I mentioned a few weeks back that I’m beginning to build an imaginary race calendar for the fall – it’s pretty realistic but still imaginary because who knows how much running I’ll do with a young baby! But it’s still fun to envision doing this or that race, to dream about tackling a new course, or to figure out how I can build the local 15K into half marathon training plans.
Soon enough, my imaginary race calendar was extending into 2013. I’ve begun to eye the Half Ironman. I always said that I would never, ever do a Half Ironman but… well, you know what they say about the word ‘never’ (but really, I will never do an Ironman). I used to be scared of the swim, but now, more than anything, I’m concerned about the bike leg of a Half Ironman. Assuming that I could get over this fear, there are two popular Half Ironmans near Charlotte – the Beach to Battleship and Augusta 70.3. Both are at least three hours away; doing either event would definitely require at least one night in a hotel.
In general, I prefer to do smaller, local races because they are generally cheaper and less of a headache. Getting to the event is simple, there’s no traffic, there’s no bottle-necking at the start. Large races can be much more fun – better support, crowd support, better goodies – but over 45-or-so races, I’ve just learned I prefer smaller events. I recently realized that I kind of feel the same way about traveling for races. Sometimes, it is really cool. But sometimes, it’s a huge headache!
The furthest that I’ve traveled for an event is 2,444 miles. I flew from Orlando, Florida to Napa Valley, California for the Echelon Gran Fondo Century Bike Race (100 Miles).
I had a ton of fun at that race (although I seriously still have nightmares about the insanely steep 5K climb in the middle of the ride); however, I’m not 100% sure it was worth the logistical headache. I had to take my entire bike apart, pack it into a special box, and get it on the plane with me. Then, I had to reassemble it in California… and repeat the boxing process three days later to get it home. Ugh.
When I lived in Florida, I did Croom’s Fools Run, which was a few hours away from my home city in the middle of nowhere and required a hotel stay. I LOVED to travel for this race – it was totally worth it, every year. Since the race was small and in a tiny town, the hotel room cost less than $100, and I always ended up splitting it with friends.
I drove about two hours for my last marathon, and that wasn’t bad at all – mostly because we didn’t stay overnight. We just woke up riiiiiidiculously early.
Drink and food station in the back of the car. Gotta be prepared.
The way I see it, there are a few strong ‘pros’ to race travel:
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The race becomes a fun weekend away with your significant other or friends. It’s especially fun to arrange with out-of-town friends to meet up in a new city for a race.
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You get to experience a new place. You can extend the trip and go sightseeing.
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Not all types of races are offered in every city. If you want to do a big, famous marathon, for example, you may need to travel to Chicago or New York.
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The whole weekend becomes about the race, which allows you to be hyper-focused.
However, there are some drawbacks or ‘things to consider,’ too.
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Generally, the race ends up costing you more money. You have to pay for transportation, hotels, and more food-related costs.
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You have to plan ahead and bring your own pre-race breakfast food.
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Packing can feel totally overwhelming. Don’t forget your sneakers!
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Travel can mess up your, ahem, digestion, which can mess up your entire race.
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You might be racing in an altitude, on terrain, or in weather that is unfamiliar to you.
I guess, at the end of the day, it really just depends on what kind of person you are – do you prefer the familiarity of home or wanna get out there and explore? I guess I’m a race hermit. But if I want to do a big Half Ironman, I’ve got to get out of my comfort and out of my town! Time to pull on my big girl bike shorts, I guess. 
What’s the furthest you’ve traveled for a race? Anyone ever go to another country for a race? Do you like traveling for races or do you prefer to stay local?
I traveled this weekend to Kure Beach for the Kure Beach Double Sprint! Probably could have gotten up insanely early and driven the 2 hours to Wilmington in the morning from Raleigh, but who doesn’t want a beach weekend!?! (Also, this race was insanely fun! I would recommened it!)
As for the Half Ironman, I am also planning on racing 70.3 next year and have it planned to either do Augusta or Beach to Battleship!! It will be fun to watch your training as I do mine!!