All:
In 2008 I plan on stepping up to an Ironman and need some advice. I had originally wanted to do IMFL, but given it’s late season slot and my desire to run two falls marathons, I’ve dropped that one. This will be my first IM, but I have a riding background and run a lot as well. The swimming, well, that’s always an issue.
Anyhow, I’ve narrowed my choices down to IMCDA and IMLP and have read a lot about both races. Being seven in 1980, I remember the Placid Olympics, so that is a great memory. Of course, I’ve heard nothing but good stuff about Idaho too.
I’ve read that both races have great swims, so that’s a draw between them. I have heard nightmare stories about the bike course at IMLP, but then I’ve heard that IMCDA has a lot of rollers that take their toll as well. The marathon course at IMLP is reputed to be among the best for crowd support and the finishing chute on the skating oval seems awesome.
My thinking for IMLP is that I can still get some local racing (Columbia and Eagleman) in before the race, which is always a plus. With IMCDA, I’d get a single Oly in and that’s about it. Of course, my thinking on this might be flawed.
Finally, travel might be a small consideration as IMLP is drivable from Baltimore, MD whereas IMCDA is a long flight away.
So, looking for some feedback from my fellow ST’ers on their thoughts or why they chose either of these races over the other.
Thanks,
Bob
I signed up for IMLP last year (as my first IM) simply because it is a 2h30 to 3h drive from Ottawa.
Logistics was my main motivation.
Fred.
I have done both, loved both, but there is no question you should do IM USA if you can. The bike is absolutely beautiful, and there are long stretches where you can get into a rhythm. I prefer long gradual climbs over rollers any day. The run course is tough, but well supported, esp in town. IM USA is the race to do. Lake Placid essentially shuts down for it, and you won’t find a more welcoming group of people who are proud to have that race in their town.
2008 is the 10 yr anniversary too, so it should be especially exciting, and even more difficult to enter.
It seems that LP will allow you to do other races if you so choose plus it is much closer. As a previous post said, the scenery is gorgeous. I’ve done both and would highly recommend LP.
I’ve done both… LPx1/ CDAx3.
Both are fine races but LP is closer for you … and if you’re a marginal swimmer you can at least follow the cables at LP that make it like swimming in a pool with lane lines. Bike course is tougher at Placid but fun … runs are similar. Personally … I’d choose Penticton always.
Dave
Living in the East Coast, IMLP gives you an extra month of outdoor training, especially those long bike rides. IMCDA has been tough to train through with the long, cold winter we had a lot of long, boring trainer workouts. An extra few weeks to build into a taper would have been key. With that being said, IMLP is amazing, challenging and most of all rewarding. I am looking forward to my first attempt in CDA in a few weeks. I will try to get into LP next year, so far it’s my favorite.
IMLP was my first IM of 3 (IM Brazil + IMFL) and it was the best, probably my favorite day since getting into triathlon. The bike course is certainly challenging but if you climb fairly well its really alot about pacing so you have something left for the end of the second lap. I didn’t think the run course was especially tough (2 real hills) but then again I was moving very slowly. I am a crappy swimmer and if you are too Mirror Lake is the best IM swim you will ever find - clear clean water and its hard to go off track Scenery and town support cannot be beat.
I go up to train in LP as often as I can so I was thinking about doing IMCDA next year to see a new place. As such, I’m interested to know why just about everyone who has done both favors IMLP?