Years ago, I told myself I was going to do an Ironman before I turned 40. It happened to be and still is, the craziest endurance event I can find. So, of course I want to finish one. I have learned to be VERY careful about what I dream of doing. Usually it happens.
When I woke up on August 16th, I thought of a great video a friend sent to me at work on a particularly difficult day. A day I didn't think I could handle. It helped me remember who helps me through all of my days, especially the tough ones. I had a good cry and remembered the message. I prayed, God would help me through this day too, and he did....
Last Sunday morning at about 5:00, Eric drove me to the start of my first half-ironman. As my body shook from sheer nervous energy, I told him I could still recall the moment I decided to do this. At that point I was wondering what I had been thinking. To help me, Eric drove part of the run course, which I hadn't really bothered to check out. Finally, I had to stop procrastinating and get to the transition area. I got my body marking taken care of and entered transition, which I would do a few more times that day. I arranged my stuff about six times before I could assure myself it was right. As I always do, I met the first of the great people I was to meet that day. We had a nice little chat about how worried our moms were about this event. My next step was to pick up my timing chip and make the first of many trip to the porta-poti. I returned to my bike and checked my stuff just one more time. That was it, I couldn't change anything...I was as ready as I could possibly be!
Now, time to find the family. I met up with Eric, the girls, Mom and John. Now it was time for Mom to make the first of her many trips to the porta-potti. Like I said, she was nervous! We started to walk toward the starting area of the park. It was now time. My friend, Pam sang the National Anthem and she was amazing. I decided I should find my wave and went off to find the other ladies wearing yellow caps. We began to saunter towards the dock as waves began taking off. As I walked onto the dock, I saw Kyle and Heather, two friends from church. What a blessing! To get a big huge hug right before you get in the water. I made it to the final dock and the announcer started telling us to get in the water, we were going in seconds. Another blessing...I only had time to jump in the water before the start. The water was surprisingly warm as I began my swim. I was thrilled to find I wasn't sucking air or panicking. I found the "white cable" some of the ladies told me about before the race and just kept repeating, steady relaxed strokes. Before I knew it, I was to the first buoy. 1/4 mile down and again before I knew it 1/2 mile down. I actually began to really relax and was able to focus on my stroke. I rounded the end and finished the last 1/2 mile. I was elated at this point. My day could have ended there and I would have been happy. But it didn't...
Transition was pretty smooth, other than knocking my neighbors helmet, food and asthma medication off her bike (I put it back). I took off on my bike and surprised myself again to see I was clipping along at a pretty good pace. The first hills were fairly easy and before I knew it there were Darlene and Bri! How great...to see your friends while your completing an Ironman. I did miss Bri's great signs. "Train like a racehorse", "Sting like a bee" and "Go bikers!" I did see the last sign telling me I "rock" shortly after seeing Jim at the next intersection. Then right after that I saw Eric, the girls, Mom and John. Wow! The first loop flew by. I couldn't believe how many places I saw my friends and family. Eric was amazing, he was able to get to so many spots on the course. I really think I have the best husband!!! The second loop was a little more of a challenge. But I pulled through and even kept an average speed which was faster than what I predicted.
Finally, I was at the run. I kept telling myself, the hard work is done. I've run for so many years, it's second nature and there wasn't anything to fall off of! My legs felt great for the first half but were ready to be done about an hour before they needed to be. I formulated a plan to run to each water station, and walk through the water station, while I cooled down, ate and drank. This seemed to work. My body was on fire, but I was done! As I rounded the corner toward the finish, I saw my friend Julie who gave me a huge high five. I crossed the finish line, completing the Lake Stevens 70.3 in 6:43:50. The first of many and one more step closer to my Ironman goal.
I have more memories than I can write from that day. I loved how my girls told me they wanted to eat as soon as I was done. I love being their mom! I loved that my Mom and stepdad could be there with us. They have been dedicated supporters for a long time. I loved that my husband found me so many times on the course and has supported me in everything I have done since the day we met. I loved seeing the Gibsons who have totally supported and encouraged me. I can't wait to train Bri!!!
I met my goals; to finish and have a great time!
