Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread

Ill be there with bells on

I'm in first A race and start of my IMKY build.

I'm planning on this race as my first HIM. Luckily, my parents live in the Destin area so room rates are not a concern. Since they live in such a great location, I have been blessed with free lodging, laundry service (thanks mom!), and automatic babysitters. Unfortunately, I can't get any help with the actual race part -- I guess I'll have to do that for myself.

My parents live in FWB, so it is only 1 hr away.  We are planning on staying with them for the Gulf Coast tri, but will check out the condos in planning for IMFL.  I thought I read that condos were reasonable for IMFL....$249/night is not reasonable (to me).  Hope to find something close to the race site and cheaper than 250...anyone have expereince wiwth condos at IMFL????  

I'm using my inlaw's RCI membership.  We're booked at the Summit for 150 total Thur. thru Sun.  Its less than a .5 mile walk to the Boardwalk.

I will be volunteering. If anyone needs a place to stay I think we will have extra room just let me know.

So can someone tell me what the difference is between a 70.3 and an half Ironman?

Is there a distiction?

Did anyone here choose GCT over FL 70.3?

If so, can you share thoughts as to why?

thanks

I did FL 70.3 last year and will be doing Gulf Coast this year instead. I did NOT like the run course in Orlando. It is a 3 lap run and a huge chuck of it is over a grassy/sandy/dirt trail along some canals in the netherworld of Disney. The trail has a narrow path that is well worn, but is only big enough for one person. Once the course gets crowded, there are lots of walkers on the worn portion of the trail and to pass them you have to get over onto the portion where the ground is uneven and, combined with clumps of grass, you really have to pay constant attention with your footfalls or risk busting your @ss.

Other than the run, I thought the Disney race was good, particularly if you have kids and can wrap a trip to the parks in as well.

Also, GC is sometimes a wetsuit legal swim, whereas the Disney race has never been wetsuit legal.

I DEFINITELY went with this race over IM FL 70.3. The reason: the run course. The run course at Disney is partially on dirt/grass trail and after two races there, I simply did not want to do that run course again. Its not that big of a deal but with all the roads and paths that Disney has on property, you would think they could come up with a different course than this.

I also feel that Gulf Coast is a great warm up for my big race : IM FL 09 . Run course is almost identical. Bike is a bit different. Swim is the same.

Gulf Coast is well organized, welcomed by the community and FUN! Disney's race is somewhat of an afterthought for those at the resort.

Just my two cents!!



Edited by trihardathena 2009-01-18 6:40 PM

I had already read about the run course at Disney, but thought lake swim might be better than open water ocean swim for a first HIM.

I have swam in the gulf several times and know that some days are flat as a pancake and on other days you can see some pretty challenging surf.

Well, the money is already spent anyway!

Right Now it is my long term goal for 2011, but I may bump it to next year. I am gonna try to VOL. for the 2009, but I need to work out a couple of Logistical issues. Hope to see you there!!!

Nevermind.  Looked at old RR and water temp 73-76 and most wore wetsuits.

10 weeks to go.  How is everyone's training progressing?

This will be my first HIM, and the nerves are already kicking in!

I am in and can not wait. Training is going well! This will be my 1st HIM

This will be my second HIM, but my first ocean swim. I'm really excited to do that!
Got a coach this year who has me very fine tuned compared to last year's Florida 70.3 (which I did with no coaching plan)...so I'm hoping to murder my time from that race.

We're finalizing our travel plans...this one's not too far off 
How's everyone doing?

This will be my 3rd Half Ironman distance and I am very nervous. Last year's swim at Gulf Coast was quite challenging so I am hoping this year's will be calmer. I have to say...I am already nervous about this race!!!

I'm in and staying at the Boardwalk.

Did my next to the last big brick before the taper. It was 4:45 hr. with 45 min. swim, 3:15 bike, and 45 min. run. The winds were blowing 25-30 mph. The waves from the open water swim were awful. The first loop took in lots of water. The waves were coming head on so breathing on 1 side did not help. I also got motion sickness from the rise and fall of the waves. Started to call it a day at the end of the first loop, but decided that we have a very good chance of having the same or worse conditions in the gulf so went on a 2nd loop. Felt much calmer; although it was still tough.

This is my 2nd HIM. My first was Playtri HIM in Irving, Tx. last year. The winds there were brutal.
I'm doing this one mainly for the gulf swim. If I survive it then I plan to sign up for IMFLA 10.

I think someone asked the difference in 70.3 and half ironman. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 70.3 is sponsored by Ironman and just a half ironman is not. 70.3 is usually more expensive than the HIM. The distances of a HIM can be slightly different- my HIM last yr. the bike was 54 mi. rather than 56. The distances of this race supposedly is the same as a 70.3 ( which is the total miles added together). Although, reading last yrs. race reports a lot of people put the swim was 2639 yds. when it should be 2112 yds. Not sure where that came from.

Anyway, good luck everyone.