70.3 California : Official Thread

jnboado - 2010-07-02 12:11 AM just signed up!

tribean - 2010-06-27 9:14 AM1/2 Ironman #2.  The Warm up prio to Coue D Alene Jun11.  First salt water swim in a long time but it should be a blast.  Any one got helpfull hints on the course.

morey000 - 2010-07-16 7:47 PMthis looks like a good first HIM for me.  I'm still getting over some injuries, so I'd like to put off signing up until after November if possible.  When does this race fill up?

I'm not worried about the distance- I can do it tomorrow. But I want to execute a good training plan and get out there and give an HIM my best shot.  

Destroyer - 2010-08-14 5:46 PM I've decided I'm going to win my age group.  

TheWolf - 2010-07-06 10:27 PM I assume you mean warmup for IM Boise 70.3 on June 11? Coeur D'Alene is on 6/26/2011...Hints for IM Cali? Train hills for the bike, as well as rollers, because the back side of the course is full of em'. Run is pretty much pancake flat and sighting your way back in on the swim can be a bit of a pain when the sun comes up. First class race with a stacked field of talent - bring your "A" game if you're looking to finish high here. See you there....-John

halfironmike - 2010-09-03 9:29 PM I am in again - third straight year.  Goals are to improve on last year's time and manage nutrition on the bike so that I can run a sub-1:30.  I'll be heading to Boston (also third straight year) two weeks after and I'll be focusing more on the marathon this time around.

The Wolf is absolutely right with the sighting issues on the second half of the swim (I recommend mirrored goggles) and yes - definitely prepare for the big spikes out on base.  They are the key components of this race and what give it its teeth.  Conquer them and you will have a good race.  The first 25-30 and last 10 miles of the bike course can be very fast if the wind conditions are favorable.  Light riders should choose wheels wisely as there can be some killer crosswinds on the back side of base - they can be downright scary in the fast downhill sections.

Also note that in past years the water temp has been VERY cold.  Not the past two years (official posted temps were 59° & 58°, but I have heard about the years with 52-55° (including the year where they offered a duathlon option).  It's not that long of a swim, though, so no matter the temps, we should be ok - just be prepared to wear a hoodie and bring some Aquaphor or Vaseline for your face, hands and feet if the water temp looks like it will in the low to mid 50s.  Anything above 55 and we'll be fine with just a neoprene cap.  I didn't wear one this year and the posted temp was 58° (I think it was warmer - definitely felt warmer and temp was a non-issue).

It can be cold for the first 20 or so minutes on the bike, though.  I remember being uncomfortable for a while - until the first real hill on base.  After that, temps were the least of my worries and it's never been something that stands out in my mind as a challenging part of the race.

What does stand out is the following:Worrying about the water temp

• Sighting on the second half of the swim
• The three big hills on Basilone (back side of base)
• Crosswinds
• Which way will the wind blow?  If it's out of the west, we're in trouble in the last 10 miles.  Last year, it was out of the east and the last 10 was smokin fast with the tailwind!
• Suffering on the run - no matter what, the last loop of a HIM run hurts.  At least it's almost all flat and a long stretch of it is along the boardwalk with an ocean view.  Stay on top of your nutrition / hydration / sodium on the bike and you will reduce the suffering on the run.

Good luck everyone!  I'm looking forward to hearing about all of your training.