Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas : Official Thread (Page 7)

I've been wavering on hotels since I am not really familiar to the race venue.  It just seems like the woodlands is such a wide area. I want something near the start or finish area that is also convenient for my wife to get around to see me during the run.  As she will be with our 2 year old it will be a big help if it is near where she can take her for a nap/break time as we will be racing for such a long time.

When I did Ironman Louisville we stayed 1 block away from the finish as it was downtown.  Very convenient.

I know it's getting a little late to be picky but I am willing to pay for the convenience.

Any help is appreciated

I went ahead and booked with a Marriott hotel 13 miles away but near the interstate.  Got a great rate of $79 per night!!!

Near the airport?

This might help many out there who are doing the IMTX for the 1st time... including my self...

IRONMAN TEXAS 2012 BIKE COURSE REVIEW... 

http://www.xtri.com/features/detail/284-itemId.511713996.html

Just be careful in that area.  Greenspoint Mall is right next door to your hotel.  Us locals call it Gunspoint Mall.  The area looks "okay" but there are some rough and shady areas nearby.

I wouldn't do any hanging out around there.  Head north towards Spring for restaurants and all that.

Hello everyone.  IM Texas will be my first.  Last year I only did a few sprints and 1 olympic.  a 1/2IM just did not work out due to schedule.  Doing a full has me worried. My training is being hampered by a very busy schedule at work but, I keep on chugging.  Today I did 4hrs on the bike at the gym which is tough.  I am in CT so riding outside has been touch and go due to weather.  Anyway, I think if I keep plugging alone, I hope to make it under the 17 hrs and without drama - meaning, I want to finish running, not dragging myself across the line.  

One thing that has me a bit worried is, how the special needs bags work.  Do I just pack them and hand them to the race organizers?  On the bike, I do dismount to look for it of do volunteers hand to you as you bike the area?  What about water bottles?  I assume I chuck mine and replace with what is available at the course?

Thanks

Since you're local, how is Shenandoah for an area to stay?  Is it convenient to the race? I have a room booked in a hotel off I 45.  Thanks for the help.

you have to stop and dismount to access your special needs.  the volunteers will grab it and hand it to you, but too dangerous to be accessing big bags of stuff while in motion.  yes, you pack them and check them in as part of the pre-race routine.  

on the water, yes, just chuck yours.  you can certainly stop if you want to fill the bottles you have but most people chuck theirs, or use the quick fill

Here's one too.  http://www.sonicendurance.com/IMTX_Review

LOL.  Too true.

ouch, damper!!!

I read the reviews and they seemed to be pretty good although I did read one that did mention the area not being of the best quality. 

Should I really look into booking elsewhere??  can you recommend any??

Thanks for the heads up

get a back up hotel, but keep checking the places closer.  lots of people reserve two or three rooms for family members that are meant to be coming and book extra just in case.  a week out, people start cancelling.

Rode 65 in Pearland/Manvel/Alvin yesterday and 50 were into a solid 15-20 mph wind. It was tough work

Thanks to the two of you for posting these links with the course descriptions!  It's always nice to have some second hand knowledge about the course if first hand knowledge isn't possible prior to race day.

I agree with you Tom.  I picked IMTX because I expected my FL training to be similar to Houston conditions.  I'm dying for the heat and humidity to kick in so I can get my nutrition on track. 50's and 60's are brutally cold for us Florida folks!!!  At least we're getting our fair share of wind to prepare.  I HATE wind so somewhat appreciate how windy it's been so I can get over it.  I hear there is a chance of snow flurries in JAX this weekend...

anyone stayed at the best western plus in the woodlands? It's fairly close so thought it would fit the bill, just curious on the hotel.

THanks!

Agreed. I'd like it to start warming up so I can work on hydration, heat maintenance and actual nutrition.  The Sunday ride was freaking brutal because of the extremely strong winds.  But I sucked it up, tried not to expend too much energy and reasoned that the winds were helping me train.