Anyone ever done this race? I’m thinkin about doing it as a prep for IMFL. Opinions? Thanks…
The SOS. My favorite race. You’ve got to do it at least once. I don’t know what kind of prep it would be for IMFL. There are no similarities. You could go to Delaware Diamondman half that weekend. It’s a perfectly flat half IM. But the SOS is like no other race in the world. Start on the bike in the dark (and sometimes the fog), the five mile bicycle climb into T1,running up Cardiac on the first run, the first long cold swim carrying your shoes through the water, running up Godzilla at the end of your third (8.5 mi) run, the last (third) swim cramping all the way right up to the Mountain House, then the final mile run up the stone steps to the finish. All followed by the best party anywhere in the sport. And don’t forget, the best shirt in the sport. Never mind being an Ironman, this one says you are a SURVIVOR.
I’ve read a lot about SOS. I really want to do it but I wasn’t sure whether or not it would be too much too close to IMF. I did Diamondman last year… thought it was a great race. The only reason why I haven’t signed up for it this year is because I was considering SOS. Glad to hear it’s a “must do” - I’ll definitely put it on my list. Now, I just have to decide if I should do it as a prep race or make it an “A” priority next year.
The SOS is sept. 12. When is IMFL, beginning of November? It shouldn't be hard to do both as "A" efforts. There's about eight weeks in between. A couple of things to remember with the SOS; first, you'll have to bring someone with you to take your bike after the bike ride. This is manditory, you can't leave your bike at the transition area and your second has to bring your running and swimming gear to t1. This is a point to point race and you can't leave anything, not even a gel wrapper along the way. You will be DQ'ed. You have to carry your shoes through three lakes and if you wear a wetsuite to swim, you'll have to carry it 20 miles for four runs. The water is COLD! I recommend getting a shorty wetsuite, you can run in it with the top pulled down. Don't laugh, Don Davis does all the runs and swims in a long legged wetsuite and it's his race! Try to practice swimming with your shoes, no matter how you plan to carry them. Most people just tuck them in their shorts. I've used a Seal brand fanny pack and my shoes got wet anyway. Next time I'll just leave them on. With the wetsuite I don't think if will slow me down too much. Most of all remember to have fun. It's a beautiful area and the trail running is awesome. Go easy up Godzilla then just let it rip. And be prepared to enjoy a great dinner at the end with anything you can imagine to eat at tables on a cliff overlooking the final lake. Good Luck at SOS and IMFL
I think you would really enjoy SOS, especially as part of preparation for IMF. I’ve done it before, and found that the race is a great diversion, and you still get the benefit of some serious training time (the winner does 4 hours and change). IMF was too many weeks away for this race to hurt anything. I missed the race last year because of a wedding in Philly, and did Diamondman instead. Yeah, it was similiar to IMF as far as terrain and such, but it was not as much fun as SOS. It was such a different experience, and I have great memories from all of the times I have done it. My SOS finisher shirts are all in a place of reverence, and will NEVER be used as rags or given to goodwill.
Thanks (both of you)… I think you just made up my mind! 