26 July 2015
Yesterday I became half iron.
It was a very long day. The swim went fine, not a stellar swim for me, but right at my usual pace and very comfortable. The water was 74°, rather warm for this Californian. We entered the water in fog, partially caused by the water being warmer than the air.
After the swim I had a difficult transition due to crowdin and took a spill in the mud, but wasn't injured and was quickly out on the bike. My goal was to average 14 miles per hour, and I made it. Maintaining that required very fast flats and going faster than I'm really comfortable with downhill. I also think perhaps I spent a little too much effort on the bike, as the half marathon after really kicked my butt. I was able to run only two miles of it, instead of the 8-10 I had intended. However, I kept my pace under 15 minutes per mile and brought it in for a total time of 8:16:23. My goal was 8:15, so I'm very happy with this time.
Compared to last year, race day was quite cool, but by the time I was on the run course, I thought it was pretty hot. I had tried to do as much training for heat as possible, but will keep the heat in mind even more for any future Vineman races.
A friend asked last night what was next for me. Firstly, my second "main" event of the year, the Chicago marathon. Second, I'm following Susan Lacke's rule: Never sign up for a race … within 24 hours of crossing your last finish line.