70.3 California - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Being in the second to last wave meant a lot of traffic that I was not able to deal with effectively. Got kicked a few times and got hit in the head pretty hard once (goggles went flying and I ruptured my eardrum). After that I was feeling disoriented and had a hard time going straight!! Time was slower than last year - by almost 2 minutes while I was hoping to improve by 3 to 4 minutes. In training my times have improved by 15 sec/100 yds. Live and learn - and be ready next time.

Practice open water swimming rather than focus on pool sessions to help with dealing with the chop and congestion as well as improving navigation.

Faster than last year but still slow. Was still very dizzy from the swim and the hit to the head and had a hard time just running straight.

Practice the routine more and become more efficient.

Felt good on the front side (flat section) and was averaging 23 mph without much effort. Then we turned around and that pesky headwind started!! Again, being the second to last wave meant a lot of traffic and in some spots the course is rather narrow making passing crowds a bit challenging. Once we turned back toward the west (ish direction) it felt like the headwind was less of a factor - or perhaps it was the hills around that were shielding us - and it felt good again riding back into transition - back up to 23-25 mph.


Train more and harder at powering up and over hills and rollers to make sure I have the power and endurance to finish fast and strong.

Not too bad for me but I should be able to do it faster.

Run felt good. Went faster than I thought I would and did not blow up. I guess training does pay off. The weather helped a lot!! Cool and cloudy makes the run so much better.

Continue training to improve pace.

Hit the food tent for some drinks and pizza then went back to my bike and just sat down...had to wait a bit to be able to get back up!!


My inability to deal with the swim congestion and relative lack of bike training. Need to get in a more regimented and focused training regime focused on pace rather than just base building volume to achieve better times.


Second HIM for me and second time at Oceanside and I love this race!! Volunteers were wonderful as they were last year and made the experience that much more enjoyable!!
Feel very fortunate to have such a race take place so close to home.
Cannot wait to come back next year!!