Triathlon Royalty When you think of the world’s greatest, most sought after triathlons, a very short list of events from around the world comes to mind. The best of the best-triathlon royalty. IRONMAN Lake Placid is one of those special events, an icon of the sport that draws in triathletes from …
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Triathlon Royalty
When you think of the world’s greatest, most sought after triathlons, a very short list of events from around the world comes to mind. The best of the best-triathlon royalty. IRONMAN Lake Placid is one of those special events, an icon of the sport that draws in triathletes from all over the world to test themselves on this legendary course. Located in the beautiful Adirondack mountains, it’s an accessible event every athlete should put on their bucket list.
Having hosted two Olympic Games (1932 and 1980), this charming town knows how to deliver a world-class athletic event. It’s also the home of one of the most challenging IRONMAN courses with its famous Adirondack climbs.
The legendary race begins with a 2.4-mile swim across the pristine Mirror Lake, followed by a 112-mile bike course that winds its way through the Adirondack Mountains, and concludes with a 26.2-mile run course that goes through the Olympic Village and along the shore of Mirror Lake, offering a flat and fast finish at the iconic Olympic Oval.
Lake Placid has the amenities of a large city and the convenience of a small town, offering high-end restaurants, shopping and world-class accommodations. It boasts history, approachable charm and an abundance of on-course personality.
Swim: LAKE
Bike: HILLY
Run: HILLY
Avg Air Temp: 63° F / 17° C
Avg Water Temp: 72° F / 22° C
Airport: ALB
LESS
Beautiful Race, Wish I Finished
Just a gorgeous course overall. Swim was fine, although it was quite crowded. Everyone tries to stay "on the cable" and so there was no break from swimming into people. … MORE
Just a gorgeous course overall. Swim was fine, although it was quite crowded. Everyone tries to stay “on the cable” and so there was no break from swimming into people. The bike was tough. Started out great with a steady climb then an awesome downhill, but last 30 miles of the loop seemed like all up. I went in undertrained and cocky and met my match here. Finished the first 54mi loop and had to call it a day because my legs were just no longer functioning. Went out on the run just to see how my legs would feel. Confirmed suspicions that there was no way I was running 26.2 even if I was able to suffer through that second bike loop. Did a 6 mile run of shame and called it a day. Several lessons learned here. Although this would have been my 3rd Ironman, I failed to respect the distance. I thought I could suffer through the bike just to get to the run and then pull this one out but zero bike training and only run training got me exactly what I deserved, a DNF. I know I’m in the minority here of people who would attempt an Ironman on little to no training but if you’re even considering it, don’t. At least not this race. This bike course is unforgiving and I underestimated the elevation I would have to cover. For all other sane, disciplined triathletes, you’ll love this race. It’s picturesque and the logistics are great. Organization was a little lacking in my opinion. Run and Bike Special Needs bag drop-offs were not located at convenient places and poorly (in some cases incorrectly) communicated. But despite some small organization gripes, this was a great race and I’m deeply disappointed in myself for not finishing. I’ll likely be back in a year or two to redeem myself.
Best Event I've Ever Done (...so far!)
Bucket list item checked! My first IRONMAN - This race was truly amazing! The support of the community, volunteers, fans - nothing could have been better! This is one I'll … MORE
Bucket list item checked! My first IRONMAN – This race was truly amazing! The support of the community, volunteers, fans – nothing could have been better! This is one I’ll be doing again, for sure!
Iconic Placid doesn’t disappoint
+ Breathtaking scenery Spectacular finish Olympic- speed skating arena, Olympic torch Spectators/Volunteers are phenomenal & make a day out of it Tips Book hotel early (pricey, we paid > $400/night … MORE
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Breathtaking scenery
Spectacular finish Olympic- speed skating arena, Olympic torch
Spectators/Volunteers are phenomenal & make a day out of it
Tips
Book hotel early (pricey, we paid > $400/night for mediocre lodging)
Chilly T1 and loop 1 of bike course (We experience hail around mile 30). Disposable biking sleeves/raincoat for the first loop of the bike course will help you stay warm.
New York is too close to Austria :)
Only 2 weeks after Ironman Austria. My legs were still tired. I did this as a fundraiser to raise funds for my the fight against breast cancer. A disease that … MORE
Only 2 weeks after Ironman Austria. My legs were still tired. I did this as a fundraiser to raise funds for my the fight against breast cancer. A disease that my mom was then fighting (she since lost that fight). The course is beautiful but hard. It rained – and I mean rained – the whole race. My slowest Ironman finish – but was a good experience.
The swim took place in a mountain lake – two loops. There was the normal kicking, but overall my swim was not eventful except that my googles seemed to almost gouge into my eyes – I had to keep re-adjusting them. By the end of the first loop, I almost had a headache. I was very thankful when I finished the swim.
I exited the lake dripping wet and ran down to the tent – getting even more wet in the downpour rain. The bike course is hilly and has some decent climbs. I felt good the first loop, but the second loop I had almost no energy left in my legs. I think the recent IM in Austria combined with the cool rain had sapped me of my energy. I went into the transition tent at the end of the bike looking forward to some dry feet.
I changed socks and stepped outside the tent (through a waterfall of rain water pouring down the tent) and right into a huge puddle. So much for dry feet.
The run is two loops also. It passes by the old Lake Placid ski jump. I jogged and walked most of it finally finishing in a bit over 12 hours. I downed some pizza at the end and headed back to my hotel. That was Ironman #4 for me.