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Vineman - Triathlon1/2 Ironman


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Guerneville/Windsor, California
United States
Total Time = 8h 42m 17s
Overall Rank = 506/562
Age Group = 30-34
Age Group Rank = 0/
Pre-race routine:

Woke up at 3:30. Forced myself to eat bagel with pb, fruit, approx. 30oz of water. Arrived at site especially early to cheer on training partner in first wave at 6:30. My wave was two hours later. Spent intervening time freaking out, confabbing with my family (race volunteers), walking to my car which was parked miles away, and waiting in line for the bathroom. Used it twice before race. Drank another 16 oz. of water over the course of the morning. Ate a GU 20 min before my wave. My family was grateful for the opportunity to handle the calves of several hundren handsome and/or lovely calves (they were bodymarkers)
Event warmup:

Not much, really, as warm-up time was used up stressfully walking back to my car, as race transitions were complicated by having 2 transition points about 17 miles apart. Swam a bit before my wave began, but I felt loose and ready to go.
Swim
  • 51m 41s
  • 2112 yards
  • 02m 27s / 100 yards
Comments:

Had some pretty significant hip pain during the swim which was unusual. Swam much slower than usual, and not sure why. Maybe I was subconsciously saving something for later. It is true that my kick was off because of hips. Also, made attempts at drafting, but having gotten the hang of it yet, so mostly let it go. Though it doesn't seem like a high goal, I wanted to finish the swim and t1 in under an hour, which I did so I was well pleased with myself. Ran all the way from the swim exit to my bike (long ways!!) which made me doubly pleased. Yay for me!
What would you do differently?:

Buy a wetsuit, swim better, have more stamina, sprint the first 200, whatever. So much room for improvement! But hey, I'll have all winter to work out the kinks.
Transition 1
  • 05m 20s
Comments:

There was a sharp hill coming out of the transition and out of the bike hill. Many were walking up it, but I biked it and my family was at the top cheering like mad. So was I!! Felt great and excited about the day.
What would you do differently?:

I think I'd follow the advice of many and do the socks as condom roll-up. I can't imagine not using socks (the skin on my feet always feel so tender!), but otherwise pretty good.
Bike
  • 3h 57m 3s
  • 56 miles
  • 14.17 mile/hr
Comments:

Though the time doesn't seem stellar, it is my personal best! I can't maintain a strong pace for the 56 miles, and have never managed to drop to 14 mph. I really hoped that I would be able to do 14, and lo and behold! did 14.17mph! Thrilled with the ride. As I came up to the dismount line (which was a long ways from the transition area), I had to go over this speed bump--because I was quite sort and cramped, I couldn't stand in the saddle and had to take it on the... chin, so to speak. May never be able to bear children, my friends because of this! My brother was monitoring this area for a while, and he said it was hysterical to see the racers coming in at a clip and see their bottles get launched from their cages like projectiles. They started a little monument on the side of the course. As I came (running!) with my bike to the transition area, many of my friends where there yelling, and so was I!! Felt great and had gained a couple of minutes on my training parter (whom I love), but she is ALWAYS faster than me! Only other thing of note... lost car key on bike route. Tried not to worry about it overmuch as their was little too be done. Hydration was not too bad, but I still need to be more careful about regular intake. During the course of the ride I consumed a bit less than 2 bottles of drink (2 scoops Accelerade, 1.5 scoops Sustained Energy). 5 gels (I believe).
What would you do differently?:

Well... train a heck of a lot more. I tell you, my trainer is going to get a big workout this winter. I had started out the season training on it 2-3 times a week, but a friend sent me this article about how hard trainers are on your wheels and that you should have a wheel just for your trainer. Well, I couldn't afford one, and didn't want to ruin my wheel, so I stopped using it. But in my busy life, it is hard to get out on the bike as often as I'd like.
Transition 2
  • 03m 12s
Comments:

This transition was fast for me, and was hastened by my cheering fan club, who made me want to do well even more! But, unfortunately I was unprepared for what this separate transition would be like. We had set up the t2 the night before with our running bags, etc. But everybody has the same exact bag that you do, and it was almost impossible to find anything. So excited I ran off while still wearing my bike gloves. Flung them off as I exited my row. Luckily found them later.
What would you do differently?:

Some sort of identification would be helpful. I couldn't find my fuel belt on Saturday, so decided to do without. So I had a running top with the number pinned on that I pulled on as I was running out the transition area. Though not ideal it was fine
Run
  • 3h 45m
  • 13.1 miles
  • 17m 11s  min/mile
Comments:

Obviously, a nightmare. It was so difficult, and I knew that it would be. The first 4 miles, I mostly ran, but at best my running pace is 11 min. miles. But I had tweaked my ankle on the bike and was suffering even before I began. The hip pain was prevelant again, and ultimately, I was ill-prepared to run after the bike leg. Part way through mile 4, I had to walk for about a mile and a quarter, but my walk was slow. I did a half walk, half run for another 2 miles. Got a second wind (wait... did I have a first one???) around mile 8. From their to mile 10.5 I ran about 3/4. My body was falling apart at that point and I was sort of surprised that they were obeying my mind's demand to keep going. But they did. Just before mile 12 the cutoff time for the race had passed. But I was determined to finish, and not to finish as if I wasn't racing, so I began to run again. My brother was coming toward me and he ran the rest of the way in with me, with a couple of little walking breaks. He and the rest of my family and training partner (who passed me at mile 5 on the run) joined me to cross the finish line together. It was a great, great moment.
What would you do differently?:

Again, train. Though I am pretty fit, I am still VERY overweight. So I'm still working on the poundage, but excited about the growing fitness level. Of course I could have trained more, but I'm glad I didn't opt out, even though I wasn't trained enough. It was a proud, proud moment for me.
Post race
Warm down:

At this point my ankle hurt so badly, that I couldn't do anything. Iced it on a big block that they provide, while I drank about 30 oz. of water. Laughed and talked with my support team.

What limited your ability to perform faster:

All of the above. But despite this, I went into the race knowing it was unlikely that I'd finish under the time limit. It was a difficult decision to go forward, but it felt great to do this race without using anyones measuring stick but my own. To have finished and know that I didn't give up or make excuses makes this race feel like the best of successes. I'm eager to do it again next year and be at the front of the BOPs!! Or maybe the back of the MOPs? Either way!

Event comments:

Come out to California and do the Vineman!! Great race, beautiful venues, fun times... and I'll be there!! (What an incentive!)




Last updated: 2004-05-19 12:00 AM
Swimming
00:51:41 | 2112 yards | 02m 27s / 100yards
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/562
Performance: Average
Suit: None )o:
Course: Swam upstream with slight current for .6 miles. Though slight you could tell the difference coming back. What had seemed like forever to get there felt like half the time coming back downstream. River was very shallow, so at the turnaround point, some people stood up (approx. 3 feet deep) and made the turn.
Start type: Inside Pool Plus: Waves
Water temp: 72F / 22C Current: Low
200M Perf. Below average Remainder: Average
Breathing: Average Drafting: Bad
Waves: Navigation: Good
Rounding: Good
T1
Time: 05:20
Performance: Good
Cap removal: Good Helmet on/
Suit off:
Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike: Yes
Jump on bike: No
Getting up to speed: Good
Biking
03:57:03 | 56 miles | 14.17 mile/hr
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/562
Performance: Good
Wind: Headwind
Course: Point to point course, starting in Guerneville and ending in Windsor. Periodic headwinds up in the wine country. Absolutely, phenomenally gorgeous course. Consistent and constant rolling hills. When there are no hills there are headwinds, but nothing too bad. One biggish hill around mile 45 (to keep your training honest, so they say). Good aid station support. Some of these roads are way-back roads, and don't get much maintenance, so my already tender bottom took some hits.
Road: Rough Dry Cadence:
Turns: Good Cornering: Good
Gear changes: Good Hills: Average
Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Not enough
T2
Time: 03:12
Overall: Good
Riding w/ feet on shoes
Jumping off bike
Running with bike Good
Racking bike Good
Shoe and helmet removal Good
Running
03:45:00 | 13.1 miles | 17m 11s  min/mile
Age Group: 0/
Overall: 0/562
Performance: Good
Course: Nice, rolling hills, periodically shady. Out and back with a small loop at mile 6. Turnaround was through a vineyard on dirt. Very nice. Some construction, but not too bad.
Keeping cool Average Drinking Not enough
Post race
Weight change: %
Overall: Good
Mental exertion [1-5] 1
Physical exertion [1-5] 1
Good race? Yes
Evaluation
Course challenge Too hard
Organized? Yes
Events on-time? Yes
Lots of volunteers? Yes
Plenty of drinks? Yes
Post race activities:
Race evaluation [1-5] 5

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2004-08-02 5:09 PM

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Master
1902
1000500100100100100
Berkeley, CA
Subject: Vineman


2004-08-02 5:11 PM
in reply to: #42718

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Expert
1279
1000100100252525
Northern VA
Subject: RE: Vineman
Way to go Dana - I'll give you another Woooooo-hoooooo from Michigan.

Gary
2004-08-02 5:30 PM
in reply to: #42718

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Veteran
113
100
Greenville, SC
Subject: RE: Vineman
Great job!
2004-08-02 5:38 PM
in reply to: #42718

Extreme Veteran
463
1001001001002525
Subject: RE: Vineman
Congratulations! I was saying "amen" to all of the things you plan to work on off-season. Quite an impressive bike ride; I've never ridden 56 mi at one time in my life. You did it!
2004-08-02 5:44 PM
in reply to: #42718

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2004-08-02 11:51 PM
in reply to: #42718

Resident Matriarch
N 43° 32.927 W 071° 24.431
Subject: RE: Vineman
very impressive race Dana. I am amazed at how you perservered thru it all....hip pain, ankle pain, and that whole "running sucks" thing! You are a tri goddess!


2004-08-03 12:23 AM
in reply to: #42718

Champion
13323
5000500020001000100100100
Gold member
Subject: RE: Vineman
i am in awe...great report and race.
2004-08-03 12:41 AM
in reply to: #42718

Extreme Veteran
444
10010010010025
Fort Wayne, IN
Subject: RE: Vineman

Dana,

   On Sunday I rode 40 miles, this coming Saturday I will run a 10K....both of these distances are my farthest ever.  You just completed a 1/2 Iron...You are a goddess.  Great report, great race, way to finish.  Thanks for the report, it made me smile.

2004-08-03 1:29 AM
in reply to: #42718

Extreme Veteran
448
10010010010025
Edmonton, Alberta
Subject: RE: Vineman
Great Race!!!

Way to stick to your plan sorry about the pain but it goes away

Nice race report, thank you for sharing

Roy
2004-08-03 9:35 AM
in reply to: #42718

Master
1275
1000100100252525
Sonoma County, CA
Subject: RE: Vineman
Dana,

I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!

YOU DID IT!!!!!

Hoody HOOOOOOO!

2004-08-03 9:42 AM
in reply to: #42718

Master
2346
200010010010025
Dayton, Minnesota
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Vineman
Great job!! Congratulations on finishing!!

Kelly


2004-08-03 1:44 PM
in reply to: #42718

Champion
6285
50001000100100252525
Beautiful Sonoma County
Subject: RE: Vineman
Good job! I got a bit teary at the part about your family running in with you! That's so amazingly supportive!

2004-08-03 4:43 PM
in reply to: #42718

Subject: RE: Vineman
Great accomplishment. Way to go! Your family and friends sound like fantastic support!
2004-08-03 6:28 PM
in reply to: #42718

Master
1902
1000500100100100100
Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: Vineman
Thanks all!! When I was doing it, I felt like I had you with me, so thanks too for your great encouragement!!

I'm already looking forward to next year's attempt!!

D
2004-08-05 4:23 PM
in reply to: #43259

Veteran
540
50025
Philadelphia, PA
Subject: RE: Vineman
Very inspiring ....great race and report
2004-08-05 5:13 PM
in reply to: #42718

Champion
5495
5000100100100100252525
Whizzzzzlandia
Silver member
Subject: RE: Vineman


2004-08-05 5:24 PM
in reply to: #42718

Pro
4228
2000200010010025
Broomfield, Colorado
Subject: RE: Vineman
Wonderful report!  You did fantastic!  I am so proud of you - and I'm inspired!
2004-08-05 5:54 PM
in reply to: #42718

Veteran
247
10010025
Mesa, AZ
Subject: RE: Vineman
Great race; I'm looking forward to doing the race next year. One question , after the cut off time passes what do they do? try and pull you form the race, DQ you or nothing at all?
2004-08-05 6:00 PM
in reply to: #44238

Master
1902
1000500100100100100
Berkeley, CA
Subject: RE: Vineman
First off, John, you will love it! It's a great race. I'm not sure if they pulled people off after me, but they didn't pull me!! Actually, what I think happens, is they only pull off the timing chips of people who don't make the bike cutoff time. They let you do the run if you begin it before the bike cutoff time. I'm a pretty slow biker (as evidenced above) and I was in under the bike cutoff time by almost an hour an a half.

Lastly, the cutoff time doesn't affect most men, because your start times are significantly earlier. My wave was at 8:38 am, while my corresponding men (age-wise) was at 7:10 am (lucky men!). You really shouldn't have any problem. Several people from this site anticipate being in the Vineman next year... so we should be quite a crowd!!

Dana
2004-08-05 6:17 PM
in reply to: #42718

Veteran
247
10010025
Mesa, AZ
Subject: RE: Vineman
Thanks for the quick response.
I was worried about the cut off time issue. Although I usually do good on the bike my run is not good, at best.
Now that that worry is over is there any other tips you could give regarding training for 1/2 vineman?

Oh ya I know at least four people from BT.com that are hoping to make the 1/2 vineman next year.

Thanks
John
2004-08-09 8:32 PM
in reply to: #42718

Master
1494
1000100100100100252525
Kingston Ontario
Subject: RE: Vineman

WAY TO GO, WOMAN!  YOU ROCK!

I didn't get a chance to congratulate you because I was off to PEI soon after I raced on Aug 1.  I just got back and was VERY excited to read this!

Jen



2004-08-13 1:41 AM
in reply to: #42718

Elite
3020
20001000
Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: Vineman
A huge congrats for finishing this race. You kept going and that's what counts.
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