Ironman 70.3 California : Official Thread

How weird, I was just looking at posting a new thread...Now I don't have to

Back in 2012 for my third time.  It's a great race

Swim -
-Can be a bit cold, people are always complaining about it.  But honestly both times haven't even noticed after a minute or so.  Couple years ago it was super cold and they gave people a duathlon option
-There is no warm up other than the quick 3 minute swim to the deep water start between waves
-No surf, but might get a bit of a swell near the entry to the harbor
-If you are in a later wave, it gets pretty crowded
-Unless it's overcast, sun will be in your eyes on the return.  Tinted goggles.  Speaking of the return, don't hug the buoys, stay to the right as far as they'll let you

Bike -
-Front side is fast and flat going north.  Backside has three primary hills, none of which are very long, but they will slow you down.  Steepest is first, then they get progressively easier.  This year I didn't recall the steep one being as steep, I think they make it steeper every year.
-Back side also might have some headwind, like this year
-Last 10 miles or so is down a canyon towards the shore so most likely will have a good headwind

Run
-2 10K + loops
-Don't let anyone tell you it's pancake flat.  it's not hilly.  But it's also not pancake flat
-Open to the spring beach crowd, so the scenery is interesting.
-Some years they run on sand about 1/4 mile, twice each loop.  I've never had that
-there is a lot of concrete on the run

FYI, checked with them on Friday to see how full the race is:

Camille Evans, Aug-19 02:47 pm (CDT):

Hello Chris,

Thank you for your e-mail. Ironman 70.3 California is over 90% full at this time. In order to guarantee a slot I recommend registering as soon as possible.

Regards-

Camille Evans
Athlete Services Coordinator
Ironman World Headquarters

Looking forward to this one - I have a buddy in CA who has competed in this the last two (2) years.  His summary of the course was very similar to what has already been said.

Should be fun in 2012!

General entry sold out !

Hotel booked, rental car booked, need to start to check for the flight now

I think sdmike knows way more about it than I do, but I'l take credit anywhere it's given (although I do think the advice to ride topanga canyon was good    ) .  For some reason, all my knowledge doesn't get me any closer to the pointy end though!  My goals are (1) get to the start line uninjured through training and (2) race it at least 20 pounds lighter. The former is probably harder than the latter

I convinced an old water polo buddy to sign up a couple days ago, glad I did that.

Looking forward to a course preview ride or two. 

I'm toying with training plans for Oceanside. This will be my third time back. What plans are you using and when will you start your race specific training?

haven't selected the plan yet, but I'm moving into maintenance mode for the swim and bike so I can focus on a few run events this fall. I'll probably start into a 70.3 plan just before the first of the year.

Word from the RD is a potential change to the bike course and a run finish at the pier.  Not sure exactly what that means, but will keep you posted if I hear anything specific.

Will look forward to some preview ride/bricks in the new year!

Well that would be interesting...   I was looking at that hotel at the pier for this year, maybe I'll make some just in case reservations

My husband heard the same thing last year while volunteering in the med tent. There was some discussion of a pier finish last year but the stuck the the old course. I'm interested to see what the run (and bike course) looks like if they change it. I like the current bike course design. The hills and ocean breeze (wind) keep things interesting.

Not anymore, checked out the site (Wyndham).  The weekend before and after there are no night minimums, and the rooms are $179 or so.   The weekend of the race is a 3 night minimum (which makes no sense) and lowest rate is $269

Ironman 70.3 California registration is OFFICIALLY CLOSED!!!

I have never been so glad to sign up for a race in time, lol. I signed up like 2 days ago!