‘Reaching New Heights’

Ironman Louisville August 30^th, 2009

Written September 12^th, 2009

Jennifer Lynn Waller, 32 years of age, 3 time Ironman

Ironman is a funny thing. Its’ so massive and overwhelming by most, but completely possible by many. Too many times during the last few months of training I told myself that this is completely unnecessary and there is no reason for anyone to abuse their body to this point but at the same time I could not image not waking up pre-dawn and heading up to Red Top Mountain Lake for an open water swim or heading over to one of my favorite spots such as “the church” for a 50+ mile ride at Silk Sheets. Some mornings were pleasant as all I had to do that day was ride with a good friend such as our neighbor Jonny or meet up with coach Jen or Lea or Amy. Other mornings I had other things that I was obligated to do and had to squeeze in any kind of workout possible to get time on the legs as Ironman does not care if someone is getting married or our parents want to visit with us. It, Ironman, happens regardless of life. After all the time, monitoring, sweat, tears, and butt cream I had logged in five 4000 plus yard swims, six 100 plus mile rides, and five 18 plus mile runs and you better believe I felt ready.

This ironman was special and fun. It was special because Bill and I signed up for this race while in Louisville last year while we contemplated his race one day later. We were also in the middle of our epic journey traveling the Louisville, Madison circuit. Ironman is a huge part of our being. It’s something we both understand and desire and we are lucky enough to share its power together. It was fun because 4 other Peachtree Triathlon friends, Bill’s good friend Jeff and our coach Jen shared in this adventure with us. It’s was great running into each one of these friends/athletes during races leading up to Ironman, training days and dinners while at Ironman weekend.

On Thursday morning Bill, Amy our dedicated Sherpa for the weekend, and I headed north to Louisville, KY and mindfully drove with the goal to registered that afternoon. We also wanted time to check out the expo and hoopla surrounding it. Amy had her first Sherpa duty quickly upon attempting to prove that we were USAT members in that both Bill and I only had a card that exp 7/2009 not 2010. With iphone in hand then a Ford inspiration laptop computer ready to go we logged onto the USAT website to prove my membership. Once passed this point I was an old pro having done this for my third time.

The madness only increased while checking into our hotel as Curtis Henry attempted to call both Bill and I in order to find out where we were so that I could speak to a film crew regarding Jennifer Henry’s documentary as “Ford Ironman’s Everyday Hero”. So after throwing our bags and gear into our mac daddy room we head over to the park next to the river where Jen was standing in front of her bike with lighting in front and a camera not too far away capturing every blink and smile. After many shots were filmed it was my turn to answer some questions as to why I nominated her as “Everyday Hero” and of course I rattled off my reasons hoping to capture the right tone and convey the reason I thought Jennifer was a “Everyday Hero”. My reason was that while training, working, living and coaching she also manages to selflessly volunteer her time to other outstanding organizations. Her balance and generosity of time makes her a “Hero”.

Beyond celebrating Jen’s honor Bill and I were fortunate enough to enjoy our fellow PTCer’s at open water swims and dinners and my parents who have faithfully attended all three of three of my ironman’s. The energy was good which set up a great race. Before hitting the starting line I had an overwhelming sense of fear. I knew that my training was quality and I knew that I could produce a good race. I was fearful that mentally I would back off and I did not want to do that. I wanted to push my body to a point of actually racing this event verses simply trying to finish it. In fact the topic of people who are there to finish this race to check it off some sort of a “bucket list” verses people who are willing to push it to the line in order to reach a new level of athleticism whether it’s to “PR” or qualify for Kona. I personally love the fact that there are 2000+ people who show up to the starting line and all are there with a different journey and a different set of goals.

Race Morning

Bill and I woke up ready to race. We actually had a good night sleep which is rare the night before Ironman. We promptly began our race morning tradition of chugging Ensures and coffee. After the proper events had occurred we headed down to transition and enjoyed the pre-ironman rituals of checking again and again whether our tires and breaks where just right. Whether we had our nutrition bottles in the correct location and our aero bottles were filled to our liking. Bill struggled with his race wheels in that it was difficult to inflate to the desired pressure of 110-120 psi. He spent good time dealing with the pump connector and ended up having to just let it go and race without knowing the exact pressure. May not seem like a big deal but let me tell you that little bit of uncertainly is enough to allow for doubt.

Starting Line

We proceeded to head over to the swim start where Amy had been vigilantly waiting all morning long to save a space in the time trial style swim start. With her were, coach Jen and Curtis, Jim and his gang, Brendon and Chrissy, and Jen’s friend Myna and friend. Later my parents joined us to add to the vibe. While it was dark we sat and waited with a few burst of energy for some picture taking to lighten the tension but mostly we waited. We waited until we moved, once the pros started and the line was shrinking single file. I was so excited because I was in my element. It was just the right amount of nervous energy and anticipation. It was so much fun starting with those who had trained so hard alongside over the season. But after the high fives and hugs we excitably ran onto the dock and entered the water.

Swim

Swimming had never been my strong suit and this day it proved no different. It is true that a good race is when you produce what you put in and since I had never been the avid swimmer it is only fair that I ended up with a middle of the road result.

Once I jumped in I found my space as all the fast people quickly passed and the slow people swam in every direction aiming for each buoy. Mid-way out I saw people walking, yes walking the river bottom was so shallow that you could stand up and make forward progress, kind of nice. Forward process is ok but a plan is always better than not. I have always had a goal to hit each buoy but in this river swim that was not the best plan. A better plan is to swim out to the final turn buoy and then swim out into the river a little to catch the current. I was wondering as I was all by myself once I turned and aimed for the next buoy but instead of an orange buoy that indicates that we are heading back I met up with a yellow buoy that we saw heading out. This part of the course is hard to visualize and tactfully I messed it up big and was pretty disappointed with my 1:30 time in the water.

Bike

I had a little something to prove as I headed out on the bike. I was upset about being a good ten minutes off my goal swim time so I took it out on the bike and attempted to “make it up”. I only had heart rate as I did not want to spend wasteful time checking my watch and dealing with computers. I did end up with a HR in the high 140s so I was a little above range while pushing as I did for the Covington Century which was the first time I really proved what I can do on a bike. It turned out ok for Covington so I allowed it for Louisville.

The course was beautiful. Nice gradual hill heading over to the loop then rolling hills just like Georgia. It was a little difficult to actually enjoy as the course was crowded. 2000+ athletes were on less than 56 miles of road ways and I was actually trying to follow the drafting rules which ended up making me push even harder because once I got into someone’s drafting range I passed them according to USATs rules.

Every 5 miles rolled rather quickly and I was elated to see that I was just under 18 miles an hour. I started out strong and maybe too strong as I was at 18 miles plus for the first part then slowed down at around mile 60 or 70. I was able to keep my legs but I was looking forward to mile 95 or so as I knew that it was mainly downhill from there but once there my back was achy. I finally made it to the river then to town and was ecstatic with my watch as it said 6:18. I could not believe this. I was thinking 6:30 which I thought would be great but 6:18. I can’t believe that I was capable of that kind of power and speed.

Run

This was the moment, my element. It was time to not mess it up. I sped out of transition and headed out on the run ready to run. I felt good; legs good, stomach good, it was to be a great day. I kept my legs quick and every mile station I properly fueled with gels or salt tabs and water. I could not wait to see my friends. I saw my parents heading out of transition and they looked so proud. Later I saw Amy and Christy and they too were excited. More importantly I was excited. I was executing a run that was text book, high cadence, good fluid intake, and no stomach issues.

The race was on. Around mile 4 I was passing a pro female who was on her mile 16. We kept going back and forth as I stopped at water stops and she kept moving forward but soon after a water break I passed again. I focused on the people in front and aimed to pass each one all the way to downtown Louisville.

Finish Line

I could hear it, I could feel it. Heading into town again I missed my parents and friends but the crowd became my friend. The last few blocks of an ironman marathon is amazing and that moment is undeniably the moment that makes all the hours count. As I ran through the crowd and passed the Ford tire and through the finish chute the moment was mine, I owned it and I took it.

Post Race

Before this race I thought that the training was too much and that ironman is not meant to be a yearly event. But afterwards I have decided that its part of me. It’s who I am. So soon after the race I have decided that one I would do Ironman Az. I am glad that Bill and Amy have said that they too would embark on this journey as well. I have also decided that I am going to go for Kona. I know that it is going to take some time to get to point where I would be top 3 in my age group but I want to put in the hours and dedication to reach Kona. This means lots of time on the bike and of course morning masters so that I can for once learn to swim like a swimmer. I am capable so why not pursue the epic goal of going to Hawaii where it all started. I am thinking luckily number seven. As Ironman started in 1977 by a bunch of crazy fouls and I was born this same year. Also Bill also quotes a piece of research that states that triathletes get better for 7 years in their quest for athleticism. In the meantime, I am going to get married to Bill who is my best friend, training confidant and life partner so that we can pursue greatness in life together.

IM Moo! Getting to the finish line.

Ironman Wisconsin Race Report
September 7th, 2008
Madison, Wisconsin

Race Day Temp:
Low to Mid 70s, sunny, blue ski’s- great Ironman weather

Time:
Swim 1:17:12
Bike 7:23:11
Run: 4:18:15
43 out of 112 in age group
Overall time 13:14:54

Race Prep
Bill and I arrived in Madison, Wisconsin on Thursday morning. We quickly found the hotel and Monona Terrace which would be home base for the next few days. Check in went smoothly but it was then that the threat of ironman sunk in and I found with experience that I get real quite, controlling and want to keep things real simple and Bill handed this well. After check in Bill and I found lunch in downtown Madison then proceeded to drive the bike course. Not able to practice some turns as it was cold (55 degree’s) and raining. The course was beautiful and looked like a fun route to ride. Beautiful farm lands mixed with hills with lush trees. It was raining and we only saw one person riding with a car following for protection.
With the rain I was nervous that Sunday would be similar so went shopping and wanted to buy all new gear but my sensible side stepped up and I stuck with arm warmers and a pre-race cap. I nervously checked the weather two/three times a day thinking that this may change the race day weather outcome.
My family rolled in on Friday afternoon. It was great to have them as they broke through my nerves. We met up at their hotel before the Friday night banquet. I wonder what they thought about what an ironman is and what it means. At the banquet the standard ironman video played and Mike Riley rallied the crowd with his excitement about becoming an ironman. Paula Newby -Fraser spoke about becoming a sophomore ironman which was what I was about to attempt.

Race morning
Woke up at 4:45am after a fairs nights sleep but did have trouble falling asleep as we just watched a war movie that did not help with my nerves. Had an ensure through out the night and another when I woke, which was much better than trying to get in solids with a turning stomach. We were at the shuttle by 5:15am which took all of the athletes and family members to the race start through out the morning. My nerves were good as I set my items in the special needs box, got body marked then found an indoor bathroom which was much better than a port-a-potty experience.
Bill and I headed over to the swim start. The race officials were trying to get all of the athletes into the water for the mass start. I never did get to see my family before starting as they were still heading over when I needed to get into the corral. I went ahead and proceeded into the lake and once my feet touched water the national anthem played but we were suppose to keep heading into the water to let 2300+ people into position.
I had a few minutes before 7am to ensure that I was in the position behind a dense crowd but inline for the first buoy and time to reflect a little about the day ahead.

Swim
This open water ironman swim start in Lake Monona served as the initial battle ground for would be ironman triathletes. Funny we talk so much about safety, courtesy and camaraderie but when the cannon goes off it’s a dog eat dog world in the water.
As with CDA 2007 I was hit, kick, and tossed around but this time I was a little more use to it. Going into the race my goal was to stay in the draft and swim next to each of the buoys. I pretty much accomplished that. I actually swam so close to the buoys that I hit most of them. At each turn around the crowd was dense and at two of them I checked my watch and was excited about my pace.
I made it out of the water excited and the crowd made it even more exhilarating. T1 was a blast as I knew the race was on!

Bike
It was a beautiful course and I spent a long time enjoying the scenery. I certainly got my money’s worth of the tour of southern Madison’s farm country. By the way IM Moo is an appropriate name for this event.
I set my goal for two things. One to take less breaks and two to push hopefully keeping a speed of ~16 miles per hour with a HR in upper zone 2/zone 3. I did take less breaks. I made it to mile 30 before a bathroom break and then again at mile 70. This was much better than last year as I toured every rest spot thinking I was going to vote on the best. I did have some trouble with my stomach for the first 20+ miles and only drank water during this time. Then I was able to start with pretzels, then gels, then infinite. I was planning to push the second lap more than the first since my stomach was better but it was real windy so even though my effort went up the wind pushed me back. I did finish the ride off feeling good except for my always sore shoulders and upper back but that was expected.
T2 went quick and I was ready to run.

Run
Like a dog would say…. Running, my favorite thing. It was time to see if I could run 26.2 miles for only the second time in my life. First time with CDA2007 and second with IM Moo…
Right out of transition I actually got to see my family for the first time that day. Everyone cheered and it was great to give my Grandma who later I learned had been out all day and my Mom and Jack taking pitchers as usual and Bill happy and excited to see me running off the bike.
I felt great! My first mile was an 8:30 pace and repeated that for the second. I actually made myself slow down as I was afraid of repeating what happen in Macon Rock and Roll earlier this season (first mile at 7:30 which resulted in my stomach shutting down). The next few miles were just under a 10 min pace which was good for the first lap as I wanted to negative split the marathon. I was drinking fine and looked forward to what felt like frequent water stops- good sign. My first lap was just over 2 hrs and I intended to do the second faster or the same as the first. I saw the family again heading out for the second lap after stopping at special needs by the finish line thus I was hearing Mike Reilly call out new or repeat ironmen.
On the second loop I ran into Sarah Heaton, who is great cyclist and strong athlete. I stupidly tried to offer some unsolicited advice to run rather than walk, if possible. I spent the rest of the run wishing I kept my mouth shut and simply say “look good” as we never know what others are going through on the race course. I was also thinking that I better keep running so that I can stay in front of her as she was the only one I knew on the course and it was fun to finish in front as long as all are abled bodied.
I did slow down a bit. I allowed my self to walk the second part of each hill and walk through about half of the rest stops. I felt ok, but fatigue was setting in, and with 7 or so miles to go I started drinking coke then started with coke and chicken broth at a few stops. I skipped the last 3 all together as my stomach was done and I just wanted to finish.
State Street was magnetic. I could hear the crowd from a distance and saw a bunch as cheering fans including Amy Amlicke who was there to sign up for next year and the couple that I met after Bills race at IM Louisville. During my finial run along state street I started to spirit and got all raring to go for the finish. It was a little early as I had to run the long way around the capital towards the finish. Once the crowed thicken I raced to the finish and before no time I hit the black finishing ribbon cutting in front of a women heading in with her child and just behind another gentlemen.
Last year Mike Reilly already told me I was an ironman as this was my second ironman finish so I knew I could do the distance. Regardless the quest for the finish includes the need to suppress all sane thoughts to slow down or stop and not doing so results in a sort of suffering and enduring this pain is a triumphant feat. It proves the mind is stronger than the body and rewards are priceless when they result from sacrifice.

Post Race
My catcher was wonderful and took me for my finish line photo then right over to Bill. He made sure I walked to keep the blood flowing and had warm cloths for me to ensure I stayed warm. My family found me and we engaged in chatting about the event and talking timeless photos.

I am so lucky to be able to complete a sport I love and have loved ones there to enjoy the journey. Thank you to Bill, Mom, Dad, IronGrandma and Jack! The finish line would not be the same without their smiles.

Ironman Coeur D’Alene – June 24th, 2007

The Journey:

An Ironman starting line is goes deeper than the thousands of athletes that stand there waiting and wondering. Every athlete brings their story, their journey with determination and perseverance on their way to the finish line. This is what makes Ironman so special and this is why each of us want to share their story in the form of a race report along with endless chatter to anyone who will listen. My journey began without a real goal to finish an Ironman. Unlike others standing next to me I did not grow up watching Kona on NBC news, I never watched Julie Moss as a child and as of 14 months ago never had big plans to complete an Ironman. I simply thought it sounded like a good idea because a bunch of others decided that they wanted to complete one and I jumped on board for a journey I had no idea about what it looked liked or felt liked. I did however liked the idea of the structure and dedication an Ironman training schedule demanded and I enjoy going for long bike rides and morning masters plus I love to run. Prior to signing up for Ironman I had never ran more than 10 miles, I had done one century ride which was the weekend of CDA 2006 and I typically swam 2500 or so yards in a swim session. I knew my lack of experience with these disciplines would hinder me greatly but being the stubborn yet determine person I am I knew I could over come the fact that I was starting from behind. All I had since deciding that I would sign up was the fact I wanted to finish although I secretly had bigger dreams other than just finishing I also wanted to do well especially after a friend said “go in with the expectation just to finish” I did not really understand that at the time and wanted more. I originally set out to travel along this journey with the 24 week to Ironman published by the Ironman Corporation but soon enough Lee, Andrew and others convinced Carole Sharpless to train us as a group. At first I was not sure about the extra cost but with the advise of a mentor and the feeling in my guy I decided to go along with the Sharpee plan and boy am I glad I did. She kicked off Ironman training by stating that Ironman is NOT Funman or Easyman or Partyman she made it clear that it was hard work, long hours and would take a lot out of us. I knew it was going to take dedication and I was in, absolutely whole heartily in and I could not wait for the journey to unfold.

Ironman training started with getting our aerobic threshold (AT) done on the bike and on the run. I did my bike AT with Coach Chris and after it was done he made it very clear that my weakness starting out with Ironman training would be my aerobic ability. Boy did that hit me in the face. My aerobic ability? Isn’t that what Ironman is all about is our aerobic ability to produce energy? I went for my first ride using his heart rate recommendations and average 12 miles per hour on Columns drive (a flat road) with a HR near 120. Then we had our AT test for the run with Carole Sharpless followed by a post testing meeting to discuss what these numbers meant. At this meeting I learned that Chris had recommended a HR too high and Carole wanted mine between 105 and 115! So then I went for a ride on the Silver Comet with her recommendations and oh my gosh I averaged 11 miles per hour. That would be about 10 hours to complete 112 miles and I would not even make the cut off!! With that I went on a long ride every Tuesday morning with a fellow CDA Sharpie Heather Trainer and went on the long rides every weekend per our training schedule. I never missed a ride and went to Caroles windtrainer classes. All though Oct, Nov and Dec and even into Jan I averaged between 11-13 miles per hour on flat courses. I was beginning to get scared because I was not seeing this working. Well starting in Jan a stepping stone crossed my training path and finally I was starting to pick it up a little I noted averages in the 14s and sometimes even 15mph for a period of time. Then Carole watched my breathing during a zone 3 set in her windtrainer class and suggested I re-establish my zones using physiology verse testing. At my next ride I kicked my zones by 15 points which seemed right with the amount of effort and breathing. Within in the next month or so things on the bike progressed I became stronger and rode with more power in a low heart rate.

Training for the long run off the bike was the fun part. I was never really a runner but enjoy it altogether. My aerobic capacity was fine on the run and I had a great running group comprised of the current TNT marathon group during their Wednesday night run that went rain, freezing rain and dark. Training for the long run was also fun when I went home and enjoyed Hitchcock woods, runs around Druid Hills/Morningside, Kennasaw mountain and during my family winter cruise.

Last summer I burnt out on morning masters about a month before Beast of the East (an half Ironman) so I made a calculated decision to start morning masters in January instead of October. I do enjoy going for a morning swim once I am there and in the water but it was hard on most mornings getting up early day after day. I tended to have no trouble on Wednesdays and one other day of the week but to get three swims in took some willpower. For the most part I did it but only from Jan-June.

Expectations:
Prior to Ironman I really had no idea what to expect. I felt good, I felt that I was well prepared and ready to race as I had a great time at St. Anthony’s and Gulf Coast. Of course my number one goal was to finish. I was not going to do anything stupid to hinder that goal. But being the over achiever that I am I had to set out some other goals. My goals included staying focused as I tend to let my mind wonder and lose concentration. I did not want fear to get in my way. Of course I was afraid. I was afraid my stomach would cramp up and not let go, I was afraid of getting seriously kicked or punched, I was afraid of crashing and most of all I was afraid of not finding the will to keep going if things got really bad.
Other goals included staying in the draft of the swim, technique during the swim and bike, keeping up with nutrition, smiling and having fun but in the end not to quit.
Prior to race day I was getting a little cocky and full of myself as I did pretty well during my training races so it was a good thing when my mentor Brian Rell reminded me of the importance to put no other pressure on myself during the race with the exception to simply finish and another mentor Andrew Bell gave the advice to have fun out there and he put it out there that this could me my only Ironman.





Pre Race day:
The week leading up to Ironman was so exciting. I hung out with so many of my good friends including going to Columns for an easy ride with fellow teammates and friends who where training for other races. Later I had breakfast with Brian Rell which was great. We talked about what all this means and how important it was to keep my head together. My good friend Carolyn came for the weekend where she kept me distracted and kept things real while we chilled in Virginia-Highland. Sunday I swam at Emory Masters with Carolyn, Tracy and David and later we enjoyed a great brunch. My finial workouts felt great and I was ready. It was so nice to be able to rejoice in ability to be ready for an Ironman starting line.

Once in Coeur D’Alene I enjoyed hangin’ out in a beautiful house in Hayden which was along the bike route. Myself and four other future Ironman newbys enjoyed the piece and quite of a beautiful lake house. Ironman week was great with morning swims with the Sharpie group, team meetings, finial workouts and race day prepping.

My wonderful family made their way to Idaho on Saturday afternoon were we busily got them set up to volunteer at bike aid station #3 and check in my bike and transition bags. Later that day after finding my Dad’s old friend Joe Stacks and his wife Rochelle we sat around the deck at the Hayden House talking about everything regarding training and racing but mostly Joe shared his experiences regarding Ironman Canada

Race Morning:
I woke up feeling great. I slept well as I was still convinced that my body had no idea what to expect that day. I did have to be careful with eating my breakfast as I did not want to eat too fast for fear that I would loss breakfast even before the race started. I had so much fun driving to the race site with my sisters. We listened to Coach Carole’s CD that she put together for each person on the team. We quickly found a parking place and I was off getting body marked and setting up my bike nutrition. I helped a girl tape on gels on her handle bars and boy for the sake of race karma I hoped it worked out for her. After dropping off my special needs bags I was off to meet my parents and Joe prior to the swim start. I proceed to finish up with my skin care and putting on the wet suit. I did not feel nervous at all as I had no idea what to expect. Soon enough pre-race photos with my family were done and I was off to head towards the swim start and I quickly found Brent Johnson and we found Amy, Lee, Sarah, Kate, Kristy, Nancy, Heather and others all waiting and wondering for the moment of truth as we heard that due to the wind and waves we actually had the option to do a duathlon instead of bearing the rigorous waters.


Ironman Swim- 2.4 mile in Lake CDA
At the starting line I brought the ability to swim 2.4 miles. I had the endurance I had the will but I grossly underestimated Ironman. I quickly knew that Ironman is not just about endurance and will but it’s also about strength and power. Without power I was stuck in the swim crawl that soon began after the cannon fired. I did not have the ability to swim around people and get to free waters as I was stuck almost dog paddling most of the way out to the first buoy. Coming back in was better as the crowd thinned out so I actually was able to use what I learned during my ~3 times a week morning masters program. Getting to the beach was great but I was already a little disoriented as I looked for a non-existent water table and my family in a crowd of thousands. I head out for the second lap which I was looking forward to on the first only to get hit, kicked, swam over and knocked around more than the first lap. I started to swim away from the crowd a little and ended up hitting the Ford advertisement cement buoy with my head. After which my sighting was way off and ended out way away from any crowd and with three kayaks telling me to turn left but I insisted on aiming straight for the orange turn buoy that I hit dead on. The way back was better as far as swimming was concerned but by that time I had been in the water for over an hour and a half. I was beaten up by other swimmers, in a washer machine of a lake, swallowed about a gallon of lake water and as a result cold, nauseated and disoriented heading into T1.

I got out of the water and saw my time of 1:36. I was disappointed but did not really care because the swim was done. The most dreaded part of Ironman for most people was behind me and happy to have competed it for better or worst. On my way to the swim to bike transition a volunteer saw me and pointed me in the direction of the hot tub. I did not really want to stop and sit around in a hot tub but I did anyways because I was cold and so disoriented that I did not know where the change tents were located. Stupidly I only stayed for a few minutes. I should have stayed longer and had a drink of something other than lake water and let my stomach settle.

I headed into the change tent with the guidance of awesome volunteers. My change tent volunteer helped me get into my bike gear and ensured that I had everything. Without her I would have forgotten something or spent twice as long as I still was not in the mental capacity to think clearly.

Ironman Bike:

I headed out on the bike cold, still disoriented, and shivering. The first 10 miles I shivered so hard that I was sure that I was using more energy this way then pedaling my bike. I was still nauseated so I was not able to eat much or drink much for the first 20 miles. As of mile 20 I had eaten 3 pretzels (15 calories total) and 3 sips of water. I was scared as I knew how important nutrition was to completing a 14 hour day. I decided to stop altogether at mile marker 20 and try to puke, go to the bathroom or figure out what ever I needed to do to feel better. One girl suggested ice chips and banana’s which I started out trying then I saw Heather Furr volunteering and asked for suggestions. She recommended a salt tab and giving it another 30 minutes before getting too worried. I took all of this advice and headed out again on the bike. I continued to take it easy as my number one priority was to get my stomach to untie and start taking in food and water.

By the time I hit mile marker 30 which, by the way was where my family was volunteering, I felt better. I stopped next to my sisters and filled my aero bottle and chit chatted with them a little. After which I was ready to roll so the race for me started at mile 30. I was still way behind on nutrition and fluids so I decided to take it at a comfortable HR of 130 bmp which is low zone 2 so that I would be better able to absorb.

At this point I was rolling, smiling and enjoying the attention from the crowd. I never knew how well I could climb hills as I was busy eating a cookie going up hill and passing people right and left. One girl was talking about how nice a “granny gear” was and I passed her as I was agreeing with her statements while she noticed that I did not have a “granny gear” and a little upset might I add. I also spent some time talking with another first time soon to be Ironman who was also surprised how much fun 112 miles could be after a swim and before a run. As I approached town around mile 90 or so I was upset that the day was almost over and starting thinking about my next Ironman. I wondered if I was ready for Placid or should I get some experience with Louisville. I finished the ride still able to ride more but instead I needed to head in for the marathon.

Ironman Run:
Going into the run I knew that this was were I was going to make up time and finish strong. I felt surprising well and headed out to a supportive crowd. Of course my legs were a little heavy as I did just complete 112 miles on the bike but I was actually able to run. I quickly saw Carole who came running up to me excited that I was soon to be an Ironman. The course was cool, beautiful and filled with athletes either on their first or second lap. I saw many of my friends/ training buddies every mile or two starting with Amy who looked strong but working hard but her efforts paid off as she ended up qualifying for Kona as a result of her talent and effort.

Overall the run went better than I could image but it was not all fun. Later my stomach got to me again and I had to figure out how to fight nausea. I ran into Carole and asked how best to handle my stomach and of course she suggested that I puke but I was unable.
Soon enough I discovered chicken broth which was my saving grace as I was done with gels, cliff shots and electrolyte drinks.

The last 7 or so miles were great. When I saw mile marker 22 I realized that I had never ran that far in my life prior to this day. I decided to walk up the hill shortly after as I did on the first lap since those running were not going much faster. Coming down the hill I knew it was in the bag I just needed to not bonk and I would be fine. I ended up talking to a lady after walking one of the water stops were she told me about Ironman Utah and how she had the opportunity to go to Kona twice we walked up another hill together but after wards I ran all the way to the finish. Once I turned the corner and saw the big black arch I started to cry.

Finish Line:
The last road to the finish line was all downhill and filled with crowds cheering as if I was winning this thing. It was the most incredible site ever. I had the crowd to my self and felt good about pumping up my arms and getting the crowd going. I saw my family and my friend Joe Stacks and felt good about finishing strong. I have no idea what Mike Riley said at the finish line but I knew I was an Ironman.

Post Race:
Again the volunteer that walked me from the finish and helped me receive finishers gear was great. She led me to my family who were so excited and I hoped inspired. I was so lucky to have others to share this moment. I felt great as we took photos and rejoiced in the moment. The most important thing that I learned from Ironman training is people first; racing and training always fall behind people. It is so important to have people to rejoice with and share in the good and the bad but more important as I learned to be there in their challenges. .

I finished Ironman cheering on others that started this journey that day and with those who we traveled together over the past 9-12 months. Each and every finisher brought with them a dream with sacrifices that lead to a triumphant ending and it was awesome to see this joy and tears in their eyes as they saw the starting line to a life as an Ironman.