3:40 am: The alarm sounded…VINEMAN RACE DAY! I knew it was going to be my most competitive race to date this year; notoriously it attracts top age-group triathletes all vying for a slot to Kona for the world championships in October. Luckily, I had already secured my slot to Kona earlier in the year at Ralph’s Half-Ironman where I had placed first in my age group. Yet, the competitive spirit was in my blood and I still hoped to have a great race!

5:45 am: I was getting body-marked alongside the Russian River, the official start of the race.

7:10 am: Our wave start was called and we plunged into the warmer temps of the river. I was excited and focused – my plan in place. I hoped for a good swim (my least strong portion of the triathlon) that would keep me in good enough of a position to catch the leaders on the bike and run. The gun went off – arms and legs were flying through the water though miraculously I avoided any major run-ins. The next 33 minutes went by quickly, trying to keep my momentum. Out of the water I quickly tore off my wetsuit and grabbed my bike for my favorite part of the day! Having spent many weekends training on the race course (a beautiful course dotted by vineyards in the Sonoma area of northern California), I knew every rut and bend in the road – a huge advantage. I felt great – my legs felt strong, and my heart rate and pace were exactly where I’d hoped. I felt increasingly confident as I caught up and passed a few of my top competitors. I knew, though, that they were fast runners and that I’d have to keep my lead by putting on a strong run.

As I pulled into T2 (the transition from bike to run) I was ecstatic – a 2’33 bike split! Faster than I’d hoped! Smiling I attempted a quick transition and hoped that the faster bike split wouldn’t mean dead legs on the run. The first few miles were hard – I couldn’t quite find “my stride” amidst the rollers. I stopped for Gatorade and a Gu, wondering if low sugar could be contributing. Thankfully, I felt a second wind afterwards and pushed my pace. The spectators and volunteers handing out soda, Gatorade and water were incredible! With every shout I felt the miles drop behind. I caught glimpse of some of the other women in my age-group as I returned on the last 6 miles and felt that if I could hold the pace I would be able to keep the lead. I saw Bo, one of my TEAm Lipton teammates who was competing in women’s 40-44; we shouted words of encouragement to one another and off we were.

The final 2 miles my legs were asking, “are we almost there”?? The sun had come out by then and the temperature was in the 80s…with the end in sight I gave it my all! “Fast feet”, “pump those arms”, “finish strong” flooded into my mind. Moments later, I crossed the finish line in 4’53 – my fastest half-Ironman race to date! I was ecstatic!! I happily took 2nd place in my age group (amongst 124 competitors) and placed 8th overall female, amongst 502 women!

This is a classic, east coast race that many of the regional and national teams participating. There were 77 women starting the women's pro field. Day one was a 7-mile, out and back TT. Sue Palmer Komar (Colavita), crushed the field, winning 30 seconds ahead of second place finisher, Tina Mayolo Pic (Quark). I ended up with the best TEAm Lipton finish, in 19th place.

Day two's stage took place on a 3-mile circuit with a 500 meter climb to the finish. The women pro 1/ 2 field raced 11 laps. Anna Milkowski was our most aggressive rider of the day. Unfortunately, the other teams chased everything down so the race finished in a field sprint.

Liza Rachetto, gave me an awesome lead-out into the final turn helping me finish in sixth place, the best I've ever finished on that course.

Stage three was the day of truth. After 6 laps of an 11-mile circuit, the stage finished on a 2mile climb to the top of Mount Washusett. On the first lap of the circuit, Liza, got in a break of five. The break, however, got caught at the end of the fifth lap. By the sixth lap, only about twenty-five riders were left in the main group. Liza and I were the only Lipton riders among the survivors. The race came down to the final climb and Sue Palmer Komar grabbed her second win in a convincing manner. At the end of the day, Liza's breakaway effort, earned her second place in the sprint point competition.

The race finished off with a downtown criterium. Liza was in a heated battle with Sara Uhl (Quark) for the remaining sprint points. TEAm Lipton rode an aggressive race, initiating attacks and chasing down threatening breaks. Liza made a valiant effort, and finished the sprint competition in 2nd place.