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IMLP vs. IM Boulder in 2014

SBHNOSBHNO
in Races & Places 🏁⛺
I am interested in anyone's thoughts on which race to select next year.  My work schedule pretty much limits my choices to those two races.  After doing IMTX in 2012, my real preference would be IMFL (cooler temps, flat course, wetsuit swim).  Given that work makes that one impossible, it's down to LP or Boulder.  Unfortunately, I live in New Orleans so training for the hills in both races is a challenge.  In researching the two locations, it appears Boulder is actually a bit flatter but how much will the altitude hurt someone who lives at sea level?  We usually ski in Telluride every year and I don't feel it hurts me too much (although gently snowboarding down greens and blues isn't exactly the same physical stress of an IM).  It appears the weather is fairly comparable with LP being a little cooler but Boulder being much less humid.  I'm a sweathog so heat is a major factor as I would prefer not to repeat the cramping and post-race IV situation again.  I understand Boulder is a new race but if anyone has any thoughts on which race might best fit my set of circumstances (flatlander sweathog) I would appreciate it.  On a sidenote, one of the things that makes me lean towards Boulder is I am a bit nervous (more than a bit) about the descents at IMLP.  Having no real experience in descending at high speed (closest was Alcatraz) and no real opportunities to practice gives me a wee bit of anxiety.  Thanks, in advance, for any feedback!

Comments

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    Ben... One thing Ive learned over the past 15 years/25 IMs is that ALL the courses are hard. The cool thing about EN is the knowledge about race execution. If you follow the training plan, and use the rscing strategies and tactics the coaches teach, you will find two things: you can smooth out the hills, and you learn to handle whatever the weather throws your way.

    IIMLP can have ANY kind of weather ...hear, raind, chills. While Boulder will be warm-hot, it may also have an afternoon thunderstorm and wind. Both venues seem like great places to hold a race. If it were me, I'd decide based on (a) how many of my friends and family I could con into coming along to spectate or even participate and (b) which seemed best for training, meaning can you give at least 12weeks of intense effort/time before the race.

    Myself, I'd pick LP, as it has a track record, and EN always has a HUGE presence there.
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