The Skinny
Cycling 2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Speed Hound ProPerformance Recovery System
The Speed Hound recovery system is the best way to recover between workouts and races. We are currently having our Black Friday Cyber Monday deal, you can purchase the system at this link: The Speed Hound ProPerformance Recovery System. Don’t miss out on the lowest price of the year on the Speed Hound recovery system!
Strava Subscription
Most cyclists know about Strava. If it isn’t on strava, it didn’t happen. Strava is a training tool to help you analyze your post ride data, speed, cadence, power, elevation, and more. Strava is also a social media platform for athletes(Triathletes, cyclists, runners, swimmers, and more). One very popular feature that Strava has is segments. Riders can create segments where you can compete to have the KOM of the segment. You can use strava to track your rides, runs, walks, and more. Strava subscription sign up. Strava also offers a free version that does not have all of the fancy data, but works for most athletes.
Helmet
Helmets are an essential part of cycling, and can also look pretty cool. Some of the highest end helmets can sense if you crash, and can send notifications to family members. One helmet that is well rated is the Lazer Blade helmet with MIPS. The helmet is currently on sale at Competitive cyclist.
Bike computer
Bike computers are very popular devices among cyclists. Some use it for navigation, some use it to track their rides, and some use it for training. Bike computers can cost around $50-600 depending on which one you get. Most bike computers can upload data to strava and other apps like training peaks. Some very popular bike computers are the Garmin Edge 130 plus(Lower end, but still have tons of features - $200), Garmin edge 530(Mid range - $300), Wahoo Elemnt Bolt(Mid range - $300), Garmin edge 830(High end with touchscreen - $400). Many riders want to know which is better, the Garmin edge 530, or the Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. There is no clear answer, it all depends on what you want, features or simplicity/ease of use.
Tail Light
Bike lights are a must have for cyclists, the world is a dangerous place… Bike lights can be anywhere from $20-200. Higher end lights are often smart lights, some can sense when you are stopped based on your data from a bike computer, others can sense whether there are cars behind you, and can notify you via your bike computer or phone. One of the highest end bike lights is the Garmin Varia. The Garmin Varia can pair to your compatible bike computer, and will show a small road with the cars that are approaching. One light for riders who just want a light that will get the job done is the Cygolite Hypershot 250. This light is very bright and has great battery life. I highly recommend looking into this light.
Power Meter
Power meters are a very popular investment for serious riders/racers, and amongst recreational riders. Power meters cost around $300-1200+, so it is a pretty big investment. Keep in mind that there are only a few apps that can pair to power meters. The easiest way to use a power meter is with a compatible watch or bike computer. Some of the best power meter pedals are the Favero Assiomas. One of the best crank based power meters are the Stages power meters. These are currently on sale for up to 30% off. The single sided crank costs around $200-300. Head over to the stages site to shop the sale.The Lazy Athlete/Chef’s Breakfast Tacos
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs (I strongly recommend pasture raised)
- A handful of power greens (or spinach/kale etc.)
- 1 slice Canadian bacon diced
- 1 tablespoon of diced sun dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons black beans
- Sesame Bagel seasoning
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 flour tortillas
- Prepared guacamole
Preheat the pan to medium-low heat and add in the olive oil right before you are ready to cook. Briefly heat the oil up and then add in the greens, Canadian bacon, black beans, and sundried tomatoes. Stir it around occasionally to cook evenly. While you are doing this, crack two eggs in a small bowl and mix them up.
Once the greens are wilted enough, add in the eggs. Then, season with the bagel seasoning (or salt and pepper whatever you choose to use). Mix everything around until it is cooked evenly and thoroughly all over.
Remove from heat. Heat up the flour tortillas for about 20 seconds in the microwave. Spoon a tablespoon or so over guacamole in the middle of the each of the tortillas. Split the egg mixture and spoon it into each of the tortillas.
You’ve now got an unbelievably healthy and well balanced lunch. This is my favorite after an intense or long workout. Filling, healthy, and delicious!
Testing The Limits #missionpossible
So you've slipped on a set of Normatec Recovery Boots at race expos and seen ads with pro athletes using them, and probably asked yourself "I wonder what that device can do for me." Well, this May, we are partnering with Scotty Banks, the regional trainer for Orange Theory Fitness in Indiana, to see what the Speed Hound Recovery System can do for him. Scotty and a group of his friends will be putting their bodies, their minds, and The Speed Hound ProPerformance Recovery System to the test by tackling David Goggins' 4x4x48 challenge to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. On May 20th starting at 8pm EST, they will run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, totaling 48 miles. In between these runs, the team will be using The Speed Hound ProPerformance Recovery System to help recharge their body in prep for the next 4 mile challenge and taking them to the finish line. This extreme use case for our recovery system will really test the merits of our compression therapy system.
Here's Scotty's Why:
"About a year ago at Orangetheory in Carmel, Indiana, Derek Jones pulled me aside and told me that he had been diagnosed with Stage IV, follicular non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He wanted to thank me for getting him physically and mentally in the best shape of his life, so he could beat cancer’s a$$. It honestly wrecked me. As he was telling me, I was looking at his three beautiful children and wife in the lobby. An immunotherapy drug known as “Rituxan”, originally funded by LLS, currently has Derek’s cancer in remission. However, the battle isn’t over. Derek’s cancer is chronic and will likely return. Rituxan has bought him more time, but the cure is yet to be identified. It may be the dollars you donate that saves Derek’s life or one of millions of others who are forced to step into this fight. As a candidate for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Man & Woman of the Year campaign (MWOY), I am raising funds in honor of Derek."
Derek Jones and his family
With this effort, Scotty is looking to raise $48,000 for LLS and patients who suffer from these diseases. Please support him by making tax deductible donations by clicking here.
You can follow Scotty and his journey on Instagram @scotty_banks.
Irwin Newsletter - April
STAYING FOCUSED AND MOVING FORWARD DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES
By Elliot BachMany uncertainties are present right now amid COVID-19, and many people, athletes just like you, are wondering how to stay motivated and focused during this time. With more races being cancelled or postponed daily, it may seem like there is no reason to stay motivated. While this is a difficult time for many, there are many things that can be done to stay focused. Just because races are getting cancelled or postponed, it does not mean we have to completely forget about goals and why we do what we do. First, it is good to remember that normalcy will return eventually, and that this is a great time to work on some weakness that may be pushed aside during regular training. It is also a great time to remember the value of having an accountability partner. Staying positive, being adaptable, and looking for alternatives, can help us come out on the other side stronger than ever.
The best thing you can do during this time is to work on weaknesses that may have gotten pushed aside during regular season and training. For many, diet is one of those things. How are you doing with this? Is it something with which you continually struggle or find that you lack time to prepare proper meals? This time could be used to learn more about nutrition and how to prepare new things to insure that you are getting the proper nutrients you need as an athlete, so that when you are back to racing you perform even better. In my coaching experience I notice that many athletes get the swim, bike, and run right but easily forgo proper nutrition. Another area may be stretching/injury prevention exercises. This can be a great time to pull up a you-tube video for a new routine, or ask your coach (if you have one) for one that you can follow.
In fact, having a coach or an accountability partner is a great and sometimes essential thing to staying focused and motivated! One of the hardest things when isolated is self-motivation and self-discipline. Accountability keeps one another going, and helps when adjusting training as necessary, such as needing a swimming partner in a lake, as alternatives take the place of regular routines.
While you may not have access to a normal gym or a pool, there are always alternatives and other exercises you can do instead. Besides a lake option, you can use swim cords at home and do short, abbreviated workouts. While these are not as optimal as a lap pool, they are a great way to maintain fitness and to keep from falling behind when pools are re-opened. Maybe you need to adapt your strength training program while your gym is closed. There are several different body weight programs that can be done at home to ensure you keep up a level of strength training. I encourage my athletes to stop what they are doing several times a day and do some sit-ups or push-ups. Instead of becoming stale and stagnant at home, you can add strength exercises, stretches, and other little exercises throughout the day. If you are working from home, try standing at your desk for a few hours instead of sitting, or grab a stability ball instead of your regular chair.
Thinking outside of the box is huge and can be a game changer for you. Despite an imperfect training scenario, this time of being home could actually produce stronger athletes when we are back to normal again. It is possible to use this time to come out of it stronger than ever!
Irwin Newsletter - March
How to PR (Personal Record) Your Bike Split
By Elliot Bach
With there being so many ways to improve in cycling, and tips from soo many sources, one of the biggest and most common ones I have experienced in my coaching experience and being involved with the sport is how to improve or PR (known as personal record) one's bike split. While there are several different things to do or change, I will cover some of the top things I feel will have a great affect on your bike split.
+ Proper Bike Fit/The Right Bike
One of the first and in my opinion one of the most important things for any athlete trying to improve their bike performance is to have a professional bike fit done before purchasing a new bike. As an athlete, you want to make sure you are on the right size bike and that the fit is done by a professional. Massive gains can be made from insuring that you are on the correct bike for you. If you already have a bike and want to stay on it, I would suggest you take it in as the variables that can affect your bike fit are quite long. Some of the major ones are flexibility, stem length, crank length, how low your bars are, etc. Sometimes the most aggressive fit is not always the fastest for the individual. Taking the time and money to go see your bike fit specialists will reap huge benefits to your bike PR and overall performance.
+ Base Miles - No wasted bike miles always ride with a purpose
Another excellent one in my opinion is the goal of riding with a purpose - not having useless miles or junk miles as I like to refer to them as. Every time you ride, there can be a purpose and point to the session. One example would be an easy/recovery ride. While ideally you will keep this low stress and lower HR typically, on this ride you can work on proper pedaling dynamics, good posture, and practice working on some higher and lower cadence. Another good one is to use a ride as a time to work on your handling, try riding down a bike path or through neighborhoods that require you to work on different bar handling positions. The before mentioned mixed with long endurance rides will translate to overall better bike experience and handling and in turn help you ride faster on race day or in you harder sessions.
+ Interval Training
Interval training is probably the most painful to do but reaps some of the biggest returns. Doing intervals is great for several things, and they do not have to always be super long or short - you need a good mix of both at the right time during your training cycles to see improvements. Some of the things that benefit and increase from intervals is your V02 max, which deals with the amount of oxygen your body will absorb. When you work on intervals and do bike efforts at close to max heart rates and power, these train and condition your body. Overtime your heart rate and RPE (rate of perceived exertion) is going to come down as you condition your body to doing the harder efforts. You want to train your body to know what that harder efforts feel like so that on race day when you compete, you're more prepared and conditioned for it.
+ Race wheels
Of all the ways to PR your bike split, if you do all of those right and then invest in a great set of carbon race wheels, you are almost guaranteed to PR your next bike race or triathlon. There are so many different types of race wheels out there and I will explain a few different types and what you would use them for. If you are racing somewhere where it is primarily flat and not tons of wind running, a Carbon disk wheel in the rear and a 80m wheel on the front is going to be your fastest set up just about every time. If you were to race somewhere a little hillier or more technical such as in California, using wheels that are closer to a 60m for front and back is going to handle a little better sometimes. When racing on a course that requires you to climb the little less depth will help with climbing and being a little lighter. Race wheels are a way of buying speed in a way, while I still highly suggest you work on all the other forms of faster PR, these are, in a way, the icing on the top and they make all the hard work all the more worth it!
The Speed Hound: Upgrading Performance and Recovery
Incorporating The Speed Hound ProPerformance System into training and recovery routines can further enhance performance and aid in achieving bike split PRs. The Speed Hound system is designed to deliver on-demand, dynamic air pressure massages and helps reduce pain, decrease muscle fatigue, and improve overall recovery. By incorporating targeted recovery sessions with The Speed Hound, athletes can optimize muscle function and readiness for training and competition, ultimately contributing to faster bike split times and improved race performance.
Ironman Arizona - What you need to know
QUICK LOOK:
SETTING 4/5:
WEATHER 4/5:
SWIM 4/5:
TRANSITION AREAS 5/5:
BIKE 2/5: Some Rollers, Windy on the way out
RUN 5/5: Flat with some inclines
FINISH 4/5:
Race Day Gear Essentials - Perspectives from a Pro
When it comes to gearing up for race day, simplicity and reliability are paramount for triathletes seeking peak performance. As a seasoned tri-gear enthusiast, I've honed in on the essentials contributing to a successful race day experience. I'm excited to share some insights that may enhance your preparations.
Swim Essentials
Goggles: Always pack two pairs - one clear and one mirrored - to adapt to varying weather conditions. My go-to choice is The Speed Hound Alcatraz goggles for their superior peripheral vision and leak-free design, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort in open water.
Wetsuit/Swimskin: Personal preference plays a significant role here, with flexibility being a key consideration. Investing in a high-quality suit that offers both performance and comfort is essential. Don't forget to spend ample time breaking it in before race day to ensure a seamless swim leg.
Bike Gear
Helmet: While an aero helmet may not win any fashion awards, its performance benefits are undeniable. Prioritize fit and safety when selecting a helmet, and leverage resources like slowtwitch.com for valuable aero testing data to inform your decision.
Cycling Shoes: Opt for tri-specific shoes with quick closure systems for efficient transitions. Consider the trade-off between transition speed and comfort for longer races, as a road shoe may offer a superior lockdown feel during extended rides.
Running Essentials
Hat/Visor: Shield yourself from the sun and manage sweat effectively with a The Speed Hound hat or visor. These accessories provide essential sun protection and keep sweat at bay, ensuring optimal visibility and comfort during the run leg.
Running Shoes: Finding the right balance between cushioning and responsiveness is key to maximizing running performance. Explore advancements in shoe technology, such as carbon fiber plates, to inform your choice and optimize your race day experience.
Leveraging The Speed Hound Advantage
Integrating The Speed Hound ProPerformance System into your race day routine offers unparalleled recovery, injury prevention, and performance optimization benefits. Prioritize post-race recovery with targeted massage sessions using The Speed Hound, ensuring optimal readiness for your next training session or race.
Navigating the complexities of triathlon gear selection can be daunting, but with careful consideration and strategic investment, you can streamline your race day preparations for optimal performance. Remember, triathlon is a sport meant to be enjoyed, and with the right gear and mindset, you can approach race day with confidence and enthusiasm. For a comprehensive race day checklist and additional training resources, explore the offerings Training Peaks provides. Best of luck on your racing journey, and may every race day be a rewarding and memorable experience!
70.3 Oceanside Race Preview
Quick Look:
This race, along with 70.3 race Galveston the same weekend, kicks off the North American racing season in a big way. As age group and pro competitors alike are chomping at the bit to get back out on course, it tends to bring out top notch competition. With a slightly challenging ocean swim, a rolling bike course with one significant climb, and a fairly fast run course with ocean views, it is a great test of early season fitness.
Oceanside sells out incredibly fast, so it’s important to get on top of early registration, and book accommodations simultaneously.
Setting:
Oceanside is one of several smaller towns strung out from nearby San Diego, giving it that laid back SoCal vibe where surfing is prominent, and the people are generally very polite and friendly. The Ironman Village expo is set up right along the boardwalk, so staying in a hotel or Airbnb near there is ideal. Accommodations near Camp Pendleton are also nearby, but will require a short drive. Transition is about a mile down the road from the expo area, right along the Oceanside Harbor, where a good portion of the swim takes place. As far as logistics go, 70.3 Oceanside is one of the least stressful, which makes it much easier to bring along family/kids/significant others without having a full on triathlete meltdown (no one wants that!)
Weather:
In typical SoCal fashion, the weather is fairly mild and almost always is around 70-80 degrees F (21-26 C) during the day in early April and much of the year. It can be a little chilly coming into T1 and out onto the bike initially, as the air temperature is about the same or slightly colder than the water temperature. After just a few minutes, that will subside as you warm up and the sun continues to rise. Many people are starting their year at this race after a long winter indoors, so it is definitely a bonus for many that you do not have to super prepared for extremely warm conditions.
Swim:
In years past, the swim has taken place entirely in the Oceanside Harbor, with very calm conditions, and only a slight swell as you make the turn out by the mouth of the harbor. Last year in 2019, that was changed to a beach start into rather choppy conditions, and then a right turn around a buoy to head back into the harbor. With the new course, I would say that it is not as beginner friendly, but there is also no need to panic, as it is a small portion of the swim and overall race. I would just advise getting in and experiencing those initial waves so you can learn how to navigate that.
Bike:
The bike is fairly rolling, and certainly not the fastest course. It is, however, very engaging with a number of turns as you flow in and out of Camp Pendleton, the Marine Corps base that allows special access to competitors on race day. You are required to wear your race belt/number on the bike for this reason. There is one significant hill right around mile 30 that will take several minutes to get to the top. I recall it being named “Hell Hill” or something along those lines, which could be somewhat true depending on where you come from! After that notable point, there is a no passing speed limit zone at mile 39 with timing mats set up at the start and finish points of that section. The speed limit is 25mph for age group competitors, so make sure to have your speed reading displayed on your watch or bike computer! From there, it is mostly a flat stretch back to T2.
Run:
The run starts above the pier along The Strand AKA the boardwalk, and weaves through a neighborhood where the turnaround point is located on this two-loop course. It is one of the faster run courses I have experienced, and the only really notable “hilly” sections are the ramps taking you from beach level to street level and vice versa. Be cautious going down the ramps as you can gain some momentum pretty quickly and it can be tough to slow down from there! The ramps to street level are very short but also steep, and it is important not to try to rush to get up them to avoid heart rate spike and lactic buildup in the legs. Otherwise, pretty straightforward!
Finish:
The finish is right on The Strand, with tons of spectators lining the red carpet. No matter the outcome on the day, it is one to soak in.
Family Friendliness:
Now that the most difficult part is over, relaxing and getting quality time with family is not hard to do in Oceanside. Hello Betty Fish House, located very close to the finish line, has a great outdoor/rooftop seating area with food selections to accommodate everyone, and an extensive drink menu.
Spend some time at the beach or make your way over to one of the bigger cities like San Diego or LA if time allows, and your possibilities are endless. I’ve heard LegoLand in Carlsbad is quite the experience if you have kids!
Speed Hound ProPerformance Recovery System Awarded FDA 510(k) Clearance
Menlo Brands, LLC announces that the U.S. Food & Drug Administration has provided clearance of its ProPerformance Recovery System as a medical device marketed under the Speed Hound brand. The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) has designed this as a Class II Medical Device and evaluated under regulation 21 CFR 890.5650. The testing and evaluation included, but not limited to, bench testing of all software, controls, indicators, safety and performance. The device also complies with the latest IEC standards on electromagnetics.
This clearance validates the use of the device for the relief of muscle aches and pains and for increase in circulation in the treated areas. This system works by using dynamic pressure to inflate and deflate the sleeve balloons to simulate kneading and stroking of the limbs and tissues in order to promote blood circulation and lymph flow. Use settings approved for marketing and distribution are hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, hospitals, in addition to home use.
The ProPerformance Recovery System provides a wide range of adjustable pressure ranging from 20mmHg to 200 mmHg, the ability to turn individual compression zones on or off, and two different massage modes (therapeutic mode to reduce muscle soreness and flush mode to reduce swelling).
“We are extremely excited about this. Pressure is a very individualized thing and our system allows the user to customize their recovery with a wide range of pressures and zone toggles. This presents a significant advantage compared to existing systems.” said Sam Chi, MSPT, CEO of Menlo Brands, LLC.
Irwin Newsletter - January
The Right Time to do a Full Ironman
By Elliot Bach
Determining the right time to embark on your Ironman journey involves carefully considering various factors, including training availability, family support, and overall readiness. As athletes contemplate the monumental challenge of completing a Full Ironman, it's essential to approach the endeavor with strategic planning and preparation. Here's how integrating The Speed Hound ProPerformance System into your training regimen can optimize your Ironman journey:
Enhanced Recovery and Training Support
The rigorous demands of Ironman training necessitate a proactive approach to recovery and injury prevention. Incorporating The Speed Hound ProPerformance System into your routine enables targeted recovery sessions to reduce muscle fatigue, alleviate soreness, and enhance overall recovery. By leveraging dynamic air pressure massages, The Speed Hound facilitates faster recovery between training sessions, allowing athletes to maintain peak performance throughout their Ironman preparation.
Efficient Time Management
Balancing Ironman training with work and family commitments requires efficient time management strategies. The Speed Hound offers a convenient solution by streamlining recovery sessions, allowing athletes to maximize training hours without sacrificing recovery time. With customizable massage settings and on-demand relief, athletes can optimize their training schedules and ensure adequate rest and recovery between workouts.
Injury Prevention and Longevity
Long-distance training increases the risk of overuse injuries and musculoskeletal imbalances. The Speed Hound ProPerformance System is a proactive tool for injury prevention, targeting specific muscle groups and promoting optimal recovery post-workout. By prioritizing recovery and injury prevention, athletes can mitigate the risk of setbacks and maintain long-term training consistency, ultimately enhancing their Ironman readiness and performance on race day.
Confidence and Performance Optimization
Confidence is key in tackling the challenges of Ironman racing. The Speed Hound empowers athletes with the confidence to push their limits in training, knowing that effective recovery and support are readily available. By integrating The Speed Hound into their Ironman journey, athletes can confidently approach each training session, knowing that they have the tools to optimize performance and achieve their best on race day.
As athletes embark on their Ironman journey, The Speed Hound is a valuable companion, providing essential recovery support, injury prevention, and performance optimization throughout the training process. With The Speed Hound by your side, you can navigate the challenges of Ironman preparation with confidence, resilience, and unparalleled support.
Breakaway Cycling - A Grassroots Effort
One of the missions of The Speed Hound is to come alongside and support groups whose mission it is to give back to their community. Today, we are highlighting Breakaway Cycling Team, a non profit 501 (C)3, based out of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Their name belies what they really are however. They are a competitive team, yes. But they are a team that grew out of mother’s quest to help her son achieve a goal, which has turned into a mission to create a life-long learning environment for kids and women through the sport of cycling.
The seed for Breakaway Cycling was planted nine years ago after Tiffany Dixon's son, Austin, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 11. Austin read Not Dead Yet about pro cyclist, Phil Sutherland, who survived and thrived despite having the challenging disease and decided that he wanted to be a cyclist like Phil. Over time, he didn't shake the bug that had been planted in his brain, and so his mom, Tiffany, went and purchased him a road bike. From there, she looked for a place in which he could ride, learn, and grow in the sport. She soon found that there wasn't really a place for a junior cyclist to thrive in her area. So, she decided to create an environment for him where he can learn, experiment, and be with his peers with similar interests. Tiffany learned all about the sport and got to know every team, bike store, and riding group in the area. She found individuals who would help, she learned about bikes, she encouraged other kids, and soon found herself with a new side gig.
Over time, she expanded her reach and the group became a more formal organization. The juniors grew in the sport, and started to become competitive. They traveled to races. She made sure they had kits, gear, bikes, and coaches by having the more experienced riders coach the new ones. They recruited a woman's team and therefore they then had more mentors for the junior females who had joined. Following that, there was an outreach to get more women in cycling, even as just a casual rider. They put on skills clinics, basic maintenance clinics, and even taught the juniors (and their parents) how to do a complete bike build!
Throughout all of this, Tiffany's goal has been to advocate, educate and stress the importance of teamwork. They advocate for their team, each other, for females, and for cyclists in general. They educate through their clinics and through outreach in their area. Finally, and most importantly, they stress teamwork. Working for and with each other for the greater good of the team, and as a result, becoming better people through that. Tiffany hopes that what the juniors, especially, get out of this is that they can succeed in anything. Powering up a tough hill requires the same mental fortitude as passing that challenging math course. The team believes in building inner confidence that these team members can apply to all aspects of their life.
Over the last few years, Tiffany and the Breakaway Cycling organization have been steadily building towards a vision of putting more kids and women on bikes, ensuring that they have the right environment and support to thrive in the support and in life. Breakaway Cycling Team is always looking for partners and sponsors to help them as they continue to grow their team's mission. Costs such as transportation to races, gear, and even food are always present. Tiffany also puts on the Pastry Tour, a bike rally in Fayetteville, Alabama that offers 3 distances for all levels of cyclists. All proceeds go to support Breakaway Cycling, but as a non profit, donations and monetary support is always needed and welcomed. If you'd like to help them in their mission, please contact Tiffany Dixon at breakawaycyclingteam@gmail.com or go to www.breakawaycyclingteam.org to learn more.
Ironman Texas Race Review
Quick look:
A very good beginner's race or a race for someone looking to PR. Bike is flat and fast but lacking scenery. The three looped mostly flat run has incredible, lively course support and is a true highlight of the race. Great for spectating and for families. Weather can be hot, humid, and windy, but is variable. That is the same with water temps in terms of being borderline wetsuit legal each year.
This race (formerly the North American Championships) usually doesn’t sell out until late Fall. You definitely want to train for the heat, humidity, and wind, and then perhaps be pleasantly surprised if you get something other than that. It is a Saturday race, and some people find that to be a positive.
Setting: 4/5
IMTX is located in The Woodlands, a northern suburb of Houston. It is a lovely tree-lined city that has anything you need within 1 mile of most of the hotels racers would stay in. Ironman Village is located right off a main thoroughfare, tucked behind some restaurants and a Nestle ice cream store, which myself and my family visited daily during our time there. Ideally, you want to stay at the Marriott, the host hotel, as you are spitting distance from everything and it takes away the stress of parking and walking with all of your stuff. They have very strict parking rules there, and with having the swim start a mile from transition, it takes a lot of walking and driving back and forth if you do the practice swim the day before. Should I do this race again, my family has all decided that the $400 a night minimum it will cost to stay at the Marriott is worth it. They're the ones sitting around waiting for me for 12 hours, so who am I to argue with them?
Weather: 2/5
Expect heat, humidity, and wind, but it's Texas, so it is always a surprise! I've been sort of lucky on my two IMTX race days. In 2017, it started out nice, but then a cold front came through around noon, dropped a few raindrops, and then it became very windy (this is a prevailing theme here at IMTX). But, the run, which can be hot and humid wound up being like 65 degrees. That was nice. However, the headwind coming back on the Hardy Toll road was tough. Fortunately, I was on my last loop so I only had to deal with it for 25 miles. In 2019, there was low humidity (a RARE occurrence) but there was a headwind going out on the toll road. I would estimate it was steady about 12 mph, but was definitely gusting up towards 20. That was tough, especially if you don't live and train in a windy environment. The run was very warm. The sun is strong in Texas and you could feel it. However, there are a lot of portions of the run that are in shade, which offers a nice respite.
Swim: 3/5 Likely Wetsuit legal
Wetsuit legal? Yes in 2018 and 2019, no in 2017. They have a self-seeded rolling start. 2017 was more of a free-for-all and the start was challenging. In 2019, it was controlled very well and I felt like there was a lot of space to just swim. The buoys are placed well, and there was a lot of kayak support. It has never been super choppy either. You head straight out and then once you do the first two turns (a left and a left), you'll be heading towards the sun and that can be challenging. About ¾ of the way going back towards the start, you'll make a right turn into a narrow canal. In 2017, it felt like a washing machine in there. But, in 2019, it felt like I was just being pulled along in a current. The water is a little murky and maybe not the cleanest. There are also submerged plants which, for the faint of heart, can be startling, The swim exit is a quick left turn and they pull you up and out and have wetsuit strippers.
Transition areas: 5/5
Well organized. You lay out your bags the day before and they have plenty of people helping you find yours. The tent helpers were good both times and they had plenty of people offering sun screen – PUT ON THE SUNSCREEN!! There were a lot of port-a-potties too. The bike out is great and full of people cheering you on. It was so loud that the first year, I didn't even hear my family and they were like 20 feet from me.
Bike: 3/5 Flat
The bike is very hard to give a score to. On the one hand, it is a fast and flat course– except for the overpasses! But, it is BORING. You spent 80 miles on a toll road – two loops. There is little scenery, few people except for the aid stations, and no shade. You are out in the elements with zero protection from the wind. On the plus side, the road condition is spectacular, no pot holes, very little debris, and no chip seal! The other 31 miles of the course are basically through the streets of the The Woodlands and surrounding cities. Those are very nice and traffic is well controlled. There is a 20 yard section going out and back on a frontage road that is a horrifically bad road. Slow down and you'll be fine and off of it in two minutes. Just watch for all the water bottles that have fallen out of other people's bikes. Other than that, there are no other “danger” zones or no pass zones.
Run: 5/5 Flat with some mild rollers
I would give this 6 out of 5 if I could. This run was the only reason I came back to Texas. It feels like the entire city is out there cheering you on. It is a three loop course with a couple minor uphills and false flats. But, with the uphills, comes the down hills. All of them are minimal grade. There are tons of aid stations with everything you could want to ingest. But I will reiterate, the support is incredible and all over the place. Sometimes, it is almost too much, but boy does it help you keep going.
Finish: 5/5
You're an Ironman now. All of the finishes are 5/5!
Family friendliness: 4/5
There are plenty of things to do to keep them busy. You are within ¾ of a mile of a mall, and there is a movie theater right across the street from the finish line. There are also a lot of restaurants, including the aforementioned Nestle ice cream store. There are shady places to sit. There are always good sight lines and it is easy to get around. I was able to see my family 6 times on the run and all they really had to do was walk across a pedestrian bridge. The best place to sit on the run is on the grassy areas around the Waterway path. For the swim, there is a sidewalk all along the first section of the swim where you can see the entry as well as the first leg. The one drawback is the walk to and from the swim back to Transition for the spectators. That is an extra 2 miles of walking on an already tiring day. We decided that my husband and kids would just skip the swim start entirely at my second race. For the bike, any spot at the entrance and exit is really your only shot to see anything on the bike. For any last minute race needs, there are a few bike stores in the area, including Bicycle World and Bike Land.