Ironman-Coeur d'alene was the only race I attempted that was two loops of all three events. Originally, I didn't think I would care too much for it. Especially the swim. I thought it might be a slower time than normal because you actually come out of the water after lap one and run across the beach to begin lap two. Also not being a swimmer, I thought it might be a bit of a let-down to have to get back into the water after reaching shore.

I was completely wrong. I actually had one of my best swim times in Ironman-Coeur d'alene. Also, leaving the water between loops was a bit of a break from the repetitious strokes of the front crawl.

The one thing that sticks out in my mind however, is that the swim-start area is quite congested, and things can be a little hairy, especially in the early going. There is a preferred swim strategy you should use for this course and you can find in in my "Ironstruck" website or contact me and I will fill you in if Ironman-Coeur d'alene is on your schedule.

The bike course was very interesting and features several down-hill, very fast, sweeping curves. Pay attention to the "slow-down" warning signs. You won't encounter the "massive" climbs that Ironman Canada features, but will find plenty of rolling hills and several long, flat stretches. You even make your way though a grey-hound race track at one point. The benefit of a 2-loop bike course is that you know exactly what to expect the second time around and are more aware of the challenging high speed turns.

I suppose the most difficult leg to do twice was the marathon. Its really pretty cruel to bring you rig

ht past the entrance to the transition area at the end of the first loop. You really have to grit your teeth and push through the turn-around on the Ironman-Coeur d'alene marathon course and head back out toward the highway. If I had a choice, I would much rather do an out and back course.

All in all Ironman-Coeur d'alene was an excellent experience. Considering it is quite a new event, the organization was excellent and the volunteers are second to none. Also its a beautiful, picturesque area for an Ironman and I'm sure you won't go wrong by giving this race a try.

I can see in the near future that Ironman-Coeur d'alene will be a race that will fill quickly and will require very early registration to gain entry.

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