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A Tradition Unlike Any Other: Ironman 70.3 Oceanside
A race preview of triathlon's spring classic, When it's OK to DNF, and are you at risk for a running injury?
Matthew Sharpe
March 31, 2023
Good morning everyone,
Like a triathlon superfan, I’m stoked to watch the Ironman 70.3 Oceanside races this weekend. And just a quick reminder that there are only a few days left in our running race shoe giveaway. The more friends you refer, the more chances you have to win! I hope you have a great weekend training, racing, or just relaxing.
In today’s edition:
A full preview of triathlon’s spring classic 🏁
Jackson Laundry’s process goals for winning 🏆
When its OK to DNF 🙅♂️
And, are you at risk for a running injury? 😲
Thank you for being here.
-Matt Sharpe, newsletter editor
Have a triathlete in your life who can't stop swimming, biking, or running? Fire this off to them. Forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for free.
QUICK NEWS
🦞 Multisport Maine: “Maine’s most beautiful triathlon,” the Pemaquid Tri will return to scenic Pemaquid beach on August 27th. [Wiscasset Newspaper]
💸 Sell out city: Ironman has announced that the iconic Ironman Lake Placid is one of five North American events that have already sold out, proving there’s no Ironcession. [Endurance.biz]
😺 Bear down: The University of Arizona has named Jocelyn Bonney as its first-ever assistant triathlon coach. Bonney was a trail-blazing collegiate triathlete before becoming a professional triathlete and coach. [Arizona Wildcats]
RACE WEEKEND
Ironman 70.3 Oceanside, World Triathlon Continental Cups
Donald Miralle/Ironman
Cycling has Paris-Roubaix, Golf has the Masters, WWE has Wrestlemania, and triathlon has Ironman 70.3 Oceanside. It is surely the sport’s spring classic. But which triathlete will take home their own cobble, green jacket, or whatever they give wrestlers who win Wrestlemania? We’ll find out on Saturday.
Women: In the swim, look to see Paula Findlay (CAN) and Holly Lawrence (GBR) establish a lead over the rest of the field. If they exit T1 with each other and work together through the bike, than they should be able to fight it out on the run.
Of course with current Ironman World Champion Chelsea Sodaro (USA) in the field, she will no doubt be looking for an early season win.
Tamara Jewitt (CAN), and Kat Matthews (GBR) are also incredible threats for the win, with Jewitt typically outrunning most pro men!
Men: With over 70 men on the start line, it will be absolute chaos at the beginning of the swim. Not great for the athletes; always entertaining for the fans.
In the swim, Ben Kanute (USA) should have some company from Eric Lagerstrom (USA) and short-course World Champion Leo Bergere (FRA). Although Bergere just announced he has Covid, so that may hold him back.
Onto the bike, the strong legs will be looking to ride back into the race. Folks like Sam Long (USA), Jason West (USA), and defending champion Jackson Laundry (CAN) will be hoping to reconnect with Kanute and co.
It’s anyone’s guess how it will shake out on the run. West has been flying, and Long/Laundry are always strong. This editor trained with Kanute in February and had his legs absolutely smashed. So there’s a nice little anecdote for his race form.
*Of note: Jan Frodeno one of the sport’s greatest athletes, and Lionel Sanders, himself a podium threat both could not make the start line due to illness.
Date: Saturday April 1st at 6:40 AM PST
Watch: Tune in to Outside watch for a free live stream of the race. Coverage starts at 6:00 AM.
And if you still are on Twitter, our team will be live-tweeting the race with our Tempo Takes from @thetemponews.
Other races
World Triathlon Asian Triathlon Cup Pokhara, Nepal
World Triathlon African Triathlon Cup Troutbeck, Zimbabwe
TEMPO EXCLUSIVE
How Jackson Laundry Plans to Win Again in Oceanside
Ironman/Donald Mirallle
Last year Canada’s Jackson Laundry surprised many and broke into the upper tier of the sport when he won Ironman 70.3 Oceanside. This year he’s back with bigger expectations (from others) and bigger goals. We checked in with him before this weekend’s season opener.
Last year you took an impressive win at Oceanside against a very competitive field. Did that win shift your expectations for future races?
I have always tried to focus as little as possible on expectations because I think it can result in too much negative self-talk and worsen results when things aren't going as planned. Winning last year showed me that I am on the right path and still improving, which was hugely motivating.
Have you dialed your training for this event specifically?
Most of my races are at the 70.3 distance, so I didn't have to do anything different than usual to be prepared for Oceanside. For me, that does mean increasing specificity to race pace intervals as the race approaches (2-3 weeks out). I still maintain some high-end work to simulate surges, especially in the swim and bike, so when the race comes, I know I've done plenty of work at the required intensities.
How this race fits in with his season.
If he is nervous, or excited about a big-nme start list?
The process goals that he believes will lead to success.
Will you be watching Oceanside? |
FAVOURITES
🌊 TTL goes back to Cali: Pro triathletes Eric Lagerstrom and Paula Findlay just dropped their pre-Oceanside race video. Check it out for some BTS of their pre-race prep in California, and some classic unvarnished training footage that we know and love. [That Triathlon Life]
🤕 Quit like a pro: Death before DNF? Definitely not. Triathletes are typically the types of folks who will absolutely destroy themselves to get to the finish line. But sometimes, it’s very much OK to quit. This article, with insights from Ironman champion Jasper Blake details the right decision(s) to DNF. [220 Triathlon]
🏃 Running the risk: Of the three sports, running is definitely the most likely activity where injury will occur. But why is this? And what are the signs we should be looking for? This infographic from Yann Le Meur shows six unique risk factors for running injuries. [YLM Sport Science]
❤️ It’s OK to not be OK: After an incredible 2022 capped off with a dominating win at the Ironman World Championships, life for Chelsea Sodaro seemed effortless. At least, from the outside. In reality, she was struggling and it was taking an immense toll. This article details her struggle with OCD and how she’s been able to work her way back to a healthier place. We thank her for sharing. [New York Times]
GIVEAWAY
Less than 24 hours to enter to win a new pair of racing shoes
With the season quickly approaching, now’s the time to get into a new pair of shoes courtesy of The Tempo.
We’re giving away a free pair of racing shoes to one lucky winner. Entering is easy - just refer a friend to the giveaway.
Enter your email address, and then you’ll get your own personal sharing link. Every person you refer increases your odds of winning.
Already referred your friends? Refer even more and increase your chances of winning.
TEMPO EXCLUSIVE ARCHIVE
Expert analysis: How to nail your Ironman training nutrition.
That Triathlon Life gives back to future pros.
How Kaylee Slade manages pro triathlon training and vet school.
Expert analysis: Are you making the four most common nutrition mistakes.
Expert analysis: How do smartphones affect performance? A breakdown with Nate Wilson.
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