IMKY, the bike & T2

The bike is the one place I really wanted to improve this year. It's also the one place I have very little confidence and a tremendous amount of fear.

Standing in transition just before the race, Coach gave a few pointers.
1) don't go out too hard.
2) hammer against the wind, on the turn after the school. on both loops.
3) do not depend on special needs.
4) there is an aid station 20-30 miles from finish. the next one is a long ways away. Top off fluids there!
5) climb in small ring. sitting. don't burn your legs in the big ring or standing. spin over the hills.

That last piece of advice saved my ass! I saw a lot of people grinding those gears for the first 30-60 miles, only to lose it on the last half.

I started out easy and took in water. I was thirsty, so drank generously. At about 20 mins, I had a few shot bloks because i actually felt hungry. The first big climb, i stayed seated, knowing there were soooo many more hills to come.

I was really surprised at the amount of traffic on Rte 42 that was backed up from the race. And i was even more amazed at the support of those in the stopped traffic. Some were cheering from the back seats while others just got out of the car and watched, knowing they wouldn't be moving for a while.

The next little interesting area was the out-and-back on 1694 (or something like that). there is a really nice downhill that leads into an uphill, then turn around and do that backward. The bad thing about this? Going down that hill without breaking was nearly impossible. I'd ridden it before and would've had no problem except that the course was so crowded by this point that i feared others' handling skills, even if i trusted my own. Those going the opposite direction were crossing the double yellow line and those breaking down the hills weren't staying to the far right.

I got to that turn where Coach said to hammer...and i did. I also saw where I'd get my special needs bag on the second loop. I rolled through the horse farms and then to the nice long downhill with the left turn at the bottom. And that's when it happened. The second male pro passed on my left. He stood. And he sprayed. All. over. me. I started to scream...but, well, he was spraying me. So, as I caught him on the turn, I said something to the affect "Go further right before you pee next time..." but I was playful with it, not bitchy. He apologized profusely. It gave me something to laugh about.

The narrow winding backroads there were fairly hilly. Again, I stayed seated, spun over. The first female pro passed me on an uphill. She was standing, but she can do that and still be strong. Especially when she's on her second loop.

Out to Rte 42 again where I saw Missy and couldn't help but laugh...in her purple wig. The crowd through this area was great. Roncker's had a tent set up out there and they yelled for Cincy...and I recognized a few people in that area from Cincy Express.

Many more rollers and back around for loop number two. I started to feel a little like I was just ready to be off the bike. And I was only 55 miles in. I was holding a pretty consistent pace at this point, but it wasn't blazing fast or anything. I was too afraid to push it, afraid I'd have nothing left for that last 40 miles, afraid I'd not make the marathon.

Then, we made that turn for special needs. And just before I got there, I spotted dad in a lawn chair taking pictures. And Clubber asleep on his leg! That made me smile again, as did the pbj in my special needs bag.
After that, it was hammer time again, into the wind. Through the town of LaGrange, off on the back roads, and just before we hit 42 again, Ryan came up behind me and gave a little push. We started together and well, he's super strong on the bike, but hadn't trained much for IMKY as he really got a case of the "I-don't-give-a-shit"s. I asked why it took so long for him to catch me. Apparently, his swim wasn't great.

Then, back to 42 for the ride home. Just 32 miles left. And my legs were still feeling pretty fresh from not having pushed too hard out there. I decided to take it up a notch for those rollers in. i played cat and mouse with this guy with a 21 on his leg and thought about what i was doing at 21. Definitely not thinking of doing an IM. Sheesh!

My tummy started to cramp up a bit those last 20 miles or so, so I took in only water. I had no problem eating on the bike, like some. That's when being a former fat kid actually comes in helpful. I can pretty much get my calories in.

Suddenly, it was time to dismount. I could hardly believe we were already through round two.

There were a couple moments out there when I just became overwhelmed by emotion. I couldn't believe I was doing this thing. I couldn't believe Coach trusted me with his disc. I couldn't believe I had so many friends and family out there cheering for me. Pretty cool...

I jumped off the bike and started to run through transition, glanced at my watch, about 6:02, I'll take it! Then stopped to take off my shoes. I ran. Oh, my legs! This may be a long run. I grabbed my run gear bag and headed for the tent.

The volunteer I got for T2 was a bit concerned about getting me out of there. She dumped my gear and promptly began putting it back into my bag.
"Um, is there body glide in there?"..
"yeah!". She digs around, finally dumps the bag again. Hands me the body glide. Starts packing up again.
"Actually, I want to change shorts. I peed to much in these." I grab my shorts, change. "That means i need the body glide again". Luckily, this time, it was still sitting on top. I grabbed and applied.
Finally, she said "Sorry. They just tell us to get you in and out."

I appreciate that she volunteered. Sometimes I just wish that volunteers were required to do a tri themselves first. But she did pretty good.

I ran out the tent and immediately heard cheers for me, for Cincy Express, for "doing it just like up at Caesar Creek" (that's where we usually train on Sat mornings)...and once again, I went under that big inflated transition arch, out to hit the road for 26.2...

IMKY, the swim and T1

The line started moving closer toward the swim start. Just a few feet and then stop and wait at first. Then it would be a few feet further and less wait between moving again. And it was about that time that the chill bumps started to dissipate. (it was cold that morning! I was holding Clubber for warmth) Finally, we reached the porta-potty lined area. Getting close. Decided to take one last potty break...and when I got out, chaos! I ran down the line to find mom and dad to pass off my sweatshirt.

And then a mad dash for the ramp to the docks. And I kid you not, we jumped off a boat dock into the river. How much more Kentucky can you get? Like a bunch of lemmings, we were running down the ramp, one after another, and jumping in the river!

And that's when the fun began.

I started with a bunch of guys I know, most of whom are not super strong swimmers (sorry, guys). And we started in the back 50 participants. Bad move there, but we didn't know it at the time.

The swim up river was fairly uneventful. It was swimming over and around and through people. Then there was a really mucky area. I couldn't see out of my goggles. AT ALL. It was just dark. So much for thinking the river isn't so bad. And it stunk. And then I saw people standing and walking. In the river! WTF? So, I got to that point and stood and walked until my foot hit muck and sank about 8 inches into it. Um, yeah, swim, swim, swim.

Finally, the buoy to turn around and go downstream. This is where I seemed to have some issues. I didn't think I was swimming slowly. Or too crooked. But I must have been doing both. I seemed to be too far out in the middle of the river, so I veered in. And then i just kept hitting rubber (or whatever those speed suits are made of) from guys who really couldn't swim very quickly.

I'd opted on a sports bra and tri shorts for the swim so I could just put on my jersey shoes and helmet in T1...and i could feel the water in my sports bra. Huge drag. Not good. Oh well, lesson learned.

I kept sighting off the bridge that doesn't really connect to land on either side. And it seemed to take FOREVER to get there. Swim, swim, swim. Over, around and through people. That's about all it was for the entire way.

Finally, under that dark bridge. Then under the next. And to the stairs, where we were to exit the water! I checked my watch. 1:15. Crap. That was slower than expected. Oh well, I feel pretty good. I'm doing this. First leg is over...and on to T1.

It was like a mad dash for transition. As stated earlier, my bags were at the end of the row, so it was easy to identify. I ran to the change tent and was joined by a volunteer. She sat down with me, dumped my bag and allowed me to pick through what I needed. She helped roll down my jersey when it got stuck on my wet torso and she handed me my race belt...and as I left that tent, she wished me luck. I ran out...a little hesitantly, a little frieghtened. And to my bike, where I heard cheers for "Cincy Express". And then more by name. I made the little trot to the bike mount and smiled as the fear vanished and the focus came back.

My Clubby!!

By popular demand, this is the pup! Until I get pics from mi madre, I don't have any of us pre and post race.

IMKY, pre race

Friday, Pre-Race
So, Friday morning, my car wouldn't start. It has a mind of it's own. I think i'll just start calling it "Kit"...but basically, sometimes it tells me a door is ajar when i'm simply driving down the road. All the interior lights turn on and it "dings". Then, things settle down and all is quiet. Well, it's only a problem when they decide to NEVER turn off. It kills the battery. Luckily, Tom and I had discussed riding together, so he just picked me up.


We made the drive and went to join in on the fun at the Practice swim in the Ohio. The river really isn't as bad as everyone seems to think. It wasn't as bad as I expected. Ran into some friends, chatted, picked up packets, got weighed (good, Lord...why? I mean, I know why...but, seriously, we've been tapering for two weeks!) and headed back to N Ky. Did a quick 30/15 bike/run. Felt great. Dad came over and we took out the bulbs in the lights and jumped my car. No big drama. Ate some sushi. To bed very, very early.

Wait!!! One last HUGE detail. Coach sent me a text "I have a disc if you want to use it." hahahaha. IF?!?

Saturday, Pre-Race
I'm a pretty emotional girl. I got up after about 10 hours of sleep and lying around. Got in my 15/10 bike/run. Felt a little sluggish. Realized I hadn't eaten in over 12 hours. um. duh. I made one last grocery run, packed my gear bags and my over night bag and then....I totally freaked. Sweaty palms. Racing heart. And it wasn't about how well I'd do. I was about doing it at all.

See, my goal for this race went from qualifying for Kona to simply participating. After I got so sick in the spring, I'd written off IM for this year. For me to even be competing in this thing was just overwhelming. I remember four short months ago, my dad told me that somehow, he just knew I'd come out stronger from that whole ordeal. Those are the very thoughts that overcame me out there on the bike...and the run, and brought on the tears. But that's for later...

I got about ten minutes of quiet time to clear my head a bit and dad was at the door to pick up my little Clubby for the weekend. Then, Tom was at the door and we were loading up and on our way to Louisville.

Bike & Gear Check In

The volunteers were great! We went straight to bike check-in and were handed a "guide" to show us where to rack and how transitions would flow, etc. I was #601, which just so placed my gear bags at the very end of an aisle. No problem finding those dudes. The girl was very kind and I totally understood everything. Def helped with visualization stuff. Other than that, uneventful.

Checked into the hotel, watched some MJ videos, "Thriller" in particular. Nice. And then back down to check-in to get that wheel from Coach. EEKK!

A little chatting and I was ordered off my feet. Back at the hotel. Ate food and to bed. But not to sleep. That was intermitent.

Morning Transition & Swim Line

the plan was to meet at transition at 5:15. We were there before then. Coach pumped the disc up and then was all in a hurry to get down to the swim start, which was about a mile away...but also almost two hours away. What's the big deal?? I hung around and talked with some friends, kept running into people. Turned in my bike special foods (which was really just a pbj...but, hey, I didn't want to regret NOT having it available) and left for the swim start a few mins before 6am.

We walked and walked and walked. We stopped and peed. We found the swim start. We got body marked. And then we started down the line to find the end. And we walked. And walked. and walked. and walked. Until we were out on the bike course. Over a mile from the swim start!!!!

Pretty soon, dad calls, he's looking for us. I hear Tom say "Hey Marvin!" and then I saw her. My little girl! Ha! She has to take like 4 steps to dad's every one, so she was pretty much pooped by 6:15am. And ya know, it's great having my dad there. He's got a very calming affect on me. most of the time.

Then, mom calls and she comes walking up! Mom and dad and Clubby! That made the wait for the swim more interesting. Ryan made a comment about my dog looking like a penguin that just fell over. Dad added "yeah, and fell flat on her face!" Freakin' comedians.

We heard a gun shot. Pro start at 6:50 (though i think the sound reached us around 6:52 we were so far away). Then another...amateur start! And the line started moving!!!!

just for now

I'll post a full RR tomorrow, but I just got home a few hours ago and after a mini-meal, napped... I awoke and talked to some peeps on the telephono...

What I have to say about IMKY????

AMAZING support!!!!!!!!!!
Loved every single volunteer, cheerleader, sherpa out there. Everyone was great. The aid stations were amazing!

The swim was a bit strange. I couldn't help but be amazed at the mile+ we had to walk to get to the end of the line.

Dude, my dad brought Clubber down! I have an IRONDOG!!! She survived the whole day of spectating. I think she's slept more than i have the last 24 hours. And that is saying a lot.

Pizza is the ultimate post-race treat.

I love my bloggin' buddies!! Kim sent me texts, Ed sent an email, Zen was trackin', Mary was out on her bike, Missy was out in her flourescent wig, Matt H gave a shout out...and i'm sure i'm forgetting people, but you guys are all AMAZING!!!!!!

I might just have the best friends and family ever! I'm sure everyone thinks this, but I am just so grateful for everyone who took the time to text or call or write or come down and cheer.

This was a race in which I was just way more excited for everyone else. Judi and Jess and Tom and Pete and Kevin and Eddy (coach, who rocked it out in 9:35...and Missy, who went 10:28. Are you kidding??). I was excited for THEM because they were excited. That kind of energy and enthusiasm is contagious. and inspiring.

I choked up on the bike, but I actually cried on the run, with a big ol' smile on my face. And when crossed that line, there was part of me that couldn't even believe it. I'd written off this race four months ago when I'd gotten sick. But i Pr'ed by about 48 mins...on a tougher course. THAT is not my plan. That's something bigger...

One last day...

..of work, that is.

Tomorrow morning, it's time to head down to Louisville for packet pick-up and a little practice swim in the Ohio. Beautiful!

Now, it's time to make the list. Ya know, the list of all the possible things i need to bring to make this a successful trip. It's insane the stuff I pack. Even in high school, I was the girl who would have *insert some random thing* when it couldn't be found in coach's bag. Included in my packing is always: a sharpie, spare roll of TP, tape, band-aids, camera, advil, extra socks, flip flops, food, gum, extra underwear (because there was this time i peed my pants at a CC race...and it wasn't on purpose), water bottles....you get the picture. I just want to be prepared.

Saturday is bike and gear bag check.

And then, Sunday... (gulp!)

I am feeling ready though. My emotions got all fired up yesterday over some fraudulent charges on a credit card...grrr...but it totally awakened my senses. My massage yesterday loosened my muscled just enough. No soreness and got through my bike feeling uber strong last night. And I'm still sleeping like a rock. For hours on end.

The greatest part of all this prep and taper the last week or so are the words of encouragement from other bloggers and athletes. You guys are amazing!!! Thank you all for your support.

thoughts for the day

Because I can only say "I'm tired and bloated" so many times before it gets really old, today, I'm sharing what made me laugh this morning. I am not the author, but I'm sure we've all had similar thoughts...

I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.

Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".

Bad decisions make good stories

Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?

Have you ever been walking down the street and realized that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk

I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

The letters T and G are very close to each other on a keyboard.. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never be ending a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.

There is a great need for sarcasm font.

Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize I had no idea what the heck was going on when I first saw it.

How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.

I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.

A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah, if you suck at it.

Was learning cursive really necessary?

Lol has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".

I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

Answering the same letter three times or more in a row on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.

How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?

I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!

Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm. ..Goonies"

What would happen if I hired two private investigators to follow each other?

Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.

Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.

I would like to officially coin the phrase 'catching the swine flu' to be used as a way to make fun of a friend for hooking up with an overweight woman. Example: "Dave caught the swine flu last night."

I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public I feel like a kid on Christmas morning who just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!

If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.

Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem....

You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.

There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.

I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.

"Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this ever.

I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.

I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.

Why is a school zone 20 mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles.. .

Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.

I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.