Ironman California 2024 Race Report
Date: September 27, 2024
Location: Sacramento
What a race! Ironman California was a thrilling challenge, with headwinds on the bike and a rocky start to the run. While I didn’t quite achieve my sub-12 hour goal, I came close with a time of 12:12. Each course brings its own set of challenges, and this one was no exception. It was humbling, yet rewarding—I made great new friends and came away with a shiny new personal best!
Swim (3.8km) – 1:00:55 (1:34/100m)
We dove into chilly 15.5°C water, which felt just right in a wetsuit! The American River greeted us with clear waters, but things got murky as we merged into the Sacramento River. Many athletes struggled at the tricky red turn buoy, but I anticipated the challenge and navigated it like a pro. My decision to wear clear goggles paid off; sighting was a breeze! Oddly, my watch didn’t track the swim—GPS gremlins, perhaps? At least I got a taste of elite-level pacing; now I just need to master it in calmer waters!
Bike (180km) – 6:08:24 (29.3 kph)
True to its reputation, the bike course was flat but filled with fierce winds! The first loop was manageable with a 6mph headwind, and I cruised through in 2:50. But the second loop? Oof! Winds ramped up to 15-20mph, and I felt every bit of resistance. Plus, I hit two segments of bumpy roads that shook me to my core. I wrapped up the ride in decent time but need to improve my efficiency at aid stations. Sub-6 hours is in my sights!
Run (42.2km) – 4:45:32
Ah, the run—my favorite part! Or so I thought. Off the bike, something felt off. I started strong, holding a pace that could have gotten me under 12 hours, but halfway through, I hit a wall. It was a death march moment, and I watched as runners passed by. But just when I thought all was lost, my legs revived around the 30km mark! I found my groove again and salvaged the marathon. If it weren’t for that mid-run walk, I might’ve finished closer to 4:30 and hit my sub-12 goal. So close!
Overall, IM California might look “easy” on paper with its downhill swim and flat course, but let me tell you—there’s no such thing as an “easy Ironman.” Each race has its unique hurdles, and this one taught me a lot.
And that’s a wrap on my 2024 season! It’s been a whirlwind of two full Ironmans, two 70.3s, and a sprint, all resulting in personal bests across the board. Success!
Looking ahead to next year, I’m zeroing in on Ironman Canada-Ottawa on August 3, 2025, with my coach crafting a focused training plan. This fall, winter, and spring, I’ll hone my swim technique and tackle mountain biking for better bike handling.
A huge shoutout to my amazing wife, family, friends, and coach Miranda for your unwavering support! Here’s to more adventures in the future!
Video Recap: