Ironman 70.3 Austin : Official Thread

Patrick,

Vegas is a real tough go at a race like Austin.  Austin brings out an "A List" AG crowd and with 40 slots it's a extremely difficult to qualify unless you're top-5 AG material.  You and I are very close timewise from what I recall (in the 5:00 HIM/11:00 IM neighborhood).  You'll have to be around 4:30 in your M35-39 AG to snag a Vegas slot at Austin and that's on a real tough run course.  My AG (M40-44) isn't much easier.

The best bets to Vegas qualify for us "kind of fast" but not "podium fast" guys would be to hit the few races that have 100 slots - Boise, Kansas and Syracuse this year.

I did this race last year as my first (and only 70.3 so far).  There were many things I liked about it and some that I didn't.  I liked the swim course and T1.  The park at the lake was great for watching the other waves go off.  The bike was not my favorite.  The roads were rough in sections, and other sections were so narrow, there was no room for passing without riding out in busy traffic.  Of course the Texas drought didn't help the road conditions much.  The run was decent with good support, but although three laps are good for spectators, it can be tough mentally on the athletes.

Other logistical problems existed such as packet pick up was not well staffed leading to extreamly long lines, but that is easily avoided by arriving early. 

Having said that, I will probably do it again this year.

I truly am a "beginner triathlete"...started training for my first Sprint race December 15, 2011...my first race is this weekend.  My goal is to race a half ironman by end of season...Austin is the closest to me - late in the season.  Is this a good first HIM?  I've read terrible reports about the road conditions.  Would someone recommend a different venue that is within a days driving distance of NW Arkansas?

Many thanks,

Tammy

I really can't recommend the race because of how bad the road conditions are on the bike course.

Close races to you would be Redman in Oklahoma City or the Branson 70.3.  Both are in late-September.

I've been told it normally doesn't sell out.  Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

It doesn't sellout.

There are very few 70.3's that sellout - I think Oceanside, Vineman and maybe Timberman are the only 70.3 races that routinely sellout.

In my opinion... drive the extra 30 miles to Conroe, TX and do Oilman which is the week after Austin 70.3.

The Austin race kind of sucks for a variety of reasons.

Thank you...I am worried about being completely ready by late September...My friends have done Redman several times...I've also been recommended to give Oilman a try in Conroe...its the first week of November and that makes me feel a bit more comfortable.

I appreciate the feedback here...my race went great this weekend - happy with my time except for my swim...but made up for it on the bike and run. 

Happy training...

Trying to decide if I will race Austin again.  Will be in Austin that week but an A race Oly the weekend before puts a damper on things.

Paid my money yesterday!

Time to get my a$$ in gear!

Seriously, we are burried at the bottom of page 2.  Let's get some chatter going!

How is everyone's training going?

I am doing great and hitting all my workouts.  Something clicked with my swim and I am faster than I have been in years.  Long run of 8 this weekend so the mileage is adding up.  Up to 40 on the bike.

Where have I been?? I just found this group and I am happy to report that DH and I will be in Austin for our first 70.3. Tomorrow is our first Oly in Gulf Shores, so we'll see how prepared we are so far!! This is the first season for both of us, so I might have some questions for some of you veterans if you don't mind!!

Sarah