First IM - which one is best.

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2009-10-19 11:53 AM

Member
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Westchester County
Subject: First IM - which one is best.
I am torn between Florida and Louisville.  The pros for Louisville are I do better on slightly hilly bike courses than flat ones, I like the individual swim start, and end of summer is better for my training schedule.  However, the big con is the potential for a very hot and humid day - if only I had done it this year.  The pros for Florida are a somewhat "easier" bike (although possibly not for me)  and not as much heat and humidity in November.  The big con to me is early November means training through October which is tough with two school age kids, and I am a baby when it comes to colder weather for biking and open water swims. 

As this is my first IM I have no expectations for a time, I just want to finish. 

Does anyone have any suggestions for which event makes the most sense? 

2009-10-19 11:54 AM
in reply to: #2466880

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2009-10-19 12:00 PM
in reply to: #2466880

Not a Coach
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Media, PA
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.
Pick the one you can train for the best.  You can't choose the weather on race day.
2009-10-19 12:00 PM
in reply to: #2466880

Champion
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Alabama
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.

Looks to me most of your pros are for Louisville.  Other factors to consider are:

1.  How close is the venue to your home - will you be training in similar conditions

2.  How easy is it to get into the race - IMKY is still open, getting into FL is a gamble.

3.  Will your family be coming to watch and which race location would they enjoy more

 

Welcome aboard and good luck!

~Mike

2009-10-19 12:05 PM
in reply to: #2466880

Champion
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.

Why are you limiting yourself to those two races?  At this point, you can still choose any Ironman race, enter and train.  (Yea, you may have to pay the extra $$ for a community fund spot). 

2009-10-20 10:12 AM
in reply to: #2466880

Member
175
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Westchester County
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.
Thank you very much for the reponses.  As I was writing the question it became clearer to me that Louisville makes more sense and your posts confirmed my opinion.  I hope I don't lose too much money on the ponies before the race.

As far as limiting myself to the two races, their timing and still being open to 2010 regular registration were pretty important factors.   I am open to other suggestions but cannot race on Sept. 12 because of a family function so that knocks out Wisconsin and the Rev3 race in Ohio.

2009-10-20 10:21 AM
in reply to: #2466880

Champion
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Alabama
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.

It's a good race and very well run event.  The track did not have any races when I was there.  I don't know if they just don't race that time of year or what.  Churchill Down does offer a  few tours....but I never got around to taking any of them.  The Louisville Slugger bat company is only a couple of blocks from the Galt House (host hotel) and it worth a tour.

Quite a few BTers have done Louisville so there are many race reports you can read to get a real good feel for the course the event in general.

 

~Mike

2009-10-20 10:26 AM
in reply to: #2466880

Master
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Rogersville, Alabama
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.

Where are you from?  I did Louisville in 08 and 09 and I'll be back in 11.  The heat doesn't bother me, but I'm from Alabama and train it every day.

The finish line in Louisville is awesome.

2009-10-20 10:36 AM
in reply to: #2466880

Extreme Veteran
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Louisville, KY
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.
No worries about losing money at the track.  It is open from late April until July 4, then closed until the fall meet which runs from early November to Thanksgiving weekend.  I'm hoping to do my first IM in 2011, and Louisville will be the one for me because its home.
2009-10-20 11:05 AM
in reply to: #2468706

Member
175
100252525
Westchester County
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.
I'm from NY, just north of the city. 

The Louisville Slugger factory sounds great and I would love to see Churchill Downs.  I suspected that they wouldn't have racing - I guess the horses are smarter than we are.   I am really excited about this.  I have been thinking about it for over two years and can't believe I am going through with it.  

Unfortunately my record with the horses is so bad that I think I could lose even at a closed track. 
2009-10-20 12:23 PM
in reply to: #2468804

Champion
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Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: First IM - which one is best.

frnk36 - 2009-10-20 11:05 AM
The Louisville Slugger factory sounds great and I would love to see Churchill Downs.   

The LS factory is good.  Our local museum membership is reciprocal so it didn't cost when we went.  Might want to check it out.  I'd also recommend 6-Flags Kentucky Kingdom.  They had some pretty low gate admissions and it's a fairly compact park.  (It was a few years ago when we were in Louisville for a couple weekends)

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