Runner Triathlete News [ return ] From Message Georgeanne   7/30/2002 12:06:05 Subject: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: Did anyone do the Tall Texan Tri last year? What was it like? Course, support, weather conditions? Kent 7/31/2002 10:59:00 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: Georgeanne We timed it last year, so I know a little about it. There's a wave start by age group in a lake (water was not too bad, but certainly not clear). You run up a ramp and then about 150 meters (all padded with old carpet) to the transition area (grass). I didn't see the bike course, but they said it was very hilly, so it's definitely a tough ride. The run is out and back. First and last mile (or so, probably a little less) was on a trail that seemed to be an old railroad track (with all tracks removed) then you hit asphalt road to the turn around and back (pretty hilly also). Last year was a very hot day, with not a lot of shade, but that was last year. Military guys were the support crews, and from what I could see they were great, but I don't know how they were spaced along the course. There were 83 that started and all 83 finished !!! Last guy ran with an American flag the whole way ... pretty impressive. He finished in about 8 hours. Georgeanne   7/31/2002 11:23:12 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: Kent Thanks for the info! I am so excited!! This is my first season for the sport, and will be my first 1/2 Ironman. Wish I was training in the Hills rather than in Houston. Thanks again!!! phlojo   8/01/2002 20:09:34 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: Kent's response is fairly accurate, but here's my 2 cents: The swim is in Boerne Lake which is a pretty clean lake, although a bit murky. Lately the water has been in the low 80's and quite nice for swimming. Usually the mornings have little wind and the lake is pretty calm. The bike is circuitous through the hills to the north. If you're in your car it's a lovely, scenic outing. On your bike, though it's quite hilly and challenging. No one hill is extremely steep, but there are lots of rollers and several challenging climbs. The road is a bit rough in places and there are several cattle guards to cross, although those aren't too rough to go over. The course crosses the Guadalupe River several times and the washed out crossings should be repaired in time for race day. The run crosses the dam for Boerne Lake (sorry, no old railroad) and after about 1.3 miles of flat running heads west and UP Ranger Creek Road. The run has little shade, if any, and has numerous challenging hills and one VERY big hill. After the turn around it's repeat of the same with mostly downhill back. Going back is hard too as the downhills beat you up as you are trying to ply the brakes. This will be the second year of the race and the race director has been working on improving what was a tough, but well done race last year. Support on the course was good with water hand ups and gel on the bike and similiar for the run. Traffic isn't an issue in most places as you're out in the boondocks. Good luck preparing, but be forewarned, it's quite challenging. Go to www.brittonbikes.com for more info, maps, etc. Also, register soon, field limited to 200 and it's climbing daily. See ya there...... phlojo kent 8/02/2002 09:54:18 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: ok, ok ... old rr tracks ... dam ... whatever ... it's a 20 foot high, 20 foot wide, long as you can see, flat on the top, mound of dirt ... :-) ... thanks for the correction ... :-) ... have a great race all !!! btw, what's the name of the cafe' type place in town that serves the fantastic breakfast buffet ?? (something to do with a bear??) ... while the racer were on the bike course, we had some free time so we went into town and ate. wow, it was good. almost makes me sad we're not going to be there this year !! phlojo   8/02/2002 10:51:26 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: Perhaps you're referring to the Bear Moon Bakery in Boerne. Supposed to be pretty good eats. Not to be too picky, but the width of the earthen dam at the top is probably closer to 10 feet. kent 8/02/2002 13:14:10 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: it's probably more than 20 feet high, too. sure seemed that way when i was dragging all that timing equipment up to the top for the finish line ... of course THAT'S where those military guys came in MOST handy. again, they were great. whatever we needed, they were right on top of it !!! make sure to thank them for helping out when you do the race this year ... Trekin 8/12/2002 11:59:36 RE: Tall Texan Tri IP: Logged Message: Georgeanne - Just like any other 1/2IM this 1/2 IM will be a great test of your endurance (muscle and mental), Keep in mind the following: #1 There will always be weather. Run can be warm,okay hot. Heck it might even rain. If you need to drink every half mile, carry a bottle or a fuel belt. #2 Course terrain - everyone is on the same one. yes, keep training on hills, and do some off road running. #3 Lake water is always a bit warm in TX. and there is never a black line. It is a triangular course, look up every 5-8 strokes for your buoys. Open water is open water, I don't recall seeing any pretty fish or coral. :-) Like Phlojo said, it is the second yr. A race directors job is a thankless one. Pay your money, get a great workout, smile and have tons of fun. Beorne is an adorable little town. Basically this race has a little adversity. I used my road bike, rather than the TT bike, and had a great ride. Might want to take that into consideration. I really enjoyed the run, you go along the 711 ranch. A large and famous ranch. Can see for miles. Nothing is up there. Peaceful. No crowd support to keep you motivated, just the friendly people at the water stops. Enjoy your trip. P 1

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