!

And that is why a lot of folks I talked to were there - lower numbers mean a much better chance of getting a podium.

Also, I have to tell you, I really liked the less crowded course at HITS.

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http://aclockworkmango.com

Also the only sport in which there are bigger prima donnas.

You haven't seen high maintenance until you've met someone with a $100,000 horse.

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http://aclockworkmango.com

Exactly, but even worse is the mom that spent $100k on a pony and wants to know why her daughter isn't winning more. "Uh, the reality is that you kid should play tennis." SPT - Should Play Tennis -- that's what people that have no feel for the horse are called.

I see we've met some of the same people :)

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http://aclockworkmango.com

100k !? That's nuthin'.

Nice!! And, it's my pleasure.

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Thank you!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Late to this thread, but I have to chime in here. I have no idea what HITS financial situation is or how much they make/lose on their races, but I raced HITS North Country last year and it was an awesome experience. Totally different than WTC. Yeah, there wasn't the same hype without Kona/70.3 WC slots on the line but the cost was low, lodging in the area was cheap, and the RD added an amazing personal touch to the race. I think he met every athlete. Notice how he jumps on ST and answers every question as well as tackling criticism. I admire that and think they are really trying to present a different product on the market. I sure hope they last because I enjoy doing their races even though I also enjoy WTC races. As far as the race itself, it was pretty tough (58 mile hilly bike) but they covered all the important logistics (probably would be much more difficult with 2000 plus racers) and it really was an enjoyable, smaller race experience. Thanks Mark, I hope you have 17 more years as well.

Thank you, Sir; it means a lot to me! And, yes, I'm pacing myself...only 17 more years to go!!!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

The series seems to be run by idiots that have lots of connections in the marketing community. First of all, it is stupid to try and put on so many different distances into one event. It just isn't practical or logistically sound. It is difficult enough for a race director to host a sprint/oly/half combo. Second, they tried to host an event in Traverse City MI at the beginning of October! No one wants to do a race at the beginning of October in Northern MI. That is ludicrous. Not to mention MI has way too many tri's as it is!

davedaprato wrote:

The series seems to be run by idiots that have lots of connections in the marketing community. First of all, it is stupid to try and put on so many different distances into one event. It just isn't practical or logistically sound. It is difficult enough for a race director to host a sprint/oly/half combo. Second, they tried to host an event in Traverse City MI at the beginning of October! No one wants to do a race at the beginning of October in Northern MI. That is ludicrous. Not to mention MI has way too many tri's as it is!

ok... I assume maybe you had an episode while writing your last post ... but... before you give your opinion of the "idiots" who run the event, have you ever been to a HITS event?...And no doubt you have the most in depth history of race directing to provide the suggestion of how hard it is to produce an event... so I will be happy to place my foot in my mouth once you provide us with all of your personal knowledge / experience on the matter before I continue...

Thank you! It's true, hosting 5 triathlon distances at 10 venues and 5 running distances at 4 different venues around the USA is challenging...and, I wouldn't want it any other way. Thank you for your support!!!

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Ignore the haters. I'm back for the second year and your event is a refreshing alternative to the WTC events.

Any idea on what the water temps will be next weekend?

Thanks, John! And, FYI, the Highline Lake Park Staff reported the water at 60 degrees; and, the air temps look like they'll be climbing all week into the mid-80's. We'll be good! See ya soon.

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Mark H. Wilson
Wilson Endurance Sports, LLC
Office: 914-466-9214
http://www.CoachMarkWilson.com

Mark, personally I hope that HITS continues to do well. I train/race with a group of MOP middle-aged athletes and having the multiple distances and aqua bike category allows all of the guys to compete on the same weekend, at the same race at the distance we are individually targeting. This is as much social for us as it is an athletic endeavor. Three of us are coming out to HITS North Country in June and 5 of us are doing HITS Hunter in September.

But a few of us have a request/question: If we register for the Half at Hunter before the June price increase and decide after North Country that we want to upgrade to the Full, can we pay the difference of the pre-June price?
Thanks and looking forward to seeing you in Hague, NY,
Adam