Just heading back home now. Some comments from this peanut gallery:
- Overall, I think the race is a winner (this was IM no. 49, so there is some perspective) - I would say about 75% to 80% of the race is good, but there are changes required.
- Nice to have a one loop swim course. Would like to have a practice swim that doesn't cost $20 (or at least put it in the entry fee, so I don't feel like there's constantly a hand reaching in my pocket. Swim entry/exit good, good to not have any leg directly into the sun.
- Bike course was more challenging than I gave it credit for; a couple of slightly more epic climbs thrown in would work well. Saw several motos the first 30 miles, none afterwards, though everything was spreadout by then (did a 1:03 swim/5:03 bike).
- The T2 bike hand off needs serious help (you had to see it to believe it) . At the very least, there should be bike catchers near the dismount line. Running in bare feet for a quarter mile on hot concrete and running track needs to go away.
- Railroad crossings need serious help. If I hadn't slowed down a bunch, I most likely would have flatted.
- Run course was good. I expected it to be more crowded, given the width of the path, but only had to dance around a few people on the second lap.
- Having dry clothes bags closer to finish line would be a plus. Add colder/wetter weather and this turns into a medical tent nightmare.
Again, overall a positive experience, and would do it again.
Team Kiwami
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- Overall, I think the race is a winner (this was IM no. 49, so there is some perspective) - I would say about 75% to 80% of the race is good, but there are changes required.
- Nice to have a one loop swim course. Would like to have a practice swim that doesn't cost $20 (or at least put it in the entry fee, so I don't feel like there's constantly a hand reaching in my pocket. Swim entry/exit good, good to not have any leg directly into the sun.
- Bike course was more challenging than I gave it credit for; a couple of slightly more epic climbs thrown in would work well. Saw several motos the first 30 miles, none afterwards, though everything was spreadout by then (did a 1:03 swim/5:03 bike).
- The T2 bike hand off needs serious help (you had to see it to believe it) . At the very least, there should be bike catchers near the dismount line. Running in bare feet for a quarter mile on hot concrete and running track needs to go away.
- Railroad crossings need serious help. If I hadn't slowed down a bunch, I most likely would have flatted.
- Run course was good. I expected it to be more crowded, given the width of the path, but only had to dance around a few people on the second lap.
- Having dry clothes bags closer to finish line would be a plus. Add colder/wetter weather and this turns into a medical tent nightmare.
Again, overall a positive experience, and would do it again.
Team Kiwami