I’ve been told that this is the place to find some good information. As this is my first post, please excuse me if this subject has been discussed before. A little introduction: I’m beginning my 2nd year as a triathlete, and I’d like to have this year as a prep for next year ('08). In 2008 I’d like to complete my first Ironman race. I want the experience and satisfaction of completing an Ironman event. I understand that there are other races out there that are Ironman distances, but just not santioned by IM, however, as a first time, I’d like to experience an IM. So, with that said, I’m looking to get some opinions about a great 1st Ironman. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations on a 1st IM event? I’d like to race in the US (or North America at least) for simplicity purposes. Salt water or fresh water? BTW, I live in Ohio, so racing AZ means training in the winter…is that an issue? Last bit of information, I’m finishing up my graduate degree next December (early), that’s when I’ll be able to give a full commitment.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?
Thank you ahead of time.
Sincerely,
Dale
Do a search for first ironman or best ironman as lots of discussion in the past. Basically, what time frame fits into your schedule, do you want to travel, what are your strengths (if you suck on the hills, then Lanzarote probably isn’t the best), are you taking family with you, etc. Lots of issues to consider.
Florida. Gives you plenty of time to train up during the spring and summer. Flat course all the way around. Great suppport from the community. The swim is not guaranteed to be flat but usually tolerable. Lots of lodging possibilities, fun stuff for the family to do. Great race for your first. Many on this list have done it several times. At this point you have 2 years to train, and you’d better be ready with your credit card on Sunday morning or you’ll have 3 years to get ready. Good luck.
My first post also!! I agree with IM FL as a good 1st IM. Be ready to sign up immediately when registration opens 2007. I did it in 2005 and it is a very fast course. My only caveats you may consider is it is a large race and if your not a confident swimmer the swim with 2200 people is scary. I did 1:01 so I wasnt in the middle of the pack and didnt get into open water for 2000m or so. The other thing about IMFL , which i doubt is an issue for a first timer, is since its a flat course there is alot of drafting (illegal). Finally as for as IM sanctioned race, IM FL, IM CDA, etc… these are the biggest and most glitzy, but some smaller races are enjoyable if you dont want as much expence or size of field, i.e Vineman, Redman, Great Floridian,…Hope this helps. Kansas today 70F, tomorrow 29F…oh well!
Registration is a pain if you only want to do an official Ironman event. Often they fill up within hours of the registration opening. WI is a good option for you, but the soonest you can entry is for the 2008 race, unless you can afford $1000 or more to “buy” your way in via community slot (if they are even still available???).
Since my plan is to do my 1st IM in 2008, I have some time. However, as a first, I do want the experience of a Ironman sanctioned event. Perhaps after I get this first IM under my belt, then I’ll look at the local events.
I was able to see many posts in this forum on 1st timer IM, and they all helped. It appears that the conclusion to all the posts are:
Florida or Arizona if you want consistant weather
Lake Placid or Wisconsin if you want a nice course and atmosphere
FL is HUGE with lots of glitz, but can be lost in the city
FL also has plenty to do for your family (that doesn’t apply to me)
The volunteers everywhere are great!
Swimming in salt water is the same as fresh water, except that you swallow really bad tasting salt water, instead of really bad tasting fresh water.
Obviously, no one knows anything about Louisville
I have some work ahead of me. Since I can’t start really training until next December (because of school), I have a feeling that the IM that I’m going to register for will coincide with the timeline for my graduation date.
First of all Welcome.
For a first Ironman sanctioned event I would have to recommend ( w/ some bias ) Ironman USA Lake Placid. It was my first one and its also in my homestate.
It has a reputation for having one of the biggest crowds of any race. It’ll blow your mind how many folks cheer you on along the course, even out by Whiteface Mtn you get crowds rooting for you as you climb the hills.
Lake Placid is also hallowed ground in sports history. T1 is basically where the Miracle on Ice happened., and its also where Eric Heiden racked up his 5 Olympic Gold medals. The goose bumps that I got while prepping my bike on race morning next to the Olympic oval was an out of body experience.
Another plus is the village athmospere of Lake Placid. There is beauty everywhere you turn. Mirror Lake where the swim takes place is in the village and within walking distance of most hotels and lodges.
ITs a challenging course for the bike and run, but thats what Ironman’s all about.
Another aspect to consider is that 2008 is the 10 year anniversary of IM Lake Placid which makes it extra special to be a part of that. I can only imagine the swag bag.
Since you’re not too far away in Ohio, it might be a good idea to come up and spectate , or better yet volunteer for this years race. This way you can sign up at the fairgrounds the next morning and secure a spot. It sold out in a little over an hour this year.
My 2 cent is to GO VISIT and VOLUNTEER next year at the race you’ve selected. Soak it all up, enjoy the people and make sure you’re signed up for following year.
Sounds like you’re a planner, so don’t let registration be a crap-shoot.
I’m already planning a vacation to Louisville for the IM to volunteer. I’m looking forward to the experience! After watching this event, it could be a very good possibility to having Louisville as my first IM. However, I was hoping for something earlier, as Louisville is in August. I was hoping for a race in June/July, but I’ve given thoughts to AZ in April.
I’d have to agree with swordfish on Lake Placid. I’ve done to IM’s Florida, & LP. 2007 I’ll be doing LP once again and I’ll likely be doing the 10 year in 2008 as well. Florida is a great since it’s flat and its late in the year so Its easier to get all the required mileage in, but since it is so late you also risk burnout. Also when I did FL I thought there was a big crowd, but it is nothing compared to LP. The swim in Florida will be probably be easier since there is more room in the gulf than there is in mirror lake, just swim one loop of mirror lake pre race and you will defintely fall in love with it. The bike course is one loop and all you see for 100 mi is pine trees. the first and last 6 miles i think were the only time I saw any spectators on the bike course, in LP you have them all over the place, not to mention the scenery is just gorgeous. While the bike course is much tougher in LP you have much more crowd support, and climbing up Papa Bear with the crowds surrounding you is just unreal. The run in Florida is flat and once again has a pretty sparse crowd, unlike LP when you get in town the spectators are great and just really try and pump you up. Overall I felt like Florida was a good experience but it doesnt compare to the atmosphere at LP. Florida on the otherhand is definelty cheaper since it is off season in PCB.
I’ll pipe in and say don’t forget to look at the independent races as well. There are some fantastic Iron distance races which can cost you less in the long run and are equal in terms of value.
If you want an Ironman branded race as your first, I would have to agree with others and say that you would really enjoy Lake Placid as a first step into the distance. It is quite a spectacle.
Another vote for LP, but I’ve heard similar things said about IMCanada. I loved every minute of my time in Lake Placid, even through the rough patches you’ll find something to look forward to on that course. Although not originally in the plans, I’m actually now considering a trip back this July to race and get revenge on the second half of that run course.
Ironman Canada for sure. Go up and volunteer in the swim transition and body marking. It gives you a pass into transition all day (or least it use to), then you just go out and watch the race all day, stand in line all night and do the race the next year. Ironman Canada is just an amazing race to do for your first one.
Someone may have already mentioned this but you can still get into any of the 2007 north America Ironman’s by racing one of the 70.3 that has slots. This is how I got into the 2 IM’s I’ve done. I qualified at Muskoka (Canada). Muskoka is one of the only if not the only non M-dot race you acsn get into a IMNA race. I think California, Florida and a few other 70.3s have slots.
Lake Placid or Canada…because these two are absolutely classic. Some IM’s are better than others, and these two are simply outstanding in every aspect - course, scenery. crowd support, and the event feel in general cannot be matched. Wisconsin is good too, but LP and Canada are unforgeytable experiences.
