Looking for recommondation for 1/2 Ironman

[GA Wil]

I'm looking to do my first 1/2 ironman looking for a course that is newbie friendly. This is for a personal challenge as I am turning 50. I completed my first Olympic race last week with a finish time of 3:50 - so I am not super speedy.

[Greg Zalewski]

Where are you looking to race? East coast, west coast, or anywhere in between? I'm also a beginner and just signed up for the Eagleman Ironman in Cambridge, MD. The race is in June 2010.

[GA Wil]

Hi Greg
I am flexible w/in the US and time of year. How did you select your race? I'm struggling to find the pros/cons of each race.
G

[Mike Castellano]

Hi, have you read the race reports/reviews on Beginnertriathlete.com? This may help you with your decision or give you other contacts to reach out to. I am also moving up to my first HIM distance race on Sept. 20. I selected the race based on the proximity to my home and when I felt I would be ready to handle the challenge.

[George Lum]

Hi, I'm not sure in what region of the country you live or how far you can travel, but I think you should consider Ironman 70.3 California @ Oceanside. I have done this race twice and have had great experiences both times. The race generally takes place in late March/ early April, the weather is mild, and the course is relatively flat. There are plenty of options regarding accommodations, and if you are traveling with family members you have all the activities that the San Diego area has to offer...everyone is entertained and happy! Good Luck!!!

[triNick]

There are a ton of 1/2 iron's out there with each once having it's own pros and cons. Is there one specifically that caters to newbies, i'd say NO! It would take you a very long time to go through all of the pros and cons to figure out which race to do.

You have to decide whether you want to do an IM 70.3 (www.trimapper.com/im703) race or an independent 1/2 iron race (that in itself is a pro and con if you think about it). What time of the year and sort of where you want to go and race. Are you are willing to travel, there are a bunch of destination race locations across the US and abroad.

Everyone here is done their race for one reason or another (I've done Cancun, Florida, Pucon, Steelhead, Austin) and it might not fit what you are looking for. I'd say pick a race that you will be proud and excited to finish / conquer and not the easiest one do to. Pick one, and once you decide on one, then ask questions about that race but stay true to your decision and go for the challenge.

[Tlovick]

Wil,
Why not try www.silvermannv.com. The race is Nov 8th. I don't recommend this course for a newbie but, you can form a relay team. If your can raise some cash for a great charity your entry is covered. (read about the wounded warriors) The reason I recommend Silverman is, it is the best run event you will ever do. They feed you before and after the race. The course is spectacular, the volunteers are plentiful, the aid stations fully loaded, the athletes are fun and it's Vegas. COme have some fun. bring your family & friends.

Troy

[Bill England]

I would recommend the Ironman 70.3 Boulder in August 2010. I raced it this year, in its last year sponsored by 5430 Sports, and it was awesome. It was my first 1/2 ironman distance and thanks to a first rate course and support it has got me geared up to do my first full ironman next year. Being in Boulder, it draws some of the best of the triathlon world, but at the same time makes first timers feel right at home. I hope to do it again next year.

[Laura Koerner]

Hi,
I recommend the SOMA Half Iron in Tempe AZ. It's at the end of the season (Oct) and not a Clearwater or Kona qualifer so it tends to attract the not too competitive racer. This was my first half and I'm glad it was. It's flat but a little technical. Check it out...http://redrockco.com/soma-triathlon
Regards,
Laura

[Mike]

i would suggest the IM 70.3 in Orlando. My friends frmo the west coast did it and all had great times. It is flat, not too humid, and a good experience.
I would NOT suggest IMCA70.3. The weather in California is to unpredictable and with the rainy season expected to be significant this year, may be cold and rainy.....the water temps for this race are 56 for the harbor swim.

you will do fine whatever you decide.

[Dale Klein]

I just completed the Augusta 70.3. This is a great course for a first time 1/2 iron. The swim is in a river with about 1/2 knot of current, the bike has moderately rolling hills, and the run is flat. Plus, the event is well supported.

[Thomas E. Murray, Ph. D.]

The GulfCoast triathlon is one of my favorite. It's in early May. The weather is great in Panama City at this time of year. I've been doing it off and on since the 80s. The transition area is in the parking lot of the hotel. Most rooms are face the Gulf of Mexico and the swim. Last spring my room was 100 yards from the transition area and 200 yards from the swim start. This race is usually a wetsuit race with Gulf temperatures near 78, but seldom over. Most newbies like wearing a wetsuit in the Gulf.

You won't find a more convenient, racer friendly triathlon anywhere. The race is flat except for one large bridge over the intercoastal canal on the bike. If there is a negative it can be hot. Last year temperatures were in the high 80s for the run for us older back of the pack racers.

If you are really eager you can head to Disney the next weekend and do the Ironman 70.3 Orlando. I did these two 1/2 Ironman races on back-to-back weekends and loved both races. If you go to the Disney tri stay at the Wildreness Lodge. It's walking distance to the transition area.

The key for me would be where do you live and train. I can train year-round in Florida so I can do any race. Many of those who come to our best races in Florida are coming from the north and the race season in their area is summer. Our water temoperatures are usually in the 80s in south Florida by May. I think you should mesh your training opportunities and your race opportunities so you can be peak with your training and enjoy race day. If that's spring, Florida is the best place to race.

Tom

[Bruce Keno]

Definitely the Miami Man Half Ironman. It is held every November. You can see it at www.multirace.com. It is run first class, and the competition is mostly new to intermediate. They run this near Homestead Fl at the Metro Zoo...you run by Elephants and Giraffs's!....I kid you not! See some of last years photo's. The whether is usually mild in early November, and the water is wetsuit (usually) legal. You will love this race, and can enjoy the Miami Sunshine and beautiful area as well.