I've raced twice, the swim start can be difficult if you are in a large age group, as you only have 3- 5  minutes from the prior wave going off to your wave start and last time I was still on the boat launch ramp or barely in when my wave started ( was in the largest wave) the water can be very cold mid 50's , , the bike is nice does have a large hill that some people were walking, the run seems to depend on the year, some times they have you run on the beach for 1/4 to 1/2 mile or have you stay on the road going up a small hill,, the run is mainly on cement  along the beach does have a couple small hills on it, good support from the marines on base, and the run is viewer friendly, the weather can be cold and rainy or early summer so be ready for either ( arm warmers ,neoprene swim cap etc )

I'll be there to take on my first HIM. 

Thanks to to everyone who shared / will share their experiences... it all helps!

Cheers,

KHeinz

I was there this year for my first HIM. Came from Ohio to do it. Had an AMAZING time! LOVED IT! Getting ready to sign up for next year already after I type this. I was horribly slow but my goal was to finish. I wasn't use to the hills (we don't have such things in Ohio and even if we did I wouldn't be able to train on them through the nasty winters) and the water felt icy to me. Most locals seemed to think it as balmy at 61 degrees. I got used to it pretty quickly. It was a beautiful day. About 66 degrees and sunny. I thought it was GREAT. My wife and I had a great time in Oceanside. I'll probably bring the kids too next year as it coincides with spring breaks (I'm a teacher). I'm sure others who are regulars could give more comparison.