Ironman Wisconsin - Triathlon

I had planned on starting by the ski ramp, but I kept getting closer to the buoy line and decided to go ahead and get into the scrum and experience it all! When the cannon fired it was everything I had heard about! There was a lot of contact but I didn't ever feel like I had made a mistake. I kept my line and just kept stroking. I'm not a fast swimmer but I'm a strong swimmer. The contact and the waves didn't really bother me. I got to the first turn buoy and let out a good MOO. After the first turn things seemed to open up. The back stretch had some pretty good waves but I kept telling myself it wasn't too bad and just keep a nice rhythm. I went a little wide on the last turn and cost myself some yardage but nothing too bad.

Not much. A little better sighting, but with the high waves it was tough to see at times.

Strippers were great and running up the helix wasn't too big of a deal. My helper in T1 was fantastic. He kept me moving but made sure I was comfortable and had what I needed. I did a complete change so that added to the time. I knew that going in and didn't worry about it. I wanted my 400 mile shorts!!

Nothing

I had rode the loop twice so I knew what to expect there. I wasn't as sure about the stick. My plan was to ride the first half very conservative and see how I felt on the second. I wanted avg around 16mph if I was feeling good for the whole ride. It was a little windy and in spots it bothered me but I kept reminding myself it was a long day and just enjoy it all, even the windy parts! When I got to special needs I didn't feel like I needed anything so I just went right through. I was a little worried that during the second loop on the hills I would start feeling it. I couldn't be more pleased with my climbing. I felt strong all the way through the second loop. I spun up the hills and at no time felt like I was in trouble. All of the work I had done was paying off. The last 15 miles seemed to take a while but once I got closer to town the excitement came back. Rode up the helix with no issues, gave my bike off to the catcher and headed for T2.

Nothing. I think my pacing was steady and left me with something for the run.

Another great helper in T2! Made a complete change again and headed out for the run.

Nothing

I felt good and just wanted to try to execute my plan the best I could. Walk through aid stations and the big hills, run the rest of the time. First 13.1 went pretty smoothly. I was definitely getting tired but I was still able to start back up running out of each aid station. I got to mile 21 and was feeling pretty tired. That is about when I met my new IM friend Amy. We started talking and she was having some stomach issues. She had been walking for a while but wanted to get running again. I told her to start running and I would keep pace with her. We kept each other going through the end of the race. I'm so glad we met each other! Where else could two complete strangers motivate each other like this? We finished strong and ran the last 3 miles at a nice pace. Hearing Mike say my name and call me an Ironman was the best. I was so happy when Amy told her friend to take a picture of the 2 of us together. I knew then that I had helped her as much as she helped me. Amy from Chicago, thank you!

Not too much. I think I did the best I could on that day.

Chocolate Milk!!


It was everything I could ask for for my first IM. The volunteers were outstanding. The crowd support was so motivating and exciting. I promised my wife I would not do another IM in 2014 but instead focus on short course local races. So I won't be doing this race again next year, but I highly recommend it to anyone, it was a fantastic experience! Like everyone my first goal was to finish with a smile, but deep down I had in my head that I wanted to finish under 14 hours. I was able to accomplish both goals, what more could I ask for!