IM Lou was my first IM and what an incredible experience. I was telling everyone that this would be my one and only tri of this distance…you know, too much training, etc. I was going to go back to Oly’s and HIM’s…Well, on Monday morning I would have signed up again for next year if I had the $.
I was kind of looking forward to the mass swim start to have the whole experience but honestly I was not completely disappointed that the swim was switched to a time trial start. I actually felt pretty good without the wet suit. Finished in 1:23 ... about what I predicted. Bike course was beautiful and about what I expected hill wise. I finished in 6:52 (a little over 16 mph)...again about what I predicted. I was thinking maybe 6:30 but not too bad. My quads cramped a little toward the end so I couldn't take advantage of the nice flat/downhill fast finish. I ran the first 5 miles of the marathon...then walked a mile/ran a mile for a while then finally gave in to walking. I ended up with a little over 6 hrs on the marathon. I was hoping for 4:30-5 hrs, but I am happy for finishing. My stomach was bloated and couldn't handle running but yet I needed to take in more fluids and endorolytes, etc. I think not being acclimated to the heat hurt me. Living in NW PA...we had very cool temps for several weeks leading up to the race. My wife said the temp was 93 at 6:30 pm on Sunday. I finished in 14:45. Awesome experience. Volunteers were incredible and local support 99% positive and very encouraging. Now that I'm sure I want to do another one...probably in 2009...I am wondering which one to do. For those that have done IM Lou and other IM races, how does this one compare. Give me general observations if you like but I'm also looking for bike course comparisons. I'm also considering the Chesapeake Man but am afraid I'd miss the huge buzz for five days. Unfortunately I will need to keep it in North America (cost concerns and family traveling with me). I have nothing against going back to Lou but just wondering. Thanks for the feedback.
Meadville. Headed to Wisconsin next week for my first IM.
Too bad that it’s the day after the Presque Isle triathlon on Sept 8th. I was looking forward to that one again this year but will have to skip it.
Congrats on your race.
Mark, congrats first on starting your IM journey just by making it to the START line and second, by completing the day’s journey to the FINISH line! I raced IM Lou on Sunday as well and felt very blessed to have “race day wisdom” to pace, eat, and drink appropriately.
Regarding your question on comparing bike courses with other venues, here are my thoughts vs. Wisconsin and Canada (the other two venues I’ve experienced):
IM Wisconsin - similar hill frequency as IM Lou, roads not as smooth, hills in Wisc a little steeper, the Wisc course is more technical,
IM Canada - overall climbing may be the similar but very different course (Richter Pass and Yellow Lake are long mountain climbs) and there are larger rollers than IM Lou in the middle (Yellow Lake will make you feel like you are in Le Tour on Alp d’Huez). The Cawston out and back section rattled my mouth’s fillings it was so rough (back in '98), not sure if its still that way.
You will NOT find an easier final 20 miles on a bike course than IM Lou this past Sunday…generally downhill with a tailwind. For your next one, expect a harder finish at the end of the bike.
If you’re in NW PA, IM Lake Placid seems like a logical fit from a logistics and cost standpoint. Same reason I did IM Lou this year (I’m in Cincinnati 2 hours up the road).
Enjoy some well deserved time off from training and reinvest that time in the family!
If you’re in NW PA, IM Lake Placid seems like a logical fit from a logistics and cost standpoint. Same reason I did IM Lou this year (I’m in Cincinnati 2 hours up the road).
If IM Lou didn’t happen I was looking at doing IMLP. Both races are actually about the same distance from me and being a teacher, IM Lou gave me the whole summer to train. Also, LP is so hard to get into. I may try it in the future.
