I’m ready to for my 2nd IM (did IMNYC in 2012). I ride a lot in the mountains (live in Colorado) and running is my strength and average 4:30’s for HIM. I’m 165lbs w/ FTP of 285W… I want to do a late season IM, so IMLou is very tempting and so is IMAZ (if I can get in). I know a Kona slot (M 35-39) is an outside shot, but maybe a better slim chance at IMLou? It would just be my wife and I and will have to travel to any race as timing for IM Boulder doesn’t work out. Water conditions and wetsuit or not is not a deciding factor. A course like Florida would drive me nuts being so flat, but don’t want a hugely difficult bike either. I love the heat , but know late season won’t find really warm races. Thoughts, suggestions? Putting a lot of thought into this as you all know it’s a ton of $ and even more time.
Unless you have a really good aero set-up or "strong runner means sub 3:10 no problem… you about 15-30W short of the Kona bubble… especially wince strong runner more often than not are weak swimmers, so they get to T1 already 5’ behind.
Too bad IM Boulder didn’t work out. That was you best bet for warmer conditions, not too hilly, challenging run.
IMAZ is stacked a lot of years. I know 3 of the 35-39 guys there will be there this year, they’re frequent flyers to Kona. I think all 3 are right at the sub 9 mark on a good day.
Honestly, I suggest that guys on the KQ bubble, pick the hilliest course possible on the bike and run and train themselves to have a perfect race plan and execute and hope guys blow up because they overbiked. IMWI, Muskoka, IMLou, CdA. Your running out of options.
I’m biased but IMWI. It’s a semi hilly course with 2 cat 5 hills per loop (2 loops). The weather is typically mid 70’s with a chance of snow, rain, hail, monsoon like conditions or perfect weather. Similar to most venues.
I’m not sure how or if this will change the participation levels but this was the last year the pros would be participating. Hotels downtown get pricey for that weekend but if you are willing to be 4-5 miles away the hotels are “normal” priced and will provide shuttles to and from the expo/race area.
As an FYI, I’m old and slow so I can’t give you any info about what it’s like at the front. Either way fan participation is outstanding.