Ironman 70.3 California : Official Thread (Page 12)

My best advice is to get into the ocean a day or more before the race. 500 yards, and you'll feel a lot better, and you'll know you're one of the more confident triathletes. It's surprising how many people avoid ows to prepare for a race.

Ha My first O'side was last year, but since I swim in the chilly Pacific up the coast, I was surprised to hear complaints about the chop at the harbor opening and the 58F temperature. It was like a pool swim in the tropics for me. That's why I strongly advise that people play in the ocean the previous week. There are a lot of strong pool swimmers who have a hard time in that harbor.

I welcome the Sea Lions, I figure they know the environment far better than I and

if they are playing around, then there aren't any other large predators in the water.

When I swim in La Jolla cove if I don't see any sea lions playing in the water I don't swim.

Here is a fun video of  sea lions...

http://vimeo.com/61187946#

I've had them play follow the leader with me....they are very curious

I will be heading down early Friday morning. Pretty excited as this is my first half-iron distance tri. Training has been okay. Life got in the way much more than I expected, but I have trained enough to finish with a smile on my face. 

What is the Ironman Village like? Is there food available, how about beer? I will be driving back home that day (2 -2.5 hour drive) and I don't want to leave right away. I know the Ironman store is open, but what else is there to do in the Ironman Village? 

Also, what time is recommended to get a good parking spot on Saturday morning?

Thank you and good luck to everyone.

Strategy depends on your goal.  Whatever your time is, I recommend going down Friday evening or before the lineup Sat morning and counting the buoys so you will be mentally ready.  They will be yellow going out and orange coming back (could have that reversed), with red at the turnaround.

Quickest line from the start is obviously the straightest buoy to buoy, but lining up far right is also not bad, it's not much further and there is no crowding.

Mentioned it before, but coming back after the turnaround do not follow the buoys, unless you want to swim longer.  You want to stay as far right as they will allow, there will be guards on boards on the right keeping you on course, use them for sighting and go as far right as they will allow.  Same for the right hand turn into the harbor, there are a couple docks and bait tanks there.  you should be right on them.  Once you reach the last pier, it's very cool to look up and have people *right* above you, that's where I saw my wife the first time i did this race, it was awesome and a good place for your family/friends to watch the end of the swim

great advice.  will try to swim in the ocean prior to race day.  thanks!!

This was my first HIM race ever.  Great venue and great people.  Sounds like the weather will be pretty good.  Just heed Chris M's advice on the S/B/R.  You will finish fine.   I broke 6 hours my 1st HIM.

Ironman Village is a bunch of stores and vendors.  I think its pretty cool to go through it.  There be a bunch of samples at most of the vendors.  Ironman has a BIG store too.   There is food at the finish of the race...otherwise you make have to walk a few blocks from the finish to eat.  There is a Ruby's on the pier and some other little food kart/stands.  There will be a ton of people at the finish and area. 

BEER, my favorite part.  No beer at the finish or area.  There are some bars in the area.  I am always down for a Guiness!!

I cant really tell you what time to find parking cuz i always stay near T1 or the finish. 

Good luck on Saturday!

THe village is much better than it used to be, but still not fantastic.  There is an athlete food area at the finish, you can take it out of the area to the concrete bleachers and hang with the fam, and go back in for more with your bracelet.

You should note that your dry clothes will be up the stairs at T2 level in a paring lot across from the finish.  If you want warm stuff at the end, have some family bring it.  Or you can go up the stairs and then come back down.  I had no idea where the dry bags were last year so was forced to wear my wife's purple sweatshirt as I was getting cold

Thanks Bad91 & Chris. I will definitely need to get some food in me asap and was hoping to wash it down with a cold brew, but that can wait. My family won't be coming down for this one. I couldn't, in good conscience, ask my wife to corral and 8 and 3 yr old for 6+ hours while I fulfill a dream. They will be there in spirit though and my daughter has told me she will be cheering for me at home. My boy chimed in with a "me too" so I know I will have them pushing me from afar. I may have to find a good place to stop on my way home to get a good cold brew in me. Maybe I'll bring a few from a local micro-brewery to enjoy in my vehicle before venturing through the village.

Bad91 - I believe you and I spoke about triathlons on Lets Go Kings a few years ago. Glad to see you are still in the sport. My username there is bjones62.

Well, they don't serve food, but there is a Stone Brewery Company Store within walking distance, and they allow outside food.

http://www.stonebrew.com/visit/

Went swimming at the Oceanside pool today on Brooks st....33.33 yards? what is it with California and 33.33...I did a camp up in Irving back in varsity swimming that was 33.33 too. Weird.

Just looked at the pro roster for Sat. Looks pretty stellar. Andy Potts, Mirinda Carfrae, Heather Wurtele, Tim O'Donnell, Rachel Jones...I'm pretty stoked!

RINNY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guess which guy slapped on some shoes without socks, walked his son home from school, and got a blister the size of a nickel?

This guy!

Nothing tragic, just annoying.

Guess which guy slapped on some shoes without socks, walked his son home from school, and got a blister the size of a nickel?

This guy!

Nothing tragic, just annoying.

Guess which guy slapped on some shoes without socks, walked his son home from school, and got a blister the size of a nickel?

This guy!

Nothing tragic, just annoying.