~~ HOUSTON INLINE MARATHON : November 3–4, 2007 ~~

[debbont]

We're hoping to get the open & 1/2 marathoners started by 7am... and the pro/pro master elite by 9am... that way we can get the post race party & awards going by 11am.

[Robert]

Debbie,

What's the weather like in Houston in November?

Robert

[jmac]

Hey Robert,

Early November's weather in Houston is very nice (and similar to that of Long Beach) — a low probability of rain, and temps usually in the range of 50°–72°F. It'll most likely be in the low 60s at race time.

Reference: http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=034227

Cheers,
=jmac=

[debbont]

I've had a few people not notice that on the myspace page for the HouIM, in the upper right hand corner of the page there is a blog section - if you click on 'View All Blogs' it will bring up all the info you need for the marathon.... from schedule of events, to online registration link, to host hotel info & link, to packet pickup info & link, things to do in downtown Houston, course info & map, etc etc.. You can view each blog separate, or you can hit the 'view all blogs' and it will show em all!

[Paul Jahn]

Cool, I actually just noticed the blog a few days ago.

I signed up close to a week ago, and I believe at the time was the only Minnesotan registered. You MN pros should show up, unless you want a rec skater who probably won't break 2 hours representing Minnesota.

Looks like the Toyota Center isn't too far away. The Houston Aeros (MN Wild hockey affiliate) are playing both Friday night Nov 2, and late Sunday afternoon, Nov 4.

[tenienteskates]

I did my register in the open full marathon, and you Pancho? Robin, I hope see you again, thank you so much Justin.

[BWI-Sheldon]

How many skater do they anticipate at this event?

[jmac]

How many skaters do they anticipate at this event?

About as many as the number who register... (*AHEM*)

Come on down yourself, and you'll find out in person!

[BWI-Sheldon]

Thats the answer I thought I might get, but it is not the answer that will get me motivated enough to make plans.

[The Major]

Thats the answer I thought I might get, but it is not the answer that will get me motivated enough to make plans.

So what answer would get you motivated? 100? 200? Why wait for what others are doing. If I could go I would, regardless of what the expected attendance is. I'm still trying to see if I can work it out.

[jmac]

That's [...] not the answer that will get me motivated enough to make plans.

Well, my friend, what do you want me to say? This is a first-time event. I can't reliably predict the number of people who will choose to participate. I can tell you that Debbie Rice is deeply involved, and she and numerous other Bont pro skaters will be racing. There are other marquee skaters and teams coming that I'm not at liberty to announce just yet. We've already got people registered from places like Mexico, Colorado, Minnesota, and even Australia. There will be events for all skill levels, from a full marathon to a simple Fun Skate, and we've structured the event timing so that everybody who's not racing Pro will be able to watch the Pros race. We'll have an Expo, a Pre-Race Party with live music, and great awards. We've got a first-class host hotel right on the racecourse, and they're giving us rooms at half price. What more motivation are you looking for?

If dedicated skaters like you choose to step up and support the event by deciding to come, and inviting your friends to join you, we'll have a lot more participation than if you merely wait for others to commit first.

In other words, the number of skaters who come is up to you, and many others like you.

So, let me turn your question around: How many skaters do you want to see at this brand-new event?

And how can you help make that happen? A great start would be to get yourself motivated enough to make plans. Trust me, you'll be glad you did!

Cheers,
=jmac=

[Edit: Clarification: I can't say that Debbie's bringing the whole Bont team — turns out it's bigger than I realized!]

[The Major]

I may be able to attend but I would need someone to watch my 4 yr old daughter while I was racing. She'd love to come on a skate trip with me.