Andrea Griffith, YOU are an Ironman!

I am an Ironman...those words are still amazing to me and put a HUGE smile on my face!!! :)  To hear Mike Reilly say "Andrea Griffith, YOU are an Ironman!" was invaluable.  But to make it even better was to cross that finish line and know that I did it; that I swam 2.4 miles in Mirror Lake, biked 112 miles in the heat and with crosswinds, and that I ran/walked 26.2 miles with a wiped body to cross the finish line and become an Ironman!  This was the culmination of everything I worked so hard for in the past year.  Since July 25, 2011, this was my goal and focus.  I can hardly believe it has been accomplished.

Race day was a day of so many ups and a couple downs for me, in true Ironman fashion.  From waking up after a night of little sleep (to be expected), in retrospect I'd set a meeting place and organize a little better in the morning.  Making a checklist for morning last minute things was a good plan.  Not having a set spot to meet Doreen was a little hectic.  But to make it all positive, I had a number of nice messages I woke to.  And my family made shirts for me :)  "Go Team Andrea" on the front, and "Taking Care of Business" on the back - perfect.  A nice surprise as I nervously headed out to the race start!  (Awesome "tough" face for pic btw.)

I could definitely have planned/packed nutrition better for my T1 and T2 bags and any special needs bags.  Really need to not overpack, and utilize real foods on the course.  Also, allot more time for transition checks, bag drops and bathroom time.  Everything is walking distance, but there are 2700 people out there with you so it's a little hectic.

Finally, found Doreen when leaving transition and breathed a sigh of relief to see my partner and then Mike, Amanda and Erica, who all walked down with me after my parents said goodbye and good luck to me.  Was nice to run into a couple other familiar, smiling faces on the way to the swim start.  Knowing so many people at Placid was spectacular. 

The scene on the beach was beautful.  Everyone working out nerves and squeezing into wetsuits, about to all embark on the journey we have been training for the past year.  The first cannon sounded as the pro wave started at 6:50 am.  After the wetsuits were on and flip flops ditched, that meant 10 minutes until race time.  Then the national anthem, which always makes me cry as it is (ever since Jer's deployment).  I was welling up as it wrapped up and everyone loudly cheered then turned to Doreen and saw the same.  We hugged in a tearful embrace as we said "I love you and good luck, that our day is here."  This guy nearby told us to stop as we were getting him emotional lol.  The plan was to wait for the cannon to go off holding to the back, and then count to 30 before we started swimming.  It was chaos as I watched most of the 2700 athletes take off, knowing I was soon to follow.  Mike Reilly said this is one of the most amazing starts to athletic competition, and he was absolutely right.  As OAR's "Love and Memories" wrapped up and U2's "It's a Beautiful Day" began, I smiled and tried to not fog up my glasses with more tears.  One more quick hug and some mental talk, "Andrea, this is your day."  Then, one stroke at a time.

The Swim
Didn't take long to come up to what was undoubtedly the most crazy swim of my life.  I was definitely hit, scratched and kicked more times than combined in all of my other races almost instantaneously as I made my way across the start line.  But I stayed calm, told myself I was ok and I was.  In retrospect, this was something else I'd do differently.  Good to hold off on starting, but should've placed myself more to the outside.  Rather, I was stuck swimming close to the buoys where the magical string is that many try to swim over.  As I gained distance, we spread out and I felt better as I moved more to the right and kept the buoys on my left (backwards from many races).  As I turned to swim back to the shore on the first lap, I found myself right next to Doreen and smiled to myself.  Got out to run across the timing mat to conclude 1.2 miles, and told myself to keep the solid pace I had for the second lap.  I was shocked to know I was swimming a good, fast pace for me.  The second lap was more spread out, and seeing the finish line from a couple buoys out was a beautiful site.  I fastly swam to the beach, feeling very victorious.  As I was "stripped," I thought you did it, you got out of the water!  And was shocked at my time.  After some very slow swims at the end of training, I had ended in 1:32 which I was thrilled about!  And then, I hear "Hi friend!" and see Doreen.  A great end to the swim.

The run to transition was so great - I loved the cheers and saw my friends just as I was about to enter transition.  As I passed, I heard "Andrea, you had an awesome swim!" and I was so happy.  Ran in to grab my bag and see a friendly face in Doreen's friend Lori, and then got to transition next to Doreen.  Another note, I need to remember to pack a towel - luckily, friends share towels (even after we use them on our feet) ;) 

The Bike
Started to bike to see the rest of my family, and then Aunt Wendy and Grandmom as I flew past Lisa G's onto the course.  Felt strong and took in all of the scenery.  Looked at the signs, and there were some good ones!  Thanked the volunteers and took the hills conservatively.  The last 20 miles of the 56 mile loop are the hardest, and were when the wind really picked up as did the heat.  Came through the halfway point feeling good.  Got emotional as I came to the top of the last "bear" as so many people were out cheering for us athletes.  Was happy to hand off Ruby to a volunteer as I ate my snickers and shamlessly reapplied some DZ Nuts Bliss butt butter (in public, the volunteer said everyone was so I felt it was acceptable!).  Packed my secret weapon of salt and vinegar chips in my bento box, grabbed some other fuel and asked for help reapplying sunscreen and was off in just a few minutes.  Just about 2 miles later, I came out of town to Lisa G's to see all of my cheer squad and flashed huge smiles and waves to them!!

Lap 2 of the bike was tough.  I saw more friends and paced, but it only got hotter and the wind more difficult to pedal against on the flat parts of the course where I was hoping to gain time.  Was diligent on taking in salt, drinking and eating.  I think I need to eat more real food, and more frequently in the future.  By the time I got to the 85 mile mark, I wasn't feeling fantastic.  Kept dumping water on me to keep cool, and just tried to take each hill as it came.  Everyone looked to be slowing down so I tried to stay positive, cheer and talk to others out there and of course the volunteers.  I found a friend here who ended up playing some "tag" with me.  I'd pass her on the hills, and then she'd fly down the small downhills and power through the flats.  We kept telling one another "tag, you're it" to help pass some time.  The last couple miles were really difficult.  I found myself crying for the last 2 of the 112 mile ride.  Started as I finished the "3 bears" hearing the crowd support, but couldn't stop.  Part of it was extreme happiness and pride, part of it was feeling very tired and some worry about the marathon.  I was happy to hand Ruby off (for good) and give my sit bones a rest!  Another great split, 7:13 for my 112 tough miles with only one full stop and 4700+ feet of climbing! 

As I walked/ran into transition, the tears kept coming.  Seeing Lori's familiar face made me keep them flowing, but she was kind enough to take me into a seat in the shade and give me a few minutes to cool down and relax.  I knew I could do it, but was frustrated with how I felt.  Had a bad headache and my stomach didn't feel great.  Dumped some cool water on my head before changing and getting organized.  Another lesson here, make a list of all I definitely want to remember to grab or pack as I forgot chapstick and wanted it soon after.  I was told a lot of people were coming in sick and taking a long time in transition, that the conditions on race day were tough even for veterans.  Helped to know it wasn't just me.  My Dad later told me that he noticed I took a "15 minute break" in between my bike and run, haha a good way to describe it.  Feeling a little down, I left and told myself to take it slow.

The Run
Started running down Main St and saw Erica, and soon after Mike joined me and then the rest of my crew.  Told him honestly I wasn't feeling super, but tried to put a smile on my face as I approached aid station #1 and Derek.  Everyone cheered me on and Mike said to relax and I had plenty of time.  I knew in a couple miles I'd see Amanda out on River Road.  Had to make 2 porta potty stops as my stomach was feeling it.  Found it very difficult to hold down any gels or food.  I didn't get sick, but felt like I might.  So the nutrition plan had to be altered.  Got down a couple Shot Blocks, but was unable to take any gels.  Found Amanda who was there at the perfect time to try to distract me and get me back to being positive.  I know she could tell I was struggling, but she said to stick with it and to not worry about anyone but me.  I personally felt down as I was walking way early on, and didn't plan to except through aid stations until the second lap.  You can't control everything about how you are going to feel on race day, unfortunately.  I left Amanda and ran another 6 and through the turnaround point.  Doreen caught up to me, and we ran a little together.  I told her she looked great and to go have her race, and she had a fantastic marathon.  I am so proud of her!

I made some friends, Melissa and Tracey who were also run/walking earlier than planned.  It was nice to talk to other people going through the same things as me.  I only met more and more of these people as the day went on.  As I still couldn't eat, I had to do something to get calories.  Everyone always said to use the Coke so that become plan b.  My plan of using the "magicial" and highly recommeded "flat Coke" turned out to be a lifesaver.  Every aid station I took a glass of water and Coke.  Regularly kep taking salt.  I was staying pretty hydrated.  


As I found Amanda close the the first big uphill, she told me that I was doing great and that the second half of my marathon I'd get that good race karma that was due to me after helping during the bike crash I witnessed early in the week.  She left me as I found Mike and shockingly my Mom who had come out on the course to help give me a boost.  They ran with me into town, and Mom as long as she could.  "You are doing great" were nice words to hear, even if I was slightly disappointed.  As I approached the rest of the crew, Amy jumped in to join me as I turned down some chips Joe offered me.  


Mike and Amy walked me up the big hill onto Main St, right by a paraplegic athlete in a recumbant bike doing the whole race with only his arms.  Talk about inspirational and making me feel more frustrated!  But I cried as I cheered him on, and tried to suck the crowd's energy.  Did the out and back as Amy told me she had heard from TJ, her friend who sent me good luck notes and won Placid last year.  TJ said to tell me "you're doing great and have plenty of time" - awesome words to hear and take in.  And then, I see Todd P, my coach.  He cheered for me and after asking how I was and bluntly telling him this wasn't my best run, he said "just keep moving forward, you can do it."  And I told him that was the plan. 

Amy said I was doing better and looked great, I thanked her as she left my side after the most we've ever run together and Mike joined in again.  He said "you are making great time and are doing great" and as I saw my crew, I smiled again.  Then Pete jumped in to help carry me a bit further.  He said "I'm here to help you with whatever you need, babe" and it was much appreciated.  As we found Amanda, I finally started to find my stride.  


I started to feel like I could get some stronger efforts in, and Amanda and Pete said they noticed.  Was nice to hand my handheld to them (don't need one in the future I think).  The clouds came out and the sun was setting, perfect aid for my race.  I asked them for alone time and left to see some familiar faces on the out and back, and make more new friends.  Like Eric, whose wife got pulled after the bike but kept going because his daughter wanted to see him finish.  His sister-in-law was still going despite walking her whole marathon due to rheumatoid arthritis.  Another inspiring story as we passed her after the turnaround.  I passed Eric, and he later passed me closer to the finish as he gave me a quick pound and we cheered each other on.  Comradery of the sport is so special.  I also passed my tag buddy who was struggling after a stronger run start than me.  A quick cheer and wave to her.  As I passed Melissa and then Tracey passed me, I couldn't help but think of all the people I shared the day with that were brand new (and those are just to name a few). 

Amanda and Pete greeted me just before we left River Rd for the last time to climb the first big hill into town.  I told them this was officially the furthest I'd ever run as they told me we were at 21 miles.  Amanda told me I looked stronger every time she saw me and was definitely having a better second half.  She said Mike was just up the hill onto Main St and everyone else staked out a good spot at the finish.  I asked my support crew to leave me by Lisa G's, just as we passed the house with the lights in the shape of the M-dot logo.  A big smile for all the fans staying out there in the dark to not only cheer for all of us nearing the finish line, but those just starting their second loops.  After one last "great job and finish strong!" I was alone to run the last bit of the longest 5k of my life.  I had been so thankful of all the volunteers, especially on the way back of the second loop.  


In town, I flashed huge smiles to all who cheered me on and even was able to laugh at the drunk guys.  Lots of high fives and cheers for #473!  Power walked my way up the final two hills onto 86 and Main St and then saw Mike on the sidelines waving an Ironman towl with his cutoff Go Team Andrea shirt.  He waived me over with a loud cheer, and grabbed me to give me a huge kiss.  He told me to finish this and he'd see me at the finish line.  I almost welled up as I smiled again and continued on the last 1.5 miles on the out and back on Mirror Lake Dr, a stretch that seems like forever when you are so close.  I see Doreen and our friend Todd I was able to ride and run with briefly.  We cheer each other on and high five.  I find myself running even more as I feel the excitement and can hear the loudness inside the Oval.  I hit the final turnaround and keep moving.  I remembering hearing "We Found Love" and being happy, forcing myself to down some more Coke and then seeing Main St in the distance.  I picked up the pace, after a brief walk, trying to ensure I'd have enough for a strong finish. 

Now I can't stop smiling as the lights hit my face and I enter the Oval!  The crowd is going crazy for all of us athletes, and I thought to myself "Ok, you've worked your ass off so now there is no way in hell you are going to share your finish picture with anyone so move it!"  And that I did, I magically picked up my pace to run faster than I had all day.  I hear friends and family cheering my name, and then come to the straightaway to the actual finish line.  I sprint and remember thinking you are doing it, this is the culmination of an unforgetable day and journey...and then I hear it, "Andrea Griffith, you are an Ironman!!!"  Throwing my arms up victoriously, I bask in the glory that is stunning, barely being able to comprehend that I did it :)

In a daze, Erica calls my name and I jump into her arms as my "catcher" - and then the tears start flowing down both of our faces as I tell her I did it and she says "yes you did!"  Then I see my family and friends, and Doreen says "stop hogging her!"  We hug and tell each other how happy we are, and then Derek medals me and it's tears and smiles and hugs all around as everyone else makes their way to the fence!

I hug all of the amazing people there for me: my parents, Mike, Erica, Amanda, Amy, Joe, Pete, Cheryl, Aunt Wendy, Grandmom, Aunt Mimi, Jean Ann and then see Jenny, Jerry and Doreen's family.  And last but not least, Dave and Bernadette and I cry some more as I truly think it doesn't get any better than this!

They pop some champaign as I take only a sip and take a giant Team Andrea picture, glorious :)  Erica made me eat a piece of pizza, only thing I could get down until much later.  After Aunt Wendy got me home and I showered, I couldn't help but continually thank everyone for sharing my special day with me.  I couldn't imagine not having them there, and they were all amazing to me.

Everyone told me this would be the best day of my life, and they are right.  As I sang one of my favorite songs to myself, I knew it was so true: "Hands down, this is the best day I can ever remember, I'll always remember."

This was the best day ever, and has forever changed me!  I will never forget it, and I am a better person for having embarked on this amazing experience.  I am stronger for it, and I love everything that has come out of it.  Mentally, physically and emotionally I tested myself in ways never before.  And I am forever different, forever an Ironman.  And it is so damn sweet.

I am an Ironman, and it is something I did for me and I'll always have this huge personal victory to savor for the rest of my life!  And I will :)

(And yes, there will be another one someday...c'mon, I need redemption for my marathon - which I can knock probably close to an hour off of alone!!!)


PS-More pics to come, these are all I have so far!