Vineman Full Ironman - TriathlonFull Ironman

I was the last one in the water and started near the back like I normally do. Surprisingly I ended up needing to pass quite a few swimmers. The water was clear. Felt strong and my breathing was very calm. As I neared the first turn around, I noticed there were people that were standing up and walking! The depth came to about 2-3 feet in some places, but was mostly 5-6 feet throughout the course. It took me approximately 4 minutes longer to swim upstream than it did downstream.
Second lap I tried drafting a few times. Successful at it once for sure and enjoyed that I was doing it, but really prefer to just do my own swim.
Towards the end I was thinking "this is so fun I wish I could take another lap!" Really happy that I practiced my OWS so much this year because the anxiety I felt in years past wasnt an issue.

Practice better turns around the buoys, staying strong through out the entire race.
Definitely work on sighting better. Swam off course slightly a few times. Also noticing that I'm vearing to the left.
As I came into the finish I was thinking to myself that I wasnt as tired as I thought I would be - means I definitely could have pushed myself harder.

OK, so my transitions obviously need some work. There was a wetsuit stripper that assisted with my wetsuit. He yanked so hard I was sliding across the carpet on my rear end! I did a full wardrobe change in T1. The marine layer was quite heavy and the temps were in the mid 50s. I just didnt want to start off super cold. I'm happy I did this but for my next race I will definitely save time by not doing that.
Also the changing tent was a little ways away, so I had to run over there, and then back.
No assistance with sunscreen. I did a pretty good job with my spray bottle but missed a few spots that are now peeling.

Not require a full wardrobe change. Also didnt want my glasses on at start so spent some time fumbling with where to put them. Ended up putting them on my face b/c my top couldnt fit them. That took up at least 3 minutes.

My plan was to stay within low Z2, high Z1 for the first 30 miles, and then Z2 until at least mile 90. Within about the first 30 minutes my Cateye gave out and I never had the chance to check my speed (hadnt set up my Garmin with speed b/c I assumed my Cateye would work). In hindsight this made me rely on my heart rate even more so.... so I think that was a positive thing.
I took in way too much nutrition early on and had major stomach cramping from about hour 2 - 5. It seriously felt like someone was sticking knives in my stomach and churning them around. I had no choice but to back off my pace and just slow it down. Everytime I felt better and increased my pace, my cramps would come back. It was so frustrating to watch all the Barbs HIM Race competitors (started awhile after the Full competitors) just fly by me on the bike. Quite humbling. I didnt take in any water or gatorade for almost an hour, and then started in with the Gatorade. Surprisingly that felt fine. The Clif Bars didnt work anymore, the bananas were OK, and the Endurolytes were out of the question. Really knowing now that I could finish the race strong and on so little nutrition, I feel like my nutrition strategy was all wrong and I will definitely change this for my next IM. Also, note to self, because I redid my LT about two weeks before the race, I was racing much harder than I trained. I'm sure that made a huge difference.
Anyway, other than that, the course was gorgeous. Surrounded by vineyards, the golden hills and green oak trees, was quite spectacular.
Only two hills on the course but climbing is not my strength, so I was held back on the hills. I know I can really improve on my climbing techniques for future races.
I stopped once to go #1 on the first loop and then didnt go for the entire rest of the race. Clearly I didnt take in enough fluids. Although there were surprisingly few portapotties on the course, and I just knew they would be nasty. So I wasn't too torn up about not absolutely having to stop. Had the urge on the run but I was so focused to finish the darn thing that I just pushed it aside.


Measure and track LT early on and throughout training
Train like I'm racing
Fewer solid foods, more liquid calories
Start with a stronger base (really hadnt been cycling since the previous summer, and previous race two years ago)
Practice climbing techniques
Stay stronger in aero position for extended periods of time

I really feel like I can improve a ton on my cycling skills, and can knock off a lot of time here. I should note that because of my nonexistant base, I didn't miss a single cycling workout and with the help of coaches increased mileage on 5 rides to over 85 miles (2 of those 100 miles and 1 of those 117 miles.) So mentally, I felt prepared.

Again, I really could have done better here! I did a bottoms change. Wiped myself down with a semi-frozen washcloth (felt so good!) and reapplied sunscreen.

I loved running in my run-skirt, but I could have saved time by not needing to do a bottoms change.

Actually I felt like I had a good run. Started off running with the plans to walk the uphills (to conserve heart rate) and aid stations (to take in enough fuel). By mile 13, my knees were hurting and so I would take some walking paces (about 10-20) whenever needed. Good form on the run. Loved being on a 3 loop course because I was near so many other athletes so much of the time. Really made for a fun course.

I have a tendency to get injured when running a lot so my overall run volume was lower than the plan called for. I still got in a 3 hour, 2.5 hour, and 2 x 2 hour runs. But did a lot of trail running to keep it interesting and reduce pounding on the pavement. Maybe next time spend some more time here, as well as injury prevention, so that I can have a better time.
Overall I'd like to increase my pace. Probably could have run through the knee pain but I was a bit nervous about that. My goal was to finish before it got to be pitch black and enough, I crossed the finish line at the tail end of dusk.

None. Surrounding by my husband, mom, brother, sister in law, niece, nephew, their new puppy, and my best friend. Loved having them all there! They got me a mylar blanket. I knew I should try to go to the bathroom... and it took awhile but finally produced some yellow (but not too dark) urine.
Back at the house I did take an ice bath, along with some champagne, fruit, cheese & crackers, cookies and a glass of wine.


Work, family, real life responsibilities. Mostly when training I would get the workout in, but didnt focus so much on pacing notes or speed workouts. Missed quite a few swim and run workouts early on b/c of work commitments. But I did what I could do and am so happy that I didnt give up.


I loved that this was my first IM. Having grown up in the Bay Area, I was able to have my family and friends there to support me. It was beautiful, well run and a GREAT course for a first timer. I will definitely be back, and am encouraging friends to either do the full or the Aquabike.