Vineman 70.3 (Page 6)

Thanks, muppetdog and jeffy. I'm going to print out a map of the bike course, highlight those areas that you both suggested, and then give that to my family.

12 days and counting... 

Well kiddies... We have 12 days to go.. I too have done my final 50/8 and 35/3 bricks these last (2) weekends..  I'll put in some swim time the next few days and then just chill a bit..  I did this race last year as my very first HIM..  It is well-run and the volunteers are great...  The swim is well marked and the bike course is well, a back country road "E ticket" course..  I simply kept other cyclists in view the whole way so I knew where I was going.. Then put my head down and slid!!  

The run is fun and if it is yer first HIM, it will be a ball as you know you are doing it!  Just do not be lulled into the the out-and-back run thinking it will be  snap..  It is a rolly type course tht is going to keep you honest, but not a killer that you can't do it..  Whatever your expectations are, you can meet them if you just stay focused and keep moving..  The Vineman web site has been posting water temps every couple of days..  Not need to freak out if you need to wear a wetsuit like me...  It went right up to race day last year to be wetsuit legal..  And for me, if it isn't then I just do the best I can..

The day will be great..  The whole couse is beatuiful and hopefully not to damaged by any fires..  According to Amy at the web site a few days ago, the firse and smoke were not an issue... At this point we are all beyond our training plans...  It's time to chill and enjoy the next couple of weeks..

Lori..   "Improvise, Overcome, Adapt......  Heartbreak Ridge"

It's gravel, but they put down carpet on the rows for the swim in and bike out.  I can't remember if there is carpet for each row of the bikes or not in T1.  Just looked back at my pics from last year, gravel next to the bike racks, so you may want to have a towel waiting for you at your bike.

There were dogs at the high school last year, just be sure they have lots of water and shade.

Hey muppet...  I love the bruise.. Don't sweat it..  You'll do fine..  Last year was my first HIM... I had never been farther than 5-1/2 hours running a marathon so I had NO idea what to expect..  The water is wonderful and very calming... I just took it all in and lived every moment of it..  You know what ya gotta do... Just think about T1 and how you will transistion..  Everything you need to know is in the race program..  Go to Vineman home page > race program..  It's about 10 pages long but has a nice verbal layout and map of the course..  One word of advice..  Start with one or 2 bottles on your down tubes and nothing more..  There's water and gatorade on the course.. 

When you leave the bike racks and are running down the carpets to the driveway, the same one you will walk down to get to T1, I suggest that you run with yer bike to the top of the driveway and then mount..  Trying to mount at the bottom and being in 1st gear to get up it with people all around you, isn't safe..  The few minutes you take to get up the hill and on your bike is well worth it..  The bike course is a challenge but not that tough; just go with it...  The run is just a run... Run/walk it if you have to..  I'll probably see you out there..  I'll be in the same outfit you see in the avatar...

Take time now to rest, plan your race, print out your checklist and check it 3 times..

Lori...  "Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhiliaration of Victory".. Gen George S Patton