IRONMAN The Woodlands - What do I need to know?

Swim - The canal section near the finish can get narrow and congested. Start in a swim time zone that reflects your pace—too far up or back can make things frustrating. Visibility in the lake is poor, so practice frequent sighting to stay on course. The canal offers natural direction, but the open portion can veer off-line. Historically, the race can go either way (wetsuit-legal or not), so bring both gear options. Be prepared mentally for a non-wetsuit swim if temps are high.

Bike - 
With little elevation change, staying aero will pay off. Watch for crosswinds on the overpasses and open sections. It warms up quickly in Texas. Stay ahead of hydration and electrolytes, especially because the heat might sneak up on you. The course rewards steady pacing. Don’t get sucked into racing others too early—save that fire for the run.

Run -  Use every aid station. Skin Cooler Trisuit and Tops are perfect for these conditions! Ice in your pockets, cold sponges, and electrolyte drinks will save your race. Texas humidity hits hard. The multi-loop run along the Waterway is mentally easier if you break it down into sections. Pick visual checkpoints to track your effort.The Waterway has great spectator energy. Let it lift you, especially in the later miles when it starts to hurt.

Everything else -  If you're coming from a cooler climate, try to arrive a couple days early to adjust to the heat and humidity. T1 and T2 are in different locations. Familiarize yourself with the flow ahead of time to avoid any confusion or stress on race morning.
 Morning hours in Texas can be mosquito-heavy—especially if you're waiting around before your wave starts.