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Getting in IM USA 2012

Paul ScholzPaul Scholz
in Races & Places 🏁⛺

I am hoping to do IM USA in 2012, and possibly also IM FLO. I am curious if you all smart folks have thoughts on the best way to get into USA, and if doing two that are a little over 3 months apart is pushing it.

I am a strong biker and due to knee problems and being a Big guy (220+) not a really fast runner. Doing two HIM in 2011 to make sure my knee can handle the longer stuff still.

thanks

Comments

  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    Paul,

    Disclaimer: I've never done two IM's in a year but 2 HIM's are way different that two IM's but it can be done. 

    As for the best way to get in.  I'd show up at the venue and volunteer to ensure a spot.  If travelling to Lake Placid is not an option.  Get online and try to snag a spot is the cheapest but riskiest in my opinion.  A final option is the charity fund slots when they open up.  Although this is more expensive than the resignration fee, the hotel expense in LP is high. 

    Florida also sells out quickly and getting in online can be a challenge as well. 

    Gordon

  • Nate ParadyNate Parady
    Paul,
    I got my spot for IMLP 2011 online. I was at work hitting refresh on Active.com at 11:59. It opened up at 12:00. Believe it sold out within an hour. I view myself as lucky for getting in. If that's not a reason for Ironman folks to set up another East Cost Ironman I don't know what is. Luckily the folks I work for and with were supportive of me signing up. The joke in the office was that I was willing to take 15 minutes of Vacation Time if I had to in order to sign up exactly at 1200.
    Agree with what Gordon said about Vounteering, however, there is also time and money involved in doing that. The cost of traveling up to volunteer could be equal to just buying a foundation slot.

  • Coach PatrickCoach Patrick
    If your only option is online then be sure to create an Active account so all your fields are easily and instantly populated at registration!
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Ask WTC if they are going to have IM slots available after FL 70.3. If they confirm, then sign up and race Florida as one of your 2012 70.3s. Go to the awards ceremony and be ready to jump up after awards when they announce the IM slot distribution (first come, first serve). Most IMUSA slots went begging last time I went to this. If you get one, you'll have about 2 months to go. But if you take a FL spot at the FL 70.3, then there is plenty of time. Cost is normal price.
  • Paul ScholzPaul Scholz

    thanks all don't know that volunteering in July is an option for me for IMUSA. have to think about the timing etc...

  • Bill McKinneyBill McKinney
    If you're thinking about volunteering just to get in the race, it's cheaper to just pay for the community slot. By the time you fly up there, stay in a hotel for a few days, etc., it's only $500 more to just pay cash and stay home. That's what I did for 2011.
  • Coach RichCoach Rich

    Looks like your "how to reg" q's have been answered. Regarding doing 2x IM's in one year:

    • The spacing between USA and FL is doable, from a training and recovery standpoint.
    • Gonna make for a LONG season, especially if this is your first Ironman. It will be very difficult to not think about IMUSA from Jan-July, and then to pick up the IM ball again after ~3wks recovery...that's a tough one.
    • IMUSA is not kind to the big doodes, especially the last 3-4 miles of each run lap. Something to think about
    • You also need to factor in cost. I imagine you could drive to FL, lodging is cheap, etc. Lake Placid is remote, lodging is expensive, you'll have to flly, and lodging is expensive. One more thing, what was it...oh, yeah...lodging is expensive .

    If it were me, I think I'd register for the logistically easier, least expensive, most friendly course for my body type. Do an IM, decide if this is something I want to do, then consider doing another.

  • Paul ScholzPaul Scholz

    Thanks all

    IWC tells me that the 70.3 will not have slots for the full IMFlorida.

    this is not my first ironman, have done two IM and seven HIM before (albiet the last IM was in 1998 and none under EN execution strategy). Understand the costs issues and that isn't a concern.

    Mine is one more of timing. I have one daughter graduating college and another starting college in 2012, July works out better timing-wise than November, both for that and training time outdoors.

    thoughts on other IM to do?

  • Gordon CherwoniakGordon Cherwoniak

    Paul,

    If you want July then Lake Placid is you only choice in North America.  There are several in Europe Austria, Switzerland, Frankfurt (1 of 2 in Germany), UK.  Also on the edges of July is IMCDA and the second German race IM Regensburg.  Now if you are looking non IM brand I'd have to look harder.

    Full Vineman July 31 - There are others but I should get back to work.

    Gordon

     

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