Stood on the beach with so many emotions. However, there was so much going on that I really didn't have a lot of time to think/reflect.

As soon as I got to the beach it was time to get lined up. Before I knew it the pros were going off...we were to start in 10 minutes. Started about forth row middle (someone needs to be there) - towards the front since I feel strong in the swim. Cannon goes off and we run into the ocean. A few steps in I fall forward. After a few folks trampled over me I started having a panic attack - afraid I couldn't get up - I was just swallowing water. Seemed like forever, but I got myself up and started swimming. Breathing every other stroke just to get in a rhythm and try to calm down. All the hits and kicks didn't really help calm the nerves (it was crazy) but I finally calmed down. The swim stayed crowded until we got around the first turn buoy. Rounding the first buoy the sun hit us right in the face making it hard to sight, but it was less crowded. Rounding the second buoy it was crowded again...where the heck did everyone come from? Swam in and hit the beach, the crowd was fantastic. Ran back into the water for the second lap. Less crowded, so I stretched it out and just tried to relax.

Not sure.....
Different position?
Stay upright :)
Push the second lap.

My stripper was awesome! One yank and he had my suit off.

Took my time in the change tent. Didn't feel it was necessary to hurry, afraid I would forget something. My helper in the change tent was awesome...wonder if she was related to my stripper :)

Nothing

Hit the bike feeling good. I was doing IM Florida, had an ok swim, and now on to the bike ... the journey continues.

First 4 miles went well, and then the packs started to fly by. Didn't mind the packs flying by...to be expected :) so no worries. Everything felt pretty good. Riding at a 19-20 mph pace (good for me) until I hit Hwy 20. Hwy 20 has rolling hills and we got head winds. For a lot of Hwy 20 I was riding 14-15 mph. Hwy 20 was my "not so happy" place. Hit the aid station at mile 60 and decided to stop & pee. Handed my bike off to a very nice volunteer and hit the port-o-let. Went to get my bike back and couldn't find it. The volunteer had given my bike to someone else. The "other" rider came back (his bike was nicer than mine) and we exchanged bikes. I took off and my bike was in a very low gear. For three miles I could not get my bike in a higher gear, I was just spinning. Thought "Boy, this is going to be a long end to the bike". Finally got my bike into a higher gear. I am happy that the last 39 miles I avg'ed 19.17 (good for me). Never really had any issues, and the shoulder pain that I have dealt with for the last three months was kind enough to not surface during the ride.

Spend more time on the bike and keep getting better

Once again, took my time in transition. Didn't want to forget anything...too close to the finish :)

Run felt good out of transition, had legs right away so time to go to work and finish this baby. Mile three didn't feel right. By mile 4 I was sick to my stoamach and had to walk some. Mile 5-8 walked a lot with a little "run/shuffle effort" mixed in. I knew I would finish, but I was really upset that it would end on this note. Mile 8 - 13 were really bad, I was really sick to my stomach. I threw up right before the turn around and then at mile 14 hit my special needs bag - thank goodness I had put something for my head (I never get headaches) and my stomach in that special needs bag. By mile 15 I was running and feeling really good. I ran the entire last 1/2 except for 1 stop for chicken broth (I wanted to taste it - I've heard so much about it during IM) and for one last port-o-let pee stop. The last 12 miles felt great, obviously as I ended up negative splitting the marathon.

Seeing my family at the finish line was incredible. This was truely a family celebration. We have had a year, and this is one moment that we all earned!

Hung out with the family at the finish for a while. Then we went back to the condo, all went to the jacuzzi, then showered and headed back to the finish line for some more celebration and fun.


This has been one heck of a year for our family. We have had several "things" come up...some pretty serious. But, we continue on. This Ironman belongs to my family as much as it does to me. They have made as many sacrificies as I have. If it was not for their support there would be no way I could have done this, and it would not mean as much.
My husband - the little nudges when that early alarm goes off...the "I'm proud of you" when I am "complaining", or that little wink :)
My kids - who at age 5, 7, & 8 can tell you so much about training, swimming, biking, running, & Ironman. And their desire to run and start doing triathlons - inspires me.
My parents - that understand & support my desire to do this thing called Ironman and ask daily "what's on the training schedule today?"....then just listen.........

There is also another group that has helped me along this journey. There is a "little group" that many BT'ers may have seen (it is at the top of the mentor group section every day). Yep, the SWBKRUN mentor group. This is one heckj of a group with some very special people...all of which have helped me along my way! Thanks guys, you are the best!!!!!