IM Florida or Cozumel?

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thebigb

2012-09-13 12:53 PM

Expert

3145

Scottsdale, AZ

Subject: IM Florida or Cozumel?

Trying to target an IM for late next year. Had planned on IM AZ but think we are going to nix that in favor of a different venue. Needs to be WTC, don't foresee having any spectators to worry about, purely all about the course/venue.

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2012-09-13 1:21 PM

in reply to: #4409711

Subject: ...

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Duanerice

2012-09-13 1:43 PM

in reply to: #4409711

Expert

977

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

I haven't done Cozumel but did IMFL. The reason is I could easily drive to Panama City and lodging is cheap. It was a fun race and I am actually doing it again. And no, it isn't as flat as some lead you to believe

Had some teammates race Cozumel last year and they loved it. The swim is awesome, the bike tough at times and the run is well supported by fans.

Either way you can't go wrong.

Duane

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juniperjen

2012-09-13 2:03 PM

in reply to: #4409864

Master

4118

Toronto

Bronze member

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

Duanerice - 2012-09-13 2:43 PM

Had some teammates race Cozumel last year and they loved it. The swim is awesome, the bike tough at times and the run is well supported by fans.

Either way you can't go wrong.

Duane

I think that's true. You can't go wrong.

Personally i would pick Coz because Mexico in that area is lovely and it's a great place for a vacation. Can you say Margaritas?

But that's me, lots of things go into the decision ...

One thing that might sway you is IMFL sells out pretty much right away but Coz does not. Could go either way - are you prepared to be on-site or on-line the next day to register for FL?

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Shop Cat

2012-09-13 2:07 PM

in reply to: #4409937

Extreme Veteran

646

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

juniperjen - 2012-09-13 2:03 PM

Duanerice - 2012-09-13 2:43 PM

Had some teammates race Cozumel last year and they loved it. The swim is awesome, the bike tough at times and the run is well supported by fans.

Either way you can't go wrong.

Duane

I think that's true. You can't go wrong.

Personally i would pick Coz because Mexico in that area is lovely and it's a great place for a vacation. Can you say Margaritas?

But that's me, lots of things go into the decision ...

One thing that might sway you is IMFL sells out pretty much right away but Coz does not. Could go either way - are you prepared to be on-site or on-line the next day to register for FL?

This is why my friends (and very possibly I) are choosing IM Coz next year. Even if you wind up injured and can't race - at least you're in Cozumel in November! The pictures look beautiful, and while my dream IM would be in Europe, this is a lot cheaper.

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Tom Demerly.

2012-09-13 2:21 PM

in reply to: #4409711

Elite

3498

Laguna Beach

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

Based on the anecdotal insights I've heard (I have not actually done either race...) I might suggest Florida. Flat and fast. Traditionally OK weather.

thebigb

2012-09-13 2:33 PM

in reply to: #4409983

Expert

3145

Scottsdale, AZ

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

Tom Demerly. - 2012-09-13 1:21 PM Based on the anecdotal insights I've heard (I have not actually done either race...) I might suggest Florida. Flat and fast. Traditionally OK weather.

What anecdotal insights would those be Tom? Btw, nice meeting you up at Deuces.

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taylorz13

2012-09-13 3:07 PM

in reply to: #4409711

Veteran

1384

Panama City, FL

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

I live here in Panama City and am biased, but as i understand it, IMFL fills up within 24 hours. Pretty much after the race here next month, they allow those participants the chance to sign up on the spot. I understand it fills up pretty quickly. I don't know about Cozumel. One of my friends did FL last year, waited one day after the race to sign up and could not (he was too physically shot to sign up by waiting in line after race). He now has to volunteer this year to TRY to get in for the next year.

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jcnipper

2012-09-13 3:55 PM

in reply to: #4409864

Master

1584

Fulton, MD

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

Duanerice - 2012-09-13 2:43 PM

And no, it isn't as flat as some lead you to believe

Really? It's pretty darn flat - the highest point of the bike is only 161 feet above sea level and the run is like 20 ft above. You can't get much flatter than that for an IM.

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csharp1171

2012-09-13 4:32 PM

in reply to: #4410180

Master

1402

Cumming, Georgia

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

Hands down Cozumel for me. I did Cozumel in 2010 and I might do it again next year. IM Floida is well within driving distance for me and several folks I know are talking about doing Florida next year but I would much rather go back to Cozumel. We made a complete vacation out of it and stayed a total of 12 days. 9 days at an all inclusive resort in Cozumel then 3 days in Cancun. The swim is crystal clear and you will see shcools of fish, coral, scuba divers, and underwater statues. The bike course can get a little windy in some sections but you get a nice tail wind on the opposite side of the island. The run is flat and the whole island comes out to support you.

Here's a few visual reasons:

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KeriKadi

2012-09-14 8:42 AM

in reply to: #4409711

Pro

4824

Houston

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

I always thought IMCoz would be lovely. However, I work in a tri store and get to pick athletes brains about their races so while this is anecdotal I am drawing fom a pretty wide base. The general conclusion is the water is beautiful but you pay for it. Getting in and out can be tough, bike transport is an issue, no wetsuits, I know a few seasoned Ironmen who were unable to finish the bike use to illness (but the swim was so pretty) no wheel cover or disk, windy bike course. A lot to think about. My husband is doing FL this year and I am looking at AZ for 2013.

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mike.alexander

2012-09-14 9:33 AM

in reply to: #4410072

Greenville, SC

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

taylorz13 - 2012-09-13 4:07 PM I live here in Panama City and am biased, but as i understand it, IMFL fills up within 24 hours. Pretty much after the race here next month, they allow those participants the chance to sign up on the spot. I understand it fills up pretty quickly. I don't know about Cozumel. One of my friends did FL last year, waited one day after the race to sign up and could not (he was too physically shot to sign up by waiting in line after race). He now has to volunteer this year to TRY to get in for the next year.

Really? I am volunteering so I can get a spot...was told I was pretty much guaranteed. Anyone ever heard of a volunteer not be able to register for the following year?

eliwashere

2012-09-14 9:38 AM

in reply to: #4409711

Master

2158

Subject: RE: IM Florida or Cozumel?

I did Cozumel in 2010 and am going back this year.

I live in South Florida, and it may actually be cheaper for me to go to Cozumel than the panhandle.

I haven't done Florida, but have heard good and bad things. I would say as a vacation/destination race for family, Cozumel is better. If you are looking for simpler logistics and just racing for you, Florida may be easier.

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trishie

2012-09-14 2:52 PM

in reply to: #4409711

Pro

5169