2014 70.3 Austin Official Sign In Thread

Brenda Ross

Welcome to the IM 70.3 Austin Sign In Thread!

Please use this thread to introduce yourself to your fellow teammates, telling us a little bit about you, your goals for the race, etc!

AnthonyS

Hello, I'm Anthony from Dallas. I did this race in 2012 in an awfully slow time. I plan to attack this course again this year and get some of my time back! If you have venue / course questions, I have a pretty good memory. For example there is one good downhill on the bike course. It is followed by yes, the sharpest most dangerous corner on the course. When you hear slow down, slow down, and see people waving, DO IT!

Scott Alexander

Contemplating Austin, but will have to see what my post-Vineman travel and coaching schedule looks like.

calebgroom

I will probably volunteer again this year. If you're competing *please* carry your bike anytime that you're in T1. Don't start out your bike with a tire change!

Anu Rao

I am doing this race as well. Did it in 2012 and hoping for a faster time, but suffering from some mojo issues
where the swim is concerned.

One big thing on the bike around mile five you will turn up a corner and come upon a hill, be sure you are in an easy gear and be very careful some guy who couldn't pedal nearly took me out. And yes to Anthony's comment about the sharp turn on the downhill, slow waay down.

jaleslie

I'm in this year again.  This was my first HIM two years ago, and made some major improvements last year (including not crashing last year!).  Hoping to PR this course this time.  This bike course is not great, but it's too close to home to pass up.  Weather is a total crapshoot.  

jaleslie

I'm in this year again.  This was my first HIM two years ago, and made some major improvements last year (including not crashing last year!).  Hoping to PR this course this time.  This bike course is not great, but it's too close to home to pass up.  Weather is a total crapshoot.  

Douglas Sutherland

Im in this year, my second HIM. Looking to finish under 6hr, enjoy Texas 'que, blues and Shiner, and catch up with pops down in Dallas. First dance on my way to CDA '15.

David Leventhal

Just signed up for Austin last night! I'd originally planned only to do two big races this year - Oceanside 70.3 (back in March) & IMCDA (back in June). Since I finished IMCDA I've been itching to try and squeeze one more big race in. Talking with my bride about it and she was totally supportive - especially since we can just drive down from Dallas.

I did this race last year and had a blast. Since then I've gotten stronger in my swim & bike though my run has suffered due to some nagging issues with my glutes/hammies.

jwingad

Hi there, I'm heading to Austin after transferring an IM registration due to injury. I've never done Austin but spent some quality time there in college playing soccer! I just bought a pair of Hoka's hoping that they will help alleviate my foot injury so that I can improve on my 2013 Miami 70.3 time. See you guys there!

Douglas Sutherland

Is there a wetsuit strategy for this race? My understanding is that they will probably be permitted, but would not be available for AG awards if a wetsuit is used. I have no chance of an award, so assume I should don the wetsuit??

David Leventhal

Doug,

It all depends on the water temp.  Last year the water temp was below 76.1 degrees and therefore, it was wetsuit legal & all were eligible for AG awards.It Decker Lake is between 76.2 - 83.8 and you wear a wet suit you won't be eligible for AG.  I'm anticipating the water this year to be below the 76.1 temp. 

This is from last year's athlete guide.

"Wetsuits may be worn in water temperatures up to and including 24.5 degrees C/76.1 degrees F. Athletes who choose to wear a wetsuit in water temperatures between 24.5 degrees C/76.2 degrees F and 28.8 degrees C/ 83.8 degrees F will not be eligible for Age Group awards, including IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship slots or Rolldown slots "

I'm about 8-10% faster in my wetsuit. Like you I'm not in a position for an AG award...but if it were above 76.1 I'd probably not wear the suit just so I'd know how far off i was from an AG award.  It all comes down to preference.

jaleslie

Doug...I have done Austin HIM the past two years.  It was wetsuit legal both years.  I have been told that it usually is WS legal, but the water temps are usually in the upper 70's a week or two in advance, so folks are always worried about it (not that it's a huge deal for a HIM distance).  

FYI...(your in WA right?)....the weather in late October in South Texas is a COMPLETE crapshoot.  It can be smoldering hot or surprisingly cold....two years ago, it was 42 degrees when the swim started.  My pre-swim pictures (while waiting over an hour for my AG start) include me in my wetsuit (best way to keep warm) with a hoodie, with bright red (cold) Rudolf-nose.  The water temp was 72....felt like a hot tub when stepped in...and then warmed up more as everyone peed!  I was so cold changing into wetsuit, etc., and freaking out about how cold the swim was gonna be...forgetting that the water temp was 30degrees higher than air!  Bike was chilly, but the sun was out and with arms covered, it was a nice bike.  Run was perfect in the 60's with full sun.  

Last year, it was raining at start, in upper 50's, but warmer overall than the year prior.  Rain stopped.  Bike started in 60's and it warmed up and it was comfy all day (a little hot on the run, but not bad)....in tri top only.   

Be prepared for anything, but the water is usually WS legal.  As mentioned by David, you can still wear a WS even if it's not "legal" unless water is above 84 or so (which it will NOT be).  You just can't podium or KQ if you wear one in that situation.  Since it's an AG staggered start, not sure how they'd do it if it were ever not WS legal.  I suspect they'll find the deepest coldest spot to measure that temp if it's close.     

GMAN 19030

I "think" Austin has always been wetsuit legal. I pay close attention to the comings and goings of that race and I don't recall it ever not being wetsuit legal, including the hell year of 2011 which was the hottest year on record in Texas, most days over 100 degrees, 500 year drought, wildfires, etc., and the hottest Austin 70.3. It was 90 on race day and the water temp was still only 74. Like Jeff said, the next year it was like 50 degrees.

Anu Rao

I am out for Austin, I have not trained the way I need to. Sad about it, but it hapens.

AnthonyS

I'm out. I had season ending knee surgery last 10 days ago. Come to think of it I never really had a season thanks to the knee which I hurt in March. Next year will be better!

jimmy augustine

I'm in. Dropped in a few weeks ago. Too close to home to skip. I am training for IM Coz on Nov 30 so I have no idea what will happen but I have been away from this race for 2 yrs and will miss it next year for IMFL so I am curious to see what I can do.
I Look forward to meeting everyone.

RDS2015

I'm in. Looking forward to Austin with my big brother Doug. This is my first HIM and a bit concerned about the run. I feel good about the swim and bike but my run is just not as strong as I would like. Should be fun.

jaleslie

I hate to say it, but I am out.  Due to 5 kids (two in high school, one middle school), two playing club soccer, two playing football (HS and MS), one running HS cross country and one Irish Dancer (4-6day/week practices) and my stupid job (which apparently I have to continue) I just have not been able to train at all.  I also think I just need a break?  Lost some motivation?  

So, I'm going to do a local HM with my oldest son who runs cross country.  Best of luck to all of you.  Hope they fix some of the roads for you!

JL