2014 HIM Selection Input Requested
Al's 2014 post inspired me... Plus I realize as HIMs start in 2013, so does registration for 2014!
Background: I've done 2 HIMs: Timberman in 2011 (8hrs-ish) and Rev3 Maine in 2012 (7:39). I did my first IM (IMFL) in 2012. As you can see by my times, I'm slow. I'm spending 2013 only doing short course. Then in 2014 I will build back up to a HIM with the plan being to do IMFL again in 2015. (Am I a planner or what??) I want to get under 15:00 for IMFL (16:30 in 2012) and I feel if I can do a HIM around 7:00, that should translate, using my fuzzy triathlon math. 
OK, so back to 2014 race selection:
- Driving distance from CT (Say 8-10 hrs max, give or take) I'm assuming wife still won't fly in 2014 but a girl can dream...
- Not super hilly (Quassy- too hilly. I found Timberman OK)
- Not too early in the season. I have thought about Eagleman but based on this year's super long winter, don't know if less than 8wks riding outside is enough? More than 90 mins on the trainer sucks. It is flat though so definitely a consideration.
- Doesn't have to be IM branded
- Somewhere vacation-y an added bonus!
GO!
Comments
if you want to drive 4 hrs further east than the rev3 maine, there will be a half iron distance in St Andrews, NB (pretty resort town) http://www.standrewsbythesea.ca/visit/ , Canada in early July next year. The inaugural race is this year (I am going to scope it out as it will be 2 weeks after tremblant 70.3), and the rumour is next year it will be part of the Challenge series.
Welland Half Iron in Welland, Ontario
- Driving distance from CT (Say 8-10 hrs max, give or take) Is ~ 7.25 hours via I-90W from Vernon, CT
- Not super hilly (Quassy- too hilly. I found Timberman OK) Is FLAT as a pancake with 1 "hill" that is much smaller than the overpass on IM FL
- Not too early in the season. Is in late June, coming from MI I find no issues training for this race outside.
- Doesn't have to be IM branded It is not ;-)
- Somewhere vacation-y an added bonus! Niagra Falls is really close and Welland is in the heart of wine country!
- It's June - so not too early. Check.
- Driving distance, roughly 7 hrs from CT. Check.
- Vacation place. Check.
- I think it's hilly, but I don't know if it qualifies for super hilly. You will have to ask those who've done it.
Advantage - gives you a preview of the full course in case you decide to try another venue in the future.
Whatever you choose, good luck!
Well, IM Ri 70.3 is really close, and the run is flat. Except for that mega-hill you must climb twice in the blistering July heatmidity.
Yeah, NOT a race I would suggest. Last year was my third and final effort on that death march. Welland sounds like a much nicer option!!!