Vineman Ironman 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

great course and with slight current going out. No real issues during the swim other than had toe cramps for about 30% of the swim. Had to kick with one leg and try to stretch the toes without stopping. I think I could hit below 30 min without the cramps. Overall pretty happy with the swim.

Nothing much.

This was my second tri so not an expert by any stretch in transition. In my first tri (oly), I had trouble getting my socks on. Read to put them on pre-race and then roll them down so they easily roll back on. Of course I put them on upside down so had to roll up, roll down roll up for both feet. Dumb. Given the long distance to where to mount the bike, one cleat got junk in it so it took time to clean it out and get on with the ride

practice

Great course. I have ridden it before so know the rolling hills. Unfortunately, I was the rider just in front of the guy who got crushed by the falling tree. I was 20-30 seconds ahead of him, heard a loud crash and then someone screaming. Very unsettling. I thought he had gone off into the bushes. I started back to help but then saw many riders helping so I figured he was ok. Did not learn until after the race that he had been hit by a tree. In any case, I followed my nutrition plan (multi hour perpetuem bottle and water). It worked great. No issues and no cramping. I had a road bike without areo bars and could tell I was at a speed disadvantage. At a minimum, will need to get areo bars or commit to a tri-bike (have to work on the wife on this one).

I live in the Oakland hills and therefore spend alot of time climbing hills. I focused on time in the saddle rather than miles. While my endurance was fine and had no issue with the race mileage, I could tell I am not as fast as I should be. I plan to focus on more flat rides where I can get mileage and speed training.

Felt good coming into t2. I picked up my cadence for the last 15 minutes of the bide ride so my legs were not too bad. Noticed, however, that the heat was going to be a big issue on the run. It was boiling in T2. No problem getting the running shoes on but had to stop at the potty.

Not much that practice will not help

Hot, Hot, Hot. I had not trained for this heat. I expected to be under 2 hours on the run but knew within a mile that it was going to be a long day. My legs felt reasonably good at the start and by mile 3, I was in a grove. But I was melting. From mile 3 or 4, the tree coverage gave way and it was like a death march. Noticing more and more people walking or stopping. I stuck with my plan to run the full course but walk through the aid stations. I am not good drinking from a cup while running and given the heat, knew I need to get as much water as possible. For nutrition, I felt my ride consumption prepared me for the run. I took 3 electrolyte pills at the beginning which I think saved me. Had water for the first 5 miles and then had a gu. Tried drinking Gatorade but started to feel a bit bloated so went back to water. Had 3 more electrolyte pills at the turn around point and another gu at mile 10. Did not bonk on the run so I think my nutrition plan worked great. The last 4 miles or so where tough. Basically just focused on the next mileage marker or aid station as the heat was making me miserable. But I finished, slower than I wanted, but I ran the whole way (other than aid stations). Overall, happy with the result

I need to build a more stable running base. I started my HIM training with no running base so did not want to push my volume and then suffer an injury. Starting from my current base, I should be able to improve my endurance and speed.

Tried to stay on my feet and not lie down. Walked around slowly for about 30 minutes before sitting down and eating a banana.


the heat.


Very well organized with very supportive race volunteers. Overall a great race.