Subject: RE: santa barbara long course One of my favorite races. It's deceptively hard and will bite you in the a$$ if you go out too hard. Swim - usually a bit colder than L.A. area waters, although last year was warm. Tinted goggles if clear as return is direct west. Aim for the small hill you can see in the distance Bike - There are basically three climbs. First climb isn't bad, then some rollers. First big descent is pretty bumpy, make sure everything is secured. Next is a long lead up to a fairly steep one lane climb above the avocado trees. IT's the climb coming back on Toro that will kill. Take it in stair steps, it's steep, then levels a bit for recovery, then steep again... 3 or 4 times. Then there's s bit of false flat. Then it gets really fast. The course is patrolled but open to traffic, and there is a spot where racers cross eachother, you may have to stop if instructed to by a cop. Also may be a train crossing. Keep your head on a swivel out there. Run - Basically, 2 miles of flat, 2 miles of up, 1 mile of roller, reverse and return. Pace well here and you can make up lots of time on the return leg, especially the last 2-3 miles which are down to flat. Jump in the pacific to recover. |