Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

Water temp was nice. No wetsuit needed or wanted. Water was not too dark or dirty. I could see my hand in front of me. Little more current and chop than the practice swim on Saturday. I don't like swimming in a group. First part of the swim around the island was a bit crowded. I would pull away from a group and then catch up with the next group. I don't like being near feet, legs, bodies when swimming. Water felt crowded until after making the turn and then it was open. It seemed to take forever past the island to actually reach the turn point. I guess I thought it was closer to the end of the island, but it was actually down a bit more. Tried to site and swim straight on the swim back, but kept getting off course. I also tried to slow down and pee a few times, but could not do it. Volunteers were at the steps to help us out of the water.

Push the swim a bit faster. I was at a nice pace, but think I could have gone a bit faster. Be more agressive in the crowds.

Saw Tammy (tnickerson) and Sharon (yoganerd) as I exited the water. They were volunteering. No crowds in transition. A volunteer handed me my bag and I jogged to the changing tent. Volunteer was wonderful helping me get ready. Forgot to use the port-a-potty! Put socks and shoes on at the bike since it was a fairly long distance from tent to bike.

Pick up the pace.

The course is very pretty, but I didn't even notice during the race. I was too focused on racing.

Hilly, but similar to my training. I had rode the bike course once at the end of May and then again in mid June. This was so helpful. I knew what to expect. It is hilly, but not too bad after the out & back road. First part of the ride is flat (River Rd). The most challenging part of the course is the out & back on 1694. Only ride this once. The first loop with this road is around 80 miles and then the course repeates the loop minus the 1694. Saw a few BTers on River Rd and then on the out & back. Bikers were bunching up some on the early sections. I was worried about the officals calling out drafting, but I guess they understood it was a crowd and not intended. Rolling hills for the rest of the course and then flat into the finish. Course was well marked and well supported. Not too much road traffic. Took water and gatorade on some stops. Volunteers were great! Nutrition went well. Had no problems eating or drinking. Crowd support was nice. Stopped along side the road to pee around mile 46. Could not wait any longer!! I could feel the heat and the humidity increase as the miles continued. Flat ride at the end to the finish. Felt very strong on the bike.

Went a bit too hard on the bike. Felt great, but maybe needed to hold some back for the run.

Tammy (tnickerson) was handing out bags. She handed me my run back and I jogged to the changing tent. No crowds. Two volunteers helped me get ready for the run. Remembered to use the port-a-potty.

Pick up the pace. I am slow in transition.

Hot & humid!! I underestimated how difficult it would be to run a marathon after the swim and the bike. For me, it was much more difficult than expected. Marathon run - no problem, half IM run - no problem, IM run - very difficult!!!

I stopped around mile 3 to use my inhaler (asthma), but it didn't help much. The air was thick. No shade on the course. Saw a bank sign around mile 4 that said 93 degrees. Mile markers at every mile and an aid station at every mile. Walked through every aid station except the first one on the bridge. Took water and gatorade. Forced myself to move faster between the stations. I was tired and the heat was intense. Cold sponges and ice down the sports bra were a nice treat every mile. Every muscle in my body wanted to stop, but my heart wouldn't let me. I could feel the blisters on my toes and feet due to all the water. Shoes and sockes were soaked. I'm usually able to eat while running, but not today. Only water and Gatorade. Had 2 gels, but they went down rough. Potty stop at mile 20. Kept moving forward. It was mentally tough being back on 4th street at the finish, but then needed to run the second loop. The heat made the run very difficult, but I also think I pushed too hard on the bike and didn't have enough left. I talked to myself the last 3 miles of the run. The last mile was crazy was the fans!! We were all stars for the last .2 mile.

Push harder. Try to keep feet dry.

Saw Tammy (tnickerson) at the finish line volunteering. She helped me get my goodies and picture. It was great having her be with me at the end. I was happy & emotional. Hubby was right there too. Tammy & hubby walked me to the athlete check out for food, etc. Called a few people to tell them I was alive and now an ironman. Couldn't eat, so drank some water. Saw some fellow BTers and chatted for a while.

Walked with hubby past the hotel to the great lawn for my bike and bags. I think the walking was good for my legs to cool down. Then walked the bike and bags back to the hotel. Was in some pain. Showered and ordered pizza. Still couldn't really eat. Wanted to go back to the finish to watch other BTers finish, but I could not move and had no desire to put my feet with the blisters back into shoes. Watched others finish online.



heat & humidity


An amazing experience.