IMMOO Camp '09

After a long weekend of workouts on the WI course.. I have learned many new things. It was a great weekend spent with Legs,M, V, and McD. We started with a swim in the most algae part of Lake Monona. I was repeating.. you're a sea monster over and over again to calm myself. Then there was the 85 mile bike ride. Two loops of the Ironman WI course along with getting lost in Verona. AND on Sunday we ran the course once. I, in typical fashion, got lost. BUT.. ran 10 miles anyway and learned where the course is now. The weekend ended with a run/foot analysis and new running shoes.

What did I learn?
* Dr. Pepper at mile 55ish of the bike course tasted MIGHTY TASTY but was not on my nutrition plan.
* Honey Stinger Energy Gels....A GU I will finally eat and enjoy!
* The rides and knowledge I learned from the girls in Phoenix follows me everywhere. I appreciate them taking me in as a newbie more and more each day. They are GREAT!
* Glide does really work when you run long. Sunscreen works too! R-E-A-P-P-L-Y
* Ice baths are the best recovery for my legs.
* The run course follows part of the Crazy Legs race where Tom and I had a BLAST a year ago!
* I need a headlamp for the run.. the lakeshore path is sure to be "dark and scary".
* Strangers can be so kind! A big shout-out to my running partner and my two ride partners for the second loop of the bike. The Ironman community really is a family!
* Getting a second bike fit was the smartest thing I have done in awhile. IT WORKED!

And the number one thing I learned... Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition. To feel as strong as I did, and go as long as I did this weekend... I ate like I meant it. It was what carried me through.

My confidence level from this weekend's camp is sky high. Nothing has made me feel more prepared for this Ironman then going out there this weekend and showing the course what I could offer. Thank you to WIBA for putting on a great weekend! It is much appreciated!