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Need some help selecting an IM for next year, my first

tuckermtuckerm
in Races & Places 🏁⛺

I want to do my first IM next year and am trying to decide what course to do it on.  Originally I had planned on doing Switzerland with my buddies but then we have kind of decided that it could be a logistical nightmare.  All of our wives and kids would be coming and transporting them from the states to Europe and then around Zurich just doesn't sound all that appealing.  It is still an option but would like to leave that as a last resort.

IMLP would be ideal except that I will not be able to get up there to signup and I am pretty sure it sells out on site?  Are all IM's that way?  We have kicked around CDA, Canada, IMWI and maybe even Louisville.  Would I be able to sign up for some of these without being on site?  Anyone have any opinion on what will be the most family friendly as my wife is understanding, somewhat, but she will have a 4yo and almost 2yo to watch come racetime?  

Thanks in advance for your help.

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Louisville, CDA, and SGA do not sell out right away. Can take a couple months (or more for SGA). Depending on what happens at IMFL this year (oil spill) it may be slightly easier to get in during 2011 although you shouldn't count on it. IMFL is a quick sell. WTC has had IM slots for same year races after the Fl 70.3 and a select few other 70.3s. I picked up my IMFL slot at regular price 6 months out. A lot of IMLP slots went begging. Entry this way should only be considered a back-up plan. I hear CDA is real family friendly...about to find out real soon!
  • Cary BlancoCary Blanco

    @tucker - Last year IMLP went to online sales for a few minutes. I can txt you when they finish on site reg.

  • NortonNorton
    You can always choose a non-Mdot IM race; there's plenty. The Rev3 race in Ohio is centered in an amusement park; great for the long-suffering family. The same goes for the Esprit triathlon in Montreal.
  • penlynwilsonpenlynwilson
    IM Texas in the Woodlands I think would be pretty family friendly if it is around the mall area. The course hasn't been announced, but the swim is, I think, in the lake in front of the mall. Registration opens Noon tomorrow. Not sure how fast it will fill.

  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    Since you are in the northeast, a june race or earlier is tough. I would look at CDA as the earliest, ideally WI/Madison or Louisville as 3rd place. Or you could all come to Europe with out Regensberg stealth attack squad!
  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Don't count out Rev3 either. Those folks are really starting to take off and they have a full IM Distance race in September:
    http://www.rev3tri.com/cedarPointComingSoon.htm
  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    Tucker,

    Here's my random thoughts:

    If you want to go with your budies Canada and LP sell out fast.  They went online for 2010 but with very limited slots.  You could go for online at LP and if you don't get in take a community fund slot but this would cost any one who missed out online more.  I have not been to any IM's other than LP so can't comment on the family part of the races much. 

    The mini golf in Lake Placid was excellent.  Movie theatre with two cinemas in 2004.

    If you go the Canada route it is a 1 lap bike and run course so less chances for the family to see you.  This also allows for less logistical family movments which could be good.  Oh and if you and your buddies are up for it there are wine tours in the area.  You could come in Thursdays and let the ladies go on a wine tour Friday.  This itinerary might soften IM day a little...  There are also two lakes one on either side of the town.

    Oh yes both LP and Penticton have the IM week specials, 5 night minimum and higher charge for most hotels.  You can also get some house rentals at both places which might work out better depending on how many bodies and how well the families comingle.

    Louisville has the staggered swim start so it could take awhile for you to get in the water.

    I've been to the park at ceder point twice to ride the roller coasters.  I don't recall what they have to 4 & 2yo but it surely would be a distraction for them.  Then again I'm not sure your wife would like running around the park with both of them all day.

    Here's the website linke to kids stuff and if your lucky you could squeeze in a coaser ride or two:

    http://www.cedarpoint.com/public/park/kids/index.cfm

    Gordon

  • tuckermtuckerm
    Thanks all for the great advice.

    @Cary that would be great as I think LP would be the best option. It is closest to home plus I may have a lead on a house I could rent. Also could train on the course a few times.

    @Bill, @Nemo, @Gordon - I will take a look at the non WTC races as well. Though I would really like to hear the "You are an Ironman" when I cross the line. Not totally necessary but still would be nice.

    @Patrick - You never know, Regensburg may be an option as well though not sure how much different that would be from Switzerland except we would have a bigger group.

    I think Patrick is correct that anything earlier than late June, CDA, would be tough so that means St George and Texas would probably be out.

    So I think I am going to see if I can squeeze into LP first and then if that doesn't work try to narrow it down between a trip abroad or staying stateside. Thanks all.
  • Cary BlancoCary Blanco
    @tucker - i'll keep an eye on the line and send you a txt as it gets close to the end - i'll be up there in 2011 spectating as well.
  • Bob ArsenaultBob Arsenault

    Highly recommend IMLP.  Did my first IM there last year.  My family loved the event and the area, we spent a whole week there.

    Just have a quick trigger fimger and maybe you'll get that spot.

  • William JenksWilliam Jenks
    Does anyone in da Haus do Vineman (July in NorCAL)? They have a 3-for-price-of-2 offer and a pretty modest price to begin with. I assume it's a nice race given the nice area. I'm thinking about next year and am thinking about that one (have to fly, but parents live nearby = visit + free lodging) vs. Madison (easy drive, did my first one there last year, lots of peeps and maybe people from my local club).

    I just read that Vineman is 4000 feet of climb on the bike. That's roughly double Madison, right?
  • tuckermtuckerm
    Posted By William Jenks on 24 Jun 2010 09:56 PM

    Does anyone in da Haus do Vineman (July in NorCAL)? They have a 3-for-price-of-2 offer and a pretty modest price to begin with. I assume it's a nice race given the nice area. I'm thinking about next year and am thinking about that one (have to fly, but parents live nearby = visit + free lodging) vs. Madison (easy drive, did my first one there last year, lots of peeps and maybe people from my local club).



    I just read that Vineman is 4000 feet of climb on the bike. That's roughly double Madison, right?



    Now that is some outside the box thinking there William.  Love it.  Nearby wineries and great breweries.  This I will have to consider.

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo

    It's definitely worth it.  They put on a fantastic event and the value for dollar cannot be beat. 

  • kurshingkurshing
    Tucker - another thing to consider (that I was just discussing with another ENer) is timing. When I say timing, what I am referring to here is how much of your season you want IM looming in the future. I would say, for your first, put it as early in your season as you can while still managing the proper training cycles (given Northeastern weather) and then you can enjoy the rest of your season doing other local races and events.

    My first is IMCoz this year, in November. While I am looking forward to the event, I am learning that the mental fatigue is great as I am still so far out STILL, and I am having to work extra hard not to do TOO much in my nice summer months...even though these are the months I really want to get out and log some miles!

    Just a thought...Coach P's rec on CDA might just be the right race; or Louisville maybe.
  • NortonNorton
    Tucker,

    You're gonna feel the trials and triumphs no matter who is announcing at the finish line. You'll still be an Ironman.
  • tuckermtuckerm

    Thank you all for your great advice!  I guess I got motivated by the race yesterday so my self and four of my friends just signed up for IM CDA!

  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    woohoo! Congrats!
  • Cary BlancoCary Blanco

    Go Tucker!!!

    whew - now i don't even have to worry about texting from from LP on 7/26 

  • tuckermtuckerm
    Thanks Nemo!
    Cary you can always just signup for CDA!!!
    Love it, one of my buddies just ran to the gym to swim after signing up. That should help him!!
  • doddsjdoddsj

    Not relevant for Tucker anymore but for any others thinking about LP, several guys here in my town signed up on-line last year.  Also, when you consider the cost involved in going to LP to sign up as well as the tax deduction you get, the community slot is not such a bad alternative.  It is obviously a great time to go to any IM and volunteer and support the racers to earn your spot for the following year but for LP, I don't think it is any better financially than community fund.

    @Tucker - Have fun!

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