Vineman Ironman 70.3 - The Experience

Friday (7/16) - Not Quite As Planned - But a Good Finish to the Day

Since I had such a hectic week with a lack of rest I took Friday off to have a nice relaxing drive down to Santa Rosa, with time to unload our gear, go swim the course in the early afternoon, and then have plenty of time to get ready for dinner.  Instead it was a hectic morning packing, making final adjustments on the bike, combined with getting out of the house later than planned.  I couldn't get the front derailer to stop making a slight rubbing sound when in a couple of the gears, so I was going to hit the bike shop on the way out of town.  Since we were getting out of the house so late, I cancelled that and just hit the road so I would still have time to swim.  On the drive I started re-planning , and decided we could still swim, and just get up early on Saturday to take the bike in for an adjustment prior to registration.  Then we ended up hitting unexpected traffic delays which turned our typical 2 hour drive into 3 hours and 15 minutes.  Now the swim was out for this afternoon, which meant I would have to do it Saturday morning.  Now I had to figure out what to do with my bike to get it adjusted. (Before passing judgment that I should have planned to take the bike in earlier and not waited to the last minute, you should know the whole story. I had just tuned my bike up a couple weeks ago, replaced the chain and rear cassette, and it was riding great at the race last weekend.  It wasn't until a training ride this week that it started making a new noise.)  As we were coming into Santa Rosa we called the "Official Vineman" sponsoring bike shop hoping they would have sympathy for an emergency adjustment.  They did.  Fritz did some adjustments and then I went out for a test ride.  Everything was good to go.  We continued over to my Mom's house in time to unload and change clothes before the reception dinner.

We originally didn't plan on doing the reception dinner but we are sure glad we did.  We thought it would be interesting to hear the Pro Panel discussion and thought it might be motivating for Sunday's race.  After we arrived we sat down at a table by ourselves.  Then another couple joined us.  It turns out they were hosting one of the Professional Athletes (i.e. free lodging to cut travel costs).  As we were engaging in casual conversation their house guest came and joined us at our table.  It was Mirinda Carfrae, Ironman Kona 2nd place finisher last year, with a host of other Ironman 70.3 wins and records. (Check her out at http://www.mirindacarfrae.com/ )  We had the pleasure of spending the next two hours talking with her about her life as a professional Triathlete.  Good Luck in Kona this Year Mirinda.  Can't wait to watch.  We also got to hear amazing stories from 80 year old Sister Madonna Buder who has finished numerous Full Ironman events and was competing on Sunday, as well as other women in their 70's who were still competing at the Half and Full Ironman distance.  One of them was Cherie Gruenfeld who is also working with inner city at risk kids through her organization called Exceeding Expectations (http://eefoundation.org/index.html), using the sport of triathlon to move their life in a positive direction. Way to Go Cherie!!!

Amanda and I with Mirinda Carfrae

Sister Madonna Buder (80 years old)

After dinner we went home and I packed up my gear and nutrition stuff to be dropped off at T2 on Saturday morning.  Using my checklist was very helpful to keep from stressing about whether everything was packed or if I had forgotten anything.

Saturday (7/17) - Race Prep Day

Woke up at 6:45 to load all my T2 gear, registration information, and wetsuit to head out to Guerneville to check out the swim course at Johnson's Beach.  Made the 30 minute drive to Guerneville and it turns out that I wasn't the only one with idea as there were a number of people already in the water and others on shore getting their wetsuits on.  Amanda and I did a 20 minute swim before heading to Windsor for registration. One little issue - I let Amanda try my swim googles on the swim back.  As we were adjusting them back to my size at the end of the swim, the clip on the back fell into the water rendering my goggles useless.  Argh!!!  No big deal - we will hit a swim shop sometime today or find something at the race expo to fix them.

Following the Saturday early morning swim at Johnson's Beach

Arrived at the Windsor High School for registration around 9:15.  Got in line to pick up my 1 day USAT race license, we then walked around the expo a bit, before heading into 10am mandatory pre-race meeting.  The head race official (Juergen) was a crack up, and turned what would have been a normally dry session on course safety, etiquette, rules, and yellow and red card violations, into a short comedy routine.  Around 10:45 we got in line for packet pick up, which took us about 30 minutes or more.  Good thing I got my license already because there was a really big line for the license now, and you can't get your race packet without the license.

   Very big line for packet pick up

 Picked up the race packet, then got in line to pick up sponsor "gifts and freebies".  It is unbelievable that all of these people (myself included) who paid $250 for registration, ride bikes costing several thousand dollars, had air fares to California plus lodging, wetsuit costs, plus running shoes and a host of other equipment and nutritional costs, would stand in another 30 minute line for a free sample size box of wheaties, a sample size sport beans, a little shampoo, etc. As we stood there we complained about how long the line was and there probably wasn't anything worth having anyway, yet no one would get out of line.  I kept telling Amanda it was all part of the experience.  However, next year I am skipping the free samples, it wasn't worth the 30 minute wait.   After getting our freebies, we got in another line to test/activate the timing chip, and then went over to pick up the race t-shirt.  Walked through the Ironman clothing area, but put off any purchases of hats, jackets, shirts, etc until I actually finished the race.  I didn't want to set myself up for failure.   We then went back to the truck to drop off the race packets, and pick up my T2 gear bag.  I went over to T2, and set up my stuff in Row 8, Rack 4.  I marked my spot on the rack with Orange Duck Tape so I could find it easier on Sunday. To keep my nutrition stuff from melting in the two days of sun it would be sitting in, I brought a soft sided lunch box with ice in it which worked well.  I also used my packing checklist to mark everything off so I would have peace of mind once I was at home and  not wondering if I forgot anything.

Row 8, Rack 4

We then walked over to the finish line to get within 40 feet of the line, without crossing it.  This was a chance for me to visualize coming down the finishers chute without the pleasure of crossing the line.

 The Finish Line

   

We finally were leaving the expo around 12:30 just feeling overwhelmed from the noise and chaos.  We went over to Windsor Town Green to a grill to have some lunch and decompress.  Talked to some other athletes that had the same idea, including one guy from Arizona who's sister works for Lance Armstrong. Looks like Lance my be trying to become a pro triathlete following this years Tour de France. After lunch we went back to Mom's to get the rear water bottle cages mounted to my bike before Rich, Michele, Derek, and Sarah arrived.  I was very happy to have my brother coming up from San Diego along with his girlfriend and my friends Rich and Michele who were coming over from Folsom.  Once we were done with the water bottle cages, I needed to deal with my goggle strap issue from this morning, so we were going to head down to a store, but Amanda was nice enough to do it for me.  It was now 3:30 and I was exhausted from moving all day.  I kicked back with Zach on the patio for awhile, then we went inside and I fell asleep on the couch for a quick nap before Amanda returned with a fix for my goggles. About 6:00 Rich, Michele, Derek, and Sarah arrived from the Airport. (Thank You, Thank You, Thank You Rich and Michele for picking Derek and Sarah up from the Oakland Airport.)  After dinner I ended up packing my stuff for the morning so we could just get up and go.  I ended up getting to bed later than expected, I had hoped to go to bed around 8:30, but by the time I was settling in and setting my alarm it was around 10:30.   I had trouble falling asleep and laid there tossing and turning until 11:30 or so.  The alarm was set for 4:45, but I ended up waking up at 3:00 and again at 3:55 to see if it was time to go.  Obviously not a very restful night sleep.

Sunday (7/18) - Race Day

Alarm went off at 4:45.  I weighed in at 177.5 which puts my official weight loss from January 1st at 23.5 lbs. It is hard to believe that it has been more than 8 months since I registered for this event and all of the work and prep that went into it. As I stumble around getting ready I still can't believe it is race day!   I drank 3 Ensures (1100 calories), ate half a bagel (100+ calories), 1/2 cup of raisins (250 calories), 1 banana (100+) calories, plus coffee, water, and gatorade.   So roughly 1500 calories by 5:30 in the morning.  Not sure if it is the food or race day jitters that has my stomach not feeling so well.  I am chalking it up to race day jitters since I have trained with these food combos for months and never had any issues.

6:30 am listening to music - trying to stay calm

Amanda, Derek, Sarah, and Michele came with me to T1 early so they could watch the pros go out at 6:30am.  We arrived in Guerneville around 6:00am and walked about a mile to the transition area.  What a Zoo.  We got there 2 minutes before the pros were heading out on the swim.  I set up my transition area, got body marked, and stood in the 20 minute line for the bathroom.  Now I had 45 minutes to kill before my swim start and had a ton of nervous energy coursing through my veins.  My hands were starting to shake - I just needed to get into the water and get going.  I went for a short run down the beach just to burn off some energy. Must have checked my bike rack 3 or 4 times to make sure I had everything.  Finally the time came to get my wetsuit on and get prepared to get into the water.

7:40 am getting the wetsuit on for 7:58 start

screwing around - keeping the mood light

Mom, Jordan, Zach, Rich and Alex still hadn't made it to the start yet.  While I was finishing getting on my wetsuit Michele said they were walking down the road approaching Johnson's Beach.  They called my age group to the staging area, but  I hung back looking for Mom and the kids.  Still no sign of them. I had really hoped to see them before starting the race.  Finally they called our age group into the water for 5 minute warm up. As I was swimming warm up laps I kept looking to shore.  Finally spotted Jordan waving her arms in the crowd along the beach.  I got a chance to swim over to the shore to say a quick hello and I love you to Zach and Jordan, and they both wished me good luck.  Now I was ready for the race to begin.

The Swim - 1.2 Miles (Time 35:51) 
(Race Goal 42 minutes)

The swim was pretty uneventful and relaxed.  I kept my exertion level low and heart rate down. I chose not to battle it out at the front and was able to pick a pretty good line on the up river portion of the swim.  I probably had 5 or 6 occasions where I was colliding with others or had to readjust and find a new lane.  The river had several shallow areas where it was only 2-3 feet deep.  As I was breathing I would look up and see others walking or running through the shallows.  This was very frustrating as those that were running were going faster than I could swim.  I elected to swim it.  I hit the turnaround buoy at 20 minutes so I felt pretty good since I was factoring a 40 to 45 minute swim, so I figured I was right on track.  What I had forgotten about was the distance out was further than the distance back because you exit the swim at the other end of the beach from the start.  So I was pleasantly surprised when I exited the water at 35 minutes.

Swim Finish Video - I come in towards the end 

with an Xterra Wetsuit. I am behind the guy with a blue 
Xterra Jersey. That is my kids yelling 
"Mom there he is" and all the yelling that follows.

Swim Finish

Coming into T1

T1 (Time 5:19)

First transition went pretty well.  Biggest challenge was drying my feet and getting the sand off, since T1 was set up on the beach.  I really didn't want to ride the next couple hours with sand in my socks and between my toes.  That would be a recipe for blisters and sore feet.  The small hand towels and water bottle worked well to clean my feet off.

Getting ready to head out on the bike

 Packed up my wetsuit and towels and threw them over the fence to Amanda to take with her.  Then ran back to grab my bike and exit.  Almost dropped my bike running down the carpet to exit, but luckily recovered without embarrassment.

Exiting T1 at Johnson's Beach

 Clipped in and was on my way.

The Bike - 56 Miles (Time 3:25:32) 
(Race Goal - 3 Hrs 45 mins)

The bike starts with an immediate up hill ride out of T1.  I mean immediate, no time to pick up any speed (See video).

Uphill start to the bike course

I am very thankful for the blog posts that suggested that you put your bike in low gear before staging it in T1. My concerns about being cold and wet early in the morning with 53 degree foggy weather was immediately masked by the adrenaline.  I was moving along at 18-22 mph and feeling great, despite being passed by 100's (no exaggeration) of TT bikes.  Navigated the turn onto Sunset safely.  This is a sharp 120 degree turn going back against yourself, and downhill.  Race officials recommend not taking it more than 5 or 6 MPH, and you are coming into it at 20+ from River Road. I definitely hit it faster than 5 MPH, but I was breaking and aware of it so I was able to navigate it safely.

Turn onto Sunset from River Road

Soon after is a short but steep hill climb onto Westside Road which is important to be in the right gear again.  I was definitely pushing the bike harder than I planned, but I was feeling good and wanted to let it go while I had it. I kept arguing with myself that I should hold back and pace myself for a long day, and the other side of me kept want to push and race and leave it all out there.  My concern was having nothing left for the run.  I skipped Aid station 1 since I was carrying 4 bottles. By now I had consumed the raisins I brought, plus a small cliff bar and some of my GU energy gel. I hit Dry Creek Road and there was an ambulance, firetruck, and cyclist down in the road which they were loading onto a backboard.  Hope they were ok. Hit Canyon Road and this was just a long trudge uphill for a couple miles.  Not overly difficult though, but at a slower pace than before (10-12 MPH), which just killed my average speed up until then. The Top of Canyon Road was the bike split tracker which had me at an average speed of 16.7 at that point.  Fast decent down the backside to the town of Geyserville.  I was on the brakes and holding a pretty steady 31 MPH and guys were just zipping past me easily at 40+.  Stopped at Aid station 2 in Geyserville to use the bathroom (3-4 minute stop), refilled my water and was back on the road. The aid station volunteers were great. As I pulled in they ran up, grabbed my bike, helped me off, racked it for me, and when I came out of the bathroom they had my bike off the rack and waiting for me before I even reached them, they assisted back on and I was on my way. I maintained a pretty steady pace on highway 128 and was still feeling pretty strong. I continued to take GU, and another small Cliff bar and rotated between water, Gatorade, and Nuun.

Higway 128

I turned onto Chalk Hill and grabbed a water bottle at the final aid station as I went through and refilled my bottles while riding.  Couldn't refill my bottles in time to drop the water bottle before the end of the "feed zone".  Now I had an extra bottle with me and no where to put it. I couldn't drop it because I didn't want to litter and a race official was on a motorcycle behind me and I didn't want to pick up a yellow card and time penalty by dropping the bottle outside the feed zone. So I rode with it between my teeth for awhile.  I noticed the race official had dropped back and up ahead someone had left their garbage can on the road.  So I dropped the bottle within a couple feet of the garbage can as I went by.  By now I had switched to Cliff Blocks to keep my mouth from drying out and to keep taking in calories.   Then we hit Chalk Hill around mile 48.  I am usually a pretty good hill climber, but I didn't have much in the tank to hammer up it like I would normally do.  I maintained a pretty steady 5 mph up Chalk Hill, but I was still passing some people, and getting passed by a few others.  From the top of Chalk Hill to the finish is pretty much downhill to flat.  I was able to continue fueling and took some preventative Ibuprofen to let it start working its way through before the run.  Came into T2 feeling good. I almost dropped my bike again running down the carpet.  Not sure what that is all about. I have never done that before, and now twice in one day.

Finish of the bike - coming into T2 at Windsor High School

Very long run from bike finish to T2

T2 (Time 6:58)

T2 was pretty uneventful.  Came in and ran straight to my rack.  I took my time changing socks, putting on my shoes, and grabbing my nutrition items. I had originally loaded a ziplock bag with everything so I could just grab the bag and go.  I figured I could load my pockets with the contents as I was running.  I decided while I was putting my shoes on that I didn't want everything, so I started sorting through the bag for things I wanted to bring with me.  Once I had everything I was up and off to the run.

Putting on running shoes in T2. Pouring Water on my head.

Exiting T2 - heading out for Run. Only 13.1 miles to go.

The Run - 13.1 Miles (Time 2:28:48)
(Race Goal - 2 hrs 30 mins)

Headed out for the run feeling really good.  I was actually surprise how good my legs felt based on how hard I pushed the bike.

Beginning of the run leaving T2

                  Leaving T2


Passed Sister Madonna Buder at about the 1/2 mile mark and exchanged a few pleasantries. My plan was to run a steady 11.5 minute mile or a 2:30 Half Marathon.  Since I ran a 2:03 Half Marathon in May I figured I should be able to do a 2:30 when I was tired if I pushed myself.  I hit mile marker 1 at 8:47. Way too fast to start out, so I dialed it back a little bit since this was going to be a long couple hours in the sun.  I hit mile marker 2 and had done that in 9:15, which was still a little aggressive.  I was concerned with spending it all upfront and having nothing for the end.  Several miles into the run it dawned at me as I was looking at my watch and doing some calculations, not only was I on track to meet my goal of 7 hours 30 minutes, but had the opportunity to actually break 7 hours if I put in a 2:30 half marathon time like planned.  The key was to keep from breaking somewhere along the way.  Around the 2.5 mile mark there was a girl on the side of the road with bloody shins, knees, elbows, and fingers. I stopped to see if she was ok, she was crying but said she would be alright she just need to sit for awhile.  So I kept going, but then I felt concerned so I ran to the other side of the road and talked to a guy coming back towards the finish line and asked him to let the next aid station know that somone was hurt and if they could send someone to check on her.  Now I could keep going without wondering the whole time if she was going to be ok and if I should have stayed with her.  Not long after that I hit the first hill at which point my back started to have small cramps and spasms.  I power walked the top half and was still able to pass some of the slower runners that were trying to run it. I decided that I was going to power walk all the steeper hills and preserve my legs and keep my heart rate under control, particularly since I wasn't losing much ground and was actually gaining on some with much less effort. My ego said run them, but the race director in my head said "this is no time for ego".  The next aid station I grabbed a cup full of ice and put it in my rear pocket of my jersey to ice my lower back while running.  The spasms started going away.  I hit the half way point at La Crema winery at 1 hour and 10 minutes (average of a 10:36 mile).

Loop through the vineyards at La Crema Winery

Within a couple hundred yards of the half way point

 I thought if I could run a negative split that would be very decent time for me and would easily break the 7 hour mark.  Mile 7 - 11 I was feeling great and pushing along pretty well. I was actually thinking about a full Ironman and was having a great time.  Then it hit. Out of nowhere came the dreaded cramps. First the right calf.  Then the inside of my right leg.  Then the left calf, then the right hamstring.  What was happening?  I was still jazzed, had lots of energy and was feeling great, but my muscles were now seizing and I had no control.  At first I didn't panic, I took a deep breath and massaged my calf and tried to stretch it out.  I walked on it a bit and then went back to a slow jog.  Then out of the blue another one would hit.  These were so painful they would almost bring tears to my eyes and take my breath away.  Thanks to an aid station worker at mile 12 who grabbed me and braced me from falling as I went through and my right hamstring seized and I almost toppled to the ground.  As I rounded the corner with a mile to go I was now concerned my original 2:30 goal was going to slip away.  The cramping was more frequent and really debilitating, I could not will myself through it.  Once I reached the high school I really wanted to be able to run it in and not walk.  I was running with little baby steps trying to keep exertion to a minimum.  I entered the finishers chute and was only a couple hundred yards from the finish and I cramped again where it brought me to a complete stop.  I was looking at my watch and still had a chance to get in within 2:30 but I had to get going.  People along the finishers chute were yelling you are are almost there just keep going.   To which I responded I would if my legs weren't cramped up.  Finally that spasm subsided and I headed for the finish line slow and steady praying to get across before the next spasm.

Coming down the finishers chute

As I was coming down the finishers chute I saw my friends and family cheering for me and waving.  What a great feeling.  I wanted to stop and do high fives but I was concerned my legs might cramp again and I knew I was very close to my 2:30 goal on the run and didn't know how many seconds I had to waste so I waved and kept going just to get across the line.

Finish chute with Derek, Amanda, Jordan,

Mom, and Rich in the background.

Only a few more feet

Crossing the finish line.

Finished in 6:42:42

I crossed the finish line.  I had done it.  I had completed my first half Ironman and I felt great.  The culmination of months of dedication and hard work.

Cool down

Me and my brother Derek who flew up from San Diego

Now that the race was done I could now purchase my Ironman hat and cycling jersey. We then headed back to Mom's house for a quick shower and to load up all of our stuff.  Then we were all off to Chevy's for an early dinner and some celebratory Margaritas.  This broke my no alcohol since April 15th streak.  Hung out at dinner for awhile before having to make the 2 hour drive back to Sacramento to get Derek and Sarah to the airport in time to catch their flight back to San Diego.

Dinner and Margaritas afterward.

Concluding Thoughts

This experience has reinforced for me that we are all capable of far more than we believe.  I believe this is not only true in overcoming physical challenges but also in our relationships, our communities, and in the world around us.  If we dare to dream big, push beyond our comfort zone, and have the fortitude to stick with it even when it becomes difficult, we can make a significant difference in not only our own lives but in the lives of the people around us.  

We also have to recognize that the mountains we choose to climb are not solo adventures.  Yes, we are the ones that maybe getting up at 5:00am to run in the rain or go swim laps in the pool, but there are a host of others who have contributed, supported, and or sacrificed as part of the process.  I would be remiss not to recognize some of those that made this journey possible.

My wife Amanda: Thank you for supporting me in this effort.  I know it took a lot of time away and you never complained about the time or the money that was spent to get here.  You have always been there during our 18 years of marriage and always had faith in me in whatever I chose to pursue.  It was great having you there on Sunday to speak words of encouragement and to tell me that I could do this. Out of all the noise and yelling I could always pick your voice out of the crowd. I love you so much.  It is great to be able to do life with your best friend.

My Daughter Jordan: Thank you for the encouragement along the way.  Your energy and positive attitude are always inspiring.  I am still hopeful you will catch the triathlon bug so you and I can be out there doing it together.

My Son Zach: I owe you some rock climbing days. I know you got tired of hearing me say I was too tired after a long ride or run to go climbing or as I got close the event that I didn't want to risk an injury.  Well let's go break a leg or an arm. I have plenty of time to heal before next year.  Thank you for being understanding.

My Mom: Thank you for being such an example in my life. You modeled discipline, hard work, sticking with things even though times were tough, and sacrificing for others.  You are amazing, thank you for being such a great role model.  Also, thanks for coming out to the event and cheering me on and standing in the sun all day.

My Grandmother: Thank you for all of the love, support, and encouragement you provided over the years.  You were an amazing woman.  (Note: Grandma passed away while I was out for a training run on a Saturday in February. Wish she could have been there. I miss you Grandma!)

My Brother Derek: Thank you for all of the encouragement along the way. Particularly when I was injured and you were providing advice and direction.  I really appreciate you and Sarah flying up from San Diego to watch and cheer me on.  That meant a lot to me.  You are a great example of life balance, fitness, and health, keep it up and continue to lead others down this path.

My Phi Delta Theta Brothers: Thank you for the memories and friendships that were developed during our years at Chico.  I appreciate all of those that supported my fundraising for Iron Phi, and those that sent words of encouragement during my training and the days leading up to the event. Also to brother Darren Kille who came out and sat in the sun for 4 hours to see me and thought they may have seen me come by on the bike but weren't quite sure.

Iron Phi Supporters:  Thank you to all my friends and family that helped raise more than $1,200 to date for the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and ALS. 

The Continuity Consulting Team:  Thank you for the opportunity to work with and learn from each of you.  You are all great examples of character and integrity. Thank you for keeping the bar so high.  

My Friends Rich and Michele: Thank you for coming to the event on Sunday and cheering me on. Whether hiking half dome or sitting around the campfire with a little Grey Goose, you guys are always fun to be around.

My Friend Jamie: Who set the example for overcoming fear last year. He couldn't swim well so he decided to take lessons to overcome the fear of swimming in a lake so he could do a Triathlon.  He and I did our first Tri of last year together in July and did an Olympic Distance in June of this year.  Now he is training for his own Half Ironman later this year.  Way to go Jamie.

Kari from EDH Tri Club: Thank you for letting me hook up with your club for the Mock Tri's and other training event.  But mostly for your smiling face and words of encouragement and affirmation every time I talk to you.

Many Others: Brian Griffith for all the hours invested in me over the years, Walter Hutto for being such a good friend and great role model, Jurg Ramel for your kindness and gentle spirit, Mike Lueken for paving the way and providing guidance towards spiritual growth and transformation, Dave DeRoos for your wisdom and generosity, Thilak Pappu for always holding Christ out as the standard and role model and actually living it, Jason Weckworth for your sense of adventure, zest for life and for the many hours we spent together training for CIM 15 years ago.

What is next?

God willing and assuming I keep my health, I have my eyes on Ironman Canada.  I don't think it will be in 2011, but maybe 2012.  As I was concluding the run this last weekend I knew in my heart I could complete a full Ironman if I trained for it.  In 2011 Amanda and I will celebrate our 20 year anniversary and we have some household maintenance that needs to be taken care of as well.  So I don't know if it will fit in the schedule for next year. We will have to see and talk about it as a family.  Although registration for Ironman Canada 2011 is in a couple weeks so we will have to make a decision quick.  In the interim I will continue this season with a couple more sprint and olympic distance events to keep my conditioning, and in October I will do the 100+ mile Levi Leipheimer Gran Fondo ride along the Sonoma Coast.  I would like to try a couple short course adventure races, and I would like to do the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon next year and I will definitely be doing Vineman Ironman 70.3 next July again. Hope to see some of you out there next year.