While the triathlon season is over for pretty much everyone unless you’re doing Ironman Australia, choosing triathlon venues for races to do in the new season is just heating up. There are many reasons why your triathlete may pick a venue related to racing itself. For instance, they know they do better on flat bike courses so pick races to match that strength. But, how do you the triwife/partner fare in the selection? If you aree like us, you probably have nominal input.
So, we have a novel idea for choosing triathlon venues…
What about picking a triathlon race venue based on what your interests or hobbies are as a couple or family. Sound crazy? Well, we think it makes total sense and is a great way to pick your next race.
What we’ve done is pick a few typical interests/hobbies and give you what we feel would be a perfect triathlon venue, both full and 70.3. Of course, we will give you one where you’d probably get to go race and one where you get to dream you’d race, just in case….
Of note: We would love to recommend Puerto Rico as we have done this race many times and would go back in a heartbeat. It is still on for March 18, but we’re just not sure about the status of restaurants, accommodations, transportation… We have heard they are asking if people would like to stay an extra day and do some volunteer work which we love…We only hope to return one day very soon.
If you love outdoor activities…
You should go to Ironman Boulder or Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid.
Either of these venues will please the outdoors person. You can choose from activities such as hiking, water sports, fishing, and camping, Plus, both towns are filled with shops and restaurants that will satisfy everyone and fortify you for the next day!
A stunning view in Lake Placid.
You can dream about Ironman New Zealand or Ironman 70.3 Cairns.
Who doesn’t want to go to New Zealand or Australia? Seriously…And either is legendary for the abundance of outdoor activities available.
If you’re a foodie…
You should go to Ironman Chattanooga or Ironman 70.3 New Orleans.
I can attest to the wonderful restaurants in Chattanooga which I will be the first to admit surprised me. And well, New Orleans needs little explanation. Think jambalaya, beingnets, gumbo, and po-boys…
Dining in Chattanooga.
You can dream about Ironman France or Ironman 70.3 Thailand.
Ironman France is in Nice, so you have multiple options along the French Riviera and you’re not far from Provence for a little vacation.
If you want a great place to vacation after the race…
You should go to Ironman Los Cabos or Ironman 70.3 Coeur d’Alene.
Well, not much to say about Los Cabos, but beach and sun. Coeur d’Alene is an equally stunning, but totally opposite northwest environment. You have tons of options within a days drive, such as Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and the Seattle area/San Joaquin Island.
The bison of Yellowstone.
You can dream about Ironman Austria or Ironman 70.3 Italy.
I’ve been to Austria and know the sheer beauty and how much there is to see and do in the area. I’ve also been to much of Italy and hey, it’s Italy…
If you love an urban environment…
You should go to Ironman Wisconsin or Ironman 70.3 Raleigh.
I have not been to either of these races, although Raleigh may be in the cards for 2018, but have heard nothing but good things about both.
You can dream about Ironman Barcelona or Ironman 70.3 Luxembourg.
If you want to relax at a spa…
You should go to Ironman Arizona or Ironman 70.3 Miami.
We’ve done both of these races multiple times. There are so many great resorts and spas in both Arizona and Miami, that your only problem will be deciding which ones to book a hot rock massage at! Think Canyon Ranch and Sedona…
You can dream about Ironman Vichy or Ironman 70.3 Mallorca.
Mallorca is amazing and you will be at peace sitting on your terrace soaking in the aqua blue colors of the Mediterranean.
Spending time with friends in Mallorca.
And…
If you have kids in tow…
You should go to Ironman Mont Tremblant or Ironman 70.3 Texas.
Either of these venues are meccas for families. Mont Tremblant even has a giant kids’ playground built into the city center and Texas in Galveston has an amazing amusement park, pier, and of course, Moody Gardens.
Just for kids in Mont Tremblant.
You can dream about Ironman Australia or Ironman 70.3 Hawaii.
I honestly don’t think I need to add anything more here….
What are some ways that you choose race venues?
Sherry is one of the TriWivesClub and LifeDoneWell co-founders and contributes to multiple blogs. She is a former co-owner of the California Apparel News and had a career in the healthcare industry. Her passions include traveling, real food, the environment, and animal rescue/welfare. She lives a healthy lifestyle and has been a vegetarian since 1987. She and her husband are parents to two rescue pups and reside in Connecticut.
