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| Dad & I. Picking up race packet |
I survived! Almost 2 weeks ago (already!), I completed Ironman Wisconsin, in Madison. When I crossed the finish line, I was overwhelmed by exhaustion, happiness, relief...I was finally done! The lead up to the race & my training had been exhausting, both mentally and physically. I'm not sure why training for this race was harder than my last one. One theory is that I had a training buddy for my last race, where I didn't this one. I did a lot of long bike rides and runs by myself. And, where sometimes, it's nice to go out by myself, I think I didn't realize how much I looked forward to training with my friend and how much I depended on her, and honestly, enjoyed training with her. I'd heard from many people that this race course (bike) was beautiful and the race in general was top notch. So, between my exhaustion and anticipation, I was ready for the race to start (and end!).
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| Swimming in Lake Monona |
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| Yes, all those "splashes" are people! I'm somewhere in the mayhem. |
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| Mom & Dad waiting for me to finish biking |
Swim
I didn't panic at all, not once. This is HUGE for me. I've panicked in the swim in every single triathlon I've ever done, regardless of my training. In reality, I was a better
swimmer (not necessarily faster!) than a lot of the athletes. So, I got
stubborn & wasn't going to let them scare me (or hit me or drowned
me, as in my nightmares!). I concentrated on my
breathing and every few strokes, looked up for the buoy. I was touched
and swum over and was able to keep cool. The course was a huge rectangle
(1 loop), so the backside, farthest from the shore, was a mile and
seemed long. People afterward mentioned a current against us, but I couldn't
really tell, it just seemed long.
Bike
I think just about the entire race passed me on my bike!
Really. I didn't think I was that slow, but I guess I am! I didn't let
it bother me though, I just wanted to finish, I knew if I started
"racing," it was going to be a long day. I didn't quite keep to my
nutrition plan, but I did eat and drink (maybe too much, see below),
knowing I had to fuel for the bike and the run. I was able to stay
positive and in-the-moment during the bike. Towards the end, it did get a
little long and I just wanted to be done. The course was hilly, but
really beautiful. There was a headwind, which did get tiresome, and I
think took a wear on me mentally and physically. I just tried to
keep positive and concentrate on the next turn where I'd get out of the
wind.
Run
Until about mile 16, I felt pretty good on the run. I ran
slowly and walked through the aid stations. Miles 11-16 felt really
good; I felt I was getting into a rhythm. Then I started to get stomach
cramps and had to use several (seemed like every one) porta potties. I
walked at least 4 miles. I couldn't keep anything in me at this point
and was feeling a little light headed. But, I still knew I'd finish. I
just really couldn't wait to finish by this point. I'm not sure if I
overate during the bike or I under-ate during all of my training
rides...Or, if I just cannot do solid food in events like this. If I do
another, I might try liquid nutrition.
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| Still feeling pretty good here. |
Overall, I was able to stay positive and kept telling myself I
can do this. It really helped me to have my family there, though I felt
badly they had to wait so long for me to finish. But, I just kept
reminding myself how lucky I was to be there and my family there with
me. I was able (physically, financially) to participate, and I would get
through it.
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| Done! |
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| Finish line in the daylight |
After the race, I headed to MN for some R&R. And I did nothing! It was so nice to see friends & family and take some time to regroup.
During training, I told myself I wouldn't do another race like this...I think I've started to rethink that...though I haven't signed up for anything just yet!
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I went down to Monterey and Carmel for the fourth of July. The weather was warm--"warm" like it is in SF, so it was good I had my layers. But the scenes, beaches, houses, golf courses, shopping were fun way to spend the day.
Happy Father's Day to the greatest--fixer, maker, trouble-shooter, griller, tear-drier, advice-giver, knows how to make me laugh like no one else--Dad I could ask for. I love you Dad!
I am so lucky! My mom is such a wonderful example of a woman, mother, and friend. Without her, I don't know where I'd be today. She doesn't always agree with me and my choices (she'd be the first to agree), but she always has my back. She's there to dry my tears when things don't go well, and she's there to high-five and cheer when things turn out. She listens, she gives advice, she laughs & cries with me. I am so so lucky to have her.
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