Vineman Half Aquabike Race Report -- and a little more

Last Saturday, I raced in the Vineman Half Aquabike. This is the same distance swim and bike that the Vineman 70.3 racers had done 2 weeks previously. I had signed up for this race rather than the 70.3 because grumpy didn't want me doing all the training necessary to do a half Ironman distance race (and I really wasn't sure I was ready - mentally - to do it either). I would make this a B priority race and relish in the experience.

All was going well until taper week. I was crawling out of my skin. I began to get really nervous and dreaded ever signing up for it. I really didn't want to go. I couldn't even write a decent race plan. What if XYZ happened??? 4+ hours is such a long time not to see any one on the bike. I'll be out there all by myself. What if I screw up the water bottle exchange? What if I'm freezing on the bike -- I'll be wet from the swim!!!

The only way I got myself there was to look at it as just a swim and a bike -- don't ever go any harder than what you're comfortable with. After all, this is my choice to do and my choice how I do it.

The morning of the race, Grumpy and I got there early. I set up my transition spot and we waited. In my funk, I failed to PROPERLY take note of where my bike was racked. I didn't open the plastic bag I was to throw my stuff into during T1. The transition area was powdery dirt so, I used an old brown towel instead of the brightly colored one I usually use. However, I DID give all the non-bike/T1 stuff to Gerard before the race (smart).

Trying to cheer myself up

Eventually, the full Vineman and full aquabike folks were done with their swim and half Aquabike and Barb's race folks were allowed into the water to warm up.

No one told me about the damn rocks on the feet!

After a few minutes of warming it up, it was time to line up. I lined up as planned - start left and slightly in front of the back - and found myself with no body near me. Lots of people WAY behind and a few up front.

Too busy trying to hang on to fast feet to think about how unhappy I was.

So we were off. I was going through with this. But it really was a pretty place to swim and it wasn't deep. And then it happened....

Lots of people were walking out at the bridge

I WAS HAVING FUN!!!! First this set of feet, then the next set. The fast feet kept coming. The neat thing was Barb's race was held at the same time. Their waves went off about 5 minutes after mine. Swim little fishy swim!

Damn rocks!

I was a bit slow out of the water. I guess I have extremely tender feet. I was just trying to make it to the carpet without slicing my feet open. Then it was up the ramp to the wetsuit strippers! I could have done without them but, this race was about experience so woo-hoo stripper boy!


Swim: :42:09 - 30 second swim PR

And then, where is my bike? I know it's second to last Aquabike rack.... Here's the rack but, where's my bike? I must be off a rack. How about this one? Don't see it? Oh, it's back at the first rack I was at!

So, now I need to get all my crap in this plastic bag that I forgot to open up. You know how plastic bags never want to open up? Split second decision - throw my little stuff like ear plugs, goggles, and cap into the bag and roll the towel, wetsuit, and bag up and toss it to Grumpy in a wad and let him deal with it.

Thank you my love!

Now, where was my bike again? Was it this rack? Or, was it this rack? There it is!

COMING THROUGH!

T1: 6:27 - ouch! (notice the restroom in the background-- should have noted that as a landmark)

First thing out of transition is this short but steep hill with no flat to get started. I chose to run my bike up rather than immediately thrash my legs. Eventually, I mounted my bike and was off. The first 20 minutes I was to go easy and let my heart rate settle. I was determined I was going to follow instructions on this race. So, I went easy and people kept passing me. And passing me. And passing... I had my first gel and people kept passing me. I hit a pot hole and heard a clank as if I'd drop something. I had my pump, my water bottles, and my powertap cpu. Guess everything is ok.

The very first part of the ride takes you through the very cute town of Guernville and then on the main road out of town. It's pretty flat until you get to about 20 minutes out of town at which point you leave the main road, curve down a steep one lane road that goes under the main road and then VERY steeply up -- I mean get out of the saddle steep. Huff and puff ... time for a salt tab -- oops. I hadn't zipped my bag all the way and the clank I heard early was my salt tabs falling out. Too late to go back. I had a couple of extra gels and I'd have to take Gatorade (which my system does tolerate but I don't care for lime flavor).

Then, the course passes lots of wineries on rolling roads. At mile 23, the course climbs up Canyon to the west and drops down into Geyserville. Through town, out past the Jim Town Country Store and into the gently rolling hills of the west until it begins the final climb of the course at mile 45 - Chalk Hill. Once past Chalk Hill, it's a fast 10 mile ride to Windsor High School,

So, long ride short.

• ~16 miles - some miscommunication between the cop directing traffic and the first car in line -- she came across about the time I was going to turn. Not a close call as I was watching her.
• 17 miles - first Gatoraide bottle exchange - perfect! 
• 20 miles - less people passing me.
• 24 miles - reached the top of Cayon (first major hill) feeling good.
• 24-43 miles - starting to pass people. Had to yell at a group of guys taking up all the road (several women followed me through the opening I made and thanked me!)
• 45 miles - Chalk Hill - slow and steady. Very glad I had ridden this before. Passed people riding and walking
• 45 - 56 miles - LEFT! LEFT! ON YOUR LEFT! -- I was THAT woman... the one with the big mouth! 
• They won't let you take your food outside the food area - boo!

Bike: 3:28:04
Overall: 4:16:40

New Tech Shirt + New Finisher's Medal

This is why I don't listen to that stupid Pre-Race voice - (sure wish I knew how to make it go away though.)

• I was never alone on the ride.
• I was never cold on the ride.
• I successfully managed 2 water stations without disaster.
• I had a great time and I raced to plan.

 California International Triathlon

One race in a weekend just wasn't enough! Grumpy and I drove from Windsor to Pleasanton (by way of an hour through lovely down town Albany/San Pablo/Berkely/Oakland) to get his USAT day pass for his race on Sunday. He had signed up to do the bike leg on a relay team.

Relay Swim Start

 The morning started out promising with the overcast sky.

Grumpy off on the bike

 It didn't take long to burn off but, it wasn't heating up quickly.

40K done (in the distance)

Sure glad I didn't have to run the final leg. It was no longer Mary Friendly Weather.


On his first attempt at racing, the team took 2nd place!