Ironman Florida versus Great Floridian
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985 days
UFTriGator posted 16 weeks ago.
They're both hot as balls and humid. IMFL has a flat bike and Clermont is hilly (much hillier than anyone outside Florida believes until they get there). Clermont is big enough that you'll see some drafting. At IMFL, you'll probably be hard-pressed to not see it. Clermont has the swim in Lake Minneola, which is usually pretty flat and clean (just red and acidic from the mangroves).
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-Matt
Not fast enough.
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1413 days
Star posted 16 weeks ago.
I'm in agreement with TriGator. My additional thoughts:
IMFL: Gulf swim...I personally like the salt water, and it can be rough. The bike and run are SO flat...you have to train for riding in the aero position for 112 miles. Its much different than riding rolling hills. November will be warm, but not crazy hot.
GFT: Lake swim...creepy if you're not confident because the visibality sucks. It doesn't bother me, but there is a sign next to the swim start that reads, 'No swimming." Bike course x2 loops is hilly and fun. Its actually tougher than you'd expect in Florida....a good challenge. The run is partly around a lake, but there are some hills to contend with.
Neither location offers much as far as spectator activities, so have your family bring their own chairs, food and entertainment!
"I'm more fun than an iPod!"
My blog: http://star.trifuel.net
Am looking to plan, for late 2009, what would be my third IM-distance race. My first two were "official" IMs (IMCdA and IMAz). For 2009 looking at either the non-WTC Great Floridian in Clermont in late October versus doing the WTC-licensed IM Florida early November in Panama City Beach. I guess the one obvious advantage of Great Floridian is that it doesn't usually sell out so can wait 'til next summer before even registering.
Has anyone done one, the other, or both, and can offer some advice?