Lauren S.'s profile
Events that Lauren S. has reviewed
Half IM is LONG! The swim was cancelled due to heavy fog in the morning, but the weather was BEAUTIFUL for the bike and run. Long run on concrete/roads to the transition area from the beach, hoefully next time they will clear out the dog droppings and rocks along the way. Bike course is absolutely beautiful and relatively flat. Course is NOT closed to traffic, so passing on the bike can be a bit hectic. Wind is at your back on the return trip, so it's okay to go out harder on the first half. Run is an out and back on road, some dirt, and bike paths. Aid stations every mile with friendly and helpful volunteers. Run ends on the beach in a dramatic, but not cleared finish. There were lots of people/athletes walking and standing in the 'course'.
Perfect weather! Overcast and warm. Check in was disorganized, seperate line for schwag bag, then shirt, then cap, then timing chips. Check in also closed at 3, which seems early. Transition area opened at 6, first come, first serve, not assigned racks. Narrow run in/run out entrances. Good security entering/leaving transtion before and after. They made sure your body marked number matched your bike number. Swim- out around the pier, some seaweed, lots of fish smell all to the sound of barking sea lions. I enjoyed it, but it was pretty smelly, and on the return, no buoys caused everyone to fan out along the shore. Bike- out and back along the coast, flat with some rollers, no big climbs! One aid station at turnaround with Hammer Gel and water bottles. Course pretty straight, but no lane or cones to buffer cars. Run- out and back along coast, very scenic, even saw dolphins! two aid stations, one at mile 2/4 with gatorade and water, one at turnaround with water. Finish good for spectators. For a touch of class, the event had tuxedo'd servers serving cupts of straberries, bananas, and oranges. Results posted same day on web site!