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.