Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

Of course I was very nervous but I was also excited. I was so happy that I wasn't scared to jump in the river. I volunteered Louisville last year and the river scared me. I had just started swimming at that time and I was still scared of any open water. So I felt I had already made a huge step just in starting this race and not being scared of the water. I was also very happy to jump in and start the swim with my brother Jason and friend Phil. I loved the swim. I thought it was fun! I loved swimming under the bridges and I don't know why...I just thought it was cool. I thought about how many times I had driven over one of those bridges and wondered if I could really do the swim! Then I was in the water actually doing the swim!! I couldn't believe when I got to the swim finish and I turned to look back at the river and there were lots of swimmers! WOW! Then they announced my name as I ran to transition and I felt like I was in a dream. I know my swim was slow...but if you only knew how I swam even 6 months ago...wasn't pretty. It was great having friends and family yell for me and cheer me on! I was thinking wow...I did the swim...now the bike...I can do this..I will do this!!

Swim faster!!

I know I took a long time...just wanted to be sure of everything...and I did have to use the bathroom!

Quicker transition.

I loved running out of transition with my bike and my sons and one of my sons good friends were there yelling for me. They yelled my signature battle cry (one I use at soccer and hockey games and concerts lol) and I yelled back. So that was a great start to the bike! I really am a weak biker so I was worried about possibly not finishing. As I crossed the railroad tracks on the way out of town I started to tear up because I remember volunteering in that spot last year and encouraging the bikers and I just couldn't believe I was really on the course doing and Ironman!! Then I laughed to myslef and said don't cry...that will add to dehydration! So on I went with a smile! I loved the devil on the hill...he asked for some loving so I gave him a 5! I also loved the drummer on the edge of La Grange...he yelled IRON WOOO MAN!! So funny! Then I had friends and family yelling for me both times through La Grange! That was awesome! I started seeing lots of people on the side of the road..so I looked at my time and decided to be more conservative. I was thinking that I wanted to be an Ironman and it didn't matter what time I finished I would still be an Ironman if I finished before 17:00. I didn't want to be one on the side of the road. I didn't really want to eat my peanut butter/jelly sandwich but I made myself. In a couple of the aid stations I took water to drink and also squirted it on myself. Was so happy to get to special needs so I could get a drink of ice cold Mountain Dew! Also 2 chocolate chip cookies!! AWESOME!! Then someone sprayed sunscreen on me and it was so cold...felt heavenly! From mile 90 to 100 it felt like 50 miles...I thought I was never going to see the 100 mile sign. Then from mile 100 back to transition that felt like another 50! But I made it back to transition and I hear 2 familiar voices! I look up and it is 2 of my friends I teach with..they didn't tell me they were coming so it was a total suprise! They even had a sign made for me! They were yelling that they were so proud of me and that I was going to be an Ironman! It gave me a huge boost!!

I think I just sat there some thinking I can't believe I only have the run left!

Not just sit there.

Well off to the run with friends and family encouraging me! Lee and Jaimee were waiting for me when I ran off the bridge. They were telling me how good I was doing..they even said I looked good! lol I'm running down the street and my friend Julie finds me and runs beside me for a little bit talking to me. She said she walked some with my brother when he came by. Next I see Brad and the boys...they go with me for a little bit. Then I am off. I keep seeing lots of people on the side of the road...scary...so I decide to walk fast...I start thinking...I'm still far away...I don't want to be on the side of the road...I want to be an Ironman!! On my 2nd loop my friend Julie finds me again...I said something to her about...what if..what if I don't get finished... and then she used my own words that I tell her (she is training for a mini). Go to a place in your mind...stay in the moment...you will do this! Stay focused! She said that is what you always tell me! So that was a pick me up! Brad and the boys ran with me a bit again. On the way back in Keaton my youngest was waiting for me. He ran/walked with me...then Cameron and his friend Logan joined us...Logan dropped back so my nephew stayed with him. Cameron and Keaton kept moving with me. They started to talk about food...I made them stop...I couldn't think of food! But I was enjoying the chicken broth and coke on the run!! They were so excited that I was going to be an Ironman! Brad (my husband) joined us too. When I got to the last turn before the finishers chute my dad was on that corner yelling for me. Everyone dropped off and I went on! They were trying to make it to the finish to see me! The finish was more than awesome! So many people cheering the finishers on!! I was so happy...I don't even know what song was playng but I did hear Mike Reilly say Amy Voegerl, Columbus, Indiana, YOU are an IRONMAN!!! Incredible!!! All my friends and family were waiting for me. Brad and my Dad didn't make it back so quick!! Lots of hugs and lots of pictures!! Woo Hoo!! I'm an Ironman! Would never have been here without the coaching and encouragement of my Ironman brother!!

Maybe not be so conservative...I felt pretty good.

Right away my husband and sons were changing their shirts! Brad's shirt said My wife is an ironman...and the boys shirts said my mom is an ironman. That was a fun surprise for me!! Well they had lots of faith in me. They said they had those shirts made a week before the race! Talked to my friends, family, my Ironman brother, my little nephew, my parents, my sister her husband niece and nephews. Went to get food..took one bite..yuck..didn't taste good. Went to wait for a friend that was in medical. After he was dismissed finally got back to hotel. The shower felt soooo good!!


The volunteers were awesome! I thought this was a great race! Of course it was my first full. I can't wait to come back and give it a go again next year!!