Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe

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2010-02-24 10:51 PM

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Huntington Beach
Subject: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
I am thinking about doing this as my first 1/2 iron.  Has anyone done it?  All feedback would be great!

2010-02-24 11:33 PM
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Chandler, AZ
Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
I have done SOMA the last three years. I really like this race with the exception of two things.

1) The bike course is very tight with lots of 90 degree and u turns. The course has to stay within the city limits and is in the northern part of Tempe.

2) The run can be pretty toasty out there. Not much shade to provide cover from the 80+ degree weather.

Red Rock puts on a good race. There are many positives.
2010-02-25 5:45 AM
in reply to: #2692159

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Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
I'm doing this race too as my first HIM. Not crazy about the bike course but I heard they made some changes last year that were positive??? Looking forward to hearing more reports!
2010-02-25 7:21 AM
in reply to: #2692159

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Goodyear, AZ
Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe

I have done this twice as a Half and once back when they had the quarterman option. You can read my race reports for details

I like Soma, the bike course is a mess with all the turns (practice doing Uturns on your driveway, LOL) but it's still a flat, fast course and a good one to do for your first HIM. Redrock are a good company, you get nice stuff and post race food etc is pretty good. It can be hot, but most of us train for it through the summer anyways. I believe it has always been wetsuit legal. I think it was better last year as just a half-iron distance. I'll be doing it againt his year as prep for Ironman  

2010-02-25 9:35 AM
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Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
riorio - 2010-02-25 6:21 AM

I have done this twice as a Half and once back when they had the quarterman option. You can read my race reports for details

I like Soma, the bike course is a mess with all the turns (practice doing Uturns on your driveway, LOL) but it's still a flat, fast course and a good one to do for your first HIM. Redrock are a good company, you get nice stuff and post race food etc is pretty good. It can be hot, but most of us train for it through the summer anyways. I believe it has always been wetsuit legal. I think it was better last year as just a half-iron distance. I'll be doing it againt his year as prep for Ironman  



X2 on riorio's comments.

It's a flat course that will be a good race for your first half.
2010-02-25 1:01 PM
in reply to: #2692159

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Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
I think this will be my first 1/2 ironman in 2011. I still want to spend some time building my base and working on my cardio through sprints and olympics. I might volunteer this year so i can get a feel for it.

2010-02-25 1:23 PM
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Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
I think there were 15 U-turns in the 2009 bike course. I am not complaining. If you ave good handling skills and are fast to recover pace you can have a great split. I really like that race.
2010-02-25 6:30 PM
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Casa Grande, Az.
Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
This is gonna be my first HIM, also! I'm so excited!!! My biggest concern at this point is the summer hydration and how to approach this heat!! 112 is right around the corner, in a sense!!
2010-02-25 8:10 PM
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Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
Did this race last as my first HIM and loved it! The volunteers were awesome and there were plenty of add stations. It is a very technical bike course as far as turns and not much shade on the run but just shove ice down your shirt to keep cool and you'll be fine.
2010-03-02 3:17 PM
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Subject: RE: Soma 1/2 Iron in Tempe
Did Soma this yr as my first HIM and I liked the turns. They helped to spread out the field which can get pretty tight in the straightaways since it is a 3 loop race. In my novice mind, they replace the hills as a test of power on the bike. They did a good job supporting the race and you cant beat the weather. I would recommend it - 2 thumbs up! Plus, if you do Tempe Intenational or Nathan's Olys you can get practice on much of the course.
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