IRONMAN Texas Course Profile

Swim

Lake swim

Minimal friction. Focus on sighting and group dynamics.

A controlled lake swim can be easier to pace than ocean water, but traffic and sighting still matter.

Bike

Flat / fast bike

4% speed boost possible. Tempts over-pacing — cap IF below threshold.

Fast roads can tempt athletes above target IF. Use power or effort to keep the marathon intact.

Run

Spectator-heavy run

Neutral modifier. Focus on cadence, fueling, and pacing discipline.

Crowd energy helps, but the run still needs heat-aware pacing and steady fueling.

Wetsuit

This profile uses a non-wetsuit planning assumption. Non-wetsuit swimming relies more on body position, SightingSightingLifting the head briefly during freestyle to look forward and swim in a straight line. Critical in open water without lane lines. efficiency, and swim fitness.

Official water-temperature readings and race-day rules override any historical assumption.

Tire recommendation

Aero / slick tires

Smooth, fast roads reward low rolling resistance. Run high-pressure slicks or aero tires. Avoid heavy puncture-resistant treads unless debris is known.

Cutoff pressure

The speed profile helps cutoff buffer, but a hot day or overbike can turn the run into the limiter.

Best use

Use the course speed without chasing it; the best Texas plans keep the bike honest and leave room for heat.