IM Nice, France vs IM Woodlands, TX - anyone has an opinion?
So last year when I decided I wanted to attempt the full distance my husband offered to take me anywhere I wanted in the world to do the race. We had our eyes set in Ironman Brazil, but because I waited too long it got sold out. I now have two options I have to decide from ASAP (before they sell out as well).
 1) Ironman Nice, France -
This is just a beautiful place to do a race (or just to be there). It's an ocean swim and a flat run which shouldn't be a problem; the ride includes a 14 mile uphill stretch which I'm not particularly looking forward to at this time, but I'm sure with Coach Jen's training it won't be a problem either. It is priced at 425E ($525), of course I have to add to that the price of getting my bike there; I'm not factoring in the price of getting myself there and to get a hotel, because I'm planning to stay there a week or two after the event and make this a France vacation.
2) Ironman Woodlands, TX -
This one is close and convenient. Lake swim, which I'm used to, and a flatish ride and run which could actually be easier that the hilly routes I'm used to. It is more expensive to register, and although I don't have to pay to ship my bike, I'm factoring in the price to drive there and stay for at least the weekend. One big plus I see about this race is the opportunity I would have to experience the race course before the event.
I was wondering if anyone had any opinions or comments that they would like to share before I make the decision. Maybe something I haven't considered or maybe some expert advice from the Trizoners who have done IM in the past.
Thanks,
Vanessa
That's true
It's definitely something to consider. Thanks for bringing it up, it adds one more pro to Woodlands.
Have it both ways!
And do Cozumel November 28, 2010...exotic locale AND lots of tri-zoners. Well, me and Heather anyway, with Kristen and Nicki likely cowbelling. I haven't signed up yet but I do have plane tickets, so if I don't get in later I'll have a cowbell, too. It didn't sell out last year, and it is still open.
Besides, I just saw that France sold out. Sorry.
Wish I could
but my travel money and vacation time have been depleted for this year with both my wedding and my brother's wedding. If I want to travel for an IM it will have to wait until next year.
France 2011 just opened today, but the ironman.com page still shows sold out for he 2010 edition. I got scared for a second there.
Heat + humidity in TX, not sure about France
Not sure what the average temps in Nice are, but Houston area in late May can be pretty hot and humid. Sorry Brazil sold out on you...
How about IM Austria 2011
I think I am going to do IM Austria in July 2011. Â THe more the merrier! Â The 2010 edition is this Sunday July 4th. Â I am working with a travel agent to see if he can get the entry included in the travel package. Â He has done that before. Â Last year the race sold out in 25 min.
 Coach JenÂ
IM Austria is a nice choice!
Ben did this one back in '04 and I really enjoyed spectating w/ the locals. Beautiful countryside and a nice park area for spectators. Climate is very mild (but can be warm) when compared w/ Texas in July.
Camilla
2 cents worth
The entry is the cheapest part. Sorry to burst your bubble. Training, nutrition, bike, maintance, travel etc. etc. will get much more expensive than the entry.
If you really had your heart set on Brazil
Why not just wait til next year? This is a pretty huge undertaking - lots of expense and lots and lots of time, why settle on the location when you can have it all?
Red
North Intermediate/Peak Performance
"The truth is you can always run faster . . .sometimes the truth hurts"
Texas it is
I asked everyone I knew, read the reviews, made a list of pros and cons, and even flipped a coin. It was hard because, other than both being Ironman events, the races and the circumstances are so different.Â
At the end I decided to do Texas... and then France... and then Texas... (this went on for a while). At the very end I decided to register for Woodlands and then have a two week vacation in Europe. I guess that's my way of having my cake and eating it too.
Thanks to all who commented.Â
yea!
Glad to have you aboard...and another training partner...hehe
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- Mar 4 2012 - 9:00am
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Support crew
Although I've never done an IM - I think having a group of people to support and cheer you on may be a factor.
I've only done 1 Tri without my Tri-Zone buddies and I never realized until then how much the team make such a positive difference! It's really nice to have friends there to cheer you, provide encouragement and calming words right before the big race (for me that was Longhorn last year).
France would be so cool, but Houston would give you a lot of support!
Just my 2 cents....