This was the most difficult Ironman I've competed in. Elevation is serious, technical bike course, and rough roads. The swim was great, and thought it was a very smooth transition from the Mass Swim start they've done until 2016. For it being the first year of the new swim start they did great.

The bike course was difficult. It's by no means impossible obviously, but it will challenge you. If you didn't train it'll show on this course. It seemed like there was a sharp turn at the bottom of every hill, and then you turned right on to another hill. The roads were pretty bad in some areas. This seems to be the common complaint about all Wisconsin races though. Racine 70.3, Madison 70.3, and Ironman Wisconsin all had rough roads. Be prepared for that. Seeing the farm land, and scenery on the bike course was amazing. The spectators on Barlow were awesome. More on them later.

The run was great. Some areas I think were a little confusing for the people there watching you though. Not a deal breaker by any means though. Running the stadium was a cool feeling, and getting to run on some gravel for a small section was a nice relief.

The spectators were just AWESOME! The only event I've ever done with spectators like Wisconsin was the Twin Cities Marathon. Even though they were great as well, they had nothing on Wisconsin. I just can't express in words how great they were.

Volunteers are in the same boat as the spectators. No one can even compare. The community that gets involved with this event is wonderful. Very welcoming and very supportive.