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2009-01-12 7:28 AM

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Subject: First Half-Iron Suggestions??

 

I'm trying to get some input on favorite half-iron distance races. I'm considering Gulf Coast, Macon, Orlando 70.3, etc. I'm trying to keep it around the May time frame but I'm open to all suggestions. Everyone tells me Gulf Coast is WAY hot (Gulf Roast)!

Would love any input/ideas!

 



2009-01-12 8:13 AM
in reply to: #1901803

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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
I haven't done one but have heard good things about the White Lake race in NC. That is the May race I would seriously consider.
2009-01-12 9:10 AM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
I'm doing white lake. It may be filled up already. From what I know of the race, the heat is not too blistering (low 80s), the lake is crystal clear and wet suit legal and the course is pretty flat. It sounds like a good first time half.
2009-01-12 9:37 AM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
I would think Florida 70.3 is even hotter than Gulf Coast. I did Florida 70.3 last year. Hiawassee has a Beast of the East Half Iron in May. I have not done that one but I did an Olympic in the same area. Lots of hills if you like that sort of thing. I too have heard great things about the NC race. That one is on my radar for someday.
2009-01-12 11:02 AM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
I'm too biased to say anything other than Gulf Coast.
2009-01-12 11:09 AM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
of course, you could probably wait until sept and join everyone else here at Augusta!


2009-01-12 12:44 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
A couple of us (including me, if my foot ever gets better) are doing the Rock-n-Roll-Man in Macon in May.  I've read that it is hilly, though.
2009-01-12 1:01 PM
in reply to: #1902282

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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??

phatknot - 2009-01-12 12:09 AM of course, you could probably wait until sept and join everyone else here at Augusta!

x2

augusta, baby! september is not that far away!

2009-01-12 1:03 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
Gulf Coast would be my recomendation. That race almost killed me last year, but that was due to my own bad planning. As long as you are ready for the heat it is a fast course, great venue and extremely well organized. They provide a great value also with the party, pasta dinner, and pretty good schwag. It is a nice destination for the family/jockstrappers

oh yeah- Macon is hotter and hillier, and Orlando is just as hot, so either way, just plan on HOT!

Edited by cornelius300 2009-01-12 1:05 PM
2009-01-12 2:52 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
In re the weather at Gulf Coast: After 5 races there, I think I would say that even the worst day heat-wise is far from a deal-breaking factor.

x4 on GC.
2009-01-12 7:07 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??

Thanks so much for the great input!! White Lake sounds very interesting, but I just checked and its filled. BUMMER. Sounds like an awesome race.

 I have a wedding to attend now the wknd of Gulf Coast. Double bummer. Looks like may be hot, humid and hilly Macon for me. Whhaaat?



2009-01-12 7:46 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
You will do great- in fact you will actually be more acclimated to the heat for macon because it is later, and if you train around here you should be ready for the heat and the hills.
Good Luck!

Edited by cornelius300 2009-01-12 7:47 PM
2009-01-12 8:10 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??

Good point - someone else mentioned the extra time to acclimate working in my favor. I think that is a huge factor... esp. after doing St. Anthony's last year in April and feeling like I was literally melting on the run (having not been in heat yet here in the ATL).

Also, wanted to mention that after double and triple checking (don't like to take no for an answer) I discovered that White Lake actually has a SECOND HIM this year. It is the week after the original date. The first wknd is full but there are 80 spots left in the second weekend. Doesn't work for me because of previously stated wedding issue. Anyway, in case anyone was thinking of that race, though I'd post updated info.

2009-01-12 8:40 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
Since my first HIM was Gulf Coast, I'm gonna have to say Gulf Coast!
2009-01-12 10:57 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
I've done Beast of the East in September, but they hold one in May as well. Small race, but put together well. It was my first and only half so far, and I plan on heading back there again to do it.
2009-01-13 9:22 AM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??

Is April 5 too soon?  I am doing the Ochsner New Orleans Half Ironman on April 5 and am very excited.  This is the first time HIM for this location so I am really hoping they do it right...plus should be good swim that is wetsuit legal in Lake Pontchatrain.  Can't wait - my first HIM also.  Chris McCormack is racing there this year also.

 

http://www.ironmanneworleans.com/index.php

***One note - they are closing the registration on 1/18/09 - five days away.***

 

Brian



2009-01-13 9:32 AM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??

i did orlando last year. it was my first 1/2 iron distance race and i really enjoyed it. took a camper down and camped out in the ft. wilderness campground less than 1/4 mile from race start. good times.

mw~

2009-01-16 4:26 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
Mrs. brown_dog_us - 2009-01-12 1:44 PM

A couple of us (including me, if my foot ever gets better) are doing the Rock-n-Roll-Man in Macon in May.  I've read that it is hilly, though.


Yes, very hilly...at least from a relative standpoint. Savannah is flat....I did the sprint which wasn't bad b/c it was short. My wife did the aquabike, so she got the whole 56 miles....and she said it was very rough. It didn't help that it was 93 degrees just a little after noon.
2009-01-19 1:14 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
nighthawk - 2009-01-12 11:57 PM

I've done Beast of the East in September, but they hold one in May as well. Small race, but put together well. It was my first and only half so far, and I plan on heading back there again to do it.


I did the Beast of the East HIM in Septeber last year. They will run the HIM I believe on May 9th this year. Great race. Smaller race group, and Scott Hanna (the RD) is very nice. I had a great time doing it.

The bike course is hilly, but only bad for about 4-5 miles. The rest of it is rollers, but not bad. The run has a few hills, but only one killer (e.g. the beast); however, it is short. You run it twice, and only the second time was that bad. All-in-all great race! Since it is a smaller race you have a really good chance of picking up a AG award.
2009-01-19 1:15 PM
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Subject: RE: First Half-Iron Suggestions??
Coldfire - 2009-01-19 2:14 PM

nighthawk - 2009-01-12 11:57 PM

I've done Beast of the East in September, but they hold one in May as well. Small race, but put together well. It was my first and only half so far, and I plan on heading back there again to do it.


I did the Beast of the East HIM in Septeber last year. They will run the HIM I believe on May 9th this year. Great race. Smaller race group, and Scott Hanna (the RD) is very nice. I had a great time doing it.

The bike course is hilly, but only bad for about 4-5 miles. The rest of it is rollers, but not bad. The run has a few hills, but only one killer (e.g. the beast); however, it is short. You run it twice, and only the second time was that bad. All-in-all great race! Since it is a smaller race you have a really good chance of picking up a AG award.


Oh, one FYI if you do this one in May, definitely bring a wetsuite.
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