›Vineman 2005 Race Report — "The good, the bad, the ugly"

by Michael Soma

Perhaps my expectations were too high. At the time it did not seem unreasonable to expect at least the same quality experience as many smaller , local events. But then I had forgotten some valuable advice from a friend "lower your expectations, and minimize the risk of disappointment."

The Good:
Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to lend a hand ,the spectators who came to cheer everyone throughout the day. The scenery was stunning among the wineries and rows of grapevines. The weather beautiful.....until noon, it was hot, very hot .Upon arriving at an aid station well into the run only to learn that there was no water...things really started to heat up, at least I did I think it was about mile 5 ,not sure though because there were no mile markers on the run course.
I'm getting ahead of myself ,lets go back to the beginning.

The Bad:
The registrants, can't really call them competitors ,certainly not swimmers ,walking the swim .Nope, no religious epiphanies, their feet were firmly planted on 'terra firma'. This is the TRI-athlon right, is there not a swimming requirement .But sure enough it was my own confusion ,cleared up so clearly by the response I received from the race organizers. Quote 'walking in the swim is no different than walking on the run,and besides I doubt that any of those people were contenders for an Ironman slot "Silly me .....I thought that this day was about everyone who shelled out the money to compete. My bad "The Deboom /Reid Show "co starring Steve Larson was the focus and most important this day I guess then that would make the rest of the competitors kind of co-producers of the show with onstage passes.

I should have figured that out when upon exiting my swim, T1 was almost completely broken down .Lots of dust ,hustle, broken down racks .Who can blame them .the start waves stretched out almost 2.5 hours, they must have been exhausted. That is a long time after all ,but to be fair about it the organizers rotate the the start times each year. The luck of the draw this year put the eldest competitors ,some as old as 80 ,running at the hottest part of the day.

There was no 'obvious' presence of USAT officials. Again the organizers response cleared this up also, they had requested 15 officials, only got 10. Id like to compliment those riders at Vineman who formed such beautifully in-sync pacelines. It was exciting to watch and the breeze you kicked up going by really helped me out in the heat...thanks, guys...That’s ok though, they probably weren't contenders for an Ironman slot either, so it shouldn't’t matter.

The Ugly:
I expected more from an event bearing association to 'Ironman'. So, yes, my expectations were too high after all these are the types of complaints received each year...this right from 'The Vine-Man'

Now for the "Truly Amazing" Amber Zupanzic, finished in 6hrs 16 min.This was her first half iron distance, I believe that Pac Crest was her first olympic distance. Is that right Amber. Amber is now off to law school in San Diego...best wishes Amber, gonna miss you. One very important footnote /Thank you!

Gina, thank you for all of your hard work in putting the experience of the athletes first and for the proceeds you help to raise for various charities These priorities will help to ensure the successes of 'FreshAirSports', the enjoyment of all the athletes and a strong connection to the community. Thank you, Gina.

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