Third Time's A Charm - Ironman #3 Race Recap!

Man, it has been since 2014 I last updated this?!?  The answer is yes - the last time I did an Ironman (eye roll to myself).

The theme of IMWI is gratitude - I have so much gratitude in my heart for so many reasons and people. 2017 was an Ironman journey that challenged me in new ways I never thought possible.

So much happened in the past year and while it has been my plan to do an Ironman in 2017 for the past 2 years, I couldn't have imagined how challenging this experience would be.  I switched jobs - I'm now back at LLS working on the fabulous national Light The Night team - and I could not be happier with this big career move, I feel home.  While this did wonders for my happiness, any job change adds some stress and learning curves, and in I continue to travel a lot.

Ironman training is HARD.  It's long ass hours spent pushing your body through pain (literal physical pain and mental pain), prepping for workouts, etc.  Doing all of this while traveling added a whole new element - not only was a planning my work travel, but planning my workouts in new cities.  Looking up gyms, needing pools, spin studies, and finding hotels near running paths.  I've felt like all I've done is plan to workout for months so it's no wonder I had little mental space to plan anything else in my life (sorry friends).  

It was also hard on my family, Mike and Hector.  I'm so blessed that I had so much support again from Mike through all the training and traveling.  It wasn't easy, but we made it work and I could never have done it without his support.  

PRE-RACE

Some weeks the mid-week workouts barely got done, when I had super busy work travels.  The long workouts happened after long travel days, making me even more tired on the challenging, long days.  I crashed about 5 weeks out from the race, causing me to miss almost 2 weeks of swimming.  My ankle injury (I tore my posterior tib tendon a year ago) plagued me on/off for months, causing me to have to reduce running.  Training wasn't pretty.

BUT the last few weeks leading up to the race were filled with solid, long training days.  Sometimes the workouts were really, really slow, but I got them done with good hydration and nutrition.  Tried to eat as healthy as possible in the weeks leading up, and made it a point to stretch/do yoga daily.  

Mike and I decided we would make the trek to Wisconsin by car, taking the 16 hour trip to Madison in the Foz (Subaru).  We left the Wednesday before the race, and decided to stop outside of Chicago for the night and continue on the remaining 2.5 hours on Thursday.  

ARRIVAL IN MADISON, WI

We got to the house we rented to meet up with Amanda, my friend who was also doing the race as her first IM and ready to kill it after she trained super hard!  Amanda lives in San Diego so it was very cool to have her do this with me from across the country.  And of course I had my local bike mentor/Iron friend/sherpa Dave, who got me through alllllllllll of the long bike miles :).  We checked in and drove the bike course on Thurs - which was rolling and just as expected with a couple big hills, and I felt really good.

When I say that my week of the race workouts weren't spectacular, I don't think I could really explain what happened.  Friday, 2 days pre-race, I went to do my pre-race swim in Lake Monona followed by a bike ride.  OK so this lake is waaaaayyyy bigger than Mirror Lake (in Lake Placid).  I freaked out in open water for the first time in years.  I cried and had a hard time composing myself for the next 2 days.  The lake was super choppy, hard to sight and really hard to feel comfortable to swim at all.  I wasn't the only one nervous, but I felt defeated. 

This was my big freak out.  Bigger than I would've liked...here is where so much gratitude comes in.  I am still so thankful for my training partners, family and friends - Doreen let me cry to her, Dave reassured me all was ok, Amanda tried to keep saying positive things, Erica told me she would punch me in the face if I cried to her ;), Mike reminded me I always have a freak out, my parents and sister told me I was ready, so many friends texted me pump up messages...THANK YOU for all of it, again.  Sounds silly but the biggest relief came from a tiny gift of worry dolls Doreen gave me the day before the race - Erica discovered the 10 little dolls perfectly covered the map of the swim course!  So I put them under my pillow, and was granted the wish of smooth waters on Sunday - so much gratitude!!!

RACE DAY

It was a cool sub-50 degrees, dark but with a calm lake - so I couldn't have been happier at 4am!  We got to transition to check the tires and add a few final items to my transition bags.  Before I knew it, the sun was rising and we were rushing to the swim start to hear the National Anthem and then push my way into my swim wave start.  Hugged my crew goodbye (Mike, Doreen and Erica) and squeezed Dave with a huge good luck hug.  Being so rushed was actually good because I had no time to worry!

The Swim

Swim was an in water start and staggered to 6 waves of 500 people.  Water was cold, but swimming out to the start line helped me adjust quick.  I was wave 1, right after the Male Pro's.  Followed by plan by staying in the back and letting everyone go.  Got into a groove quick and was thinking "I got this".  Until the men in other waves came barreling into me (literally), and I got punched and dunked.  It was scary, but nothing compared to how I felt on Fri.  It was hard to sight and on the final turns I ended up closer to the kayaks than buoys, so I can only imagine what I actually swam (I need to get better at sighting!).  My hips got really tight so I did this weird frog kick every so often in the final .5 miles.

There is no greater feeling for me than to see the swim exit approaching - I was beaming as I finally reached it and sprinted out of the water, ready to tackle anything!  Gratitude - my worry dolls got me through.

Transition is actually up this helix parking garage that people were lined up, making the run into T1 really fun.  You grab your bag and head inside the hotel to a meeting room to the changing tent - was really nice being chilly out.  

Erica was volunteering and I panicked at first when I didn't see her almost screaming "ERICA WHERE ARE YOU" - but then she was right in front of me helping Amanda!  Wished Amanda the best as she headed out a few before me, and Erica helped me get on my dry way to my bike.  THE SWIM WAS OVER YAY!

The Bike 

Was a little chilly in the beginning, but it felt awesome!  No high temps but sunny.  The bike course is full of rolling hills and a lot of turns, but I was ready for it with lots of practice on similar courses back home with Dave.

Felt good through the halfway mark, was happy to grab my bike special needs bag with my PB&J, drink mix, and salt and vinegar chips (and to lose the arm warmers).  And my family took an Uber out to Verona (where people all hang and party) to see me - I was 100% they'd be there, and when I saw them I couldn't have been happier!  Amanda's cheer squad was all over the course too so it was great to see so many peeps throughout the ride.

The big 9% grade hill is Barlow.  Knew it was coming and a lot of people walk it, which was the most nerve-racking part.  Luckily the swim spread us out enough it wasn't crowded, and Dave took me up many 14% graders so I was good to tackle it.  The crowd support on the hills was huge, the spectators really amped me up.  

I got a bit tired after Barlow and felt like I really needed a boost so in some caffeine and increased my salt intake, and I was like a new person.  There was also no shade so while cool, it did warm up a lot in the sun.  Saw my family once more around mile 90 and it was awesome once again, felt so good after! 

I pushed hard the last 10 miles with a steady pace to drive me up the helix to T2, and as always I couldn't have given up Flo Jo (my bike) fast enough - sorry girlfriend, we needed a break.

I had a real speedy T2 somehow, got out of there in 9 minutes to tackle the marathon.

The Run

I was nervous about the run - because of my injury.  Because it's freaking last and still 26.2 miles.  Because I never know how my body and stomach will feel.  I smile so big every time I think about my run in Madison because some way, somehow, it was picture perfect!

I took it exactly at the pace I wanted, being sure to not go out too fast (a mistake I made in the other 2 IM's).  I had learned in this training that Base Salts work so much better for me, and was taking in salt every mile (every 5-10 on the bike).  I also took in Shot Bloks, pretzels, grapes, and oranges when I could at the mile markers, and walked through each as planned to take in water or my drink mix in my hand held bottle.

The run course looks cray on the map, but it was AWESOME because you zig zag in/out of town and college campus there are literally people everywhere!  You also get to run a lap on the turf at Camp Randall Stadium twice - it was incredibly cool to run in an empty stadium.  Megan and Carolyn met me out on multiple parts of the run course, which was amazing - gratitude for them.

When you head back onto the main drag, it's magical.  There are literally people screaming for you lining the streets.  You can't help but run faster because of the energy they are giving off.

Shortly before the turnaround, probably around mile 11ish I caught up to Amanda. She finished the bike about 10 minutes before me having a great time, and was walking more than planned and we had seen each other on the out and backs.  We walked together for a few, and it was great to spend some time on the course together (I wish we had seen someone in our crew for a pic, but Jen caught a great shot of our dots crossing on the app from home!).  She was doing great, and I was really happy to see her.  I also finally got to see Dave just after, and we had a big hug.  I knew the run was going to be long for him, but he still had a great, positive attitude and was so supportive of me and the quest for my PR.  It really made my heart happy to have a moment with him.

The second loop I thought was going to be tough, so I decided to start taking in Coca Cola right away - every mile I was now taking salt, Coke and water.  And it helped almost immediately, giving me the boost I needed.  My plan was always to walk the hills and I had done well the first loop with it, and maintained for loop 2.  I was feeling excellent, maintaining a very steady pace.  Saw Meggies and Carolyn lots more.  I told Erica I would be really happy if they found cheese hats, so she, Mike and Doreen succeeded and made my day!

I met a friend named Megan, who had a small issue earlier in the run and was rebounding so well.  We ran the last few miles together on and off, after passing each other back and forth earlier.  It was really nice to find someone to chat with.  Saw Dave once more and another big hug, and he told me he was so proud of me and I told him the same :).

Heading back into the final 2 miles, my Megan tells me I'm close to breaking 14 hours - I really had no idea since I used my bike computer for the ride.  I ran a solid final couple miles, as fast as I could.  No walking all running, I made my way into town and up around the Capitol where I said my goodbyes to the crew and Mike after seeing Doreen and Erica and knowing my parents were at the finish.  

Turned onto the straightaway of the finishing shoot and saw the bright lights and heard the loud cheers...and I smiled and ran my way down, not even seeing the crew on my way.  Sprinted somehow to Mike Reilly, and he said those famous words - "Andrea Griffith, YOU are an Ironman!"  Threw my arms up in the air and savored the moment I had been waiting for all day!

(Added because I forgot) Finishing time of 14:02 - just over 14 hours, but a huge Ironman PR for me!!  I forgot to share because the magic for me is more about my journey and the day, and not as much the time (although I wish I went 2 minutes faster somewhere lol).  PR of about 30 minutes - 1 min bike PR, T2 PR, annnnd a 27 min run PR :)

Ironman #3 was a special day.  Ironman Wisconsin holds up as the best spectator friendly race and best spectator supported race!  I am so blessed to have had my crew there for me, so much gratitude for Mike, my parents, Megan and Carolyn, Doreen and Erica.  Gratitude for Amanda and her crew, racing together and being there to see her cross the finish line of her first Ironman shortly after me.  Much gratitude for Dave, who got me through a lot of long days this year and others and who completed his 6th Ironman and is entering into IM retirement.

Thank you to all for the words and actions of support, for the love, for the uplighting words when I needed them throughout my training.  Thank you for bearing with me being tired and cranky, and absent from a lot of things for the past 6 months.

GRATITUDE for it all :) #IMWI

The Business was once again Taken Care of.

YOU are an Ironman, again!!

It's pretty much been a high for the past 5 days for me, so many emotions, celebrations and smiles!  What I thought couldn't be any more special, has become just that.  A place that I have loved since I staffed a TNT race has become one of the most meaningful places I've ever been to.  I simply love Lake Placid and all that it has come to symbolize for me :).

The Engagement!

My journey to Ironman Lake Placid 2014 began last Thursday, July 24 as Mike and I drove North.  After checking in, we had dinner with Doreen, her mom, Dave and Bernadette, and then had birthday beers for Doreen with our friend Matt at the Pub.  A perfect introduction to Lake Placid, ending with enjoying the cool nights in Bear Lodge (our rental house) in two Adirondack chairs.  

Friday morning was a swim/ride and luck with some training friends as Mike went to the gym and grocery store.  We both came home and decided to walk into town after some showers before my parents and Aunt Wendy arrived.  As we walked inside from the deck, Mike gave me a huge hug and proceeded to ask me the biggest question of all…and just like that, we got engaged!!!  It was the perfect Andrea-Mike situation, just the two of us in a comfortable place, complete with smiling and laughter and happiness :).  

After calling my family, we did walk into town for a celebratory beverage and took in Lake Placid and the Ironman.  Soon after, the family arrived and we went to dinner and spread the news.  The day went by so quickly and I could hardly believe it all happened.  

It was perfect, in my one of my favorite places on earth around such a special event for me!  Mike knew this was the best way, he knows me so well.  After spending 7 years together - growing up and into "adults", going through lay-off's and having no money, finding our career paths, surviving now TWO Ironman training seasons, building our first home together, and adopting our Hector together - we've been through so many up's and down's and good times and bad ones.  We've been through a lot in 7 years, and we are better people for all of it.  My best friend will be with me for life.

The Race!

Saturday was complete with sharing the celebration with Doreen, Dave and Bernadette at the pancake breakfast and a short run.  Then the tremendous packing event took place…I forgot how ridiculous it is!  Bike got racked, bags were dropped, and Bobby and Sophia and Jen and Derek arrived :)!  We spent hours laughing and my friends calmed my nerves.  Playing Heads Up with the whole group was a great, relaxing, pre-race evening after stuffing ourselves with the feast Mike made us.  

And before I knew it, it was Sunday morning at the lovely time of 3:30 am and I was getting up for race day!  After watching my obligatory Miracle speech on YouTube, we were off.  Props to Mike, Derek and Jen for walking me to meet my Iron friends and being so supportive.  Quick bag and bike check, and we headed to the beach to wait.  

The Swim

The wait seemed so much longer this year, and the rolling start was likely the cause of that.  I, of course, cried during the National Anthem and hugged Doreen, Dave and our friend Steve who was with us.  Minutes later, we were off in the water.  

Took the first loop very conservatively and was feeling good.  Nerves were high as it was because the forecast was not great.  I got out to walk across the timing mat to enter in for my second lap, and it was pouring.  Thought it's OK, it's just rain and went off.  Got the .6 down and turned to come back, and made it between buoys 3 and 4 when I saw paddles waving frantically out of the corner of my eyes.  Stopped to hear the kayakers screaming "SWIM TO SHORE IMMEDIATELY SWIMMERS."  No one knew what to do except that, as we were forbidden to continue on.  

We invaded the docks of the houses on the other side of the lake, and the true spirit of the Ironman was seen - all athletes helped one another up on the dock, someone literally helped pull me out of the water because the metal stairs were so crowded.  Camaraderie at it's finest.  No one knew what to do, people were upset.  I just kept telling anyone who asked me and to myself, "this isn't our fault, this is for our safety."  We walked around the dock to Mirror Lake Drive and headed back to transition.  Being disappointed and cold, I and a handful of others ran back.  Between the approximate .4 I had to swim and the  actual run to transition, it was probably .5-.6 miles in a wetsuit, barefoot and on the street in the pouring rain.  Positive talk to myself and others throughout it all.  It was a scary situation, and I felt glad I missed seeing the lightning in my swim sighting.

The transition tents were jam packed.  I saw Michele, and moments later Doreen.  After seeing no friends on the docks, this was comforting as I was worried about all of my friends racing.  There was this woman next to me hysterical.  I tried to help the volunteer with her comfort her as we encouraged her to take deep breaths.  She headed out and I said a prayer for her safety.  We put on dry bike clothes, and it almost seemed pointless.  Exchanged a quick "I love you and be safe" with Doreen, and I headed out to get my bike (Flo Jo).  

The Bike

My Mom, Dad and Aunt caught be just before I mounted my bike, and I told them all was OK and promised to race safe.  Thought I had missed the friend crew, but luckily saw them at the last minute when I heard Roomie's (Jen) voice.  A smile and a wave and I was gone.  It was literally pouring on us, at times so hard it hurt.

I passed a couple friends and caught Steve, and everyone vowed to be careful.  See, the scariest part of the bike course is a 7-mile decent with winding s-curves into the town of Keene, and this happens early in the bike course.  Luckily, we had ridden in the rain during Todd's training camp both days on the bike, including doing the decent to Keene.  While it was less then ideal, I knew I could do it.  Rode the brakes a lot, but made it safely and felt relieved.  I started praying for it to clear up, even if just for a bit and even if it meant a lot of humidity.  30 miles later, it did.  My friend Khaleeqa's parents later told us they went and prayed for all athletes, and heard this from many other people - thank you for doing so!  Many were upset and angry, and I just kept reminding them to make the best out of the situation because we couldn't do anything - to smile and try to enjoy the day.

Once the sun came out, I felt so relieved and could pick up the pace.  I could actually begin to see out of my glasses, enough to shout to Ken, Doreen, Maire, Ryan and Khaleeqa as I saw them on the out and back's or caught up long enough to share a few words.  Those moments always provided a nice boost.  I came through the bike special needs area at 56 miles, and grabbed my PB&J, UCAN drink and butt butter.  The nice volunteers helping us reminded me to drink and eat as it was getting hot, and I thanked him.  A few moments later, I was off.  My support crew missed me!  Apparently I was riding faster than they expected ;).  

Riding through town was spectacular as always.  I couldn't stop smiling, and even during the rain that was my main goal of the day.  The second loop was tough and warm.  I was more diligent with my nutrition - consuming real food this year and taking in my salt every hour.  I saw Dave and couldn't be happier finally, and again Ken, Doreen and Maire.  It was on and off cloudy, which was much appreciated as I was worried of over-heating as I opted for sleeves when it was pouring.  It poured again the last 5 miles, making it difficult to see but was ready to get off Flo Jo for the day so pushed.

Emotional headcase Andrea was no-where to be found this year!  I got choked up quite a few times on the bike, when the crowd was so intense I got chills, but held it together and smiled big, even when it interfered with my active breathing up the hills.  I felt so much stronger despite my back and lats aching (from being to tense in the rain) - so much of this is owed to Dave, my teacher and mentor on the bike who was challenged me and made me such a better cyclist in the past year.  Although not next to me, Dave you were in my head as I told myself "every hill has a rhythm, every hill has a pace" and reminded myself to be upright and do active breathing.  I must have looked good as people kept complimenting my form and cadence!  

As I finished off Papa Bear, I knew we were almost there and beamed the rest of the way to bike dismount.  Next, I saw Adrienne and the Foster girls and got a big boost as she gave me a huge hug and kiss (thank you!!).  Took my time in transition, thanking the volunteers and ensuring I got everything (which I still didn't but did much better this year).  

The Run

I started out so happy my feet were finally dry and that the bike was over.  Had to keep reminding myself to start out slow, the advice of coach Todd P, and was surprised how good the leggies felt.  With the crowd's cheers, I turned the corner down the hill to where I knew my crew was.  Before I knew it, I saw Mike smiling and coming towards me.  He checked in and was happy when I told him all was good, and shortly after saw the fam and friends and smiled so big, happy to see them.  Was great to be done early enough to see Derek still volunteering at run aid #1 too.  After exchanging an awkward kiss (it's hard to kiss while running), Mike left me and I headed out towards River Road.  Michele ran with me a few and I was so happy for her as a first-timer, looking so strong.  

I couldn't believe how good I was feeling, and honed myself in to walk through the aid stations so I didn't pay for it later.  A couple miles in, I realized I totally forgot my UCAN drink in transition.  A moment of panic, as I had followed the nutrition plan well to date.  I re-routed the plan, what I had been doing all day minus nutrition, and started doing a rinse of Perform (literally swishing it in your mouth and not really drinking it) and some Coke or bananas every 1-2 miles and my salt every 3-4 as usual.  Smiled as I saw Howie and Ken, looking strong.  Saw Gretchen and she was so great cheering me on and taking a pic.  Was worried about Dave as I knew he was hurting, and finally saw Doreen too which was a relief.  Finally saw our friend Todd Turbett, who I'd been looking for, and he gave me the biggest hug and kiss I could've asked for, sending his congrats :).  Derek came up and after getting a boost, told him to go help our friends who needed him.  

As I neared town and walked the the first big hill, I felt my body really getting tired.  Saw Mike and Bobby right before Lisa G's, and they made me laugh as they shared the stories of the morning.  Then saw everyone else and was very happy.  Walked the big hill back to Mirror Lake Drive as planned, and survived the out and back on Mirror Lake Drive, hearing the finishers in the oval and being so jealous.  Could feel the wheels starting to come off, but let the crowd carry me back down the hill to where I knew my support crew was waiting.  Was so happy again to see them all there, cheering me on :).  Smiled big for them to let them know all was well!

As I walked up the small hill past Lisa G's, I knew the next 12 miles were going to be rough.  Every little roller on River Road felt like a mountain.  I started having to walk them all, and the walk breaks became much more frequent and longer.  Luckily, I had taken my drink at run special needs, but chugging it felt like a brick in my gut.  BUT, I was eating and drinking and a little gas never hurt anyone in Ironman hah.  Each mile I felt more and more tired.  Seeing Howie, Andrey, Ken, Gretchen, Todd T and so many others was great again.  This marathon was a lot more lonely than in 2012, but forced me inside my own head (a scary place we determined lol) and to use my mental toughness.  Must have dropped my salt tabs, but a very nice 62 year old man shared Enduralytes with me.  He was kicking serious behind.  Had missed Doreen and was worried, later learning that we passed each other by our families and friends for a great moment.  When I saw her as I neared town with Steve, was so happy to exchange a "you look cute" with her.  

As I walked the first big hill off of River Road, I could start to feel the end coming near.  Ran a bit on the stretch leading to town, and eventually saw Mike. I must have been moving pretty good (my watch died at 13 so I had no idea of pace) because when I was running he couldn't keep up lol.  After being with me for a minute, I went on alone again and he headed back to the oval.  Coming down past Lisa G's and up the last hill to Main Street, the crowd became intense and didn't let up all the way to Mirror Lake Drive.  I'm pretty sure I was beaming here :).  They carried up to the flats where I got some energy to run again.  The other issue I started having was at about mile 20, my leggies started cramping (my adductors/inside thigh muscles) and spasming forcing me to walk at times.  I tried to ignore this as I knew I had less the 2 miles to go.

Made it to the turn around on River Road, all of us out there anxious and ready and telling one another that lol.  I ran fast when I was able to, just wanting to hear the roar of the crowd as I neared the oval.  The crowd was eating up all of us out there, as I came to the bottom of the lake and the crowd became thick, lining both sides of the road, I plastered a huge smile on my face that didn't fade again and started my bell lap to the finish!  Their cheers were amazing, and I threw my hands up and they screamed…it was incredible.  As I stepped onto the street and into the oval, I knew this was it, the moment I'd been waiting 2 years for again.

I felt like I was sprinting as I high-fived the crowd (and apparently Mike who I totally didn't see!).  As I turned the corner to the final straightaway, I was literally blinded by the light of the finish line.  I couldn't even see Mike Reilly, who I knew was shouting our names off to the right.  As I made sure to position myself to cross alone, I heard him say my name…"Andrea Griffith, Andrea, she got engaged this weekend!"  I thought I was seriously delirious, Mike Reilly couldn't know that lol.  This made me smile even more :).  I crossed and felt the arms of my catcher, who I thought for sure I would look at and completely lose it.  But I didn't, I looked at him and said thank you and kept smiling.  Maybe it's because it wasn't Little Bear (Erica) or maybe it's because I had been smiling all day, but my happiness was the emotion that won.

I shuffled to my photo and then to see Ken and Todd T, and then saw my family and friends and gave sweaty hugs and kisses to them.  We dispersed quicker than before so totally missed the big group photo unfortunately, but was so happy to have each and every one of them with me for this unforgettable day: Mike, my parents, Aunt Wendy, Roomie, Derek, Bobby and Sophia.  They were amazing and really helped keep me smiling, and I love them all so much.

I waited to see Doreen and got to see Dave start on his final stretch.  While I felt much better, I did feel nauseous again and had to go home to be horizontal and eat real food.  My dreams of staying until midnight faded, and that was ok.  

This Ironman was so special.  It started off amazingly with the engagement, of course.  But, it was special because we endured crazy conditions, and preserved to be strong ass athletes and finish what we started.  It was special because I don't think ever again I could do an Ironman with over 15 friends in one race.  We had two engagements (we knew someone who also got engaged at the finish!), 4 birthdays (Doreen, Maire, Stef, Mike), and so many memories.  My Iron friends made the day spectacular.  My support crew made it powerful.  We made it unforgettable.

I have come so far in my personal triathlon career and journey.  Todd P pushed me to my limits.  Dave made be a stronger cyclist.  I got mentally tough.  Doreen made it fun and special as my PIC.  All my friends made training enjoyable, and added a lot of laughter to the tough days.

Thank you everyone, for your support near and far, for your encouragement and congratulations, and for your love.  The journey is far from being over, and I'm just loving the ride.

Lake Placid 2014 will forever hold an extra special place in my heart xoxo.

How to Track Me for the Big Day!

For anyone interested, here is the info to track my Ironman race if you are interested (NO pressure)!  The race starts at 6:30am-midnight (yes, 17 hours!).  

There is new swim start.  Instead of firing a cannon and letting 2700 athletes swim in the "washing machine" now it is a rolling, self-seated start.  So I'm not 100% sure what time between 6:30-7am I'll get in the water, but if you track me you can see when I step over the mat into Mirror Lake.

Thanks for your support :) 

• Go to www.ironman.com
• There will be a link that says "Live Coverage" at the top
• Select Ironman Lake Placid
• If you are directed to search my number (it's #876) or last name, click the Athlete Tracker link
• Then click my name and you can track me!

A really cool feature of the Ironman website are the web cameras they have set up.  You can click the "Live Coverage" link right below the race name.  For Lake Placid they should have 4 web cameras set up: the swim exit, Transition 1, Transition 2 and the finish line.

Doreen Cannon #1217

Dave Madden #2737

My other friends racing (don't know everyone's numbers:

Kate Jordan

Ken Modica

Steve Heller

Todd Turbett

Matt Ciociola

Khaleeqa Rouse

Michele Annibal

Andrey Yunusov

Howie Lee

Maire Frances

Matt Collins

Sorry if I forgot anyone - such a party this year!

PS-I'm here and absolutely loving Lake Placid as always :)

Becoming Iron Again

The year is 2014, and the Ironman is 11 days away.  I have taken quite the hiatus from my blog, my apologies, but 2014 has been quite the year leading up to this moment.  Ironman Lake Placid is on the horizon again, and I can't believe the time has flown by.

I remember right after Christmas sitting with two friends and talking about the start of training.  I remember one (thanks Kaitlin) telling my my training sounds like being pregnant.  It's 7-9 months of you being tired, not drinking much, eating a lot, and being in discomfort frequently.  Your feet get swollen, you go to bed early, and you feel kind of lame.  You might not always be great at keeping in touch with friends because you don't have the energy.  That about sums up Ironman training!

I struggled in the beginning this time.  The brutal winter we had only made matters worse.  But as the weather warmed up, training got better (thankfully).  There have been many highlights, and of course stressful times.  And our new addition, Hector, may have been a bit of a distraction :)  

One of the best memories from this training year was going camp at the Olympic Training Center.  Memorial Day weekend was spent in Lake Placid at the OTC, and this was the first time an Ironman training camp was ever invited to stay there (thanks Todd P, for being the man!).  We had a blast, trained hard and ate ridiculously well.  I was like a kid in a candy store.  Being an EXSC major, this was like my dream come true.  Not only were we staying where Olympians stayed, and saw a couple, we were strength training in their facilities.  Amazing!  

I raced Philly Tri, had a swim PR, but not an overall PR.  And ran my second fastest half marathon time at St. Luke's.  I've challenged myself physically.  My worst training weekend called for a 100 mile ride on the Livestrong Century course (6500 feet of climbing aka tough stuff), followed by my second 20 mile run (on a sour stomach).  I managed to swim 3100 and run 10 miles, all on a Wed midweek.  

The bulk of the training is in.  As I began my taper last week with a 2.5 mile swim to wrap up peak training, I felt unbelievably tired.  That's normal.  But am still finding myself to be.  Sleep and rest is needed now, despite your body telling you it's not normal.  I also found myself struggling mentally.  A tough, tired workout can mess with your head, even if you are in a good place.  My long swim wasn't great, and I ran on a ridiculously humid day last weekend.  Found myself in tears over it.  But this is where mental toughness comes in, and it is all great race day prep.

You can't predict what will happen in any race, especially Ironman.  It could be hot, humid, rainy, windy.  You could feel sick, happy, sad, hurt.  In fact, all of these things could happen.  You need to be ready to alter your plan based upon what the day brings.  You train for all possibilities.  

So here I am, 11 days out from tackling No. 2.  Thank you for the support along the way, it means so much you probably don't even realize it.  I'll try to post a bit as I head up and share after.  I'm excited and nervous for the big day.  Sorry to my friends I've neglected.  I have just been prepping to be Iron once again!  #IMLP2014