Doing Your First Ironman? Things To Consider.

There are two different schools of thought out there about choosing which event you should choose as your first full Ironman Triathlon distance race.

The first, thinks that an WTC sanctioned event using the Ironman M-DOT logo is the favored race venue because it is the most well known, has the most recognition and prestige.

The second, thinks why overpay for the name when you can still compete in a full Ironman race in a good area of the country or the world, pay a lot less money and still have the personal satisfaction of achieving a major personal event like a full Ironman distance race.

I have heard these debates and must say each side has their own good points. My personal experience is that I did a WTC sanctioned Ironman race. I wanted the whole experience of the Ironman brand, hype, recognition and prestige that goes with saying I did the 2010 Ford Ironman Saint George race in its inaugural year.

Yes, I bought all the overpriced M-Dot stickers, gear, t-shirts etc. so I can be reminded of that experience.

Now, the cool thing is that everyone gets to choose for themselves what is the important criteria for them when choosing. But for the "what it's worth" category, I thought I’d offer a few things to think about as you decide:

• Very important consideration is picking the right course. If you can only train in FL on flat bike rides, you may not want to choose IMSG in UT which has one of the most challenging mountainous bike courses in North America.
• Does the race venue appeal to you aesthetically and would you have fun racing in that area of the country or the world?
• Would that race be the right challenge for you? Not too much. Not too little for the amount and kind of training you do?
• What about the weather. Will it be extremely hot when you have been training in cold temps or vice versa?
• What about the timing? Will you have to force your training or will it fit in nicely with your schedule?
• How about the expense of travel, lodging, meals, etc.

No matter what you decide is right for you the most important advice I can offer is to have FUN. Enjoy the journey of picking the right race, training for it and then the experience of doing it.

Anything else I have missed you want to comment on?