IRONMAN COMING TO THE WOODLANDS, TX

 BY: Bob Slovak


THE WOODLANDS, TX (KTRK) -- For the first time in Texas, a full Ironman competition is coming to our area.



Thousands of people are expected to participate in the full triathlon in The Woodlands next May. It's not only a premier athletic event for The Woodlands, it could mean a lot of money for the economy.


T.J. Fry of The Woodlands ran his first triathlon when he was just 12. He survived his first Ironman in his 20's, and he was hooked.

"I think it's the test of will to kind of test your limits and really see what you are made of, and I think that is the big attraction to me," said Fry.

He will be one of an expected 2,500 participants to compete in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Triathlon on May 21 of next year. The race will serve as one of 23 global qualifying races for the Ironman World Championship that takes place each October in Kona, Hawaii.

"I think you will see a lot of successful people out there. Dozens of my friends are in that category where they weren't going to do the Ironman until it showed up in their backyard, and now they feel obligated," Fry said.

The Ironman consists of three legs: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run completed in succession within a 17 hour timeframe.

One reason it took the Ironman so long to come to Texas is the heat and humidity. Memorial Hermann will have personnel on hand for any problems.

"Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute was really looking for a partner to work on developing performance-enhancing research. We approached Ironman and asked if they would like to work with us and not only developing the event here, but also work with us on other things in areas of research and injury prevention," said Steve Sanders, CEO Memorial Hermann.

The event is estimated to generate about $16 million in economic investment to The Woodlands area.

"It's a qualifier for the Kona, Hawaii event so they are going to come here and spend several days. They will spend five days, bring their families, occupy the hotels, go to our restaurants, go to our shops, go around The Woodlands, see what we have to offer," said Bruce Tough, Chairman The Woodlands Township.

"We are going to be able to watch this event on TV, and its going to position The Woodlands in such a great way around the world," said Nick Wolda of The Woodlands Visitor and Convention.

A total of 65 participants from The Woodlands race will qualify for Kona in October 2011. We will let you know what happens.

(Copyright ©2010 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Protect Your Home from Hurricanes Now

Protect Your Home from Hurricanes Now


Here are storm-proofing guidelines from McCurdy and Joseph Schlenk of Deltec Homes, a builder of prefabricated homes.

Trees. Trim out dead wood and limbs that could scrape or fall on the house.

Roof. Install additional braces in the trusses. A qualified builder can install galvanized metal hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls. Wait until after hurricane season to replace old roofs.

Gutters. Make sure gutters are clean and functioning properly, and water from downspouts does not pool near the house.

Pool. Lower the water level by a foot or two. Stock up on chemicals to shock the pool after the storm.

Screens. Secure or remove screen doors. Remove items that could be blown through screens.

Patio. Remove furniture, flower pots, grills, firewood, etc. to a secure place. Patio furniture can be stored in the pool.

Doors. Install beefier hinges to make outside doors stronger. Reinforce garage doors by bracing each panel, adding stronger supports and heavier hinges.

Windows. Options include hurricane shutters, plywood covers, or clear plastic window film. Shutters are effective but relatively expensive. Plywood covers are a good DIY option. Purchase, cut and label plywood covers ahead of time, and install before the wind strengthens. Adhesive window film helps prevent glass from shattering only if anchored in the window frame.

Valuables. Move valuable rugs, furniture, pictures, books, etc. away from windows. Store where they are least likely to suffer water damage. Lock important papers and jewelry in the dishwasher.

Supplies. Stock up on gas or charcoal for the grill, lights that are gas- or battery-powered and extra ice chests. If you plan on purchasing a generator, do so before the last-minute rush.

Insurance. Go over your insurance coverage, including flood insurance, with your agent. Get recommendations from your agent or check online for disaster-relief contractors and have the names and contact numbers of a couple handy—just in case.

Today’s Interest Rates on a Home Loan

Both FHA and Conventional Loan Rates have gone down!

These are unbeleivable rates and the good news is that our interest rates continue to look strong.

30 YEAR FIXED CONVENTIONAL 4.375%

15 YEAR FIXED CONVENTIONAL 3.875 %

30 YEAR FIXED FHA 4.375 %

15 YEAR FIXED FHA 4.00 %

JUMBO RATES AS LOW AS 5.625% 30 year fixed

Please contact us if you would like additional information regarding today’s real estate market!

Happy 4th of July!

America, stand up and cheer

Our forces keep our freedom clear!

Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!