Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Hectic start into ice cream headache inducing water.Intermittent rough contact- got swam over , kicked & whacked a bit-but for me the limiter was the cold. I double capped but by the turn to go across to start back I knew I was in trouble- hands got stiffer & stiffer until by the last 1/3rd they wee just claws couldn't close the fingers at all. Calves cramped tight-couldn't feel thighs-then upper arms got heavy, brain was slow..Biggest fear was that body would seize up & they would take me out of the water. Last segment was shivering quite lot..once out of the water was so relieved.but once stripped the suit body just went into mega shiver mode- was walked to the warming tub/tent where I spent ? 15? FRUSTRATING minutes rewarming enough to get control of shakes & MOVE. Very frustrating sitting in the warm water with body freaking out. Volunteers kept saying you sure you want to continue I'm thinking Are you KIDDING me?? I survived the damn swim- after all these months for this day I am going to give up now???Just help me stop shaking so I can get on my bike!!!!

I need to swim faster so I am not in the water so long!
I should have worn neoprene cap & booties, as well as drank warm lix to keep core up right til start..
Wasted precious time both in the water swimming poorly & rewarming.. I can do better!!

Most of transition time was spent in medical tent getting core temp up-sitting in warm tub with another lady shaking with a shower cap on my head! Got up & to the door once but shakes started again & they put me back on a lounge chair with warm packs & a blankie for another 5 min or so..finally able to leave the tent & head for the bike bag!!
did not change clothes- hit the port a pottie & put on cycling stuff & race belt , once on the bike- felt little chilled but GOOD!Had a gel on exit..

Not take forever to warm up..was mentally very tough seeing the race clock on going out on the bike- should have been out on the bike a half hour earlier..spirit was willing but the flesh was weak..! have to research this cold water acclimation stuff..as well as just get my swimming up to a better level- if I swam faster i wouldn't have has as much time to get hypothermic!

Wasnt really sure how to pace so just went with what felt reasonable at the time & tried to stick to nutrition/hydration plan of a bottle of h20 /hr & about 200 calories.Had Gi issues but bearable. Lost gps on 1st loop. ;(Had some disconcerting leg cramping/spasms at a few points that hadn't had before- just tried to keep panic at bay & work thru them & it worked..
It was so motvating to see Mariannne & Max at the turnaround ..felt like a celebrity!!Seeing Tos out at Bike station was awesome..and the rest of the crowd popped up too!The 2nd & 3rd loops had some winds on the way back in..but we were lucky I think from what I've heard they can be.

I think that I may have been able to push it a wee bit more, and I also could be a bit more aggressive when people block etc..I do need a better nutrition source as the belly aches were quite uncomfortable at times.

Didn't rush thru this so could be faster- was having quite a bit of belly distress initially ...made a pit stop.. Took FOREVER to change running sox to compression sox..volunteer really couldn't help ..maybe bodyglide & practice ?or wear them the whole time.? Think they probably were helpful tho- so getting more efficient at changing would be smart.Stuffed nutrition into back pockets & went.

sox as above.

I could have done better!
Overall I think the 3 loop course is a real boost for racers-(its dark & its a long f^&in day as Rori says!)Helps keep you upbeat to see your fans & the crowd in general..
The Finish- amazing running down the chute feeling like a Rockstar! Slowed down to enjoy the last moments of this most excellent adventure..

Knew going into it I did not have a foolproof nutrition plan..next time need to have that dialed in.Have a plan to keep pace..
Be sure to find & hug ALL my peeps heading to the finish- despite the lights & confusion-owe them lots..(Glennie you're amazing...you just needed a neon sign!)

Leisurely stroll thru finish line..soaking up the energy of the chute & the crowd..!!!
waited 20 min or so for a brief massage..caught the support crew in the chute & at the finish- a most welcome sight !! Chips & pepsi - home to shower- came back to watch the lats hour finishers- Inspiring-Humbling-Amazing to be there at midnight.


Experience/pacing/hypothermia!!

But ..next time.....;).....


The journey to First Ironman has been an amazing one-Would recommend this venue to others but be prepared for cold swim!
I have gained & learned much from the training and the race experience. I am very very grateful to have the health, means , and support to have set & accomplished this goal..
My body & mind have served me well.has shown me that the only limits we really have-are those that WE place upon ourselves..that we are capable of much more than we know-if we believe.
I am indebted to many friends and mentors, tickled at unexpected supporters,grateful for the encouragement of coworkers, friends, BT friends.. and most appreciative of my biggest fans & sherpas- Glen, Tos, Gwen, Jess, IRONMarianne, Beth at home.I am a very lucky girl.
Happy Dance!!