I'll be there! St. George was my first full (2022), and spent the entire run course saying, "never again."

Yet, here we are.

I've been hearing from folks that they're 30 minutes faster than a normal IM swim? Any thoughts on your experience? (I should have picked a non-downriver swim but again...here we are.)

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

I will be there. This will be my first full IM. I am dealing with a left knee issue that manifests while cycling but continues to hurt when running off the bike, so I did consider deferring to 2024. But I dread having to train for another full IM again, so I will bite the bullet and hope that I make it to the finish.

I am a poor swimmer, so I'm encouraged by all the talk of a fast swim.

I'll also mention that this is the first race I joined race-specific Facebook groups and I have to say they are brilliant resources.

Regarding swim, I finished lake swim for IM Santa Rosa in around 1:20. Last week I was out of the the water for IMCA swim under 48 min. A 30 min savings is realistic. Stay toward middle of river and enjoy the ride!

Whoa. If this turns into a 30 minute swim, I won't know what to do with myself. But, middle of the river, noted :)

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

see my comment above regarding the swim.

I found the following overview helpful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7yAxxqDop8

I will be there! My "A" race this year was supposed to be IM Canada but that was cancelled. The good folks at Ironman allowed us to transfer our registrations to remaining North American races in 2023. They opened up limited spots (first come, first served) for California so I jumped on it! The race week let down and then wrapping my head around another 8 weeks was a challenge, but here we are. I'm excited, never been to Sacramento. This will be IM #5. First time doing a point-to-point river swim leg.

Weather seems to be trending in the right direction.

---

Jason
Edmonton

I'll be there for IM #4.

Been battling some different sicknesses (thanks to my kids) for the last month or so, so high volume training days have been limited.

Info on the swim seems to be accurate from some friends who live in the area and have done the course already, 20-30 minutes faster on your normal time is realistic.

As a smaller guy 5'7" and 155lbs I'm hoping for no winds since even light ones beat me around quite a bit, but you get what you get I guess. I'll be on the course in a bright colored Fxck Cancer kit.

---

💀 Fxck Cancer Endurance Team 💀
⚡️⚡️ PLUSH Global ⚡️⚡️

Thanks for the link. How was it doing a practice swim? Is there a good place to get in and out if you only want to practice for 20 minutes or so? I’m nervous I will miss the swim exit and end up wildly far down river!

A local tri coach happened to recently sponsor a couple of full course swims, accompanied by a boat, others on paddleboards, etc., which is how I was able to do a test run.

Without that, you really can only swim in the American river. Sacramento river has more boat traffic and I don't think allows open water swimming. I've heard many athletes practice in American river. Just keep in mind you'll have to battle current to get back to your starting point if swimming downstream.

I don't think you'll miss the swim exit -- it's at a boat dock that partially juts out into the river. Easy walk from Ironman village for when you check-in, in case you want to see it ahead of time.

Last year, there were tons of folks doing practice swims in the American River at Discovery Park. There's a big beach and the current didn't look too bad. I also saw some folks at Tiscornia Park when I was doing a shakeout ride, but it's closer to where it meets the Sacramento River, so the currents might be more noticeable.

And the swim exit is very visible, especially since there is a giant gold pyramid on the shore right next to it. Aim for that, and you can't miss it!

---

------------------------------------------------------------
The beatings will continue until morale improves

Get that Nice spot KJ!

Thanks bud! I am sure gonna try :)

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

Ok here's a general question...

Restaurant recommendations? Coffee, lunch, dinner, pre-race, post-race, etc.? Open to ALL suggestions! Sacramento has so many more options than what I'm used to (raced in STG 3 times in 2 years, lol) that the search is a little overwhelming!

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

Just got back from driving the bike course. Crew was working on assembling transition area when I drove by.

Road crews out today repairing potholes along Babel Slough Rd. Passed quite a few fresh asphalt patches. This part of the course is largely tree-lined on both sides of the road, so lots of shadows. Fixing up potholes is great, but my car was running over a good bit of loose gravel around the patches. Something I'll be mindful of on that section.

I also saw road crew out filling road cracks with tar, I think on S River Rd. Shouldn't be too sticky by Sunday, lol.

I'll be shocked to not have some winds along Jefferson/Courtland/Ryer segments. Very flat and very exposed.

Regarding restaurant recommendations in Sacramento, there are many choices, but I'm a total suburbanite, so I rarely venture there to eat. If looking for a celebratory dinner perhaps the night after the event, Ella is fantastic, as is The Kitchen.

Hey great news that road crews were still working - I saw some out there a few weeks ago when pre-riding. Thanks for the note about loose gravel, I imagine lap 2 may be a little sketchy with just more people on course.

Thanks for the recs! They both look awesome :)

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

2022 participant here, not in for roll call either. Just want to wish everyone luck. If I could pass along one thing about the course is this: out on the levy it is VERY narrow. Be a little conservative there. Have a great day, looks like perfect conditions- finally!

Same here, raced 2022 but not this year. I would echo the statement that the levy is narrow, and would add to it that at the aid station just before the levy, be very careful as the road is also VERY narrow, and with the added craziness of the aid station, be VERY cautious!!!!

You’ll have lots of options for all the above. I’ve lived here for 1.5 years and here are some recommendations:
1. Hit Midtown Farmers’ Market SAT morning where you’ll be able to pick up some fresh fruit and nuts along with tasty bites from vendors.
2. As for coffee, it’s hard to go wrong with Temple Coffee (any location). If you hit the market, I recommend grabbing coffee from the Drip in Midtown 24th and J, which is small but nice shop.
3. Sweets. After grabbing a coffee from Drip, go across the street to Rick’s Dessert Diner and get a slice of cake or pie. If you want ice cream, Gunther’s is the place to go.
4. For a dining experience, go to Kru and ask for Michael who will cater courses and even a cocktail based on your palate. Be warned though it can get expensive.
5. Alternative dining experience that is friendly on the wallet is Binchoyaki. Everything is delicious.
6. All around good bites include Steamers in Old Sac (really dig the egg and ham on croissant) and Beach Hut Midtown.
7. You will find a brewery every few blocks and while most will recommend Urban Roots (it is good), my hands down favorite is At Ease Brewing at I and 18th. I just stopped in yesterday to grab a mix and match 6 pack. My current favorite is the Jumpmaster, a wheat with fresh grapefruit and orange.

Good luck to everyone. I’ll check in on this thread and chime in when I can.

Oh, amazing. This is what I was hoping for!! I'm originally from the east bay, but Sac has never really been *on my radar* and being in Boulder the last 2ish years has made me feel super removed from the California food scene. Really appreciate the diversity of suggestions here - THANK YOU.

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

I’ll be there, my first full distance. Flew in yesterday and bike made it no problems which always stresses me out.

Ready for the swim and bike but had an off and on hip injury slowing me down on the run. Going to do a run walk/regime that has gotten me through training. Won’t be the fastest run but hopefully get me to the finish line! See you all out there!

---

My Strava | My Instagram | Summerville, SC | 35-39 AG | 4:41 (70.3), 10:05 (140.6) | 3x70.3, 1x140.6 | Cat 2 Cyclist

I barely made it into the swim exit (inside the pylons) area last year and brushed a pylon. Looks like this year it’ll be raining (so harder to see) and the current will be even stronger so I plan on moving right after passing the I St bridge not to be in that position again.

If the weather stays similar to what’s projected now should be a more fun day than last year, looking fwd to improving my time/place.

Babel is super sketchy, especially on the second lap with traffic in both directions.

A week or so ago the pilons were all clogged up with debris, tree branches, etc. No way to swim through them. I assume this will be cleared out by race day or they'll have to put the exit ramp on outside of the dock. Guess we'll find out at the briefings.

Was thinking same thing about Babel. I bet it will be super crowded. Passing safely could be risky through that section. Hopefully roads won't be wet.

Hey great signs all around - good luck, see you out there!

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

Hello & good luck to everyone this weekend.

I was hoping to get feedback on check in. I checked in early and didn't get a timing chip. I went through the line and assumed it was in the bag provided. Can someone point out what I missed? Thank you

I think the athlete guide says you get timing chip when you do bike drop off.

Found it:

MANDATORY BIKE & GEAR CHECK-IN Mandatory Bike Check-In is Saturday, October 21 from 9 AM to 4 PM in transition. Athletes can bring their Gear Bags at this time or on race morning, but all bikes must be checked in by 4 PM on Saturday and left overnight. ATHLETES WILL PICK UP THEIR TIMING CHIP DURING BIKE CHECK-IN.

Thanks again! Have an awesome day,

Getting super excited. Kind of bummed about the rain in the forecast but at least we aren't getting the 90 degree day from today and yesterday. Also rain on the swim and bike isn't the end of the world, but I do hate running in wet shoes lol. Good luck everyone!

---

My Strava | My Instagram | Summerville, SC | 35-39 AG | 4:41 (70.3), 10:05 (140.6) | 3x70.3, 1x140.6 | Cat 2 Cyclist

Good luck and be safe on the turns! Lots of squashed tomatoes last time I rode the course. Not sure how slippery they get with some rain ;)

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

Looks like the rain will be just a couple drops in the morning, nothing to worry about.
Having a pair of fresh/dry socks in T2 should help.

Yes, swim will be much faster. I’m normally a 1:30 IM swimmer, at IM CA last year, I swam 1:01.

That said, you could lose time if you don’t strategize to round the buoy at the confluence of the two rivers. Some people were swept by the current past the mid-river turn buoy and wasted a lot of time and energy having to swim against the current to round the buoy. A few others missed the “offramp” turn into the exit to T1.

So, do pay attention to the course markers and plan your line in advance to take advantage of the current and put yourself in place to let it sweep you around the buoys.

---

Sharon McN
@IronCharo
#TeamZoot
Clif Bar Pace Team 2003-2018

In for IM #6. Came up from LA in 2021, deferred to 2022, got covid and deferred to 2023 (I think on Sharon McNary’s advice)

Run training has been iffy with calf issues. Bike is ok for a course like this and swim, well I think a potato chip bag could make the cutoff. Expecting well under an hour.

Due to my calf issue I had been going f back and forth and even as of Wednesday morning was intent on canceling the hotel. Then I just came to a WTF why not moment. Will run / walk as long as the calf lets me. Worst case is 9 hours to walk the run and finally get value from that $750 spent way back in 2020.

Good luck all!

Leaders swim time was 34:xx. Did the swim get shortened or is the current that strong today?

looks like it. saw a 1:30 pace person I know do 47min...

The current is strong enough to do that.

Quite a down pour happened 1300-1400 depending where one was at, hope everyone is A-OK.

Dan Plews with a Sub-8 hour finish. Current assisted swim yes, but this has to be an amateur record?

current assisted then absolutely not. From now on if we will talk about records it should something of the start and finish should not be more than ~10% of the race distance away from each other

Top 31 went sub 9. Crazy.

---

http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com

It was a significantly faster day than last year due to faster current, shorter transitions, and calmer winds on the ride. All of that outweighs that the new run course is slower, got muddy and flooded in a few places in the downpour, and is longer than 26.2.

IMO they should have either introduced a short against the current swim section, or just made the swim longer to compensate for this insanity. Helps immensely the weaker swimmers too: my gap to D Plews was probably a 3rd of what it normally would have been, and I gapped a buddy the same amount on this “full” swim as I did in another half…

This race is a 90min drive for me, but don’t think I’ll sign up again - last year they at least made up for a fast (but not THAT fast) swim with a mile+ T1. Signed up for an Ironman and instead got this…

I had 4,000 yds, definitely current assisted. I swam 37:45, 20 min faster than my other Ironman swim in St. George.

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

I am a 1 hour ish finish and went 42 and change LOL. Strava says 3925 yards.

The rain for me started about 2 hours left on the bike and just dumped. Stopped while I was in t2 then mile 15 all hell broke loose as the heavens opened. You had to laugh, but it was miserable. Especially running on a dark park path with ankle deep ponds

now this is an oddity, so noticed another person I know who swims as 2:30-3:00 pace at 57min for this swim! was it known its current assisted swim? wonder if people picked this race for that reason on purpose knowing they would not make the cut off otherwise

Yes downcurrent. American into Sacramento. I’m sure many choose this race for that reason. I literately swam masters warmup effort. Lots of “prs” claimed at this race. Heard last night too age grouper went sub 8

Forget the Sub-10 hour Facebook Group. Sub-9 is the new goal for AG. Insert eye roll.

---

http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com

1 out of 3 years, we finally got the nicest day. Weather was just perfect for fast time yesterday. The temp was between 60-70 the whole day. No sun, little wind, just a quick shower around 1pm, I actually enjoyed it. Both my friend and I shaved 1 hour off our last year IMCA time. Weather plays such a big role on this course.

BTW. heavy rain and wind started again around 11th hours. It is miserable for those volunteers and athletes still on the course.

I would also describe my swim as 'masters warmup' pace. Only ever surged when I needed to pass someone that self-seeded (very) incorrectly. Overtaking someone was quite challenging with the current because the speed differential I'm used to having didn't exist. Saw a handful of folks struggling at the confluence (read: turn) buoy...and I started within the first 5-10 waves of the rolling start. A 37 min swim should not exist in an Ironman but...here we are :)

---

KJ
Swim and Triathlon Coach
AllTerrainEndurance.com
KJ@allterrainendurance.com

Took a look at a few AGs and looks like there were a few sub 37s and even a 35

Aside from the fast swim which I appreciated, my experience was the volunteers were awesome, athletes were very positive, and the race promoter and staff did a fantastic job. There were many improvements from last year event such as the transition switch and the run course. I have to commend the IM California Team for their hard work managing 3000+ athletes in a relatively big city dense environment. As a local to the area when I heard the IM race was coming to the area, I anticipated the race to be focused in the nearby Lake Natoma, Folsom area which is a bit less dense. From an athlete perspective I can see positive and negatives to both locations, downtown Sacramento and Folsom.

Totally agree. Volunteers and staff were terrific. Have to commend the volunteers for being so supportive and positive while stuck out there for hours in horrendous weather conditions. They were awesome!

Swim was super fast and a little short, I got 3900yd on my garmin.

Very fast course but had a great experience for my first IM. It could be significantly faster too with better conditions, the conditions still weren’t what I would call ideal. Wind picked up the second lap on the bike. 75% of the roads were in nice shape, 25% were pretty rough. I was on the run when the rain dumped, made some offroad sections extremely slick and for some very large puddles. Run course measured on my garmin (and many others) at 26.62 miles. Volunteers were a+. Course was great in my opinion, flat would be an understatement. The second rain after I finished was way worse than the first, I really felt bad for the folks still out there, it had to have been a cold long night. Seems like this time of year in this area could be 90 degrees, 60 degrees, rain, wind, or all of the above. I think it probably wasn’t too bad considering it was 94 degrees two days before.

I came in at 10:05 and can’t complain, beat all my goals for the day. Been fighting some hip pain and was happy to even get to the start line!

---

My Strava | My Instagram | Summerville, SC | 35-39 AG | 4:41 (70.3), 10:05 (140.6) | 3x70.3, 1x140.6 | Cat 2 Cyclist

This post did not age well, LOL. Starting to think that this race is cursed by the weather gods. Sac just can't win!
Immense props to the volunteers and race staff who stuck it out through the epic rain to support us, especially once it got dark. They are the true heroes of the day! I finished about 7pm and the finish line buzz was basically a total wash-out, so that was quite a bummer, especially for the many many first-timers and their support crews.

My Garmin stats:
3930 yards on the swim, so maybe a bit short. Swam moderate effort and came out in 43:31. Was 51:41 last year on similar fitness, and am normally a 1:05-1:07 IM swimmer.
111.99 miles on the bike. C'mon, Ironman! You shorted me on that ride! ;)
26.52m on the run, and the run course mile markers were consistently about 0.5m off right from the get-go.

Run course is 26.5 on my watch. Every mile markers is off by .5mile
I also got 119.9 on the bike. It is ok I guess.

I am laughing at the +.5 on the run everyone is getting, me included. I mean, there are three short out and backs in the last 3 miles LOL. I figured it would be to the meter. I don't use laps on the run, so I had no idea what the individual splits were, other than the first one seemed to be really long, after that I lost track as I didn't really care.

Swim, I guess they are stuck with a certain entry and certain exit so 3900 it is. I mean it's already 30% faster so what's another couple hundred yards knocked off?

My garmin does give me mile laps on the run and it was madding to have my watch tell me another mile ticked off but then have to wait minutes before seeing the next mile marker!

Bike and swim were close enough, IMO.

Same. About 18 miles someone asked the guy next to me if their watch was off and about 7 of us had a good laugh/cry.

---

My Strava | My Instagram | Summerville, SC | 35-39 AG | 4:41 (70.3), 10:05 (140.6) | 3x70.3, 1x140.6 | Cat 2 Cyclist