Ironman Florida

[coraltrigator]

Hey there Spartans,

There are a 3 or 4 Trigators doing IMFL, so a few of us are going up to cheer and serve as a support crew. If anyone has friends/family that want to camp, they are more than welcome to join us. I think Iris is hanging out with our group as well...see you guys there (or in 9 days for spring break!!)

Happy training from your Florida extension,

Coral

[Reluctant B]

Joining the Matuli clan at The Summit Condominium Resort will be everyone's favorite group of lovable Spartan ragamuffins and street urchins (namely myself, Inch, Klingler, Severin, and Tingwall), along with some much more reputable support crew members (Caitlin, Haynes, and possibly Nancy). We're going to have a grand old time.

[Lauren B]

Boyd,

Any room for a small wombat to crash on the floor? I will be the best support crew member ever I promise. If not I might have to make accommodations at the campsite that we stayed at for spring break.

[Reluctant B]

I don't know Bogie, that campsite was pretty stellar...

In all seriousness though, I think it would probably be all right if you crashed on the floor (or the balcony overlooking the Gulf, your choice). The only issue is that we are only allotted 3 car passes for the condo, but we can figure that out as November gets closer. The more the merrier (especially since the rental agreement states that wombats buy post-race libations ).

[Alex]

I'm most likely gonna be down there cheering people on.
Probably gonna be signing up for the following year as well (I know, I don't know why I seem to wait until after everybody on our team does a specific IM to sign up for it). Anybody else out there looking to sign up?

[nachaze1]

Possibly. I'm torn between Florida or Wisconsin being my first. Suggestions?

[Alex]

Florida's flatter. Wisconsin's closer (i.e. cheaper) and timed way better if you're still in school. Also you get to watch me if you go to Wisconsin. Totally awesome.

That's all I got.

[nachaze1]

Well what about this:

Is a 2.4 mile salt water swim going to affect me in a positive or negative or neutral position as a first time IM athlete?
Are the hills brutal for a newbie IM~er?
If I do Wisconsin I'll essentially be on my own, when if I do Florida you'll be signing up as well.

Zak.

[Alex]

I can't say anything about the salt water. Nor can I about hills being bad for a newbie, since it wil be my first IM. Heh.

[severinj]

For my money, Ironman Wisconsin is a solid bet when you are in school cuz it falls at the beginning of the semester when it is easy to miss class. The hills are over hyped. It isn't a fast course by any means but no one goes fast in an ironman so what's another 15 minutes.
Salt water swim would make it an easier swim for everyone. Being that you are a good swimmer, you would benefit placing wise from the swim being harder on everyone else (Wisconsin is fresh water obviously)... it's splitting hairs... bottom line is you just need to train your ass off and the course won't matter unless it is like lanzarote or china. Don't do those yet.

[Josh]

Agree with Severin. IM WI was my first race and the timing is perfect for classes. It's a tough bike course but fun and good crowds.

I did Florida in 2007 and the salt water didn't affect the swimming. 4- 6 foot waves were a factor on race day but that's what you'll get with an ocean swim...

Lauren- I think you may have already got this info but if you didn't Jeremy is flying from Hawaii. He is moving out there in June. So he won't be in Baltimore anymore..

[Josh]

Current IM Response for the oil issue..............................

Date: Tue, 22 Jun 2010 00:41:59 -0400
Subject: [FL #FCM-570731]: Athlete Inquiry - Ford Ironman Florida
CC:
From: IRONMAN Florida <helpdesk@ironman.com>
To: <mccallumpr@charter.net>

Hello Robin-

Thanks for your email regarding Ford Ironman Florida. We recognize your concern and interest as it relates to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The Ironman Team continues to closely monitor the oil spill developments and potential impact to the Panama City Beach area. We are currently working with government agencies and local partners to identify possible swim venue options. Our team remains committed to ensuring the safety of all athletes and providing an Ironman experience that includes swim, bike and run.

"Contingency planning is part of our day-to-day operations," said Steve Meckfessel, WTC's Chief Operations Officer. "While we can't forecast swim and beach conditions in November, we are evaluating several course and venue options which will enable athletes to complete the entire event."

Communication relating to contingency plans for Ford Ironman Florida will be released as soon as they are finalized. Ironman will reach out to all registered athletes via email, on www.ironman.com and through official press materials.

Richard Sanders, Vice President of Sports Marketing for the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitor's Bureau comments, "We understand the concerns our visiting athletes have and consider their health and safety to be a top priority. We are working with Ironman and local officials to provide alternative plans for the swim portion of the race if the Gulf Coast oil spill does affect the waters currently utilized. If the swim location has to be moved, it will not impact the caliber or integrity of this year's Ford Ironman Florida. We look forward to welcoming this world-class talent and the event back to Panama City Beach."

For additional questions, please contact florida@ironman.com. Information on Ford Ironman Florida can be found at www.ironmanflorida.com.

Regards-


Kristen Stantz ~Athlete Services Coordinator
Ironman World Headquarters|2701 North Rocky Point Drive

Suite 1250 |Tampa, FL 33607

(p) 813.868.5997|(f) 813.868.5930
(skype) ironman.kristen


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Ticket History
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mccallumpr@charter.net (Client) Posted On: 21 Jun 2010 9:00 PM

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The following was received from the Ironman Center Contacts Page

From: Robin McCallum
Email: mccallumpr@charter.net

Message regarding Ford Ironman Florida:
What will happen to the swim event now that the oil has reached Panama City? Will the race be cancelled, or the swim moved? We need to know ASAP as we have reservations pending and will lose a substantial amount of money if we cancel.