Ironman Coeur d'Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

first loop 38:31, second 43:04
Got to the beach and in place, and the cannon went off. I turned to my friend and said something like let's do it. The crowd was big and I always think it's funny if someone thinks they are going to try to move ahead when we are all going the same pace. Didn't get kicked much, a few bumps to the head from arms, mostly just annoyed. Every time a bouy was in site people started swimming closer. Got to the first turn and hit major traffic jam. Nothing major for that loop. Got out of the water and heard my name behind me. My friend Rachel was right behind me. Said a few words and started the second loop. Lots more open water this time, the water was moving a lot more, and on the way back in it felt like two steps forward and one back so I tried to pull a little harder. I drank a lot of water on the swim in general, but you got to stay hydrated right? Got out and walked to t1

nothing, I felt calm and confidant

Walked through transition to the tent and sat on my towel and cleaned my feet off really well before socks and shoes. Decided against arm warmers, put sunscreen on (way too much on my face I see now in pictures haha),

rub my sunscreen in more!

walked to bike and walked to mount line. Messed with my garmin on Lakeside because I forgot to put it on bike mode. Tried to stay feeling easy, can't see my garmin when I'm in aero, so it was RPE all day till the run. The first out on 95 i felt a little gloomy. Ever asked myself why do I do these things, then whined it's so hard. (The bike is my hardest portion) Stopped to get water and stretch at aid station before the turn around. The way back felt better but I didn't feel confidant staying in aero down the big descents so I coasted back into town. As soon as the second loop started I was feeling more optamistic and the sun was starting to come out. I actually passed a few people going up the big climb on 95, lots of leapfrogging with people. Got lots of compliments on my pink bike( there were 4 others on the same bike too)Stopped to stretch and use the potty( one of 4 or 5 times I stopped to stretch my back) Finally got to the turn around and the way back felt even longer. Got back to town and was so happy to be done with the bike and run(slog) a marathon.

get stronger and faster(if possible)

went fine. Love having volenteers to do things like fill bottles

So happy to be on my feet. I thought I would try a 5/1 but realized after a few that a 3/1 would be best like Canada. I was feeling great, got to the hill and walked till I saw it crest and then ran down the other side. Saw Cris just a head and caught her and started walking with her. She was doing a 5/1 so I said I'd stay with her. She was running a little slower than me and needed a potty. We walked/ran together and after starting the second loop I was having gas/bloat/acid reflux issues. A few miles later I just couldn't fathom a 6 hour marathon so I started running on my own again. My legs felt great and it bummed my out that I couldn't take full advantage of them. Sherman Ave was awesome. I felt my throat tighten with emotion and had to calm myself so I could breath. I slowed in the chute and gave some high fives. I sortof remember something about me being said but can't remember being called an ironman(poo). My catcher got me and showed me where to go

do a better job the few days before staying regular(you know what I mean)

Got my medal, finisher swag and took my picture. Found Rachel(she beat my first time by 2 minutes) and went to get my bags, drank a recovery shake that I put in my bag for after.


backed up in the GI area and needed an acid reducer/tums


With having now a little more experience on the bike it didn't take me 4 years to want to do another ironman. Money and marriage will keep it a few years away. CDA has great peeps, food, atmosphere. Loved the house I stayed in and enjoyed staying with other athletes as well.