Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

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2012-11-27 4:32 PM

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Subject: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

I know there are a ton of factors.  But curious if anyone has a very rough guess on the difference in finish time between IMAZ and IMFL considering similar race conditions.  

My rough guess is that 11:00 at IMFL is about 11:15 to 11:20 at IMAZ.

2012-11-27 4:38 PM
in reply to: #4512276

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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL
My guess is that it's a wash. I've never done FL, but just did AZ and it's hard to imagine a faster course than AZ. I know the bike profile looks hilly in AZ, but it's not. There's a long(9 mile) easy climb that you do 3 times, but no punchy hills at all. It's a very steady bike course. Now the run in AZ is a little hilly.
2012-11-27 4:40 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL
Your best bet would be to bring up the results from the last two races at each and compare.
2012-11-27 4:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

I have done both.  I did them a year apart, IMAZ 2012 and IMFL 2011,.  Similar conditions.  My guess is that there is a 15 min difference with IMAZ being a little bit more difficult.

 

2012-11-27 5:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

Here is a pretty good link showing the average finishing times from several IM's including AZ and FL

Runtri

2012-11-27 7:50 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL
I was 15 min faster at IMAZ than IMFL.

IMFL actually has more total climbing that IMAZ on the bike plus the 3 loop course helped keep my head in the game alot better. So my bike was alot faster at IMAZ.

IMFL's two loop run is dead flat and IMAZ has 2 hills per loop (x3 loops), so IMFL has the faster run course.

IMAZ swim is in a lake + 1 loop so no significant chop or current to deal with and IMFL is two loops in the Ocean so like so swell and current, so IMAZ's swim was faster.



2012-11-27 9:28 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

Thanks for the link.  With this data the times for IMFL do look a few minutes faster on average.  But not really sure if it is a fair comparison as it really matters who shows up to do the race.

I did actually feel there were more first timers at IMFL than IMAZ. 

2012-11-28 7:19 AM
in reply to: #4512499

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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

southwestmba - 2012-11-27 7:50 PM I was 15 min faster at IMAZ than IMFL. IMFL actually has more total climbing that IMAZ on the bike plus the 3 loop course helped keep my head in the game alot better. So my bike was alot faster at IMAZ. IMFL's two loop run is dead flat and IMAZ has 2 hills per loop (x3 loops), so IMFL has the faster run course. IMAZ swim is in a lake + 1 loop so no significant chop or current to deal with and IMFL is two loops in the Ocean so like so swell and current, so IMAZ's swim was faster.

 

All this sounds right except according to the bike profiles, AZ has double the total elevation gain as FL. FL only gains 900' in 112 miles---that ain't much.

2012-11-28 8:36 AM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL
I was about 6 minutes faster at IMAZ this year than I was at IMFL in 2010.  But IMAZ weather was about darn near perfect this year and the weather at IMFL in 2010 was colder and windier than normal for IMFL.  They each have their positives and minuses and things that can contribute to the course being faster or slower.  It's hard to compare times on different courses.
2012-11-28 10:47 AM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

I don't mean to hijack.  But I was looking at that link.

Why is IM Switzerland SO fast?  I thought it was all mountains?  Unless the entire race is downhill?

2012-11-28 11:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL
Kido - 2012-11-28 10:47 AM

I don't mean to hijack.  But I was looking at that link.

Why is IM Switzerland SO fast?  I thought it was all mountains?  Unless the entire race is downhill?

I asked that question a while back, and the answer I got was that the Euro culture/attitude towards the Iron distance is one which gives it more respect.  Meaning most Euro racers won't do a full IM event until they're really ready, whereas alot of US participants will jump in way too soon because they have the cash even if they're not physically ready. 

2012-11-28 1:04 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL

One plus for me with IMFL is that you can settle on the bike and ride.  IMAZ requires a lot more turning and coming out of aero bars to negotiate things.  Plus the IMAZ course I found to be packed.  

But IMAZ road surface is perfect and IMFL has a few miles right at 1/2 way that are terrible.

 

2012-11-28 1:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Rough guess on time difference between IMAZ and IMFL
Climbinggonzo - 2012-11-28 11:24 AM
Kido - 2012-11-28 10:47 AM

I don't mean to hijack.  But I was looking at that link.

Why is IM Switzerland SO fast?  I thought it was all mountains?  Unless the entire race is downhill?

I asked that question a while back, and the answer I got was that the Euro culture/attitude towards the Iron distance is one which gives it more respect.  Meaning most Euro racers won't do a full IM event until they're really ready, whereas alot of US participants will jump in way too soon because they have the cash even if they're not physically ready. 

Another thing to go along with this is they have a 15 hour time limit as well, so you wont have all the 15-17 hours times pulling the average up higher.

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