I went into this race wondering if I'd be able to do it. Not the best way to show up at the starting line!
Got to Racine Sat afternoon and headed to packet pickup. Took a bit of time but after I signed my life away on the waiver forms I was off to the merchandise section. I was leery at buying anything since I knew there was a good chance I would be unable to finish. However after wandering around I really didn't see much that I wanted in the first place. That actually surprised me. So I picked up a water bottle, sweatshirt and hat.
Next up was bike drop off. Rules state that it is mandatory to drop off the bike the night before in the transition area. This was a great idea. Not having to lug your bike in and out of the hotel. The rack space was so tight that it would of been a nightmare in the morning with everyone showing up at the same time with bikes.
Checked into the hotel then off to dinner. Back to hotel by 8. Time to organize. I had everything ready to go by 9. Now I wait. And wait.....and wait. The night was rough. I didn't really sleep at all. I did have a 30 min dream about waking up at 7:37 and my Dad didn't wake me up at 5:15 when we were supposed to meet. My swim wave started at 7:30. I woke up with my heart literally pounding out of my chest. After that no sleep. Finally I turned off the alarm at 4:20 and started getting ready.
My leg was very stiff and sore. As I was limping around trying to get dressed and apply the 4 different lotions and ointment for the day I just looked at myself and thought what am i doing? I'm not ready and I am truly injured. A type of injury that could last a lifetime. Is this the right thing to do? I shed some tears and was shaking a bit with what I knew was a verge of a panic attack emerging. Right then I took a couple of deep breaths and knew I worked so damn hard for many years to get to this day. Yes I have already done the distance but not a true Ironman sanctioned event. This could be my only chance. I have to try. I have to TRI HARD. Injured or not this was my day.
Made it to transition with about 45 mins to play around getting all my gear ready. So little space so much stuff. Try putting everything you need to bike and then run in about a 1.5x2 foot section. Bike shoes, running shoes, water, towel, sunscreen, hat, transition bag, socks on and on.
This swim was a point to point swim. Nice, but now I had to walk a mile to get to the start line. Just what my leg needs walking in the soft sand barefoot for a mile. Painful? Yup. After arriving to the start area my Dad and I found Lori and shortly there after Dave and the kids showed up. I'm always so proud of my kids that they not only show up, (well really we don't give then much of a choice) but they understand that I'm focused, nervous, not my usual self and they know not take it personally. They just are quiet and watch. Got the wetsuit on and joined my wave group. I stood there looking at the other 145 women I was against knowing that I maybe the one of few who don't finish. What I realized was that because I knew I couldn't run I was more confident that I could swim and I knew I could push it on the bike. So I was almost calm right before the gun went off. No turning back now. I was off at exactly 7:30. It was about 66 degrees in the water and I was so hot from standing in my wetsuit that it felt good to get in.
There wasn't too much punching and kicking going on. Everyone was pretty respectful of space. You had to adjust somewhat the first 100 meters or so before turing right at the first buoy. The water was smooth. I had the sun on my left, buoys on my right. Perfect as I am a right side breather. It's a straight shot down the lake for about 1800 meters. I never caught up to the wave ahead of us and only about 5 men swam over me from the wave behind us. So I held my own. Making the right turn again and swam as smooth as I could never getting the heart rate above zone 2. Could I have swam faster? Oh yes a lot, but I knew I still had about 69 miles left to go that day and no time goal so why bother. Hit the bottom with my hands and stood up. It's natural to get woozy and lightheaded when you stand. Takes a minute to get your bearings. Started stripping off the wet suit and knew I had at least a 1/4 mile jog through sand, rocks and pavement before I got to the transition mat. With a time of just under 45 mins. The swim itself was probably 41-42 mins.
Took my time in transition. Wanted to make sure my leg was sprayed with medication for pain. Dry feet for socks and bike shoes, sunscreen on face, (can't do it before swim as your goggles won't stick), race belt, bike gloves, helmet, sunglasses and I'm off.
So this was my chance to make up some time.
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