“I had never seen a triathlon in person, let alone participate in one.\u00a0 I was well aware of the physical requirements, but it was hard to truly know what to expect.\u00a0 It turns out that the ‘Ironman experience’ is everything everyone said it would be…and more.<\/p>\n
At about 3 wks out it hit me.\u00a0 I suddenly realized that months of training & preparation were ending & it was finally time to test myself.\u00a0 The small injury I was dealing with as well as a lingering illness had subsided & I felt strong & healthy\u2026everything was coming together.\u00a0 I felt ready.<\/p>\n
I arrived in Tempe, AZ on Thursday, checked in at the Ironman Village & sat through race day orientation.\u00a0 On Friday I walked down to the lake where the swim\/run would happen & I took a quick drive on the bike course.\u00a0 Then it was on to the opening ceremony.\u00a0 On Saturday all I had left to do was drop my bike & gear bags off.<\/p>\n
My alarm went off at 3:30AM Sunday morning.\u00a0 I woke up excited, but calm & started my morning routine.\u00a0 I double-checked my gear bag & got down to the race start at about 5:30AM.\u00a0 The energy was amazing – 2500 athletes as well as thousands of supporters packed the transition & surrounding areas!\u00a0 I did a quick check on my bike, added a little food to my gear bags & then began to put on my wetsuit.\u00a0 Music was blaring & the line for the staggered swim start was building,\u00a0 I felt like I should be nervous…but instead a wave of gratitude washed over me (more on that later)!<\/p>\n
The water was cold; the swim start was chaotic.\u00a0 The water temperature must have shocked many swimmers because I saw quite a few athletes holding onto buoys & kayaks to catch their breath.\u00a0 It took me quite a while to break through the initial congestion & find some open water.\u00a0 However, once I made it through, it didn\u2019t take me long to relax & find a rhythm.\u00a0 Before I knew it, I could hear familiar voices cheering my name from the shore.\u00a0 Then came Ironman Surprise #1:<\/strong>\u00a0 As I took my first few steps, I discovered my feet were completely numb!<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0 Overall, the bike experience was great!\u00a0 It was fun to see the professional athletes pass by & to see the supporters for the first time.\u00a0 Ironman Surprise #2:<\/strong>\u00a0 The wind!\u00a0 The last 10 miles had a steady climb to the top of a hill…which on its own wasn\u2019t too bad…but when combined with the wind, proved to be a bit of a challenge.\u00a0 Regardless I got it done, even if it took a bit longer than anticipated.<\/p>\n Just a little 26.2-mile run was all that was left between me & the finish line!\u00a0 The run course was very spectator friendly & I had several opportunities to see my awesome support crew.\u00a0 At about Mile 15 I finally felt the fatigue set in.\u00a0 I was actually excited for this moment – the moment when my body would ask me to quit & I\u2019d have to rely on mental fortitude to earn my Ironman.\u00a0 Months of coaching & guidance from Coach Michelle took over & I felt like I was on auto pilot.\u00a0 I never doubted I\u2019d finish!<\/p>\n Finish line & the above-mentioned gratitude\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n I suppose everyone has their reasons for completing an Ironman.\u00a0 When I stood at race start & felt that 1st wave of gratitude, I knew my reason.\u00a0 The best part of my day was seeing my friends & family waiting for me near the finish line.\u00a0 They had been there all day.\u00a0 As I stopped, hugged & thanked all of them, that same feeling of gratitude came over me again – gratitude for such an amazing support group.\u00a0 The whole race up until that point had been for me.\u00a0 But crossing the finish line was for them.\u00a0 They say it takes a village to train for an Ironman.\u00a0 And I absolutely believe that.\u00a0 I could not have done this without all of these awesome people!”<\/p>\n