Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
BY: Biseman on 2008-11-12 9:39 PM

Starting the thread for this race !

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: trihardathena on 2008-11-19 10:11 AM

Ill be there with bells on
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Check out my blog:
http://bandoverbypass.blogspot.com

Oh no sir..that's not fat...that's fuel!!!
Approaching my 15th year after a gastric bypass and 212 pounds loss...goal weight is still 40 pounds away

Rocketman Triathlon 2013
Ironman Augusta 70.3 2013
Ironman Florida 2013

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: runnergirl on 2008-11-19 3:11 PM

My hubby and I are in for this one in '09!  We were trying to decide between Gulf Coast and White Lake.  White Lake is closer, but we figured the heat, wind and ocean swim that Gulf Coast offers would give us more race experience for IM Cozumel.   So we will be there!

I did Gulf Coast back in '07 and got my handed to me.  I'd like to revenge on it this time!

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Marathon Maniac #1423

"The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to become the person I am." --George Sheehan, M.D., beloved former RW columnist

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: Havin'Fun on 2009-01-15 5:57 PM

I just signed up for this race.  Doing it as a trial run for IMFL.  

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: BamaDC on 2009-01-15 6:11 PM

I'm in first A race and start of my IMKY build.

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: Rogillio on 2009-01-16 8:54 AM

I booked a condo at the Boardwalk yesterday.  They jacked the price up for the race!!  The condo I got was $249/night.  I looked at the prices for that same condo the week before and the week after and the rate is $199/night.  What a racket.  LOL

~Mike

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: wdpresta on 2009-01-16 9:34 AM

I'm planning on this race as my first HIM. Luckily, my parents live in the Destin area so room rates are not a concern. Since they live in such a great location, I have been blessed with free lodging, laundry service (thanks mom!), and automatic babysitters. Unfortunately, I can't get any help with the actual race part -- I guess I'll have to do that for myself.

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: Havin'Fun on 2009-01-16 7:07 PM

My parents live in FWB, so it is only 1 hr away.  We are planning on staying with them for the Gulf Coast tri, but will check out the condos in planning for IMFL.  I thought I read that condos were reasonable for IMFL....$249/night is not reasonable (to me).  Hope to find something close to the race site and cheaper than 250...anyone have expereince wiwth condos at IMFL????  

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: BamaDC on 2009-01-16 8:18 PM

I'm using my inlaw's RCI membership.  We're booked at the Summit for 150 total Thur. thru Sun.  Its less than a .5 mile walk to the Boardwalk.

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: RBRMIKE on 2009-01-16 10:36 PM

I will be volunteering. If anyone needs a place to stay I think we will have extra room just let me know.

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: Biseman on 2009-01-16 11:20 PM

So can someone tell me what the difference is between a 70.3 and an half Ironman?

Is there a distiction?


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The face of a child says it all. Especially the mouth part. - Jack Handy

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: dpeeples on 2009-01-17 3:27 PM

Did anyone here choose GCT over FL 70.3?

If so, can you share thoughts as to why?

thanks

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: RememberOtto on 2009-01-18 5:05 PM

I did FL 70.3 last year and will be doing Gulf Coast this year instead. I did NOT like the run course in Orlando. It is a 3 lap run and a huge chuck of it is over a grassy/sandy/dirt trail along some canals in the netherworld of Disney. The trail has a narrow path that is well worn, but is only big enough for one person. Once the course gets crowded, there are lots of walkers on the worn portion of the trail and to pass them you have to get over onto the portion where the ground is uneven and, combined with clumps of grass, you really have to pay constant attention with your footfalls or risk busting your @ss.

Other than the run, I thought the Disney race was good, particularly if you have kids and can wrap a trip to the parks in as well.

Also, GC is sometimes a wetsuit legal swim, whereas the Disney race has never been wetsuit legal.

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: trihardathena on 2009-01-18 6:38 PM



I DEFINITELY went with this race over IM FL 70.3. The reason: the run course. The run course at Disney is partially on dirt/grass trail and after two races there, I simply did not want to do that run course again. Its not that big of a deal but with all the roads and paths that Disney has on property, you would think they could come up with a different course than this.

I also feel that Gulf Coast is a great warm up for my big race : IM FL 09 . Run course is almost identical. Bike is a bit different. Swim is the same.

Gulf Coast is well organized, welcomed by the community and FUN! Disney's race is somewhat of an afterthought for those at the resort.

Just my two cents!!



Edited by trihardathena 2009-01-18 6:40 PM

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Check out my blog:
http://bandoverbypass.blogspot.com

Oh no sir..that's not fat...that's fuel!!!
Approaching my 15th year after a gastric bypass and 212 pounds loss...goal weight is still 40 pounds away

Rocketman Triathlon 2013
Ironman Augusta 70.3 2013
Ironman Florida 2013

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: dpeeples on 2009-01-19 2:12 PM

I had already read about the run course at Disney, but thought lake swim might be better than open water ocean swim for a first HIM.

I have swam in the gulf several times and know that some days are flat as a pancake and on other days you can see some pretty challenging surf.

Well, the money is already spent anyway!

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon
BY: ditchdoc on 2009-01-21 9:04 AM

Right Now it is my long term goal for 2011, but I may bump it to next year. I am gonna try to VOL. for the 2009, but I need to work out a couple of Logistical issues. Hope to see you there!!!
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What does this... mean to you? If it means something to you, you can't stay still, You play fast, you play strong, you go out there and dominate your opponent, AND MAKE HIS @SS QUIT!!! Alabama Head Football Coach Nick Saban

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
BY: BamaDC on 2009-01-27 5:52 PM

What is the usually water temp for this race?  Do you need a wetuit? Or will normal tri clothes be okay?

 Thanks

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
BY: BamaDC on 2009-01-27 5:55 PM

Nevermind.  Looked at old RR and water temp 73-76 and most wore wetsuits.

RE: Gulf Coast Triathlon: Official Thread
BY: BamaDC on 2009-03-02 6:55 PM

10 weeks to go.  How is everyone's training progressing?