I wish I had completed my thoughts on my Ironman experience the day after the event.  I know I feel vastly different now than I did the first 24 hours after.  I yet to have the 'booyah' moment, the tears of joy or the sense of accomplishment that I truly expected to be with me for days, weeks or months after the event.

I do recognize that finishing is an achievement.  I also recognize that my goal at the beginning was to just finish.  I mean really?  Look at the quote that I have posted from Ironman Founder, John Collins on my side bar: 

"Ironman has always been about finishing what you started. About being able to do what set out to do. Maybe not as fast as the person in front of you but certainly faster than the person who never started........"

And yet...somewhere along the line, I let a sub 16 hour goal creep in.   And once again, I'm letting some random number plucked out of the sky influence me and dictate my feelings.  

Finishing in 15 hours and change was totally achievable for me on that day.  I know it was.  

But I didn't.  And I need to come to terms with that.  Soon.

Recovery takes on a whole different meaning when the day before involves a lot of this...

or this...

                                                        

versus something like this...

                                                        

I'm getting old.

Gu, who?

Now this is nutrition during a bike ride...

Celebrating Mardi's homecoming

Hydration

26kms of fun...

Yum!

WELCOME HOME MARDI!

Mardi and I are to be reunited today...

:0)

Iron Blue

The Bike:  It's going to take how long?

8.22.22.   'Nuff said.

Oh!  And by the way.  Idaho isn't freakin' flat.  

The Swim: 1.32.06

At the beginning of this journey to Ironman, I thought the swim would be the toughest discipline.  I have this ridiculous fear of open water.  The deep, dark, depths of murky water .  Who knows what is underneath?  And it turns out that it really is the deep, dark, depths that freak me out.  Give me clear blue water where you can see through the water and what is going on underneath and I’m better.  

I was a bit of a mess at the beginning of the swim.  Emotions had run high on the walk to the start line.  The tears were flowing freely and I was scared beyond belief.  The enormity of the day, rules & regulations and the cutoff’s had finally hit home and I was buckling.  This day’s outcome depended solely on me.  No matter how much the people around me believed, it came down to how much I believed in me.  It was a tough moment.  

Based on advice and other peoples experiences of the washing machine affect of the mass start, I made the decision to be one of the last people in the water and chose my position on the beach based on the direction of the current.  One good & one bad decision.  The cannon went off and people dashed into the water.  I took one last look around, thought ‘it’s now or never’ and meandered into the water.  I ducked into the water a couple of times and moved some water between me and the wetsuit.  Gave the goggles one final ‘spit & clean’ and realized I couldn’t put it off any longer....

I started swimming and within seconds was bumping into someone.  Stop, tread, look for open water, point in that direction and stroke...breathe, stroke...bang another body.  Seriously?  Stop, tread, look for open water, point in that direction and stroke...breathe, stroke...bang.  Stop, tread, actually took a moment to look around and was startled by the number of ‘deer caught in headlights’ or ‘sheer panic’ looks that people were wearing.  It turns out, I’m a strong swimmer.  I was passing all the folks who surged in at the beginning and were now dealing with their own demons, whatever they might have been.  I probably lost about 6 minutes trying to deek around bodies to find a sweet spot of open water.  I finally caught up with a gentleman who was swimming at a decent pace.  I hung onto to his feet for dear life (not literally, that wouldn’t have been nice!).  By doing so, I reaped the benefits of catching a nice draft, him clearing the way and finally being able to get some decent strokes in.  Unfortunately, he only lasted about 10 minutes before made a beeline to a buoy to catch his breath.  I kept going.  I had open water for a bit, and then caught up to another pack of swimmers, banged my way through by breathing every one stroke (not the most efficient but a necessity), back to open water and managing to stretch out the stokes and breathing. It was weird how there were pockets;  open spaces and bodies.  It was finally time to turn around and start heading back.  But there was a 100 feet of water that separated the two lanes.  I remember thinking many times during the swim that it was one big cluster fuck.  BUT this 100 feet was the biggest cluster fuck off all.  We were reduced to treading water and pushing through.  It was insane.  The swell of the waves and the glare of the sun were both directly in your face.  The smell of diesel from the boats and sea doo’s was so intense.  Yah.  Not much fun.  But finally, we were turning to head back to shore.  Relief!  And really?  The rest of the 1st lap of the swim was exactly like the first portion.  Open water, long strokes and breathing, hit a pack of swimmers. 

At shore, we had to exit the water, walk over a timing mat and re-enter the water for a second lap.  Yeaaaaah.  Let’s do that all over again.  .  The only problem was that when you leave the water, the wetsuit drains and is dragged down.  About halfway through the swim out, I knew I was in trouble.  The neck line of the suit was rubbing at my hairline and I could feel the chafing as I swam.  Due to an increased volume of rescue boats pulling swimmers out of the water, the swell of the waves had increased dramatically on this leg and made treading water and adjusting the suit extremely difficult.  I made the decision to not spend anymore time re-arranging and get the swim over with as quickly as possible.  I’d deal with the repercussions of the chaffing issue later....

1.32.06 minutes in later, I exited the water and headed to transition...

This post wouldn't be complete without a thank you to the man in my life that made this possible. 

Thank you St.john!

Now it's your turn.  Paris to Ancaster Bike Ride 2011!

What a roller coaster of a day.  Emotions are all over the board.  Seeing the transition areas full of gear and bikes was yet another...holy shit I'm here.

I'm so glad we have the house.  It is away from the commotion that is Ironman.  Sitting right now in the backyard, watching some busy birds making a nest and the steady stream of birdie visitors to the pond next door.

I am so done with the preparation, the crowds, the 'what if'' thoughts swirling around.  Stjohn just got sent inside 'cause he was watching a pre-show on Ironman Live.  I really couldn't care less on what the pro's think of the water temperature, etc.  It's cold.  You need to swim.  Get in.

Poor guy.

 It's going to be an extremely long day tomorrow.  Transition opens at 5am.  Swim starts at 7.  Then I have 17 hours to just get'er done.

It's time.  

I hit a wall last night.  Tired, overwhelmed, doubt.

Ending up going to bed at 8.30 and had almost 12 hours uninterrupted sleep.  Woke up a couple of times early morning but managed to convince myself that I needed more sleep.

Yesterday in photos

Holy Shit! 

 

I'm feel like I'm one of the cool kids!

PS.  My apologies to the family who are just reading this blog for the first time.  It was just meant as a personal diary for me but realizing now that it is the perfect link to keep you connected to this experience.

BUT BE WARNED...there is a LOT of swearing & bad grammar throughout.   

A LOT!

Had my first Ironman nightmare.  WOW.  I forgot to register!  That woke me up with a start.  Can you imagine.  All this effort, planning and money and missing the registration deadline?  My thoughts were swirling after that...

But so you know, I'll be one of the first people at Ironman Village this morning to get that minor detail taken care of!

As I mentioned in the post below.  Yesterday had the potential to be a friggin' crappy day.  But it wasn't. It was actually quite awesome.  I have a feeling this will be a very random and a very long post.  A lot of pieces have finally slotted together.
_________________________________________________________
Mardi is now back in my possession.  I didn't realize how happy I would be to see her.  I was so ready to hand her off on the 17th...but it was awesome seeing her racked up with 'the others'.  The amount of stress that disappeared when I finally had her back was amazing.  Stress that I didn't even know I had...so weird.  We were walking down to the waterfront to get a feel for things, when I realized that we had a small window of opportunity to get my stuff.  Poor St.john.  He thought is was going to be a leisurely stroll.  HA!  We, ok I, was almost sprinting at the end trying to locate the pick up area.  It was a race against a non existent clock.  TriBike Transport were there pretty much all evening.  It turns out I'm not the only one with separation anxiety.  It was getting busier and busier during our time in line.

Getting her was my first experience with 'the village'.  It was the tail end of Day 1's registration and expo.  It will still full of people but things had closed (registration) or in the process of closing (Official Ironman Store).

Yep.  I snuck right on in.  I needed a race belt.  Hopefully the only item that I still 'needed'.  And yes.  That is a true need.  No belt, no race.   So many rules.  

For the record.  I fit in.

I didn't realize how much I doubted that I would.  But obviously I did.

I guess if I look back over the past year, I have spent much of it feeling almost like an impostor.  I wasn't super fit.  I've never done a triathlon.  I struggled with training.  What the heck was I thinking taking up a spot at an Ironman?  But yesterday?  Yesterday, I laid a lot of those fears to rest.  I can't pin point it, I'd like to but...I just felt like I didn't stick out like a sore thumb.  I'm not sure what I thought I should look like to attempt becoming an Ironman but I know I've worked my tail off.  I've become stronger.  Fitter.  Leaner.  And conceited as this may sound, I'm loving my legs.  I haven't thought that since my soccer days.  I sooooo don't like all the work that went into making them this way but damn, I like 'em.

Ohh, Stjohn just appeared.  It's only 7 am here.  I've been up since 4.30.  Typing and processing my thoughts.

The house we rented is awesome.  I have to admit.  I've been pretty resentful of how CDA jacks up their rental/hotel prices during Ironman...but...we made a decision to rent a house in the slim chance any one was able or wanted to come down and more importantly to have a kitchen and not have to rely on restaurant food.  The place is beautiful.  Clean, spacious with a beautiful garden and hot tub.  It is close enough to walk down town (driving and parking is crazy right now) but far enough away that we are away from the hub bub and stressors of the village.  Last night while in the hot tub with a beer...it actually felt like we were on vacation.  Quiet, private and relaxing.  I am on the patio right now listening to the neighbours 3 storey pond gurgling.  Kinda like home.

I'll leave you with some slick marketing material.  The fuckers don't mention any of the hundreds of hours that go on to get you to that finish line...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh1yMnrby3w&feature=related

And one last unrelated random link.  My current favourite song that makes me smile...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDKva-s_khY

Hope today goes as well as yesterday

I thought once we were on the road to cda that I would have some down time and really come to terms with what I am about to attempt.  

But true to the Ironman experience I’ve had to date...not much has gone as planned.  It was a late arrival at the stay and park hotel, notification of a flight delay putting the connecting flight to Spokane, WA in jeopardy, a massive massage induced headache (with relief inducing pills left on the kitchen counter), a 5.45AM wake up call to avoid any G8/20 traffic after only 4 hours of sleep all added up had the potential for today be ...... well... a shitty day.  

But in reality things are going ok.  Stjohn had the foresight to wrestle my frugal tendencies to the ground and upgraded our flight to Priority.  A.K.A. first class.  The total cost was $154.  Priority boarding, free checked baggage, access to Star Alliance/Red Carpet lounges.  The cost to check our two bags in economy was going to be $50.  So really?  It is an additional $100.  

The first 10 minutes at Pearson airport that $100 became priceless!  The ‘check in’ line for United was massive.  We guessed a good 45 minute wait.  Priority boarding was 3 minutes.  I really should write a comment card asking them to speed up the process :)  The usual nonsense ensued.  Customs, checking your bags, security and encountering stupid people.  All ended with entry being granted to the Maple Leaf first class lounge.  God, I love that lounge.  Free food, beverages, papers, showers AND magazines.  I stole away like a bandit with 6 magazines to read on the trip.  Cottage Life, Shape, Canadian Living, Better Homes, Architectural Digest, Elle.  I had to cut myself off.  I did however show restraint and did NOT help myself to the draft beer that was on tap at 8 in the morning.  I am in training you know?!

Anyhow.  I’m in midflight as I type this some ironman stories shall I?

Chicago Airport.  Gate B20.   One of the fittest collection of people waiting to board a plane I have ever seen!  The plane sits 80 people.  I’m thinking at least 60 will be passing me at some point on Sunday!   I am sitting beside a dude who looks like Lisa Roddie’s husband.  He is insanely nice and has the deer caught in headlight look.  This is his second event and has been great to talk to.  He says the experience on the day is fantastic and on Sunday everyone is on even footing because you just never know what will happen.  He tried to explain that the next couple of days will be intense as there is a lot of posturing / talk.  I think I expected that and have tried to prepare myself for that.  I have experienced the ‘oh my god WTF am I doing here’ moments before... basing it totally on how people look (buff and dressed the part) only to see the person struggle.  I know that I will be overwhelmed by ‘the looks’ but I also know based on past experience, that I will also ‘pick off’ at least one of these people before I cross the finish line.  Mean spirited maybe?  But when I’m at the back of the pack, I get to be :)

I thought I would have an epiphany now that works is done and the journey has begun...

I’m still waiting. 

Ready for something to go right.

Massage induced headache from hell
4 hours sleep
1st flight already delayed...putting the connecting flight in jeopardy

Toronto traffic BETTER not be snarled due to the freaking' G20.

Seriously?  How many days left and I'm sick.

No workouts since June 7th.  WTF?

Matching socks are overrated!

Trucking along:
Saturday - 56.5 k ride/ 5.5 k run/ 66 k ride
Sunday – 15.09 k run (hellish)
Monday – off (I excelled at this)
Tuesday – 20 k mountain bike ride
Today – 13 k run
The run this morning was nice. I took forever to get out of bed and get ready. Warmed up after 2 k and thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the run. I ran out of time and was heading back with an expected distance of 12k…but I ran into the family and ended up taking turns jogging a dog which got me to 13km’s. Sweet!
Chipmunks, a shiny blue bird (need to look up the flavor), deer and rabbits were all seen this morning.
Should get down to work now…

PS Thought of an alternative name that I should have called this blog; Lesley Tri's...

The first ride I've truly enjoyed in ages.  

• a mountain bike
• not part of a training plan
• no concern about speed
• no Garmin
• no wind!

Did you hear that?  NO wind!

I survived the weekend. Biking, running and an open water swim.  All done.

My reward?  Sitting on my deck in the early morning sun with a puppy beside me.  Love it!

The weekend overall was a blast.  The food, the wine, the company and most of the training was fun.

Highlights:

• Meals that incorporated 7 to 10 people sitting around the table at one time ~ making it feel very festive
• A cottage that rivals anything Martha Stewart could put together
• Amazing weather.  Rain held off 
• 140 km bike ride completed in a stoopid, krazy amount of WIND.  So much wind resistance that I was told the ride was equivalent to 170 km's.  Now?  I'm not a hundred percent sure if I was told that to make me feel better about the amount of whining and complaining I did.  BUT whatever.  170 km's!
• Bike pit stop (lunch) in Creemore.  Complete with a half pint ~ my kind of training!
• 10 km run with bike support and new running partners
• Amazing food, cooked by others.  Thanks Stj & Robin

AND....ready for this?

• An awesome open water swim!
• The water was absolutely beautiful up there
• No fish, no seaweed, no Sea Monsters!

Not one photo was taken.  Sorry.

But this is where I plan on spending the rest of my well thought out day off from work...