Napa Valley Vintage Half-Iron Triathlon - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Just tried to keep it very easy on the swim, as I am a complete beginner with the swim. Tried to keep it slow and steady, not get sick or dizzy, and know that the real race would start for me when I got out of the water.

Nothing, nailed this in my mind, especially considering that this was literally the 4th time I have EVER worn a wetsuit. This is also basically the farthest I have ever swum without breaking my form. I don't know how to breathe while I swim, so have my head to far up and out of the water the whole time.

What a SHITSHOW! Rolling on ground like an idiot trying to get my new, fancy wet suit off like a complete asshat. Jumped on bike IN THE TRANSITION AREA then realized I couldn't do that. General disgrace and took WAY TOO LONG.

Have a clue what I am doing. Take out a can of whoopass on the wet suit.

Was thrilled to have a mid-19 average MPH for this hilly course. Felt strong and competitive throughout the bike, and was utterly focussed on enjoying myself, hauling ass, and planning for the run. Had it up over 40MPH on one final stretch downhill at about mile 52, after I had hustled past a bunch of slower riders on the final big climb before descending back to the lake's edge.

Want to do this in nice weather and actually get to see SOMETHING other than pavement.

Horrendously cold fingers (though body perfectly warm) prevented me from having any chance of moving quickly here. Couldn't get bike shoes or helmet off because my hands were useless for a full minute. Screamed and cursed in frustration as time ticked by and I jacked with my zippers and clips like a monkey. Finally got laced up and HAMMERED out of the transition area like I had just started a high school 2-mile. ANGRY and ready to show these folks who was boss on the run.

EVERYTHING. This was the worst part of the entire race for me. Could easily have saved TWO FULL MINUTES by being realistic. For example, had stashed shotblox in my shoes bu completely forgot and stepped on them and then had to take my insoles out and there was gooey crap everywhere. Generally sat on the ground and bumbled around.

I am not going to lie, I am thrilled about my performance. I have been a runner since I was 15, but have had THREE SURGERIES on my left ankle, the most recent being just over one year ago. An injury from age 21 left bone fragments and scarred tissues and the thing, but it is great compared to a couple years ago. Not as flexible as the other one but getting better. Wore ASICS marathon racers for the run and hit it like it was my job. Passed people throughout, shifted into another gear on the last two miles. Finished the last quarter mile into the parking lot like it was the end of a 5k. Full stride into the finish line and pumped my fist.

NOTHING, I DEMOLISHED THIS RUN. I can't believe I finished 18th out of 252 people. My best marathon (Boston) before getting hurt was at age 20 and was 3:16. I beat pace for that by a bunch with a 1:34 half, and am thrilled. Time to burn some real marathons again and maybe go under 3 hours.

Nothing. Calf and butt muscles too sore to do anything but stagger to car and dread having to drive stick-shift home.


Complete amateurism about transitioning but will get 'em next time. I also have a $3500 range Specialized road bike that, while admitted had been pretty nicely fit for tri and works for me, is not a real TT bike. I suppose I'm not sure but feel like I could cut off time with a serious machine like some of those that my competitors today sported. Also pelting rain, especially bad on the end of the bike.


First triathlon -- 5:09. Bring it.