Two HIMs in seven days or one IM
Trying to figure out my schedule for next year. I like to end my season with a HIM or IM.
My choices:
Austin 70.3 or Miami 70.3 on October 28th. They move Austin to the last weekend in October for next year. Did Austin this year and I'm not sure I want to go back because the bike course is f'n horrible... but it's a two hour drive. Miami would obviously require much more extensive (and expensive) travel.
Oilman (formerly Ironstar) HIM on November 4th. I haven't done this race yet but everyone around Houston loves it. It has been around for several years and shares some of the IMTX bike course. Several friends and folks from my tri club will be doing it.
I'd probably race both weekends if I don't choose the other option...
Ironman Florida on November 3rd via a Foundation Slot.
Some people might think doing back to back HIMs would be nuts but I recover really well from a 70.3. IMFL would require much more training, which I'm not sure I want to do in 2012 (which might be answering my own question), but I like the IM experience. Just not a huge fan of 4.5 to 5 hour bike rides for several weeks, especially when much of that riding will be done in August/September when it's still 100 degrees here.
Comments
What did you end up doing, Bob? I heard the roads were all tore up for the bike ride. Unfinished chipseal almost the whole course. I did the race last year and had no major complaints. I think they changed up the run course this year for the better.
Bob, I live near Miami and its still pretty warm and humid here in Oct. Also did not hear much about Miami 70.3 this year. Lots of folks that did it last year were not up for a repeat with all the issues. That being said course and management are different now. Course looks flat with not much shade but roads should not be an issues. I have not ridden the course.
I did 2 HIM's ~ 3 weeks apart this year. first was A race and 2nd was more of a B, C. I had no real issues in the second except it was f'in hot on the run. Also sounds like you might not be up for the training for the IM and the WTC HIM's will give you a similar vibe I suspect. BTW there are multiple family events in the Miami area and hanging at the beach is also not a problem that time of year so that might improve your SAU account. What ever you decide train hard and have fun.
Also I will put in a plug for a local; operated race called Miami Man. It is in Mid Nov, is well run, and failry large for non WTC, (the HIM at 750 starters this year). Run is throught he miami zoo. All in all a nice day, spectator friendly course and family can take in some of teh zoo while you race.