“I had never seen a triathlon in person, let alone participate in one. I was well aware of the physical requirements, but it was hard to truly know what to expect. It turns out that the ‘Ironman experience’ is everything everyone said it would be…and more.
At about 3 wks out it hit me. I suddenly realized that months of training & preparation were ending & it was finally time to test myself. The small injury I was dealing with as well as a lingering illness had subsided & I felt strong & healthy…everything was coming together. I felt ready.
I arrived in Tempe, AZ on Thursday, checked in at the Ironman Village & sat through race day orientation. On Friday I walked down to the lake where the swim/run would happen & I took a quick drive on the bike course. Then it was on to the opening ceremony. On Saturday all I had left to do was drop my bike & gear bags off.
My alarm went off at 3:30AM Sunday morning. I woke up excited, but calm & started my morning routine. I double-checked my gear bag & got down to the race start at about 5:30AM. The energy was amazing – 2500 athletes as well as thousands of supporters packed the transition & surrounding areas! I did a quick check on my bike, added a little food to my gear bags & then began to put on my wetsuit. Music was blaring & the line for the staggered swim start was building, I felt like I should be nervous…but instead a wave of gratitude washed over me (more on that later)!
The water was cold; the swim start was chaotic. The water temperature must have shocked many swimmers because I saw quite a few athletes holding onto buoys & kayaks to catch their breath. It took me quite a while to break through the initial congestion & find some open water. However, once I made it through, it didn’t take me long to relax & find a rhythm. Before I knew it, I could hear familiar voices cheering my name from the shore. Then came Ironman Surprise #1: As I took my first few steps, I discovered my feet were completely numb!
About 10 min into the bike, I began to feel my toes again & I was excited to see what the next segment of the race would bring. Overall, the bike experience was great! It was fun to see the professional athletes pass by & to see the supporters for the first time. Ironman Surprise #2: The wind! The last 10 miles had a steady climb to the top of a hill…which on its own wasn’t too bad…but when combined with the wind, proved to be a bit of a challenge. Regardless I got it done, even if it took a bit longer than anticipated.
Just a little 26.2-mile run was all that was left between me & the finish line! The run course was very spectator friendly & I had several opportunities to see my awesome support crew. At about Mile 15 I finally felt the fatigue set in. I was actually excited for this moment – the moment when my body would ask me to quit & I’d have to rely on mental fortitude to earn my Ironman. Months of coaching & guidance from Coach Michelle took over & I felt like I was on auto pilot. I never doubted I’d finish!
Finish line & the above-mentioned gratitude…
I suppose everyone has their reasons for completing an Ironman. When I stood at race start & felt that 1st wave of gratitude, I knew my reason. The best part of my day was seeing my friends & family waiting for me near the finish line. They had been there all day. As I stopped, hugged & thanked all of them, that same feeling of gratitude came over me again – gratitude for such an amazing support group. The whole race up until that point had been for me. But crossing the finish line was for them. They say it takes a village to train for an Ironman. And I absolutely believe that. I could not have done this without all of these awesome people!”