I’d like to know this too

I’d like to know too

+1

Highly unlikely is will be a non-wetsuit swim...

---

Team Every Man Jack

http://www.teamemj.com

The full was conveniently 76.1 degrees. The reading likely wont be higher than that no matter the temperature.

For what it's worth (not much), I just spoke to a local who described the lake as "hot" in his sleeveless wetsuit. So, I'd at least be mentally prepared for the possibility of non-wetsuit. If you think you might need a swimskin in the future, might as well buy one now just in case.

---

Coach of TriForce Triathlon Team

Safe to assume it won't cool down much between now and race. I'll bring my swim skin just in case.....

---

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

The water temp is currently over 76.1 ... i'd be prepared to swim without a wetsuit.

If you want to monitor air temp look at weather in Cloverdale ... it is a hot pocket up there and the swim is in a cove that runs warmer than the remainder of the lake

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

I would change that to highly likely ;-) ... air temps for Cloverdale the next 10 days straight is mid- 90's to 100 degree's.

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Dave,

Does it seem the water temp will go up even more?

Steven

My experience says yes

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Dave,

Thanks, see you in 11 days. Are you going to be announcing?

steven

Steven .... Yup ... Eric & I will be there announcing

See ya'll soon

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

I truly hope you are right Dave!:)

---

Team Every Man Jack

http://www.teamemj.com

I'm taking it to Vegas ;-) ... always I chance lose my money too

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

A fishing report at Lake Sonoma has the lake surface temp at 70* this week... Anyone know what’s correct ?

This is My first 70.3 and my one other tri (Olympic) was in a lake and I did the swim in 30 min with a wetsuit. I’m somewhat new to swimming and a little nervous that this might not be wetsuit legal. Worth investing in a swimskin ?

There is ZERO chance it is 70 degree's ... considering current water temp is 76-78 and Cloverdale (where the lake is) is forecasted for 100+ degree's today and between the low 90's and 100 deg the next 10 days

If one were to ask my advice I'd advise to plan on a non wetsuit swim ... it's 1900 meters. Swimskins provide value and its good to have in arsenal of equipment choices

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Perfect, thanks!

#ROKArep

Question for you re: spectators. Did the race last year with my lady, but this year it'll be just her racing. What's the best plan for spectators? Is it possible to be at the swim start and then also be back in time for bike finish for faster folks? I don't remember there being much parking, if any, at the swim for spectators/cars.

If you wanted to be at T1 in the morning AND make sure you get back for Pro's / Faster AG's off the bike I'd leave after the pro's start (or sooner). If you do not leave at that point you will be there until final swimmers get out of the water

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

That's good to know and I appreciate the reply. So if I drive there early enough I will be able to park? Santa Rosa is a great race, wish I was swimming and running so I could race! (sort of)

Haha ... Yeah if you get there early and are able to park past T1 you can drive out (assuming you leave early as well)

PM Me

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Dave -

Just rode the back end of the course and one of the roads, Willowside I think, is unpaved. Currently requires half a mile of cyclo-crossing!

Is that supposed to be done this week or are the organizers looking at a re-route?

Thanks!

maybe leave that section as is, but, make wetsuits required for that section and optional for the rest of the course :-|

---

I saw this on a white board in a window box at my daughters middle school...
List of what life owes you:
1. __________
2. __________
3. __________

It is being repaved this week

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Any water temp updates....?

Figuring it will be a non wetsuit swim, which is fine w/ me. Just curious as to what the current temp is?

---

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

Sorry I do not have an official temp form the weekend ... I'll get official temps in a couple days from swim course staff ... the high temperature for Cloverdale (swim location) the next 5 days = 98-101-104-100-99 ... we'll have official temp at first race briefing on Thursday.

I'm advising athletes to prepare for non wetsuit ... if it is wetsuit legal its is going to be warm

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Legit question, are you somehow connected to Roka? Yes, its hot during the day but the temp is dropping to something like 59 degrees at night. Most official sites state that the water temp is 70*

I was there last year, I remember that they basically fibbed to get 76.1 for the full, so it was hot but I also remember that it was still really hot at night, which is the big difference with this year.

Roka? My affiliation to Roka is that they have supported my coaching business since they launched the brand. That's it ... ... I don't care if athletes wear a wetsuit, speedsuit, budgy smuggler, tri kit etc. ...

The weather this year is similar to last year, as would be almost any year. You mention official sites? The are no official sites unless you want to consider the one with "Estimated Temp" as official? There are fishing sites where they say recent temp is 75-76 (who knows where the water temp was taken)

All I can tell you is last weekend it was 77 degrees on the swim course. My advice to athletes is be prepared for water temp near the limit and possibly over. If we have a number of windy days as well as marine layer over the lake the water temp will drop (its a big lake with COLD water down deep) ... the opposite will drive the temp up. All I know living here is what the weather is like, what the trends are and how they effect race day (water temp, air temp, wind direction, speed etc.) as well as trying to provide insight to that. Nobody has to believe it ;-)

BTW ... water temp on race day in mid May was 67 degrees if I remember correctly
EDIT ... If I get anything official before THURS i will post here

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

A friend swam there this past weekend in a swimskin... she didn't get a water temperature reading but she compared it to the pool where we swim (likely 78 degrees) and said it would be uncomfortable in a wetsuit if the temperature was like this past weekend.

I’m curious how others plan to approach the race on Saturday. This will be only my third 70.3 race, and the first one where the water temp might fall between 76.2 and 83.8. I’m an OK swimmer, but definitely more comfortable in a wetsuit during a race. I’m a MOP age grouper on a good day and the last things on my mind are age group awards or world championship slots. I’m sure inclined to just wear the wetsuit. Is there anything I’m not taking into account? thanks

You'll be hot and potentially over heating. If you are a MOP, then who cares if they wet suit saves a few minutes to your time. I'd ditch the wet suit and just wear your tri kit, or consider buying a swimskin (Roka or other vendors will be selling them at the expo), which will reduce the drag that your tri kit add on the swim. Or if you race in a two piece tri kit, don't wear the top and just wear your shorts.

---

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

Water Temp Today = 75.5 degrees

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

First timer here Dave. I am assuming with that temp and the lack of time before Saturday we will be wetsuit legal?

JC

If I were racing I would not assume wetsuit legal (Frankly at that temp I don't want to wear a wetsuit) ... the Forecast high temp for Cloverdale (where the lake is) the next 4 days = 100-107-107-102

There are other factors at play like wind on that lake churning some cooler water up ... BUT, i'd be prepared for both scenarios. We'll have morning water temp updates daily at race briefings ... final call will be made about 5am race morning

BTW for anyone reading ... this will be the case EVERY year in July give or take a couple degrees ... last year it was 76.1 on race day

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Has the fog really been that dense that they may cancel the swim? Really hope not.....

---

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

Swim cancelled. TT bike start.

do non-swimmers swim 1.2 miles ? really if I was a non-swimmer I would not even try it. Everyone who signs up for a 70.3 should be a competent swimmer = should be no need to cancel the swim portion

Clearly you've never been in a kayak during a 70.3 for swim safety.

Get over yourself dude. No way that swim could have been safe, period.

Bring back the Russian River.

Separately I was surprised at the number of participants that were thrilled the swim was cancelled.

WTC made the right call. I have done a swim in that much fog and got way off course. It would have been dangerous even for us experienced swimmers.
It hurt my race as I usually am top 5 in my age group in the swim.
Oh yah, get over yourself 😜

---

Team Zoot So Cal

I was thinking the same thing. The Russian river must be about the safest swim venue you could find since at any time you could simply stand up.

My 2 cents - both WTC and the individual participant have a role to play on the odds of having a swim. WTC needs to evaluate locations better for risk of cancelled / shortened swims (i.e. understand the weather better and have contingency plans). But also, as a participant, we should do our own research and look for courses with less changes of cancelled swims. I know there is always a risk, but some are more sensitive than others.

I was also amazed seeing people happy about the cancelled swim. You do know you signed up for a triathlon, right?

I wondered today... might there be a way to still do the swim with a later start but shorter time limit to be off the bike? And give the athlete an option... like today it could have been... if you swim, you have to be on the run in 4 hours. If not, you’re pulled off the course. If you’re worried about that, there will be a TT bike start. I know this would be trickier to manage but IM is a big enough organization I imagine they could come up with something.

In my 37 years of triathlon, I have never seen so many people with flats. I did the Vineman course over 20 times, but thought their rough roads were smoother.

---

Team Zoot So Cal

Flats and thrown water bottles. Wonder how much that had to do with course congestion... I don’t know how it was for those who started earlier, but with a mid 2000’s bib it was pretty congested out there. And sometimes hard to maneuver around. Seemed the numbering system wasn’t set great for a potential TT start.

I was in the 3300’s and it was very congested. Water bottles and broken cages!

---

Team Zoot So Cal

In the 3000 range myself, and the delays were crazy. The fog was not normal or expected, but it was crazy thick. They waited as long as they could for it to lift, and considered a shorter version. Just didn’t clear in time. I don’t know logistics, but there were 56 miles of intersections with CHP on duty. They can’t sit there forever...
Sure I wish I could have done he swim, but the weather was great, the course was beautiful, and I chose to have a positive attitude. I also love the shade on the new run course!
Considering how big this race has gotten, I am impressed with many things the WTC is doing right. Paving roads isn’t really something they can handle. During that one intersection about mile 45 there was about a dozen or more flats! Maybe I got lucky, or being tubeless is a bonus.
A huge thank you to the many volunteers too. Lots of them, never missed a handoff during transition and lots of smiles.

Exactly. There were so many people cheering and happy it was cancelled. Lame. The swims my strongest of the 3, was pissed it was cancelled

---

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

I was in the high 2000’s too, it was painful having to maneuver around significantly slower riders. I am hardly a strong cyclist, but man the first 25 miles or so were brutal having to work around the slower folks.

---

-------------------------------------------------------------
Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

I also think it’s funny how many don’t want a swim or want an easy swim. The exact opposite happened at Steelhead a few years ago. Non wetsuit call in transition and people were flipping out! Kinda funny to see.

---

Twitter - Instagram

Yeah I was 3035 and the bike course was very crowded and the roads very rough.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

But you still won your age group. Stud! Nice race

Thanks!

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Bryan,
It was really nice to meet you yesterday. (I was #3033 with the new P3 and you took “my” spot sitting against the rack.....). Not happy with the cancelled swim either, but it gave me an hour to meet and chat with other athletes.

I also got to see manofthewoods at registration, then out on the course and again in the parking lot. Dude, you may not have liked your finish placing, (10th is amazing to me), but it was encouraging to see you out there, really giving it gas.

I was in the 700s. The bike course was quite spacious for the early starters.

Thanks,

I'm impressed with how fast so many people went. Most whom I never got a chance to see. With a "start number" ~10th from last, I got lulled into a false sense of my own speed because all I was doing was passing. (though I did get passed by a few relay folks). With the run paths so jammed w/people, I'm amazed that people could run faster than I did, I had multiple close calls w/oncoming runners - nobodies fault, just not much space with so many people.

I also enjoyed the time (more than an hour!) to BS with others.

A swim would have been nice though :-|

---

I saw this on a white board in a window box at my daughters middle school...
List of what life owes you:
1. __________
2. __________
3. __________

I saw a young lady start in self-selected elite wave. Wanna race to win? Go first so the course is clear for you. Safer for everyone. Anyway, she started hard, slowed down after 100m, then breastroked, then grabbed the first turn buoy to rest. Not sure what happened to her after that. So yeah. People sign up for these with no concept of the skills required.

I'm going to only address venue choice ...

Being a resident of Sonoma County, the weather conditions we saw at Lake Sonoma in July was rare ... VERY rare ... air temps were more typical of April / Early may (in fact it was was warmer race morning at Ironman SR in May) and that is what caused the dense fog on the water (plus how the wind direction was cycling the fog especially into the swim course ... also from an abnormal direction)

Having been part 'involved" in the process yesterday and hearing the communications between water personnel / ops / RD's etc. the decision taken to the last minute and the disappointment in having to alter was apparent in everyone involved (part of that disappointment is the fact that those conditions were incredibly not normal)

Best,

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Bummed about the no swim. My last 70.3 was Santa Cruz and that swim was shortened because of fog as well. I definitely saw some drafting going on. Glad to see the officials enforcing it. I saw lots of people under the penalty tent. Overall a decent day. Lots of competition at this race. I was 6th in my AG with a 2:19 bike and 1:22 run.

Those flats were largely because someone had thrown tacks all over the course. Particularly around mile 45. Talked to close to a dozen people who had thumb tacks in their tires

I did Ohio 70.3 yesterday and at least for that race the answer to your question is a definite "yes". It was a self-seeded rolling start that ended up non wetsuit. A significant portion of the field either has an exaggerated sense of its swim ability or, more likely, are very dependent on a wetsuit to complete the swim. I started with the 35-37 minute group, swam a bit slower than expected, and passed people the whole time, many of them like they weren't moving. Some were doing breast stroke, others stopped to rest, and many more were swimming a path that resembled someone running away from a bee. It was so clogged- I felt like I made contact with every one of the 2200 participants. The Ohio 70.3 Facebook page is lit up with similar complaints. Bottom line- there were a bunch of people who are borderline swimmers in that race and who really struggled without the wetsuit.

That complaint aside, Ohio 70.3 is an awesome race in a great town and I highly recommend it.

So, I've not done a 70.3 or 140.6 yet as my race schedule got replaced by a shoulder rehab schedule due to a bike accident. But...why the hell do WC slots get issued when you're cutting the swim leg? Shouldn't you issue those at another race?

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Bro... welcome to Ironman. Nothing makes sense.

I joked that we got our “full contact money’s worth” on the run. It was worse than the Strand at Oceanside. But I loved every minute. Even the last 5K where the heat hit 90F, and had to throw in some walking even. I lost my nutrition out the back somewhere around mile 15 or so. So no, it wasn’t a perfect day. But I’m 100% signing up again for next year.

I have to disagree. Taking out the fact the swim was cancelled and how many (myself included) had to bike through 2500 athletes, the run course was simply unacceptable. It was an honest to go fartlek run for me. Unless they change the run, I will never sign up for this race again.

So the consensus is this race pretty much sucked, eh? Thats too bad..... But would it have sucked if things had gone as planned (i.e., normal swim start)? Non-wetsuit is fine for me. I'm a top 10% swimmer. I'm thinking more just course, course congestion, logistics, support, etc.

It's in my backyard, so I was thinking about doing it or Santa Cruz next year. Baby on the way so no more flying to races and dialing things back to 70.3s for A race -- it's hard enough with just tri gear, let alone baby gear.

It definitely would have been better if it went according to plan but I would still boycott the race until they fix the run course. Its hard to actually describe the congestion on the river path without seeing it for yourself. It was like trying to run through a massive crowd standing still at a concert.

you do have some solid points. Maybe, since I was #3033, and only biked 19mph, a lot of the run congestion was over by the time I got there? Plus, my run pace was around 9:00 (until the end.... :) and while I was passing a fair share, the story could have been MUCH different at faster paces.
I have no reason to "defend" the race, but I had a really positive experience and wanted to add that to the conversation.

If I had a crystal ball for next year, I would say the swim goes off, wetsuit legal. The roads are the same paving as this year (without tacks?). The run course is the same. It's 10F hotter. People will complain.

Hey! I really enjoyed chatting with you! It really did make for a fun and different race experience and I will remember it fondly!

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I agree, I think the race is very good, the swim looked like it would have been great, the bike course is very scenic and fun but the road conditions are very bad in spots. The run course was great if you had 50% fewer people, at least when I got on it. I left T1 at 8:50 and rode 2:22 so I moved up into the field quite a bit. I ran a 1:33 and literally had to dodge, dice, run sideways beteeen people, it was a challenge to be sure.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Having never done a TT start after a cancelled swim, I'm curious why they didn't start the bike similar to the way they start the self seeded swim.

Meaning - seed yourself based on projected bike time and then still release in the TT start way, but instead of being with a random bunch of people, you're at least riding with people of similar speeds.

I think low bib numbers had more AWA points, so they are giving benefits to their better customers.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

I don't know why but the run course was different this year from last. We didn't have the out and back, instead it was a one way run. Hopefully someone from the race chimes in on why, but a friend who regularly volunteers said that when IM moved it out of windsor locals decided to stop volunteering and that's why the run course had to double up more.

I didn't see the congestion, but it had to be terrible. I ran into several people on my 2nd lap and got to start the bike very very early.

My first suggestion ... Reach to Dave Reid the RD on the survey when it comes out and make comments re: the run. He is a very good RD and his job in Sonoma County is challenging.

If I were racing I would prefer last years course to this years. It was 2 loops ... one loop was 8.5'ish the other 4.5'ish. The only out and back traffic was on the Greenway (cement) which is wider than the creek trail. For some athletes the two loop (long & short) was confusing ... which is baffling to me since the way it was signed, marked, described in race briefings etc. was clear. It is possible the course was changed for that reason. (I have not discussed that with Dave)

Some people have mentioned bottles getting launched and equipment strewn about etc because of roads. Our team does group rides here and we ride a lot those roads during race season. I can't recall one incident this year where we have had a bottle launch ... and we have a variety of hydration carrying options on a variety of bikes (BTA, rear, seat & downtube etc.). To my point ... there are a lot (not all) of athletes using stuff on race day they never train with (i.e. stuff strapped on 24 hours before the race & cheap, ill fitting water bottles), have broken or non functional equipment (inc. cages), have bikes that rarely get ridden or ridden outside, and choose not to do any sort of pre-race bike tune up. It is non only here but also at other races ...

The roads on the course overall are in best shape they have been in years and will continue to improve. HWY 128 corridor was previously very nice and now its the worst stretch of road on the course and needs attention (it is a state road where everything else is county / city)

I hope ya'll keep supporting the race, the county and Dave Reids efforts

EDIT ... I attached a pic of the race morning fog

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

There's never any complaining about people seeding themselves in the wrong swim group. And nobody would be tempted by an earlier start to be on the run course sooner. Especially on a hot day.


Sounds like a perfect formula for a draft fest.

Without a doubt the bike was slower for people leaving later due to congestion, warming temps, and a pick up in wind.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

nailed it!!! What could go wrong? 5 somewhat equal guys every 10 seconds??? Yikes!

Going by bib number randomizes things significantly (but not perfectly). I went by hundreds of people and didn't see anything resembling drafting. Blocking? Yea, but, unintentional.

I doubt I'll do the event again. I can't see the run paths being much less crowded/spread out, even with a swim. The 140.6 is likely better because the swim and bike "should" spread people out more. I'll consider that event.

---

I saw this on a white board in a window box at my daughters middle school...
List of what life owes you:
1. __________
2. __________
3. __________

AWESOME... not like some of us started almost dead last and were the first person off the podium #notbitter

I completely agree. I am not a fan of TT bike starts and always want some sort of swim to avoid the long time it takes to get everyone off racing. I am usually freezing in these situations and that was the case on Saturday. I was in the 1200's and it took 1.5 hours after normal race start to get on my way. But with that said, the air temp was at 50º and the water temp at 74º that caused some very thick fog. I couldn't see out of transition the entire morning. I highly doubt we would have seen any bouys in the water and with the high number of first time racers, I feel the call was a very good one. I ran into the official after the race that made the decision on the swim. He is a longtime firefighter and was working Ironman Texas a few months back when they lost one in the water. It was absolutely not safe at all to swim. With planning, I've had swims cancelled due to hurricanes, oil spills and last minute cold fronts with waves and currents that prevented Navy divers from being able to get out of the water. Some things you just can't plan for or adjust to. These guys made the right call.

With that said - I did the same as mpderksen and put the swim behind me the second I was off on my bike. I absolutely loved the entire race. Yes the roads were a little rough in areas but honestly any of the courses in Texas have much worse road conditions. And omg have any of you experienced the 10 miles in IM Florida that murders your brain?? It makes no sense that I chose to race that twice. I did find it odd that there were a lot of flats and bottles thrown and really couldn't make sense out of it because I didn't see much road debris out there. In fact, I was impressed at the lack of gravel - especially on the turns. They could have placed the second bike aid station in a better spot. The run course was challenging and awesomely shaded. A tiny bit crowded in one part of the run course but it wasn't a show stopper. This race was well supported, well thought out and the race official communicated extremely well over Facebook. I will definitely do this race again.

I didn’t think roads were too bad, better than last year and most of the rough spots were really well marked. But there were times I was stuck with nowhere to go but over an obstacle due to congestion.

Last year’s run course was definitely better.

Edit: FWIW I do think the IM team did a great job overall dealing with a tough situation.

Having a really high race number 3300+, I think the bike course seemed tougher because it was crowded the entire ride. Difficult to see too far up the road.
While I would have preferred to seed myself by my projected bike split, I think the way it was done was the most efficient way to do it.
The run course was crowded in that one stretch.
As far as bike equipment goes, you are spot on. I can see bottles being launched on occasion, but I saw entire rear seat bottle assemblies in the middle of the road.
Thanks for great weather! Very cool for a late July race.

---

Team Zoot So Cal

Yeah I started at 8:50 am!

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

My Garmin said 9:05am:
2:19 bike
1:29 fartlek

You are my hero. I started at (ding, ding) 9:05am (#3,5xx). 2:40 ride with many friends in the countryside, and a 1:45 "slow" fartlek.

Here's why your my hero: You must not have second guessed yours self about flying by so many people. I flew by a zillion people at my pace and questioned that I should have gone harder (I should have). Alas, I got a good IM pace workout. Not whining, 'cause w/o a swim that's all I expected.

---

I saw this on a white board in a window box at my daughters middle school...
List of what life owes you:
1. __________
2. __________
3. __________

Thanks for bringing this up although I realize it's slightly off topic for this thread! I also did Ohio 70.3 and while it was my 16th HIM, it was the first non-wetsuit one I've done in 5+ years so didn't know where to seed. I started 40-43 min since I wasn't planning to gas it for this race and was chatting with a girl next to me in the swim wave. She did a wetsuit legal HIM earlier in the year and swam a 45' - I was stunned and didn't know how to respond...A lot of people were confused about how to treat a non-wettie swim!

I also had a slower-than-anticipated swim there and still passed a lot of people who were kind of bobbing. I was suprised how crowded and physical the swim seemed, it was a bit bizarrre. Other than that, agree that it was a very well-done race! I was impressed and would definitely recommend it!

Yeah, leaving when I did and riding 2:22 I basically rode on the double yellow line for a lot of the ride.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

This is a good topic.

As some someone who announces some IM & 70.3 races, it is part of OUR responsibilities as announcers to be clear on how we want athletes to seed themselves. We should elaborate that it's important to seed by NON WETSUIT time which is SLOWER than if you wore a wetsuit and also to consider that if you really struggle without a suit to be conservative on your projected time.

Thanks

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

I thought riding the double yellow was an automatic dq?????
Am I mistaken?
I saw a lot of that going. I started late and was tempted, but am one of those rule followers.

---

Team Zoot So Cal

Crossing into the other lane is, I'm aware of that. There were even moments when there was local traffic on the road which I passed on the left.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

Be safe out there! It was a little wild with some of the slower, less experienced riders.
Congrats on a great race!
Are you part of the Zoot-Canyon Team?
I love my Canyon and may look to join the team next year.

---

Team Zoot So Cal

Thanks! Yeah I’m the regional Soutwest Captain for Team Zoot and Canyon is our bike sponsor partner. I love my SLX Speedmax. Shoot me a message with your info and where you live and I can put you in touch with the appropriate regional Team Captain.

---

-Of course it's 'effing hard, it's IRONMAN!
Team ZOOT
ZOOT, QR, Garmin, HED Wheels, Zealios, FormSwim, Precision Hydration, Rudy Project

The highlight of my day was seeing a group of 4/5 Team Betty racers in a draft line on the bike course. "Do epic shit" must mean just take turns drafting.

hi Dave / others,
any insights on the run course planned for 2019? From the course map, it says 1 loop and looks to go up one side and down the other of the creek. Will this avoid the congestion of 2018 or is it in effect the same course?

thx!

This is 1 a Loop course as opposed to 2, therefore not the same as 2018 2 loop course w/ the 2 mile out & back on narrow trail.

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

This is great news. Thank you for the update. I have a lot of favorite 70.3 race courses but the communication from the race directors on this course is top notch.

How is water temp looking this year (2019)?

Last temp I had was 74 last weekend BUT temps had been very hot up north at the lake through a few days ago. Since then air temps have dropped and overnight lows have dropped as well. That said, beginning tomorrow temperatures will range 95-100deg with lows in the 60's for the next week in CLOVERDALE (not Santa Rosa)

SO that said i'd expect the pro race to be no wetsuit and age group race to borderline for wetsuits legal.

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

The real question is... how's the fog been?

Haha ;-)

Last was very odd last year, never seen that much density of low fog on the lake. That dynamic rarely exists at Lake Sonoma. Doubtful we'd see that again.

---

-------------------------
Dave Latourette
http://www.TTENation.com

Sweet, yeah I'd never seen it like that.

Looking forward to another good race, thanks for updating on slowtwitch