Harder IM more competitive?

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2010-07-07 2:27 PM

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Expert
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Marin County, California
Subject: Harder IM more competitive?
I'm just curious on peoples thoughts....I am racing IM St George for the 2nd time next year and have been thinking that due to its difficulty level it will likely be more competitive because:

1. Folks who are concerned about cut off will choose a different IM

2. Most Iron-virgins won't choose it

3. Strong hill runners and bikers will use the red rocks to thier advantage to attempt to Kona qualify.

4. Alot of folks will be repeat IMSG competitors looking to PR since many of us held back speed this year since there were no race reports etc. to help gauge pacing and better to be conservative the first time around.

What says you BT?

Edited by LittleCat 2010-07-07 2:28 PM

2010-07-07 2:38 PM
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Edited by PennState 2010-07-07 2:39 PM
2010-07-07 2:43 PM
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Expert
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Marin County, California
Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
Exactly

I asked because complex is interesting and fascinating!
2010-07-07 2:48 PM
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2010-07-07 3:22 PM
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Champion
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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
LittleCat - 2010-07-07 12:27 PM I'm just curious on peoples thoughts....I am racing IM St George for the 2nd time next year and have been thinking that due to its difficulty level it will likely be more competitive because: 1. Folks who are concerned about cut off will choose a different IM 2. Most Iron-virgins won't choose it 3. Strong hill runners and bikers will use the red rocks to thier advantage to attempt to Kona qualify. 4. Alot of folks will be repeat IMSG competitors looking to PR since many of us held back speed this year since there were no race reports etc. to help gauge pacing and better to be conservative the first time around. What says you BT?


Good points...though I'm not sure if I agree on #4.  I don't know how many people are that concerned about PR'ing a specific IM course vs. PR'ing the IM distance generally.  My time at IMSG was way, way off my IM PR...and I'm not particularly interested in going back for the sake of PR'ing that course.  My general impression is that, apart from people who are relatively local to an IM race, there's a tendency to move on to take on new races.  I'm sure some people will be "back for revenge," though.
2010-07-07 3:31 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?

I agree with your theories, but there are many variables too.

I'd consider myself competitive.  Shooting for a 10 hour Ironman.  I'll *never do St. George because I live in an extremely flat area.  I'd rather race in similar conditions that I train in.  That makes courses like Florida, Arizona, Cozumel, ect. appeal more to me than a hilly race.  And really, flat, doesn't mean easy.  It means 5+ hours constantly pedaling, constantly in aero.

*Never say never.



2010-07-07 5:19 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
1. Location. Races near maor metro centers might affect which types of people can get to the race and train there beforehand.

Also location-wise, many people choose a race based on where they live.  Shorter trip = less expense, less bike hassles and more friends and family willing to go and support you. 
2010-07-07 6:38 PM
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Champion
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
No, they are all competitive if in that you mean the top of each AG, all that's different is the finishing times.
2010-07-07 7:42 PM
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Edited by PennState 2010-07-07 7:43 PM
2010-07-07 8:53 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
PennState - 2010-07-07 5:42 PM
steveseer - 2010-07-07 4:31 PM

I agree with your theories, but there are many variables too.

I'd consider myself competitive.  Shooting for a 10 hour Ironman.  I'll *never do St. George because I live in an extremely flat area.  I'd rather race in similar conditions that I train in.  That makes courses like Florida, Arizona, Cozumel, ect. appeal more to me than a hilly race.  And really, flat, doesn't mean easy.  It means 5+ hours constantly pedaling, constantly in aero.

*Never say never.



Good points.

But a 10 hour ironman at Florida is probably like a 10:30 at LP and a 10:40-50 at IMSG.

So even the definition of a 10 hour ironman is pretty variable. Fewer than 50 people counting pro's broke 10 hours at LP last year.
I would suspect that 150+ broke 10 hours (looked it up 159 total) at IMFL in 2009.

So quite a difference.


...And then there's St George:  Only 21 sub-10's, including 3 age groupers and 2 female pros.  Smaller field than some of the other M-Dot races, but still...
2010-07-08 6:47 PM
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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
Good points. I'm definitely choosing it for my First Ironman...the more the challenge the better...but I probably won't do it again because I'd rather my next Ironman be somewhere different, new experience, new scenery.

2010-07-09 5:56 PM
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Master
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Redlands, CA
Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
Good points, the other thing I would add is that the May 1 date does create seperation between people who train consistently year round.  Its harder to gain form in March than it is for a July or September race.  

I think many balk on IMSG because of the hills on both the run and bike.  However if you are strong on the bike it probably could lead you to Kona; *especially* if the winds show up.  Anyone at SG 2 days prior knows what I'm talking about!

I don't think its easy to qualify at any race though; there's alot of talent out there and not alot of races.


Edited by furiousferret 2010-07-09 5:58 PM
2010-07-11 2:56 PM
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Expert
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Marin County, California
Subject: RE: Harder IM more competitive?
Oh yeah, the winds 2 days out!! I did a 3 mile run up on the bluff over looking town, and whne it gusted, it literally picked me up and moved me over!! But man when it was a tailwind I was floating on a cloud!

Nice meblack!! It was my first IM and its a brilliant one!

Edited by LittleCat 2010-07-11 2:57 PM
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