Racine 2014

Did this race back in July. Great event. Lake Michigan was angry in 2013.

Still a toss up between Racine and Steelhead for 2014. Both amazing events.

I definitely preferred Steelhead, but Racine is a little closer which is why it's in the mix.

The swims are going to be technically identical. I was fortunate because the year I did Steelhead, the lake was like glass unlike, as you're aware, the Racine swim this year.
The Steelhead bike course is far superior to Racine. Beautiful countryside, nice rollers, and not much traffic at all.
The Steelhead run course is nice in that it's not a straight out-and-back but it's a fairly dull course overall. I did like that Racine's run hugged the shoreline, which gave great views.

Yes, waves were mentioned several times for Racine, but all from the same year. Steelhead's swim has actually been cancelled several times due to waves/current strength. Racine has always had the swim under Ironman management, don't know when it was Spirit of Racine.

I'd done the Spirite back before it was under WTC.  First year I did it, in 2008 the waves were crazy big but they still had it.  The second year (2009) the water was crazy cold (55) and they still had it.  To be honest I've never heard them cancel due to water.  Steelhead, however, had cancelled the swim something like 2 of the last 3 years I think? 

Originally posted by JennyBlaze22 I am feeling ready to conquer a Half (ok a full, too) Iron but all these swim comments are scarring me... swim is DEF not my strong point!!!! Training for a tri in the pool I was like ok..... add dirty water and kicking people and that all went to he** quick. LOL but I didn't drowned so I'll try more where the heck are the easy swims :0

Do you ever get the opportunity to get down to Ohio Street beach for some OWS?  Best practice around. 

It's a toss up for me between Racine and Steelhead, but as AG Nationals are on the same weekend as Steelhead... I'll probably do Racine.  

I just hope it's not as hot as when you did it Crowny - that was a long, tough day to be standing around spectating.    

Yes, yes it was. 

And in reality, the water in Racine is, on the whole, better than Steelhead.  They have never canceled or changed Racine.  They just don't get the severe waves like they do on the other side of the lake.  So as swims go, if you are even the slightest bit nervous, do Racine.  And the local folks on the run (it goes through a few neighborhoods) are great.  Sprinklers, cheering, the works. 

Something like that on the cancellations. Think 2 out of 5 or 6 years now. At least one of which the Coast Guard said no to allowing the boats/rescue crew being out there.

Racine has been a rather nice place to spectate as well.