Vineman 70.3 Triathlon

Windsor, CA
Vineman 70.3 Triathlon Sunday July 19, 2009
by: Charisa Wernick

I went to Vineman this year knowing it is my final 1/2 Ironman of the season and really just wanting to finish off the goals I had set for myself this season at this distance. I started with five goals and there were only two that were still illusive after the previous 70.3 races: the sub-30 swim and breaking into the 4:30s.

I also went to Vineman to hang out with my friends and try to defend all the trash-talking that went around. I spent much of the day trying not to lose bets with my friends, and laughing whenever I saw them out on the course.

I love the Vineman swim course - it reminds me of growing up going to the river in the summers when I was young. The water was calm and warm.

I do not wear a watch when I race, so I didn’t know my swim split (29:30) when I came out of the water. However, my arms were still aching when I started riding, so I figured I would take that to be a good sign that I swam hard.

The bike course is beautiful. Vineyards, some rollers, and a day that would turn downright hot, but fairly wind-free. The Kestrel seemed right at home on my new Zipp disc. I had not done much practice on the disc (I know, you’re not supposed to try new things on race day, but somehow my busy schedule didn’t allow for disc practice . . .) but it was FAST, and FUN!!

One of my bets had been with Ian - whoever made it to mile 19 on the bike first won. At mile 16 I realized I better step it up to ensure I did not lose. Seriously - if you need some motivation at your next race just bet with a bunch of friends. Oh - and I won, I won!

I actually did not think I was having a very good bike split while racing. My heart rate seemed low in the middle of the race and although my legs felt fine something just seemed a bit off. But apparently the bike really is fast, and coming in for a 2:32 bike split made me smile.

The run was hot, and fun, and hard. I knew if I could lay down a solid run I would most likely reach my final goal of breaking into the 4:30s. On the final 5k I ran with Chris (who I later found out lives near me) and we worked together. I would start to slip back and then grab back on. He would start to fall away, then grab back on. It was awesome to be able to push each other.

I ended up 2nd amateur with a time of 4:35:09. I find myself extremely lucky to be able to train with such nice and talented guys. To be able to race with them as well was even better.

Charisa