Ironman Texas (Page 61)

You have to love that north wind!  Did two loops from 105/149 today for a total of 110 miles (55x2).  we were screaming down the south - although on tired legs did not seem quite as beneficial on the second loop!  Winds stay the same for Saturday - get out there and enjoy it - we don't get that north wind enough.

I'm going to be out there tomorrow morning and I'm really excited about the north winds. It's going to be much more fun that last weekend.

I thought the exact same thing. I'm not riding today (was in the car) but was thinking that the one spring I wanted to be warm and we are still getting 30's in mid april. Heat adaptation gonna need to be a crash course!

huh? not a thing, but I will be checking that rumor out for sure. That would suck.

just read the wave rumor on ST among other worthless rants and this is what Keith had to say if you missed it:

"For the poster that mentioned we'd be running on narrow paths. UNTRUE, except for the portion on Woodlands Parkway. We're going to use the path along that section, it's about 1/2 mile long. It's 8 feet wide. Woodlands Parkway is a high speed, busy road, and we just didn't want to put runners on that portion of the road, especially after dark. On Lake Woodlands, E. Panther Creek, etc we're running on the road, with a closed lane for you. You'll have a full lane PLUS shoulder on most of it.

We will be running on the waterway, too, but that's 15 feet wide, wider than a car lane. On the portion that we're running 2 ways on the waterway, that portion of the waterway is on the trolley path, which is wider than 2 lanes of a road. I designed the run course, and think its really nice, and unique. Finishing in Market Street and running through there on each loop is going to be fantastic.

As for the swim, Ironman has NOTHING to do with this camp this weekend. Swimming is never allowed in Lake Woodlands, except for CB&I Tri and IMTX. We receive special dispensation to have the swim on race day.

As for the wetsuit/non wetsuit issue: Utilizing USAT rules, we have to offer wetsuits up to 84 degrees, without eligibility for awards if water temp is above 76.1. We don't know what the water temp will be at this point. It may well be below 76, and wetsuits will be allowed for everyone. Or, it may be between 76 and 84, and then we'll have wetsuit optional checkin at swim start. Or, I suppose it may well be above 84, and no wetsuits will be allowed.

It's very difficult to say right now. I'm in the Woodlands right now, working on race logistics, and it's cool in the morning. It was 51 this am. Race day could be 75, or it could be 90. Only Mother Nature knows at this point, which is pretty much how it is at every race. Prepare for every situation, as it's completely out of our control. That's what we're doing

Off to drive the bike course.... "

No mention of the waves though...

I like the idea. Here's how I would do it. For safety reasons - especially considering this race has a very large proportion of first timers.

Wave 1: Those with IM experience with a finish time under 11:00 hrs

Wave 2: IM experience between 11 hours and 14 hours

Wave 3: IM finishers above 14 hours and all first timers

the rumor is

1. pros

2. those going after kona

3. everyone else, including wetsuit users

That could work too. I wonder how they determine who is actually "going after Kona"? Would they just take our word for it?Maybe anyone that was within a half hour from getting a Kona spot in the past??

There aren't that many previous Kona qualifiers in this one. I've got sources.

Usually there's a box you check on the entry form that asks if you will accept a slot. Otherwise they could just make an announcement. You figure about 3% get a slot and 15-20% think they have a shot. Putting the first timers and less aggressive racers a wave behind would be more pleasant for those fretting the swim. It would also reduce drafting issues as there would be about 500 people in the Kona wave (using 20%). I still like the mass start though.  looks much cooler.

There will be the same amount of Kona qualifiers as any other IM.  75 to be exact.

As TJ stated, you'll have to chose whether you're going to wear a wetsuit or not and this will determine whether or not you're eligible for awards and Kona slots.

I meant the number of previous Kona participants signed up to do the race. Not the number of spots available in the ironman races. 

I pulled the participant list and searched the results of my competition. There are only 6 previous Kona participants in my age group. At Florida last year there were 26.

And if anyone is crazy enough to wear a wetsuit on that day they should have their head examined.

When I went to check out the swim start I was surprised by the similarities with the bridge on Mill Ave. in Ironman Arizona, it is about the same size waterway than the Rio Salado and it has the same overview from the top. Check this video out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Edh4GlZRHg

It is absolutely feasible to stick 2,500 participants in there, I was in the middle of all that people you see in that video and it wasn't bad at all, at least after 200 yards...

X2!  and i agree there's plenty of room for it. 

edit.. just saw tj's comments above... agree on kentucky.  i never even considered it simply because of the start. 

and this whole issue, if true, of people relying on a freaking wetsuit is amazing, dumb and dangerous.  if you think you might need it to complete the swim then sign up for 2012 on friday stay on the bank on saturday.