Ok, the new IMFL course is out. I’d prefer this not be a Ironman slam thread. Personally, I feel they are really doing a heroic job to try to pull off this move in such a short time under pretty challenging circumstances. What I’m really seeking for is any of you experienced ST IM types—what’s your reactions to the new course? Here are several of mine (FWIW):
1. Swim course, although not ideal given the shape, is probably fine for the first lap. I think the second will be a challenge. It’s a rolling start and with around 1500-2000 likely starters it’s hard to imagine that fast swimmers won’t have to navigate through a large chunk of the back of the pack. Will be slow for sure. That combined with a likely fresh water non wetsuit swim makes this even more likely. Could be some folks getting in trouble due to traffic on 2nd lap given high percentage of new IM types....
2. Bike course looks just fine. Obviously hillier than PCB but at 2,700 vertical it’s hardly hilly. Something like 50+ turns and a few U-turns but over 112 miles not a big deal. Will give opportunities to change position rather than 112 miles of locked in aero at PCB! Slower, harder bike course than PCB but strong cyclists will likely like it.
3. The run course has over 100 turns, which is unprecedented in my experience. Probably not a big factor but as the run wears on I suspect we’ll be wondering where the heck we are! Much hillier than PCB, in fact more hilly on a linear distance basis than the bike course, it will be a real challenge, especially for weaker runners and people who overcook the bike (looking in the mirror here!). Also, there is the likely potential for hotter temps so could be a rougher run.
4. On balance, while not the most attractive course, it’s great under the circumstances, is a fair test for would be Ironman, and will be noticeably harder than PCB for those who have done it before. Best to ratchet back your time expectations!
Randy Christofferson(http://www.rcmioga.blogspot.com
Insert Doubt. Erase Hope. Crush Dreams.
1. Swim course, although not ideal given the shape, is probably fine for the first lap. I think the second will be a challenge. It’s a rolling start and with around 1500-2000 likely starters it’s hard to imagine that fast swimmers won’t have to navigate through a large chunk of the back of the pack. Will be slow for sure. That combined with a likely fresh water non wetsuit swim makes this even more likely. Could be some folks getting in trouble due to traffic on 2nd lap given high percentage of new IM types....
2. Bike course looks just fine. Obviously hillier than PCB but at 2,700 vertical it’s hardly hilly. Something like 50+ turns and a few U-turns but over 112 miles not a big deal. Will give opportunities to change position rather than 112 miles of locked in aero at PCB! Slower, harder bike course than PCB but strong cyclists will likely like it.
3. The run course has over 100 turns, which is unprecedented in my experience. Probably not a big factor but as the run wears on I suspect we’ll be wondering where the heck we are! Much hillier than PCB, in fact more hilly on a linear distance basis than the bike course, it will be a real challenge, especially for weaker runners and people who overcook the bike (looking in the mirror here!). Also, there is the likely potential for hotter temps so could be a rougher run.
4. On balance, while not the most attractive course, it’s great under the circumstances, is a fair test for would be Ironman, and will be noticeably harder than PCB for those who have done it before. Best to ratchet back your time expectations!
Randy Christofferson(http://www.rcmioga.blogspot.com
Insert Doubt. Erase Hope. Crush Dreams.