Subject: RE: 2013 IMLP Sorry for the late reply. Ive just now seen this thread. I raced IMLP 2012 and could not have been happier with the race, support and locals. For a few years leading up to it I had heard that the locals dont want it, treat you poorly, etc. There are maybe a few individuals that feel this way but the amount of support from the locals was unbelievable. They made the race a great race. There were times in the race, in my dark hours of running, where either a volunteer or local would just be there, cheering you on and doing great things to motivate you. At the end of the first bike loop you climb the bears. The last climb into town you had to cut your way through the screaming crowd while they cheered you. It was like a mountian top finish of the TDF. It gives me goose bumps thinking back to it. There are a million race reports and you should review them. But the reason people from CT choose IMLP is becuase no only is it close, but it is historic and a tough course. Finishing in the oval where Eric Heiden won 5 gold medals is awewome - there are ghosts there. It is also right next to the 1980 olympic miracle hockey team building. It is the oldest IM in the US. It also happens to have challenges in the bike and run - as in hills. While its not the most vertical climb in either, it certainly is very impressive. If youre going to do an IM, make it tough one. There are plenty of hills in CT that are much steeper than the ones in IMLP. I will do two or three HIM's next year and plan to be back in LP for 2014. I live up in Canton, CT and training in the North West corner was very beneficial. If you have not heard of HEAT (Hartford Extended Area Triathletes) look them up. There are posts for rides, runs and swims and others that will be doing IMLP. I think nearly 20 of us did it last year. Last bit of advice: do the Quassy Half in June as a training, B race. Its a great race for training for LP. Good luck all! |