Fun e-mail Dialogue from my Spectators at the Ironman

Okay so i read these today and thought- it's kind of fun to get the spectator's view- so i'd share:

11:21AM
Jen W.
"Has anyone seen her on the bike?"

3:38PM
Jeff T
"Yes...it's 3:38. She should be running by now"

3:50pm
Tony K
"She just went through camp randall and fighting away! MM3 I think. All systems r good 4 her"

4:03pm
Mike Z
"I saw her on the run too and she looked really solid"

4:20pm
Rachel A
"My update is late, but i saw her at mile 111 on the bike and she was good...to think in total she is traveling the same distance I did to get here by car... ~140 miles!"

4:20 pm
Ultra en
"I saw her about a half a mile into the run and she was positive and smiling! She looks great."

6:42PM
Ultra Jen
"I just saw her heading out to finish her final 13.1 mi loop. She is giving the smile of a pretty tuckered out lady, but she is blowing by all the other runners out there. She is really moving well and running strong."

7:40 pm
Tony K
"Just left Tara on the course. Mile 24.5. She's flirting with the boys and forgot she was even racing! ...Ok, maybe not. She's doing great and soon to finish."

The Final Chapter of the Ironman Journey: The Victory Lap

IRONMAN WISCONSIN 2011
12:54:39
Overall Rank 942
Division Rank 32

Swim: 1:27:50 Rank: 1784/84
T1: 7:53
Bike: 6:34:04 17.01mph Rank: 1330/47
T2: 6:26
Run: 4:38:26 10:37/mi Rank: 942 / 32


The Ironman Journey is a journey you make together, but, alone. Along the way, you pull in support from family and friends and on the day of the race, you are out there, with *2800 other racers doing the same thing, starting at the same time, experiencing similar challenges, but at the end of the day, it’s your race. You get to call the shots and decide what’s best for your race; it’s you against your own mind and body. There are highs and there are lows, and I’m proud to say, most of my lows were all prior to the cannon shooting off, and 7:00am, on Sunday, September 11, 2011. I rode the high for almost the whole 12 hours 54 minutes and 39 seconds.

Backing up: A little bit about me. I’m a planner for the most part, but when it comes to my races, I kind of focus on the training and go with the flow come race weekend. This has created minor hiccups but we always figure it out. For the San Antonio Marathon, Sheila and I didn’t book a hotel in time and they ended up being sold out, but we got an amazing deal on VRBO and ended up just fine. Traveling with Rachel Johnson for marathons works pretty well, because I just have to kick back and let her tell me where to be and go, and for Philly, I’m thinking that Connie took charge for our wonderful group of five. I sometimes forget there is more to prepare for than training for the race. So, it’s not a shocker, that I didn’t read the full ironman manual of race day weekend and procedures until the Tuesday before the race.

I booked my ticket flying into Chicago, and I thought I would have time to visit before taking the train up to Milwaukee to get a car from my parents. When I read the manual, I learned mandatory check in was until 4pm on Friday. So, the story of getting to Madison really did turn into a planes, trains and automobiles sort of story with no reason to be in Chicago (well, I did manage to have breakfast with Laura and see Jess so it was worth it). My parents picked me up from the train station around 11:30am on Friday, and I took one of their cars to Madison.

So, my biggest freak out moment was when I got to my parent’s house. 1) I ordered a race jersey to wear for the race, and it never showed up. I knew I would be fine in the jersey because I’ve worn Alison’s before, and I was excited to wear the Team DetermiNation logo. So I had to come up with a plan B. 2) Alejandro- when I left the Midwest, I left Alejandro behind and took the risk of asking my dad to take it in for a tune up. He had a friend that swore by this shop so my dad took it there. Well, they must have not known how to deal with my bike as they didn’t adjust the derailer right and it was making a grinding noise. Seeing as my bike was fine before I left- I started to freak out. They also made my dad think the bike was super fragile and not to touch the gears at all… umm okay- I’m doing a 112 mile race- you should care for your bikes, but to call them fragile – I think they were doing a CYA so my dad would think he ruined it when I noticed something was wrong. AND the frame wasn’t clean- it was super dirty- to the point I got my hands all greasy on the handle bars- so of course I had a freakout moment and decided my race was ruined- I would somehow not get through the bike. My dad was not responsible for this- I called the shots and he just was helping me out- but he felt bad, so I did my best to contain myself around him, but the moment I got in that car and drove away- I started to cry.

I called Veronica and then Jeff. Jeff LOVES drama- he thinks no race is a race without a little drama, but with that, he’s good at finding solutions. So, as I drove to Madison, he found me a bike shop I could take the bike to (I could have done it on sight at the ironman- but I wanted more one on one attention …and I had to buy my nutrition anyway which wasn’t going to be found right on site. My stress level went from a 10 (highest) to a 4 in that time. And then I talked to Veronica and she helped me maintain at the level 4.

Once I got to Madison, I spent 2 hours in line for athlete check in. In this time I met a few guys in line that were extremely chill. All the rules people tell me to follow race day didn’t seem to apply to them and I just loved hearing that- because there are more than one way to get to the finish line. They had all done it before, and they were all about the experience. Prior to talking to them, the stress got back to an 8 and then it came back down to that level 4 area.

After checking in, I took care of my bike. Endurance zone had workers that were a little young and cocky- but they knew what they were doing so if they wanted to show off and make me feel dumb not knowing technical terms for my bike parts- I didn’t care. I just wanted them to fix my bike.

I was back to Monona Terrace for the Dinner/Mandatory Meeting by 6:30pm. This dinner was such a great experience. It was an Ironman Celebration. They had given us all sorts of fun statistics like 26% of the racers were female, which was a record high for Madison; The oldest racer was 76 and youngest was 18, the largest male age group was 40-44, and females was (mine) 30-34. The Madison Ironman has been going on since 2002 and this was the 10th year. I thought back to the first Madison Ironman- and I remember Sarah Harnden and I running that evening, and feeling like, if these people can do this crazy thing, we can go for a 5 mile run and not complain we made it a point to run by them and cheer. Little did I ever imagine that I would be completing the same thing as the crazy people 10 years later?

After dinner I made my way to Hotel Cory. We watched a funny movie to try to calm me (because I was back up to an 8 where I stayed for while), and I started packing my bags- which just seemed like a cluster. As the ironman isn’t like your typical race- we had 5 bags: 1) Your morning drop off bag 2) Swim to Bike Transition Bag 3) Bike to Run Transition Bag 4) Bike special needs bag 5) Run Special needs bag. In this time I realized I had to buy some stuff to fill them as I did a poor job packing before I left California. I didn’t have much in my special needs bags- as I figure I’d bring most of what I needed with me and then not bother to pick up the special needs bag at the end of the race.

I woke up with a tension headache Saturday morning, and the tension was high. I managed to get about 9 hours of sleep though, and it was time to run errands. With the errands, I decided I would go to Charlie’s Bachelor Party at Bucky’s Traveling Bus- and say hi to all those guys (seeing as I’m missing his wedding- and I mean- he happened to be in town- so I could at least hug and congratulate him!) I got to catch up with him and Dave and of course, see Betz and Alsteen. They were fun drunk as usual and in this time the stress level went down to maybe a 3- until I realized I should get going and had so much more to do for the day.

I made my way back to Monona Terrace (where I’m pretty proud to say I parallel parked my dad’s big truck in a small spot). I met up with Veronica and Daryl and we walked through the transitions (which were inside!). Alison called me in this time- which if you all don’t know- Alison had a trip with her mom to Europe- an opportunity she couldn’t pass up- so she wasn’t there to see me cross the finish line- however she was there in spirit 110%- and she made sure she got some European plan on her phone so she could call and keep tabs on me. If that’s not a great supporter/friend- I don’t know what is!
My stress level got back up to an 8. I managed to go for a swim, and it dropped probably to a 7 and then it was time to check in my bike. On my walk to my car to get my bike, I called Brandon, who successfully got my stress level to a 1 and pretty much was able to maintain thereafter at a 2 or 3. My parents and I met up for dinner and then when I got to Cory’s my stress level was back up, but he made me some chamomile tea and I made it to sleep nice and sound.
My alarm went off, and I started my pre-race plan: When I race marathons, I usually can’t get hungry enough before the race, but I knew I had to do something this time- so I bought Eggos- you know Eggo waffles- because I figured I could toast and pick away at those- so I had 2 odwala vitamin C drinks and 5 eggos. I figure anything was better than nothing.

Veronica and I met up in the Transition and before you knew it, I met up with my dad and we made our way to the swim. On the way I ran into Tony K and he gave me some last minute motivation. *One thing I did that was a little unorthodox – was my bike was equipped with only one water bottle. I decided I didn’t like the cages on the back because it just made me feel too heavy – and with being used to Alexander who is lighter than Alejandro- I figured I wanted to be as light as possible. There were water stations every 15ish miles on the bike course so I would take their drinks and keep my one water bottle for when I needed it otherwise. (This actually worked out well!). Tony said he thought that would be a decent plan- so I was a little more confident in this decision.
Walking to the swim start, I saw Jillian and Aristotle- it was good to see them and remembering- Together but alone. We got in the water, and I lost all – and we had a good 5-10 minutes to float before the start. Once that cannon went off- all *2800 of us were off. I didn’t find the congestion to be too bad- I just stayed relaxed and would stop and wait if I needed to. I broke the swim down in quarters and just made it to each turn. I was told on the first turn – it’s so congested and tight- that everyone stops and lifts their heads up and moos- it’s the moo corner. I only heard this from one person and wondered how true this was- but sure enough- as we turned- we all started to moo (and yes, I joined in- because this is supposed to be fun), and again, I reminded myself- we were all in this together (but alone).

As I swam- I thought about my first triathlon- in California. Mazan and I did it together. I remember being in that swim- .45ish miles long, and thinking “what have I gotten myself into, and I think I can do an Ironman in 3 years!? I can’t even handle this swim!” …but with time, I got better and stronger, and here I was, doing the full 2.4 miles in an ironman. I have done my longest open water swims with Emily- so I then pictured her swimming there with me, I had dialogue in my head- of me and her, stopping at a bouy and counting how many more laps we had. I was out there alone- but at the same time, I wasn’t!

The swim did have its hiccups. It was congested, and on the first turn, I managed to get trampled, I thought my cap was going to come off and my goggles were bumped- I didn’t want to deal with them- because that would mean treading and risking a cramp, so I just pushed them tighter to my face. About a loop later, I couldn’t deal wit that anymore and had to readjust- my contact was kind of suctioning out too, but I managed to make it so it was bearable until I finished. I couldn’t see out of my right eye- but I figured I’d just keep following the people in front of me. When I made it out of the water I had to readjust my contact, and I wasn’t sure if I would lose it or not, but I figured I’d deal with that in transition (as I prepared and had spare contacts with me).

Now when you get out of the swim- you have to run up the helix into the building and to transition. It was a pretty easy run because you had so many crowds- I saw Emily and Sara, and my Dad (I forget who else- sorry). The volunteers were AMAZING- you walked in the room with the bags and someone grabbed your bag for you and took you to the changing room where they sat with you- catering to your needs. With a few minutes, I was off to retrieve my bike. I stopped to be lathered with sunscreen, and I went on my way. Now the bike- you get to ride down the other helix to the bike path which was lots of fun. Coming out of the bike, I saw two people but now I’m forgetting who- please claim your support! Then I saw Mike. On the out and back, there is a no pass zone-- so the goal is to get past anyone moving slower than you before you hit that zone. As we entered that zone- we actually came to a stop for a bike accident to clear. Then we were off, and before you knew it, we were at the loop.

What I didn’t know was my cousin, Mandy and her husband just bought a place pretty much on the course! So as I made my way on the loop, I first saw Jen and Andrea, which was actually after I passed them…and as I turned to see them, I nearly fell off my bike J Then a few minutes later I heard another cheer, and, though I didn’t see her, I have known that voice my whole life and so I waved behind me, knowing I just passed Mandy (and confirming later ;) )

I was feeling great on the first loop- I knew what Jeff told me, that it’s going to hit me in the 2nd, but part of me didn’t care, if it felt good- I just wanted to ride it. The climb to Mt. Horeb didn’t feel like a climb, and the rolling right after, was just so much fun! Up and down, and up and up and up and down. By the time I made it to the 3 bad climbs in the 2nd half of the loop, I started to feel it. But, I thought, I need to keep high cadence and just keep moving. I made the first climb, and then saw my parents just before the 2nd. Jeff was on the third, and he wasn’t just there with the signs he made for us – he had a mega phone!

The whole two loops, I pictured being out there with both Jeff and Maria- I tried to envision it was like the first time I rode the loop- the first with Jeff and the 2nd with Maria, with a negative split- but for some reason I pictured Maria more on the first loop, and Jeff more on the 2nd (and well- I slowed on the 2nd).

The 2nd loop had its emotional downfalls. I started to slow, but I kept reminding myself to push out any goal times others made for me- that this was my race and if my number one goal was to enjoy- then that’s what I would do! There is a turn and then a climb that I actually love to do because I am so good at shifting on it, I usually fly by people- but on my second loop I was an idiot, and didn’t shift right, and my chain fell off- so I had to stop and put it back on. It actually felt good to stop for a moment, but then rough to get back on my bike. I started to get nauseous at the water stops…and climbs. I focused on fixing that issue, and continued on. I moved a lot slower on the 2nd climbs, but luckily Sara and Emily were on the first climb, my parents were in their same place, and Jeff was on the third again- running alongside as I biked up to the top.

Jen and Andrea were kind of everywhere- I felt so lucky to have them- living in Madison – they knew how to get in and out and just kept showing up everywhere- which always gave me an extra burst of energy- they might win the award for maneuvering the course!

I finished the 2nd loop, and it was time to head back (BTW- it was hot!). My legs were cramping and my feet were numb- I kept unclipping my shoes one at a time trying to stretch and get blood moving around better. It was my Morton’s Neruoma (inflation of a nerve on the bottom of your foot when put under high stress..common when you have Morton’s toe- which is when your 2nd toe is bigger than your first- it’s explained in another write up) that was acting up but I just kept pushing through. I wondered how my mom’s chronic pain compared- and figured- my pain would go away soon enough, so I just had to be strong at fighting through the pain, like my mom is on a daily basis.

There were a few people I had seen all through the bike- so we started talking a bit- but of course – not long enough for any violations ;) Soon enough I had made it back to the transition- but not before seeing Jen and Andrea again, and Rachel A.

I managed to put some jelly on my arm chaffing that happened on the swim, and change shorts while in transition. Again- I had the best lady working with me- catering to my needs- getting me water, taking out my Tylenol and practically feeding it to me.

I started out the run at a strong 8:30-9 – but soon slowed- and I didn’t care- I was doing this! Ultra Jen made it to the run, and gave me some positive reinforcement. I missed my parents, but I saw Jen and Andrea again- and Tony. Tony updated me that texts were flying around like crazy and it sounds like people have been able to see me in many places and everyone was communicating with where and when they saw me – to help eachother out on getting to the right places at right times.

It was hot, and I was icing as much as possible. I kept battling with stomach issues- whether it was one way or another- I knew I couldn’t run the whole race without a stop to alleviate the problem. We got to run through Camp Randall, which was nice and quiet. Around Breeze Terrace, I started putting more of a walking plan in motion- mostly walking hills.

I thought- I’ve kind of done it all in Madison, I went to school there, and ran for fun, I’ve done crazy legs, I’ve done the half marathon, and the full marathon- and now I was doing the Ironman! As I ran on different parts of the Ironman course, I remembered how I felt doing all those other races. I remembered how my first endurance event in Madison was the Half Marathon, and I ended up in the medical tent where I had 2 bags of fluids pumped in me in under 30 minutes. The medical director tried to tell me some people aren’t made for endurance events and that might just be me and I definitely shouldn't run a marathon that fall (which I did). I remember how after I finished the full marathon, I wanted to find that guy and tell him it was my 3rd Marathon and how I ran my first just fine the following October, and now, being here and running the Ironman – I wanted to find this guy and ask him if he still stands behind what he said. (oh and if you haven’t read other race write ups- I had walking pneumonia….on that race that I passed out at the finish).

Observatory Hill was walked- by me and by about 99% of everyone else. And then I coasted on the down. I saw Andrea and Jen and then had a mile to run up and down State Street before I turned around. I regained speed in this time, just thriving off the crowds. And then back out by Picnic Point, I was tired again, I wouldn’t just walk through water stops- but shortly after I would have to walk again to keep down what I took in at the water stops. I finally managed to go by a porta potty at a convenient time- which helped a lot.

I saw Tony again and we laughed at the TMI- that is never TMI when you are racing- it’s just normal. He joked that he was going to send a text around to my support, repeating the exact crude details I gave him. I just laughed and said “do it” …they are all unphased by that ;) Every time I had a TMI moment- I would think of my Triple T friend Jami- as- we didn’t know each other long, but we seemed to exchange our best TMI moments- I knew she would be proud with by not caring on this race!

When I made it to the Capitol, I decided it was time to give my spectators sweaty hugs. First I saw Keri, Michelle, Ed, Gabe and Kelly, thenmy parents, and then Rachel A and J. I made my way to the turn around and it was back for lap 2!

The sun was starting to go down, and we had more shade coverage, which helped me a lot. I was in great spirits, and Ed and Michelle walked with me a little and it was just nice to see them! Right before the run around camp Randall, I had another bathroom stop. I then just kept moving forward, chatting with whomever when I could.
Observatory was walked again, and Michelle, Keri and company were at the top. Then I made my way down and Jen and Andrea were at the bottom. State street was a little slower- but Ultra Jen managed to give me a little extra energy and when i saw Andrea and Jen again- I told them I was crashing. And with 6 miles to go, I hit a quiet/focused zone. At this same time, some guy by me- told Jen and Andrea, his watched reads he has burned 10,000 calories. (And what did I eat during the race? 1 gu before the swim, 3 bags of the power bar energy chews, 1 gu flask (so about 3 gus in that), electrolyte pills- maybe a total of 10- all on the bike, then I had a bottle of pedialyte before I got on the run, and 4 gus on the run- probably about 2,000 calories. After the run I had a protein shake, some champagne and a big mac from McDonalds),

I finally made it with 3 miles to go and I looked at my watch and had about 40 minutes to complete it to get under 13 hours. I decided this would be my goal which meant sticking with the current pace but I could also walk. By 2 miles to go, I just needed a 15 minute mile to get under 13 hours. I got a few cramps of course- and had to walk them out. My friends were spread not just at the finish line but throughout the last half mile. I saw them all and – Kathleen would be proud- I kicked it!

Once you cross that finish line, you have more help! Two people come to you to hold you up and then one sticks with you until you leave the finisher area- but I didn’t need help- I felt great- I was so happy- I was short for words, and I think she thought that meant bad things- but then once I located my family- she let me go- and I just went to them and the tears started to flow. I’m an Ironman- and not only that- I’m an Ironman in under 13 hours!

Three years ago, I was inspired by 4 friends, and I decided I would become an Ironman. I just wanted to finish- which you have 17 hours to do. I stuck to my goal, and I not only completed it, I blew it away. It’s almost surreal to think of how far I’ve come. Such a happy moment though came to a sad end when I had to say goodbye to my spectators. I haven’t seen them in a month, and I kind of forgot that we don’t live in the same city anymore, so I can’t just go out for lunch with them this week and rehash the day. When I moved away from Chicago, it wasn’t so much a goodbye, as much as a “I’ll see you at the Ironman” Luckily I have other events to see them soon enough- but they all were so wonderful.

Andrea and Jen- We’ve known each other since college- you tolerated me when I wanted to go running before a Real Estate Club Social event- and you both decided to give the triathlon a try to see what it’s all about. Jen- your training with me (however it may be- Kayak and Moped) up north was priceless! And Andrea- I think you were the first person I biked with when I decided I wanted to do the ironman- and therefore- needed to bike!

Rachel J- PIC- Pace leader! You keep me grounded with my running- always making sure I’m being healthy and doing things right. And PS- You looked radiant at the race, I can’t wait to see you walk down the Aisle. I miss you!

Rachel A- Thanks for the balance- I might not have been to many yoga classes in the past year- but all the classes we have gone to in the past- and just your friendship- helps me breath! The fact that you rented a car to come up and see me was so great. I’m sad because I don’t know when we will see each other again.

Ultra Jen- Man oh man- you can be tough on me! But sometimes I need it. Thanks for believing in me! And you too- for renting a car to get up to Madison! So…When is the next ultra? 100 miler in 2012?

Keri - World’s best cheerleader! Can’t wait for you and Alison to get your butts to San Fran for a visit.

Michelle- It was so great to have one of my original 4 inspirations at the race. To see you throughout, I really hope I made you proud. None of this would have happened if it weren’t for you!

Tony K- Cheers to making your own rules! And the stories along the way.

Ed, Kelly and Gabe- So good to see you guys! Kelly- any interest in the ironman? ;)

Mike- Next year is your year!

Jeff- Sorry if my race didn’t have enough drama ;) You were with me on the whole bike- I think biking with you and your friends is what made me love biking – thanks!

Mandy- So happy you could make it out and we got girl time after! Love you Cuz!

Mom and Dad- I sometimes get calmer around you because I see how nervous you are for me and I don’t want you to worry. I really am the luckiest girl alive to have you as my parents- Thanks for all your support and understanding that this I my thing. I think most parents might be apprehensive because of the stress this puts on a body- but you understand it’s my passion and you embrace it just as much as I do.

Tony S. – you weren’t physically at the race- but you kind of have been there from point one- thanks for the training plan, and the words of encouragement- even if I didn’t take it as encouragement J

And Last but not least- Alison- like Michelle- none of this would have happened for me if it weren’t for you. Words aren’t enough to share the love and appreciation there is for you in my life.

So many other great friends that have put up with me on this journey- thanks! I’m so lucky to have all of you in my life.


And that concludes my Ironman Journey Blog Series.

XOXO

The Ironman Journey- Part 8 (I'm WAY behind on the pictures!)

The Ironman Journey Part 8 – Phase V complete: Respect the Taper!

Phase V was the final phase, the Taper also known as the Active Recovery, a whole four weeks! I am always told to remember to respect the taper and I managed to keep that drilled in my brain over the last few weeks, I have to follow my schedule which means, no extra. I might have added in an extra muscle conditioning class in the first few weeks, but I knew to keep it to the plan the last two weeks.

In this phase, I realized something I didn’t realize in the competitive stage. I think I was so busy being in motion, that it wasn’t until the moment I was given a rest that I noticed all the work I had put in. Sleeping in came easy. Actually, waking up became difficult. I was shocked seeing as I moved from the Midwest to the West Coast and so when I would wake up at 8am that was really like Chicago’s 10am so when I would sleep in until 10am- that was like NOON, I don’t know when I slept in until noon without the help of alcohol making me hungover..

I managed to do a good job with the sleep, 7 to 8 hours most nights. I drinking in moderation have come more naturally in San Francisco, but I do admit, until the last week, I was still enjoying wine. Also, since moving to San Francisco, I started drinking coffee regularly. I decided in my last week to cut out the coffee, and most caffeine in hopes that any caffeine consumed at the Ironman would actually do its job.

Then there is the whole hunger thing and as always noted- the weight gain. Since I’m technically homeless, I don’t have access to a scale, and that’s probably a good thing. The Taper has made me feel like a sloth, and worse, I might not have been hungry in the competitive stage because I was too busy to notice, but in the taper stage, the hunger pains came back full force and I probably fell into sweets more than I should have. I figured I would just feed the hunger, and after the ironman comes working from Ground Zero. (Note- at weigh in for ironman it is confirmed, 8 lbs gained since the start of training).

What is Ground Zero? That is that what I am calling life after the Ironman. I have been told how much the Ironman itself will take everything out of me, which means you have to rebuild thereafter. And at my Ground Zero comes the focus of shorter workouts, higher intensity, and interval work. Julie, my dear roomy is all about the shorter workouts, higher intensity and interval work, and she just so happens to be a newly trained personal trainer- eager to kick my butt! So, every time I feel the pants be annoyingly tight, I just tell myself, ground zero is just around the corner.

Back to the last phase…Respect the Taper! As I started to rest, I also started to regain energy, and realize that all the work I put in over the earlier 33 weeks really paid off. Though it is all about endurance training, when you take out the endurance, the shorter workouts become stronger and faster!
I managed to bike out in Half Moon Bay with one of my new bike friends, and went and completed 65 miles on a double paradise loop with another one of my new bike friends. After the 65 mile bike, I had a 6 mile run. This 6 mile run might have been the fastest I’ve run 6 miles at 48 minutes.
My final longer workout weekend was a mile swim on Saturday and a double brick of 10/2 on Sunday. Because of the ability to swim and bike out in Healdsburg by Tommy’s on Sunday, I put the two workouts together (technically it’s not overdoing it- I rested on Saturday). This was a great end to the training. The swim was a lot of fun, didn’t feel like a full mile, and was the first time in open water since I moved to San Francisco (no wetsuit though- so awesome!). After that swim, I got on my bike and managed to complete the 10 miles in 33 minutes, which included a decent amount of climbing. It was sunny and hot on the run, but it was just two miles and at a comfortable pace I completed it in just less than 16 minutes. I told myself, anything I did in the first 10/2 I had to do just as well or better on the 2nd. The Bike I ended up completing 30 seconds slower; however I also modified the bike and included a very large climb so I found that acceptable. Though it took work, I managed to complete the run in 15:30. Any other workouts of the week were just play- and I knew I was ready for the Ironman.

So beyond training, this is the time when people put in their two cents. Everyone means well, but I have learned to pick and choose what I listen to- though I have to admit the stuff I don’t want to listen to gives me high anxiety to hear (which is exactly why I can’t listen to it).

THE MOST IMPORTANT PART of Phase 5 Training: What I have learned about my racing is this: My happy zone is training, but you turn training into racing and I tense up. I tend to have morbid/negative thoughts like, what if I get a flat and can’t get it changed, what if someone on the swim hits me and I lose my goggles..what if the most ridiculous thing happens and I don’t finish- I know it’s ridiculous- but this is what happens when I think about racing.
I was given the most real insight to my racing less than a week before the race. I need to be relaxed.
Carlos- Julie’s friend told me professional athletes play their sports relaxed and that’s why they can play so well. So, I continue to work on reducing the tension and anxiety when I think of the ironman. I close my eyes and think about all my favorite training moments. Then I also think of the positive support I’ve been given- it’s just about finishing- pay no attention to the time. Be happy with making it to the start, be happy with the journey! I picture someone who makes me happy, telling me this and I’m a little calmer. .I have to go back to phase III – What makes you happy? And take those moments with me to the Victory Lap! Nutrition is important, pacing is important, technique is important, but none of that matters if I’m tense.

And now- in just a few days I can hear the words. “Tara Kreuser, YOU, are an Ironman” My last few nights are high anxiety, my hunger level remains high, and my stomach is going crazy.

…To Be Continued…with the Victory Lap Report!