| Ironman-Coeur d'alene was the only race I attempted | | | | a grey-hound race track at one point. The benefit of a |
| that was two loops of all three events. Originally, I didn't | | | | 2-loop bike course is that you know exactly what to |
| think I would care too much for it. Especially the swim. I | | | | expect the second time around and are more aware |
| thought it might be a slower time than normal because | | | | of the challenging high speed turns. |
| you actually come out of the water after lap one and | | | | I suppose the most difficult leg to do twice was the |
| run across the beach to begin lap two. Also not being | | | | marathon. Its really pretty cruel to bring you right past |
| a swimmer, I thought it might be a bit of a let-down to | | | | the entrance to the transition area at the end of the |
| have to get back into the water after reaching shore. | | | | first loop. You really have to grit your teeth and push |
| I was completely wrong. I actually had one of my best | | | | through the turn-around on the marathon course and |
| swim times in this particular race. Also, leaving the | | | | head back out toward the highway. If I had a choice, I |
| water between loops was a bit of a break from the | | | | would much rather do an out and back course. |
| repetitious strokes of the front crawl. | | | | All in all the event was an excellent experience. |
| The one thing that sticks out in my mind however, is | | | | Considering it is quite a new event, the organization |
| that the swim-start area is quite congested, and things | | | | was excellent and the volunteers are second to none. |
| can be a little hairy, especially in the early going. | | | | Also its a beautiful, picturesque area for an Ironman |
| The bike course was very interesting and features | | | | and I'm sure you won't go wrong by giving this race a |
| several down-hill, very fast, sweeping curves. Pay | | | | try. |
| attention to the "slow-down" warning signs. You won't | | | | I can see in the near future that this Ironman race will |
| encounter the "massive" climbs that Ironman Canada | | | | be a race that will fill quickly and will require very early |
| features, but will find plenty of rolling hills and several | | | | registration to gain entry. |
| long, flat stretches. You even make your way though | | | | |