Ironman Austin 70.3

If I were you I would look up race reports from the past few years. 

I did the race in 2010.

- Nice Swim
- Moderately hilly bike, although very rough IMO
- Off-road, semi-hilly run, Hillier than I was expecting
- Indoor finish 

Lots of varying opinions on the condition of the bike course.  Due to the severe drought in Texas the roads aren't in great condition, lots of cracks.  I think I may be the only person who thought they weren't that bad, but I was on a steel road bike. I've since bought a tri bike and can see where this would be more annoying while in the aero position.

In 2011 the swim was wetsuit legal (about 73 deg), and the run course was changed at the last minute, also due to the drought, to a 3 loop course all on pavement.   Bike is one loop in the country, not very hilly.

I personally had alot of fun at this race and would do it again.  That's my n=1.

Make that n=2.

I had a blast. The ride was a bit hilly for this South Florida girl, but relatively not hilly for most people

The run was hot, but well-supported. It was crowded due to the last minute change, but I like crowded run courses. Lots of people to run with, and it wasn't so crowded that you couldn't navigate your way past people.

I'd say the headwind coming back on the ride was atypical. We have some wind in Texas but on race day it is was blowing. It's not uncommon to have wind here but wouldn't say Austin is a windy place.

As others said the run course was changed to a 3 loop run due to drought and the normally longer off road part was cracked and dangerous. This year's run was hot, hilly and boring.

The bike course in my opinion only has one hill and it's within the first 5 miles after a 90 degree corner, need to downshift before making the corner, just a tip. The rest of the "hills" are rollers, they are small bumps, do they require energy and effort, yes...nothing to get worked up over. The pavement is typical Texas road pavement, it's chipseal, it's rough. The cracks in the road were from the drought. We are expected to have another hot and dry summer again this year. I'd expect the same exact conditions.

The swim is really straight forward, three sides of a rectangle. Two lefts and you're done.

I hated the two different transition zones and the bus ride to the start. It just seems to add to the morning anxiety for me. The process is flawless but personally I don't like it.

I'll probably do the race again this year. As I did the race in '11 with the stomach flu and finished in 7 hours :-(

I thought the run into the arena was cool.

The event also had good things to do for my two small kids who waited for me...so it's very family friendly.

If you didn't to do the event look me up when you get here. See you in OCT!

The only overwhelmingly negative thing about this race, IMO, is the road conditions. I suppose if you live in the area, or on similar roads, you won't notice. But they're bad by most standards, bad enough where people won't come back. I would even venture to say they are dangerous at many points, because the cracks/gaps in the road are so severe it pushes all of the athletes away from the right-hand side, causing unintentional/necessary blocking and frustration that stems from that. 

They do a lot of things right, with pre-race busses, drop bags, clean transitions, arena finish, awesome post-race, and good communication.  

Great feedback.  Thanks everyone, its exactly what I was looking for.

I loved this race. LOVED.  The roads are bad, but I've experienced bad roads everywhere.  There is very little traffic on the roads, which helps.

I loved the run, even though it was hilly, the spectators and water stops were just so much fun. They were all in halloween costumes with lots of energy. 

The swim was very nice, the race is very well organized.

I think its a must do of the 70.3 series.