Race Notes from 70.3 Longhorn by Kevin White

Post Race Notes for Ironman Longhorn 70.3, Austin Texas by Kevin White

I flew to Austin for what was an extended weekend...the flight was cheap
and the accommodations were very reasonable making this a great venue for
my travelling road show!

The first thing I noticed upon arrival in Texas was the HEAT! I knew it
was going to be HOT but WOW!! Without a lot of time I knew I would just
have to tough it out as I wouldn't get a chance to acclimatize.

The race site was VERY STRANGE...with two completely separate transition
areas. One by the lake and the other approx. two kilometres away near the
finish line. The transitions were clean and everything had to be unpacked
and repacked whilst in transition. It took a little extra time but they
did ship your stuff to the finish line for you.

Race morning was perfect for temperature at around 70 degrees but the winds
were between 15 to 20 miles per hour. Due to the wind, the swim was
choppy. The water temperature was 75 degrees and some locals almost
refused to get in...saying it isn't fair to make us swim in such cold
temperatures. Wetsuits and all!

The bike was interesting to say the least!! Very windy with the ranches
spreading across the countryside (I can now tell the difference between cow
and horse manure), forcing the riders to stay aerodynamic as much as
possible. Hillier than I was expecting as well...again the locals claim,
ya know this is where Lance trains!! The roads were in VERY bad shape.
In Ontario they fill the cracks with asphalt...there they just spray
painted them yellow so you could try and avoid falling in! The drought
like conditions have severely damaged the roads and you had to stay very
mentally focused and often travel to the other side of the road to avoid
the damage. I managed to "steer" clear of the cracks and finished feeling
strong.

The run was a three "looper" and a couple of big hill climbs played on your
mind as it seemed like you were constantly running uphill. The temperature
was in the mid 80's by this point but the aid stations were plentiful and
the options were endless!! Cold towels, sponges, water guns, nutrition,
and cheerleaders were throughout the course.

The finish line was inside the rodeo arena (similar to a hockey arena
without ICE) and upon finishing you get a ice cold BEER!! That was a first
for me, but a tradition I look forward to continuing. The food wasn't very
good...you had an option between a baked potato OR a taco...and yes only
ONE! No seconds of food...but you could have another beer!!

The Texas hospitality was great...from folks helping with directions and
course orientation, what seemed like thousands of volunteers, and nice
people even drove me home after the event.

Some suggestions if you're thinking of doing this race...stay
downtown...there is nothing, and I mean nothing once you get outside the
city limits. Rent a car...everything is FAR and the taxis were expensive.
Make sure you have a fridge in your room as the restaurants aren't what we
are used to back home. Be ready to drink a beer after your race...this
could take some getting used to!! Don't think because it's in Texas that
it's going to be expensive...the entire trip cost me less than the hotel
room at Deerhurst. I would strongly recommend this race!!