1st Half Iron Distance

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 1st Half Iron Distance Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2013-01-10 3:09 PM

User image

Extreme Veteran
717
500100100
Chicago
Subject: 1st Half Iron Distance

Hi all,

I have done many sprint and Olympic distance races. Unfortately I had to move and start a new job this year and took some time off racing in 2012 and I really miss it. Anyways I need a goal to get back on the bandwagon.  So I want to sign up for my first 1/2 iron distance tri.  Any recommendations on picking one? 

I am currently near Cleveland, OH.  I have debated doing one within easy driving distance but also thought a destination one would be fun and I could take a few days of vacation afterwards with the family.  Thoughts?!  Thanks in advance!!

2013-01-10 3:14 PM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Elite
5145
500010025
Cleveland
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance

Near Cleveland, the Rev3 Cedar Point Half-Rev is a no-brainer choice.  Phenomenal family-friendly atmosphere, and Cedar Point.

 

If you're looking for a "destination race", perhaps something like IM St. Croix 70.3?  The bike portion may be a little brutal for a first HIM, but other than that, you're in the USVI... not too shabby.

 

Registration is still open for San Juan 70.3, but that's barely two months away, so probably not a good choice.

2013-01-10 9:41 PM
in reply to: #4572614

Member
102
100
Indiana
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance
With the Ironman brand you have Steelhead in Benton Harbor, MI and Muncie, IN within drive.   Augusta, GA is likely a 3/4 drive.   Augusta, GA usually sells out and has a great atmosphere with lots of racers.
2013-01-10 9:46 PM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Veteran
1900
1000500100100100100
Southampton, Ontario
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance
Muskoka 70.3 would be a good destination race thats not toooo far from you
2013-01-10 11:18 PM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Extreme Veteran
1136
100010025
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance

I raced Deer Creek in Mt Sterling as my first half.  It's a small race, which was pretty nice... it can be a little intimidating to share the course with 2,000 of your closest friends.  That said, they run two shorter distances at the same time so it's not too lonely out there either.

The swim was a rectangle that stayed pretty close to shore.  Two loops for the HIM.

The bike was 3 loops on a lollipop shaped course but didn't get boring; there are some turns and a few small hills but very flat overall.

The run was multiple laps on a flat out-and-back course.

I raced in 2011 and the date was in early October.  We had some freakishly cold weather and the 2012 race was moved up a couple weeks into September.  Overall I had a great time.

2013-01-11 12:24 AM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Member
103
100
Harare
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance

I'm doing Eagleman in the Eastern Shore of MD for my first HIM. It's supposed to be brutally hot, but a fun, well organized race. Also a fairly easy destination for you to drive to from Cleveland and spend a few days on the Bay/Ocean with you family. The BT 20 week beginner HIM program starts on January 20th for this race....so sign up soon if you're interested. I think registration is still open.



Edited by Danielfberlin 2013-01-11 12:25 AM

2013-01-11 3:09 AM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Veteran
550
5002525
austin, Texas
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance
Steel head 70.3 in Benton harbour was a great race. I was surprised at the quaint little town on the water. Depending on what you're looking for it could be a great option as a weekend away.
2013-01-11 3:15 AM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Extreme Veteran
612
500100
England
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance

I've not done it but I've heard great things about Rev3 Cedar Point.  Check out the race reports on this site.

Its on my list of must do races.

2013-01-11 7:03 AM
in reply to: #4572614

User image

Veteran
660
5001002525
Northern Illinois
Subject: RE: 1st Half Iron Distance

X whatever for Rev3 CP. They put on great events and you can't beat the park for family fun. It's in September so you have plenty of time to prepare.

 

Just my .02 but I think a destination race is better after you have done some races at that distance. You will have enough worries/stresses getting prepared for your first HIM. Adding in travel stresses isn't necessary.

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 1st Half Iron Distance Rss Feed