IM & HIM course difficulty ratings?

At least you didn't ask which ones were easiest.

I don't think there is anything like you are asking out there.  What makes a race difficult may vary from person-to-person.  What are you looking for?

I guess I'm looking for things like waves,wind, and water temperature for the swim. Hills and wind for the bike and run. Maybe scenery and local support as well.

I guess in a way I am looking for the "easiest" or more specific for me. For instance, I haven't done any ocean/wave swimming and I want to do an early HIM next year. I don't think I'd be able to get too much practice until next summer.

OK.  So you'd prefer a lake to an ocean swim.  That helps.  Most flat courses also have the potential to be windy, though some (like Eagleman for example) are more known for this factor than others.  But it sounds like you'd prefer a relatively flat bike & run.

As for when, you say you want an "early" HIM but  can't practice too much until summer.  Those sort of contradict.

Sounds like travel is open and you'd prefer a "destination" than just a tri course.  In the northeast, I'd use Timberman over Eagleman as an example but this would be hilly versus flat--there are always trade-offs. 

And of course, there's no real reason to tie yourself to the 70.3 series.  There are plenty of good HIMs not in that series.

Narrow it down some more (or highlight the important priorities) and I think you'll get some good suggestions. 

My concern for practicing for an early HIM is mostly because of the distance to the ocean for me and how cold it would be over the winter.  For waves that is.

For location I'd prefer the Northeast but would consider anywhere if conditions were right. (I'd make it a vacation) 

For the bike/run I'm a bit torn between flat with wind and hills. I guess I'd prefer flat.

Right now I'm hoping for spring April/May or possibly a hair sooner.  

Of course all of this is pending my knee "thing" getting figured out/fixed.  

Tell3131 - 2006-09-25 1:29 PM I think the easiest is Kona, but that is just what I heard.

You're joking right??

Dang it, I can't find that chart that was circulated a while back.  But that was mostly IM's methinks.  For IMs the most pancake flat you're going to get is FL.

Still looking for a nice universal elevation chart... blast.

bts

Sorry, still confused.  You're concerned about an early HIM but are hoping for "April/May or possibly a hair sooner".  That is VERY early season in the Northeast.  Anything before May takes you out of the region I think--and certainly conflicts with your concern about winter training.

Check out Eagleman, which is in June.  Pancake flat.  But it's a bay swim and can be rough (see race reports from this year).  Florida 70.3 fits most of your criteria.  Kinetic half in VA is even earlier.  Supposed to be a nice course with rolling hills (no big climbing).  Some ideas anyway.

Any HIM will be “a bit” easier as long as you TRAIN for it... Anyway, beyond learning the race course profile and training for it, it is impossible to be prepare for anything else weather-wise. Pick a race; pay your fee and train!

"Anything before May takes you out of the region I think--and certainly conflicts with your concern about winter training." - JohnnyKay

Sorry to confuse but what I meant was training in the water over the winter. Ocean specifically to get practice in waves.  I don't have a problem running or biking over the winter.  Hope that makes sense.

I'll look at some of the others mentioned here....thanks

FL may be flat but the equalizer for the month of May in FL is the heat, mid 90's are typical inland and the wind is dominantly from the west which makes the air mass hot and dry.  Large brush fires are the norm that time of year.  Even this FL boy is hard pressed to acclimate in May!

Just to be a bit more clear. To a certain degree I am looking for an "easier" race but it will be my first HIM/70.3. I'll most likely do another next September that's close to where I live. (I did the mini this year on the same day) It's 3 rolling hills loops with 4 decent hills per loop. A couple nice downhills as well

The more I read the more I'm thinking FL 70.3 might be the way to go for me but I'll look at the others mentioned when I have a bit more time.

Thanks again for your replies

Tell3131 - 2006-09-27 7:31 AM

crusevegas - 2006-09-26 7:31 AM

Tell3131 - 2006-09-25 1:29 PM I think the easiest is Kona, but that is just what I heard.

 

You're joking right??

Yes I am joking.

I'm glad to hear that, I was a bit concerned about your sanity...

Cause everyone knows that the easiest 140.6 in N. America is the Silverman in NV it's all down hill with the wind at your back,,,,, even on the swim. Honnest.

Rencor, I did the FL 70.3 this year as my first at that distance. Training through the winter and early spring in upstate NY and then racing in FL in May was tough. The heat was definitely a factor. But I did the Musselman locally a few months later and the heat was the same.

TripleThreat brings up a great point with cost. If it's at all an object for you, I'd go with the local race.  I did the Florida race because it coincided with a trip that was already scheduled, but the costs were very high compared with the local race. The local one was run just as well as the brand name one, and I liked the race day environment better.

Also, an "easier" course doesn't mean an easier or better race. Travel, climate change, sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, changes in your dietary routine, all these things and more can affect your race and make it harder.