Full Vineman Triathlon : Official Thread (Page 23)

I think that's a better idea.  Even driving the next day may stink too.  I remember flying home from a marathon the next day and being stuck on a plane for 5-6 hours and that really sucked.  A car would be better since you can stop and take breaks when you want to though.

Side note, anyone going to the awards thing the next day?  It's at 10:30, if I remember right.  Which hopefully means they have lunch served there.  Again I could be wrong.  It's supposed to be a picture show but after running in the 95 degree heat today, I can tell my pictures will not be happy and will have more of a "grumpy and on the verge of death" look.

Last long run in the books kids!

5 miles with the boyfriend.
1 mile with his dog.
5 miles out, 5 miles back in.

Felt great! BOOM! Gimme that taper!  

Saw this on the 70.3 thread - really helped me visualize the swim, I had no idea what to expect until I saw the video. Cool!

http://viewtherace.com/california/vineman-triathlon-swim-course

That video is cool!  It'll be interesting "swimming" in such shallow water.  I was wondering whether the family would be able to almost follow me along the return portion of the swim, but it looks like too much vegetation.

Whoever suggested the headlamp in run special needs, that is a great idea.  I think Target now has rather cheap ones.  I'm planning on a very long day, so I will be picking one up.

After x-rays, MRI, and visits with 2 docs, including a sports ortho, I have been told no running until race day, but that I can try to run/jog/walk/combo the run at Vineman.  My longest run will have been 16 miles on May 3, with nothing more than a few minutes since May 26.  It won't be the day I originally was hoping for, but I'm still looking forward to an awesome experience!

Can't believe we have less than 3 weeks!

I did not get my bike special needs bag back last year.  The run special needs bag you are almost guaranteed to get back since run SN is located basically at the T2/finish area.  Just go over and ask for it.

Yes, I can aquajog and use the elliptical--did a combined 2 hours yesterday!  The big challenge there, of course, is mental. 

Coach says she thinks I'm capable, so as always, I trust in coach!  She is also taking this opportunity to really focus on the bike. 

Question for the Vineman veterans: Do they let you run in with a child/family?

My first IM, I finished with my niece, but that was the last time WTC/Ironman organization allowed racers to finish with a family member.

I don't think so.  Pretty much every race says no family now since it can get too crowded and it can take away from other people's moment, and make it dangerous, if there's kids everywhere and some exhausted person is trying to finish.

...

I like the swim video!  River looks pretty narrow though.  I don't want to walk at all unless I absolutely have to during the swim.  I feel it would take away my accomplishment since swimming is the thing I suck the most at and the fear of it was the main reason I signed up for a full distance triathlon.  The spectators in long sleeve shirts have me a little worried.  I pretty much planed to bring nothing to keep myself warm.  I guess I'll bring an extra shirt just in case.  3 more weeks people!

Random thoughts!

Got my packing list(s) updated. Eliminating some stuff that I realized I just don't need from my past 2 IMs (mostly in special needs bags). Still need to purchase new running shoes, race nutrition, and schedule a light bike tune up. All other equipment should be in-hand.

Nervous about packing my bike in a borrowed hard case.

Reserved a MyAthleteLive GPS tracker today.

ooohhhmmmmmmmm.......... !!! 

I have been refining my lists (packing, shopping, etc), and putting together a detailed itinerary from bike drop-off through departure from Napa/Guerneville/Windsor (type-A personality alert).

I hadn't hear about the MyAthleteLive GPS thing.  Is it offered through the race?  Will they not post splits live?

Yeah it's a third party (not associated with Vineman or any race) but it's a little unit you wear on a race belt that tracks you in REAL TIME (bike and run, not swim) - just like a Garmin GPS would track your car traveling on the road. I used one in 2011 and my family was so grateful - they could tell exactly where I was and plan their day much better.

I believe the "tracking" that races provide are just when you cross timing mats, so only a handful throughout the day. This is every second of the race - and anyone can view from a computer, phone, or personal device. My parents said it worked great on their iPhone and iPad last time, and my friends said they watched me from home - I think they even have a new app now.

http://www.myathletelive.com/

Originally posted by akrenik  Had the best feeling ride today! It was exactly the boost I needed. It was only 46 miles but I felt good climbing. We climbed 1600 ft and that is half of the climbing for vineman. I now feel like I might be able to do this thing! Well the swim and bike anyway. swgtri and I can shuffle through the run together

Awesome!! Love those confidence boosters.
HEY don't forget me! I will be shuffling with ya'll as well  

I did my 4200yd nonstop swim last night and was very pleased (1:20:45) - super consistent with past IM swims and nonstop long swim trainings on only 1x per week this time around. Not proud of the slacking in training, but surprised I've remained so consistent even on that long of a swim.

Originally posted by lisac957

Originally posted by akrenik  Had the best feeling ride today! It was exactly the boost I needed. It was only 46 miles but I felt good climbing. We climbed 1600 ft and that is half of the climbing for vineman. I now feel like I might be able to do this thing! Well the swim and bike anyway. swgtri and I can shuffle through the run together

Awesome!! Love those confidence boosters.
HEY don't forget me! I will be shuffling with ya'll as well  

I'd be thrilled to have the company!  I plan to enjoy the victory lap (aka marathon)!

That video was great - it does help with the metal race preparation!  All those people walking... I wonder if the water level is still that low?  I walked for maybe 30 seconds at one point at IMKY. It was more as a novelty and a good chance to de-fog my goggles, but I think overall it's less efficient.  oh well, could be a good break to stretch the arms on the second lap, I suppose.

I can't believe the race is only 2.5 weeks away now.  I still have one last long run tomorrow morning, a 70 mile ride Saturday, and hopefully a long OWS next Monday, but I'm ready to do this.  Definitely need to go over my packing list asap!