"Easiest" Ironman or Iron Distance

Now now, lets not be too judgmental.  Obviously she knows what it means to earn the finish, as she said in her post that she has already done a 1/2 IM...you have to earn those too.  The point was, in looking at all the IM races, which has the least amount of hills on the bike?

From what I understand, Rhonda, it would be IM Florida as far as being flat on the bike, but I think it is a saltwater swim.  Wisconsin and Lake Placid have LOTS of hills on the bike.  I think Arizona has a couple decent climbs as well, but not too bad. 

Coeur d'Alene has some hills, but supposedly they aren't killers, and the swim is in a beautiful, clear lake...the course is supposed to be gorgeous...I'll know on June 25th. 

Then, of course, there are the other "iron distance" races that aren't Mdot races...so lots of choices out there.

Here is a link to the interactive bike course profiles for all the IM races in North America.

http://www.ironmannorthamerica.com/compare/comparebike.php 

Not being judgemental.....my pet peeve is those people who use "easy" and "Ironman or Irondistance" in the same sentence. Doing an IM is a personal journey to see what you are made of and to challenge yourself to acheive something that you never thought possible. It's not as some people incorrectly think a box to check on your tri resume'. If you are doing it because its "easy" then why bother. I am not a great climber by any means and my build (6'3" 170-175) doesn't lend itself to being hauled over hills easily, that being said my first IM was Lake Placid BECAUSE of the hills. I wanted to challenge myself and get better overall doing it. Some folks think IMFL is easy, my response is spend 112 miles on the pedals the entire race (flat bike)  and then tell me how "easy" that marathon is afterward.

I am not trying to flame anyone, maybe just ask your question a little differently next time. How about "I am not a great climber and don't like ocean swims....what would you recommend as a course that suits my strengths?"

Hey Brett,

Not trying to start any quarrel, I just thought you were a little too harsh on her...here is an article she recently wrote for PhillyFit.  Read this, and you'll understand that she knows all about the personal journey and challenging yourself to something you didn't think possible. 

I didn't think you were trying to start anything....and I may have come across the wrong way in my first post. It wasn't directed at her personally (and I hope that I didn't hurt anyone's feelings), it just grates on me like nails on a chalkboard when someone asks which is an "easy" Ironman. There is no such thing, and I feel like it cheapens what you and I have worked hard for when someone is looking for an "easy" way to be an Ironman. I guess in my mind I can't understand why if you have the mental fortitude and desire to attempt an Ironman race, then why does it matter if one is considered "easier" than others. Challenge yourself, you have to sign up for most of these races a year in advance so that gives you 12 whole months to learn to climb better or get over a fear of swimming in the ocean, or running in the desert or whatever you are limited by as an athlete.

I apologize if I stepped on any toes, that was not the intent of my post. I do however stand by my original comments and will proceed to flame anyone who posts anything containing "easy" and "Ironman" in the same sentence. And don't even let me see the "I did a sprint last year and I have signed up for IM whatever" posts. Ridiculous!

Gentlemen, you are the model of conflict resolution... love it.

But enough of that, HOLY CRAP, I just read that article, and I was blown away. Both because it was inspirational and honest, and because I realize how incredibly brave so many of my fellow tri-geeks are.  I would never have the guts to ask a race director to start early, but what a great idea!  And I love that so many training programs and groups were so supportive, you don;t find that everywhere.  Go Rhonda!  You are my new hero!(and thanks, B for posting that article) 

I actually haven't raced it, but have looked into it as a possible first IM for myself.  The race is run by the same group that does Columbia and Eagleman which are both top-notch races.  My impression is that Chessy is equally well-run, if less well-attended than those races (I think less than 200 raced last year).  The only negatives I was able to find from last year's race was the water had quite a few jellyfish so some may have been a little uncomfortable following the swim, but people were so psyched about the fast times they didn't seem to mind much.  I didn't find a single review that would discourage me from considering it.

Edit: Oh, and this year they have an aqua-bike (2.4/112) and are supposed to have a half option (little different half--1.2/65/10).  Might be a way to go down there and check it out.  Or volunteer instead if you can make it.

Nancy,

I wasn't trying to flame you guys at all. I think its great that you are doing what you are doing. Like I said before the words "easy" and "Ironman" shouldn't be used in the same sentence. Maybe the question could have been posed a different way, or the situation explained prior to asking the question. Good luck to you both.

Wow!  Count me among those blown away by your article, Rhonda.  Congrats to you and the amazing things you've been able to accomplish.  You are truly a gifted athlete.

By the way, I'm doing my first sprint this year and hoping to do an IM next year....

Hey Nancy....talk to Haley (TriComet) about GFT if you're interested.  She did it in 2005, and has a nice Mdot tat on her lower back!

FWIW, GFT does have hills.  But your comment about it being poorly run is not very consistent with other comments and reviews I have seen on the race.  Most people like the race and would do (or have done) it again.  Last year may have been sub-par due to the hurricanes perhaps?