Triathlon - Selecting an Ironman race

I am beginning to think about when I might like to do my first full IM race. I am thinking 2006 both in terms of giving myself enough time to build up to it, and also because I know registrations usually close pretty quickly. What suggestions do you all have for selecting a race? I would like to do one where the course is not too terribly difficult! Also, the month of the race might be a factor, since I live in Pittsburgh the winter climate can make those long rides/runs a challenge (not to mention acclimating to racing in warm weather). Probably the soonest I would feel ready for the full IM distance would be fall/winter 2005. Is there a list of all the IMs in the US available somewhere?

Thanks!!

Go to www.ironmanusa.com for IronMan events. There are a few other ironman distance races around the country that aren't true IronMan races. I'm doing my first in 2005. I chose Florida for two reasons: 1) Late in the year (Nov 2005) which gives me more time to train, 2) Flat course.

I've heard good things about Lake Placid and Wisconsin (or maybe it was Minnesota)...the website mentioned above will tell you for sure.

If you want to come out toward Cali, the Vineman is well run. Good luck.

What part of Pitt are you in? Daan Taan? Sliberty? Do you live in a nice Haas? :)

My family is from Squirrel Hill.

I'm doing IMLP this year. I went up to watch in '04 and sign up. They are all difficult. You may be in the middle of IMLP and IMMOO if travel makes a difference.

TriBob, does registration for the IM races generally open on race day the year before? Do you need to have completed any qualifying races before being able to register for an IM? I think that either Lake Placid or Wisconsin will be my best bet, since they are in the summer/fall. I would love to drive up and watch LP this summer, so maybe I could sign up for the '06 race then (and cheer you on!).

cjbruin - your note cracked me up! I live in the North Hills area, not far from North Park if you know where that is. I am only about 15 minutes from daan taan though. Yinz guys rooting for the Stillers to make it to the Super Bowl?!? ;)

Usually the following years registration opens the day or two after the race and fills up pretty quick.

Here's a list of Ironman Qualifiers both full and half.
http://races.trifuel.com/Triathlon/Ironman_Qualifiers/

I've heard both those you're considering are good venues and a lot of fun. Good luck!

IM signup usually starts at 10AM race time the day after the event. Be there or at your computer. They fill up fast. I was in line by 8:30-9AM and didn't turn in my app until after 11.

Do you need to have completed any qualifying races before being able to register for an IM?

I'm fairly certain that Kona is the only one that requires you to qualify. All other IM events allow anyone to enter but there are time cutoffs (i.e. You must complete the bike leg by 10h30m). Doesn't sound like you'll have a problem with that.

Thanks everyone for your input! I just finalized a new work arrangement where I will be mostly working from home, which will hopefully allow me plenty of time/flexibility to train up to the IM distance! A year and a half seems like such a long time to wait, but I know I'll need it. I'll probably do one or two halfs this year and probably a marathon (not to mention most of the local shorter distance tris in my area) so there will be no lack of events to keep up my motivation! There is still a part of me that thinks I'm crazy to entertain the idea of an ironman. When I finished the half IM I did last summer, I thought there would be NO WAY I'd ever want to try a full....... :)

i just got my confirmation for IM Germany July 10th this year yesterday. I was on the standby list as i had signed-up a couple of weeks after the event was initially sold out last october. but now i'm in! :D
i'm so happy....at the same time i'm feeling a little jittery....

anybody else here who will race in frankfurt here - in particular if you need help and/or advice from a local (i live just 15 miles or so from frankfurt) drop me a line!

I did IM-USA. Be prepared for any type of weather. It can be anywhere from the 40's to 80's during the race. You should get a good idea of what you'll see during the few days prior.

One small bit of advice: Stay in the moment. Just focus on the task at hand. Do not look to the next mile, nor look at the mile that you just completed. The reason being is that when you get off of the bike, a 26.2 mile run will sound like a royal beeotch! Just focus on the task at hand. It's a long day, but doable.

If you have any questions as you go along, just ask or you can always send me a private message. I would be glad to help.

Have a good time. Your first time will be the most memorable.

Go to www.ironmanusa.com for IronMan events. There are a few other ironman distance races around the country that aren't true IronMan races. I'm doing my first in 2005. I chose Florida for two reasons: 1) Late in the year (Nov 2005) which gives me more time to train, 2) Flat course.

Rumor has it that this is the last year for Ironman FL. If it isn't then I will do it as my first IM next year. If it is cancelled then I'll do the Great Floridian instead.