Disney Half Ironman Triathlon
Half Ironman – Disney 70.3 or Gulf Coast Triathlon 70.3?
my concerns are the heat and cost at Disney. i live in orlando so it would be uber convenient. the gulf coast 70.3 will require 12 hour round trip drive time, but much cooler weather.
please help me decide. thank you.
I’ve done the Disney 70.3 and the run in the grass is BRUTAL. Last year, IM Florida 70.3 had no shade, no breeze, and only 5 minutes of cloud cover in 94 degrees w/plenty of humidity = throw out the heart rate monitor and go on RPE! But for you it will be extra convenient — Make sure you wear a running cap and FILL IT WITH ICE (and dump some down your shirt) at EVERY aid station during the run to keep you from getting heat stroke. I can’t emphasize enough how you will need a serious hydration/cooling strategy for this race.
I am planning on the Gulf Coast Triathlon this year — the entry fee is a bit less. Being a strong swimmer in this race will help and you should prepared for a possibly rough (1-2ft swells) swim if the wind picks up. I believe this course mimicks the Ironman Florida course a good bit and it would be a good experience if you ever managed to somehow sign up for Ironman Florida. It would be a change of venue for you, though cost and convenience would be sacrificed. (Personally I’d prefer Gulf Coast, simply because I love the beach and want to test the Orca Apex 2 I got for Christmas. But I won’t be taking my family on this race.)
IIce in the hat and down the tri suit for both would be highly recommended. Heat will be an issue in BOTH races but at least in Panama City there will be an ocean breeze during the run.
Walter DiLoreto in Florida Ironman 70\.3