Ironman Coeur d' Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

Since this was my first Ironman and my first mass swim start, I was reluctant to get into the mosh pit when the cannon went off. I chose to stay to the right and the back to avoid getting hit. This paid off. I was left alone and able to draft periodically when I could find a pair of feet. The water did not feel too cold and it wasn't too choppy. I just swam at a relaxed pace. I got a bit off course a couple of times but I was able to get back on quickly.

I would swim more aggressively. Because swimming is my weakness, I will continue to work on my open water swimming technique. The pool swimming really does not cut it; open water is a whole different animal.

Nothing

This was a fantastic bike course! Clean and great rollers. I enjoyed every minute of it. I knew I had to make up some time from the swim, so I kept a high turn over when pedaling and made sure there was no burning in my legs. I was able to pass safely and made sure I completed my pass quickly so I would not get a drafting call... They were really watching!

Nothing

Legs felt a little heavy but not too bad. The woman in the changing tent just ripped off my shoes and put my running socks and shoes on in no time. I jammed on my hat and glasses and was out of there.

I would have put Vaseline on my feet before running to help prevent blisters.

I started out and was immediately hit by abdominal cramping, which I had never had happen before ( this bad anyway). This slowed me down as I was hesitant to push too hard too fast in case they got worse. My race plan went out the window and I just adjusted to the reality of the situation. After drinking coke and eating banana I started to feel better.... A LOT better. I saw my family at mile 13 which gave me fuel to keep going strong. I looked at my watch and at mile 20 I decided to give it my all and try to make up for lost time. I picked up the pace and drove it home the best I could. I walked through aid
stations but I ran the entire marathon outside of that. Coming through the finishing chute was great! The crowd was so encouraging, and that made me float to the finish.

I would have pushed through the cramps and started drinking coke right away. That coke was the best thing I have ever tasted in my life. I would have put Vaseline on my feet. I ended up with 10 huge blisters, which were way more painful than my quads after the race.

Smiling and enjoying the moment. I hit the lake for a bit to cool down my legs. I had completed my first Ironman!!!!!!! I was grateful that the day had gone so well, and so happy to see my family.


Cramps, blisters


This race was fantastic all around. Beautiful, clean course, wonderful volunteers and well organized. My family really enjoyed it as well, which was very important!