2000 Vineman Half Ironman

Report by: Eric Barron

For those looking for variety in their racing, the sunny, Northern California town of Santa Rosa hosted the Half Vineman. Triathletes lined up for a 1.2 mile- swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. The men had it easy, running in only 80-degree weather. The air was baking, however, by the time the women hit the run, though we all know that women are tougher than men.

Terence Young, yes, the same Terence Young that broke his clavicle into three distinct parts a few months ago, astounded all with a total time of 4:47:41.49 (one can only imagine why they felt compelled to record race times in hundredths of a second). His racing tip, "Just because you have to pee does not mean you have to stop." Kelly Smith, who has done little more training lately than Terence, also had a nice race. Lawrence Spear achieved his goal of breaking six hours, and would have finished even faster had he not suffered back spasms, forcing him to walk most of the last three miles. On the women's side, Stephanie Cahn had a great run considering the conditions, and continues to gain triathlon experience. Finally, with the Ironman Canada looming seven weeks in her future, Elizabeth Farnan wisely listened to her body and called it a day before the end of the race.