Purpose of sprints? (Page 2)

I enjoy the sprint and Oly distances b/c they allow me to focus on my strengths.  I was a sprinter in College and have still not managed to "correct" my pacing problem.  For me I can redline the Sprints and not worry about if I have enough to hold it.  The oly are more of the same. 

 My goal for next year is to compete in the Augusta, Georgia 70.3.  Not everyone is built for HIM or IM so it's nice to have races for everyone who has the drive and will to tri...

Thanks for the input.  Is there a mac-daddy sprint event?  Similiar to the hawaii ironman? ( I'm new and that is the most famous tri to me, it might not be.)

I love it! Mac-Daddy Sprint! Bring it on baby! Woooot!

Sprints and one oly here. I actually would want to try an IM but honestly don't know if I'd find the time to train for it in this lifetime... So... now that I've been doing this tri thing for 3 years, I think by next season, I'll feel 'almost' competitive at a sprint level. So that is an accomplishment!

Aww hell yeha you said it..... my last sprint the 30k bike was painfull and awesome!!

Personally i like these distances because you can easily compare times from one sprint to another. Im loving the improvements i am seeing....cant wait till next year!!

Oh and sprint finishes with another age grouper are mint.... ill win

I'm in the market for that drug, too.  I'm gonna dabble with a HIM this April, mainly because it's in New Orleans, which is close and fun.  After that, give me the .5/20/3 range up to an Olympic and let me try to puke.

And whoever said without the sprint distance, the sport wouldn't grow... I couldn't agree more.  It was much easier to jump into a mini-sprint (250yd, 8mi, 2mi) than an Olympic or longer.

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One reason is that they don't take as much training as the longer distances.

Another reason is that there are more of them to choose from than the longer distances.

Another reason is that they are cheaper.

Another reason is that the are less intimidating for beginners.

 Well no official ones but I would think the Lifetime fitness triathlon and Chicago Triathlon are some of the biggest ones out there. Neither have the same history and awe as Kona but then again they are not as differcult to complete.

Sprints are fun and great for speed freaks and first timers.  They usually have an Oly event with them and that is a fun distance also.

"Plus, when you can get up, go to a race & be home around lunch time the wife & kids stay much happier. "

Oh how true that is

I'd say the ITU Triathlon World Championships, held in a different country every year (2009 - Gold Coast, Australia, 2010 - Budapest, Hungary, 2011 - Beijing, China), but you'll have to qualify for it.