Just wanted to post a shout-out for the Auburn Half IM / World’s Toughest Half. I am happy to say I finished the race and did not suffer hypothermia or lose any digits to frost bite!
After a horrible trip it was SO nice to get registered in the parking lot in less that 2 minutes even though I was 45 minutes late. Thanks for that, friendliest person I saw all day in getting to CA!
Also a special thanks to Oliver’s or Woody’s or Beaudreaux’s country store. 4 plastic bags saved me from freezing for sure! It was like we rehearsed it… I roll up, dismount the bike, enter the store and chatter out “bags, now”. Guy whips out 4 bags and opens them for me, as my hands were toast, and I quickly don one on each foot inside my shoes and one for each hand. In and out faster than a NASCAR pit crew. Brilliant!
Auburn swim course is beautiful, the bike is scenic, as are the views on the run down into the American River canyon. Loved the rollers up at the north end of the course, especially the “secret roller coaster” section that was simultaneously white knuckle and fun. Also loved the “smoke on the water” early morning mist and the mountains and canyons in the background.
All in all a great race, and definitely tough.