Choosing a 70.3???

Thank you and good point. 

 - I live in Chicago so I prefer a flat race course (not many hills to train on).

 - I live in Chicago and am willing to travel anywhere in the country.  Location is not an issue.

 - I prefer "warmer" water.  Wetsuit qualifications don't apply to me as I'm a newbie and not qualifying for anything.  Just trying to finish.

  - The time of year doesn't matter.  And I'm open to IM branded or non-IM branded. 

Having watch and participated in a few 70.3s, I'd recommend Gulf Coast Tri.  It is non WTC, Pretty nice weather (May in Florida), Has been going on for many years, Flat course, Gulf swim can be flat or swells but it is normally warm enough for no wetsuits.  Clear water.  Nice beach for the family or friends to hang out on during the race.  Plenty of places to stay right around there so prices are not that jacked up.  The area is used to long distance Tris (IMFL, GCT) so the locals know what is going on and mostly support it. 

I have done/seen the WTC FL disney course - Never again (although it is Disney you dont really experience Disney during the race and the run was awful).  Lake Stevens - I loved it but the ride is a bit hilly and you requested no hills.  Boulder - High Altitude, rollers and hot run.  Buffalo Springs - Hot and hilly.  Soma - Hot, Flat and Fast but swimming in Tempe Town lake is just gross.  Dueces Wild - Nice race, well managed, great raffle but hilly and not easy to get to.

My 0.02

If you live in Chicago I'd consider a 70.3 that was end of June or later so you can train outside for it.

What about Racine?  It is close to Chicago and from what I understand bike is flat.

You could check out race reports here on BT and read others experience on that race and others you are considering.

First:  Decide on about when you want to be ready.  This could be based on other races that you like to do or want to do, and how you are going to fit them into your training schedule.  There's nothing in your training log- but I'll assume that you've done tri's before and already have a base in 3 sports.  If not- then you better be thinking Fall at the earliest.

Secondly:  Do you want to make a vacation out of it, or have it be convenient.  If this is your first, it can be a little nerve racking packing everything you think you might need.  Easier to do this in your car, than shipping your bike on a plane somewhere.

thirdly:  is this just for you, or do you want an event that will be nice for family and friends?

4. do you want a big hullabalo (WTC), something more medium sized (enough going on, but not crazy), or more of a smaller, friendly event?

5. Are you looking for a 70.3 only, or one that has options (Like HITS) for shorter races for friends/family?

6.  Saltwater vs Freshwater?  Some people prefer to swim in water where you eat the fish, rather than the other way around.

anyway- you asked "how do I choose" rather than "which one should I do".  Me- I start by schedule, then location, then look at the options that meet my schedule and location and pick the one that seems like the most fun.

Thank you everyone!  I decided to do 70.3 Cozumel for a couple of reasons:

1. The warmth of the water

2. Flat course

3. My friend did the Ironman Cozumel and said it is a great course and great support from the locals. They all come out to cheer you on.

4. My friends & I are going to make it a vacation and I plan to spend a couple days drinking on the beach afterwards.

Wish me luck!  I'm looking forward to this adventure.  Thank you.

x2.