I’m looking at doing my first IM race next year and wanted some opinions on different options for a first time IM racer. I reside in Socal, so training for hilly courses is not a problem, we’ve got routes with rollers to big multi mile climbs. I’m more of a swimmer/cyclist and a weak runner. Here are a couple races i’ve thought about doing. Any other suggestions are appreciated.
IMCDA
IMWI
IMFL
If running is your weakest discipline, then probably the flatter the better. You can’t get any flatter than IMFL.
I like Lake Placid,because of the temp. It may get some rain but it wont get hot ,I did it 2004 (around 75-80max) samething in 2007.IMWI with temp is hit or miss,upper 80’s or cool rain like 2006.I live in Atlanta and wont do Fla. FLAT, boring,but could be a great first.Also because time of year it gets dark early so if you finish after 6 ish it will be dark.I like summer races because when I finish,around 7:30 its light,thats just me.Good Luck!
IM Canada is a fabulous event, but it sells out on monday after the race so you would have to be on site to register. other than that little wrinkle, it’s a great event for first timers
IMFL is a PIA to fly into as it is not near a major airport and airfares from the nearby “major” airports can be pricey. I liked FL, but I drove there from Chicago.
What is wrong with AZ? CDA is also closed for next year so it can’t be you are looking for an event you can register for. I assume you would do CDA on community fund.
I liked Placid a lot, but that is not on your list and is also a PIA to get to.
It also depends what is your current level of fitness/base. are you “ready” to do an IM now? in 6 months? in a year? or more?
That being said, IMCDA is already sold out unless you do not mind caughing $1000 with a Community slot (but the 1H time difference as opposed to 3H with Florida is a big bonus)
Between IMMoo & IMFL, well two different types of IMs…
During my 1st IM my biggest concern was not the bike and or run profile, it was the weather. It is one factor that can make your IM a very very tough day!
Fred.
Why not consider an unofficial IM as your first then sign-up for an official IM after that? I did Vineman as my first and had no regrets (except for the horrible race T-shirt). The fan support is not what you will see at an M Dot but otherwise it is very well organized. You can sign up whenever as I don’t think it sells out. There are plenty of others out there. It is a less expensive way of getting used to the distance and understanding what kind of course (and climate) suits you best.