Washington NC Half (Page 2)

Maybe a stupid question, but why would they schedule this the same weekend as B2B?   They only have 48 people registered! 

FS seems to have problems getting people for thier longer events.  Their half on the outer banks only had 95 people start. 

Maybe people are less likely to risk a smaller race and less familiar company for longer races. I have plenty of experience with FS and have no doubt it will be run well, but others who don't know that may prefer B2B or an IM branded race.

I guess the low registration numbers could feed on itself. I know I'm a little worried about finishing an hour or more after everyone else. It could get pretty lonely out there aproaching the cutoff. Only 4 people finished in hour 7 last year out of 109 who raced.

The FS people might not have known about B2B when all the contracts were signed.  B2B being in Oct this year is kind of unique.  AFAIK, B2B has always been in November and will be in Nov in 2012 and 2013.

I chose this race over the B2B half. First I love the Washington venue, Second, it was 2/3 the cost. Third, I know and trust the FSseries guys as I train with some of them and have done many of their races. Fourth, I hate bridges.

I think numbers in general are down this year across the board, regardless of company. Triangle Triathlon has decreased each of the last two years.

Yeah if it was me, I would go B2B just for the numbers.  I like to race (especially longer races) with a nice crowd.  I did Augusta this past weekend and loved having 3000 on the course.  Always someone to pass and always someone to try and catch.  Same with my marathons.  The more, the merrier for me. 

For smaller races, I could care less though...although I don't think I have done any races (run or tri) with only 100 people.

Everyone is different but I fully agree with what Brian wrote. For longer races I prefer having many people around (misery loves company); for shorter ones I am fine with fewer people. I tend to train alone for the most part. I like seeing people at races, otherwise it becomes a glorified solo training day!

I think it must have been an oversight that B2B and this race were scheduled on the same weekend? B2B's date is usually up WELL ahead of the time, so I wonder why FS did this. I'm sure they have their reasons. Having said all this, I did B2B last year and loved it. I did the Washington OLY this year (same venue as the half) and thought it was great too!  Both are WAAAAY nicer than White Lake, IMO. Despite what so many people say about White Lake, I doubt I will ever go race there again until they change the run and bike routes. Compared to other races, I just don't think White Lake is all that and a bag of chips (boring, bumpy bike route with big trucks a lot of the time...mind numbingly boring out and back running route with no shade). Washington is a nice, nice venue for a race, as is Wilmington. I think the Washington Half will be a great race- I just hope they do it again in years to come because financially I would think it is hard to get enough revenue to sustain if only 50-odd people take part.

I also think it is problematic to have two half in the same general area within like 50 days of each other (Outer Banks/Washington) by the same company.

Commit to one and build it up.  Something in lateish September timeframe would be good for B2B / IMFL tune ups.  Of course I am biased because I am hoping to do IMFL (or B2B) next year and don't want to travel/pay for a big half tune up race.  But I also don't want to do one with 100 people...I will just do my own at home!

Personally, White Lake is my favorite (local) race venue.  IMO, the worst part of that course is the bumpy pavement.  If Hwy 41 and/or Hwy 53 were paved, it would go a long way to making that a much better course.  Of course, SetUpEvents has no control over that.  White Lake Half is also a good time of year.  The other 1/2 mentioned are late in the year:  Augusta (Sept) Washington (Oct) and B2B (Nov-most years).  I know people who use White Lake as a tune up for IMCDA, IMLP, and I used it as a tune up for IM Louisville (a little early, but still, I learned a lot).

I had a great time at Louisville and loved the course as a whole (yes, even the "nasty" river).  But the worst part was the run course.  Out and Back twice through the "ghetto" with very little support other than right at the finish line (and the finish line was AWESOME!!!!.

I don't like some of SetUp's venues like Tri Latta and Triangle because once you get there, you get "trapped in".  Don't even get me started on the shuttles at Triangle--TERRIBLE!  Azalea Triathlon at UNCW is almost perfect.  LOTS of parking and the roads in and out are not used by either the bike or run course.

Just my 2 cents or maybe 3 cents in this case   :-)

Alan

It is interesting how each of us has a unique perspective on their triathlon experience. Unlike some, I personally do not care about the number of competitors or crowds very much. Triathlon during the competition is very internal for me not external. Afterwards I am content if a few friends are there.

At the largest event I have done, 2010 Augusta, right after I finished it rained and was miserable so no one wanted to hang out. It was hot on the run and I had bursitis issues which made it a death march. The spectators there made no difference to me during this torture, except they got to witness the ugly torture first hand.

Heck yea!  I'm 88% sure I'm doing this.  I just did Augusta and knocked 37 minutes off my time, so I'm feeling good.  I did the Washington OLY in July and enjoyed myself (despite the heat!).

Scheduling conflicts happen.  Oh well.  FS puts on solid races.  If there wasn't a scheduling conflict maybe they thought the overflow (ie people who missed registration) from B2B would do this one.

Regardless, I want a hoodie and not a dri fit shirt!!!!

I'd certainly like to meet some of you too.

I hope you do. I would love to talk to you about painting a 1960 Frejus I have had for over 30 years.

And we know that because it's published on the B2B website. It's not exactly top secret information.

PPD Beach2Battleship 2012 will be held on Saturday November 3, 2012. PPD Beach2Battleship 2013 will be held on Saturday November 9, 2013.

I just booked a room at a bed&breakfast (Carolina Inn) close to the venue for the hubs and I; really looking forward to my first half!  I'm a bit worried about being last with so few registered, but if I am, I am...who cares, right!

And thanks to keyone for the neoprene cap suggestion, got one coming in the mail.

Looks like a few more signed up, we're up to 54! Who else is in?

Great!

This is going to be one of many wetsuit related questions I have in regards to this race:  does anyone have a link to a website where I can track water temp in the Pamlico River?  I'm still undecided on full vs sleeveless and this info would sure be helpful.

I have some other wetsuit questions which I'll post to the main tri forum, but since everyone in this thread is going to be making a similar decision soon, I thought it was worth posting.

Good luck with all your final long workouts and enjoy the taper... see ya'll soon!