The price of pain... about $700

The deal is done.  I have officially registered for Ironman Texas, which will take place in The Woodlands, TX, about 27 miles north of Houston, on May 17, 2013. That’s a pretty easy three hour drive from our house. The race is on a Saturday and starts at 7AM, for the non-pros.  We’ll need to check -in on Thursday and then check our bikes in on Friday; so, it’ll be about four days of fun.  That’ll include the Saturday night celebration and driving home on Sunday.

I’m sure you are wondering what an event like this would cost, well it’s not exactly cheap.  The entry fee is $650, plus a processing fee of $39, for a total of $689.00.  Ouch!  However, that does not include the mandatory USA Triathlon membership, but it’s not too bad.  You can get a one day membership that will cover you for the race for $12.  You can obviously register for longer if you plan on doing more races or if you just want to be a member.  I’m still on a three year membership that expires on May 31, 2013… score one for me! 

Ironman Texas is broken down into three events, just like other triathlons: swim, bike, run.  The distances are what sets an Ironman apart from other triathlons. The swim is 2.4 miles and will take place in Lake Woodlands. It is an in-water mass start, which is pretty much like it sounds.  Everyone walks into the water and starts at the same time. Obviously, the fast/competitive folks are in the front and center, while everyone else finds their spot, typically based on ability (slower folks towards the back).  I foresee myself towards the rear and on the outside.  I may have to swim a little further, but keeping out of the congestion of the masses is worth it to me.  I hate being kicked in head from the swimmers in front of me or feeling someone’s hands on my feet from the swimmers behind me.

The bike route is 112 miles and takes place in The Woodlands and through some of Texas’ rural farmland.  It looks to have some hills, which already makes my legs hurt.  Fortunately, the last 20 miles look to be mostly downhill.

 

The run is 26.2 miles (marathon distance) and takes place throughout The Woodlands. Based on the run profile, there are a few nasty hills, but what can you do?  Just run through them! 

All said and done, this race is going to take all day.  I have no doubt my training program will prepare me for the worst of it.  I’ll really need to figure out my nutrition plan and make sure I stay hydrated and fueled up the entire time.  I’d hate to train for 30 weeks, just to bonk on the run because I didn’t have enough fuel in the tank.  Anyways, I’m stoked about the race and look forward to crossing that finish line.