Bob, you are NUTS! Just got up at 4am and enjoying a bowl of raisin bran!
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Yeah I know:)

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Train safe & smart
Bob

So how'd we do?

I went arm warmers and socks on the bike.

My swim was nearly identical to last year. Swells were pretty big though. Felt like I was swimming up and down hills. Rainy bike wasn't too fun but I was 10:00 faster.

Not a big fan of the run course changes. Too many u turns and short steep climbs. Still ran a couple minutes faster though.

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MyGearGarage - Track all your gear!

20 minute PR yesterday. Great day, great race. Run course was a bit overly complicated I thought. Fun, but I'm sure not everybody got it right.

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Don't forget to attack!

Agreed on the run course. I don't mind the U-turns, but the course was way too narrow on that out-and-back north from the pier and back. 3 lanes of traffic (2 running/1 biking) sucked. Hard to pass people. Saw a hand cyclist really struggling to get by people in that section.
One other minor complaint, I didn't see anywhere to sit after the race to eat. Everyone was standing eating their food. They used to have that big tent with tons of tables to sit at. Did I miss something there?
Positives- Almost no wait for the massage.
Saw TONS of flats out there, so nice to know I wasn't the only one!

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My business-eBodyboarding.com

As a spectator this year, the new course was hands down a winner over the old one. The Strand is a MUCH better place for the finish line IMO. The "hot corner" by the bike dismount was a great place to catch the action of the pros. But yes, I could tell it was narrow - the pros were swinging wide on the turn heading down to the pier and knocking the cones down. And I am sure some people did not it right. One runner stopped at Mike Plumb's popup on the Strand and asked if he was supposed to head north or south out of T2 - apparently he missed the immediate U-turn he was supposed to make. And a friend missed the split to the finish line and ended up running 16 miles! I saw signs at both locations, but looks like they also needed someone there to direct the runners at each location. Also walking down to the swim start about 620, I saw some people frantically running back up towards T2 carrying their run bags who apparently had not read the memo to do that BEFORE heading to T1.

Ok, I got mentally lazy yesterday afternoon and didn't sit at the computer at all, so here's my race report:

Check In, this is my second year in a row for this race and I've found athlete check in to be easy and quick both times. I don't think I took more than 10 minutes tops, including parking.

I'm not a fan of split transitions, but I took advantage of early T2 drop off, just wish this race would allow bike drop off early too.

Saturday morning everything was smooth and according to plan until 0640. My wave was 0705 and as the Pro men went off I was pulling on my wetsuit when my timing chip strap broke! The stitching holding the velcro on came undone! So I frantically ran to the front of transition hoping the RD had a booth with extra straps, but I couldn't find anything or anyone who knew anything. Luckily the medical tent had a huge box of safety pins, so I used five or six pins to hold the strap on my ankle. Of course I stabbed myself half-a-dozen times. Crap, this is not good.

I work my way through the crowd to my wave and finally settle down. Once in the water I felt relaxed, I've been swimming on the base side of the harbor (benefit of being stationed on Pendleton) so I was ready for the temperature. The horn sounds and I hit the start button on my watch and as I start to swim I notice the damn thing didn't start, oh well I'll try to grab a look at the clock when I get back to know how I did. The swim was mostly uneventful, gave as good as I got. But damned if I can't figure out why I am so much slower when I put a wetsuit on. Swim = 35:41

Out of the water and I start my watch as I cross the timing mat, at least I can get an accurate time on the bike. Think again! I dutifuly stuffed my wetsuit/cap/goggles into the bag and head off for bike out. I felt good and warm and I don't think it was raining yet so I decided no arm warmers and stuffed them in the bike bag as well. I executed a perfect flying mount (at least I think I did!). I didn't bother checking my watch until we hit Vandegrift Blvd, but it kept beeping so I knew something wasn't right. Once on Vandigrift I checked my watch and I had no HR and it was telling my GPS battery was low. WTF, I just charged it last night?! We zip on behind the commissary and down the hill, turn right onto Stuar tMesa and I check the watch again, this time it says my HR is 225 (my max is 186) and my speed is about 5 mph. Ok I see how this day is going, fuck pacing, let's go racing. I didn't look at my watch the rest of the ride except for an occasional peak at the time, which was amazing accurate. And to top everything off, it's raining! But I feel warm except my feet (had toe warmers on), but my feet get cold when it's sunny and 60 degrees so nothing unexpected here.

With the decision to race by pure feel I reached first big hill at San Mateo feeling WAY better than last year, and going up I just shifted into 39x25 and kept the effort as easy as I could. Glad I decided to go with the 25 this year. There was an annoying lady screaming at the top of the hill, we could hear her all the way at the bottom. I appreciate good spectators, but wow that got annoying about half way up. Flying down the back side into the 53 area my feet are now numb, which is good exactly what I expect.

Heading down hill to the 2nd no-passing zone I was in a line with four other guys, properly spaced I might add, when I notice the speed sign flashing 38mph. My first thought, "oh crap this is gonna suck, wet aluminum brack tracks!" Apparently the guys in front of me all realized the same thing at the same time and we all popped up onto the brakes hard, you could hear the grinding of grit on the brakes, it was awesome. We slowed enough to surivive the turn and just hammered afterwards. I had so much fun from Pulgas back to the air station. I felt like I was flying, unfortunately I have no data to back that up.

I hit Vandigrift and didn't notice much wind if any, so staying in my groove I rode well. I ride this road all the time and hate the shoulder so it's nice to ride in the lane. Fast forward to the approach to T2 and I feel oddly fresh, it's gonna be a good run. Flying dismount executed to prefection in front of the home crowd. Bike = 2:35:27

Since I haven't yet learned to pee on the bike I was dying in T2 and hit the port-a-john on the way out, giving a cursory look at my watch I see speed and HR are still jacked up. No biggie, just run. But here is where I was nervous, I've had what I think is PF over the last two weeks so I decided to run easy as to not aggravate it too badly. Remeber when I said my feet were numb? Still are at this point, I think my right foot thawed out by mile three and my left (the PF foot) by mile six. My left foot was slightly uncomfortable but not hurting, I just hold my pace which I figure to be about 7:00 miles.

Best sign of the day belongs to the ladies with the huge sign that said "Smile if you're not wearing underware". I had a good laugh there. With loop one in the books and heading back on loop two I realize I never saw where the finish splits off. I'm going to be pissed if I run past it. After I pass the 11 mile sign I check my time and calculate I'm doing good, better than last year, just wish I knew what my swim time was, though I assumed about 35 minutes. With 11 miles in and I feel good, no PF issue though a slight left IT band pain I assume is from me altering my gait trying not to stress my left foot too much. Time to speed up a bit, it's only two miles left. I was moving pretty good up the Strand and remaining vigilant for the finish split off. I see it but the volunteer was standing right in the middle of the way. No wonder I didn't see it before.

I finished strong, and suprisingly fresh. Much more so than all previous attempts at the 70.3 distance. Seeing the finish clock I knew I went sub-5 but by how much I don't know. I make my way though the finihsing chute and find the poor soul who has to remove all the safety pins from my now blinged out chip strap. Wow, I'm filthy, I have a great clean line around my anke. My wife is right there just beaming and screaming at my that I PRd. Run = 1:32:43

Final time 4:50:08

She had followed me online so she knew my splits. Course PR by 26 minutes, distance record by 10 minutes. Getting back to T2 was a bit hectic, but I eventually found everything. As I was looking for my morning clothes I came across Andy Potts and asked him how he did, his response is priceless, "I did ok"



Pure humility that guy, it was pleasure to meet him if only for a few minutes. He was more interested in how I did.

Overall a great day to race. Without being a slave to technology I had my best 70.3. I'm thinking I might just lose the technology for my next race too and see how it goes! Congrats to all other finishers, not the best conditions to race but you all killed it none the less.

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The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody

Must have been a great day for PRs cus I PR'd by 14min. This was by far the hardest course i've raced as well. I was also very slow in T1 took forever it seemed. Gives me more confidence that I can do even better at Eagleman this summer.

I had a good day as well. My only other half was Orangeman last year and I knocked an hour off my time coming in at 5:27. For some reason the swim really set me back at 39 minutes. I felt good and thought I was doing great until I saw my time when I got out and was shocked. I took it out on the bike by covering 23mph the first hour. I knew the hills were coming so I dialed it back some and was pleasantly surprised at how much easier they were then what I was expecting. That one hill was tough but otherwise everything else was manageable and much less than what it looked like when I studied the files on Garmn Connect. At the second no pass zone at about mile 40 I proudly joined triathlon's upper echelon by successfully relieving myself while going down the hill. I was so happy that when I was done I was like a new man and shot off the bottom of the hill like a bat out of hell. It was truly great! My run was exactly what I expected and was spot on 2:00. My goal was 5:15 and my swim cost me that but otherwise it was a great day. I saw Tribodyboarder on the run to. He must have been a little social diva yesterday ;-)

Cobble wrote:

20 minute PR yesterday. Great day, great race. Run course was a bit overly complicated I thought. Fun, but I'm sure not everybody got it right.

I agree that it was complicated, and it was annoying, however I do think It kept me focused on the course and running and the miles seemed to click off faster than usual because It wasnt just a boring out and back. It was also very spectator friendly.

Andy is great. When I was going by the transition area in the second loop he actually took the time to cheer for me and told me to "move it" in Spanish. I picked up the pace after that :)

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More acclaim for Potts. I was running by T2 going out for my second lap (so you know it was long after he finished) and he is there with all the other spectators giving advice and shouting encouragement. I did a double take running by him, he saw my flash of recognition and must have cracked up at the look on my face. Congrats to him and the other finishers; a fun day.

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The first time man split the atom was when the atom tried to hold Jens Voigt's wheel, but cracked.

I like the new run course, but the out/back north of pier was too tight. I felt special about Potts encouraging me, but sounds like he did it for a lot of people. That's way cool. I like the idea of everything in a bag or on your bike. Now if they enforced it or people read the Athlete Guide all would be well. I got to T-2 and found a small spot, right between 2 guys that thought there 3x4 foot towels layed out with all their gear. My first comment was "what the f*ck?" One guy looked at me, so I then say "well, I can fit in here and I'll leave all my shit in the bag like we're suppose too." This was just the least of my worries, but that's racing.

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I like the new run course, but the out/back north of pier was too tight. I felt special about Potts encouraging me, but sounds like he did it for a lot of people. That's way cool. I like the idea of everything in a bag or on your bike. Now if they enforced it or people read the Athlete Guide all would be well. I got to T-2 and found a small spot, right between 2 guys that thought there 3x4 foot towels layed out with all their gear. My first comment was "what the f*ck?" One guy looked at me, so I then say "well, I can fit in here and I'll leave all my shit in the bag like we're suppose too." This was just the least of my worries, but that's racing.
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First great job racing.

Re; The towels on the ground etc. Matt and I went to the info tent Thurs this is what we were told.

My post #123
Just got home from the expo.

Here is the bottom line on T1. Towels, bike shoes etc on the ground will be allowed, so normal type T1. What is different they will only transport gear in the two plastic bags they give you. One for clothes and the other for your swim gear. So pack light.

T1 is bike “rack” by race # and T2 you have your own # spot. There is going to be QA today at 3 and tomorrow at 2 but run gear drop off is also at 2 tomorrow.

BTW water temp 52…J/K..58 some good surf too.

Train safe & smart
Bob

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Train safe & smart
Bob

pr'd by 21 mins.....but my swim and bike were slower than 2010 (list time i did it). Pretty happy, wanted 5:30 and came in at 5:39, all in all good day. Went to pizza port to reload after wards. Well worth it, glad everyone had fun.

I am a clyde and just did my first 70.3 in 5:53. Seemed like everyone did great and PR'd, Congrats to everyone. Can't wait to lose some more lbs and go faster!!

10 min improvement from last year, and first sub 5. 4:53.

Credit coach and power meter.

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Only those who risk going too far can find out how far they can go...

RACE DAY!
1am and I'm up. I'll be heading down to Oside soon. To everyone coming to the race have a fun and safe day.
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Bob, you are NUTS! Just got up at 4am and enjoying a bowl of raisin bran!
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Yeah I know:)
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1am? Where do you live, San Fransico?
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I just noticed this:)

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Train safe & smart
Bob

If you saw a guy walking on his cleats on the side of the road just before the first hill at mile 30, that was me with my left crank on my hand. Good thing SAG vehicle came up after I've walked half a mile forward and 5 minutes back just to look for them.

Dude that sucks, hope you didnt get hurt in the process of losing your cranks.

It does suck... I took it easy once I felt my left crank wiggling and sure enough it came off shortly thereafter. Had to think for a second on how to set my left foot with the crank attached to it though. Sub 3 hour target for the bike turned to 3:20 plus ride. Oh well.

I was ok with the new run course right up until the point that I missed the finish line and started to run a third loop. The sign at that point was tiny, someone was blocking my view of it, and there was no one there directing you toward the finish. Come on Ironman, would an overhead sign there be too much to expect??? I had a PR and a likely podium finish, all shot to hell a quarter mile from the finish.


I went back and took this picture. When I was going through it was crowded and there was no one there directing you to the finish. Just that one small sign all the way to the left. I am so pissed, and yes, I know that it's the athletes responsibility to know the course, but after running 13 miles, I was just running hard and trying to get across the finish line.

yeah, 8 miles in, i was trying to figure out where the finish was so I was looking for that split. I saw it on the way out the last lap and remembered it. But the volunteer directions were lacking. The volunteers at the U-turn out of transition were great. Good at the timing mats too. Aid stations were great. Finish, not so much.

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MyGearGarage - Track all your gear!

I agree with you, the u-turn volunteer/s had it under control, but the finish split was a bit of a mess. There were a couple spectators standing on the course when I went through, I'm pretty sure I accidentally caused one to spill her coffee.

I had no issues with that section, as I knew going into the race where the split off was from the maps. It was pretty easy to remember that I only had to run up that Seagaze hill once on the course. Once was enough. But I can see being delirious 13 miles in in a hard effort and missing that.

Although looking at it now, that sign on the right is wrong and potentially confusing. There is no "first" and "second" lap at that point of the course, only the second, i.e. you only make that right turn once.

I guess you could have done one leg drills the rest of the way..