The swim was an odd start. I didn't jump into the water like most people did. I sat on the edge and slid in because I was afraid to hurt my arm. I swam a few hundred yards to test it out and the elbow felt ok. I tried my best to keep out of the crazy packs of people and settled into a nice groove. Shortly after the start we hit a sand bar! I could touch bottom and people were walking?! The race officials were screaming move to the left and having us get back into the deep water. I didn't mind getting back to the deep water, I hate to touch the bottom of rivers, lakes, ect. Creeps me out! The rest of the swim was CHOPPY and I felt sea sick towards the end. My husband said there were river boats close to us and that was creating a lot of waves. Go figure! I just kept swimming as fast as I could maintain good form and tried to focus on reaching the markers. Before I knew it the swim was over and I was met with a crowd of family in T1.

Nothing. I did my best.

I came into transition and had the nicest volunteer help me get dressed for the bike. She put on my sports bra, helped me with my socks and bike jersey. I drank some water and hit the bathroom before grabbing my bike.

put on more sun screen...burned!

Course was beautiful. I was very impressed with Kentucky! The rollers were not difficult and were much easier than I anticipated. I spent the first half of the ride just spinning and getting a feel for the layout of the ride. The next half I kept a decent pace and tried to consume calories. I drank about 5 bottles of infinit and had 2 cliff bars and one gel. Lots of water which made me pee 4 times. I stopped at the port a pots...didn't want to pee on the bike. I saw a bunch of people with flats! I heard about thumb tacks being tossed into the road after the race ended. Crazy! My right shoulder was burning by the end of the bike and I was glad to be done!

I came into T2 and my Dad was there to catch my bike!!! He was beaming and so excited to be my bike catcher! I ran to the tent and asked the volunteer if ART was in the medical tent. My shoulder was killing me and I thought I should get it worked on. No luck she said..guess I had to HTFU. Changed, lubed up, bathroom break and off to the run. Kudos to the volunteers again for filling up my race belt with ice cold water!

Walked the first mile. Just couldn't get my legs back from the bike. I felt like it was gonna be a long day. My husband and Beth were there to cheer me on at the 2 mile point. They were so great and made me feel ready to continue. I started a light jog and slowly warmed up. I ran from mile 2 to mile 20 and walked the aid stations. At the half way point I saw the finish line and felt sad that I had another lap to go! That is when my husband found me again and he pumped me up for another lap. I walked mile 23-25 and ran mile 26 into the finish. It was blinding! From being on a glow stick parade in the dark to bright white light was amazing! I heard my name and first time ironman...it was surreal. Then my Mom was my finish line catcher and put my medal around my neck and gave me a big hug! what a great day!

walked to the Hyatt, sat down and took some pics. Hubby ran to the Hard Rock cafe and got me a cheeseburger. I could only eat half and then my mom had the rest. I asked for a glass of chardonnay but there was none to be found at midnight on a sunday! Settled for a swig of miller light. lol.


I wish I could have soaked up more of the finish line but I was too exhausted. My family and friends totally made my day! This was a great first Ironman and I can't wait to come back to Kentucky to visit.