Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

From way down the road where we were lined up, we couldn't hear what was going on back at swim start. At 7:50, we heard the gun for the pros, and at 7:00 we heard the ag gun. The line started to slowly move, and I slowly got ready. When we got close to the start, I took off my sweats, long sleeve shirt, and sandals, put them in my morning bag, and handed them to a volunteer as we passed.
When I reached the water it was 7:35. I jumped into the warm water (it was 60 outside and the water was 80). I started my slow, easy swim. I'm really new when it comes to swimming, and I took forever. I just swam slow and easy. Never got tired. I choked on some water a couple of times when a wave crashed over me, but otherwise not bad. There were a decent number of people around me the whole time, but never much contact.


Take swim lessons.

I was a little spaced out from being in the water that long, but jogged my way to the transition tent. I passed my wife, kids, and inlaws along the way. I stopped for a picture, and went into the tent to change. I saw one guy shivering uncontrollably. Another guy was just sitting and staring at the ground. I put on my bike jersey, socks, shoes, and glasses. I took two gels and some water to catch up on calories lost from the swim, and took off.

Nothing

The first few miles were pretty flat, which was good because this biking after swimming 2.4 miles thing was a new experience. My shoulders were a little tired feeling and my neck was a bit stiff. Soon we started to hit the hills. It is not flat anywhere around where I live, all rolling hills, so I felt it would be pretty similar at Louisville, but with a couple good hills. As it turned out, the course was mostly hills that were bigger than I usually ride on. It was 30+mph down 9-11mph up over and over and over. One hill I didn't pedal once, stayed up on the hoods, and still hit 40mph. I hit 8 on the way up the other side and passed about 5 people.
On the rollers I usually pedaled to get my speed up on the downhills and used my momentum to help me up the other side. I was surprised how many people were doing the opposite, and killing themselves (while they were getting passed by people working not as hard). I felt fine until about mile 75. The hills were taking their toll, and getting harder and harder. We were on the second loop, and I kept thinking "I don't remember this hill being this hard the first time" I had to come out of the saddle several times, and I normally don't like to do this, but it worked out okay. This entire bike course was very, very beautiful, and I enjoyed the scenery very much. Finally, we were back on the flat part near town and into transition.

All in all, I executed the bike perfectly for me. I started crazy slow, and added a little every couple hours.

I hopped off the bike and felt pretty wobbly. A volunteer took my bike and I walked back to the tent. "That bike course and I are no longer friends" I announced to the others. A few people agreed. One guy stated that if he had realized how hilly it was, he wouldn't have signed up for the race. I'm sure he didn't mean it. I changed into running shoes, a different shirt, and my hat. I got some sunscreen and began walking toward the run start all the while regaining my "land legs".

Nothing

I got to the starting line and did what I've practiced. I started running 10-1030 miles. It was my plan, and being my first Ironman, I really had no idea how it would work out. The first mile, I felt great. Overjoyed to be off the bike. "I'd rather run 26 miles right now" I thought, "than bike another 5". The out and back over the bridge was awesome! I thought " this is the best moment of my day so far".
I decided to run as I had planned as far as I could, and then walk, or walk/run, or crawl as needed to get to the end. My goal was to run the whole thing and break 5 hours. If I could do this, it would mean that I did a good job conserving energy on the bike and swim.
I ran the first five miles, then I saw mile 6, then mile 8. I continued as I had all day with Gatorade, water, and gels. That was it. Soon I saw mile 13. I was half way there! Things were pretty tough, but no sickness or major problems. Someone later asked me if at some point you just "go numb". I told them it was the opposite. It was "wow this is hard, I couldn't handle it if it got harder" then it gets harder, then you handle it, then the process repeats.
Soon I saw mile 16, then mile 18, then I saw mile 20. At that point I thought "if you start walking now, it'll take twice as long to finish!" So I just kept going. I started to visualize the finish. I imaginged all the details. The lights (it was getting dark now) the sounds, my family. This helped alot. Soon it was dark, and quiet, except for the footfalls of the runners and an occasional encouraging word exchanged between them. Finally, we came up on a corner and I could hear it. Music, PA system etc. I turned the corner and the street was lined on both sides with hundreds of people. I began smiling uncontrollably and I could feel the crowd react to it. I stuck both hands into the air and they erupted, feeding off my emotion. Everyone was "high fiving" me and saying "good job" and "you did it" I saw my family and pumped my fist as they cheered. How cool is that!

Nothing

I crossed the finish line and the volunteer got me a drink, at finisher hat and shirt. He asked if I was cold and offered me a blanket. I kind of laughed as I still had sweat on my brow, but within about a minute I was as cold as I've ever been. Painfully cold, like having a bad fever. I took the blanket and went back to the room with my family. The coldness continued for hours, and I actually did develop a fever which I thought was strange, but felt fine the next morning.


I was so impressed at all aspects of this race. Everything was systemized, planned, and executed properly. I enjoyed the whole thing. Even the swim start didn't really bother me. Beautiful course, and really, a remarkable city!