It turns out that I would learn more from this Half Ironman then any other race I've ever done. On the night before the race, I was unable to walk without pain in my left foot. I spoke to my coach and we discussed doing the swim and bike portion of the race and pulling from the run. I have never DNFed any race I have started. I was brought to tears as I considered this, but knew it might come true. Afterall, I was having a hard time walking the two blocks to dinner, let alone 13 miles.
Race Morning: We got up early and started the breakfast routine and gathering of items. We would be putting everything in backpacks and riding our bikes to the start. It was down the hill about a mile. I felt completely rushed by the girls I was staying with but was trying to make the best of it. We made the start down the hill. We got to the transition area with about two hours to race start. I love transition area on the morning of a race. The energy that is present there, is like no where else. I had put my timing chip into the pressure point in my calf and covered it with compression socks which made me able to walk. It was a relief! I started the day thinking, I would be able to finish this race.
Swim: It was so cold on race morning. I didn't want to take the layers of clothing off and put on my wetsuit, but I finally gave in. I put gloves on my feet to keep them warm. The swim start went well, but as we turned around the turn around the sun was blinding. I made my way through traffic back to the finish. I ended up with a time of 33 minutes. Two minutes slower then last year, but the 24th fastest women out of the water.
I spent an eternity in transition. REALLY.. my time was 11 minutes. This is not something laughable... its just not right. AND as I look back. I have no idea what I was doing that whole time. I didn't even put on socks!!!
Bike: Out onto the bike course I went. This was a familiar ride for me, as I raced it last year. The course felt good to my legs and it was speedy. There was more wind then last year. At mile 30 of the course there is a steep climb. I was rolling along the aid station just before the big hill and had just filled up with water and gatorade. SO half way up the monster of a hill, I decided to get rid of the water weight. I stopped my bike and dumped all the water out of the aerobottle. The end result was I couldn't get back on my bike to go up the hill because the hill was so steep. I had to walk my bike to a place where I could start perpendicular to the hill. This is such a rookie mistake!! The rest of the bike ride was pretty uneventful. I had "Human" by the Killers stuck in my head. And.. I was just cranking along enjoying the beautiful views and the wonderful vibe.
T2: I got into T2 and was starving for oreos. Such a weird thing to crave during a race. I found Chips Ahoy in my backpack and started eating them. I should also mention that with about two miles to go on the bike, I took 800 mg of ibproufen to ensure I would be able to run. I left T2 and I felt pretty strong. I started running and the pain started up my left leg again. As I went through the unexpected sand portion of the course I started walking. At first, I thought I would be able to run/walk. But the more I ran, the more my leg hurt and I was worried about the duration of the 13 miles. SO... I started walking and reminding myself to keep my head held high. I made it this far and I would finish. When you walk... you have lots of time to think. Thinking is not so good in a race. You think about all the things you could've done different to make this a better day. I was so slow in walking that I saw all my teammates run facing me on the out and back course and then pass me. Many gave me high 5's. Green even fnished the race before I finished walking my first loop. And my BFF almost caught me to do the same. As I was at mile 5, I saw my friend WJ and he gave me a BIG hug. I started sobbing! I never wanted this race to end up that way. I walked to the turnaround and then again onto the course. I was half way and trying to figure out how long I had been out here and if I would make the cutoff in time. I ran into Flyboy at about mile 8. He said he would walk with me for a while and chit chat. This is a blessing because last year Flyboy was my lil buddy on the run. I picked him up on a lawnchair at mile 3 and we did the rest of the race together. SO... he and I walked. And I told him all about the characters I met out there today, my swollen fingers, and my concern about finishing in time. He was reassuring me the whole way. And even teased that my walking was making him sweat. What a great guy!!!! We went together for about 5 miles. And then, we got to the place where Flyboy parked his car. I bid him goodbye.. and continued the walk home to the finish. As we walked over the bridge to finish, all these people had their gear and their medal and were on their way home. Talk about being out there a long time!!! One women suggested that I start to run.. I'm pretty sure I gave her the "you must be kidding look". I did do a little jog going into the finish chute. I was so emotional, pumping my fist and crying. It had been a rough day for me, but somehow I managed to stick it together and finish. I finished 25 minutes slower then that year before. This isn't a good marker however... because I cut my foot open the year before!
I ended up with some battle scars... really bad blisters on both my feet and a terrible sunburn. I did walk away knowing... that I am stronger then I believe I am and alot more tough mentally.
Thank you to all of you who followed my online.
Jen
This weekend was wonderful! It didn't go as planned, but it went so much better then I had planned. The original plan, leave early Saturday morning and drive to Fireman's park to ride a loop of the IMMOO course. We got there Saturday morning and during the "Prebike" Chit Chat there was thunder, lightning, and a deluge of water coming from the sky. We attempted to ride out twice but after looking at the radar decided breakfast was a better idea! After breakfast we made the drive to the Cabin in Wautoma, WI. Ludster and I got to the cabin midday took a nap and ate again and then the FUN started.
