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Vineman IRONMAN 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Santa Rosa, California
United States
Vineman Triathlon
65F / 18C
Overcast
Total Time = 4h 26m 12s
Overall Rank = 18/1734
Age Group = M35-39
Age Group Rank = 2/272
Pre-race routine:

Slept very well the night before and got up at 4:00AM for coffee and a Cliff Bar. My Mom and I were staying with my Aunt and Uncle in Windsor, about 1 mile from the Windsor High School where T2 and the finish line were set up. It was very convenient and awesome having so much local support. The drive to the swim start and T2 was about 16 miles and Mom, Aunt Lucy, and I left the house around 5:30.
Event warmup:

We arrived at the swim start a little before 6. T1 was open all morning as waves were going off every 8min until 8:30am, so there was no huge rush to get into transition. I set up my bike as the Pro start began at 6:30. M35-36 started at 6:38, M-37 at 6:46, and then my wave of M38-39 at 6:54. By the time I left T1 I had about 10min before my wave start. Just enough time to get on the Body Glide and get into my wet suit.
Swim
  • 29m 14s
  • 2112 yards
  • 01m 23s / 100 yards
Comments:

One of my best swims to date. The horn sounded and I went hard for a few 100 meters along the bouy line. I found two other swimmers going along the markers and I joined their draft in the 3rd poistion. We stayed together the entire swim. I was directly behind the #2 guy and was right on his feet. Visibility wasn't the best, but I could feel his draft and would sight every 4-6 strokes to stay behind.

We rounded the return markers and found ourselves in water that was maybe 3 feet deep. The guy in front of me stood up and started to dolphin dive a few times. I did the same just to make sure he didn't get away. The lead swimmer just kept his head down and kept going and we all joined up togehter again. The dolphin diving wasn't any faster but it felt good to take a 10-15 second swim break and do something different! As we neared swim exit, my draft buddies stuck to the bouy line but the exit was to the right and I put my head down and hammered into shore. I was the first person in the wave to finish.
What would you do differently?:

Nothing but work on breaking 29:00 now!
Transition 1
  • 02m 22s
Comments:

The rack for M35-39 was very close to the swim exit but the run to the mount line was very long. I had to pack my wetsuit, cap, and goggles into a bag provided and chucked it over the fence to my Mom. It was either that or allow the race organizers to bring it back to T2 later. I was all of 5 feet from the fence and still almost shanked the toss. No wonder I don't play baseball.. I throw like a girl.

My shoes were clipped into the pedals and I ran down on the carpet, which was very narrow and surrounded by sand and rock if you went off it. Well, Mr. ITU Transition boy here was stuck running behind other men wearing their bike shoes. I was screwed unless I went around them into the sand...so that's what I did.

Once at the mount line, there was a very short but steep hill. Someone on SlowTwitch had recomended just running up it and then mounting, which I did. That got me clear of the teetering, swerving chaos! My feet were a little muddy, but I got into my shoes quickly and was off.
What would you do differently?:

Start passing folks in their shoes earlier, learn how to not throw like a girl.. ;)
Bike
  • 2h 25m 8s
  • 56 miles
  • 23.15 mile/hr
Comments:

The first 5 miles are long a flat road running up through the Russian River Valley. It was the perfect time to get on top of my nutrition. I had my gel flask on my top tube with 6 Roctanes in it ready to go. I went to try and suck some down but the cold temps and turned it into cement! I couldn't get any out! All I had on the bike was a bottle of water. This was going to be a problem. Before I was able to deal with it, I hit the technical section of the course and had to pay attention to the road. It wouldn't be until nearly 45min into this ride that I was able to unscrew the cap and try and suck down a big gulp of gel.

I was moving along well, my HR was in the low 150's. I was passing riders from the earlier waves, and then would be all alone for long stretches of road until I caught another small group. I was a little concerned I was pushing too hard and was worried about my lack of calories. I grabbed a bottle of G.E. at the first aid station and still had my own water bottle. It was chilly and I wasn't dehyrdating aggresively so I sipped G.E. for the calories and kept working on trying to get in more gel. By the end of the ride, I still had half the flask full and a little G.E. left.

Eventually I caught another group with one guy who was also moving through them. I caught him and passed but he passed me back about 5min later. We went back and forth like this, moving through small clumps of riders for a bit. I realized I couldn't drop him and we both acknowledged that fact. We just kept draft legal and worked up the road together. Heading into Windsor, I put on a final push and was ahead of him until I got to the dismaount line, where my feet were so numb from the cold I couldn't get them on top of my shoes and ended up messing with them so much he passed me 10 feet from the line!
What would you do differently?:

Looking back, it was probably the best I could with the bike fitness I have currently.
Transition 2
  • 02m 18s
Comments:

My feet were so numb I couldn't even feel them as I ran down into T2. The guy who I had been riding with was right in front of me and we were within 10 feet of eacother on the rack. We both sat down to put on socks. He asked me where I was from and I said AZ. He said he just raced IMAZ and qualified for Kona. I said I did that last year! We laughed and as we got up to run towards the exit he had to stop to use the porta potty. We wished each other luck and I took off. He ended up finsihing in 4:30, 4th in the AG.
What would you do differently?:

It wasn't very fast, but I needed to put on the socks and it was hard with numb feet. I actually wouldn't even start to feel my feet until mile 3.
Run
  • 1h 27m 9s
  • 13.1 miles
  • 06m 39s  min/mile
Comments:

I started out of T2 feeling pretty good. I had come into the race optomistic that I could have a good run as I had spent the first 3 months of the year training my run for the Boston Marathon. I had to sacrafice my bike fitness a bit, but now I needed to make up for that. I fell into a good pace and for the first mile or so was alone heading out. At the first aid station, I tried to get down a little more gel and water. Up ahead I saw another runner who I caught and as the road opened up more, I could see a few more up the road. Around mile 3-4, the pro men came by heading back. Terrenzo looked great, Crowie looked a little frustrated, Joanna looked tired but still going strong, and Sam McGlone looked mad!

It was right around mile 5 that I felt a sudden pang of cramping in both hamstrings. That's wasn't good. It went away but I was officialy on notice that I could blow up if I wasn't careful. G.E. wasn't woking so at the next aid station it was time to hit the Coke. That seemed to help just make me feel better. For the next two miles, I actually felt pretty good and just kept thinking hold on to this.

I made it to the La Crema Winery where the turnaround was and had my first chance to see where I stood versus the field behind me. I had gapped the last guy I had passed and didn't see anyone coming on strong. On the way out of the winery, I passed my new buddy Reed and we wished eachother well again. I was around 42min and change at 10K, but I knew I wouldn't be negative splitting on these legs. I was getting tired, and now my quads were getting tight and the hammies every now and then would send a jolt of pain through my body. I went into Ironman survival mode.

I stared at the road 10 feet in front of me and just shut everything out excpet moving forward. I kept up on the Coke at the aid stations and now there were runners streaming down the road heading the other wway. I received some nice words of encouragement from folks and that helped keep me distracted. Around mile 9, I saw one last runner ahead going my way. Once I passed him, I was the sole runner I could see heading back. Although I knew some guys who started 8 or 16min ahead of me were probably way up there, I couldn't see them and I felt like I was leading the race. That was a fun little fantasy!

The last 3K seemd to go by faster than the previuos and now I knew I was close. The crowds of runners continued to grow the closer I got to the high school and I had to run out in the road to avoid them after almost having a collision with a guy who had his head down. I ran through the parking lot and the spectators were cheering and I wasn't sure where the finish line was, I rounded a corner and STILL couldn't see it. Some lady yelled,"You're almost there!" and I said, "Where?!" She laughed in pointed to the left. There it was. I nice run through the grass and I crossed.


What would you do differently?:

Nothing, this was the best I could do.
Post race
Warm down:

My timing chip was removed and I guy cam eover and asked if I was Bryan from BT. I said yes and he introduced himself as a fellow BT'er. I don't recall his name, I was a little out of it, so my apologies to you if you read this! My Mom was yelling something to me as I walked over. I figured she was congratulating me...but no. "Jamie cam in 2nd in her AG at her Sprint Race!" she yelled. LOL!

What limited your ability to perform faster:

Bike fitness. I had enough aerobic training done on the bike but not enough speed work and speed work is crucial for this distance.

Event comments:

Excellent run race in a beautiful setting. Great awards including a bottle of wine, a giant Tyer backpack and goggles for 2nd place...and the Clearwater slot giving me another chance to imrpove at this distance. I'm not sure if 70.3 plays as well to my abilities as an athlete as Ironman does, but I would like to try and get better if I can this year before heading back to the IM circuit. I had assumed that 70.3 would feel more like an IM but it really is more like an Olympic and I need to train that way.




Last updated: 2008-04-11 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:29:14 | 2112 yards | 01m 23s / 100yards
Age Group: 19/272
Overall: 140/1734
Performance: Good
Suit: ZOOT Zenith
Course: Up and back in the Russian River.
Start type: Wade Plus: Waves
Water temp: 74F / 23C Current: Low
200M Perf. Good Remainder: Good
Breathing: Good Drafting: Good
Waves: Good Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 02:22
Performance: Average
Cap removal: Average Helmet on/
Suit off:
Yes
Wetsuit stuck? Yes Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: Yes
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
02:25:08 | 56 miles | 23.15 mile/hr
Age Group: 3/272
Overall: 22/1734
Performance: Average
Wind: None
Course: A very beautiful and scenic course that winds through Sonoma County wine country anding at the Windsor High School 16 miles from the swim start. Miles 6-20 are very technical with short rollers and sharp turns. Road conditions were a bit spotty in places as well.
Road: Smooth Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Good
Race pace: Hard Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 02:18
Overall: Average
Riding w/ feet on shoes Bad
Jumping off bike Good
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
01:27:09 | 13.1 miles | 06m 39s  min/mile
Age Group: 8/272
Overall: 26/1734
Performance: Good
Course: A rolling out and back to a local winery.
Keeping cool Good Drinking Just right
Post race
Weight change: %2.5%
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 5
Physical exertion [1-5] 5
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Just right
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities: Good
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2008-07-22 11:53 AM

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Champion
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Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3


2008-07-22 11:58 AM
in reply to: #1549060

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Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3

Awesome race, awesome race report.  Congrats on a race well run.  And to Jamie as well!

2008-07-22 12:09 PM
in reply to: #1549060

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2008-07-22 12:12 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Extreme Veteran
536
50025
Wauwatosa, WI
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Great race! Wow, you're fast..
2008-07-22 12:45 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Extreme Veteran
456
1001001001002525
Dana Point, California
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Terrific race my man.  Very, very solid in all aspects. 
2008-07-22 12:49 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Expert
919
500100100100100
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Nice job and you got the 70.3 slot as well. I've never been there but from what i read, a fast flat course. Really nice job again


2008-07-22 1:20 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Expert
856
5001001001002525
Pittsburgh
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Excellent race!  Great job working through the nutrition issues and cramping and still finishing strong.
2008-07-22 2:23 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Elite
3519
20001000500
San Jose, CA
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Awesome race!  I am hoping to do the full Vineman in 09...If I can do any part of it 1/2 as well as you, I would be happy...oh and I too throw like a girl...but thats to be expected.
2008-07-22 2:35 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Regular
130
10025
austin/tx
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
nice race and strong run. done the cold feet thing and the gel mishap and both suck. good luck in clearwater and maybe we will cross paths if you are wandering around IMAZ in nov.
2008-07-22 2:49 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Champion
5781
5000500100100252525
Northridge, California
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Congrats on the AG and O/A finishes and the Clearwater slot! It's good to see I wasn't the only one struggling with cold feet on the bike Sunday (actually, you're the 2nd person I've heard that from at this point).

Dude, I (and most of the rest of us) can only dream of putting up a bike split like yours when our bike fitness is "not the best"...and I wish you could have seen how fresh you looked coming in on the run...sounds like you were struggling at the point I saw you out there, but, man, you'd never know it. Your performances continue to inspire, as does the work ethic that earns them! Congrats again!
2008-07-22 3:41 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Extreme Veteran
643
50010025
Connecticut
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3

Dude - You Freaking Rock. Let me say I can really heave a ball I will swap my ball throwing skills for your Tri abilities how does that sound 8-)

Great race and interesting observations on the 70.3 distance regarding speed on the biek etc.

Looking fwd to seeing you kick some A at Clearwater!

 

 



2008-07-22 4:13 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Extreme Veteran
498
100100100100252525
Carpinteria, Ca.
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Amazing splits, you are a machine.

Good luck getting ready for Clearwater, with the time you threw up on the bike and run for the Vineman, Clearwater will see a flash of fire as you mow through the field.

Great race.

And my feet didn't thaw out till mile two or three either, I was surprised by that too.
2008-07-22 7:30 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Member
15

Edmore, MI
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Great race and report.
2008-07-22 10:16 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Extreme Veteran
329
10010010025
Charlotte NC
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
congrats on the awesome race! keep up the great work, your training inspires me to work harder!
2008-07-23 12:11 AM
in reply to: #1549060

Expert
1022
1000
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Just an amazing race! Great job on earning the Clearwater slot!
2008-07-23 6:05 AM
in reply to: #1549060

Member
185
100252525
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Haha...funny about the 'throwing like a girl' comment. It's nice to know that us mere mortals can do something better than you.
Sweet job on the race. Congrats to you...and to your wife. Nice job getting the Clearwater slot.


2008-07-23 11:08 AM
in reply to: #1549060

Veteran
257
1001002525
St. Paul, MN
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Nice race, Bryan! I liked hearing from you on the mental aspect and how you took control of your body with your mind games and race leading fantasy. It clearly worked. Sounds like it was an opportunity to learn more about training and how you need to proceed at this distance. I'm sure you'll adjust accordingly and the next 70.3 distance will feel much better for you.

Oh, and I resent the "throw like a girl" comment! LOL But at least there's one thing I can do better than you because I throw like a guy!
2008-07-23 11:38 AM
in reply to: #1549060

Expert
1070
10002525
North Carolina
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Great Race!! I will take your bike fitness anyday even if it's not at its peak!!
2008-07-23 12:04 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Elite
3687
20001000500100252525
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Great race report.  That was a lot of fun to read.
2008-07-23 12:31 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Champion
6962
500010005001001001001002525
Atlanta, Ga
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3

Great race and very nice RR.

We'll practice your throwing in Clearwater.  I know exactly what you mean about gel turning to Cement (IM MOO 06).  Way to get through it and make it happen.

2008-07-23 12:37 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Melon Presser
52116
50005000500050005000500050005000500050002000100
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3

Super, super, super job! Congrats on a great race and slot. I was looking for you out there but unfortunately kept missing you, I think (you were a tad ahead of the others I was watching for).

Amazing swim, well done on the drafting. Sorry the bike was so cold, but way to go on the technical course, and pushing through the cramps on the run.

P.S. I can teach you how to throw; I throw like a girl too, but really well.



2008-07-23 12:37 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Master
1420
1000100100100100
Reston, VA
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
Another great race. I am very interested to see what you do at the 70.3 WC - you obviously have the potential to do some damage in your AG at that race.

2008-07-23 1:10 PM
in reply to: #1552643

Champion
9600
500020002000500100
Fountain Hills, AZ
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
docswim24 - 2008-07-23 12:37 PM

Another great race. I am very interested to see what you do at the 70.3 WC - you obviously have the potential to do some damage in your AG at that race.



I did learn one thing about the 70.3 series on Sunday...these guys who race this distance are FAST. When I consider that I was 18th overall here but I was 7th overall at IMAZ, I feel a bit humbled by those who have really specialized at this. I will have to work very hard to have any shot at going top 5 at Clearwater where I will race as a 40-44. Hell, there were 3 40-44's at Vineman who beat me!
2008-07-23 9:30 PM
in reply to: #1549060

Elite
2423
2000100100100100
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3
An awesome freaking race. You need to start playing for money. Awesome job.
2008-07-24 9:30 AM
in reply to: #1549060

Coach
10487
50005000100100100100252525
Boston, MA
Subject: RE: Vineman IRONMAN 70.3

Awesome job dude! I better get some quality training in otherwise you (and Dan) are going to kick my at Clearwater

Killer run!

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