Florida 1/2 Ironman

It was not a wetsuit swim the last two years.  You could wear one but you had to start after the last wave and you wouldn't be elgible for any of the IMNA spots they were offering.

My big tip is to bring a flashlight with you!  The tranistion area in the morning is pitch black.  I was trying to pump my tires up and had to get about an inch from the gauge to pretend to read it.  It was actually pretty comical listening to everyone set up in the dark.  They had some lights by the pros (shocking huh?) but that didn't help any one else. 

I really liked the actual race.  Not having a car and being in the middle of Disney made it a little hard though.  If you have any questions let me know.

Well, I have never done this distance but I went to the Florida Half as a spectator for the past 2 years.  As far as Disney goes, my family and I go 5-7 times per year...we KNOW Disney!  After reading this thread I would like to throw my 2 cents worth!

You will not need a wetsuit...it's like bath water and very calm.  The only complaint that I heard from racers were some that got some diesel fuel and got sick.  The area is heavily traveled by boats for Disney transportation, so there can be a lot of oil and diesel around the water in the area close to the dock. 

It is hot!  Both years, very hot.  Esp for you all not from hotter climates.  You don't want to go in the last wave unless you have to.  Every minute that you are out on the course, the hotter it will be on the run.  Much of the run is through large parking lots and on black asphalt...even hotter I say!

Speaking of parking and transportation, the last 2 years there was no shuttle service from the resorts to the race site.  The athlete and spectator guides said that there would be shuttle service starting at 4:30 am.  There was not.  That was no problem if you stayed at the Fort Wilderness Campground, that is where the race is.  If you stay at the Widerness Lodge, there is a trail that is almost exactly 1 mile to the race site.  If you are staying off property or at another Disney resort then you had to find your way to the Stol-Port parking area to catch the shuttle to the race site.  I encountered MANY frustrated racers!!  This is not a suprise you want on race morning.  Please have a back-up plan if you are depending on Disney transporation the morning of the race.  (FYI, the Stol-Port lot is on the right off the main road the heads to Magic Kingdom, just past the kiosk where you pay your parking fee.  There were huge signs and lights race morning.)

If there are any other things that I could help with as far as what your friends or family can expect, I would be happy to help if I can.  Have a great race and Disney can be a blast so don't forget to have fun while you are there!!

Sherri

I'll be there, this is my first Half-IM.  A BT gathering is definitely in order, maybe an early carbo load dinner the night before.