doesnt directly answer your question, but with them combining it with ironman texas i wouldnt be too interested in trying to do that race. i did waco last year and had a great time, good venue, but i couldnt imagine trying to cram all the 70.3 and full distance people in that space.

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80/20 Endurance Ambassador

The 70.3 start time has been moved to noon on Sunday to accommodate the full IM. I would be pretty annoyed by that if I was doing the 70.3 unless I lived nearby.

I would be annoyed even if I lived nearby. The late start defeats the temperature savings that a late October Texas Tri offers. Midday that time of year will likely still be high 80s with a real feel above 90.

At the moment, cases and deaths in Texas appear to be headed in the right direction. Schools and Universities are openOmg over the next few weeks. If that doesn’t result in an overwhelming spike, then I could see the race still happening.

Not a fan of the noon start, but I have more miles running and biking this year than at any point in my life so I’ll be there if it happens.

Also signed up. Hoping it gets cancelled. Noon start and combining with IM Texas will make for a garbage race.

I'm not optimistic for a 2020 season & I doubt this will be the first IM event to happen. Expecting the reopening of schools to create another spike in Texas and for this event to be cancelled as well

Wait there's still a chance this happens? Which one of you crazy bastards are going to do the back to back full/half? Good opportunity for the crazy.

Do I need to comment here or are we good?

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

Why would you have heard of me?

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

Amen. Enjoyed the race last year and signed up for this year early on but there is no way I am flying halfway across the country to race in Texas starting at noon. For Ironman to take that weekend, for which people had signed up for one thing, and take that race and push it to the background to fit another one shows what they think of the customer. Really? That is not what I signed up for but I have no recourse other than losing my entry fee? The contrarian, business “capitalist” jock sniffing apologist can keep their excuses for Ironman.

That's the funniest thing I've read all day

I thought Lubbock could happen, but all the headlines specifically mentioning Lubbock made it untenable. I don't think Waco will run into the same issue since there are far larger things kicking off before the race happens that will be stealing all the headlines (schools, university, etc.). And no writer in Texas would do something to get a college football game cancelled.

However, I don't see the timing working out. Right now the governor has an order in place that still prohibits large groups. Unless that gets lifted, it's probably a battle IM isn't willing to fight. Universities are going back this month, schools open next month. Four weeks after schools open will still be in the time frame of when they are deciding if opening schools kicked off an apocalypse or not, so the governor's order won't be lifted.

All that said, I'm going to keep training like it's going to happen. I'm back to my wedding day weight, and I'm not going to squander the fitness just because a race is cancelled.

I really thought and wanted ST George to happen so I could give GMAN a virtual middle finger, but he was correct long ago about this season. I am now a soulless GMAN zombie telling all my friends signed up for late season races that there is no way they are racing.

Oh he's one of these I told you so clowns rooting for everything until the end of time to be cancelled? Noted and delightfully blocked.

I actually reached out to them I think last week (time is all running together at this point) and asked about this since shit has kind of been hitting the fan here for a while and everyone seems to have forgotten how to social distance. They told me that as of right now its on and there is no deferral option at this time.

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Robert Dao
ATC Racing - Austin, TX
Gold's Gym Triathlon Coach
@speedao1
@daotraining

You’d be incorrect. I have not been a told you so person about this and want races to happen. I’m just a realist. Big difference.

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

I’ve never once gloated about being right about this shit. Everything about it sucks. I want you to race. I want me to race. I want my friends to race. None of that is realistic right now though. So not sure why you want to give me the finger. Nothing would make me happier than to be wrong.

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

I was wondering what the decision making process for the weekend will be like with Baylor playing OSU in Waco on Oct 17. (Are fans going to be allowed in McLane Stadium?)

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"Human existence is based upon two pillars: Compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; Knowledge without compassion is inhuman." Victor Weisskopf.

Is the schedule out? Is that game day? If so, I may have to try to get a hotel if any are left.

That was meant to be funny.
Guess I should have used the PINK

Link to their schedule as of last Wednesday, Aug 12th, with Baylor playing at home vs OSU on Oct 17th.

Who knows how this might change, and whether or not they plan to have fans in the stadium.

https://baylorbears.com/news/2020/8/12/baylors-amended-2020-football-schedule-released

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"Human existence is based upon two pillars: Compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; Knowledge without compassion is inhuman." Victor Weisskopf.

You cant imagine any reason? I have no issue if you want to skip. I am. And you can certainly argue that is the socially responsible thing to do. But, when I see words like “rampant”, you need to tap the brakes a bit. We should take obviously take it seriously. But, to put it in perspective, there are ~29 million people in Texas and 500,000 (reported) covid cases, so ~ 1.7% of our population has the virus. McClennan county has 4,500 cases and 256,000 people in the county, also about 1.7%. Let’s be factual if we are going to discuss what you are labeling “rampant”.

You don't think 1/2 million qualifies as rampant?

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

I'll take a slightly different view. I think the virus is spreading rampant, and we have no contact tracing going on. No one around here gets tested unless they need to go to the hospital. Locally, I'm being told medical staff fills out the tracing questionnaire, but they expect a grad student working on his thesis to be the next to see it. Given two more months of this, and I can easily see a case where this wave has passed, or we are so deep into a wave of cases that cancelling the race wouldn't help anyways. By this same thought, being at the race is probably less risky than any other day to day activity.

I just checked Texas Tech, and they will limit capacity of the stadium to 25%. if Baylor does the same thing, the football game will be bringing almost 12,000 spectators to the game that same weekend. Will the triathlon even more the risk needle there? At some point, it's like yelling about people speeding on the highway, but when you are the only one doing 55 mph, it isn't really helping.

Not when that number only represents 1.7% of the population in Texas, no. I’m not underestimating this virus. I think we should take it very seriously. But, when 98%+ of the population doesn’t have it, in my opinion, it doesn’t come remotely close to “rampant” .

Here is the hospitalization numbers for Texas. Obviously, a surge in cases could change the picture dramatically, but at the moment, the vast majority of the state has tons fo capacity.

https://txdshs.maps.arcgis.com/...459d9cb11b9eaef6101f

Found this portion of the state health site that gives you trends by county if anyone is wanting to follow Brazos County/Waco. At the moment, cases are certainly on the uptick. Hospitalizations are still ok at the moment and I'm not seeing the same uptick across all college towns.

dshs.texas.gov

A few more weeks of Baylor kids acting like college kids and we all know where this goes.

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

texas should have a race only 4500 cases of covid yesterday, it is totally under control, a touch under 200 died yesterday but it was no one I know so sure lets race.

Rumor says Park & Rec said this event is not happening. Not a single big event actually has happened in Texas so far.

Damn, I just swam 2 miles for nuthin.

Could be 100% rumor but someone told me today that they heard that the medical emergency staff in Waco who were going to work the event had the race taken off their schedule this week.

I heard this 3rd or 4th hand so no idea if it's true or not.

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Mark Saroni
____________________________________________________________
COACHING | TRAINING PLANS
MS Kinesiology | USAT LII | USAC L3

Ironman (not local officials) cancelled Lubbock 3 days before the race. Public health data in Texas, as in many other states, has been lagging, and trends between community and hospitals have been difficult to interpret. Opening of schools and colleges (including Baylor University in Waco) ... combined with the Labor Day weekend and social distance fatigue, make accurate predictions impossible... public health leaders are nervous. Pulling the plug at the last minute appears incompetent and will involve unnecessary expense. Moving forward with one or two of the few Ironman NA events left in 2020 will involve some extra push-back from locals, who don’t want their Big 12 football season cancelled, and the benefit does not appear to justify the risk to an international corporation that has already been very negatively affected by the world-wide pandemic. I hope that the races goes off and you get to race. I’m struggling to maintain my own training while balancing optimism with reality.

That's right. Texas surpassed Florida confirmed case wise. I've noticed there's some serious spike after Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend. I bet same thing will happen after Labor Day. People I know are getting Covid left and right here in Texas, so I rather be safer than sorry. I've been training hard with no problem. You don't need a race to train. It's a life style. Consider it as doing a laundry or grocery shopping. It will be much easier.

Right.....the population of Texas is ~35% bigger than Florida.

We are now at 6 weeks out. Anyone have any kind of update?

Ironman just held three races in Europe this last weekend. So it seems like things get more likely. Also, Baylor is selling games at 20% capacity for McClane Stadium at the moment.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Texas is rapidly improving, while college towns like Waco are experiencing growing pains as students return. I stopped doing race specific training after peaking for a race cancelled in June. I’m training much more spontaneously now... staying pretty fit and flexible. No PR’s and no injuries in 2020! I won’t eat my entry if the race goes, but no expectations.

I spoke with someone from Outdoor events with the City of Waco this morning 9-9 and they are meeting with Ironman and city officials on Friday 9-11 to discuss the event and other safety protocols that Ironman will take. Was advised to check back early next week on a status. I can provide an update early part of next week once I hear. I really, if cancelled Ironman can provide a quick update before the city can.

Thank you and keep us posted. If it gets canceled, I have to cancel my hotel and plan other things in that weekend asap.

Anyone else refreshed this post a few dozen times hoping for news to magically appear?

Yeah, me neither.

Bump!! Haha

Was going to bump earlier today, but red3 said "early part of next week", so I was waiting one more day....

Bump - Any news red3?

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________________________________________________

God's in his heaven, alls right with the world -Nerv

To provide context. Having used the google machine.

Waco City Council Meetings are the first and third Tuesday of the month. Today is the second city council meeting of the month.

3PM Work Session
6PM Business Session (Allows public comments)

https://www.waco-texas.com/council-meetings.asp#gsc.tab=0

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Nothing yet. I have made a few attempts with no success or call back. If I hear anything I will of course update. I did also check the city council website and did a search for any "ironman" in the minutes or agendas and nothing from 2020. I am as antsy as everyone needing to make or change plans! Shame Ironman can't provide an update even when asked.

TriDot is having a Facebook webinar tonight at 8pm CT to go over the course for IM Texas. Feels like it could be a good sign. Does anyone know if/how they know the swim and run courses?

I saw that and I commented on their Facebook asking questions, like if they had the course, or would just be going over the existing 70.3 course. Crickets. Nobody answered.

In the city council meeting today Resolution's include in #1 an extension of the declaration of local disaster until October 31. The current declaration would make it difficult to have any sort of race I believe so extending that another month may be the exact thing IM needs to call it off. I think it limits groups to 10 or less and yes you could apply for an exception but I don't see a race with 1,000 + being allowed.

I wonder how they square this resolution with the crowds for Baylor home football games.

Has Baylor played any home games yet?

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

Looks like their first home game is this Saturday.

They also have a home game the day of IMTX vs Oklahoma State

Baylor is having a COVID issue that is going to be an ongoing problem. Baylor students account for over half of active cases in McLennan County.

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

Aren't they just a 3rd party? Seems like TriDot would be irrelevant for the go/no-go decision

They have no bearing on anything.

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

There haven't been any crowds for Baylor home football games........

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Pink? Maybe. Maybe not. You decide.

They plan on having limited attendance like 12,000 fans.

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

So normal levels? (In pink)

Ummm, why are you spreading inaccurate information about Baylor?

Baylor's active infections has dropped 82%.

https://twitter.com/.../1305978370551840776


6 thousand, but yeah, limited capacity.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

What did I say that was inaccurate?

Waco Tribune three days ago:
Baylor University appears to be emerging as a local hotspot for COVID-19, with its active cases constituting almost half of all McLennan County’s estimated active cases.

Baylor makes up 270 of McLennan County’s 551 estimated active cases, according to the latest dashboard figures, or 49% of all active cases.

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

FYI, they passed the resolution to extend the declaration of local disaster.

http://wacocitytx.iqm2.com/Citizens/SplitView.aspx?Mode=Video&MeetingID=3344&MinutesID=1925&Format=Minutes&MediaFileFormat=ismv


3:21:28 is when they bring up and vote the Consent Agenda items.

Does that also pretty much rule out Baylor having fans at the football games?

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

I wonder what that actually means. Because disaster and emergency declarations come with all sorts of caveats and purposes when it comes to deploying resources and granting mayors additional powers.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

https://www.mctx.org/...ter_declarations.php

Looks like a disaster declaration in and of itself won't be what would stop the race.

Yep... the last line says “request federal financial assistance.”

Point of order that Montgomery County (your link) is where The Woodlands is located. Not where Waco is located.

I’m sure the language of it all is similar but still not the same county.

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

You are correct on that one. Here a document from the Texas Association of Counties that lists the relevant section of the Texas Government Code (link). The Montgomery County document just lays it out in layman's terms a little better.

This isn't to say that the race doesn't get cancelled, but I don't see the the disaster declaration changes anything (on it's own).

TriDot is awesome. I did their Galveston training camp early this year and that's the closest Ironman experience I got in 2020. I'm glad at least I did that.
Anyway, I'm doing a relay and all three of us are still training hard. I hope this happens so we can have some fun finally.

Yeah, I want my racing in a 70.3 to be done before noon.

“Adapt an overcome” Some of the individuals on this thread come across as whinny children. A 12:00 pm start is not going to kill you. Adjust your nutrition plans accordingly and you will be okay. For those who need some assistance due to the late start, I will request IM place Gerber baby food at the aid stations.....

Why didn’t I think of that? Of course it’s not going to kill you. I didn’t suggest it would. I adapt and overcome all spring/summer in the Texas heat. However, there is only so much adaptation that can occur. At least for me, a late start and running in (potential) 90 degree heat would increase the time on the course substantially. That’s all. Not the end of the world. Life will go on. But again, not what you hope for in a late October 70.3 in Texas. That’s all. Carry on.

For me, finishing before noon has been ruled out by skill, not schedule:)

...aaaaand it's gone. Thanks for playing folks. No Waco 70.3 this year

IM just sent the email with 12 deferral options

Just got the email

Officially cancelled.

And I had just gotten the shipping notification this morning for the wetsuit I'll now no longer need.

At least they gave a lot of deferral options for next year. Works out in my favor since I moved from Texas to Georgia

You can use the wet suit for other races. It comes in handy.

Welp, focus now moves from this to my first full IM if IMTX happens. Now for some Black Friday accessorizing.

Curious if anyone got the deferral email from Active after the initial cancellation email? I feel like they've always come in quick succession, but I haven't gotten the second one yet. I've emailed Ironman and haven't heard from them.

I was in the full and got my email exactly 15 minutes after the first email.

Same

OK. Thanks!