I would like to know what you liked/dislike about any 1/2 Ironman you have done. Specifically what made it great for you?
Thanks
Had to enjoy my first because it was St. Croix. That being said, it was probably the wrong choice for my first. It is a tough race, which is a good thing, but tougher than I thought it would be. Subsequent halves have gone much better. Stayed at the Buccaneer. Great destination race, great people. No one really seemed to mind that half the Island was closed down for most of the day. Cool post race party that night.
Mike
Based on the reviews I’ve seen here on ST before: An uncommonly high percentage of half-irons get excellent reviews. There just seem to be very few mediocre or bad races at that distance. The sweet spot for racing?
That said, which one you will like the best will depend on your priorities. Scenery on the bike course is probably my #1 criteria; so of the 4 races I’ve taken part in, I’d rate Big Kahuna, Barb’s (Vineman), and Pacific Crest all higher than Auburn. But, someone who likes a grassrootsy feel and a really stiff course is going to rate Auburn the best of those four. (And they were all four fantastic compared to some of the sprints/Olympics I’ve done.)
I’ve done 3 all in California:
Wildflower - What can you say, it’s awesome. It’s huge, historic and a tough course. The race is well run and although I hate to camp, it’s pretty fun to spend the night with thousands of triathletes. Downside is it can be hot and it’s truly in the middle of nowhere.
Vineman IM 70.3 - Amazing course starting in the Russian River with Redwoods all around. Bike is fairly flat and fast and goes from Redwoods to vineyards. The run is a bit boring with very little shade. The year I did it in 2007 it was really friggin’ hot. Again, really well run race. Also logistically it’s a bit of a pain since it’s a point to point that is T1 and T2 are in different places.
Oceanside IM 70.3 - This is the closest race I’ve seen that compares with the hoopla of a full IM. It’s super well organized and has that big race feel about it. The swim is a bit cold but really well marked. The bike has some tough hilly sections but is really fair. The run is flat and fast. I think the weather is the most conducive to fast times since it’s cool in March but it’s awfully early in the season. The finish line schwag and food were the best I’ve seen at any race. Just a really well run, fantastic HIM.
But if I could only do one of those 3, it would be Wildflower. It’s an American classic that many of the top pros do and with a history second only to Hawaii.
---- The one that I’d like to do that someone else mentioned is the Big Kahuna in Santa Cruz. That area is gorgeous and the temps are mild. Just have to be careful of the occasional Great White.
i did`t have one yet. but soon i will break 5hrs