Triathlete's Associate Editor,
Brad Culp has a new article up on the home page of TriathleteMag.com and it relates quite nicely to what I've been writing about on my last several posts. Culp's
article is about destination races in it he notes:
"...so called “destination races” are booming as well. Such races are way
more than just a triathlon. You can find an eclectic blend of culture,
people, food, scenery and usually a great race too."
Blend of culture, people, food, scenery? Is there a better place than a tropical island in China? This sums up the appeal of doing an Ironman in China--the current focus of this blog. You get all of the attraction of a normal (if there is such a thing) Ironman race (a large scale, heavily supported athletic event bringing together a whole group of people just like you and which for most participants has been the focal point of a year's worth of training). Plus you get the the experience of doing this event in the midst of a locale and culture that is as far removed from our daily lives as possible.
Culp's article the following as the 5 races you absolutely must do:
- Triathlon de l’Alpe d’Huez
- Nevis Triathlon on Nevis Island (Caribbean)
- Ironman 70.3 Pucon
- Ironman 70.3 Monaco
- Quelle Challenge Roth
I can't argue with any of these and until now had never heard of a triathlon on l’Alpe d’Huez and I can only imagine how the quads feel on the running leg.
Continuing on the Culp's thread, here is my list:
- Escape from Alcatraz
- Ironman China
- Triathlon de l’Alpe d’Huez
- Ironman Hawaii
- Wildflower (Long Course)
Readers of this blog know that I'm currently training for Ironman China 2008. I've already had the good fortune to do Escape from Alcatraz and Wildflower. I only learned about Triathlon de l’Alpe d’Huez today (writing this post) and am uncertain if I'll ever be able to do Kona.
What's on your list?