Vineman Full Ironman - TriathlonFull Ironman

Six months ago I was the most nervous about the swim portion of the race. Then joined a Masters Swimming group and as a result this became the easiest and funniest part of the overall race. Can't sing enough praises for USMC and my local Masters group.

T1 + wetsuit strippers = priceless

Vow this year is to learn how to mount bike with shoes already clipped in (and not break any bones while learning how).

Weather this year was unusually cool. First loop mostly overcast; sun broke through around 11am. The first loop was well populated because of Barb's race running concurrently (female half tri) - the second loop definitely more sparse with some big gaps between riders.

While ok with performance (this year)... definitely in the off season more time needed at the gym needed in spin class. Next year...sub 7 goal for the bike.

Took the extra time to make use of the changing tent. For the non-elite athletes... well worth it to change into dry shorts and socks.

Course management strategy was to walk the steepest part of the hills and then run down them as well any flat segments of the course. Strategy worked fine the first loop. By second loop was walking most of the inclines... and by third loop my definition of incline was softening. Bottom line... too much walking -- and my (poor) time reflects that. Goal next year is virtually no walking and <10 min/mile.

Realistically should have done much much better. Training this coming year will need to incorporate more bike/run bricks where the run has some hills involved. Just a modest improvement would have yielded me a run closer to 5 hrs or less.

Unpreparedness for the hilliness of the run course.


Great volunteers + great staff/organizers + beautiful scenery = wonderful race. Also high praise for the spectators ...undoubtedly the best part of the race! In short, for my first "full ironman" distance, it was truly a great experience.