I'm signed up and heading down from Canada to escape our winter. There was a thread a while back when this race was announced with some mixed thoughts on how it would go (weather primarily). It looks like a very fast flat bike course.

less than 3 months now, I guess....

It’s will be fast swim, because if you go too slow you’ll have ice crystals form around your suit.

Haha! good thing I'm coming from the land of glacial fed lakes and cold oceans! I quite often swim in 55 F temps in early spring so hopefully it won't be any lower than that?

At least it will be wetsuit legal

That is what the historic low has been for the lake. The cold morning and cold ground really compounds the numbing cold. 3 caps for the swim, warmers and arm warmers for the bike, and enjoy the 70 degrees on the run!

I am in. Rested from Santa Rosa and feel like getting ready for a nice build.
Yes, the weather is an unknown, but it will be manageable.
Should be a nice way to end the season.

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Team Zoot So Cal

I did the HITS sprint there a couple years ago. I was not prepared for how cold that water was. My feet were numb until after I finished the run. Felt like I was running on stumps haha.

2 years ago the water was 55* at HITS in December. That's the only race I've ever almost DNS'd. It was brutal. This March at Desert Tri I think it was 58 or 60 - not as bad but still cold for me. Move that race to October/early Novl or late spring and I'm in all day long. I'll probably pass this year due to other priorities.

110% this.

I did not feel my feet until mile 4 of the run. It felt like I was running on those wooden Japanese Geisha slippers.

Palm Springs in early December usually cold. By the time the bike ends/run starts, it''l be nice but plan on a very cold swim.

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Tough Times Don't Last, Tough People Do.

Geeze...wasn't expecting this to be that cold.

---

Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

That does not sound pleasant! I guess we'll see what we get on the day...

I did a sprint in those types of conditions and after come up with the idea to "pre-heat" my bike shoes, though I haven't had a chance to try it yet. My though is to put a couple hand warmers in socks, and stuff them in my bike shoes and running shoes so they will be toasty when i get there. Yank the sock out and put the shoe on. might add 30s per transition but for 70.3, well worth it. I'll have to try in this build and seeing I'll be training though a rainy fall in Vancouver, I'll have lots of opportunities.

For everyone else, here's the other thread from earlier this year. Lots of talk about the HITS issues/weather: https://forum.slowtwitch.com/...la%20quinta#p6516265

re: pros, it's still very early but you can keep track here: http://www.ironman.com/...s.aspx#axzz5Qu9iHOUd

Given it's lateness in the season, I wouldn't expect an A-list field.

---

808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

My wife and I are racing. :)

---

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

I'm in, if I'm fit enough to race.

If you ride hard enough, you don't need arm warmers or gloves or any of that below 50 degrees, as long as it's dry. Unless it's below 45, I'll be in my standard kit.

I'll be there shooting for an elite card qualifier. I'll be pretty curious to see the field (pro and amateur) that shows up.

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

I’ll be there to shooting for top 3 in the amateur race — which I suppose means we have the same goal in that sense — while I will continue to be, as always, too slow to go pro.

I've raced at this site before and despite the desert, it poured the entire race. Poor Southerners were so cold. Us Canadians were just fine. That being said, lows of 6C in the morning is COLD getting on a bike soaking wet. :$

Thinking about signing up. Work in with a work trip.
Coaching a few local CA athletes that are signed up.
Course and surroundings look awesome!

---

Ryan
http://www.SetThePaceTriathlon.com
http://www.TriathlonTrainingDaddy.com
I got plans - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/...dotcom#trainingplans

I am doing it with about 10-12 athletes I coach.

Should be awesome overall.

I checked the annual weather before I signed up as I am not able to move in cold weather.

facts

Dec 7th 2017 temperate low 17 celius high 23 celius

water temp
54-57 and depending on seasons of course late nov can be above 60.
A client of mine also did the race in March in the same lake she said it wasn't bad but then we swim in a cool lake.

That said I know it isn't a guarantee.

It will be a fast course I think the top pros will go under 3:50. I am shooting for sub 4:05.

Finger crossed that it is warm.

---

Technique will always last longer then energy production. Improve biomechanics, improve performance.
http://Www.anthonytoth.ca, triathletetoth@twitter

Desert Tri is the race in March. Have done it the past 5 years. Water and Air temps are always warmer that time of year, though it also tends to be real windy in March too. The start of the swim is DIRECTLY into the sun, so make sure you have tinted goggles. Different bike and run course, but both are pancake flat and will be fast. Chances are there will be some wind later in the day.

---

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

Unless you are shooting for WC 70.3 ... Do HITS a week before

Just curious, and not something I would plan for given lack of vacation days left, but is there a chance this may boost registration for the Sprint/Oly at HITS for those arriving early and wanting a warm-up race?

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I just registered. I was on the fence because of the cold water. And because the Ironman branded events are expensive. And because I just did Superfrog and am signed up for Oceanside already. I signed up because I needed a reason to wear my new De Soto Slowtwitch tri kit in public. Also because I probably always over train. I decided that because I am too poor to hire a coach, I'd buy one of those pre-fabbed training peaks plans and stick to it. It's much less volume than I am accustomed to, so Indian Wells will be a good opportunity to see how my speed is developing with more recovery.

Also, the course should be very fast and I'm hoping to finally beat 5 hours.

No.

End of season race, one of which I am sure will be mostly SoCal people, no need to race the week before as prep for this.

---

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

Are they making you soak your wetsuit before the race like they have done at HITS?

this maybe a smart idea, so you know what you are in for

In as well and with all the discussion about cold water and cold temps sounds like my kind of race. Did 70.3 in Galveston this year and lots of complaining about the cold and I was happy and went better than in any other half before.

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I miss you "Sports Night"

I live in So Cal and have done HITS and Desert Tri here almost every year for the last 5+ years.

Generally speaking, the water is on the colder side, 50s~60's but it's never bothered me since that is close to the ocean temp in So Cal anyway. They've let you wear booties in the past and once I started using those, it made a big difference. After the swim, I've never considered it a "cold" race. La Quinta/Palm Desert even in December will be in the 70's and it's even been in the low 80's when I've finished the run in the past.

It can get extremely windy out there. So windy that the giant swim buoy's were blown off the lake and off into the desert never to be found again. At Desert Tri this year, the day before, the wind was so bad it blew over the bank of porta-potties. It can also have no wind. The bike course is dead flat. There can be/has been wild dogs that will chase you on the bike. They've gotten better about pre-rounding them up before the race. Because it's flat, drafting has always been an issue at HITS/Desert Tri. When I say flat, I mean when I did the HITS 70.3, I had 680ft and the Desert Tri Olympic bike is just over 200ft.

In the last few years they have been forcing everyone to pre-soak their wetsuits in a kiddie pool full of chlorinated water for 30 sec. Then they put a tag on your wetsuit. Usually you do this the day before and at the last Desert Tri they had a "coat check" tent where you left your suit and picked it up race morning. Something about some invasive snail they don't want in that lake. They have also let you do the pre-dipping the morning of, but I feel like most did it the day before. Also, because they have to verify everyone's wetsuit has a "tag" (from being dipped) they were not letting people do a warmup swim. This has been hit and miss since they did let us warmup at Desert Tri, but not at HITS.

The lake is not very deep and at Desert Tri this year, you could almost stand up. Some people will swim very close to the shore so they can stand any time they want on "out" portion. Coming back you are more in the middle of the lake and can't stand up. Also, it's not really a "lake" - it's a man-made reservoir.

The run for both HITS/Desert Tri is either on the roads near the lake or around the lake itself so I have no idea what the run at the golf course will be like. I've never been to that golf course so I can't comment.

And it appears to have sold out. That's... unexpected....

---

Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

Wonder if wilmington transfers put it over the edge

yeah, definitely a surprise. Quick estimate based on the participant list is about 1800 signed up.

I doubt HITS ever even hit 500 for their 70.3.

Another example of the power of the Ironman brand

---

--------------------------------------------
TEAM F3 Undurance

What the fuck... serves me right for waiting to pull the trigger.

Unless you have a newer participant list, the one on the website was last updated August 8th. I registered early tier 4 in September and I'm not on there.

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

no, that's the one I looked at...70 pages. So, likely closer to 2000?

---

--------------------------------------------
TEAM F3 Undurance

I'd bet its even more. A big 70.3 with same pro prize pool (texas 70.3), had something like 2700 registered, though 4-500 DNS'd.

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

I doubt HITS ever even hit 500 for their 70.3. //

I think you mistakenly put an xtra 0 on that estimate, I doubt they ever cracked a 100 for that race.

so, I was curious, and the two years I did the HITS Palm Springs 70.3:
2013: 394 total
2015: 373 total

yes, I keep track of this stuff ;)

---

--------------------------------------------
TEAM F3 Undurance

I just counted 2017 results for the 1/2 and it was 130 Individuals, were you also counting relays??

Those were near peak years of triathlon in the US. Monty's 2017 stat is much more relevant.

---

808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Now that you got me to go look at the HITS results page, I see myself in the 2012 sprint race, but I'm almost certain I did it before that year too? Are they missing some years in there?? I looked after 2012 and dont see myself, and I would have only done that sprint race back then, so is my memory fading, or did they not put all the years results up??

And that 2012 race brought back a lot of memories of that race. They guy that won cheated on the bike and cut the run course(told hits, but they didnt care), but the guy who just caught me in the last 400m was a legit racer, pretty tough racing for the 55+ for sure...He is the guy that just beat Dan in the 60+ in Redondo, so glad to see he is still at it. Perhaps next year I can give him a good race once again...(-;

Here's their results link: http://hitstriathlonseries.com/palm-springs-ca-results

Could you be confusing it with Desert Tri?

---

--------------------------------------------
TEAM F3 Undurance

I found that page, my question is was there a race the year before? It was definitely not the desert tri, and I remember starting a thread about it. I was leading the sprint race and the course was still not set up, saw the truck with all the cones go racing past me 6 miles in!! Then they marked the turnaround of the bike a 1/2 mile before then spot they said it was going to be(and on their map), after I had already gone ahead.

Anyway I know it was not the 2012 race, so seems like it had to be earlier. I will see if I can find the thread and that will date it.. Thanks

Ok, found it, there was a race in 2011, and I remembered it pretty well, here is the thread and report I wrote back then:

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/...s_P3663911/#p3663911

Ha I remember the 2012 race and the thread about the cheater.

Good times....

I think racing a 70.3 in PS in December is nuts, but it sold out so WTF do I know

The day before this race was announced, I would have agreed with you 100%. The day this race was announced, my mind instantly went to "shit, do a 70.3 right before all the Holiday parties to keep a touch more fitness through January 1st when training really starts."

This is definitely a comment on the pull of Ironman but really, to me, its knowing that there would likely be a good number of athletes showing vs HITS.

Yeah slap a WTC sticker on it suddenly a swim in Lake Cahuilla and gravelly and rutted farm roads with wild dogs sounds a lot more palatable LOL

Bahahahah is that really what the roads are like? I assumed it would have been nicely paved like Desert Tri (or at least Desert Tri pics I've seen online)

It's probably the same roads. Although I haven't been out there in years, maybe a little bit of exaggeration, but they are farm roads further east and south you go. Just feels like meth country :P

This makes me feel so much better about missing the sell out... Doesn't sound like horseshit fitness would have gotten me a PR.

Maybe it is a testament to the pull of the brand, but like has been stated by another poster, it is about the competition for me. If I sign up for a race with 100 people, its probably unlikely that I will get the chance to "race" against anyone. I'm not fast. However, at an IM branded race with 2000 competitors, I will more than likely end up side-by-side with another competitor, which will give me that slight adrenaline boost and allow me to push my body a bit harder. For me, that is what it is about, not the quality of the roads or nature of the course. All the people competing on that deal are dealing with the same problems. I sign up because I want to compare myself to all of the others on the day, on that course. I'll gladly pay a bit of a premium for that over half the price for a low key, more local grassroots race with 100 competitors.

Or, I could just be a sucker. Who knows.

I'm just glad I opted to sign up for IW 70.3 with IMFL looking like a sh@t show after hurricane Micheal. Some sort of redemption if IMFL is cancelled, or my rental was destroyed and I cannot find anyplace to stay... and I'm not discounting those that lost everything including their lives to the storm, just relaying my personal situation.

Cali here I come!

---

Ryan
http://www.SetThePaceTriathlon.com
http://www.TriathlonTrainingDaddy.com
I got plans - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/...dotcom#trainingplans

This will be my first 70.3 but wasn't my first choice (or my second). I ended up here because NC was canceled, none of the other races worked with my schedule, and the only other 'local' race (Oceanside) was sold out. So it was either this or forfeit my entry fee.

I'm also training a few athletes for the race as well. Feel free to ask me any questions or hit up the FB group.
Should be a fun race at least!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/621705961508786/

---

Ryan
http://www.SetThePaceTriathlon.com
http://www.TriathlonTrainingDaddy.com
I got plans - https://www.trainingpeaks.com/...dotcom#trainingplans

PSA to anyone who uses Best Bike Split: The course had changed slightly, the lower OAB is now a trianglish loop. Profile doesn't change too much but it does slow me down by a minute according to BBS, all else equal. They slightly changed the swim to include a left turn on the back stretch (as a right breathing dominant, I was looking forward to all right turns). Run might be the same, idk, wasn't paying attention.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Still no athlete guide or updated participant list but the schedule is up at least. It says rolling start for the age group race, I assume that means self seeded? All of my races have been wave starts, do we have to submit our estimated time at some point or we just hop in the wave we want to be in?

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

Bib list/guide usually comes out like 2 weeks before. I'm hoping that because next week is thanksgiving they'll get it done tomorrow but we'll see. Schedule was very late (4 weeks out instead of 8-10 as promised).

I think almost all races at this point are rolling start, at least in the US. They'll have people with signs so you just slot in to the time you expect. Be aware of people around you, too many 50+ minute 70.3 swimmers like to seed up. If you expect to be faster than 33, you should be fine as at that point I feel most people are honest.

Btw, the schedule does note the wetsuit decontamination process on Saturday. Plan for that.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

My BBS time showed a little longer too, but same avg speed. New course, as I have it, is a little longer and I attributed it to that. I was kind of looking forward to the multiple out and back sections for seeing friends on-course who are also racing but either way it looks flat and fast!

I heard the run is the same except they changed where the loop turn is apparently, not by much, just to adjust the course to the appropriate length.

Oooh nice! That's a good rumor to hear. I think the new course is a smidge longer but there are several versions of the old course out there so I couldn't tell what the true distance was. Either way, good to know they're making an effort to be accurate

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

The bike course looks to have a ton of turns .. are they mostly manageable (wide turns) in aero, or will there be lots of up and down every 1-2 miles or so?

What is wetsuit decontamination?

---

Team Zoot So Cal

They are going to make you dunk your wetsuit in a kiddie pool full of chlorinated water for like 30 sec. Then they will put a tag on your zipper to prove you did it. After that I'm not sure how they will handle it.

At HITS and Desert Tri they handled it differently. One just let you take your suit and bring it back in the morning. The other had a "coat check" tent were you handed it over and were given a ticket to claim your suit on race morning.

It's all to do with some invasive snail they don't want in the reservoir.

I assume that one will also have to bring their booties and thermal caps if they're allowed (I'm sure it's nearly guaranteed but...) as well?

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Bib list is up: http://www.ironman.com/~/media/a16627eeb2b94c26a183f8aeed1d17fa/biblist%2070%203iw%20final.pdf

Does bib numbers up to ~3100 mean that many people are registered? Looking like a huge race regardless.

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

Wow. That is a lot, even with a 1 loop course it'll be crowded (and likely a draft fest...)

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Getting closer to race day. Interesting that Hiits says the water is 54 but in the athlete guide IM says, "Water temperature is predicted to be between 56-62 degrees on race day. IRONMAN will adhere to the USAT water temperature guidelines and adjust the swim if the temperature falls to unsafe levels. Athletes will be notified on race morning if there is a shortened or cancelled swim course." Has it really been that much colder over the past few weeks than normal?

Is there any precedent for IM canceling a swim purely due to temperature? That would be pretty lame.

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

It's been ass cold in the morning in Los Angeles for the last 2 weeks or so. My pool is in the low 50s at 7am. Palm Springs must be 10 degrees cooler at night.

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Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

I believe they cancelled the swim at Racine 70.3 in 2017 due to water temperature being too cold after Lake Michigan flipped a couple days before the race. I don’t remember the exact temp but it was low 50s for sure.

Yeah, as much as I'd hate to say it, I have my plan B morning prep for a bike time trial start. I hope this is not the case but given what I've read about HITS in past years, I just don't think WTC would want to take that kind of risk with 3,000 athletes.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Does WTC have a stated policy of a water temp too low to have a swim?

---

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

Yes.

Swim Temperature

• Water temperature below 52 degrees Fahrenheit or above 88 degrees Fahrenheit will result in cancellation or shortening of the swim portion of the race

---

Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

Thank you, I thought that was the number I had heard in the past.

---

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

Bryancd wrote:

Does WTC have a stated policy of a water temp too low to have a swim?

Along with the rule from the WTC book GMAN quoted, someone noted above that they made clear in the athlete guide they will adhere to USAT guidelines which recommend shortening of the swim between 53-56 for swims over 1500m and outright cancellation below 53. But they note that these are recommendations and race director has final call.

file:///C:/Users/jgourd/Downloads/Water%20Temperature%20Recommendations%20Chart.pdf

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Great thank you. I have the guide printed out but haven’t given it a look yet. I would imagine if water temps are under 56 and the air temps in the mid 40’s race morning will give them pause. People were getting hypothermic here at IMAZ and the water was 62 and air temp around low 50’s at the start.

---

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

It’s been mid 40’s in the am here in the Arizona desert.

---

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

Oh, FFS. My bib number is 2918. If they cancel the swim I’m starting the bike at the back just like Santa Rosa 70.3.

---

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

I feel like we're more likely to have a shortened swim though based on the guidelines and the current temperature? There is a live video on facebook this afternoon with the race director answering questions so hopefully they clarify what the stance is for now.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

At the very least. Do you have a link to that FB group?

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

Should be the first or second thing on this page. I would assume that is 3pm PST.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

Thanks Ben! See you there!

---

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

Well, I am a relay swimmer altogether, so if they cancel the swim it was a pretty expensive non-race day altogether.

Bring a comfy seat... and second breakfast

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I mean, they states USAT guidelines etc and I know the RD is not the same as all other RDs, but I have to think that WTC may exert some influence on this given that Waco had a cancelled swim. My bets are that unless it is below 50, it'll be shortened at worst. Of course, I could be completely wrong and all the conspiracy theorists on ST regarding WTC WANTING cancelled swims would say they predicted the water to be too cold and am ready to cancel it in a heartbeat (but still on race morning, I'm sure)

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Like I mentioned her decision will be based on water and air temps race morning. Sure she could have us swim 1500M but that takes a lot of people 30+min. Then they get on bikes and it’s not even 50 degrees and it could be problematic.

---

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

If we don't get a swim, maybe they could have us run a 5k to start like they did at a couple of the European races this year ... at least something to create some separation going into T1...

My guess is a shortened swim would be more like 400m, USAT guidelines don't differentiate above 1500m, that is just the temperature thresshold. Anyone able to view the Q&A please chime in if she discusses it, unfortunately while I can ST all day long, watching videos would probably be a bit too overboard :)

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

What happened to the "toughness" association with the name Ironman? HITS still puts on the race distances it advertises with the same temps every year. They may modify the course (closer to shore). Guess being a HITSman is more tough of a person?


I did the race few years back. Poured hot coffee in my wetsuit. Yea got first degree burns heh. And they always lie about actual water temp before, saying 10* warmer

I qualify the “toughness” as how fast I can cover the distance as opposed to how well my body can ward off hypothermia. :) I don’t do stunt polar bear swims for a reason .

---

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

The RD said the lake is right now 54. They will be following USAT rules regarding water and air temps. Anyone know what those are?

---

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

Bryancd wrote:

The RD said the lake is right now 54. They will be following USAT rules regarding water and air temps. Anyone know what those are?

Haha, realized my earlier post was a list to my computer downloaded file. Oops! Below is a good enough summary

http://www.athletesheart.org/2013/12/new-usa-triathlon-water-temperature-safety-guidelines/

ETA: When you actually look at USAT's guidelines, they don't actually say anything about air temperature, at least not on the one pager around this subject

https://www.teamusa.org/-/media/USA_Triathlon/PDF/Race-Directors/Toolbox_Forms-Resources/Water-Temperature-Recommendations-Chart.pdf?la=en&hash=80C8ECA4B447941F4E9572A953CFC1E9446176E9


I know ITU has something regarding a combination of air/water temps. Perhaps this is more deep in USAT's rulebook. I am bored at work but not that bored...

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Bryan water at AZ was more like 58/9

So in summary:

Shorten if water is between 53-56.
Cancel if water is below 53.

Fingers crossed the temps stay still or rise and we at least have a shortened swim.

---

Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

It's 54 now and with our weather forecast for the next week its going lower.

---

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

Even if it stays at 53, if its 45 air temp race morning they won't be too keen to put people in.

---

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

Annnnd cue the pussification posts.

I'll be in Mexico not giving a shit.

Ole! :)

---

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

I think the best case scenario at this point is a very short swim (500m), so the race director doesn't have to deal with the logistics of a time trial start for 3k people. A rider leaving every 5 seconds would take well over 4 hours and the course would still be pretty crowded. Sure it would be packed up with a 5-15 minute swim but I have to imagine that's easier than the TT.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

HITS palm springs half is this weekend, isn't it the same lake? If they dont cancel the swim and wtc does how does that look?

Good point. Given the RD has discretion even if it is like 49, that does give me a glimmer of optimism.

However I will add that one rider every 5 seconds is probably not the norm. When I did IMMD 2016, they went off at one every 3 seconds. That would still take 2.5 hours for 3k people but that is probably a bit more manageable from the RD view.

I'd rather take your positive thinking here. ala toothengineer circa IMWI 2018. Positive thinking!!

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

At Santa Rosa 70.3 it was 5 riders every 10 seconds. They cleared everyone out in about 90min

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

Geez. I guess I underestimated how fast they put people out. So much for my theory then.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

Crossing fingers we do the swim. I’ve been swimming Bonita Cove here in San Diego and it’s freezing in the mid 50’s.

Holy hell, so it started as a team time trial???

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Hey no! I like your theory, it's positive thinking.

Keep in mind that 3 second thing was just a decision by Gerry, who knows what this RD is thinking. As stated by Byrancd, there seem to be other methods... like team time trial starts (I hope that is not used again...ever)

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I did this in Austin 70.3 a few years ago. Honestly, it was fine. For us, it was 2 riders every 5s I think. I didn't notice a huge difference between that and getting out of the water mid-pack.

My least favorite IM experience to date. Not that I am the fastest cyclist in the world, but having a high bib number (35-39AG), they amount of slow people (mostly women) I had to pass and weave around was incredibly annoying.

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

Yeah, that happens with the time trial starts. I am just more surprised at how many cyclists started at once here, that's just drafting encouragement.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I hope everyone here built up a great running base for this race, it couldn't be a more perfect prep for the real winter challenge!

https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/2018/19_100_Runs_in_100_Days_Airing_of_the_Grievances_Thread_P6805982/

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Is there anyone there for the HITS race this morning? Looks like they had the full swim for half & full per facebook but can't confirm.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I saw the video of the start but not sure about distance.

---

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

In one of their replies on Facebook, they stated 60 degrees the day before. I think it's in one of the visitors posts

I'm going to rent a race wheelset, but which wheelset is suit best on this course? 404/808? or 808/808? I will use road bike. Lmk.

It's been quite a bit warmer in the LA area over the last 2 days. My pool was close to 58 degrees this morning. However, another cold front is coming through next week, so we'll see how things shape up.

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Next races on the schedule: none at the moment

60? You sure that was HITS staff? because HITS staff quoted 54 two days ago. No way it rises so fast.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Posted by the Facebook account

I don’t think that 54 reading was accurate but that’s mostly my opinion but the avg air temps in November arent low enough to get the water into the low 50s most years. Last year I thought someone said it was 65.

Well good! Glad to hear! 60 is about Maine temps and definitely manageable

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I did the HITs half yesterday. They did not change the distance of any of the swims. We were told the water temp was 58 as we were getting in. It was not bad - a bit cold getting in but very manageable. I did the Olympic a few years ago and it was much colder then.

Awesome, thanks! How was the rest of your race?

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

It was great. Weather was perfect yesterday - almost no wind which made for a great ride although it did get a bit hot on the run.

I know this is probably a long shot but my wife and I are now looking for a place to stay/crash on the cheap for this weekend. We were planning on traveling/sleeping in our old converted camper van (pics in the link in my signature), but it turns out it needs a new clutch and we can't take it now. It seems like there is a good host on warmshowers (anyone know Bruce Cranston?) but since I just registered I can't actually send a message. Any leads? Cost is our first factor, aka we'll be setting up a tent somewhere worst case scenario, but we're open to anything.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

From a Facebook post a few minutes ago:

Dear IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells La Quinta Athletes,

As you may be aware, over the last couple of weeks, the temperature in the Indian Wells – La Quinta area has been unseasonably cold.

As athlete safety is our paramount concern, IRONMAN officials are preparing for multiple scenarios should race morning require a change to the start of the race. At this time, we remain hopeful to begin the race as planned with the entire 1.2-mile swim, however, both a shortened swim course and a time trial bike start are potential options dependent on the conditions.

Should a change be necessary, you will be informed on race morning at the start.

We look forward to a great race day.

Your IRONMAN team

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

Thats funny as HITS just did the full distance swim last weekend. And the water is not unseasonably cold, it is seasonably cold, like it is each and every year. Gonna be funny if they cancel the swim one week after 4 other races were held in the same exact conditions...

And shame on all of you reading and racing, and thinking this is a good thing...)-;

Yes, I did HITs last weekend and it wasn't as cold as the previous time I swam there in 2015. Estimate was 58 last week versus 52 in 2015, but that lake is always going to be cold in December.

A little confused about your last sentence, what would we be thinking is a good thing?

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

A little confused about your last sentence, what would we be thinking is a good thing?


I would say well more than half the people in that race are quietly hoping the swim gets cancelled, and even more hope it gets shortened. That is what I mean..

So did they have an athlete meeting today, is the swim on or off???

Ohhh you know wtc better than that, we'll find out tomorrow morning at 6:59am

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I really doubt that!
Everyone who debuts there hopes to do the real race. Even those hoping to win ag wouæd probably lile to not have an asterix by their win. Probably only weak pro swimmers hope f8r something else.

I forget the exact race, there was a thread on it here though. They announced in the morning that the swim was cancelled, and there was a majority of folks clapping and cheering in response. So you doubt seem to be in conflict with what actually happens at these cancelled swim races.

Not really a surprise though, most triathletes are not really comfortable in OW, so I dont really blame them. I blame the RD for catering to them though, swims should happen one way or the other. People should be able to opt out, but others should be able to decide for themselves if the swim course is ok for them to compete in...

Isn't Lionel racing tomorrow? I think although he would benefit hes the kind of personality that would want to win on full distance.

I spoke with the RD this morning in T1. Water is 57, if it cracks that tonight the swim will be 750M.

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

Anyone know if there will be live coverage?

And the funniest thing was Steelhead the last few years being non wetsuit and hearing people freaking the f out.

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Twitter - Instagram

That happened at the ag nationals sprint race this year. Super discouraging

At race meeting at 11am they said water temp Saturday morning was 56°F. They said 53°F to 55°F would be 750 meter swim. Below 53°F was no swim. 56°F and up was full swim distance.

On another note, race guide or schedule said nothing (that I saw) about setting up T2. I didn't. It also just state transition opens at 4:45am, but didn't differentiate between the two or at which transition body marking would be at. I hope that I will be able to set my gear at T2 in the morning. If not, I'll be running barefoot.

It was in there. I think they'll take pity on you and let you put stuff in there but you may have to beg.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

I was in the 2015 race. I've had painful cold-water swims before but yeah, that was the first time I even felt my nervous system shutting down.

Just not my thing.

Is that at all IM 70.3 races or is it up to the individual race directors. (The temps)

Any idea what the temp was at IM Mar Del Plata last week that caused them to shorten it?

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Let food be thy medicine...

It was also sent out to all athletes in the final instruction e-mail. Z

Hope someone will live stream this :)

Mar Del Plata water temp was 15 celsius, apparently what got it shortened was the combination of cold water and cold air temperature (about 11 celsius at the start I think). It is a bit of a joke how easily a swim can get cancelled/shortened, MDP was fine and I am a BOP swimmer and skinnier than most, so if it was really cold I would have felt it more than others.

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instagram.com/42pointtwo

57 degrees this morning. 1.2 mile swim.

LS 9th out of water, 6th on 1st bike checkpoint, now 1st at mile 45 a minute up.

Actually, he was 17th out of the water.

9th M Pro
14th M
17th Overall

But yes, now he is 1st overall at 55 miles in. Looks like it will be a footrace with him and Joe Gambles.

Really too bad there is no Ironman live coverage of this race with how many pros are there.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Looks like Lionel’s coach may have told him to catch the lead group then just ride with them? Or he couldn’t get away?

On the run looks like he was just steadily running a few seconds per mile faster than Gambles from the beginning.

That's a nice time, 3:45. Considering everyone around here (PHX), was like: "I hope you like wind" when I was still planning to do a 70.3 this year back in April.

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Washed up footy player turned Triathlete.

Looks like you accomplished your goal with 1st overall amateur, congrats! Good time as well, the 4:03:24 would’ve been good enough for 11th in the pro field

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Matt

Some pretty fast time out there, but of course there were some fast athletes, on a cool, calm, and flat day..Looking at swim times it seems to have been spot on, or maybe 50m long. What did everyone get on their gamins for the bike and runs??

And I always forget to add, when you give your Garmin times, make sure to say if they included transition runs in the total, I think a lot of short courses get overlooked because people start the watches at the bike drop off, then run for up to 3 minutes before actually hitting the start line of the actual run...

Very glad they had the whole swim too, good for them to keep the race honest...

I have a female friend that is a Boston qualifier/finisher in 45-49 and top 20 70.3 in her AG. She DNFed on the swim. Feel really bad for her. She went all the way from NJ to California for this race.

I had 2000m on the swim (not a straight swimmer), 90.1 km on the bike and 20.34km on the run but with all the turns on the golf course, I would give them maybe 400m, still short on all my teammate's watches

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

She DNFed on the swim. //

What happened to her? That really sucks to come so far to have your day end so early, and likely did not have to from the sounds of it..

Agreed, I hate hearing things like this. What happened?

seeing 12.7 miles on most people's watches..... and people bash HITS race.

Anyone besides me have their time and place change hours after the race? Was ready for a podium award and then they didn't call my name. They showed me a document that had a different time/place then what the app showed. Then after I asked about it (and took screen captures) the app time changed. I still had all the same splits except for my swim time, which was longer since they had an earlier start time than the original results. Only by a few seconds, but enough to lose a podium spot. They told me to contact a timing company email address, but curious if others experienced this. Definitely bummed on the situation. Already had passed on a WC Slot at another race, so don't care about that, but it is more about getting on the podium and the award.

I had 1.22 miles for the swim, 56.0 on the bike, 12.7 on the run.

Aside from that, my race didn't go super well. I won the bonehead award and didn't see the note to check in your T2 gear bag on Saturday. So, I stuffed my shoes in a bush and had to run barefoot for the first 0.75 miles to get to them. Also, my run is still horrible. I don't think I over pace the bike. I rode at less than 0.8 IF, which is what I do in training all the time. Yet, I blow up on the run. Maybe I shouldn't say blow up, but just that my run pace is slow. my avg. pace was about 10:00 min/mile and my long training runs are usually 9:30-9:45.

Are you taking enough hydration and calories on the bike?

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Matt

I like to think so.

On Sunday, I did the bike in under 2:30 and had about 700 calories. Water was about 40 oz.

I had 2,203 yards (2,112=1.2, not a straight swimmer), 56.00mi, and 12.71 mi.

It seemed to me like they went to great lengths to make the bike course accurate as they ad changed it once 4 weeks ago then again I think twice in the last few days adding random out and backs to preserve distance. There was only on true turnaround on the run course, the one by the finish was a roundabout so could have maybe also contributed but the turns on the golf course seemed wide enough to let GPS be close to accurate. Shame they didn't take the same attention to the run course, maybe they didn't purposefully because the run course was hard (short punchy hills and completely exposed and hot).

My race was also disappointing and I know exactly why, I forgot to bring a bottle of water with me in the morning before the swim, so I started the race on coffee as hydration and I only had my two caloried water bottles on the bike. Just didn't even think of it until I hit the run and started cramping in mile 2. One good thing about it is that when I stopped to walk (water at the first and second aid stations) I felt like the cramps were about to hit bad, so that kept me running, albeit slowly, the whole rest of the time. If the course was accurate, I probably would have come in about 1:42 (actual time 1:38).

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Time to turn this into a Sanders thread (7 pages in, not bad)

Lionel took his 70.3 WC slot, after 2 years of eschewing the race in seeming protest against the 12m draft zone. Perhaps the climbs of the riviera are enticing enough along with a host of 1:06-1:07 runners joining the fray.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I figure him being out split on the bike was why the fan boys weren't more excited. :)

Haha! yeah, I was surprised there wasn't already a thread on him taking the slot 5 seconds after it happened. He played this race right, it was not a cyclist's course.

I actually thought the win on the women's side was quite interesting, former ITU that I've never heard of. Granted she didn't blow the field apart but it was still a great debut, beating Haley and Carrie handily

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

There's a ton of factors that can go on here, but it sounds like you simply aren't running enough. Long runs if done at race pace intensity aren't likely to be the same pace as a 70.3 run because of the fatigue nature of the day. Especially for "poor" runners, I don't see you running as fast as faster on race day as you would on normal stand alone run days. Unless your saying every single long run was a T2 brick run. But it more just sounds like you don't have enough volume in the legs more than anything.

But I'd also say if your long runs are a pace and your 70.3 effort is within 15s, that's actually not bad imo especially for a "horrible" runner.

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Brooks Doughtie, M.S.
Exercise Physiology
-USAT Level II

He played this race right, it was not a cyclist's course. //

From the spits it looks like he rode the entire ride with that guy, then caught up the leaders and formed a lead group. It is really hard to determine how his race went to me. Was it his game plan to just ride to the front and win it on the run, or was it just too hot a pace to try and get a gap to T2? His swim was not great, not horrible, expected better out of a wetsuit one though. And the run was short, so that time is more a 1;12+, so right around his average run for a 1/2.


To me it looks like he won the race without having a 100% day, which when you are as good as he is, you can do unless someone is absolutely on fire. Maybe his coach had him train through, or just a mini taper??

Chelsea Sodaro....she's a former pro runner turned elite triathlete since March of '17. She's worked the ITU circuit the last 1.5 years, struggled obviously with the swim, and I think has found her niche in new coaching group and likely more "long course" focused environment.

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Brooks Doughtie, M.S.
Exercise Physiology
-USAT Level II

That to me was a pro's pro win. Have a shit ass Kona to the point he was completely mind fucked the last few months. Seems to have himself on the right path over the last month, and likely still in "transition" with everything. So to me that's the definition of a pro showing up and taking care of business.....I also don't know how deep the field was so I'm not saying this was some huge great result, but I think this was simply a workman like win.

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Brooks Doughtie, M.S.
Exercise Physiology
-USAT Level II

I doubt the course is ever going to be the same if they hold the event next year, based on everything I saw/experienced the race director will probably get fired... either instructions to the local police weren't correct or they failed to act on it - bewildered police standing guard at numerous intersections with 3-4 mile grid locked traffic, cars 3-point turning and dangerously mingling with bikes, pissed off drivers yelling at cyclists, a run course that was like running around and around a roller coaster track, not to mention the huge number of inconvenienced residents whose gated communities appeared to be completely blocked from entering/leaving. And on top of all that the crazy logistics required to get everything in place for race morning, I bet there was a giant lost and found giveaway at the end of it it...

Well said....

So they pissed off a lot of old people but the contract has already been signed for 2019 and 2020 according to the desert sun newspaper,

I had a 6:17 finish... which I was happy with. Did the Vegas rock n roll marathon last month, then got super sick and hadn't lifted a finger for 2 1/2 weeks. Burned a few too many matched on the bike, and had a tough run as a result. Still, took 40 minutes off my St. George time, so I am happy.

distances:

2358 yds. for the swim, which seemed long. I went wide on the last half though.
56.15 for the bike
12.8 for the run

Interesting experience. I had no qualms about the bike or run, aside from the run being a bit short. I was glad that the run was harder than I anticipated, we need more difficult courses.

Oh and I was very happy to see large groups of people in the penalty tents. Because I had a slow swim and 12 minute transition, I soent the first 40 miles passing everyone and thought since my race was effectively no loger competitive, that I would do a good duty and call out drafters, and there were plenty. Including one asshole riding just to the left of a girl (literally, his front wheel was dangerously in line with her rear) and when I called him out he replied "I'm staying to the side!" Really? At least I heard the girl start to yell at him as I kept going.

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

I had the swim at 2134 yards, bike dead nuts on 56.06, run short at 12.71. That bike course was bumpy, a lot of chip seal, and mostly back county farm roads. I wasn’t a fan.

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

You were rolling out there. You went by me around mile 10, then you lost your bottle around the one turn and I passed you back. You made me feel better that you didn’t catch up and pass for about 10 miles. Unfortunately there was one guy around us (big tall guy) that was drafting and didn’t get caught. Did he hang on your wheel as well? He was on mine for a bit then jump to others. I thought you were one of them. I let him go and got him on the run. I ran by you as well, but was in such bad shape then I couldn’t even speak and say “nice job, keep moving”. Sorry I didn’t introduce myself afterwards as you were a class act every time we saw each other on the course. I was riding the Black Speed Concept with the White Kiwami Kona Wings on the bike.

Oh hey! So glad you saw this! Do you mean the big guy in the all black kit? After I caught back up to the group your were in when I doubled back for that bottle and went off the front no one came with me, so no he never sat on me. I did go back and forth in a friendly and legal manner with a guy who either caught me or I caught him and he stayed with me at around mile 40 or so. He and I were always catching single refers and no one came with us. It was pretty spread out and all the riding I witnessed was clean. Great job running all of us down!

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

Dude.. wtc is about the EXPERIENCE. Duh.

Besides, if you do the hits race, you can't get the tat, because it's not a real ironman.

The Sportstat website results are usually the official results... not what you see in the app.

My times were incorrect in the app for Xiamen 70.3 a few weeks ago but the Sportstat website was the "book of record" and more in line with my Garmin splits and it was only recently updated to that result the Ironman website.

I think the inconsistency often relates to the start timing mat and the rolling start times.

Yeah, the big guy in all black. I remember his number, but not documenting here. At times he was riding my wheel and others while chilling, sitting up on his base bar. It got frustrating how blatant he was. I had some words with him at one point and then just let it go. Glad he wasn’t a problem for you. Other than that, the bike was fair and a good time. I had few guys like you where we would go back and forth (legally). Overall, I liked the course and would give it another go.

I think it was me you are talking about. Not the big guy but the one who you traded back and forth with for a bit. I was on a black and white Speed Concept with a Roka kit and a Kask helmet. If it was I really appreciated someone working hard to ride legal. Thanks man.

Yes! You rallied me to pick it up when I started to fade a bit. Did you catch up to me or did I catch you? Either way it was motivting, friendly, and respectful of the rules. It was great to shake your hand as you went by on the run and dropped me like a bad habit. :) You were moving!

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

Jesus, they just announced the 2019 race is moving a week later to December 15th! They barely were able to have the swim yesterday, the water was 57.1. Below 57 it gets shortened to 750m. I wonder what they are thinking.

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

That people are attracted to short courses?

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Matt

I saw that but my thought was that they pre-scheduled that and now with HITS moved, perhaps they may work to change the date. They likely won't open registration til spring anyway as I think 70.3s are opened typically 7-9 months out.

Of course, this could be their ploy to have a guaranteed cancellation of the swim....

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

What group were you guys in, I know there were about 20 of us, 6-8 of who kept leading the charge till I decided to just go and led till transition.

This. So much this. Logistics were a PITA as an athlete.

I would be SHOCKED if they get the bike course next year. I can’t believe the impact the race created on local traffic. Selfishly, I love closed roads... first tri I’ve ever had them.

But we had 3 and 4 lane highways closed down, with no rhyme or reason for traffic patterns. Are there any grade-separated ways across or under 111 in the city? Seems like they need to start there and build their course around it... or come up with some much more sensible detours for Sunday traffic.

I wouldn’t piss off the rich, old people who live in gated communities...they tend to get stuff like this shut down.

And it beats me why they let folks down pierce out on the farm roads... they were never going to get across 2 directions of bike traffic where we had the out-n-back. I feel terrible for the farm workers who were stuck for hours.

Idiotic planning. Great for those of us who got to do it yr 1.

I thought it was a good first year race and the closed roads were amazing though I also would be surprised if they can do that next year. The logistics on Saturday were a bit of a PITA but I think they did a good job at explaining the process and getting everything back and forth. My feedback would be that they could have done with some more volunteers, a few less turns on the bike and mile markers on the second lap of the run. Overall, I thought it was a beautiful swim (cold and a touch long, I had 2111 yards) and even as a terrible swimmer enjoyed it, and a fast bike on an accurate course. I disagree it wasn’t a bikers course, I’d consider myself a decent rider and made up a ton of time with a 2:25 including a minor mechanical. Loved the run, and was a PR for me with a 1:33 something, though think it was like marmite as heard a few complaints about the pitchyness of some of the hills. I had it at 12.9 miles but started quite late so may have spent some time zig zagging. Good day for me, so maybe looking at it through rose tinted glasses, 3rd F30-34 and 4th FOA, but would do it again as I really enjoyed the winter sun coming from the East Coast I though December 15th is rather late!

I had a big group pass me around mile 40. I stayed close for a few miles and watched it just grow bigger as they road away. A course marshal went by going the other way, but never turned around. Frustrating, because two guys I had passed 15 miles back just got in the peleton and road away with them. Other than that one group, and a few individual drafters, it looked pretty clean.

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Team Zoot So Cal

I am not a slow swimmer, but actually start in the swim group I am supposed to. So, I have to pass a lot of people on the bike. People that probably swam slower than me, but started in the 25-30 minute group.

I found that there were HUGE groups of people. People riding side-by side. People blocking the entire road. Two wide. Three wide. Sometimes people just rode on the left for fun. I don't get it. I would voice that I was coming up behind them a good 2-3 MPH faster and they wouldn't care. I started reminding people that you weren't supposed to block. You weren't supposed to ride alongside unless for passing and you only had 25 seconds to pass. I even had a ref ride along side me as I encountered one of these big groups. I was so hoping that he gave out some penalties to people riding side-by-side. He may have, but I couldn't really tell.

Btw, sportstats is not showing a run time right now. They'll figure it out eventually

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808 > NYC > PDX > YVR
2024 Races: Taupo

Below 56 F the swim is shortened to 750 meters. Below 53 F the swim in cancelled. It was nice to be able to announce that we were going to have a 1.2 mile swim on Sunday! Z

Thank you! It was a great day for me. Finally figured out how to nutrition properly and the whole race just went smoothly. Nothing exceptional on any split but I finally put together the race I knew I could. I'll probably be writing a full race report and post it here but I'm super pumped to get to start with the pros next year.

Aside from my own performance, I actually loved the race. Swim was great, super happy they had the whole thing but can't imagine it being a week later next year. Bike, while decent road surfaces at best, was excellent due to the completely closed course. Sure a few less turns would have been nice but it was scenic and enjoyable. Great volunteers at the aid stations. My part of the bike wasn't very crowded but there was almost constantly a marshall around me due to me being around the pro women for most of the back half. While the run was certainly harder than expected I loved it. Good volunteers and the two loops was at least for me mentally very easy compared to a long out and back or something along those lines. I would love to go back next year but if its actually December 15th I don't want to commit to a race that will almost definitely be shortened.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

I started in the 30-35min group and passed many people that were just slow. I swam low 35.
Didn’t see many riding side by side, but a lot of slower cyclists. One big group that went by me. I am used to it on a flat course, but hope it won’t happen.
It is a runners race for surest

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Team Zoot So Cal

So did you sleep in a tent in the cold the night before the race? That's what we want to know. You are crazy for even thinking that was a possibility.

We may have been riding near each other. I swam a 35:09 and started just after 7:30.

I started at 7:26. Rode 2:37, died a slow painful death on run(jog).

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Team Zoot So Cal

That date was chosen by the local governments many months ago. I can tell you when 2020 is gonna be as well, but I won’t. ;-)

Interestingly enough, later may be better. We tend to get less wind as we get further into the month. The lake is super shallow so it’s more affected by moving air at night than ambient air temp, and our sun does plenty to warm during the day.

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Salton Sea Triathlon Club
“I swim to get to the bike. I run because nobody gives a shit about aquabike.”

856 meters actually. FWIW

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Salton Sea Triathlon Club
“I swim to get to the bike. I run because nobody gives a shit about aquabike.”

You are talking about the HITS race right? Cause IronBrand provides the perfect experience.

Ha. We ended up finding an AirBnB for $108 (3 nights) so no we had a bed to sleep in. To be fair though, we camp before about half of our races, including a 70.3 in Flagstaff and nearly every olympic we do.

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Benjamin Deal - Professional - Instagram - TriRig - Lodi Cyclery
Deals on Wheels - Results, schedule, videos, sponsors

12/13/2020 according to local paper, but hopefully you have good news and that gets changed!