First Triathlon of the season. Race began at 4:00pm. I was in the second wave with a 4:10pm start. The water was in the high 50 degrees F -- or maybe very low 60s.... sleeveless wetsuit and two caps were very comfortable for the very short 5 buoy swim. I came out of the water #3 in our wave of all women aged 35+. A short run up carpeted beach to a grassy area was the perfect place to take off the wetsuit. I used some Pam on my ankles and calves, but this particular wetsuit always seems to get stuck to my ankles... I always think of Michele Jones.. I watched her take of her wetsuit after an Alcatraz swim one year with one smooth action -- it came off with seconds. I don't know how she did it or does it. I drank about 8 - 12 ounces of Melon Heed in the 2 hours prior to the race. Took 3 endurolytes and 2 Race Caps at 3:15pm -- about an hour prior to the race start.
The 9 mile bike ride began with a steep 350+ yard run up out of the park -- definitely an aerobic event. I used my running shoes with Pyro Platforms.. I know there must be a newer technology -- but my old Pyros still work really well. Bike ride was a quick out and back through China Camp -- along the water. We had a little tail wind on the way back which made the bike ride pretty fast. I drank Heed through out the bike ride -- just 1/2 a bottle or so. I had a Huckleberry Hammer Gel with me, I took it out of my singlet back pocket at about mile 8 -- as I thought it might help me on the run, but I caught it on the edge of the pocket and dropped it on the road.. Pity.. I haven't tried the Huckleberry HG yet..... we had to dismount at the top of the hill after the bike ride, I stepped out of the platforms and ran down the steep hill to transition.
A ran right passed my spot, but was in the correct row, so didn't lose too much time racking my bike and grabbing my run number. The run went surprisingly well, a short aerobic or possibly an-aerobic climb out of the park to a flat out and back on North San Pedro Road. After the one water station, a man running back said to me, " You're number 9, go catch them..." After which, I was promptly passed by another woman.. then two more before the end. Considering that I haven't been running much at all for the past few months, and not at all for most of 2009, I felt great on this race!
The Vineman folks are pros and this race was no exception to a well organized, safe and fun event!
.25 mile S | 9 mile B | 3 mi R 1:09:31
#1 - (55-59) Not hard to pull off, as I was the only one in my age group...
#22/172 Woman
#123/445 Overall
Great prize -- Highway 12 Merlot in a custom wooden box!
