I decided to position myself pretty far outside of the buoys and worked my way in. I could not believe how many times I was kicked...punched and just completely knocked around. I expected a little bit but wow..it was a total fight fest. As soon as I rounded the first red corner buoy I got my rhythm down and felt better about things. Made sure I sited well and just kept going. Finished the one loop and looked at my watch realizing I was not keeping the pace that I wanted. Thought the second loop would be somewhat better NOT...got completely pounded. I was able to keep my cool and just tried to keep a good rhythm. Finally...the finish was in site. Got out of the water and headed for the wetsuit strippers. I heart the wetsuit strippers. Made my way up the helix...saw Craig, Trixie and so many others...gave hugs and kisses and made my way to transition.

More open water swims during training.

Felt really strong after the swim. Got into T1 and saw Lisa as soon as I got in there. Great to see her all the way from Kansas!! Had to chat with a few other people that I knew as well. Did a full change and headed out to my bike. I was totally ready for the bike.

Nothing..I am a social butterfly! ;)

Started out very strong..actually I averaged 16.47 for the first 40 miles which is fast for me. Probably went out a little too fast. But the crowd support was totally pumping me up. So great to see Craig with bullhorn in hand and a bunch of donks and other bters on the course. The crowd support really made those hills much easier. I had strangers running along side my bike...just totally cheering me all the way up the hills. It was awesome. I can't even explain the feeling.

I knew from previous long rides that nutrition was "key" And for this ride it was spot on. 4 bottles of perp...2 luna bars...2 pkgs of shot blocks, many bananas and lots of water.

The second lap was a bit tougher...I averaged about 15.77, which was normal for me but the heat was starting to get to me. Stomach was a little queasy, but I just kept the fluids coming. Not as many people around on the second loop...but I mentally kept it together and just kept telling myself I was half way there and I was going to be an Ironman today.

The last portion was tough. Started getting windy and at mile 90 I was soooo ready to get off my bike. My arse was numb and it was getting hotter. Just kept telling myself to drink more water!!!

Started getting excited when I could finally see the Monona Terrace!! As I entered and rounded the helix I started to cry. I knew I was going to see Craig soon and I needed a little reinforcement that I was going to make it. Got up the helix and saw Craig and Trixie again right away. Also, got very emotional when I saw my best friend Michele from Pardeeville. Did not think she was going to make it to the race. Again..gave sweaty hugs and kisses and headed to T2.

The one thing that did surprise me was the strength that I had in my legs...they felt awesome coming off the bike. A little wabbly, but I knew I could start out running right away.

The only issues I had with my bike during this ride was I dropped my chain 5 times. (yes Phil...5 times!!!)


Nothing..I was pretty happy with ride.

Ran into T2...did another full change and headed out for the run. I was hot and tired but knew I could do this. Had to mentally stay positive. Just kept talking to myself and reminding myself how bad I wanted this.

Nothing

I absolutely LOVED this part of the race. The crowds were unbelieveable. Never imagined there were going to be so many people. Started out around the capitol and down state street. Ran through camp randall twice..very cool.

I walked through every aid station. Walked more than I wanted to the first 6 miles, but the heat was getting to me and my stomach didn't want food and even water was not tasting good. Forced down oranges and bananas and chewed on ice the whole time. It was so good to see so many bters and donks cheering everyone and the volunteers were amazing.

I absolutely loved miracle mile. It was where people could make signs and post them all the way up and down the road for their loved ones. I pretty much walked the whole portion of this because a very special person in my life said he had a special message for me. I found the message and started to cry. Lets just say...I have another fantastic journey ahead of me and my future looks amazing!!

Finally got to mile 13...what a tease. You actually have to get right up the the finish line and turn around go back out and do the last 13. This was the only point when I started losing it. Tried to keep a smile on my face, but it was tough. My legs hurt..feet started getting blisters and I wanted to stop and lay down. Saw Craig again and many others, which help keep my spirits up.

I was starting to get at little down on myself but the turning point for me was a few feet up ahead when I saw some "hair" that I recognized and was so happy to see. It was Whizzzzzzzz!! She was walking too. Her knee was hurting pretty badly. We walked and talked, joked and laughed. Got emotional a few times, but kept telling each other we were going to make it. Tried to keep up a good walking pace. Phil joined us for a bit too, but then took off to finish strong.

It was getting dark but the crowds were still out, which helped a lot. When Laura and I saw mile 25...we started crying and realized our dreams were going to come true. We rounded the capital and I had the urge to just start running again, so I turned the corner and could see the finishers chute...OMG..I am going to be an IRONMAN!!

Heard Mike Reilly pronounce my name wrong..but I didn't care. I finished strong and saw the love of my life...Craig!! He put my finishers medal on me and gave me a huge hug. Ben and Josh caught me (thank you).

As I worked my way through the crowd...there I saw my mom sitting in her wheelchair...just smiling at me. She has a very crippling disease (rhematoid arthritis), which does not allow her to get around very easily. Really didn't think she was going make it to the race. But there she was so proud of me. Walked over and gave her a big hug and started crying. She told me she knew I was going to make it and how proud she was of me.

Longer training runs. The heat was tough though.

Got my finishers picture taken...hugged so many donks and bters. Too many to mention. Craig picked up my bags and bike and we then headed to the VIP area to meet with Bob to watch the final athletes come through.


heat!!


This was one of the best days of my life and I have so many people to thank. First of all...being part of BT and the donkai group has brought me so much happiness to my life. They are the best people in the world. I could call anyone of them and they knew exactly what to say when I was down or didn't want to train. If I could mention them all I would. The inspires and support are incredible.

A huge thank you to Bob Stocks for the VIP tickets all weekend. You are the best.

Kristin (lazymarathoner) for hanging out with me so much during the days leading up to the race.

Whizzzzzz for walking with me the last 13 miles. Keeping me company and my spirits high.

And finally...Craig. Even though he could not train with me for the season leading up to Ironman because of an injury, he was the best support and inspiration anyone could ever have. I owe so much to him for making this journey everything I dreamed it would be. He was my photographer, my coach, my friend, my shoulder to cry on...MY EVERYTHING. LU with all my heart!






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGAx6Wpz7Tw