As best as I can tell 2700+ athletes

Looking forward to it. This will be my first time at IM Texas and am happy to see some familiar names on the bib list. A lot of fast athletes are gonna give it a go and it's going to be a lot of fun. But first, Oceanside 70.3 for me (one of my favorite races). After that I will start getting more excited about Texas. Good luck to you all and have fun out there.

Kind of happy, kind of not to see it still open. If I have a good race at Galveston and it's still open I may be joining y'all.

 
I'll be ready.

---

Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

First time at IMTX...I think I'm ready, but what do I know.

We're driving the RV from the PNW to the Woodlands - the dogs are read for a roadtrip :)

---

Team Kiwami
Instagram

Had to back out of IMWI due to scheduling conflicts, and took this race rather than seeing an entry go down the drain (I'm a local, easier to "wing it" logistically). Still not amused with the bike course, I drive the Hardy enough as it is, but so be it!

It's gonna be a nice swim, a great bike ride and a long walk. Since I had a kid at the end of last month, getting out of the house to run has been easier said than done. I'm no long course expert, but I can't see any possibility of having a decent IM marathon while I'm struggling to get 30 mpw.

Now the real question, is this gonna be early enough in the year to be wetsuit legal?

If not wetsuit legal, hopefully not so hot that they can't at least have a 'wetsuit wave' at the end. Wimpy I know, but training in the winter just did not happen this year, eh.

I will be there and I will be ready! Nervous about the heat after training in the cold...but I'm going to make the best of whatever happens.

It just started warming up a bit down here in Texas! Turn up the heat in the house during those trainer rides!

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

It'll never stay the official thread if you leave the question mark at the end of it. ;)

---

----------------------------------------------------------
Zen and the Art of Triathlon. Strava Workout Log
Interviews with Chris McCormack, Helle Frederikson, Angela Naeth, and many more.
http://www.zentriathlon.com

If that's the case, I may be right there with you, I haven't seen a pool in months and I'm not gonna kick the extra buoyancy/body position out of bed for eating crackers.

Plan right now is to get a few weeks in the pool so as not to be blasted by the yardage come race day and then happily plod along at a 1:50-2:00 min/100yd pace, maybe with a couple trips to 288 lake to get readjusted to the wetsuit that I haven't worn since April last year.

Biking I've kept up with decently, but the run is just gonna suck.

Here's a picture of the construction at the swim finish area from my run-commute home this evening:



For reference you can see the boathouse across the way. I'm standing on the path where the T1 bags are normally laid out.

Btw, it was very windy down the waterway this evening. It was like a wind tunnel. Felt like I was going to get blown over a few times.

Thanks for sharing the photo. I can't remember, are you racing it this year?

I will be roughing it in the Extended Stay America getting over jet-lag in the 5 days
before the big day. Flying solo for this race so if anyone else is doing something similar
get in touch. First full distance for me.

Not sure if everyone has seen, but WTC has pulled the Age Group bib list for *revision*. So if you're ordering your TriTats better hold off!!!


Ken

Oh no, I retired from long course in 2014 and triathlon in 2015. Ultrarunning now with some cycling thrown in for fun.

The Tri-Tats aren't for free with our check in stuff? I've only
done 4 Euro based 70.3 but the Tats were free and included
with all the other bib swim cap etc. Whats the deal?
Bummer if they aren't....

permanent marker is more aero

---

2x Deca-Ironman World Cup (10 Ironmans in 10 days), 2x Quintuple Ironman World Cup (5 Ironmans in 5 days), Ultraman, Ultra Marathoner, and I once did an Ironman.

Only done the one US-based 70.3 (NOLA), but they were not included. Seems an odd thing to cheap out on, seeing as every local sprint and oly race here includes them.

I do prefer them to the not-yet-awake sharpie scribbles, but $15 is kind of silly to spend to have them for this event.

I can't recall where I read it, but I think there is no penalty for not body marking. It is covered by sleeves on half the folks anyway.

There is no rule for WTC or USAT that requires body marking. It might get mentioned in the athlete guides and all that but it is not required.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Looked at the weather today for the first time...
yikes

Looks very mild. Why the yikes?

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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Training/Racing Log - http://www.earthdaykid.com/blog --- Old Training/Racing Log - http://colinlaughery.blogspot.com

I guess it depends on where you are from. Currently looking out the window at the ice breaking up in Lake Ontario with a windchill of roughly -2 Celsius.

I'd plan on up to 30 deg C and 40-70% humidity throughout the day. It's a warm spring here.

prepare your anus

Agreed - it's been a hotter than normal winter and is looking like spring will follow suit. I've been working outside the last week or so and 85 degree days are the norm. I recommend biking and running inside without air conditioning to get yourself ready. Oh - and it's going to be windy up on the Toll road, and no shade, so welcome to Texas.

What are the typical winds in terms of direction to expect on the toll road section of the bike course?

April is probably our windiest month. I'd bet on a strong southeast wind on race day which will mean a headwind on the way out and a tailwind for the return leg.

Winds are predominantly SSE, 10-12ish mph around this time. This is almost the exact heading of the Hardy, so if the trends hold it'll be a pure upwind/downwind event once you get to the toll road.

No one has mentioned water temp yet (i think) so I will mention it now......anyone know the current water temp? With all of this warmer weather, does this mean it will most likely be a non-wetsuit race?

And I know.....you can't control the weather, you can't control the race, be prepared for anything, blah, blah, blah.

It would be nice to have a tailwind on that final leg up and home... fingers crossed. Tks for the intel

This is some questionable extrapolation, but here are water temps for the Woodlands CB&I sprint tri that typically takes place the first weekend in May:

Previous Race Day Water Temperature
2015 CB&I TRI race day water temperature was 75.7°
2014 CB&I TRI race day water temperature was 74.6°
2013 CB&I TRI race day water temperature was 70°
2012 CB&I TRI race day water temperature was 84°

While they didn't have the race last year, Lake Woodlands water temperature was 79° on May 12, 2016

Looking at that I'd venture to guess that it's more likely than not that it will be wetsuit legal, but as mentioned before it has been an unseasonably warm winter, so take this with a grain of salt. I would say its a safe bet that if it is wetsuit legal, its going to be one of those swims where halfway through you're wishing it wasn't while you roast.

New *Revised* bib list posted!

Planning on swinging by the lake later today and checking the current water temp.

"Please follow the full WTC protocol when testing the water before posting result here" said the guy who is really starting to freak out.

lol.

---

----------------------------------------------------------
Zen and the Art of Triathlon. Strava Workout Log
Interviews with Chris McCormack, Helle Frederikson, Angela Naeth, and many more.
http://www.zentriathlon.com

Thank you for this info

I took the temp yesterday. 74.

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Badig| Strava

Thank you.

Looking at the next ten days weather forecast, looks like warm temps are predicted, so the water temp will only go up.

74 degrees again today.

Seeing as we have 8 out of the next 10 days forecasted for 80+F, I retract my 'more likely than not wetsuit legal' statement

Lake Woodlands warms up and cools down relatively quickly.

For example, 2012 was super warm during the lead up to CB&I but for IMTX three weeks later the water temp had dropped 5-6 degrees. 2013 was cooler water for CB&I and was probably wetsuit legal just a week prior to IMTX but it was real hot towards the end of race week and it wasn't close to being wetsuit legal.

I still think it ends up wetsuit legal but who knows. I was 99% certain a couple of weeks ago. :-)

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Good intel on this thread.

I suppose I'll cover all the bases - swimskin and both sleeveless/sleeved wetties.

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Team Kiwami
Instagram

You've got plenty of space to pack all of them. :-)

Yep :)

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Team Kiwami
Instagram

Any update on water temperature?

Estimated water temp is 70.

Whats water temps looking like these days down there in Houstan?

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

TJ Fry will have daily updates on Lake Woodlands water temps on his shop's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/...thwest-127782025587/

I would imagine the updates will start soon.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

TJ will likely continue his water temp tradition but I'm not sure it will be posted to the Swim Shops page any longer. TJ sold the stores last year. Maybe he'll do it via his team's (South Coast Endurance) page.

Did not know that. Thanks!

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Ok so some of us don't have Facebook, I get chance to periodically get down there to check temps but would love to know more frequently. Can anyone post it here?

If I see any I'll post them here

 

The last post on that Facebook page was November 4, 2016.

https://www.facebook.com/SouthCoastEndurance

BTW, you do not need a Facebook account to the pages. There will be a big ad encouraging you to sign up but you can still see the web page behind it.

It was measured yesterday and today by Michelle LeBlanc. I think 73 yesterday and 70 today.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Anyone know how long it took to get everyone in the water last year? Including the wetsuit folks.Thanks!

Last year was bit more congested with T1 being at the same spot, so maybe a little slower than usual? My wife wore a wetsuit and I believe she was close to 7am before she was in the water. Again, off of memory but maybe around 25 minutes for all the age groupers?

Thanks, very helpful!

I have a spare bedroom in my rented house for the weekend. PM me if anyone is looking for last minute accommodations!

Arriving Wednesday in Woodlands and planning on going to a good steak house that night. Can anyone recommend one relatively close to the race area? Right now leaning towards Flemings Steak House.

Robards is the best in The Woodlands.

Other than that you've got:

Flemings
Mortons
Kirby
Bob's
Perry's
TruLucks
Del Frisco

Foga de Chao has the best meats around.

If you want something a little different, go to Perry's and try their pork chop, its phenomenal. I'll take it over a good steak some days.

Bob's chophouse is also outstanding as well.

Thanks, might go there Thursday, Pork Chop looks really good.

72 degrees yesterday (April 11th) as measured by Mach 5 Racing (Michelle's new squad).

It rained and remained cool yesterday and overnight so my guess is 70 today.

Forecast is highs in the low to mid 80's and lows in the mid to upper 60's between now and race day. A little bit of rain forecasted in the days leading up to the race too which should help cool the lake.

My guess is wetsuit legal since there's no crazy 90 degree highs or lows in the mid 70's in the forecast but who knows.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Thanks for these updates, much appreciated. And agreed, April in Texas... anything's possible!

Here's the forecast from one of the local weather man blogs (http://www.spacecityweather.com). Next week is still far out but thought I'd drop a positive outlook for next weeks weather guesstimate. Lets hope for that cool front to roll through on race day!

"Temperatures in the low to mid-80s will continue for much of next week, mild nights in the upper 60s, with some afternoon showers possible—but nothing particularly extreme. I’m holding out some hope for the passage of a cool front later next week, but it remains far from certain."

Magnolia Masters took the temp today, about an hour ago, and it was 77.5, sounds like it fluctuates a lot!

https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaMasters/

Michelle Leblanc had it at 74-75 at noon.

Obviously the lake is cooler at 5am though.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

This thread has gone pretty silent. The water was 75 this morning; doesn't look too promising for next week, or will be barely wetsuit legal.

 
The forecast for next week is cloudy with rain so that may keep temperature low enough for a wet suit swim.

.

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Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

I'll be taking it every day from now until race. I took it twice today to show everyone how much it can fluctuate from morning to afternoon. The team practice right around the corner from Northshore park so it's easy for me to do after coaching in the morning and afternoon. If anyone has any other questions, please let me know.

http://www.facebook.com/magnoliamasters

Tim

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http://www.magnoliamasters.com
http://www.snappingtortuga.com
http://www.swimeasyspeed.com

I will be coming in with family. I have driven the bike course and am curious to know if my family should just chill on the waterway while I do the bike or fight the traffic and try to make it out to the toll road.

There wouldn't be any place for your family to spectate on the toll road. They should chill at the hotel until you go into T2.

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http://www.magnoliamasters.com
http://www.snappingtortuga.com
http://www.swimeasyspeed.com

Do the race officials measure right at the surface like that? Not even a couple inches deep?

Thanks for taking the temperatures and posting them here!

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-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

The temperature is taken when the swim course guys first get on the course on the morning of the race. It's usually around 4-4:30am. It's pitch black, they've already been working hard days since Wednesday to get the course ready and there are typically still a lot of other things that need to get done. And the pressure of 2500+ athletes about go into the water that they will be responsible for their safety. Taking the water temp isn't a very complicated or involved process. There's a fish finder on one of the zodiacs too that can get the temp.

Hope this helps.

Tim

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http://www.magnoliamasters.com
http://www.snappingtortuga.com
http://www.swimeasyspeed.com

Anybody have any recommendations for

an outdoor lap pool to use
for a few swims during race week in or near The Woodlands?

bike route to get in about 40km riding as safely as possible that
I could load into a garmin course in or near The Woodlands?
(20km out and back would be great)


Thanks!

Tim (SnappingT) can hook you up for some outdoor swims although they'll likely be at 6am or noon during his workouts. There aren't really any around that you can drop into when you feel like it. You might be able to get a day pass at Villa Sport and use one of their pools. I can't recall though if you have to have a member with you or not. Last time I needed one (probably 3 years ago) a pass was around $20 per visit.

As far as routes go you can take Lake Woodlands Drive out about 4 miles to the point where it connects with the old route at Woodlands Parkway. From there continue on the old route to FM2978 (turn right) and go until you want turn around. There are others as well but that's about the simplest to follow if you're not from the area.

By all means though, do not, DO NOT, get on Woodlands Parkway from the start/finish area. It is a very high speed road and there's absolutely no shoulder and a curb for the first 4'ish miles and is very dangerous on a bike. Yet every year many idiotic triathletes feel like they have to go that way because "it's the course" and cause all kinds of issues with locals. Take Lake Woodlands Drive as I noted. They run parallel a few blocks apart and it's much much safer.

Great info, thanks

Good day! Hope everyone is getting excited for IMTX. I am reviewing the run course posted out on the website and do not see the special needs marked. I remember watching a video in which the special needs is located at North Shore park. Is this still the case?

Yes

 

For the run yes, North Shore Park. You run through the park three times. My understanding is once you have accessed your special needs you can not access it again.

Meaning if you use it one lap one, you can not use it on lap 2 and 3. It may have changed since I last did this race in 2014.

.

---

Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

I think We are gonna get wet.... Anyone have and water temp Info? Good Luck to all:)

Technically you only get access once. The reason being is once you access it and then give it back to a volunteer it goes into a large random pile of bags.

In reality you might get lucky and be able to "find" your bag a second time. I wouldn't count on it though.

Still way too early to trust any weather predictions. We usually don't start firming up ride plans based on weekend weather until midday on Thursdays.

LOL seriously? Gotta Love me some TX.... It is going to be an awesome time regardless!

One thing's for sure is it should be better than the crazy storms that came through during the run last year.

Those storms were awesome and saved my ass. Hr dropped like a rock when the rain cooled me off!!

Exactly the info I needed, thanks a bunch!

Bike course up on BBS anyone know?

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

It's on there

Yep just found it! Oh boy time to plug in some info see what comes out!

---

2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

4:45?

Looking like a warm week ahead, yikes.

Yep. Sunday looks outstanding, naturally.

Just had a closer look at some of the course maps and having a hard time understanding the Run Map with all the U-turns in and around the finish line. On the map it looks like there is a U-turn after the finish line, but in the turn by turn directions it seems to indicate something else. Anybody have some insight? Will definitely have to go to the Athlete meeting.

There's a u-turn right before the finish line. You will do the u-turn and the finish line will be like 200 feet away.

So the finishing segment is west on Waterway Square Place, turn right (north) on Waterway Avenue, u-turn right before you hit Lake Robbins Drive (there's a big movie theater you'll be facing before the u-turn), then run south down Waterway Avenue to the finish.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

At least they've knocked down the forecasted rainfall amounts, if not so much the chances.

Everything is gated in that point, don't worry about it, you will not go the wrong way.

Yep, pretty much impossible to get confused once the course is set up.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

"then run south down Waterway Avenue to the finish."

Ha! I think you meant to type "then run up Waterway Avenue to the finish." The finish is a little twist of the knife IMO...

Quick question. How exactly are you finding the temperature of the lake? Are going going out on a boat and measuring the temp 2-3ft below the surface? Or just from the "shore"?

Thank you for your updates!!!

He is getting it off the dock on the surface. The surface temps he has gotten has been cooler than the temps held ~ at foot underwater (presumably because it's very shallow water and the ground absorbs a lot of that heat).... not sure what the difference between surface and subsurface would be in deeper water.

Click on his Facebook link. His videos have been very informing.

And you get to go up a little bit of a hill at the end!

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

I'm taking the temperature from the end of a boat dock that extends out into the lake. After working the event/swim course for a few years for Ironman it's pretty consistent with the water temp of the rest of the lake.

Tim

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http://www.magnoliamasters.com
http://www.snappingtortuga.com
http://www.swimeasyspeed.com

It looks like a pretty good chance of thunderstorms in the morning.

How long can they delay/suspend the race before they have to cancel? I was at HIM Austin last fall, and they waited about 2 hours to start the swim due to fog, and then ended up cancelling the swim.

I know it's only Monday, but this is my first Ironman and I'd be devastated if I couldn't do the whole thing because of the weather. I've put in a lot of work in the hopes of becoming an Ironman...

I imagine not long, but only guessing. It a ironman either way, can't change the weather and gota roll with it.

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Do not worry about things you cannot control. Everybody's in the same boat. Focus on your taper, equipment prep and nutrition. Have the best race you can, no matter the conditions. Worrying about weather will only damage your race.

Also don't worry about arbitrary distances to validate your accomplishments! You did the work. You'll race the race. No one can do more.

---

-------------
Ed O'Malley
www.VeloVetta.com
Founder of VeloVetta Cycling Shoes
Instagram • Facebook

Change tents for men and women?

 
Separate ones for men and women's.

Same tents are used in T1 and T2.

.

---

Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

BBLOEHR wrote:

I imagine not long, but only guessing. It a ironman either way, can't change the weather and gota roll with it.

Good advice. That said, I would not expect WTC to cancel or suspend anything unless it there was obvious risk to safety. As it stands, Texas did not even come close to selling out general entries this year (from their website: "A few hundred general entry slots remain!") and any truncation of distances, two years in a row, would be like a knife in the heart of 2018 sales -- which is currently a go for the same venue next year.

"Onsite sign-ups for currently registered athletes will be available during Athlete Check-In on Wednesday, April 19 and Thursday, April 20. Onsite sign-ups for volunteers and the general public will be available on Sunday, April 23 from 8am-10am CT in the registration tent located in the IRONMAN Village."

But note this:

"General entry registration is tentatively scheduled to open on Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Noon ET on http://www.ironman.com/texas. The priority registration links will be sent approximately 7 days prior to the general registration launch. If you have any questions or concerns, please email texas@ironman.com."

Why the long delay before opening up for the next year? That's not typical practice and does not inspire confidence in the subsequent year's date. So any problem with this year's race could be exceptionally damaging for a repeat in 2018.

There's a large difference between not selling out a race and not being a successful race. I think someone counted up 2600+ entrants for this year's race. I think WTC's doing just fine with those numbers.

Point taken; except this is a company that can't even make a profit on an OLY with 700 entries and will/has canceled.

Perhaps the gap between early and open registration for 2018 is due to permitting -- similar to last year. I.e., if a permit is not in place by July, they cancel the race and refund the early entrants (or more likely, point them to another race).

Thunderstorms here have been patchy and light on the whole lightning thing, so I wouldn't lose any sleep over this. Will be my first as well, but we're all along for the ride when it comes to the weather!

Gotta ask with a screen name like that, LSU or A&M?

haha, good catch! I went to LSU for a couple of years and finished at A&M. I loved my time at both schools. Football season is very fun for me until November...

 
According to the Houston Chronicle, approval to use the toll road for 2018 has been requested:


http://www.chron.com/...Ironman-11031546.php


.

---

Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

A&M class of 2010 myself, and married into a die-hard Aggie family, we try not to think about November anymore.

Historically November hasn't been very good for you. :-)

Hook'em
76–37–5.

Everyone seen the you tube video of the course: man that course looks boring as hell but also pretty darned fast. Looks like the cement barriers will block a lot of wind to.

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Damn, walked right into that one

I watched it. It isn't going to score any points for scenic beauty, and has the potential to be a real draft fest if the marshals don't do their jobs. Also, I don't know if the parkway sidewalls will block much wind. We'll just have to see how it shakes out.

 

This one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmtXBCZ1K9I


.

---

Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

Might be right about the sidewalls, i am hoping for some wind! I don't normally get much company on the bike anyways, well i did get to ride with Sean H. at galveston till he rode away from me :-(

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Doubtful.

At the moment the forecast is for a WNW wind on Saturday. That's actually opposite the normal pattern - which is a SE wind. There's a good chance the corridor of trees will act as a funnel and channel the wind down the toll road. This should make for a mostly tailwind on the way out and a headwind on the way back to The Woodlands.

My first Ironman. Looking forward to it. Put in lots of training. I am ready for the challenge :) +whatever the weather may be. From the Austin area, so I have biked in all sorts of wind conditions. Last couple of months have been very windy. Wishing it will be wetsuit legal, but if not, I just have to deal with it.

Just had my bike serviced today, brand new tires :)

I did see that on BBS, direct headwind or tailwind! Sweet! Love it.

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Right! All we have had plenty of wind and rain in austin this "winter" Hope you have ST approved tires on there!

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

ST Approved?

Go Steffen!!!

---

Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

this is good stuff. BBS is modeling it as a quartering head/tail ATM.

---

Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

1st Ironman ProTip(tm): Control what you can control

---

Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”

Good luck, Fuji rocks!

Thanks! This bike has been a game changer for me. Love it!

Thanks, Eric!

Your timing is impeccable - we just cruised over the stateline. Arches last night, Amarillo tonight and the Woodlands tomorrow.

---

Team Kiwami
Instagram

Those of you hoping for wetsuit legal should be happy at the moment. Looks like it's going to be pretty much non-stop rain today (mostly a light rain) and more rain on Wednesday and Thursday, just not as much.

 
Pro list is posted:

http://www.ironman.com/~/media/f1b65e026b85474eb3623c27f8cf36aa/2017%20ironman%20texas%20pro%20start%20list.pdf

and registration has closed.

.

---

Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

Damnit! I was just about to sign up. ;-)

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

I'm ambivalent about it, I don't want to miss out on any swim "help" I can get, but I remember how nasty hot a borderline-legal wetsuit swim is.

Good looking men's group, I don't recognize many of the women.

Any chance of flooding issues if there is a lot of rain?

Unlikely. This is normal April showers type weather and nothing like the crazy amount of rain we got for weeks on end last year.

Sorry Bob, only online registration is closed; you can do a walk-up registration this Thursday and Friday. Per Ironman Texas page: "Walk-up registrations will be available on a first come, first served basis. Please view the Event Schedule for Athlete Check-In hours."


I signed up last week - you should too!!! Gotta love it when you can make a last minute decision to enter an IM. r/Paul

Weather underground forecast rain totals for this week:

Tue - .68 inches
Wed - .09 inches
Thu - .02 inches
Fri - .00 inches
Sat - .02 inches

So not even an inch total. But it might flood an ant hill somewhere.

The water hasn't been wetsuit legal since last Thursday. This morning was still over threshold. I suspect it may fall under threshold tomorrow morning but if the forecast holds, I doubt it will be wetsuit legal Saturday morning. If it is, it will be 'nasty hot' borderline legal swim. I am going to bring a pair of Roka sim shorts just in case.

Anyone know how much debris may be on this toll roads? Looking at tire choices with new testing that is up now.

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

See my post above, only online registration is closed.

Drove up to the Woodlands on Sunday and it's about as clean as can be hoped for a highway. HCTRA does a decent job of keeping up with the Hardy, and since it will be closed off you won't have to ride in the shoulder where all the crap would be. Bear in mind the pavement is also grooved in (mostly) the direction of travel.

So your saying good chance not a lot of stuff what would go through a paper thin SS tire? I won't hold it against you either way :-)

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

Hehe, consider my advice worth what you paid for it! I'll be on GP4kS2s.

This is an older picture I took, but it is indicative of the roadway surface and cleanliness to expect on the Hardy:

Tim reported 76-77 this morning (but he used a new thermometer so throw out the science).

I'm guessing I could probably get a pair of Roka Sim Shorts at the Expo?

Yep, that's my source for still not wetsuit legal. Today's weather and rain should knock it down under 76.1 but the forecast for Wed-Fri is not promising to keep it there. Tim keeps saying it could go either way, but I am not seeing any weather forecast that would cool the water. Friday night is only supposed to go down to 69 degrees. I would imagine the Expo would have Roka Sim shorts, Lava pants and other equivalents but I would not buy unless the water was legal on Friday morning...then there may be a rush. :)

On the other hand, WTC may know where the secret cool spots are and take the temperature there. E.g., St Anthony's Triathlon in St Petersburg has a reputation for declaring wetsuit legal swims when everyone was convinced the water was too warm.

Maybe I can take one for the "team" and go out and buy a swim skin this afternoon. With my luck it would definitely wind up being wetsuit legal!

Year 4 or 5 for IM Texas I think and even though they've changed the date to earlier, has it usually been non-wetsuit?

Just wondering how important it is when there are somewhere between 2500-3000 swimmers (is that the usually size?)

Also, would people recommend tinted glasses for the swim?

Looks pretty clean!

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2024: Bevoman, Galveston, Alcatraz, Marble Falls, Santa Cruz

I think someone said it was wetsuit legal one time in the past. It is a shallow lake and can rapidly heat up and cool down so the weather really matters. For example, I would bet big bucks it will be wetsuit legal on Sunday and Monday morning after the front passes through Saturday. Sunday's weather looks spectacular...naturally!!!

Yes, do it for the gipper! I am bringing a swim skin and my Roka shorts so I am ready either way.

So why is it a Saturday race (i think the only other NA Saturday race is Maryland)? Is it too hard to close the roads on Sunday due to church?

I am not local so I have no idea. IM Florida is also a Saturday race.

Seeing that I've swam a max of about 1500m, biked a max of two hours, and ran a max of about 75 minutes in the last six months I'm going to go with an Ironman might be a bit more than I can handle right now. :-)

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

I'd bring both tinted and clear if I were you, we've had our fair share of fog this spring, and the temp is forecast to be only one degree F over the dew point around swim start time.

Not sure on the "why", but as a local who will be back at work on Monday, I'm quite glad it is this way!

Saturday IM races in North America:

Texas
Santa Rosa
Maryland
Kona
Florida

My understanding is The Woodlands does not allow races on Sundays. There's a lot of races hosted in The Woodlands and all of them are on Saturdays.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Canada 70.3 is coming faster than you know...better get with the program!! :)

Yeah, bailing on that one too. I was mainly going because my brother was doing the full. He's is now moving and going back to school for another degree and can't do Whistler. So I figured I'd save the $6,000 the vacation would've cost me.

Thinking about signing up for the Maine 70.3 and going solo and doing a quick in/out.

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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

I also prefer the Saturday race as it really only affects one week of holiday/vacation/work time. Even as someone travelling from Canada, we can be back to work on Monday. To bad Maryland is the on our Thanksgiving weekend because that would have worked well for a fall IM.

I'm not sure if it's a formal policy but I think there's at least an informal understanding between the township and the Interfaith of The Woodlands for no Sunday events, i.e. "the church rule."

One thing I forgot to mention is that although flooding is highly unlikely there's a chance there will be some standing water in a few spots on the run course on the pathway along Woodlands Parkway. Even the tiniest amount of rain creates 2-3 puddles you'll have to run through along this section.

Also, just ran the most of the course and the transition area should be mostly done today. The fencing is almost complete and they are building the bike racks now. The change tents went up yesterday.

Be advised that the short, steep, grassy hill where the run course leaves the Waterway is no longer grass. It's been graded recently and is now a slick hill of mud from the recent rains.

That will be festive.

Just got back from check-in, good and humid with today's rains. Bit the bullet and picked up a swimskin since Roka has a slight discount going on.

How much would a swimskin cost? Never used one. I only use my DeSoto tri-shorts and my tight fitting beef tri-top :)

Roka had a 20% off deal on all their swimskins (not a killer deal, but still cheaper than buying online and paying overnight shipping so I can actually try it before the race), think it was about $125 OTD for the Viper Comp I got.

Thanks! Not bad, but I've spent enough money already :)

Will arrive tomorrow. Can't wait!

Just wondering where to park for the packet pickup tomorrow? Any suggestions? Thanks!

There's ample street parking in the few blocks around the expo area. There's also a parking garage across the waterway (fees apply). Worst case scenario is to park at the movie theater or mall and walk over - still just a few blocks.

Fwiw I've been catching Uber's all over town and it's been great.

Correct, you will see a mega church as you go to swim start
They also use the parking areas that on Saturday will be filled with spectator vehicles.

I think I know the horrible answer to this question but were we supposed to get our timing chip when we checked in? I drove 45 minutes to race site went through the tent and followed the tables, got my bag and band but did not see timing table (Or wasn't paying attention) but was never instructed to go there "next". So I assume it's back to the Woodlands to get timing chip? ):

Yep, it was the table to your left before you went on through to the merchandise store after check-in

Anyone opt for a swim skin over wetsuit on a borderline wetsuit legal swim due to overheating?

I think your planned swim intensity would play a pretty large part in that decision. Can't
imagine getting too hot if you are going to cruise the swim. If it's a weapon for
you or you are planning on bridging a group or hanging on to feet then maybe??
Just a guess here...

Will be a game-day decision for me. Swam NOLA 70.3 last year that was around 74 (if memory serves) in a wetsuit and I was roasting. By the end of the course I was stopping every 100 yards to yank the neck down and get a dose of cool water. Gotta think if I'm doing that I'm burning most of the speed benefit you get wearing a wetsuit.

For those who have done this before, I noticed in the videos from previous years that the path from the bike racks to the mount point was soupy mud. Seems most everyone decided to carry their bikes, but there were some interesting things going on to avoid the mud (trash bags/ziploc bags over shoes, running out barefoot and trying to put socks on at the mount line, etc). Has this changed, and if not, anyone care to share what works best for them?

Every WTC race I've done has had timing chips available on race day, because inevitably some people forget theirs, and they need a chip. Check out your race handbook and you might be able to avoid driving all the way back to the race venue.

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___________________________________________________
Taco cat spelled backwards is....taco cat.

Correct, although to do the practice swim Friday he'd need a chip issued at registration. No exceptions to that.

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

Last summer I purchased a hot tub and have become addicted and spoiled. After having a quality hot tub, hotel hot tubs just dont do it. I called around the Woodlands to see if there was a hot tub/spa place that would let me "test out" a hot tub for a quick post-race pick me up on Sunday. Glacier pool supplies and spas agreed...and also wanted to open this up to other Ironman athletes.

If you are interested in stopping by to soothe your tired muscles between 1-4:30pm on Sunday call 832-246-8541 to let them know you are coming and "reserve" a time. You can check out their website at glacierpooltx.com They are only about 5 minutes from the race venue at 27832 Interstate 45 N in a little shopping mall area. See you there!

Disclaimer: I do not work for glacier pools and am in no way connected to them.

Went by the swim finish and transition area this afternoon. Man what a mess! They are literally landscaping the entire hillside where you come out the water. Not to mention the two dump truck loads of mulch on the path that the run will be on. I'm sure it'll be done by race day, but man they're cutting it close.

I have roasted in a wetsuit before at 75.5, one of my absolute worst swims that took a lot out of me for the rest of the race. If they declare it legal, I will use a pair of Roka sim shorts instead of a wetsuit.

As you have to go back today to drop off your bike and gear, can you reach out to Ironman Texas while there and check into picking your missing chip then?


.

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Once, I was fast. But I got over it.

I've seen some people saying their won't be live GPS tracking or the usual race coverage on ironman.com.... does anyone have more information on that? I've seen some friends posting their Beacon Tracking links, so I would assume these would still work, right?

Water is 78 degrees for the practice swim this morning! Z

No idea about the genuine Ironman athlete tracking, but my experience has been they just report when you go over timing mats scattered throughout the course. It's more like split time reporting and less like "tracking" in the literal sense.

Beacon is an independent service, their tracking fobs broadcast location/speed/heading over cellular data and won't report on the IM website.

what are the rules again?

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Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

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Wetsuits are permitted if the water temperature is up to (and including) 76.1 degrees Fahrenheit (24.5 degrees Celsius) or colder.

Wetsuits will be prohibited in water temperatures greater than 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.8 degrees Celsius).

Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures 76.2 degrees Farhrenheit (24.55 degrees Celsius) and up to 83.8 degrees Fahrenheit (28.77 degrees Celsius) will not be eligible for Age Group awards, including World Championship or Rolldown slots.


Originally from: http://www.ironman.com/...s.aspx#ixzz4etn4ZLGx

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the world's still turning? >>>>>>> the world's still turning

I used Beacon tracking my last two Ironmans, IMAZ 2015 and IM Boulder 2016. I've had mixed experiences with it and opted not to do it tomorrow. One less thing to have to worry about on race day. The ironman.com website works and is used by my family. I've heard there are apps for iPhone and Android based phones as well.

Tom any chance you guys could post here tomorrow morning after you take the temp? Or if not here will someone be posting/tweeting somewhere else?

I'll try to post as soon as I hear - that'll hopefully be not too long after 4 am. I'll have my radio on by 3:30 and will know as soon as swim guys announce the official temp.

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

If it's over 76.1 will there be a separation between the 300 or so athletes racing without wetsuits and the other 2,200 that will still be wearing wetsuits?

I have race number tats to apply tonight...for body marking, what goes on your legs? Age goes on one leg (right leg?) but what if anything goes on the left leg?

Shaping up into worst case scenario for me:
non-wetsuit swim (optional)
Rain for the whole bike ride
Sun and heat for the whole run

Good luck and have a safe race everyone

I always put my age on the right. Numbers on my left and on both arms. I think as long as you have your numbers on your arms and your age on either leg, your fine.

More like this:
Non-wetsuit swim,
Intermittent light rain or barely a drizzle the first couple of hours on the bike
Strong headwind last 30 miles on the bike
Clearing skies after 12 with high of 76 and falling humidity.

Pack a jacket in your morning clothes bag for after the race.

It would be the other way around - 300-400 wetsuits, tops. And yeah, they'll keep the wetsuits corralled to one side and have about a minute gap. It's a pretty well-drilled system, not a big deal for Ironman or us.

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

Actually the gap should be longer, otherwise the fast wetties completely murder the tail end non-wetsuits.

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

78.8 water temp this morning!

Are there going to be live updates via this thread

D'oh. 807 wetsuits.

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

Starky's winning!!!

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

Just had a look, is it normal for Rapp to lose 6 minutes in the swim to most of the pro field??

He swam in the pack he belonged. What isn't normal is he was riding with a group and then suddenly got dropped. I am guessing a mechanical...

Bummer if true.

Lauren Brandon with the fastest swim of all pros, including men. She's a beast in the water, and also one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

Looks like Starky is going for sub 4 on the bike - that would be a first! Any thoughts on if he'll make it? Hes on scedule halfways! How fast will he walk his marathon today? :-)

Antony Costes running second on the bike!! He is the first Pro we have on the MORF Bars!!! Go Antony!!!

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Thanks,
Frank

http://www.morf-tech.com

Just saw JR dropped out with mechanical at 40. Too bad with the FB wrenching video.....

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Man am I pulling for him with everything he's been through. Go Starky!

Dude, post that picture you sent me. That's a seriously sweet looking front end setup. TG would be proud Antony is using a version of his shoes.

Did they say what the mechanical was? Was he on his Andean?

I didn't see anything further than dropped out at 40 with mechanical. Bet he wished he hadn't assembled it online.... ;-)

I think you're mixing up PA with JR.

News from the course is that a pre race favorite Jordan Rapp has pulled out at mile 40 of the bike. Clearly not a great day for the previous champ. Also news from the course was Paul Ambrose had a mechanical with a broken chain but is back riding again.

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

He was referring to JR dropping out. It was JR who posted a FB video of him assembling his bike the other day.

On Periscope... starky leading at mile 85. The morf guy in second and a big pack with Hanson, Butterfield and others about 10 min down. Haven't seen Skipper... might still be in 3rd.

I understand but am not sure if Jordan had a mechanical or just wasn't "feeling it" today. They mentioned PA had a mechanical in the same post where they mentioned Jordan pulling the plug. Perhaps I missed another post.

Hugh

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Genetics load the gun, lifestyle pulls the trigger.

Ok. True, I also haven't seen anything definitive that it was a mechanical.

For sure. Me as well!

Love his style of racing!;)

No, JR did an assembly online of his new Andean. Unlikely related, but sad just the same....

Looks like he's heading to a 3:59 based on the 83 mile split, but he's been slowing down a bit. Gonna be really close. It's a perfect day here. 76 degrees and a bit humid. Couldn't be better at this race.

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Sylvan Smyth | http://www.sportstats.asia | sylvan@sportstats.asia | Starvas

interesting seeing matt russell where he is. the two matts are having good races.

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Dan Empfield
aka Slowman

To see him break four hours his first race out would be... unreal. I don't care if he walks the marathon. Hammer Starky! Hammer!

Going to be close!

Heard there was a terrible incident on the swim. Anyone heard anything. May have overlooked it in this thread.

4:01. Nice bike ride!

4:01

Bravo Starky

Weather looks perfect. Hansen may run something crazy fast.

My money is on a 2:35 for Matt. Takes the win and goes sub 8 - by a lot.

This is the first I've checked it does Hanson have a chance of winning

Anyone notice the wheels Diederen was using? Those new 2 spoke wheels!

He's in 4th behind Starky, morf guy and Butterfield

amazing athlete with a bit of bad luck :-/

go starky go!

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The entire event (IM) is like "death by 1000 cuts" and the best race is minimizing all those cuts and losing less blood than the other guy. - Dev

Starky is hanging in so far. Very impressive.

Yes, a man died near the end of his swim.

http://m.chron.com/news/article/Woodlands-man-dies-during-the-swimming-portion-of-11091508.php

Either the athlete tracker mile marks are off, or this is just insanity. It reports:

Mile 3.7 to 5.8, Hanson laid down a 5:54/mile split. (compared to Starky's 6:41/mile avg.)
Mile 5.8 to 7.8, Starky answered with a 5:51/mile split.

Starky 7:58 ahead of Butterfield and 8:22 ahead of Hanson at mile 8.8

I always just assume the tracker is screwed up. Hanson is in second at 10 miles and down by 7 mins. Starting to put big time into Starky. Probably just a matter of time. He's flying.

So no live coverage at ironman.com other than the fixed cameras?

Okay, the mile markers are off. They report Hanson doing a 5:08/mile split for the one where it reported Starky at 5:54.

Hanson is putting 30-40 seconds/mile into Starky. 8 minutes down with 18 miles to go.

The Sportstats tracker has been well ahead of the ironman.com one

Starky walking Hanson was right behind. Butterfield about 2min down

hung on for quite a while today! I was starting to think he maybe could hold on for podium, but that seems unlikley now