I’m thinking of signing up for IMOO or IMFL next year but can’t seem to figure out which one would be a better for a first time IM race. I was also considering a community slot for any of the other races. Anyone have any insights, tips, recommendations on a good starting point into the world of IM? Or does it really matter since they all present their own differences and difficulties that it wouldn’t matter (IMC has two big climbs on the bike, IMOO has crazy repeated rollers, IMFL has the heat and sedateness of the flats…etc etc).
the one that works better for you training wise - work, family, weather, etc.
they are all tough and each presents special challenges that must be trained for
I’m not the one to ask. I signed up for IMLP for my first, which ranks right up with IMC for climbs on the bike and throws some in on the run for good measure.
But it worked for me because my parents live on Upper Saranac Lake during the summer so I’ll stay free, I’m very familiar with the area so it’ll be like racing at home, and I’ll have lots of family on hand for support. Not the easiest, but it works best for me.
the one that works better for you training wise - work, family, weather, etc.
they are all tough and each presents special challenges that must be trained for
That’s been my main thing for picking a specific race. Just curious if one race offered a better environment than others. totally realize that they are all 140.6 miles and that no matter where they are, they are always going to be tough.
Austria.
Do you like the Redneck Riveria during offseason or the Best City to Live in America the day after a Badger Game?
Think logistics man. What’s going to be the least stressful venue for you to get to, get accomodations for etc. You’ll have enough stuff on your mind without worrying about all that crap as well.
Second consideration would be to pick a course that doesn’t exploit a significant weakness. If you’ll have trouble with doing a lot of climbing during your training (cuz of geography or whatever) you might want to pick a slightly flatter bike course for your first race. The flip side being that most of the flat rides are in hot, humid locations, so if you’re a puss in the heat you’ve got to consider that as well.
I live in CHicago and have been wondering the same thing. Moo is much more convenient and I could even train on the course a time or two. The thing I think about, though, is the hills which scare me at IMMoo. I spoke to a guy at the Chicago Tri Club who told me that he asked Paula Newby-Fraser your exact question at some clinic somewhere and according to this guy, PNF said that IMF is barely a real ironman because it is so boring and so flat and IMMoo would be the clear choice if you can pick it.
I’ve done IM Florida and IM Lake Placid. I’ve never done Wisconsin, so I can’t comment on that one. However, between the two I have done, Lake Placid was by far the better race. Better course, better race environment, much better crowd support. It was just a much better race experience all around. The weather is actually pretty similar since IM FL is held in November. The real heat is gone by then. The bike at IMFL is incredibly boring. It’s not just the flatness, it’s the scenery. If you like looking at pine forest after pine forest after pine forest, you’ll love IMFL. The run course is pretty bad too. It goes through a neighborhood where the residents don’t really like us being there and then through the road leading into a nice secluded beach area. Unfortunately, you don’t see much of the beach area, just the road leading to it.
By contrast the IM USA course is gorgeous. It has great mountain scenery. It’s tougher, but worth it.
Do Lake Placid if it works for you.
removing the factors of location and timing of race, i would recomment IMFL for the following reasons:
- Easy to find accomodations. There are tons of places to stay, and it is the offseason in tourism for the area. You could literally show up in town on race weekend and be able to find a place to stay, though I don’t recommend it. You’d be really pushing your luck not planning accomodations in advance for Lake Placid. Other US IM locations I can’t comment on as I haven’t done those.
- Less technical bike course and less preparation needed. Not that any IM bike is a cakewalk, as IMFL is very flat (constant use of same muscles) and gets windy, but for the most part you should still be able to get through it. Different story if you redline and bonk during the various climbs in LP. More technical courses such as LP and Moo require more preparation by training in similar conditions and terrain. Best bet is to do some homework to get ready for those courses.
- Multiple flight options. For LP, if not within driving distance, you’d have to fly to either Albany or Burlington, which are both a couple hrs away from LP. For IMFL, there are several options within an hour or two, if you can’t get a flight into Panama City Beach airport, such as Ft Walton, Talahasee, Pensacola, and Dothan, AL.
- IMFL has a bit of a reputation as being a first-timer’s race. They’ll be a significant amount of people in the same boat, and that atmoshpere might help put you at a little more ease.
- The timing in November does allow for later training in the year to prepare for the race.
There are mixed opinions on IMFL, however I’ve personally enjoyed the experience there and I did complete my 1st IM there. Granted other destinations such as LP are more scenic and have great places to go, but for reasons such as the ones listed above, IMO IMFL is a better choice to tackle the 1st IM. Best of luck with the choice you ultimately decide on.
IMLP of course!!! Between Moo and FL…FL…
IMLP of course!!! Between Moo and FL…FL…
Why FL and not Moo?
In addition, I’ve also heard good things about some of the non Mdot IM distance courses such as Great Floridian and Duke Blue Devil. I haven’t done those races and can’t comment on how they are for a 1st time distance, but it’s worth considering such options as well.
Thought about those but really want to complete an M-dot as my first IM…just silly that way.
I signed up for IMLP for my first, which ranks right up with IMC for climbs on the bike and throws some in on the run for good measure.
Huh?? LP is “right up there with IMC for climbs on the bike”?? I disagree, because LP’s bike is WAAAY harder than IMC’s! I distinctly recall someone telling me that the LP bike course was “only a little bit harder” than IMC’s when I signed up for LP. Uh huh. I also distinctly remember my reaction when I arrived in Placid and drove the bike course a few days before the race: “Oh, s***t…”
And I was right. That was the toughest bike ride I’ve ever done, period. Ever. Including the Queen K. Of course, the weather at LP that year (2003) didn’t help, but good weather or bad, that bike course will kick your butt!
I’ve actually always thought the IMC course is pretty darned “easy”, quite honestly. The climbs are long enough that they’re really not that steep. Richter goes in sections with flat spots to break it up. Yellow Lake is a bit of a bear, but in all honestly, it’s not that big a deal. And McClean Creek is little more than a bump in the road, relatively speaking. I think there’s just enough climbing at IMC, it’s perfect to make you use all the different muscles. Placid, on the other hand, is just plain HARD. And you have to do all the climbs TWICE. OUCH! (It’s even less fun in a typhoon, believe me…)
However, the two courses are equally scenic. One thing I’ve always loved about IMC is that I believe it is still the only single loop Ironman bike course out there other than Kona. Am I correct in that, do any of the others have single loops? There’s just something so epic about doing that one gargantuan loop. I’m not sure if it’s better or worse psychologically, but there’s definitely a cool factor goin’ on there! I’ve heard rumors in recent years about changing the course to two loops. I hope that remains nothing but a rumor. I was disappointed when they changed the run to two loops, although I believe that’s made it easier since it eliminates the climb out of OK Falls around mile 16.
Placid is gorgeous, but I wouldn’t recommend it for one’s first IM if you’re at all timid about going the distance. It’s a tough, tough course. The run has that killer climb back into/through town that you have to do twice, and after that bike ride it ain’t no picnic. I highly recommend IMC for your first, if you have any hope of getting in. It is by far THE best race I’ve ever done in every respect. Including Hawaii. I think the course isn’t so hard as to be overwhelming, it’s scenic/gorgeous, and the organization is impeccable. I found the organization at Placid to be a little lacking in several details, although for all I know they may have improved a bit since 2003.
Anyway, just $.02 from someone who’s only raced at the above three venues. I agree with the folks who said that other factors need to be considered: when is the race/how does it fit with your training timetable, convenience, accommodations, cost to travel there, etc. etc.
You’re actually lucky in that you have a slew of IM’s from which to choose! When I did my first IM in '97, the only choices in North America were really just IMC, the Vineman Full Ironman, and I think the Esprit Triathlon in Montreal (millions and millions of laps, oh my!). Now you have a veritable cornucopia of IMNA races from which to choose!!
Have fun—
TriBaby
Actually IMLP is much tougher than IMC in my opinion. I think IMFL is the best for a beginner if you can train into the fall and its not an issue getting down there. Its the only course that doesn’t demand technical bike skills (and I mean that in terms of a triathlete not a roadie) and the course isn’t demanding in terms of heat/wind/hills etc.
Mike
I’d recommend the Quelle Challenge Roth— Its also got a single loop bike course and has a great run course on finely packed gravel trails that is easy on your legs. Great fans and great part of the world as well. Registration is also a lot less expensive than the WTC IM races.
-Marc
Done MOO twice and some training partners have done them both. If you just want the distance in an IM brand race, go with IMFL. If you want atmosphere do MOO. There are so many spectators all over the course; Verona, Salk’s Pass and the hill after that make you think your in the TDF. I’m a very poor climber (everybody passes me and then I catch most of them on the downhil and flats), but MOO wasn’t too bad. I’ll probably do it next year. Then again, IMFL has the best odds of a PB.
IM Florida is a single loop.
I don’t get the comments from people about the scenery during an IM race. I don’t have time during an IM to give a rat’s ass about scenery. During training…absolutely. But not duirng a race. Too much going on - hydration, refueling, electrolytes, pace, technique, etc.
I’ve done both twice and they are both great races. The good thing about Florida is the timing and the weather. For myself, and I assume most people, IM tends to sneak up on you. Having a November race allows you to train all summer and allows you to focus on shorter races as well. Panama City is really cheap, lots of hotels within walking distance to the event. The swim is fantastic and the bike is easy (if there is such a thing in IM). The run is kind of crappy, but it will probably be dark by then and you will be suffering way to much to care :). The best thing about Florida is by far the fact that you are on the beach. That and the weather. My family loves IMFL, and they tolerate Moo.
Moo has it over Florida for atmosphere. No way around it. Hotels are a pain though, and it really sucks to have to drive to the expo- which you will probably do more than a couple of times. Madison is a very busy city. Florida seems very relaxed in comparison with PCB almost like a ghost town at that time of the year. Still, Moo has better race atmosphere an the people really seem to like having the race there- at least for now.
There both great races and being as it is your first IM will most likely enjoy either. Good Luck and let me know if you have any specif questions.