Ford Ironman 70.3 California - 2008 (Page 4)

Training is going great for me. I am in my 5th week of my plan and have a tuneup race (Surf City Half Marathon) this weekend. Been logging about 15 hours per week of training. Run volume is down from Winter Marathon Season but that's OK because I am getting in some great bike volume with some good intensity

If that seems a bit high for HIM training, it probably is. IMCal 70.3 is really just part of the buildup to IMCdA in June. (Training volume is gonna get really sick after IMCal)

I am still another 2 weeks from being able to get in the pool though. The ortho has a followup imaging session to confirm that the shoulder repair has healed before giving me the OK to start training. I am doing some weight bearing exercises with the PT though so I should be ready to start putting in some volume straight away.  (I am not worried about it)

Really getting amped about the race

Anyone that's been to Tim's logs knows how "sick" this statement really is.  The man is a machine

My training has derailed these last few weeks thanks to a calf tear a few weeks ago and a bike wipeout (my knees took the brunt of it) last week.  This race is also a tune up race for me for an IM (IM Lanzarote, which really scares me).  I'm also doing IM Cal with two buddies (one is poweredbyfear here on BT) who are doing this as their first half.  Should be a good day.

Tim is a training monster, plus he's half fish so I'm sure he'll be plenty ready for the swim (and the bike, and the run!).

Hope to see you all out there!

Play it by ear.  2 years ago folks were in full jackets, gloves, etc.

Last year I wore arm warmers only and was ultimately too warm

Just go prepared and make a game day decision

Yeah, end of March is normally low to mid 60s. But, it is not uncommon for us to get Santa Ana Winds (Dry, Hot and Windy Conditions) and it is also not uncommon for us to get cold wet and windy days.

Seems like the real constant in all of this is the water temps. I would be really happy if we get 60 degree temps like last year. I still have my Squid Lid that I got from Nytro at the Expo and will surely be wearing it again this year.

Oh, and last year was a "No Bootie" Year. But, if you bring along a throw away pair of running shoes, they are great for keeping the tootsies warm while you are standing on the boat ramp waiting for your wave to start.

The only other bit that takes some getting used to is that there is really now "Warmup" time in the water. It's get in, get ready and Bang, Your off

For non-El Nino Years, it is typically in the upper 50s to 60 degrees. (Stats from Wetsand)

But as Chris pointed out last year, the Bottom Features of Oceanside Harbor can make for conditions to be a bit colder than in the Ocean.

My advice, take a tape measure along, know the current measurement from the center of your crank to the top of your saddle on your regular bike.  Make sure that whatever bike you pick up is configured reasonably close to the same saddle height.  You can avoid my wrecked-knee fate that way.