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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Criteria for choosing a half iron tri

meganruns

Nov 17, 09 17:55

Post #1 of 8 (357 views)

Criteria for choosing a half iron tri	Can't Post

Hey, folks! I want to know where you stand on choosing a half iron triathlon.

What are your criteria for selecting a half iron tri? Do you prefer to travel to races that are within a certain mileage from home (and if so, what is that mileage?), or does flying bode well for you?

What's more important (rank from most important to least)?
Affordable registration fees
Location
Time of year/Does it "fit in" schedule for your A race
Difficulty of course
Pro field
Prize money
Course design

Also, would you be inclined to do a race that offered Back-to-Back weekends (if the race were located >4hrs from home) where you could race a sprint on the first weekend and a half on the second?

Your thoughts are much appreciated!! Feel free to PM me if you'd rather.
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Follow me on Twitter! megankillian
http://www.endurancemeg.com

dforbes

Nov 17, 09 18:03

Post #2 of 8 (338 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [meganruns] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I am new, only one half, and one full, but I base it on driving distance because of money contraints and the fact I have a young family. I have found that most races are all around the same price, so the cost of the event is not of much matter. I would rank your critieria in the following manner from important to not: Location, time of year, course design, difficulty, affordable, pro field (I'll never see them), prize money (I'll never win any). No, I wouldn't be inclined to race back to back weekends, my knee would not hold up.

Good luck.

bmcmaster11

Nov 17, 09 18:08

Post #3 of 8 (329 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [meganruns] [In reply to]	Can't Post

1 being most important

5. Affordable registration fees
2. Location
1. Time of year/Does it "fit in" schedule for your A race
4. Difficulty of course
6. Pro field
7. Prize money
3. Course design

Flying increases stress about the bike so driving is preferred. Back to back weekends does not go well with the family.

cdw

Nov 17, 09 18:09

Post #4 of 8 (329 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [meganruns] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Location
Difficulty of course
Affordable registration fees
Course design
Time of year/Does it "fit in" schedule for your A race
Pro field
Prize money

In that order, with location no 1 and everything else a far second. I'm not flying to anything but a national championship so all my halfs must be local. In SoCal this really sucks because there just are not that many from which to choose. Course difficulty is next because I want some challenge. Affordable means no IM 70.3s and they are too large anyway. Course design usually isn't an issue. Time of year only matters if it is really early in the spring, otherwise I'll build my schedule around a good half.

Pros, prize money? Who cares.

Chad

Chris G

Nov 17, 09 18:16

Post #5 of 8 (312 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [meganruns] [In reply to]	Can't Post

1. who else is racing
2. location - never flown to a race or driven more than 4 hours
3. course

burnman

Nov 17, 09 18:47

Post #6 of 8 (294 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [Chris G] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

1. who else is racing
2. location - never flown to a race or driven more than 4 hours
3. course

It's nuts, but your post made me realize that all of the races I attend (and many I would like to attend) are within a 4 hour radius. Looking at the way I pack my race gear, and how I travel to races, I can't imagine doing it on a plane. My car is still half packed from Lake Placid, which is kind of nice because it's like my training home base wherever I go.

To the OP, it's all about dates and location. I'm kind of self sufficient on race day, and not real picky with race organization or amenities. Price isn't a tremendous issue since I do drive to most races and keep my trip costs down by sleeping in the car/tent.

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sparshall

Nov 19, 09 14:47

Post #7 of 8 (182 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [meganruns] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Price and location are #1 for me. I prefer to drive within 4 hours for a half - I don't feel like paying airline fees to fly with my bike.

I've done a couple halfs with other races either before or after. I recommend before over after, but don't wear yourself out if that half is one of your 'A' races for the year.

There are quite a few good halfs in the midwest that aren't WTC...

good luck!

meganruns

Nov 19, 09 14:50

Post #8 of 8 (176 views)

Re: Criteria for choosing a half iron tri [sparshall] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks! I am liking the feedback! I will be targeting Duluth, Minneapolis, Detroit, Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay for the Kuparisaari Tri next summer, based on this feedback (drive/travel time to race is important). Being in the UP myself, I travel six-eight hours for races, but understand that not all triathletes want to or are willing to do this! It's only a six/seven hour drive from the cities, though... might get some biters! :-D
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Follow me on Twitter! megankillian
http://www.endurancemeg.com