Vineman Full Ironman - TriathlonFull Ironman

I set myself up front and on the left side, knowing the real fast guys would be gone quickly leaving the rest of us. The horn went off and my day began. Just as I figured the fast swimmers were gone I settled into my pace. I did not experience much contact and found clear water within 200 yds. I couldn't believe it, 120 guys and I felt all alone. There was one guy to my left going my speed so I dropped back a little and got on his feet. I could feel the draft so I hung there as long as possible. before I knew it I made the first turn. Lots of people walking at the turn, not me I modified my pull to keep from dragging my hands on the bottom. Again down stream and clear water ahead. Kept my pace to the second turn drafting when possible. Did the first loop in 34:42. The second loop was uneventful except after the third turn some people were crossing into my side so I was not only sighting every couple strokes but looking out for a head on collision. second loop was more than a minute faster than the first.

Nothing, perfect pace

I knew I was going to wear socks for the ride just because on long training rides my shoes would cut into the top of my foot something I did not need to deal with on the run. Anyway this takes a few seconds with wet feet. Ran with bike to the mount line. Mounted my steed at the bottom of the hill with shoes already clipped in I knew I only had one shot to get my foot on top of my shoe. Caught it perfectly and up the hill I went. There was Gina at the top. She wished me good luck and I was on my way

nothing

I made a strong effort not to go to hard on the bike portion, so I let anyone go that passed me. After 30 minutes a group of 6 or 7 riders went by but I stuck to my plan and told myself "that's not my race" I kept up on liquid nutrition and cliff bars till mile 75 were I started feeling a little sick to my stomach. I switched to water and this passed quickly. My rear wheel started rubbing about this time but only when climbing hills. It was fine on the flat lands I did not want to stop and adjust it unless absolutely necessary. I made it over Chalk hill the second time with my fingers crossed from there its a cake walk. I finished the bike portion before the strong winds picked up. This is a little perk you get if you can finish the bike ride early in the Afternoon.

I should have hydrated more with water, as you will read in the run segment. Also need to figure why the rear disk was rubbing. The pace was exactly what I was looking for to set up the run.

All went well here. Changed socks, grabbed visor and belt and I was gone

Did not need gel flask. should have left it.

I exited T2 and felt great, told myself "easy big guy you got 26.2 to go". Well I misunderstood. Easy means 8 or 8:05mm. Well mile 1 was 7:30 mile 2 was 7:35 but I was able to reel myself in a little. The first 13 miles went well. But when I hit the hills on the second loop my right hamstring cramped up. I had to stop. I tried to stretch it out and rub it down and it loosened a little. I started running again and in seconds it cramped again. I saw a mail box on the side of the road and kicked my foot on top and stretched it in that fashion. This seemed to work but I got a little concerned. My legs have never cramped. was this going to keep happening? This process took about 2-3 minutes. I started running again, but had a real hard time on the hills. One of my smaller goals of this race was to not walk at all on the run portion. I started declining rapidly and knew I would have to walk a little. At that moment when I stopped running and started walking I was so disappointed. That cramping had a big effect on me, and my energy, even my stomach. I made a deal with myself since that goal was gone to only walk the aid stations. This worked to finish the second loop. I got my bracelet they give to show each loop completed. I now had two. One loop to go. I don't really remember much of the last loop. I remember grabbing ice and Gatoraid mixing them and drinking at each aid station and I remember making the final turn at the timing mats. I heard another guy tell the monitors "this is the last time I will see you" and I thought to myself, me too. I knew there was a long rise on the way back but nothing major. I walked about half the rise and said to myself "no more walking". with about two miles to go I started thinking about what I had accomplished so far. Overall, how well it went and I would only be a few minutes longer what I thought I would do. This gave me a little kick. Plus I wanted to look strong coming to the finish. It felt great crossing the finish line, breaking the ribbon was a nice touch. My first thought was one thing..... "I am an IRONMAN"

I think more hydration on the bike with water and having the discipline to start a little slower on the run.

Rested under a tree with Gina. Told her all about my day. She told me about hers. Got a little post race meal. I ate across from a guy who went 9:29. He got a share of $4000 for doing that. He thought his cut would be $800


Probably being dehydrated on the run and not pacing properly. The run should have taken me 3:45. I missed a podium spot by 1 minute 10 seconds. OUCH


I say it every time because it's true. My wife is the best. She supported me through this dream of mine. She spent large portions of weekends alone or watching me nap. She listened to me go on and on about Iron this and Tri that. Thank you baby, I love you.