Ford Ironman 70.3 California - 2008 (Page 6)

Thought I'd share this pretty accurate representation of the bike course

Lol.  I remember looking up at the enormous hill and seeing everyone moving at a glacial pace.  There was part that wasn't registering that I would have to go over that hill.  I was so spent by the time I reached the zenith of the hill that I coasted any opportunity I could.

It really hurt my run as well. 

TRAIN ON BIG HILLS.

Well, that about sums it up quite nicely

FWIW: I don't remember the wind being a factor last year coming back but I was in a zone at that point so there could have been some. But, it was nothing like what I have experienced in the past on group and individual rides in the area.

I regularly ride the next canyon over (Along Route 76) and it can and usually does get quite windy. (And the canyons magnify this) It is great if your heading away from the coast, but can really suck the ever lovin life out of the legs if your heading toward the coast.

My only hope is to be fast enough to play tag with Paul again through the hills. (That was fun)

If our little warmup ride before Surf City is any indication, I probably won't be.

Yeah, being the local kid I will be tasked with setting up the FE.

Probably gonna do something maybe for lunch during pre-reg and also maybe a dinner if there is interest.

I will drop a post here when we get closer to the date

hmmm - I'm just hoping to make it out of the water.  On the odd chance I do catch up to you on the bike I'll let you pull me up those nasty green bits on chris' map. 

My training is right on track - for Vineman 70.3 in July.  I'm going to be a train wreck at Oceanside in March. 

Ditto. I'm calling Oceanside a practice HIM, for fun and finishing only. IOW, if I finish in roughly double your time and under the cutoffs, I'll be really happy.

Now about them hills ...

Does anyone know what the bike profile for Catalina is? Here's the thing: the only hill comparison I've got is Ironbruin, which apparently is comparable to Catalina.

I figure I could easily have done the Ironbruin course 2x (27 mi) and unhappily and uneasily done it 4x (54 mi, hm, what's that close to?) but still lived through a half-mary after.

I admit it, I'm queasy. 

You'll be fine, just go ez and pace yourself.  I'm afraid that if this race were another month away that I'd need to have some replacement body parts available merely to make the starting line.

I have never done the Catalina Tri but I have stayed at Mt Ada a couple of times. That hill is stupid steep and you certainly will not find anything on the IMCal course like that. (It's more like Lynch Hill from Wildflower)

The hills are longer in duration but definitely doable. There is one downhill section on the backside that is pretty steep (Steep enough for the RD to make it a no passing zone) with a turn at the bottom.

Seems to me like if the Onshores pick up, the last 10 miles are gonna be tougher than any hill the course has to offer. (At least that is what I remember from last year)

Just take it easy and get your nutrition under control for the first 20 miles (Up to San Mateo Campground) and gear down for the hills and don't try to hammer and you will do great. We did get lucky last year and the winds were very light and variable.

Well, as crazy as my life has been these alst few weeks, I'm just really confused as to what I should do out there.  On one side, i feel pretty good, except for the run, so I was thinking about pushing on the swim and bike, and just do what ever I can on the run. My broken foot from last November is still bothering me, so kind of scared. I know I've placed the distance, but just going insane. One week to go. WHOA!!!

Good luck all, and know you will all do awesome.

Hey everyone, post your bib numbers so at the worst we can find each other while setting up transition, etc. 

enginerd (Donato) - lucky number 744

Here is the thread that I started that we can use to track bib numbers and athletes on race day. (Maybe the moderators will pin the thread so that it stays on top)

Okay, so, pant pant puff puff panic panic ...

I have arm and knee warmers and they fit. Seriously, I should wear them UNDER the wetsuit? I'm gonna try this out Sat/Sun. The arms are Lycra and the knees are lycra/fleece lined (but quick-dry).

Should I wear a squid lid or double swim cap? (Again, I should probably try this out)

I am in full taper tantrum and all these weird kinks are trying to work themselves out of my body and I am convinced the only way to explain all these odd symptoms and pains is that I have a brain tumor. (It's always like this during taper).

Okay, on the bike. Half gloves or full?

I feel so much better knowing you guys will be there.

It is your choice as to whether to wear them in the water. It does not take much time to pull them on in T1 and you will surely be pulling them off in T2 if not sooner.

Sunny

High 67°F Precip 10%

Wind:	NNW 6 mph
Max. Humidity:	61%
UV Index:	8 Very High

I personally will not be wearing leg warmers but will have my arm warmers on the bike. I put them on the ends of my aerobars (I don't have shifters on them) and pull them on and off as needed. Last year I put them on just after T1 and took them off about 20 miles in. Last Year at Wildflower, I did not need them at all.

Lots of folks wear their arm warmers under their wetsuit and it works fine. I just have never done it because I like to be as dry as possible on the bike. 

As for a hood (Squid lid), I would suggest it is a good idea for many reasons. But most of all because they keep the ears warm and lessen the likelyhood of a dizzy spell in T1. The water temp seems like it will be around 60 Degrees and I could go with or without in terms of comfort.

I will be wearing a Squid Lid on race day as will many others. Oh, and while we are chatting about race day warmth, don't forget a pair of throw away shoes for the boat ramp

If you don't have a squid lid, let me know and I will score one for you from the booth on Wednesday when I help them set up. Also, if you need a chip holder, I can grab one for you also.

I don't wear bike gloves but whatever you normally wear in training, I would continue to wear on race day. (Nothing new )

As for phantom aches, pains etc. They are totally normal. During peak training, your body has a very high tollorance for pain, and now your pain receptors are waking up. (Sorta like when your leg falls asleep and you get the pins and needles feeling as the circulation returns)

Some easy recovery workouts will keep that in check

Yeah, I agree with wearing a squid lid for the swim but what's the reason for the throw away shoes?  Rocky bottom?? 

Maybe I should bring some hot coffee and use that in my aero bottle  It's definitely going to be a little chilly in the morning.

NA Sport web site for the race. go to participants, and look for this race.

 http://www.nasports.com/participants/participants.php

http://www.nasports.com/participants/index.php

Wave starts have us lining up on the concrete boat ramp. It can get prettydarn chilly waiting for your wave to start

They collect the shoes at the arch and donate them to charity.