For me and many of my fellow writers here at TRAVLETE, we sometimes find that putting together a decent race review can be quite challenging. The challenge: How does one compose an objective review of something that can be so deeply personal? After all, most endurance athletes are drawn to the sport for deep-seeded personal reasons and because of those reasons we often choose events that will provide more than just a physical challenge. These events can be emotionally, intellectually, and even spiritually taxing.

It’s why some people hop off the couch to race a marathon, attempt an ultra, or take on their first triathlon. And for a few of us, it’s why we took on Ironman Lake Placid.

Now, I don’t want to get carried away and tell you how special of a race it was. The truth is everyone will tell you that their first Ironman was one of the most amazing experiences of their lives. Instead, we’ll tell you what makes IMLP one damn fine race.

For starters, it’s set in the Adirondack region of New York and takes full advantage of the Adirondack Park, the largest park in the contiguous United States. This means that over the course of one very long day, you will swim, bike, run (and suffer!) through some of the most beautiful protected natural scenery that North America offers.

The swim itself takes place at the heart of Lake Placid in pristine Mirror Lake. The course follows a rectangular shaped, two-loop format, which is well marked with yellow and red buoys. In fact, the only thing more exhilarating than the beauty of the lake itself was the sight of the mass swim start. Yes, this means that all athletes are starting on the same start line, at the same time, and headed in the same direction. For spectators, it’s truly a sight to behold. For racers, it’s a battle. You will be kicked, punched, slapped, and thrashed…at least for the first 800 meters. But you’ll also find a helpful draft vortex that will help drag you and your 2,500+ friends around. And if you’re lucky, skilled, or ready to fight for it, you’ll be able to sight using the yellow colored line that runs the length of the course, holding each buoy in place. It’s an experience unlike any other.

Pristine water, but be ready to battle. (Jennifer Schulten, Sandia Studio)

The bike course also follows a two-loop format that takes riders out into the Adirondacks and surrounding towns full of character. About six miles out of town, riders are rewarded with a stunning 7.5 mile descent that snakes alongside beautiful rivers and mountains. We would even go as far as to say that it’s the most memorable descent we’ve conquered to date. It’s fast, it’s stunning and it’s deliciously nerve-racking.

From there, you’ll cruise through some rollers, complete a short out-and-back, and then begin your ascent back to town over turbulent waterfall filled gorges and frustrating false-flats. Eventually, you’ll reach the three hills know as Mama, Baby, and Papa Bear which signal your return to town. Papa Bear in particular will be lined Tour de France style with rambunctious spectators, making pacing an afterthought (sorry, coach!).

And though the bike course is worth noting for its spectacular natural beauty, we should also note that there are a few sections which are in need of some TLC (especially the first 7.5 miles and around mile 45). The town did put some patchwork down within the last few weeks before the race, but it’s still pretty rough out there. Large packs of folks drafting were also pretty commonplace (especially on the second loop) and with little room to pass you were either in it or behind it.

And finally the run. Ugh, the run. Where athletes are humbled, dreams are made, and inspiration is found at every mile. Similar to the other disciplines, it’s composed of two out-and-backs which start at the Olympic speed skating oval (also where transition is) and athletes descend down the infamous IGA hill (more on this in a moment), through town, past the Olympic ski jumps, and onto the appropriately named Riverside Road.

Beautiful running in a beautiful place. (Jennifer Schulten, Sandia Studio)

From there you’ll cruise through a mix of heavily shaded forest-lined miles as well as expanses of farmland before reaching the turnaround point where you’ll spin yourself around and begin your climb back to town. Once there, you’ll have a small out-and-back along Mirror Lake Drive before heading out for your second loop…or that sweet, sweet finish line inside the Olympic oval.

Now, if you’ve read this far and are thinking that this race sounds good, but not great, here’s why IMLP is so special: the atmosphere. This is the second oldest Ironman in North America (since 1999). Not only does this mean that race organizers have had plenty of time to tweak their event (seriously, it was organizationally flawless), but it also means that the community has embraced it, and it shows. From the moment you arrive, locals offer words of support, signs, handshakes and more. And on race day things get ridiculous. During the bike we spied families playing musical instruments, folks in full costume, a man cheering with his goats, and countless signs of support.

On the run course, the aforementioned IGA hill morphs into a block party at which every athlete is the guest of honor. You’ll be cheered by name by almost everyone you run past as if they were lifelong friends. You may even forget you’re on a hill when you sweep past volunteers in full Gumby/Pokey costumes. And as for that finish line inside the Olympic Oval? It’ll make even the most hardened athlete misty-eyed.

Thank you Lake Placid for moments like these. (Jennifer Schulten, Sandia Studio)

It’s moments like these where Lake Placid really shines. The folks here get it. They understand the mentality of an endurance athlete and what an event like this means to them. Though they may not know the reason why someone is racing, they understand that something deep inside is pushing us through each mile and they show it. And that’s something that’s hard to find.

But don’t take our word for it, here’s further proof. Courtesy of Jennifer Schulten of Sandia Studio.

Course: A   Amazing. Natural beauty is aplenty and this course takes full advantage of it. The loop format also makes for GREAT spectating as racers pass through town multiple times on the bike and run. Now, if we can just smooth out the bike course a bit….

Organization: A+   Perfection. Transition, special needs, course marking, volunteers, all flawless. Race Directors take note, this is what athletes want.

Atmosphere: A+   Unparalleled. This race shines because the town that hosts it shines. This community will make your race more than just a race.

Logistics: B+   This is a tough one. Most of the accommodations around town are nice, but they are pricey and fill up fast. Some places  fill up even BEFORE registration for the following year opens. If you want to stay nearby, be prepared to pay early and possibly dearly.

Overall: A+   There’s a reason why people choose IMLP for their first Ironman. A truly special race in a truly special place.

-Adrian

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