On November 1, 2013 at 8:59AM, I anxiously hit refresh on the keyboard.
Vineman 70.3, a half Ironman triathlon in Sonoma, CA, traditionally sells out in minutes. A computer crash or internet hiccup can minimize your chances of getting in.
The clock struck 9. The registration page loaded. I was in!
Just over a year prior, I completed my first triathlon. In eight months, I’d be doing a half Ironman: a feat that involves traveling 70.3 miles using your arms and legs as fast as you can.
It was daunting but exciting. I began looking into training plans or hiring a coach.
Excuses are excuses. Life got in the way. Training in the winter when daylight is short sucks. I didn’t want to pay for a coach.
Most half Ironman training plans are a minimum of four months long.
Today is Monday, July 7. Vineman is six days away. I began my self-created training plan just over two weeks ago. This plan looked something like this:
Weekend 1: run 6mi, bike 34mi
Weekend 2: run 8mi, bike 40mi
Weekend 3: run 10mi, bike 50mi
This is in addition to swimming 2-3 times per week, some basic strength training, and shorter runs and rides over the past several months.
But am I properly trained for Vineman? Absolutely not.
Confidence is peculiar. When I first started this sport, my endurance confidence level was in the negative. Now that I know I’m capable, I’m probably more confident than I should be.
This race is the ultimate test of mental strength. Will I have a phenomenal finish time? Of course not. But I want to see if I am able to do something remarkably difficult. Also, as my first half Ironman, it takes off the pressure of beating a personal record. The objective is to finish.
I put myself through this sport for two reasons.
First, to keep in shape and be outdoors.
And second, so I can eat whatever I want.
Selecting Vineman to be my first half Ironman wasn’t an accident. Somona has some of the best food and wine in the country.
Dinner reservations have been made here post-race. I’m already eyeing the rib-eye for two, for me.
Email me when Jared Taylor publishes or recommends stories