General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Chattanooga or Louisville Rss Feed  
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2016-10-26 9:59 AM

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Subject: Chattanooga or Louisville
I am trying to make plans for next year and was wondering if anyone has done both of these races? I was looking for some comparisons or pros and cons of each race. I have read some race reports but was looking for some information from anybody who has done both. Thanks for your help!!

Karen


2016-10-26 10:34 AM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville

I've only done the Choo half (twice) but have had several friends do both of the fulls.  Both swims are pretty fast.  Choo has a pretty fast bike course even though it's 116 miles.  Louisville is supposedly a tougher bike but easier run.  The run at Choo is where you pay the price (hills) for the fast swim/bike.  It would be a tough decision for me since I live about the same distance from both (Nashville).  Louisville would probably suit me better (not a great runner) but I do like going to Chattanooga (30 min from my hometown).

2016-10-26 11:37 AM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
I haven't done either race but plan to do both (registered for KY 2017 and TN is on the list for later), so I am interested in this as well! From the info on the IM site, it looks like Louisville bike course has about 1000 ft more of total elevation gain than Chattanooga. Looking forward to the impressions of those folks who have done them.
2016-10-27 2:43 PM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville

Only done Louisville....Great community and race. Highly recommended.

The swim can be a little tough with swimming up current for the start of the race but catching the current at the turn makes up for the struggle.

The community on the Bike is awesome. People with cow bells and customs.

My family enjoyed all of the activities in Louisville while I was racing.
2016-11-01 10:54 AM
in reply to: kalish

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville

Originally posted by kalish I haven't done either race but plan to do both (registered for KY 2017 and TN is on the list for later), so I am interested in this as well! From the info on the IM site, it looks like Louisville bike course has about 1000 ft more of total elevation gain than Chattanooga. Looking forward to the impressions of those folks who have done them.

Frankly I've never understood the variance in elevation quotes.  The IM site say "about 4400 feet of climbing" for IM Choo.  A map my ride file has about 4800 feet, and when I did the race in '14 my garmin had it at 5495.

In any event I loved the Choo.  It was a great race, in a great "outdoor" town so good support, and the city itself was really pretty fun.  I've only done 3 fulls but of all 3 that is the one I'd do again.

2016-11-01 12:48 PM
in reply to: GODAWGS

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
That is good to hear. I am strongly leaning toward Louisville. Where I ride, there are a lot of hills, so those don't bother me. The main factors in the decision for me are the heat (I hate the heat) that is possible at CHOO, and that my supportive husband who puts up will all of this and does all of the housework and cooking while I train would rather go to Louisville (did someone say bourbon?) than Chattanooga.


2016-11-02 7:45 AM
in reply to: happyscientist

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
Louisville was my first and I had an absolute blast. Swim was fair, bike course was scenic enough, and the run was flat. We had absolutely perfect weather this year. We stayed about 4 blocks from the finish line and spent a lot of time walking around the city. 4th Street Live is a great place to hang out. I would definitely recommend IMLOU
2016-11-02 10:46 AM
in reply to: Toefuzz

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
Originally posted by Toefuzz

Louisville was my first and I had an absolute blast. Swim was fair, bike course was scenic enough, and the run was flat. We had absolutely perfect weather this year. We stayed about 4 blocks from the finish line and spent a lot of time walking around the city. 4th Street Live is a great place to hang out. I would definitely recommend IMLOU

Thanks, Toefuzz! What was the name of the hotel at which you stayed?
(Apologies to the OP for the brief thread highjack.)
2016-11-07 6:05 PM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
Never done either......but, I'm doing the half at Choo in May..............AND, I just signed up for Louisville
2016-11-07 6:28 PM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
I decided to go with Louisville. Both races sound fun, but Louisville fit better into my schedule with an already planned vacation and shoulder surgery!! Excited about it!
2016-11-08 11:31 AM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville
I decided to do Louisville, too. It saves us a couple hours of driving, and we can turn it into a fun family trip. Plus, it should be cooler than Chatanooga.


2016-11-08 12:18 PM
in reply to: gadgetlaw

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Subject: RE: Chattanooga or Louisville

You will love the race and community of Louisville.
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