What IM to do in 2011??
Okay, here is my dilema; didn't finish IMLOU due to heat exhaustion. (Race report posted) Several people including Coach P, have recommended IMFL. Am seriously considering it. Logistically, IMWI is within driving distance, but I have heard that the bike course is tougher than IMLOU. Speaking of IMLOU, I have unfinished business down there! Part of me truly wants to go back next August, to get it DONE. I have to admit however, that I am scared of another DNF! It was my first attempt at IM. I KNOW I could have finished it had some freak things not happened to me earlier in the day. But, in a nutshell, I didn't finish. Honestly, if I didn't have the Chicago Marathon in a few weeks, I would probably be looking for another IM distance race to do this year, since I have the fitness. (Kind of like being all dressed up with no where to go!)
So, do I put all of my eggs in one basket and go for redemption at IMLOU, being scared of another DNF? Do I try for a community slot at IMTX, which is hot, but flat? Thinking if I could complete TX, then maybe I could also do Lou or WI, or even FL. I am just post IM by one week, so the emotions are all over the radar. Would like to do an early season race then late season race. My brain is driving me crazy!! Help??
Comments
Barb,
Re doing Lou again, how was it for you in the heat? I know your nutrition was screwed from the get go, but do you think racing in the heat like that suits you? It may. If it doesn't, then another option might be better.
Lots of people like FL. I do. There is very little to worry about racing FL except the wind (which can be wicked), and being lonely on the run. You sit on your watts and go for miles and miles. Accomodations and access to everything are easy. Condos are really nice, and cheap. The swim in the Gulf I love, but can be very choppy and wild, as it was the first time I did it. Bike can be blown backwards (not really, but you know what I mean
), but then you get a wicked cool tailwind for part of it.
Other things to consider:
Negative
Positive
A few things to think about re Florida. Others will give you different things to consider. Hope this helps.
I liked Arizona as a venue too last year.
Barb-
I would consider Florida, get that FINISH, then use that success to go back and get revenge on Lou. Good Luck, we are all behind you
Linda gives some good points and thoughts to consider. Rolling the dice at Lou, I'd say the odds are not in your favor. It's always gonna be hot there (although this year was particularly bad). I think last year was a real fluke. If heat bothers you- I'd stay clear of notoriously hot IMs (Lou and the new TX).
IMFL and IMAZ are both generally more temperate. However- with your teaching schedule I'm not sure how realistic they are for training and racing. You've got to pick a race that really lines up with both your own physical needs and your scheduling needs.
I completely understand your need to get redemption- but it doesn't have to be on the same course.
Barb - My wife, Carrie also had some bad luck her first IM in Cozumel and is planning on doing IMFL in 11. I think what Tracy said about going to Florida and getting a good finish is a really good idea and sort of the same strategy for Carrie as well. I would not consider Texas just because there is lots of unknowns since its the inaugural race and the weather can very well be very similar to IMLOU this year. Its really REALLY humid in Houston so even if its just warm, its going to feel HOT.
Just want to point out one thing. Just b/c it's FL, doesn't mean an automatic finish. Still 140.6.
WERD!!!! Florida is challenging in it's own unique way. It's not a gimme!!!