Vineman Ironman 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Started out mid pack and got caught up in the fighting for position. After about 200 meters things began to clear up and I got in a good rhythm. Before the first turn around I started to run into the group before me so I had to start swimming around them. Along the course there were some parts of the river where you could stand but I found when I did, it was actually slower so I stuck to swimming.

Not much. Maybe start towards the front of the group so I don't have to deal with the slower swimmers.

I felt I got through T1 pretty fast. No socks for the bike so things went relatively fast. The only negative was T1 was set up on the beach so there was a lot of rocks and mud.

Nothing as of right now.

One of the best rides I have ever had on a bike. I felt good the whole ride. The hills were tough but I got through them with out too much trouble. At mile 7 I hit a pot hole and lost one bottle of water, a bottle of perpetum and all of my salt tabs. I believe that really hurt me later on in the run. I took water and Gator aid at all of the aid stations so that really helped. At the end of the ride I dismounted with my shoes still in the pedals which worked out great for me (first time in a race).

Not run into pot holes and lose all my nutrition!

Took a little more time than I wanted because I had trouble getting my socks on. After I got bike gear on I put on my Fuel Belt and was off to the races... or cramp city!

Be more fluid.

After the first 2/3's of the race I had high hopes going into the run. I set a 6 hour goal before the race started so when I saw that I could kill my goal I was pumped! But how fast things change... After only half of a mile into the run I started to cramp and they didn't stop till well after the race was over. I tried everything. Gator aid. Gu. Water. Coke. Nothing worked. When I went to get my S! Caps I found that they were smashed to powder in my race belt. It was devastating to find them that way as they were my last hope. So the 8:30-9:00 mile pace that I had hoped for turned into running till I began to cramp and walking them out. It was really hot and with the addition of the hills it made for a really long 13 miles. I would have to say that this run was really good learning experience.

Everything. Hydrate better and make sure to take my salt tabs!

Crossed to line close to my goal of 6 hours so I was pretty happy. My wife was volunteering at the finish line so it was nice to get my medal and a kiss from a beautiful woman at the same time! Drank some water and tried to eat but none of the food looked to appetizing so I didn't eat to we left and had dinner. Overall I am stoked to be half of an Ironman now. Hopefully I can find the time in the not so distant future to train for a full!


Nutrition and lack of eperience.


Vineman 70.3 was a a perfect race for a first timer. The volunteers were amazing! Thank you so much for all of the hard work that you all put in! I would definitely recommend this race to anyone wanting to do a kick ass event!