Has anyone done both races??
I did IMOO and would like to know how IMLP compares.
You can compare Dave Harju’s times from last year as a fair comparison.
Yes, I’ve done both. Moo is a tougher course. Do a search…plently of good stuff. Good luck.
I’ve done both. IMLP is definately tougher. MOO has a lot of rollers but no sustained climbing. Also the last 12 miles or so of LP is all uphill which doesn’t set up the run well.
I agree with Slick. I think there was a post here last year descibing how to use the rolling hills at Wisconsin to your advantage. Or at least to use the momentum from each downhill to carry you throught the subsequent hill. But at LP, the climbs are longer with little reprieve. Per my times, about 30 minutes difference.
I’d say that LP is slightly more difficult than Moo, but it’s going to vary from individual to individual. The two courses are as different as night and day. And there is the danger of going nearly anaerobic on those little uphills in Moo (I saw many who did) that doesn’t exist at LP - when you’ve got 8 more miles of uphill staring you in the face you’re going to be at least somewhat smart about it. As per times, mine were nearly identical, but was in better shape at LP.
I’ve done both: MOO once and LP three times. I think this is comparing apples to oranges, as they say. Two different types of courses, and each might be suited to different types of athletes. In my opinion and experience, LP offers a tougher course physically, but I also have found it to be easier to get into a good groove there. I break up the LP course into four sections (per lap), based on the topography, and that has helped me plan out my effort, nutrition, etc. The one time I rode MOO, I was just not able to do that. Once you get out in the countryside, its miles and miles of rolling hills, some quite steep, some with technical descents.
Ive only done Imoo. But read Andrea Fisher’s from IMOO 2004. Shes done both
Like others have said, two different courses. I had a tougher time at LP–sitting at the top of Keene freaking out that I was going to wipe out second time in the rain, probably didn’t help matters. First time in my life I had ever heard anyone say ‘you are about to miss the bike cutoff’ I didn’t know that was humanly possible!
Both courses I sucked on, both of them are long days. Sceneary, LP wins hands down, enjoyment on the course, Moo wins hands down (did the innaugral so maybe that is why). Did both of them in the same year, and was very burnt out when I hit Wisconsin, but Wisconsin still holds so dear to me.
Pretty much guaranteed rain and coolness in LP and heat and winds in Wisconsin which makes a big difference of what you have left for the run.
I would have to give the edge to LP only because I love short steep hills, and LP is just up and up and up. Either way eventually you will want to do both.
Thanks to everyone for their input!!
I agree with what Quadzila says. I have not done either, I’m not a big fan of IMNA events in the lower 48 (I’ve done Hawaii, New Zealand and Canada twice).
One thing I notice- and please do not misinterpret this as any kind of a knock or derogatroy in any way- from our customer base is that the athletes who target IMLP tend to be somewhat better prepared than the athletes who do IMMOO.
For some reason our customers who go to IMMOO get chewed up pretty bad on the course and on the clock. The ones who go to IMLP seem to report a tougher course- but have a better race and seem better prepared.
I interact with all of them extensively so I have some arm chair insight, but nothing like the experience of doing the event though.
Maybe athletes underestimate IMMOO- huge mistake. It sounds and looks like a killer. I’d say either race is harder than any of the Ironman events I’ve done.
IMOO 2002 was my first Im. The bike was a bitch and I didn’t have enuff gears. I’m getting a 12-27 for IMLP and trying to get stronger.
Haven’t done either…but.
I just did, IMWI, IMUSA nd IMH on TOPO.
At first I was kinda shocked a I’ve always heard IMH was a hilly course, although some people I’ve talked to say it’s not the hills it’s the wind and heat that’ll get ya…but I digress.
The routes I did aren’t perfect but.
Climbing elevation
IMH 6336 ft Average Grade 2 Clinb Dist 56.55
IMWI 6460 ft Average grade 2 Climb Dist 56.74mi
IMUSA 8339 ft Average Grade 2 Climb Distance 55.06
Obviously these aren’t the end all to be all statistics but it gives you an idea. A few “uneducated” thoughts.
IMUSA a lot more climbing but a bit more coasting as well. IMWI is alot more “rolling” hills with a few that are a bit steeper than IMUSA, but shorter too. IMH and IMWI seem fairly similar except for one long climb at IMH that IMWI doesn’t have.
No idea what all this means as far as which is harder but something to chew on.
~Matt
I’ve done each twice. In my experience they are about the same, they require about the same effort (assuming you’re riding your target HR), but in a different manner. IMWI has a lot of shorter/steeper bursts that people get too aggressive on early in the race - ride it right and you’ll pass a ton of people on the 2nd loop. I’ve found the IMLP course a more enjoyable ride, even in the downpour of '03, b/c you can settle in better on the climbs and the 7 mile descent into Keene is a blast.
However, in my opinion, the biggest difference in these courses is the run - LP is much tougher. Climbing back into town on the second lap requires guts - if applicable, that’s where you’ll earn your Kona slot.