Here are some snippets/edits from some PM's re: the OBX half. This is all based on the 2016 race; which was my first half in 6 or so years.
IMO it's a race on paper that looks like it should be faster than the results show. It's an easy & difficult race.
Easy bc the flat bike, 1 short hill that you do 4x. The run has a lot of shade and great support. Numerous aid stations with ice cups and some people who live on the course with hoses/sprinklers out, brackish swim and they usually try to get any current to assist you on the long leg of the triangle shaped swim.
It's tough bc it's the OBX and there is always wind which increases as the day goes on. Usually you get a tailwind out over the bridge then a cross/turning to headwind until the 1st U turn. then tail/cross hit the 2nd U turn, come back then a head wind over the bridge, (closed to traffic btw -a nice touch). That pure headwind section is 10k or so. 20k of nose on head wind which makes any race harder. It's relentless for 10k straight. Yes you get 20k of pure tailwind but you still lose more time than you can gain. It's a get into your aero position and do not come out of it for 90k course. If you're not comfy in that position it's going to be a tough(er) race. fwiw I rode ~ 6 or 7w higher for my second lap on the bike but was ~ :80 seconds slower
Re: heat and humidity. I didn't think it was that hot or humid but people where complaining about it. Probably mid 80's and same for humidity. Can easily be worse, expect worse be pleasantly surprised when it's not worse.
The swim was long the year I did it ,no one broke 30. Non wet suit and several over achievers at the gun. They chip you into the water then say X min to the start. No countdown like 3min 2min. It was just 3,2, blow the horn to start. I was about 6 rows deep and left of the main group peeing when the gun went off. Nearly bridged over/up. Caught the last dude's feet and then 6 strokes later he popped, I couldn't bridge that gap and I lost 2+ to the lead group.
The first/last .75 mile of the run is on grass which is slower than pavement. A decent portion of the run is on a greenway & shaded.
other pro's: lots of airbnb's that you can bike to/from the race. I think we were <6k away (right near where the bridge meets the mainland) so I just biked to the start which was cool. The ex found some mtn biking trails, got in and hour or so and then rode all over the place popping up here and there.
Grocery store had a lot of healthy stuff which for a redneck grocery store, well both the Ex and I were very surprised.
I'd go back and race there. Anyway hope that helps
Bruce - maybe we can do a Fiesta, OBX half highest cumulative time buys the first 2 rounds of beer!?!?!!?
Brian Stover USAT LII
Accelerate3 Coaching Insta