Several months ago, Catherine decided to enter a "half Ironman" for women, called "Barb's Race." This event requires a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and concludes with a 13.1-mile half marathon. The race took place north of San Francisco near Santa Rosa. We were there as cheerleaders, supporters, and photographers. For more information, visit www.vineman.com (this IS wine country!).

We agreed to begin at 6:00 AM; here's Catherine at our hotel room door, eager to leave. 2003:08:23 06:17:10 32 mm 1/60 f5

In about half an hour, we are parked in Guerneville, where the swimming and biking begin. Catherine unloads the Ritchey bike she has been riding for a number of years, recently updated with new chain, derailleurs, etc. 2003:08:23 05:44:34 5.40625 mm 1/60 f2.8

Dad helps with the bags, as we walk several blocks to the Russian River. 2003:08:23 05:46:02 5.40625 mm 1/40 f2.8

Mom's a big part of the support team. 2003:08:23 06:53:34 35 mm 1/60 f5

The event is highly organized. Catherine's 720 "bib" number places her in the 700 series class of women over 35 and/or 150 lbs; her number is written on her thighs, arms, helmet, bike, and hands! 2003:08:23 06:59:22 28 mm 1/60 f5

For some of the women, writing their age on their calf may have been embarassing; Catherine found it interesting as she passed others during the event. 2003:08:23 06:04:08 5.40625 mm 1/80 f2.8

Even with all the preparation, repairs are still necessary; here she replaces a missing screw in the cleat on her biking shoes. 2003:08:23 05:52:57 5.40625 mm 1/60 f2.8

Cold cereal for breakfast, sitting with photographer and kibbitzer. Milk from a plastic bottle. 2003:08:23 06:06:43 5.40625 mm 1/80 f2.8