HIM California...HELP!!!
81
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1009 days
ston_ar posted 47 weeks ago.
I don't think arm warmers would be a terrible idea if you tend to get cold, you can always roll em up or stash em if you warm back up. Deep water start is just starting in the water rather than the land, just get into a pack position you're comfortable with and go like normal. Cutoff times from the site are 1:10 for the swim 5 hrs on the bike and 8 hrs total on the run. Those are all from the start of the last wave. I can't comment on the HIM length (I wussed out of the one I entered last summer). And don't worry, as long as you've been training hard you'll do fine. Just go out there and have fun.
57
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519 days
Jetskr posted 47 weeks ago.
The biggest difference I found was nutrition. You'll be racing for 4 - 6 hours and burning TONS of calories so you have to keep your body fueled so it won't quit on you. There is a great article on this site that I can't seem to find right now that breaks down most of what you need to know. I wish I could remember who wrote it but this is another really good one: http://www.trifuel.com/training/health-nutrition/race-day-nutrition
Find out what sports drink the race is serving and find out quick if it works for you. Also, think about gels and electrolytes and find out what works best for you.
560
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485 days
TryScott posted 47 weeks ago.
This is probably a sign that I'm not swimming hard enough, but I think treading water can be just as exhausting as swimming. How long do you need to tread water in a deep water start? I did a start 1500m from shore in Lake Erie, but since it was only 100 people, we just jumped off the boat and started swimming when our toes hit water.
187
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351 days
GGehrke posted 47 weeks ago.
Follow-on question:
Has anyone here done HIM California? How is it in terms of hills, wind, weather, etc?
I'm coming down from Monterey (2hr South of SF bay) for it, so I'm used to hills and LOTS of wind, but it'd be nice to know what I'm up against. Also part of my concern is I'm thinking about buying/renting/borrowing race wheels. I know around here, though, riding near the ocean even with my Ksyriums can get a bit hairy with crosswinds. In fact I'm supposed to go do some speedwork and better hurry -- winds are supposed to be gusting over 50mph this afternoon :o !
And in response to the original post, I know I'll likely be packing arm warmers. Can't hurt to have options.
-Grant-
9
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450 days
danaz posted 47 weeks ago.
Thanks for all the help/suggestions. I am totally with you TryScott...swimming is challenging enough but treading water can be ass kicking! Especially with all the anxiety I have! dana
4499
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1645 days
kylie posted 47 weeks ago.
I know a number of people wear arm warmers on the bike. Some (worried about transition time) actually just wear them under their wetsuit as well.
At this deep water start you are in packs in a line on a boat launch. When a wave goes off, the next wave gets in the water and swims (25-50yd-ish I think) to the start line. Find your place in the pack there. The gun goes off relatively soon after you are in (it is a matter of minutes between the waves going off).
As for the course, I haven't done it but have cheered a couple years and know many people who have. The first part of the bike course is fast. There are a couple good climbs in the middle towards the end, and then I believe there is often a headwind for the part heading back to TA. Here is an elevation profile from the bike (don't freak out about it yet... make sure you notice the scale :) -- and click the image for a full version of it:
It has rained when I was watching before and I've been freezing in a jacket and warm clothes, and another year it has been a very pleasant day. That time of year it is always hard to predict, so be ready for cold and wet, as well as for heat.
187
Member
351 days
GGehrke posted 47 weeks ago.
Thanks for the insight!
Freak out? Nah. 3300 ft of climbing doesn't scare me. What does scare me is that people can maintain 22+mph over all that! Whoever that chart belongs to averaged 22.1 over the full 56 mi. On the most comparable course I do I average 17. Yikes! Guess it's time to get training, eh? ;)
-Grant-
4499
Member
1645 days
kylie posted 47 weeks ago.
Haha... my boyfriend is a superhero :)
And just looking at the picture it looks scary 'cause it looks like a huge climb. But the 3200 ft climbing is why I was saying don't worry -- it's not as big as the picture makes it seem :)
22
Member
293 days
buckeyeben posted 39 weeks ago.
This is all good to hear as I'm from Ohio and prepping for this race too and it's my first half IM. I WILL be wearing/packing arm warmers. Just bought some last week at the strong suggesting of a more experienced triathlete. Ditto on the weather unpredictability. Average high for that time of year for Oceanside according to weather.com is mid-upper 60's with the low in the low-mid 50s. I'm gonna bring a variety of clothing and make a race day decision...
FWIW, the swim has me most concerned....
Best wishes to all who are doing this race!
Micah 6:8
22
Member
293 days
buckeyeben posted 39 weeks ago.
GEEEEEZ! You were right. That's an excellent play-by-play. Thanks!
wmckean wrote:
This race report might help you out a bit :-)
Micah 6:8
Hi...
OK, please sense my total panic and give me all the advise you can! :)
I am signed up for HIM California and even though I am so so so excited and have been training my ass off I am so nervous. As it slowly approaches (March 29) I am getting even more anxious and nervous. So, I have a list of questions for anyone that can help. I've done several sprint and Olympic distance events but this is my first HIM.
1. When I transition from the swim to the bike I tend to get cold and I stay cold. In olympic distance races I'm not on the bike that long so I don't worry about it. But, 56 miles can be chilly. Anyone wear arm warmers? Did you regret it?
2. I have never done a deep water start. What can I expect and how exactly do they do that?
3. What is the cutoff time? This really shouldn't be an issue but it doesn't hurt to know. :)
4. Is there anything drastically different in HIM races as opposed to any other event?
Thanks so much in advance for any input you can offer!
Signed,
Dana (One very nervous athlete)