Suggestions for the first 70.3 (Page 2)

Fwiw, the New Orleans swim got shortened today to 600 meters due to high winds. Weather cancelled last year's race...they can't seem to catch a break.

Thank you sooo much for all the comments, suggestions, and details. Definitely something to look forward to
I probably should've mentioned that it doesn't have to be IM-brand. Really, what matters to me is the distance, how I can handle it, how I can prepare for it, and if I enjoy it.

OK, so I had to narrow down my searches based on the dates. I want to complete the race before summer. We do plenty of travel beginning July, including family trip to Poland. No matter how much I can promise myself, I never stick to the training when we're on vacation (even though our vacay is pretty intensive, with hiking, climbing, and mtb), plus I almost never have access to swimming.

So my options are:
1. Chattanooga May 19
- pros: river swim
- cons: price went over $325, I am not sure if this is enough time to prepare, but I am be wrong

2. Madison June 9
- pros: it's super close to my home (2 hrs drive), swim in much smaller lake than Michigan
- cons: price at $300 right now

3. Steelhead MI June 30
- pros: cost at $255, close to home (2.5 hr)
- cons: lake Michigan can be unpredictable ugh....

Indiana Muncie is tempting, but it's July 13th, which is a weekend after 4th of July week and it's 100% chance we will be gone for vacations. Also, could be too hot?

So I am between Madison and Steelhead, and I feel like huge lake's waters are more intimidating than Madison's hills... I did my first marathon in Madison and it was not bad at all.

If you are trying to stay close to home I'd do either Muncie or the Ohio.
I have done both. Muncie can be a little hot but they are both relatively good beginner as well as fast courses.