When the volume was starting to ramp up for Ironman and the weather wasn't all that co-operative for long outdoor rides, I started to question why did I sign up for another Ironman? I had already done 3, I had nothing to prove. Cindy reminded me that we are fortunate because we can do it, whereas so many are not. As well, it is fun! Having Cindy training for IMCdA was great! I picked up some nutrition ideas from her that I incorporated on race day which really helped and she is a strong athlete and that helped to push me on the rides and runs. I haven't been the best at being consistent in my training for the 3 previous Ironman's. This time around I was good at getting the workouts in and the distance. Inevitably, I put pressure on myself of having a time goal for this Ironman which is not realistic, since so much can happen that day that is beyond your control. I had a really good talk with Angie 5 days before the race and I reaffirmed my original goal which was to run the whole marathon - only allow walks thru aid stations. (I hadn't been able to do that in the previous Ironman's.) Couple of other things that Angie said were: On paper I should have a great day and Do the best I can in that moment. I wrote those down and repeated them whenever I started to have doubt. I also listened to the Crucible again and that really helped as well. Couple of points I took from that were: fitness is in the bank, execution is important - slowing down the least; Why am I doing this- want to run the marathon. So the whole day for me was to set myself up to be successful in running the whole marathon. This was the most work and preparation I have ever put into an Ironman.
I came up on Thurs with JoZ. My family was unable to make it because of final exams and work. This was ok, the plan was to have the summer off to spend it with my family and not worry about training for Ironman. Besides regular pre-race nerves, I was quite concerned about the swim. This is not typical of me to worry about the swim, but since the water was so cold - I was worried how I would do on the bike after being in the cold water. Cindy and I swam Friday morning and I was pleasantly surprised! Don't get me wrong - it was cold, but not nearly as cold as I was expecting. Once I knew that, I was good. After the swim I picked up my race package and then went on a short bike to check gears, etc. Took the rest of the day easy and then went to the supper and info meeting, which in my mind was short on info and more just sappy inspirational videos. On Sat, did a short run, packed my bags and took my stuff to transition. Nerves didn't start to bother me til the evening - but if they didn't, I would worry! ;-) I had my pre-race steak and carbs, which works quite well for me! I wasn't feeling all that tired that night, but did fall asleep and got 3 good hours of sleep and then had the restless/light sleep until time to get up. I had pb and honey on toast. JoZ knows me quite well - she checked the garbage to see if I ate most of the crusts (I did!), she had me eat half a banana and then she was happy, for she figured I had eaten enough.
Got to outside of transition, dropped of my special needs bags, saw Cindy and Scott, got body marked. Went into transition, went to my bike gear bag and opened the hotshots and placed them inside my shoes to warm my shoes. Fussed with my bike - pumping tires, worrying if I put enough air and got my nutrition ready. Transition closed at 6:30 and I thought that meant getting in. No! It was to leave transition to go to beach, but they had you standing at the exit for almost a half hour before they let you onto the beach. OK - finally on the beach! Went to the far right (course is counter-clock-wise) and about halfway back or so. Once the horn or cannon sounds - off we go. Finally, I'm doing something, the worrying and anticipation is over and I'm happy! The water wasn't too bad, but I knew my feet and hands will be cold when I get out. Had some contact in the first loop, but not too bad. I swam relatively straight for me, sighted ok and kept myself in an aerobic pace. I was able to breath every 4 strokes (no bilateral breathing) and kept that for the whole time, except when jostled or sighting. Got out of the water to do the second loop - high five Mike Riley (he was in the water announcing). Second loop - started off and stayed very choppy. Where in the heck did these waves come from?!? Coming back was a lot easier, the waves were pushing you back to shore. Once in a while I would get ahead of myself and think about bike and would have to remind myself to stay in the box. I finished the swim with a respectable 1:24:26 considering I hadn't done any open water swims of any sort and it was cold and rough water.
Transition 1 Transitions are where I suck big time and waste free speed and today was no exception. I didn't rehearse in my mind what I was going to do while swimming and it showed. It didn't help that my hands weren't working and once I had help from a volunteer, I got out of there.
Bike - Took it easy at first - as going thru town and lots of turns, one girl wiped out in front of me - I think she clipped a motorcycle - course marshal. Don't know if she continued and finished. Once out of town started sipping diluted Infinit. I was comfortable temp wise on the bike - had toe warmers on bike shoes, long sleeve shirt over tri top (kept shirt on for whole bike) and small knit gloves over bike gloves (took off quite late in the bike). I really can't stand to be cold on the bike, because I expend so much energy to keep warm and then there won't be anything left for the run. I took it really easy - cheesy easy for the first 60k. That included the new part of the bike course - heading SW and climbing most of the way with a head wind! I got passed by many, but I kept reminding myself that my goal was to set myself up so I can run the whole marathon. Another goal was to smile the whole race and to have fun. I did have fun, bopped to the music - either on my bike or on the run. I smiled because if you do, it doesn't hurt as much! I was very happy how my nutrition worked out on the bike. It was easy to get in and had no gut issues. Thank you so much Cindy for that! I took 4 bottles of Infinit for the whole bike ride. I had a banana, gu chomps and a protein bar for the first half and 4 gu gels and some ginger ale on second half. Also took a Gas-X late in the bike, which helped to prevent gut issues. Bike 7:29:29 Was quite ok with that - was a difficult course and windy, but never did I have a low moment on the bike. I was setting myself up for the marathon.
Transition 2 Bit more respectable, but not great 5:29
Run - Had a little trouble getting my Garmin to locate satellites, I thought I had it ready - but wasn't. Saw JoZ on the way out - told her about my Garmin, she told not worry about it and get going. So I did. Not too long after the Garmin connected and was able to see what my pace was. I was feeling pretty good after the bike and was really trying to hold myself back to a very easy pace so I can continue to run the whole marathon. Once I got of town, I saw Cindy and she looked really strong. I also saw other people I have met over the weekend. By the time I was on the run, I would alternate the PowerAde with coke or broth. I always took water as well. Things were going quite well, had a bit of bloaty tummy before the halfway point - so I took a Gas-X and that helped. Got to special needs and had some of my ginger ale - warm, but seemed to help too. Headed to the turn around for the halfway point and started back. There was a bit of an incline and here was the first time I felt I might not be able to run the whole marathon - I went out too fast for the first half. So, did a check - I could keep running as long as I slowed the pace down. Running slowly was better than walking. I also had to remind myself to smile - because it really doesn't hurt as much if you are smiling. I thought as long as I kept an easy pace and hopefully I could pick up the pace on the last 8-10k. I started not to take something every aid station at this point just to give my tummy a rest. I did take some broth and water and that seemed to help. Before I got to the last turn around (~30k), I needed something to get me thru the last bit - this is when I took my only gel on the run - Espresso Love - yummy!! Just what I needed. Didn't take anything for the next 2 aid stations, but I did allow myself to walk those. Once I went down the last big hill, it was good - had 5 miles or 8k to go - just like the Banff Winterstart! That's not bad and I was done with the hill! I had picked up a fellow runner on the hill heading out to the turnaround and Chris helped me keep the pace up for the last 10-12k. Friendly competition is always welcomed for that last push. Coming to the finish line was great - small decline made it easier and the spectators cheering you on was great. I felt strong, try to keep up with Chris, but his long legs beat my short legs! (I had teased him about me being older and shorter and passing him up the hill and that's when he started running with me.) Anyways we congratulated each other at the finish line and thanked for being there to get 'er done! JoZ was at the finish line and she was so happy for me!
So, finish time 14:09:14 - pretty darn good in my books and a PB to boot! 20 minutes PB and that race was Arizona!
I had a great day! I accomplished what I set out to do and that to me was a well executed, successful race. Ironman is often considered as an individual sport, but not to me. The support I get from friends and family is incredible. I can't thank everyone enough for their positive words and encouragement! THANK YOU :-)
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