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Eric R.
Eric R. Sendmail

first half ironman

asked over 1 year ago | Report

I am thinking about doing my first half ironman in 2011. Anyone have any suggestions for a good first race? I've done a bunch of olympics the past two years and I am kicking around the idea of doing a new race distance. I know know some races are much harder than others. I live in the Midwest and don't mind traveling.

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  • Sean C.
    Sean C. Sendmail

    I did Vineman 70.3 in Northern California as my first and it was a blast. Just signed up for it again yesterday. Beautiful scenery with all the wineries around and an excellent course. Just figured I'd throw the idea out there since registration opened up yesterday and apparently it is already 2/3 full.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Joe H.
    Joe H. Sendmail

    REV3 puts one on in sandusky ohio in sept at a great amusement park. it is supposed to be a good race.

    heard good stuff about redman and pigman in the midwest as well

    vineman and timberman are great races

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • NicolePRO
    Nicole Sendmail

    I am doing Trioka in Spokane WA. Good reviews smaller venue..good course and weather. I was going to do Vineman changed my mind..I may do Barb's Race if I change my mind on Trioka..Barb's Race is an all women's race as part of the Vineman. Same Course and same day as the full. I am also doing the Grand Columbian..fantastic race..I did the Olympic last year..smaller but great hard course but great views.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Joe H.
    Joe H. Sendmail

    .

    answered over 1 year ago |edited over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Rob L.
    Rob L. Sendmail

    I highly recommend Augusta. Downstream swim with a fast current; challenging, but manageable bike course, and a double loop run in downtown which gives your family about 8 chances to see you. Very well managed and supported race.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Rich I.
    Rich I. Sendmail

    TOUGHMAN NY is a race in the metro area that has grown from 150 to 900 and we expect 1500 this yr. I am the race organizer so I am partial to this race. We give you a big race feel, close to NYC but very personal and still grassroots.
    see the testimonials on the website and highlight you tube videos.
    www.WESTCHESTERTOUGHMAN.com

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Stacie
    Stacie Sendmail

    Eric,
    There is a Scheel's HIM in WI in late June. It was well reviewed and I am too thinking about doing it. Added bonus is that it's not too far from us. Good luck!

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Bryce H.
    Bryce H. Sendmail

    I am doing my 1st 70.3 in March 20 called the Gator Half it is in Sarasota, Fla. From what I have read it is pretty flat and fast course. The one advantage I feel I will have is altitude since I live at 3600feet and the race is at sea level.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Jeffrey K.
    Jeffrey K. Sendmail

    The Ironman Florida 70.3 is supposed to be a great race. That takes place on some of the Walt Disney World properties on May 15, 2011 (I think this is the right day). I was going to do it this year but it looks like I'll be trying to schedule it in during 2012.

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Patricia B.PRO
    Patricia B. Sendmail

    I'm doing the European Iron Man 70.3 Championships in Wiesbaden, Germany in August for the second time. It is a BLAST!

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  • Sharon M.
    Sharon M. Sendmail

    I second the Augusta recommendation. The swim is downstream, the cycling is on rolling hills so it's challenging but not impossibly hard, and the run is flat. The race is well organized and well regarded.

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  • Connie Broeder P.
    Connie Broeder P. Sendmail

    I have heard excellent things about Steelhead in Michigan (on Lake Michigan across from Chicago). I'm actually planning on doing that one this year. It will be my first 1/2 as well. Overall it is a flat course and my trainers told me it is a good one for beginners. Let me know if you do it!!

    answered over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Anthony
    Anthony Sendmail

    Vineman is a good one.

    If you need a plan, check out http://www.sprinttriathlontrainingprogram.com. Good luck!

    answered over 1 year ago |edited over 1 year ago |Report

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  • Jeff L.
    Jeff L. Sendmail

    Steelhead in Benton Harbor, MI is a great race. Very well organized and the course isn't too challenging. It was the first 70.3 that I did and I would love to do it again. Some friends and I have signed up for the Racine, WI 70.3. We've heard good things, hopefully it will live up to expectations.

    answered about 1 year ago |edited about 1 year ago |Report

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