First IM Conundrum
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1327 days
glbrum posted 2 years ago.
I have not done an IM, but I live in SoCal right near the Pacific, so I can answer #1.
It is easier to swim in the ocean because the salt adds bouyancy. With a wetsuit that doubles over to help you float, which makes for better form. Sharks/Jellyfish/Stingrays is a valid fear. I'm about as scared of those three sea animals as I am of getting hit by a car while training. Yes, there is a possibility of one of these accidents happening, but you don't let the thought of getting hit by a car stop you from riding, so why let the thoughts of one of those animals stop you from swimming.
EDIT: about drinking salt water (while swimming). I've noticed that the slower (read : smooth rather than quick and all over the place) your stroke is, the less water you will intake. Concentrate on being fluid and smooth with it and you shouldn't have a problem
58
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1207 days
johnj919 posted 2 years ago.
I have done IM WI and will be doing FL this year. I just did the Gulf Coast Tri last month which is basically the IM FL course with a slightly modified bike. One thing to consider about the swim is that WI is two loops entirely in the water, whereas in FL you have to get out and run up on the beach between the first and second loop. It is also very tiring trying to get out past the breakers in the ocean and you have to do that twice. Personally, if you are going for the entire experience and not just finish time I would choose WI. The people are unbelievable! They come out in huge numbers and cheer everyone one all day (and night)! The only downside to WI is the hilly bike. If you don't mind that then definitely do WI. I am doing it again in '07 and I can't wait.
As for hill training you can always do intervals with really big gears. The lodgings are pretty sweet in FL (2 BR condos for $104 per night). Hotels in WI are nice but a little more expensive and they are usually booked within a few weeks of the race registration opening, so book something as soon as you enter if you choose this race.
John
748
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1360 days
Star posted 2 years ago.
I live in FL and prefer the gulf swim, as compared to fresh water. That's just my preference....but lots of people don't like being salty. You will probably get to wear a wetsuit in Nov as well. When I raced the Gulf Coast 1/2 IM-distance, the water was flat as could be...nothing to worry about there (no sharks and as far as I know we don't have jellyfish)...but I've heard that there can be some waves that make it more difficult.
The bike was totally boring...also flat with really very little fan support along the route...IM may be different though. The run...flat of course, and pretty bland. The problem last year was that there was construction throughout the run which made for some dust along the way, and it wasn't very scenic.
I can't comment on WI...although the bike looks fairly hilly. When I chose my first IM, I chose one that I thought I could make it through...so I chose Germany...where the course was comparable to FL terrain. There's so many choices....and so little time:D
"I'm more fun than an iPod!"
My blog: http://star.trifuel.net
Hi all,
OK, so I've read lots and am still up in the air about which IM I should attempt for my first one in '07. Because of timing, I've narrowed it down to IM Wisconsin or IM Florida.
I know IMFL is probably easiest in terms of having flatter terrain but I'm considering the whole package. And I'd like to hear what some of you veterans have to say.
A little background on me...I'm a mid-end of the pack 31 year old (now racing at 32 thanks to USAT). I'm about equal in all sports but if I had to chose a limiter, I'd say the swim. My background includes several centuries, a marathon, several half marys and this weekend I'm heading to my second half-IM at Buffalo Springs. (I have two other half-IMs scheduled for this year and planning to do the Houston marathon in Jan.)
My big hesitation in IMFL is the ocean swim. eeek! So here are my questions:
1. Is it harder to swim in the ocean? Is the salt water a factor (in terms of ingesting it accidently)? Jelly fish and sharks freak me out. Is this an unnecessary concern?
2. I live in a pretty flat region (Dallas) so I'm concerned about getting in the type of hill work I'd need to prepare for IMOO. For those in pretty flat areas, how have you prepared for hillier IMs? (Trekking to Austin/the Hill Country is an option.)
3. Finally, any other overall impressions of the two races...support, lodging costs, etc.?
Thanks!!!!
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." ~T.S. Eliot
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