Ironman Coeur d'Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

Simply stated this was the hardest swim of my life. I had never swam 2.4 miles in open water and only once continuous in the pool. But the distance didn’t concern me. The chop and mass start were the real issues. The cannon sounded and I hung back for about a minute before entering the water. When I did get started there were bodies everywhere and simply no open space to be found. Simultaneously I had to try to find my breathing rhythm, fight for space and make some headway into a heavy chop. I finally made it out about 800 meters to the first turn buoy and things got significantly worse in a hurry. The mass of humanity at the turn buoy was going nowhere fast. People were bobbing like apples in the swells trying to get around the buoy. And when the swimming recommenced I took a couple big time shots to the head. The next turn buoy was 100 meters away and we again came to a standstill. The swim back was a little better; then we were out of the water, across the timing mat and back in for the second loop. The field was thinning but the chop was worsening. In one position fight I started cramping in one of my calves and this became a major concern but fortunately lessened and eventually went away. I was really happy to exit the swim and to be under my time goal of 1:30 given some pretty tough conditions.


Nothing other than become a stronger swimmer. The practice in the lake (esp with the chop) was very helpful.

I had lots to do in T1. Get out of wet suit, get T1 bag, get into change tent, strip, get dressed in bike gear, load up jersey with nutrition and every possible need (including rain wear), get to bike and walk it from the farthest end of transition to the mount line. Although I was in no rush, looking at my time you would have thought I ate breakfast in the change tent.

Speed up.

The weather was cool and overcast for my 7 hours on the bike. Most folks went with arm warmers or jerseys. For me, I was loving the weather in a sleeveless jersey. I think it was upper 50s or low 60s. The bike was key to my strategy. I wanted to average 16 mph which would be 7 hours even. At this pace I should have something left for the run. Too much faster, while doable, might empty the tank for the run. To average 16 mph I would have to ride a bit faster because of the potty stops I planned to take every 30 miles or so. There are, of course, other options that save time but they weren’t for me. The course was a short out and back along Lake CdA with one big climb then a flat run up to Lake Hayden where the hills begin in earnest. We had driven the course and I didn’t think the “hills” were that bad. I was wrong. Several of the climbs had me up out of the saddle. Thankfully three rides on the hills of Muenster in Texas had me well prepared. The bike went real well. I hit all my hydration and nutrition goals, didn’t stop any more than planned and rode in my z2 and z3 heart rate zones (except the climbs). I felt exceptionally good the last 12 miles and judging by my bike computer showing a 16.3 mph average (doesn’t account for stops) I knew I was very close to my target time and in fact came in just under my 7 hour goal.

Fortunately, I was oblivious to the drama playing out by all those tracking me at the race and online. My timing chip failed to register at the first timing mat on the bike course which was at 34 miles. This sent everyone into a panic wondering what happened to me. Carmel even visited the medical tent to see if I was there. When they spotted me at the turnaround, all was well except for those following online who had to wait a long time before a result posted for me at 90 miles. Isn’t technology wonderful?



Not much. Strategy was not to push the bike.

Not quite the disaster of T1 but again I was transitioning at quite the leisurely pace.

speed up.

I tried not to think of the enormity of the task still at hand. I had not gone beyond 16 miles in training and last ran a marathon in 1992. And the day was already 9 hours old. But the good news is the weather was staying cool and I had hopes that I could keep my heart rate in check and run according to plan at least for awhile. And in the back of my mind I knew if necessary I could walk most of the marathon and finish within the 17 hour time limit. So out I went and ran about a 10 minute pace walking a full minute at all the aid stations (approx every mile) and the miles begin clicking off. At mile 5 or so the rain began but it was light. Runners began wearing long sleeves and jackets and Mylar blankets and I really didn’t know why. These were perfect running conditions in my book. At about mile 8 we hit the huge ascent of about a half mile to the turnaround. I ran it but made a mental note that I would walk this on lap 2, just not much to gain by running. The only problem I was having was a seriously aching Achilles tendon. I dealt with it by downing 4 Tylenol and that helped. Then it was back into town, the beginning of lap 2 and getting to the special needs station. I changed into dry socks and shoes I had in my special needs bag and that felt great. The rain remained persistent but light. I stuffed a long sleeved shirt in my jersey but never but it on although everyone else appeared to be freezing out there (into the 40s now). Back out to the lake and I just kept with the run/walk strategy. It began paying huge dividends as more and more people were reduced to a walk. I passed a lot of people on the run. At mile 23, Jenny Hogan ran up to me and told me how good I was doing and it finally sank in that I was going to be an Ironman. I began to picture the finish line. When I made the final turn and could see the finish, euphoria wiped out all pain. I went into my “kick” for the final several hundred yards and then heard Mike Riley say “Peter Dewey, you are an Ironman!” Wow.



Nothing.

Coach Gail found me as I crossed the line which was appropriate because she is responsible for preparing me over the past year to become an Ironman. We both relished the moment that comes when a once nearly inconceivable goal is achieved. Next I found Carmel who was there with me not only all day but has supported me for 3 years of multi-sport training that include a broken collarbone from a bike crash last August. I was so happy she could share this pinnacle moment with me. After finishers pictures we tried to find our friends but it was difficult in the crowds. We brought a bunch of my gear to the car and returned. Unfortunately the rain returned too and my ability to move around was diminishing quickly. So we reluctantly called it a night at 10pm but only after we were told all our friends had also succeeded in their Ironman quest.




I exceeded my expectations.


IMCdA is the best, most organized race I have ever done. Course was scenic and challenging, weather was cool (and for me about perfect). Volunteers and spectators were awesome.