Ironman Coeur d'Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

Having done the practice swim on Friday put all of my fear of cold water away. Don't get me wrong it was cold but manageable. I put myself in the middle a little towards the back. The gun went off and there we went. It was a complete washing machine start as expected. I saw a girl start to freak out and turn back to get back to shore. There was not many times you could just swim. I was surrounded by people throughout the whole swim. At one point this big guy just plowed over me and so I just tried chasing his feet and before I knew it I was at the red turn buoy. The buoy was a complete mad house but I was able to find some space. As I swam to shore I could here the music and the announcer so that was exciting. One loop down and one more to go. Jumped back in and started again. It was still congested. I focused on getting to one buoy at a time and once again I had made it to the red turn around and I was headed back to shore. It was so nice to hear that music again and I heard him announce my name. How cool! My brother and dad were right at the finish so he took a great picture.

I can't think of anything I'd do differently. I felt like I held my own.

Quick run up the beach. First time with wet suit strippers and boy was that fun. They had that thing off in no time. I grabbed my bag from the volunteer and went to the changing tent. I starting getting my stuff out and the volunteer came over and helped me. I changed completely and put dry clothes on. The only problem was when I put my helmet on and it felt wrong. I had Malinda braid my hair on both sides and it screwed up the fit of my helmet. I put the helmet on and figured I would deal with it later. I wanted to have transition times under 10 mins but I'm fine with my time.

Don't do anything new on race day. Make sure my helmet fits properly over braids.

I had a few problems during the bike for starters was that the rubber bands for my braids were digging into my head and I needed to take them out. I didn't want to stop so I somehow reached under my helmet and was able to break the rubber bands and that gave me some relief. Note to self...don't try new hairdo for race day! I set my watch to go off every 15 minutes to keep my nutrition on track. I was able to hold a 17.2 mph average on the first loop. The wind picked up and my legs were getting tired. Another problem was that the tongue of my bike shoe was digging into the top of my left foot and was really hurting. I got to special needs and went to the restroom and got a few things from my bag. I was off for the next loop. The second loop was good because I knew what to expect. The hills kicked my butt but I just kept moving. I saw people walking up some of the hills and wanted to make sure I took it easy and not kill my legs completely. Once the hills finished I got my second wind and flew into town. There was one point into the ride at about mile 90 that I just had this feeling of complete fatigue kind of like I could have fallen asleep at that moment. I figured I needed to get more calories in and so that's what I did. My legs were hurting and I was ready to get to the run. I finally got back into town and it was awesome. The streets were lined with people cheering. It felt like Mardi Gras with people cheering and we were just part of the parade.
Some one wrote on the street of the bike course going up the hills---It's all about the run!--I thought about that when I wanted to push too hard on the hills. It quickly made me remember that I had a marathon to do after the ride.

I was trying to hurry but not forget anything. I changed completely again for the run. I was stumbling trying to get my socks on which was really funny. The volunteer was great.

Not much.

My goals for the race was to run as much as I could and walk the water stops. I had my family and friends write inspirational thoughts that I carried with me to read during my water breaks. It was a big help. I saw my family just as I started my run and gave the kids some sweaty hugs and kisses. My pace was nice and easy. I was having some pain in my left foot from the beginning but it didn't keep me from running. I didn't wear my Garmin because I knew I'd obsess over times and pace. I kept the pace easy and pushed harder went I felt I could. Running along the water was great, so calming. I drank or ate whatever looked good at the time during the stops. I think I enjoyed the coke the most. It was so nice seeing friends on the course. It lifted my spirits! It finally hit me on the second loop of the run when I passed back through town that I was really going to do it. I passed the split for the second loop and finishers chute and looked at the folks going in for their finish and knew I was going to be there soon. I got to the turn around on the hill and knew only about 5 miles left. FIVE MILES---that's nothing. I was able to keep a nice pace with a girl next to me. It was my turn to go to the finisher's chute!! I saw my family and slowed down to bask in the glory! I did it! I was an IRONMAN!

My family met me at the end and I was so happy to see them. I walked around a bit and then went to the med tent to get a massage and have a piece of pizza. I didn't necessarily want to eat the pizza but I wanted to know that I came in before all of the pizza was gone. I didn't have to wait very long for the massage. It felt great! I went back and found the family and picked up my bags.


This has been such an amazing journey! I've had an incredible support system to help me through and I'm very thankful for that. I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this goal without them~ my husband,Aaron, my five incredible kids, BT community, my awesome training buddies, my family and friends!
Ironman training is hard. It's hard on your body, your mind, your family, your friends. If you can find a balance between these things you are very special.
My brother came to watch his little sister become an Ironman and when I finished he gave me a huge hug and said Mom would have been very proud. My mom passed away almost 10 years ago which can often seem like yesterday. I know she would have been my biggest cheerleader. As crazy as it sounds I spent many hours talking to her during training and I enjoyed those times. My Dad also came to watch his baby girl and I loved having him there.
As for another Ironman....yes! (but don't tell my husband) I don't know when or where but yes I do want to do another one:)

I'd definitely come back to CdA! The race was fantastic along with all of the support.

Also, I placed 5th in the Athena division (Under 40)!