Sport Today

Greetings! I am posting this for a friend who is doing the
Great Floridian as his first Ironman distance triathlon.
Any tips or pointers for this race would be appreciated,
especially wrt the start set up, transition area (how far from
the swim course - Mrs. T's in Chgo is about 1/4 mile!),and
the course fro the run (heat factor, hills, etc.).

Thanks in advance from all you champions out there!!

kim

writes:

I want info on the great floridian:

I did the race in 1992 and really enjoyed it!!

The swim is out and back.  Its a pretty big lake, so the water can get a
bit choppy- it did in 1992- but not too bad.  We were allowed to use
wetsuits then, but I think in 1993 the water was to warm.  Be prepared for
either.

The bike was a 2 loop course of 56 miles apiece- the loops are different,
You come back through Clermont at mile 56 and they have your food bags
there if you have left one.  the course is pretty hilly- Central Florida
is not flat.  Only a couple of short out of the saddle climbs, but enough
to break up your rhythm a bit.  Generally iot is pretty rolling.  The
scennery ids not great- mostly old orchards and undeveloped land with not
to many trees on them- you do cut through a few towns though.

The run is 3 loops around Lake Minneola( the one you swam in ), mostly
flat, fairly open with little shade.

You should enjoy the course.  It was my first Ironman and I had a good
time.
The only drawback is the town of Clermont- a sleepy little town that just
happens to host a triathlon every year.
I am doing the Esprit Ironman in Montreal on September10.  If for some
reason I have a bad race, i amy see you down in Florida.  GOOD LUCK!!!

Heiss) says:

This race is getting larger every year, but the swim start should not be
a problem. Basically out and back swim in warm water. Changing tents
maybe 100y from swim finish.

Rolling hills until about mile 30-35, a couple of big hills(Sugarloaf Mt.
biggest, 1/2mi at 8-10%) Hills around town of Clermont near end of first
56mi loop.  Second loop is different and mostly flat until the 90 mile
mark. Short steep climbs and sharp angle curves all the way back to  
finish.

Run is 3 loops of around lake. Some shade for first 3 miles then very
little. (But then I was out there in the dark, so the sun was not a
factor).

The race was very well run and the support on the course was excellent.
Very few places to stay in Clermont, but very inexpensive lodging is
plentiful at Disney's front gate(20 mi from race site)

Train hard and have fun.

writes:

Regarding the FL Ironman: It can be very hot & humid. The swim is in a
large and normally calm lake. Mostly an out and back course. Swim not much
of a factor. The bike, however, is important. It is a deceptively
difficult and hilly course. Very hot and wide open, not much shade. No
real difficult hills but lots of rollers. the run also has some hilly
sections. its very hot out on the open asphalt. Regarding logistics the
transition is only 50 yards or so from the lake exit. There is also a
changing tent and a few local toilets in the area. The transition from the
bike and the run to the actual course all happens within 25 yards or so.
Be careful to carry and drink alot of water. It could be in the high 80's
with high humidity. it could also rain.