Background info: 32 years old. Got into the sport in 2015. Raced a handful of oly's & sprint's, fourth 70.3. Self coached and first year on Team Every Man Jack. I train about 12-15 hours a week (mostly solo) out of Livermore Ca. I have never raced Oceanside before but have heard great things about this race so I was excited. Love races that just have one transition as well. I was also looking forward to a full 70.3 (the last 2 70.3's I raced the swim was cancelled). The weather was perfect race morning.
Swim: While some people are against them, I love the rolling start. I seeded myself in the 25-30 minute slot. The only thing that had me a little nervous was the ocean start. The first probably 200-600 yards we had to swim through 2-4ft waves. It was pretty intimidating watching these waves right before the start. I don't spend too much time in the ocean and do all of my swim training in a pool. Once I got through the waves I was able to relax and find my rhythm. Unfortunately I swam solo the entire race. I ended up with a time of 29:03.
Bike: My race typically starts when I get on the bike. I was excited to see what I could do in this race since I added a lot more structure into my bike training over the last few months. I was also racing a brand new bike (Felt IA1 disc). This was also my first time racing with a power meter. I thought I could hold about 280 and was pleasantly surprised when I finished and saw an average of 309W (I weigh 183). I was able to pass a lot of people and rode strong but not over my head. Few hills but nothing super long or intimidating. Most of the bike course was in camp Pendleton so no one is able to pre ride before. It did rain the night before so a few corners were very slick. Sam Appleton unfortunately went down on a corner and broke his clavicle. I ended up finishing with a time of 2:21.
Run: A two loop course with a few hills but nothing major. I've only done a few 70.3's before but this was definitely my favorite run course. The spectators and volunteers were amazing!! So many people along the entire course cheering. Lot's of EMJ love as well. My last race was Santa Rosa and this course just flowed so much better. I felt fairly good from the start and forced myself to not go out too hard. The last 3 miles of my last half were extremely tough. I switched between water and gator aid at almost every aid station. No food or gels during the run this time. Some red bull towards the end. I ended up with a run time of 1:20.30. My overall time was 4:17. I ended up getting 1st in 30-34 and was 3rd fastest amateur. Thanks for reading. Any questions feel free to ask.
Team Every Man Jack.
Swim: While some people are against them, I love the rolling start. I seeded myself in the 25-30 minute slot. The only thing that had me a little nervous was the ocean start. The first probably 200-600 yards we had to swim through 2-4ft waves. It was pretty intimidating watching these waves right before the start. I don't spend too much time in the ocean and do all of my swim training in a pool. Once I got through the waves I was able to relax and find my rhythm. Unfortunately I swam solo the entire race. I ended up with a time of 29:03.
Bike: My race typically starts when I get on the bike. I was excited to see what I could do in this race since I added a lot more structure into my bike training over the last few months. I was also racing a brand new bike (Felt IA1 disc). This was also my first time racing with a power meter. I thought I could hold about 280 and was pleasantly surprised when I finished and saw an average of 309W (I weigh 183). I was able to pass a lot of people and rode strong but not over my head. Few hills but nothing super long or intimidating. Most of the bike course was in camp Pendleton so no one is able to pre ride before. It did rain the night before so a few corners were very slick. Sam Appleton unfortunately went down on a corner and broke his clavicle. I ended up finishing with a time of 2:21.
Run: A two loop course with a few hills but nothing major. I've only done a few 70.3's before but this was definitely my favorite run course. The spectators and volunteers were amazing!! So many people along the entire course cheering. Lot's of EMJ love as well. My last race was Santa Rosa and this course just flowed so much better. I felt fairly good from the start and forced myself to not go out too hard. The last 3 miles of my last half were extremely tough. I switched between water and gator aid at almost every aid station. No food or gels during the run this time. Some red bull towards the end. I ended up with a run time of 1:20.30. My overall time was 4:17. I ended up getting 1st in 30-34 and was 3rd fastest amateur. Thanks for reading. Any questions feel free to ask.
Team Every Man Jack.