First ironman questions

If you are looking to IMWI or other M-Dot Brand races of the 140/6 distance, you need to sign up the day after the race. Though I'm not familiar with them, there are many 140.6 distance races that are not "IronMan" brand, but still make you an Ironman.

If you want to do IMWI next year, you'll need to be either onsite on 9/11 or sign-up on active.com. Lake Placid sold out in 90 minutes this year. I wouldn't be surprised if IMWI closed in a couple of hours on Monday morning...

Good Luck!

A useful reference, including a page devoted to iron-distance races, 1/2s, listings by state and so on:

http://www.trifind.com

I read that florida sold out in 3 hrs just to give you an idea.

Thanks everyone... looks like the pages arent updated for 2007 ones yet, i'll look at 2006 and see when/where some are that arent actualy "ironman sponsored" Sinc eim assuming Id have to register in 2 days! and hope. I didnt realize ironmans filled up so fast!

Big decision to make over a year out!

From what i've read, alot of people get there a week early just to experience race week. I hear its a blast with the expo and just all the different people you meet. I hear the training sessions are pretty cool because EVERYONE is getting in that last little warm up.. so lots of training partners.

I am a huge fan of non-M-Dot (ie, "independent") races, for precisely this reason. There are some quality 140.6 races out there that will let you sign up as close as a few days prior.

I don't know what I'm doing next week, let alone next September. (I DO know what I'm doing this weekend, though, Grand Columbian Iron-distance. Woohoo).

There have been several threads, and more holy wars, on the topic.

In general, Independent races are easier to sign up for, don't require a 1-year commitment, are cheaper, are smaller, and have little or no drafting. Also, most offer 1 or more of: refunds, deferral (to a later year), or selling a slot (ie, due to injury). Downsides are no Kona slots, smaller experience, possibly less-well-organized (dep. on race).

M-Dot, on the other hand, offers well-organized races with huge crowds, the M-Dot "brand", and a huge "event" experience. And Kona. Downsides include the 1-year signup, cost, 2500 racers (leading to draft trains and rough swims), and large-corporate mentality (no refunds, can be impersonal, etc.).

Two of the posts I know of (because I posted in them, duh):

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp...

Quickly, Vineman and Great Floridian are well-established, well-respected races. (GFT had a rough time in 2005, mostly due to a hurricane, so they're on the hot seat for 2006).

And I love Grand Columbian (3rd year) - great (but tough) course, very small, very friendly.

Good luck!

see ya there, Westfried!

i'm leaving for Grand Coulee tomorrow.

i, too would advise you to research non-IMNA events. signing up one year ahead for your first and no refunds on $450 if you decide to bail is a bit of a gamble.