Swim Start Changes

Well, there is a God. I know he is watching out for me. I just got an e-mail from the Ironman people. I am putting it here, I am actually really glad of the changes. I am also glad that I am receiving this now and not as I am checking in tomorrow, but anyway here goes ...

Ironman Modifies Ford Ironman Louisville Swim Course
August 23, 2007 - Today, Ironman announces a modification to the swim course for the Ford Ironman Louisville, taking place on Sunday, August 26, 2007. Due to significant rainfall upriver, resulting in an unseasonable increase in the Ohio River's current, Ironman has implemented its alternative swim course design. Therefore, to create the most equitable course for athletes of all abilities, the new design will include a swim in the protected waters adjacent to Towhead Island before athletes enter the river's main channel and swim downstream toward the finish at the Great Lawn.
"Based on historical river flow data, we were hopeful that our original swim course design could be utilized. After further consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we determined our alternative swim course is best suited for Sunday's river conditions. A time-trial swim start will offer athletes a unique beginning to their Ironman experience in Louisville," says Steve Meckfessel, Event Director.
Details relating to the new Ford Ironman Louisville swim course are as follows:
On race morning, athletes will walk 3/4 mile from Waterfront Park to the swim start, located at the Brown Forman Amphitheater, just east of Tumbleweed Southwest Grill.
Athletes will self-seed themselves at the start based on their projected swim time.
A mass swim start will begin at 6:50 a.m. for nearly 40 professional athletes, and a time trial start will follow at 7 a.m. for age group athletes.
To reduce athlete congestion during the swim, the time trial start will consist of athletes entering the water every few seconds. Athletes will be required to cross a timing mat before entering the water, to record their official start time. Overall finish times will reflect the time at which each athlete enters the water, vs. the 7 a.m. start time.
The new swim course will encompass the traditional 2.4 miles. As a result of the increased river flow downstream, slightly faster swim times can be expected.
The inaugural event will lead more than 2,100 athletes on a journey through Louisville and surrounding communities to include the city of LaGrange, Oldham and Henry Counties. There will be 50 slots to this year's Ford Ironman World Championship taking place on October 13, 2007 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Additionally, professional athletes will compete for a $50,000 prize purse. The event will be televised on Versus (VS.) later this year.
For more event-related information, log on to http://www.ironmanlouisville.com. To watch the live Web cast on race day, visit www.ironman.com. For media-related inquiries, contact Blair LaHaye at Blair@ironman.com or 727-808-0646 or Jessica Weidensall at Jessica@ironman.com or 813-918-3849.

Weather looks to be HOT but the humidity looks like it may be down after the rain goes through. I can handle it. I have a higher being looking out for me. :)

This is going to be my last post until after the race. Thank you for all of your support.

Later!