Ironman Maryland

I have not done the race but I am familiar with the area. Flat, Flat, Flat. Probably windy bike ride. Rain is a toss up that time of year. Swim can be choppy and full of nettles/jellies or it wont be. Small waterfront towns all around the area are pretty nice. Some say the course can be boring but I think that IM is going to change the bike/run courses a bit

I did the Skipjack 1/2 this past year. Flat and windy. I don't remember being hot but I'm still sporting tan lines from the burn today.

The sea nettles were BAD. I did not wear my wetsuit and got stung from head to toe, including my whole face. That was by far the worst part of the day. If I ever get around to racing a full, this would be the one.

I go out there every once and a while to train and I've done Eagleman x 2. The best thing I can think of is get on your trainer and just stay aero for as long as possible to get your back used to it because that's all you're going to be doing on race day. Don't be deceived by the flat bike course. Flat bike = constant pedaling. Hilly bike = time to coast. Depending on the day, it can be crazy windy. I went out there to train one day and Egypt road is like a wind tunnel. The Choptank is usually very choppy and in September I imagine it not being a wetsuit legal swim. As far as the sea nettles, there is some spray that you can get that kind of keeps them away. If the run is the same as Chesapeake man it's a 3 x out and back section. I think WTC may be changing this up a bit. When I prepare for Eagleman, I try to go out and run or bike at the hottest part of the day. When I raced in 2012 it was 96 degrees with 80% humidity by the time I hit the run course. Good luck with training! I'm signed up as well.

I signed up yesterday right when it opened. Being from DC (or anywhere in the mid-Atlantic), I'm glad I don't need to drive all the way to Louisville for an IM. Yes, I'm aware that CTA had ChesapeakeMan and there's Challenge AC up on the Jersey Shore, but the allure of the IM brand hasn't faded on me yet (like many people who have become disillusioned with the brand). SO, that's why I put down that crazy amount of money!

Bring it on!

don't forget Chattanogga TN for an IM - although 2014 is the first year

Totally...except it sold out in three minutes last September.

yep and I got in - but there are ways - fundraising teams, volunteering etc - i wouldn't be surprised to potentially see MD sell out next year - i don't even know how its looking this year though