Your Going to Hollywood (Actually Oceanside)!

Well I’m here chillin’ in California.  Have my shorts on, window open and feet up for the time being.

My flight into San Diego was a long one.  It started off well though as I came through customs I was asked the nature of my trip.  I said to race an Ironman.  The security check guy looked up and said, “Where’s your watch?” meaning the Ironman Timex which is the banner for the sport.  I pulled back my sleeve to reveal mine.  He at the same time showed me his.  Funny.  He hadn’t done one but was a marathoner who blew out his knee playing soccer.  We talked for a solid 5mins making everyone wait behind me.  If only every customs agent was that nice.

My airline was Continental, one I haven’t flown with alot in the past.  After being delayed 30mins because of air traffic at Newark (only stop), the pilot bolted to make good time.  It was one of the roughest landings I’ve ever had.  It felt like he hit the e-break and just careened into the unloading gate.  I’m not complaining just observation.

Even with the crazy tactics of the pilot I had 30mins to switch planes.  Luckily I had bought a sandwich in Ottawa so I quickly mowed that down as I took the bus to change terminals (another first).

Obviously I made it but the plane to SD was overbooked (yeah) and they were offering seat sales.  Not today.  I got on and quickly fell asleep for the 6hr flight across the country.

I’m really lucky I can sleep on the plane.  I know a lot of people can’t and its a shame.  The only problem I see with it is when you sleep through the on-flight meal.  Yup…  No food for me.  Man I was hungry getting into SD.

My good fortune ran out as Continental lost my bike in transit.  Dang.  Before the trip I thought that was the only thing that would really suck…  to lose a piece of  gear.  Surprisingly I didn’t panic.  I filled out the forms and hoped for the best.

As I was leaving I saw a guy with a Dutch Triathlon jacket.  I approached him and asked if he was going to Oceanside (duh).  He said he was and was going to rent a car.  I asked if I could tag along and he was cool with that.

This guy, Rasmus Henning, is one of the new superstars of Ironman.  Fresh out of ITU he has been ripping it up especially on the bike leg.  He was a nice guy and I wish him all the best on Saturday.  I told him if he won I’d be gunning for his time next year (maybe this year too!).

After a long day of travel I was starving.  I grabbed some Mexican food, wolfed it down and then picked up some breakfast for the morning.  I hit the hay early hoping that my bike would be here in the morning.  And it was.  At 3:30am…  I nearly hit the ceiling when the phone rang!  But at least its here.

Anywho, I’m going out to a local market to get some lunch.  Thanks for reading!

Happy Trainin,

Cliff