What is Ironman Coeur D' Alene ???
(pronounced core da lane)
2.4 MILE SWIM- 112 MILE BIKE- 26.2 MILE RUN
The Ironman Coeur d' Alene event is a triathlon starting at 7:00am in the morning. -Guns go off at 7am- most participants arrive by 5:00am to get everything ready- body marked, making sure bikes are ok and ready to go, transition bags are ready to go, a few trips to the bathroom, and wrestling with your wetsuit to get it on perfectly so that you're in the perfect position on the beach when the gun goes off
(All 2600 participants start at the same time, male and female- the pro athletes start prior to the age group athletes)
All participants need to swim 2.4miles in an open body of water and need to finish the swim by 9:20am (swim 2.4 in 2hrs 20min) You then enter what's called Transition 1 where you get ready to ride your bike. You need to leave this area by 9:35am. Participants need to make the first 56mile loop cut off by 1:30pm, the 90mile cut off by 4:00pm and the 112mile cut off by 5:30pm. Participants then enter transition 2 where they get ready to run 26.2 miles. Participants need to make the first 13miles by 9pm then the 20.5 mile cut off at the top of Bennet Hill at 10:30pm and need to cross the finish line by 12:00am in order to be able to call themselves an IRONMAN.
Lake Coeur D' Alene is in the beautiful Northwest Region of the country not far from Spokane Washington, or Missoula Montana in the NW part of Idaho (not too far from Canada either if that helps you picture it on the map), Actually, here is a map :)
You haven't seen this video yet, this also explains what an Ironman is:
Why IRONMAN??
What got you started??
(I signed up for Ironman CDA because it looked pretty- this was before IM Wisconsin 2011 when I didn't make the swim cut off- when I didn't make the cutoff I signed up for IM Wisconsin 2012- putting me at a goal of completing 2 Ironmans for 2012- Oops? or Yay? I'm going with YAY!)
So you don't normally decide you're going to just jump into an Ironman (unless you're a pro). You normally need to sign up about a year in advance as events tend to sell out. (These events are NOT cheap to sign up for either) You then typically take several months of training and preparing your body to be able to complete each event by the cutoff times. Not one of my typical impulsive decisions.... something that started as a little whisper.....
So how I got into it....
I studied at the lovely University of Wisconsin-Madison and lived in the Lakeshore dorms. A perfect spot for the occasional run. I ran for fun, to enjoy the day, to feel good. Madison every year has this wonderful 10K event called the Crazylegs Classic ending in Camp Randall with free beer. It was my first experience with organized endurance events and I loved it, the energy, the fun... the free beer :) My sis and I would run it every year, come on, free beer! Why wouldn't you want to?
Back in Chicago after college, our first (I say our, because several of my early running experiences were with Jenn my twin) Chicago race was the 5K Shamrock Shuffle. We got a year where it wasn't crazy crowded, or terrible weather. It was sunny, energetic, and again free beer with a concert at the finish line- FUN!
We kept running locally in Chicago and then came across the Soldier Field 10 mile classic- 10 miles was the furthest I've ever ran, but you got to finish in Soldier Field! with... beer! (see a pattern? :) ) This event quickly became my favorite race.
It was Memorial Day weekend of 2007. Jenn and I were running the Soldier Field 10 (she has always been faster than me so she was just ahead of me). A few weeks earlier we had learned that our father had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. A lot was happening, very quickly, without much time to process anything. It was at the finish line in Soldier Field where Jenn saw a tent advertising running the Chicago Marathon as a member of the American Cancer Society Charity Runner Team. She signed up. Damn it. If she was running a marathon, I would have to too!! It took a few days for me to decide, but I ended up waiting too long, the ACS didn't have slots left. But now I was stuck on the idea of running the marathon so I got a slot through Team World Vision. They are a wonderful organization and I was proud to run with them. But the American Cancer Society DetermiNation program (then the Charity Runner program) quickly became very special to us.
As summer training went by, our father's health fluctuated from better to quickly worse. At this time our Aunt Silvia had also been battling breast cancer, after being in remission for 10 years, cancer came back and she had spent several months quite sick.
In October of 2007 Jenn and I crossed the finish line of our first marathon. Dad was cheering from above, having passed a few weeks prior to the race. Our aunt silvia was right there next to him with a pom pom as she also passed a few weeks after him, and just a week before the race. It was a terribly difficult time for our Uncle, who lost his brother and wife within a few weeks of each other, but he was right there on that marathon course, cheering us on as we finished our first marathon. (Our uncle actually ran Mayor Dayley's FIRST Chicago marathon and was a Boston qualifier)
The American Cancer Society Charity Runner program was a positive part of a difficult time in our lives. I was surrounded by an amazing community of inspiring individuals. The next year in 2008 Jenn and I decided to stay involved. We continued to race (and still participate) and we call ourselves "Team Familia" see the blog for more details. We joined the committee to help inspire others to participate in endurance events and participate with the ACS DetermiNation team http://determination.acsevents.org/
It was in a committee meeting, where my fellow teammates sat in their recently earned Ironman Wisconsin finisher's swag. Then, I didn't really understand what an Ironman was, but I thought "damn, that's cool..... but I could never do that......" One of the girls, Kristin McQueen- a bit of an ACS celebrity and an inspiration to all, had just completed her first- she has since completed several more- but she is living with cancer and kicking it's ass. She has had several brain surgeries and has had to live and train through the side effects including visual impairments, vertigo and other set backs. Check out her story: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY11IL?px=4563140&pg=personal&fr_id=42914. But she proudly calls herself an Ironman and tells cancer to '"SUCK IT".
I signed up for my first sprint triathlon that year and thought, ok, I better learn how to swim.
After college I had taken classes at the YMCA where an enthusiastic 16 year old taught me to put my head in the water without holding my nose, taught me to float (kind of) and taught me to more or less make it down from one end of the pool to the other on my back. It was what I had to work with.
I found Max Multisport Coaching. They offered a woman's group workout package. I thought this could be a good start. That first day I couldn't swim the length of the pool. The coach had me kicking on my back the whole time. I was discouraged but wanted to get better.
They opened their arms to me and modified my workouts. My first several months were all drills, but slowly I was starting to move.
Since my start in 2008, I have had a tremendous amount of wonderful experiences and been able to participate with wonderful groups.
Chicago Tri Club led me to Chicago Blue Dolphins were I recently joined and am already improving.
Vision Quest Coaching where I have spent the majority of my "free" time running, swimming and cycling this last year with amazing teammates. - http://www.visionquestcoaching.com/
VQ and Coach Kris got me to that start happy, healthy and confident, and all the months that went into the preparation got me through the finish line.
So that brings us to June 24, 2012. Race morning.
I had been fairly optimistic all week. Flying out over memorial day to give myself a course preview had helped tremendously to calm nerves, visualize in the last few weeks, and appreciate the beauty of the location.
I had a terrible 5K swim in Diamond Lake at the beginning of the month that was leaving me doubtful, but my swim at Wildflower had me hopeful. I had been preparing for the cold temperatures, using all the tricks my coaches taught me, so was pumped when they announced the temperature was 59!
I gave last minute high fives and hugs to friends and start to position myself on the beach. I saw John and gave him a final slap on the ass and a high five to remind myself that this is supposed to be fun.
I stood on that beach and just took a deep breath. This was different from Wisconsin. I felt confident and I knew that I just needed to think about swimming and according to Marcia "swim as fast as I can for as long as I can" and I wouldn't have a repeat of coming in too late.
I said a quick prayer to God, feeling overwhelming grateful. I was grateful to be standing on that beach healthy and happy. Grateful for all of the experiences that I have had these last few months and for all of the positive energy that I was feeling from friends and family far away. While I didn't have anybody on the course specifically there for me cheering me on, I felt a HUGE amount of positive energy surrounding me- so thanks everybody for the thoughts and prayers!
The gun awkwardly went off, no count down, just GO. Here we go. I wasn't shocked by the water temperature and the other swimmers weren't as bad as I thought-I was moving. The first 900m or so I tried to follow toes to draft but realized the toes I was following was leading me off course- I cursed myself and focused back on going for buoy for buoy, still catching the draft of the other swimmers. As I get out of the water and round the beach for the first loop, I looked down at my watch and saw about 1:00:00- had gone by. DAMN IT-10 min behind my goal. Just keep swimming. I kept going and found myself with fewer and fewer swimmers surrounding me..... this felt familiar. Then the waves started to pick up. Going into the wind resulted in lots of swallowed water as I tried to get a rhythm for sighting and breathing. As I turn the second red buoy for the straight away, I needed to lick my goggles again to get my barrings. I glanced down at the watch- 1:42:00--SHIT!- Gotta pick it up.. I was annoyed that I had to stop- but truly didn't know where I was. I caught the line of orange buoys and stayed with them on my left as best I could. I did a decent job sighting and stayed on course well enough. Keeping buoys on my left on kayakers on my right. Each buoy was getting closer and closer.... As I started to see the finish I could see volunteers in the water clapping and cheering. Oh no, just like Wisconsin, am I seconds away? Were they cheering because I didn't make the cut off? Were they clapping at my efforts?? Dread started to fill my stomach and I swam in pulling as hard as I could and trying to stay as straight as possible, giving it everything I had. I almost swam straight into a volunteer as she helps me up shouting YOU MADE IT!!!!....... I MADE IT!!!!! 2:13:39! I stumble out of the cold water with the help of the volunteers- everybody clapping- I start cheering and clapping and hug the first person I see. I MADE IT!!! OK... now THINK, now what do I do next? I was ushered over to get my suit stripped and off to collect my gear bag and into the changing tent just like I practiced in my head... kind of... go go go, vamos Vero.. go...
I remember the Gym Class Heroes song, "The Fighter" playing- check it out, it'll get you pumped for the 2012 Olympic games. as I was entering the changing tent.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxV-OOIamyk
Still pretty cold, the nicest grandma volunteer I've ever met in my life helped me take my bathing suit off and put by ACS shorts, VQ top and arm warmers on. I even threw on my cow socks- (THANKS ELISA FOR THE TIP OF WEARING THE SUIT- She said if I was going to change anyways, I should just wear a suit- MUCH easier) I get myself together and force myself to take a bite of banana. I swallowed a ton of lake water and was pretty close to barfing. I didn't, but didn't want to take too much food in.
As I was leaving the tent Kelly Clarksons, "What doesn't kill you" started playing and I tried not to burst into tears as this had been one of my favorite pump you up songs these last few weeks. (crying too soon wastes energy!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avYxiIRG4xQ
"....You didn't think that I'd come back.... (Ironman) I'd come back swinging... you tried to break me, but you see ...... What doesn't kill you makes you stronger... stand a little taller....
Yes corny, cheesy and dramatic, I know, but I don't care!!!! Try to listen to this song and not get pumped up, I dare you.
As I was leaving the changing tent I hear "It's Veronica!" John's Aunt Tricie who I had only met a few days before, was volunteering in bike transition and was jumping up and down- I jumped into her arms to give her a hug as we cheered that I made it out of the water.
A volunteer pulled out my bike and off I went. This then quickly became the day of "cut offs" I had made the swim cut off- didn't know there was a T1 cut off, but barely made that.
Got settled on the bike and still felt sick- waiting about an hour and started my nutrition plan every 20min instead of 15 (I'm glad I backed off because I could have seriously messed up my stomach)
The day was beautiful and I was still feeling the positive race energy that was being sent out into the universe from my family and friends. I tried to settle into the first 5miles, my computer was knocked loose after 0.5 mile into it so had to constantly look at my Garmin, but was easily doing 17mph without working too hard... I got to see Dan and Elisa in town which was fun and then that reminded me to keep my cadence up and pressure on the pedals consistent. Then I come up on highway 95..... I knew this was coming from the race preview I had done over Memorial Day weekend, but for some reason this seemed hillier and with more wind than I remember. I knew there would be wind and hills going south on 95, and easier on the way back. I made the first loop in time for the cut off. I stopped at special needs, praising God that I hadn't gotten a flat, and that so far the weather was excellent, no rain or no extreme heat, and it truly was a beautiful course. I grabbed my second bottle of nutrition, only going through about 1/3 of the first, thought I would try a new one. Roll down my sleeves and get going. I started to feel better and could take nutrition every 15. This is when I tried to remember when the next cut off was. To my panic, it was the 90mile marker at the end of the hilly, windy 95. I knew that I could make the 112 cut off- but I'd have to stay on it to make the 4:00pm 90 mile cut off time. I got in with about 8min to spare- PHEW. I turned around, and enjoyed the nicer tailwind and downhills from there.
I know that when swimming, I think about swimming (which I did) when biking, think about biking, etc, etc but I couldn't help but start conversation with a man as we approach a hill- we were at a good pace, but still able to chat- He had 62 written on his calf. As I pass him, I told him I didn't want to get emotional on him but 62 was the age of my father when he passed from esophageal cancer, I wanted to tell him that his family is fortunate that he was taking such good care of himself and he was awesome. He shared a bit of his life with me and shared that he too had cancer but had beat it, that everyday is a blessing with his grandkids he feeds them spinach to keep them healthy (granted this conversation was about 45 seconds long before we lost each other on a down, but enough to share a piece of somebody's life)
100 hits and I was just trying to stay focused on biking, not thinking too much about the run- I happily get into 112 with a big sigh of relief. No mechanical issues. I would have been toast. I MADE IT.
Into T2 I went as I went for another wardrobe change- fashion show, fashion show, fashion show at Ironman (The Office reference...anyone?) Ok, I proudly put on my ACS Team Familia singlet and Vision Quest visor, cover every inch of my body I could find with glide, vaseline, sunblock, etc. Take a swig of water and get going.
I tried to remember to ease into the first 5miles. Ease into was no problemo. I was going a snails pace and happy to be shuffling along. I tried to tell myself it was ok, that at mile 6 I would pick it up. I tried a gel on the 1/2 hour as planned but that quickly made me feel queezy. Taking in sips of water, and forcing salt stick down was about the best I could do. Mile 6 approached and it was time to pick it up to race pace. The only thing I could do was hold onto the jog pace I was going.
Shortly after I was approached by a runner named Pat. He told me that he had been walking and when he saw me jog by he decided to jog. That my pace was perfect for him and he asked if I could pace him because he was nervous that he was going to have to walk the whole thing and not make it. I said of course, but told him I was short for words as I was trying not to barf or pass out. He would remind us how hard the swim and bike were and I would remind him that we were running and were focusing on moving forward. He quickly picked up my positive vibes and then became a cheerleader for me when I started to struggle. After the second hill, on the short way back up after the turn around at mile 21, I had to walk and jog when I could. I had paced him for about 13miles and he could keep going so I told him to finish strong. It was now dark and I was wearing my glow sticks. It turned into "ok jog to the aid station" ok "jog to the next sign" execute piece by piece. The whole day was a series of trying to execute- piece by piece.
The lovely thing about being out ALL DAY- I got to see a beautiful sunset on the lake, and then got to appreciate the lake at night with the moon out. Not many get to see that, right?
The last down hill on Shermer into the finisher's shoot, really is as wonderful as they say. Music blaring, lights a blur, and crowd going nuts. Mike Riley (I didn't realize it was him at first) waving his towel yelling YOU are an IRONMAN. I don't remember the song playing, but I remember trying to dance and high five the best I could. I actually don't remember him saying the exact words, just a blur of cheering and excitement.
Crossing the line at 16:18:03. All I felt was RELIEF. I did it. It wasn't like Madison, I actually made each cut off. Did I really finish? Did it count? I got my medal, and my finisher's shirt- and tomorrow I would buy my finisher's jacket (silly material things, but things I was looking forward to all year)
Swim- 2:13:39
Bike - 7:54: 01
Run- 5:56:46
Total- 16:18:03
Not exactly my goal times. But I am an Ironman finisher! I look forward to lining up at that start line again in a few months at Ironman Wisconsin 2012 where I hope it will be just FUN.
Don't get me wrong, I know it's going to be a grueling and tough day, but it will be fun to see how much faster my swim time can be... fun to ride a course I love and know like the back of my hand after countless hours spent looping.... fun to run a course on my campus where every corner and turn hold a memory.... fun to see so many friends and family members on the course.... fun to give high fives to my fellow teammates racing... fun to try to give it all I have and see what my body can do.
While I did have moments in the long day to chat with fellow participants, that probably cost me time off of the clock. That's ok. Maybe that's why I'm not gunning for a Kona slot. While I love the process of improvement, and I love to get faster and stronger, I think I'll always be a participant versus a racer, and I'm ok with that. Each race has it's own goal. Maybe shorter races I'll try to podium, or maybe eventually try to qualify for Boston, or maybe get a faster swim for a 5K race.. or maybe ... or maybe... :) (who knows, if I'm still doing this at 60 maybe Kona could be a possibility!)
It's all the little ideas of "oooo that sounds like fun...." that keep me participating.
So for anybody who has made it to the end of this blog post. If you've had a little whisper in your head of "oh that sounds cool, but I'm not sure if I could" regardless of what it is... GO FOR IT!- Sometimes we need to tell our heads to shut up so we can hear what God is trying to say to our hearts.
So enjoying this week off- but already slighlty miss training (that's a good sign, right?) I'm taking this week and will slowly start to build back up- Next post- race report
IRONMAN WISCONSIN- SEPTEMBER 9, 2012
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