If you’ve read any of this blog, you know I had been preparing for Ironman California 70.3, April 2, 2011, in Oceanside CA. Well, I raced it. I survived it. And if you care to, feel free to read on all about the experience.
On Friday, we had Costco pizza for dinner. I think I ate too much, and didn’t have the necessary bathroom break on race day. I woke up Saturday morning at 4:30am. We are staying in Dana Point, which is about 30 miles northwest of Oceanside. The plan was to leave by 5:10am. Transition opened at 4:45am and would close at 6:30am. Scott and my dad went with me in the morning, my wife, mom and kids were going to come down a little later. We arrived at the parking area around 5:45am, and I unloaded my bike, topped off the air in my tires (110psi), poured my Infinit drink mix into my Aerobottle and rode the 1.25 miles to the transition area. Getting to transition was fairly easy, but getting into transition was a zoo. There were people moving in every direction, bikes going every which way. It was a little unnerving trying to navigate my way to my transition spot. Inch by inch I moved until I found rack 46. Unlike some other races that designate a spot for each racer, these were first come first serve. I was late to the party, but I racked about 3rd bike in. Squeezed my way in. I set up my stuff and went to find body marking.
Body marking was quick. No line. And only marked one arm and back of leg. Cool. Put on some SPF 50 sunscreen, even though the forecast for the day was 65 degrees and overcast. My coach advised me to head to the swim staging area sooner rather than later, as there is no chance to do a swim warmup anyway, might as well avoid the congestion. As I walked over to my wave area, I heard the cannon go off. The pros were off!
Waiting for our swim wave to start, got me a little nervous. Couldn’t believe it was finally here. 7:00am on a 60 degree morning in CA, after a winter of training. I was pumped up. The male pro wave started at 6:40am, and 22:36 later, Andy Potts comes flying out of the water with nearly a two minute lead. Are you kidding me? If that doesn’t get you fired up, I don’t know what will. I put on my neoprene cap and headed to the water. The water was about 59-60 degrees, and although the neoprene cap wasn’t necessary, it certainly didn’t hurt, and kept me nice and warm. We swam the 25 yards to the swim start (nice warmup right?) and got the 2 minute warning. My age group (M30-34) had 305 participants today, split into 2 swim waves. I was in the 2nd wave. I swam out, treaded water, and bam. Whistle blows, time to go. So go I went. » Read more: Race Report – 2011 Oceanside 70.3
