Race Report

This is my first ever race report. I hope it all comes out okay as I am still piecing together my race in my head. I still am amazed that once again I am an Ironman. The feeling does not get old, it is what keeps me coming back for more.
The Swim
It would be putting it mildly to say that I am a nervous Nelly when it comes to the swim of an Ironman. Better said, I am scared shit less. So race morning my goal was to go to the least populated area of the swim start and line up on the front. This was all the way to the left of the Ford floaty thingy. Here I am treading water and up swims Joe Bonness(sp?), the greatest AG triathlete in the world. I knew right then I was in the right spot. The cannon went off and I got a clean start, actually the whole swim was clean. Except the turn buoys, but that is to be expected. I was cold, the entire time I was freezing. I was too cold to know how hard I was swimming but it felt easy so I tried to pick it up to get warm. Next thing I knew I was exiting the water. 1:05 and I felt great, freezing but great. The swim took no effort, I thank all of you who sent me good thoughts and fast wishes!
T1
The volunteers were the best I have ever seen at any race. I did nothing in transition. The two volunteers dressed me and got me out of there faster than I would have by myself. Again this felt effortless. Maybe it was that I was so cold I could do nothing for myself but it was great to have the help.
The Bike
Being three loops I knew I had to take it easy and not go out too hard. I had a plan for the bike but I forget now what that was. The first loop I concentrated on getting in food and keeping my HR low. I was getting passed by packs and packs of riders, but I wanted to do this on my terms. I wanted to own this race and not do well because I drafted the entire bike course. So I let the pelotons pass and kept at my own pace, eating and drinking along the way. The second loop I decided to look around a bit and enjoy some of the beautiful views. The third loop was back to business and concentrating on getting in the calories and keeping the HR low. As I came to mile marker 110 again I thought this race was effortless. I was having fun! The support on the course was great, lots of cheering and great volunteers.
T2
Again I did nothing! I had my feet and legs massaged and my socks and shoes put on for me and I was out of there!
The Run
The first few miles flew by and I was a bit worried I had taken it out too fast. But I knew that there were people out there that believed in me. I am not saying that I didn't believe in me, just that people who had nothing invested in this race believed that I could do something great. I needed to do this! There were times I felt bad, not many but a few, again I was having fun. I ate and drank more during this run than at any IM race I have ever done. Maybe even out of all put together. This part did not feel effortless, it was tough. I kept looking at my watch and told myself that I promised I would run to mile 20, I was at 20. I saw a coach I know and asked him the running total time. My Ironmath sucks! He said 10:19, I tried to figure out how long it would take me to finish. Next thing I knew I was at mile 23 and still running. So I took a small walk break to cheer on a pro woman who was determined to finish and take a salt tab and some coke. I started running again and there was the 40k mark. WTF? How far is 40k, don't these people know I can't do math while running an IM marathon. I asked some guy where 25 miles was, haha he laughed. I had no idea what was so funny. Next thing I know I was rounding the corner to the finish line! Holy Crap, 11:16! I never thought it was possible, but then again it is Ironman and "Anything is Possible".

I am very happy with my race, I managed to take 40 minutes off my best time, run the entire marathon and stay out of the medical tent. All because "someone " believed in me! Thank you everyone for your support, this has been the best season ever! And to my husband I am not going to rub it in, but I did beat you! Love ya Honey!! Cheers!!