Just seems like the other thread is pointing of some faults of the race. What are some good things people saw this year?
I was throwing up pretty bad around mile 4.5. A (Cal Poly) volunteer came over with a big jug of water for me. A course person/marshall called for a van to come pick me up and tried to do anything he could for me before they arrived. I ended up passing on the DNF and let others that joined me throwing up go and I finished. He cheered me on when I saw him around mile 11.
The med tent was pretty crowded when I got there, but they helped everyone in a very timely manner.
no rain, great camping weather, beautiful night sky, lots of moonlight
although the beverages at aid stations were warm (not sure they could help that in 100 degree weather), they didn’t run out
easy registration (why did registration at ralph’s have 7 steps and take 45 minutes?)
awesome course - very difficult
lots of great volunteers (styk i think i saw that volunteer running up over the hill to you - carrying a 2 gallon jug of water that was mostly full and running as hard as he could)
good transition area, plenty of room for everyone and pre-assigned slots
big expo, including unlimited powerbar powerchunk do-dad giveaways. those guys were practically throwing them at you every time you walked past!
huge pro field
hardworking park staff kept dumpsters/bathrooms continually emptied/stocked
they widened the trail portion of the run, which while less picturesque, made the course easier to navigate with a big field
Camping in the Awesome Camp - TCSD members. That’s the name we gave our camp site.
Great weather - although hot.
Excellent volunteers. I didn’t have a problem at any of the stations on the run or bike course. Never went without water or gatorade. Yeah, one Gatorade was almost boiling, but it’s not anyone’s fault as hot as it was.
Great cheering sections while running through the campground!
OK I was one of those bitching about hot fluids and the increasing hassle and cost but after doing the race for last five years I agree it is still pretty cool. My “favorites” list:
Being able to see and talk to world class pros and view their bikes up close
The great expo. Loved to see the new Kestrel Airfoil Pro. They told me it was #1 off the production line. Very sexy bike.
Also enjoyed trying out those Power Cranks. Man that is hard! Lot’s of other neat stuff and schwag.
The great party atmosphere and spending time with other crazy triathletes, and
The incredible number of beautiful women you see there (how about Desiree Ficker!?). For those of you in far away places all I can say is you have to experience it at least once. I imagine women tri-heads enjoy all the studly guys there as well.
I will probably take a break from it next year and do WTH but suppose I will come back again.
I have a hard time coming up with anything I didn’t like about the event. Seriously. I thought it was well run, super fun, and a nice change-of-pace to relax and camp for a few nights. It almost felt like a vacation. I thought the food at the expo was really good - had two Wildflower burritos and Pad Thai after the race. Both hit the spot. The best part was, of course, all the CalPoly girls in their low-riding shorts and swim tops. I considered blowing off the race and just chillin at a few of the aid stations.
lots of great volunteers (styk i think i saw that volunteer running up over the hill to you - carrying a 2 gallon jug of water that was mostly full and running as hard as he could)
Could have been, I was at the top of that hill on the side of the trail in a green skinsuit in a fetal position. The guy actually did it twice, once for the guy that stopped next to me later on.
I have to agree with the beautiful women. They were fantastic and very complimentive of us racers I should know, I scored the slowest run-time (4:46) on the long course this year.
I should know, I scored the slowest run-time (4:46) on the long course this year.