Question for IM Texas Alums

Robert Sabo

I am considering IM Texas for a run at a KQ in 2019 when I age up to 55.  Do you think there is any benefit to doing the 2018 race for the experience of learning the course?  As a 9x IMLP finisher, I know that course so well that the knowledge at IMLP is worth at least 10 minutes.  I just wondered if there was anything specific about the Texas course which was beneficial to learn ahead of race day. 

Also, I'd rather a wetsuit legal swim; Do you think this should deter me from racing Texas?

Thanks 

Rob

Shaughn Simmons

I do recommend a trial run given the differences between IMLP and IMTX, both of which I have completed.

Key differences:

Learning to race in humidity resulting in what can be a high heat index with dew points at 70+.  Requires increased sodium intake vs. a course/condition like IMLP.  Requires more liquid calories vs. solids so that you digest those calories in warmer temps.  That takes some practice to effectively dial in.  

Learning to hold steady power on a flat course for 5+ hours.  Just like learning to effectively race a technical course is a unique talent, learning to hold power on a flat course for many hours is equally difficult.  The trainer and onsite course experience is your friend here.  I have raced IMWI, IMLP, IMMT and IMTX.  The first 3 are a very different animal in terms of biking skills vs. the last one.  The KQ qualifiers will master this point.

Learning to run on RPE with HR as a secondary reference in heat.  Good practice for KONA.

Other EN KQ qualifiers have also raced this course and provided documented race reports of their performance in the wiki.  Take a look through those as you have time.  Tim Cronk, Rob Sarner and others....

If you plan your KQ run in 2019, I will most likely be there to race and celebrate your accomplishment.  Reach out if I can be helpful along the way.

SS

Trish Marshall

I'd ping @Coach Patrick as he has raced and KQ'd here, plus he ran the camps here too!  Not to mention is he very well versed in LP and can contrast and compare.

Joseph Lombardi

I love the IMTX course....I'm going back in '18...I think the course knowledge is invaluable.

Jenn Edwards

I've raced there, KQ'd there on the first shot. 

Disclaimer: it was the year that every leg was rerouted: bike a couple of weeks out, swim the day before and run the day of. 

All that being said, I also raced IMC Penticton and Whistler each several times plus camps and truly feel that knowledge of the course is worth at a minimum 10-15' on the day.  Things like a late 20 mile climb on the bike in Whistler and mass start swim line up logistics in Penticton and (now I know) what running a three loop marathon feels like in Texas. 

Imaging your recon race: You may find that staying 100% aero on a flat course is harder than you'd anticipate and be able to work on that for a year.  Perhaps your swim isn't as weak as you perceive without a wetsuit and you'd be able to not fret over that.  These are things you just won't know for yourself without actually giving it a shot.  

Finally, the mental mojo that comes from knowing where to stay, how to get around, etc. is massive.  If you have the resources, I'd almost always suggest a recon run.  Worst case, you get more experience under your belt and best case you may surprise yourself!  

Mike Roberts

@Robert Sabo - my two pennies: do it if you're looking for an early-season race that fits your training and life schedule. Will it teach you valuable course-specific lessons that will save you critical time in '19?  Probably not. You're a vet. Swim is in a lake, just like any other lake. Sighting is easy. The canal is a little unique, but it's still just dirty lake water. Bike is pancake flat on highway. You can find that on a trainer. And the run has a few too many admin turns, but it too is staight and flat. Hot, but not something you can't replicate elsewhere. If course experience --> comfort --> confidence, go for it. But if you'd rather spend your vaca $ and time elsewhere, you won't miss much. That said, if you do TX next year, I wouldn't be surprised if you accidentally KQ at a "recon" race just because you'll be more relaxed with low expectations/pressure. I'm entering your AG next year and certainly want nothing to do with you until '19.

Francis Picard

I am also thinking doing that race in 18 or 19.

The reason is that its a pancake flat bike course and I wanna see how I can do on this, the bad side is that all bike training will be inside on Zwift on the trainer

scott dinhofer

Francis Picard said:

 the bad side is that all bike training will be inside on Zwift on the trainer

I call Bull$hizzz! @Francis Picard - is at one with the Zwift, he's like Neo in The Matrix!

tim cronk

@Robert Sabo  IMTX was my first KQ, I trained exclusively in NH on the Trainer/TM all winter, then arrived in The Woodlands 3 weeks early to acclimate and immerse myself in solo on course training... Ended up getting record cold weather all the up to race day (which was still in May) and then one of the hottest IMTX races ever on race day... I think absolutely nothing can be gained by previewing the IMTX bike or run courses (Note: the old bike course had 1 corner that was tricky but I understand the new course is straight forward)... SS brought up 2 great points, a flat course is not easy and a different animal but I believe you have that covered having done very well in Atlantic City, and the TEXAS Heat/Humidity its like a Jungle in The Woodlands.... Jenn had another great point as I found The Woodlands a bit confusing at first taking some time to figure out the lay out... So there are always going to be advantages to knowing the area and the course , but I think you can put IMTX in the same category as an IMAZ where you can race it sight unseen and do just fine.

Tim Sullivan

With the race in April now you may end up with absolutely perfect weather or you may end up with hot weather. I did IM Texas last year and the bike course is mostly flat on a fairly new toll way.  It's fast unless it's windy.  The run is flat.  The swim may be wetsuit optional like this year.  I do think the water Temps were warmer this year than is typical for April. It does have alot of Kona slots but also alot of really fast people.  

I do like the fact that it is an early season race. I would like it more if it was in March when you would almost be guaranteed cooler temperatures.  But like others have said I don't think you need practice on this course unless you want to practice staying aero and biking a flat course. I think you can get that done on a trainer on Zwift.

Tom Glynn

I've done all the IM TX races.  KQ 2X. 

Good things are 80 slots to Kona in 2018.  That's a lot but a lot of fast people show up. 

Tough stuff:  Swim has been non-wetsuit every year but one, so not so good for poor swimmers.  The weather is a tough thing too.  Everyone thinks it's a fast flat course, but times tell a different story.  Typically it's the run that does people in.  Yes, it's flat, lots of spectator cheering, but when it's hot or humid, almost everyone walks parts of it.

It's early in the year so if you're not local, it's really hard to adjust.  East coast folks train inside until race day, West coast folks can train outside, but the humidity is really hard to adjust to.

It's a great venue, family friendly on race day, lots to do around town and the locals seem to like the event (In the Woodlands, not so much as you head out of town on the bike course).

Robert Sabo

Thanks everyone for the help and great insights.