Vineman Ironman 70.3 - Triathlon1/2 Ironman

Am I really that slow? :) The first half of the swim didn't feel that great, not sure why. I didn't have time to warm up. In fact, you only have 6 minutes between waves so if you're going to swim you have to do it then. Also, my wave was one of the largest so it was very crowded. I didn't feel comfortable at all, the water was warm, it didn't taste right and I didn't feel streamlined at all. About half way up to the turn around, I got passed by the first wave at the turn around, I got passed by the second wave (after mine). Oh boy, I'm REALLY slow. Just then the sun came out, I got my second wind and it certainly felt a lot easier and a lot shorter on the return leg. As usual, I get to T1 and there are only about 5 bikes left in my area.

I didn't feel that bad, I sighted OK and my breathing was OK, I guess I'm just slow and need to work on my speed. I felt proud that I was able to do it though considering I learned to swim freestyle last Spring. I wasn't nervous at the start but I got a little nervous when passed by the white caps in the wave after mine.

My spot was the right of the exit chute so I had to run the entire length of T1 to get out of there. I couldn't have been farther away. I decided to just wear my shoes in T1 and mounted the bike at the top of the little hill. Felt fine.

I packed way too much food in my pockets. I didn't eat half of it but I was afraid my blood sugar would get low and then I'd be DONE.

Felt pretty comfortable on the bike considering the amount of riding I've been doing lately (not enough). I also broke a major rule and installed a new saddle 2 days before the race due to some problems I've been having with the ole undercarriage. Luckily, it was fantastic. I love that saddle. I made sure to avoid any drafting situations but did slingshot around a few people. Felt great up Canyon but probably slowed down a bit too much in anticipation of Chalk Hill. It didn't seem as bad as it did during my training ride.

I was shooting for 3 hours but I probably went too slow on Chalk Hill. Just have to put in more mileage. I'm sure I can knock some time off next year. I may even have a tri bike by then.

I noticed it was VERY hot in T2. I was lucky to have gotten an early wave start. I don't do well in the heat at all. It's a long run from dismount to my rack and as I'm running, I notice I have about a pound of food bouncing around in my shirt. I carried way too much food! I put on socks and shoes and changed shirts into my long-sleeve running shirt (great move).

Not carry so much food, practice leaving shoes clipped in though I really don't think it would have saved much time (if any).

It was brutally hot, hot, hot. Luckily I wore a long-sleeved shirt and white cap or I would have been FRIED. I doused myself with whatever water I could find on the course. I walked through each aid station and luckily they had one at every mile. All of the stations were well stocked and volunteers were working hard for us. Special thanks to the "hose girl" at about mile 4 and the "sunscreen guy". The misters at LaCrema were a nice touch too. The last 3 miles were a sufferfest.

Not much I could have done. I just don't do well in the heat in part due to my size. Let me just say, "it was HOT". I'm going to give my run an "average" score due to the heat.

Tried to not pass out in front of my wife and daughter and found some shade. After a few minutes I was able to eat and drink.


This is my 5th triathlon and my first past the sprint distance. Not ideal I know but I had a great time and I'm glad I did it. I had a few set-backs over the summer with severe allergies during May and June and also a death in the family. I'm glad I didn't abandon the idea of doing this race.

I'm sure more swim training and practice is a good idea. I'm now comfortable in the water and I know I can cover the distance now I just need to improve my technique and conditioning to get faster.

The run was hard. I'm sure I could have 10 minute miles with cooler temps as I felt pretty good coming off the bike and my legs felt good as well. No tightness in the quads. I got my running legs pretty quickly.


volunteers were outstanding, especially on the run course. The one volunteer that wasn't cool was the old lady who grabbed a fistful of my shirt at the check-in saturday because I came in through the wrong door. She may as well have pulled me out the door by my ear! Sorry gram'ma, it was an honest mistake!

Great having so many aid stations, it made a huge difference. Very well supported. Nice finishers medal, water bottle and shirt.