IM 70.3 NOLA Advice Needed

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jbjb110

2011-11-13 10:16 PM

Regular

Alpharetta, GA

Subject: IM 70.3 NOLA Advice Needed

All, Coming off a fun 2011 having done IM 70.3 FL and Beach2Battleship Half. Now planning my spring 2012 HIM race and thinking about IM 70.3 NOLA

I know the 2010 NOLA swim was tough - race reports have little good to say about that swim. In 2011 they change the course: "The new course will be easier and provide on water support..." but the 2011 swim was cancelled due to high wind and water conditions. So, any thoughts on the new untested swim versus the 2010 swim?

Also, any thoughts on NOLA v FL otherwise?

My Race Log

cwsiii

2011-11-14 7:38 AM

in reply to: #3900720

Veteran

321

Georgia

Subject: RE: IM 70.3 NOLA Advice Needed

Both NOLA and FL are going to be quite different this year. The rumor is FL is moving away from Disney due to construction at Fort Wilderness and will be held in Haines City. Registration opens on Nov. 23 at 12:00 pm according to the website, so some clarification on the venue should be available by that time.

In my opinion, NOLA is a pain in the logistically and not worth the hassle given the changes to the run course cutting out the finish in the French Quarter and the uncertainty over the swim. I had NOLA penciled in for next year, but the changes and combination with the 5150 race do not make this race appealing to me.

I am in Georgia too and have been looking at spring alternatives to these two races, but I have made no decisions. Rev3 in Knoxville in April is easily accessible and there is a new race in Chatsworth if you are looking for a real challenge with a mountaneous bike and very hilly run.

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jbjb110

2011-11-14 8:17 AM

in reply to: #3900885

Regular

Alpharetta, GA

Subject: RE: IM 70.3 NOLA Advice Needed

So, trying to assess the Rev 3 bike course. It seems to be 56 miles of rollers. Any idea how challenging that bike course is?

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japarker24

2011-11-14 8:36 AM

in reply to: #3900720

Elite

3060

N Carolina

Subject: RE: IM 70.3 NOLA Advice Needed

You may want to consider White Lake Half the first weekend of May. It is run by Set Up Events (the same people who do B2B). Always a good vibe surrounding that race and it is a potential PR course (if you are looking for that). Beautiful swim, pancake flat bike and run. For full disclosure, the bike has some pretty bad roads and the run has very little shade. I'm already signed up to do the race for the 3rd time in 2012.

Edited by japarker24 2011-11-14 8:37 AM

GaryRM

2011-11-14 6:29 PM

in reply to: #3900720

Pro

4360

Baton Rouge area

Subject: RE: IM 70.3 NOLA Advice Needed

Done NOLA twice (2010 and 2011). 2010 the water was choppy but I have swam in worse. I am doing NOLA in 2012 as I signed up for the early bird. Having a 70.3 in my backyard (I am in Baton Rouge) makes it hard to pass up. Not sure what was meant by the logistics of the new finish, possibly referring to family? As for me I just did Austin and I don't like the double transition area as well as NOLA's single transition. Lots of parking, checkin is quick, expo is okay, after party food okay (comparable to Austins). Fan support on the run was great thru most of NOLA.

The change to not finish in the French quarter is horrible which is the best part of the race. As for the scenary during the run its better than Austin's (but that's not saying much) but who really cares. I am usually not in a sightseeing mode during the race.

Have to admit heading to Bourbon street after the race is a great option!

My Race Log

cwsiii

2011-11-15 7:59 AM

in reply to: #3900720

Veteran

321