Full Vineman Triathlon : Official Thread (Page 2)

How long have you been doing triathlons (of any distance)?  Since 2006

What number of "140.6" or "Iron-Distance" race is this for you?  #8

At registration time, what's your finish goal? I have  a number in my head, but will have to see how training goes.

Any words of wisdom about this race specifically or this distance in general?

I have raced here before as  a half and full and train on the bike course in the spring.  

Swim:  The water is warm, but usually wetsuit legal.  It's a narrow river and shallow enough at the turn around, that many people stand up and walk around the turn bouey.  If you stand up, be careful of the rocks under your feet and walking is typically slower than swimming, I do a few dolphin dives, just to break up the swim.  

Heading out of T1 there is a hill, not long but or overly steep, just at a crowded area.  I always walk my bike up the top and then mount, have seen too many people fall over due to being in the wrong gear or they drop their chain. 

Bike: The weather here can be on the cooler side or blazing hot.  Typically there is a cloud cover at the start and for the beginning of the bike, so arm warmers are a good idea.  I use my "ghetto arm warmers" tube socks with the toes cut off so I can toss them at an aid station.  It's a pretty ride through the vineyards, course is open to traffic.  Lots of rollers.  Don't worry about Chalk Hill, it's more of a mind game...a bunch of switch-backs and you just don't know when you will hit the top.  Road surface on the course can be very bumpy with lots of shade in some parts.

Run: Hilly, hot and not much shade.  If you are finishing after the sun goes down, there is very little light out there, it's the country.  Personally, 3 loops is a horrible mind-game for me.

My Vineman RR http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=220533

I stil havent registered, but will....the joys of a non-mdot race!

How long have you been doing triathlons (of any distance)?  Since 2006

What number of "140.6" or "Iron-Distance" race is this for you?  #8

At registration time, what's your finish goal? I have  a number in my head, but will have to see how training goes.

Any words of wisdom about this race specifically or this distance in general?

I have raced here before as  a half and full and train on the bike course in the spring.  

Swim:  The water is warm, but usually wetsuit legal.  It's a narrow river and shallow enough at the turn around, that many people stand up and walk around the turn bouey.  If you stand up, be careful of the rocks under your feet and walking is typically slower than swimming, I do a few dolphin dives, just to break up the swim.  

Heading out of T1 there is a hill, not long but or overly steep, just at a crowded area.  I always walk my bike up the top and then mount, have seen too many people fall over due to being in the wrong gear or they drop their chain. 

Bike: The weather here can be on the cooler side or blazing hot.  Typically there is a cloud cover at the start and for the beginning of the bike, so arm warmers are a good idea.  I use my "ghetto arm warmers" tube socks with the toes cut off so I can toss them at an aid station.  It's a pretty ride through the vineyards, course is open to traffic.  Lots of rollers.  Don't worry about Chalk Hill, it's more of a mind game...a bunch of switch-backs and you just don't know when you will hit the top.  Road surface on the course can be very bumpy with lots of shade in some parts.

Run: Hilly, hot and not much shade.  If you are finishing after the sun goes down, there is very little light out there, it's the country.  Personally, 3 loops is a horrible mind-game for me.

My Vineman RR http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=220533

I stil havent registered, but will....the joys of a non-mdot race!

How is everyone else doing?

Ran the California International Marathon in flood conditions with 30-40 mph winds the first weekend of this month, then promptly got sick.    So I've eased into training the last week or so.

Given how little swimming I have done in the last 15 months, I think coach is trying to rip my arms off.  And I did my first ride in freezing/sub-freezing temps yesterday.  You know you are committed (or ought to be!) when.... 

How is everyone else doing?