Ironman Texas 2015 (Page 2)

Yep.  

When I called they said all the rooms with 2 beds were taken.  I may book the Woodlands Resort.

Hope to see you in Austin

IMO they'd serve distinctly different purposes.  You can practice nutrition & pacing in a race environment at the Tall Texan or you can get a preview of the IMTX course and get info from coaches at the Outrival Camp.

FWIW we, Sonic Endurance, will probably be running a camp too that is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of April 10th.

I'm really close to pulling the trigger on this race.  I've got spousal approval and the swim is the only thing making me hesitant.  I've done Vineman full twice so not too concerned about the heat.  I was hoping WTC would implement a time trial or wave start but doesn't look like that is going to happen.  I've done a lot of research on the race and it all appeals to me greatly other than the swim.  I'm a 1:15ish swimmer and would wear either a wetsuit or wetsuit pants.  Any way to get through this without the battle in the water?

The huge difference between IMTX and other hot races is the other hot races are in the middle or the end of summer.  IMTX is in the spring.  2.5 months earlier than Vineman.  You won't have the luxury of being able to train in warm weather.  Napa Valley also isn't as humid as Houston.

You basically live in Canada.  All your training leading up to IMTX would be in temps between 50-60 degrees.  The high temps for IMTX have been 91, 89, 91, and 84.  That's just the temps.  Add the humidity and the heat index in 2011 was in the upper-90's.  Heat index in 2013 actually hit triple digits.  Last year was considered the cold year... which was still the mid-80's.  I'd be concerned about the heat.  IMO, people choosing IMTX coming from cooler climates are not choosing their races wisely.  There's a reason I will never do IM Tahoe.  I can't train for that altitude and I can't train for 35-50 degree temps when it's still 95 degrees in Houston in September.  IM Tahoe would be a poor choice for me.  If I lived somewhere with temps of 50 degrees during April and May I'm not choosing a race with the potential for 100 degree weather.  That stated, many folks come down to IMTX from the northern locales each year.  Most suffer, some do well.

Last year's wetsuit swim was quite the anomaly.  I would never count on that happening again (until the race moves to April starting in 2017 and then I expect it to be wetsuit legal every year). 

Ideal? No.  But "people choosing IMTX coming from cooler climates are not choosing their races wisely" is a bit of a stretch IMO.

My comment about not being too concerned about the heat probably wasn't the best choice of words.  I am certainly concerned about the heat just not in the context of my criteria for selecting the race.  I've particpated in many races over the last 35 years in hot, humid conditions.

Also, and not to be snippy, all of my training will not be in temps between 50-60 degrees.  I do most of my riding year round on my trainer where I am able to control any environment I want and I do like it hot.  Running is a little tougher as I hate running on a treadmill but in the heat of the afternoon everyone suffers.  What I think is equally important (if not more so) to acclimation is to have a good handle on your hydration/nutrition needs in the heat as well as adjusting your expectations/pacing to match the conditions.  I have no problem dialing it back if I need to as the podium is not my goal. Just to do the best I can with what I bring to the show is.

And actually, one of things that has drawn me to this race is going to Texas.  I've never been there but know and have have met many people from there and I've never met a Texan I did not like.

I'd actually agree with Bob.  Trainer or not it's hard to simulate the humidity and the heat, which was enough to blister some athletes' feet in 2013, while in you basement up north.  

As it pertains to affable Texans:  1.  Thanks.   2.  Bob isn't a Texan, he's a Yank.

Scott, I hear and understand what you and Bob are saying.  I am hoping to make a final decision soon.  I have wanted to do a WTC IM for quite a while but since I don't race on Sundays my choices are very limited.

I think the only Saturday IM's races are Texas and Florida.

I haven't lived in NY for over 21 years.  So nearly half my life has been spent in NC or TX.  Can I be half-southern?