Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome (Page 2)

2008-10-08 4:18 PM

in reply to: #1728286

Alpharetta, Georgia

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

KEJ - 2008-10-08 3:56 PM

It was certainly NOT 500 meters off. It may have been 250. It was carefully measured on Saturday, and it was SPOT ON. However, there were 30 mph wind gusts race morning, and some of the buoys shifted just prior to the swim start. I know this because we checked the distance on the swim course with the Park Police at 7:15 AM. It also ruined about 8 tents onsite, by just destroying them.

I wish it didn't happen, as we're meticulous with this stuff. Sometimes, though, Mother Nature gets in the way of the best laid plans. It DOES happen, especially when there are 8 ft tall buoys that can really catch the wind. Each buoy had 2 anchors on it. It takes a pretty strong wind to move them.

As for it not being what your friend signed up for....well, if you're from Kansas and you participated in IM 70.3 Kansas, was the severe thunderstorm what you signed up for???????

How 'bout the flooding rains at IMUSA Lake Placid? Maybe the other races that were cancelled due to inclement weather?

There are certain things that humans can't control. BTW, the bike and run were spot on, as they aren't things affected by huge wind gusts, heavy rains, or other assorted challenges from Mother Nature.

Sorry, just get tired of people always assuming EVERYTHING can be within our control. YES, we KNOW how to measure a swim course....We've done it a few times.....

Thanks for clearing that up.
So it was measured at 7:15 a.m. and may have been 250 meters off? If it was measured, what was the exact distance? I'm honestly curious, as I'm thinking I need to take swim lessons from my friend who knocked 14 minutes off her swim time in 2 weeks. I guess I don't understand why the course couldn't be adjusted at that time. Also in my mind, if the course was known to be off by that much, it should be reflected in the results.

I did do Ironman Kansas and don't agree with the decision to stop the race in the way it was done. They made people (like me) stop with less than 2 miles to go on the run, yet let those who had just started the 2nd loop stay on the course for over an hour after that. If it was truly that dangerous, they should have pulled everyone off the course wherever they were at. But you're right, it was beyond my control. I think something like setting a swim course IS within control, especially when it's being measured just right before race start. Was there a reason it couldn't be re-set, especially with the race start being delayed? Just curous as obviously I don't know how these things work.

I also disagree with the fact that if you look up IMKS results, it shows that I finished 13.1 miles of the run, when I did not. For those that had 6+ miles left on the run, it shows them running something like 3-minute miles - with actual 'finishing' times, no explanations. Just mis-leading/incorrect information - as is the 1.2 mile swim distance is - that's all.

2008-10-08 4:33 PM

in reply to: #1728386

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

actually, it was measured again at 7:15 and was CORRECT. At that point, all lifeguards are put into place. It wasn't re-measured at that point, as it was CORRECT a few minutes before that.

If, when we checked everything at 7:15, it was off we would have FIXED IT, and not just left it as is. That's not how we work.

None of us even knew it was off until after the race. The lifeguards and water safety, understandably, are busy actually trying to help people during the swim, not checking the measurements of the swim course.

KSH

2008-10-08 4:44 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Champion

10471

Dallas, TX

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

Keith, you did the best you could. You made a concerted and honest effort. Something got messed up. Oh well. It happens.

SOME people need to stop being such TYPE A personalities and give it a freaking rest already.

2008-10-08 4:46 PM

in reply to: #1728523

Alpharetta, Georgia

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

KSH - 2008-10-08 4:44 PM

Keith, you did the best you could. You made a concerted and honest effort. Something got messed up. Oh well. It happens.

SOME people need to stop being such TYPE A personalities and give it a freaking rest already.

Obviously this is directed at me.
I don't see anything wrong with asking questions as someone who is seriously considering doing this race next year.

Sorry to be such a bother.

Edit: I take that back. I'm not sorry. I asked questions and got answers. That's what a forum is for.

Edited by lisac957 2008-10-08 4:47 PM

2008-10-08 4:55 PM

in reply to: #1728528

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

No need to be sorry at all. Happy to answer any questions

As you can probably tell, I take this stuff incredibly seriously, and want a perfect event. That's what we work so hard to achieve.

It wasn't perfect, and I have to live with it for a whole year. Was it great? YUP, the race was great, IMO. Will it be better next year. You can count on it.....I'd also go on record that you won't find a better race out there. Some may disagree, but I wholeheartedly believe this.

I'd love to have the race next week again, to redeem myself for the bus/parking situation and the swim course. That won't happen, but it's the way we operate...

We've already had post-race meetings, and discussed the improvements....

mkmbharris

2008-10-08 5:54 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Extreme Veteran

527

Round Rock, Texas

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

Come on people! I thought taper was bad. Post 70.3 is out of control!

The real reason the course was short was that Marky V swam out ahead of everyone and cut the corners so close that the buoys moved.

Some courses are long, some courses are short. Over time, it all evens out. Take it when you can get it.

On the other hand, I agree that this is a forum and it's fair to ask the question. After all, this is BEGINNER TRIATHLETE. That's how we all learn and get better.

2008-10-08 6:31 PM

in reply to: #1728693

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

I agree, ALL questions are GOOD. That's what everyone is here for!

Jake1008

2008-10-08 6:56 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Veteran

151

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

By the way, in addition to the outstanding race environment, I really liked the announcer guy. He was really great at his job.

I really liked the pro field, neat to be that close and watch legends race. Loved the themed aid stations, especially around quadzilla! I liked the swim exit, lined with spectators all the way up. I liked the vast amounts of product at aid stations (coke, gateraide, water, towels, sponges, gels, endurolytes, etc. I liked the live music! It got me fired up! I like the Mavic race support (they were even helpful tuning bikes etc before bike check in). I liked the numbered, assigned, transition spots, water fill stations, sunscreen stations etc in transition. I liked the HUGE amount volunteers on the bike, at every turn etc.

It is obvious the huge amount of attentiont to detail that took place in the planning of this race. Great job Keith, no redeaming needed!

2008-10-08 7:13 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Alpharetta, Georgia

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

I will add to the above post (even though I didn't race):

I like that the bib numbers had names on them
I like the King and Queen of the hill competition - a fun way to tackle a killer hill
I like that teams/clubs/groups had the opportunity to stake out tent space on the run course - it provided a GREAT place for spectators like us to gather/cheer, plus it sounded like the athletes really appreciated the support on the run course.
I like that the race is making an effort to go "green" and encouraged use/re-use of the finisher's water bottle
I like that there was actual, good, food for finishers (BURRITOS!!!)
I like that the announcer called out finishers names
I like that the transition volunteers actually 1)checked athlete wristbands both at bike check-in and the day-of, and 2)checked that bike numbers corresponded with racer numbers upon exit
I like that despite running into bussing issues, the RD's adapted and adjusted by moving the start time so all athletes had time to set up.
I like that finishers could go to a computer bank to immediately check their time/splits, and get a print-out. NICE touch!

So many good things - hope you keep them ALL!

Edited by lisac957 2008-10-08 7:17 PM

2008-10-08 7:29 PM

in reply to: #1728871

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

we'll keep 'em all, and add some stuff. Already have some ideas

Fitzy

2008-10-09 12:08 PM

in reply to: #1728871

Elite

3221

the desert

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

lisac957 - 2008-10-08 5:13 PM I will add to the above post (even though I didn't race): I like that the bib numbers had names on them I like the King and Queen of the hill competition - a fun way to tackle a killer hill I like that teams/clubs/groups had the opportunity to stake out tent space on the run course - it provided a GREAT place for spectators like us to gather/cheer, plus it sounded like the athletes really appreciated the support on the run course. I like that the race is making an effort to go "green" and encouraged use/re-use of the finisher's water bottle I like that there was actual, good, food for finishers (BURRITOS!!!) I like that the announcer called out finishers names I like that the transition volunteers actually 1)checked athlete wristbands both at bike check-in and the day-of, and 2)checked that bike numbers corresponded with racer numbers upon exit I like that despite running into bussing issues, the RD's adapted and adjusted by moving the start time so all athletes had time to set up. I like that finishers could go to a computer bank to immediately check their time/splits, and get a print-out. NICE touch! So many good things - hope you keep them ALL!

.. and I'll add that I love the fact that you had the live Longhorns there to get you photo with. I know that some didn't know where they were, but it was a great touch.

dgillen

2008-10-09 2:37 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Expert

739

Flower Mound, TX

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

One more...

I loved the ample transistion space. There was plenty of room between each of the assigned racking spots.

Just one more example of how Keith strives for a perfect race.

Also, as an aquabiker, I really liked hanging out in the different tailgaiting areas after I finished and cheering on all the runners. Every race of a decent size should have this type of tailgaiting area.

2008-10-09 3:42 PM

in reply to: #1731224

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

I loved the tailgate area....We're going to add it for Lone Star as well, as we have plenty of space!

jldicarlo

2008-10-09 4:50 PM

in reply to: #1731444

Champion

8766

Evergreen, Colorado

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

KEJ - 2008-10-09 2:42 PM I loved the tailgate area....We're going to add it for Lone Star as well, as we have plenty of space!

Add some porta potties to the tailgate area!

zia_cyclist

2008-10-10 9:03 AM

in reply to: #1731610

Master

2381

Dallas, Texas

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

jldicarlo - 2008-10-09 4:50 PM

KEJ - 2008-10-09 2:42 PM I loved the tailgate area....We're going to add it for Lone Star as well, as we have plenty of space!

Add some porta potties to the tailgate area!

There were trees.

zia_cyclist

2008-10-10 9:08 AM

in reply to: #1719624

Master

2381

Dallas, Texas

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

I just add to the corus of accolades...this was the best HIM event I've done (I've raced several). It even beats BSLT as an 'event' (I still prefer BSLT's course, but that's just personal preference). As I said in another thread, you can tell the quality of the event by how long people stay around after they finish. People, spectators and athletes, stuck around for a long time. It was great.

The swim was exactly 1.03 miles. A friend wore his gamin during the swim. There. That settles it.

VinemanCalifornia

2008-10-12 12:39 AM

in reply to: #1719624

Veteran

231

Huntington Beach

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

For some reason this race gets so much hype on BT. I was expecting a completely epic race after the race reports and comments from BT.
Turned out to be a good race. No complaints besides the AM parking.
Swim was short but marked very well to keep you on course.
Bike was scenic. Roads in below average condition but not too bad. Wind was blowing at 5AM that morn and only got stronger so I am not sure why people are saying it wasn't windy. You can look at weather reports to see how windy it was or you could just remember what it was like on the course.
Run course was deffinatly the highlight. Super awesome run course!!! This is where it was obvious that Austin hosts the best triathlon volunteers in the states. The 'energy lab' was rad. The offroad portion of the course was even more rad. When I heard about quadzilla I expected a flat course with one big hill. The course was all hills and quadzilla was just the biggest.
The let down was post race. I want a finishers tshirt or hat. Medals are lame. Was instantly bummed when I saw that crossing the line. And I want more junk food for post race. The unhealthiest food I found was a chicked burrito. Also, was at athlete check-in early afternoon on Saturday and tons of race gear was sold out already. How about sell more race gear and use that money for a finishers t-shirt.
With this all being said, I would recommend the race to everyone I meet and will be back in the future. I think it is 100% rad that the RD is so active with the participants and because of that his events will keep getting better and better.

2008-10-12 7:02 AM

in reply to: #1736507

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

Everyone has their opinions, and I completely respect that

I'd say nothing will be epic to everyone. In fact, some of the surveys have come back and people didn't like the race. We've identified the problems, and will fix them, but even then there will be a few people who just don't like the race. That's ok...

I'm curious, when people rate post-race stuff, what would make post-race great????
We have a band, beer, great food (IMO), team tailgating, massage,misting tents, covered bleachers, a covered seating area, SNOW, photos with a live longhorn, a Results center where you can print out your results. Then, Sunday night was the party at the Hills, with a live band as well.

I'm always curious what people consider would make a better post-race. I'm not sure what else I could do, and would love feedback on it.

As for the finishers hat/shirt....You can either get your hat at athlete checkin, or get it at the finish line. We give them to you at packet pickup, so you don't have another thing to carry around with you post-race, since you're probably already wearing a hat during the race. As for finishers shirts, I suppose we could wait to give you your shirt until after the race, if that's what people really would prefer.

Would love opinions on what you all would prefer. I've always thought you didn't want to carry a ton of stuff around after the race....

As for race gear, it was WAY more popular than they expected. It's my Aunt that does all of that, and she does all of our races. She expected it to be somewhat like Timberman in terms of demand. She was wrong. She was much busier than Timberman, which was a shock, and didn't have enough merchandise. I'm sure that won't happen again. Some things just aren't known until you do it once.

As for the wind, it was VERY windy. It had been calm the entire week, until Sat. Saturday and Sunday were pretty windy.

As for the post-race busing/parking. Was out there most of yesterday, coming up with a plan for additional close parking, shuttle services for bikes, etc. It's a big deal to me.....

2008-10-12 11:11 AM

in reply to: #1736507

Alpharetta, Georgia

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

VinemanCalifornia - 2008-10-12 12:39 AM

I want a finishers tshirt or hat.

Didn't you get both in your packet?

Doughboy

2008-10-12 3:38 PM

in reply to: #1736737

Master

1831

Keller Tx

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

lisac957 - 2008-10-12 11:11 AM

VinemanCalifornia - 2008-10-12 12:39 AM I want a finishers tshirt or hat.

Didn't you get both in your packet?

We got a shirt and a hat in our packet, but not a finisher shirt or finisher hat. They were event apparel.

tri-dg

2008-10-12 4:35 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Expert

708

work, road, bike, pool

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

i would vote for a short sleeve shirt vs long sleeve..... and the long sleeve is too short for my arms too....

2008-10-12 4:38 PM

in reply to: #1736987

Regular

1025

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

would you all rather have a FINISHER hat and shirt than just getting them at packet pickup???

irondreams

2008-10-12 4:47 PM

in reply to: #1719624

Extreme Veteran

580

Subject: RE: Longhorn Ironman 70.3 was awesome

Many races do a separate finisher shirt and I would love that!

I hate picking a shirt size when I register because I never pick the right size. I picked a medium this time and it is huge - oh well.

Great race - truly the best experience I could have hoped for for my first HIM. All that is left to be said from me is a big THANK YOU!!