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* '''Navigation'''. It's pretty much impossible to get lost on the course, as you follow US 1 the whole way. I was not sure if it would be clear when to cross the road, when to use bike paths, etc, but the path was pretty obvious and marked with red chalk.
* '''Surface'''. The course is asphalt/concrete; some bike paths, service roads, bridges and the shoulder of US1. For some of the time the camber of US1 was enough to cause some ankle/knee stress, but nothing that impacted performance.
* '''Bridges'''. The bridges had beautiful views out over the ocean, but running between the cars and the concrete barrier at the edge of the bridge was disconcerting. If a driver were to get distracted and go into the shoulder area, there would be nothing you could do. (Update: for the 2011 race they put cones along the bridges to create a visual barrier.) The longest bridge is 7 miles, which is the only time I carried fluids, using a Nathan hydration pack, though in practice I only drank about a pint in that time. * '''Crew access'''. With a few exceptions, it is easy for the crew to meet you as frequently as you need. My crew met me every 3+ miles to start off, dropping down to nearly every mile by the end.
==What went well==
* '''Crew'''. My crew was my wife and two of my three sons. They did a fantastic job of having just what I needed ready when I needed it. They were also encouraging and optimistic; never underestimate the importance of the attitude of your crew!