I did it and can't thank Boca enough for putting on yet another fantastic race. You never really know what you're going to get with an inaugural race, but they made it feel like they've had this race going on for years. I wouldn't have trusted many race directors to get the logistics of a point-to-point race on Oahu down almost perfectly on the first go-around, but Boca knows what they're doing. If they're putting on a tri on Oahu, you sign up for it and do it, bottom line.
That said, just a few nit-picky things:
1. I know lengthening the swim would be difficult, but I think many would appreciate it. Even as an incredibly weak swimmer, the closer to 1.2 miles the better. I kind of dig the beach run in the middle though, as that added a nice wrinkle (even if it makes comparing 70.3 swim times nearly impossible).
2. Everyone who lives here knows that the roads suck and we just all gotta deal with that fact. Nevermind that closing the course to traffic is an absolute impossibility. Many of us locals ride that route up through North Shore and know where all the rough and dangerous spots are. Perhaps getting some people to sweep the course the day before to try and remove as much debris as possible, as well as mark off with tape some of the more dangerous dips, bumps, and holes. Maybe some warning signs on the bridges to warn of the hard bumps in transitioning from asphalt to concrete. I unfortunately hit one of those things hard just outside Haleiwa and double-flatted there. However, I also recognize it's my own damn fault for not being more aware of the course, and not running a lower tire pressure.
3. Add one more aid station to the run. I could have sworn there was supposed to be one just outside of T2, but there wasn't. As such, there was a fairly long gap (maybe 2 miles or so) between a couple of the aid stations in the middle part of the run course.
I'll be doing the race against next year for sure. Looking forward to challenging the overall men's podium. :)
Edit: Also, the course is really, really fast. Easier than Honu due to the shorter swim and flat/tailwind-assisted bike. Run is just as brutal as Honu in my opinion though. I did a 4:59 at Honu this year, and a 4:42 here. Without my flat on the bike I'd have rolled to a 4:30 in this race.
That said, just a few nit-picky things:
1. I know lengthening the swim would be difficult, but I think many would appreciate it. Even as an incredibly weak swimmer, the closer to 1.2 miles the better. I kind of dig the beach run in the middle though, as that added a nice wrinkle (even if it makes comparing 70.3 swim times nearly impossible).
2. Everyone who lives here knows that the roads suck and we just all gotta deal with that fact. Nevermind that closing the course to traffic is an absolute impossibility. Many of us locals ride that route up through North Shore and know where all the rough and dangerous spots are. Perhaps getting some people to sweep the course the day before to try and remove as much debris as possible, as well as mark off with tape some of the more dangerous dips, bumps, and holes. Maybe some warning signs on the bridges to warn of the hard bumps in transitioning from asphalt to concrete. I unfortunately hit one of those things hard just outside Haleiwa and double-flatted there. However, I also recognize it's my own damn fault for not being more aware of the course, and not running a lower tire pressure.
3. Add one more aid station to the run. I could have sworn there was supposed to be one just outside of T2, but there wasn't. As such, there was a fairly long gap (maybe 2 miles or so) between a couple of the aid stations in the middle part of the run course.
I'll be doing the race against next year for sure. Looking forward to challenging the overall men's podium. :)
Edit: Also, the course is really, really fast. Easier than Honu due to the shorter swim and flat/tailwind-assisted bike. Run is just as brutal as Honu in my opinion though. I did a 4:59 at Honu this year, and a 4:42 here. Without my flat on the bike I'd have rolled to a 4:30 in this race.