Why? Tried and true traditional reasons? Trying to beat your PR?
I notice that a lot of responses have included that the venue in which was participated in, “put on a good race…” Isn’t that the case with most Ironmans?
Granted, every race has its flaws, but IM is the big show. The race venues spend $1000’s making it just that-The Big Show. So, I guess a better question on this topic is, what venues have put on a poor race?
I’m with you here Sara. I did IMFL in November, and really want to try a different location next time. I like variety and actually do take a moment to enjoy the scenery when I’m racing that distance.
Is “because it makes me happy” an acceptable answer?
The quote above really says it all.
Cathy how ar ya well l can confirm well past 4 am more like 6am then beers at hotel.Cya there in may
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Shea and I were talking about you over the holiday. See ya in May!!
IMFL x2 and x3 next year.
PC Beach is a miserable place but I don’t much care for traveling, anyway.
I do that one because it is flat and I believe I have a competitive advantage on flat.
I might might also do Western Australia next year, too - also flat. But I may also enjoy the travel aspect of it.
I have not done the same course twice…although…after doing Lake Placid this past year…I can certainly say I will be back. Very nice town (I center vacations around Ironmans)…good food, scenic, and best of all…awesome, awesome course.
I was one of those people that credited the venue. As I have very little to compare it to (it was my first IM), I am obviously not a good data point for comparison. That being said:
Penticton goes all out for the race. The volunteers are amazing and you can tell they are truly excited about hosting IM. In addition, the Okanagan valley is spectactular and offers plenty of activities outside of the race, including top notch wine-tasting. Many roads were closed in the area for the race but I didn’t hear of any complaining. The LBSs in the area jump through hoops to help (often for free) with bike issues. Locals that live on the run course are necessarily inconvenienced but take it in stride, setting up chairs along the road and cheering each runner on.
I don’t have experience with any other venue, but I can’t imagine it gets any better than Penticton. Maybe I’m wrong?
Not for me. Too many beautiful places in the world to see to waste time repeating one.
I’ve done most of the IMNA events 2-3X … they’re just quality events and challenging with great age group competition. The event sites are great also. To me its sort of like going to a rock concert … when they’re good, you just stay entertained.
Some may enjoy long trips to new foreign sites, but I look at that as just complicated logistics getting myself, family, and bikes there without problems. I could return to Penticton annually until I’m too old to compete anymore … I consider Canada a US province that is confused (apologies in advance for such blasphemy on Canadians).
When you consider how many mindless laps we spend in the pool, thousands of training miles on the bike largely on the same routes, and the same for running … whats the big deal about doing 140.6 once a year at the same place???
Dave
When I raced, I did an IM to race and I travelled to travel but was never interested in mixing the two. I have travelled all over the world and would not be interested in dealing with all the travel headaches involved with bikes etc.
I travel with a fold up bicycle because it fits into a suitcase and then take off from there. I also mainly do bike touring when I travel so no hotels, restauruant meals etc.
Because I live in Melbourne, Australia and we only have 2 IM’s down here, to many $$$ to even think about flying to the US or Europe. Maybe one day when my 1 year old daughter is a Tennis pro and can support her daddy’s addiction… 