Posts Tagged ‘coeur d alene’
Out of the water, I didn’t know about the awesome volunteers that help with wetsuits and finding bags. It rocked! Transition at Ironman is like a full service, 5 star, accommodation. In a bit of a hurried voice I heard “714 (that was my name that day), lay down here, we’ll take care of your wetsuit” So I did, and they did. My wetsuit was off my legs and being handed to me. At the same time I hear volunteers hollaring “714″, they were getting my transition bag for me. The new yorker in me wanted to give them a tip, but the Ironman in me grabbed the bag, said a very appreciative thank you, and was on my way to change.
The weather was much colder and windier than expected, so in addition to my shoes and helmet, I slipped on some arm warmers and was on my way, being ushered towards the bikes. Lucky for me, I remembered exactly where my bike was. I ran towards it when I heard the best sound I could ever dream of hearing.
“Go Love!” “Your An IronMan Steve!” “Go Daddy GO!”
My support crew was right outside of the fence by my bike. Of course I diverted my course towards them rather than my bike. I wanted to tell them all about how great the swim was. But alas, a quick hello and a couple kisses and I was back to my bike. The volunteer at the bikes actually smirked and asked “you do remember your in a race?” He helped me find my bike and off I went.
The bike started off a little more windy than I had expected. In hindsight, the first jount is flat, but along the lake. OF COURSE IT WAS WINDY! Next time I’ll know.
The bike course in Coeur D’Alene is a beautiful and hilly course. Due to a strained calf muscle, I was not able to do a recon ride prior to the race and had to settle for a course preview in the car. There were not many steep climbs, rather long and steady climbs with a couple technical downhills.
Overall, not too bad. The unexpected part for me was the wind and cold. My goal on the bike turned into “get to the run before the rain starts”.
At the end of the first loop, we passed through town. It seemed everyone slowed down a little to enjoy the cheers as this was the first time in about 20 miles I had to use my brakes to avoid other riders. I was paying attention to see if my support crew was hanging out. To be honest, I did not expect to see them. With three kids in tow, it must be hard to hang out in one spot and think, ‘he should pass through here within the hour…’ And just hope they spot me. On the flip side, that is exactly why I chose to wear bright yellow. So I would stand out to my family in the sea of other triathletes.
Towards the end of town, I heard it again: “Go Love!” “Your An IronMan Steve!” “Go Daddy GO!”
On the bike, I can’t stop to say hello, but a quick wave and a smile was perfect. It was great to see them all. It made me feel incredible.
On that day, the bike was my weakest leg by far. Next Ironman it will be my strongest leg, but that is next year. All was going well on the bike untill about mile 70, then my legs started to hurt. My left knee started to feel a pull, a pain I have not felt since I tore my IT band in 2004. My first thought regarding this injury was “what the!!!! where did this come from??” Then I adjusted my posture so it was most comfortable and kept moving forward. “Keep moving forward”, that’s the name of the game.
Then, my right foot started acting up. The foot pain is one that came up in training quite a bit and was a big unknown for me come race day. When this pain starts, it hurts. It hurts to the point that I can not push down on my pedals, It is a very strange sensation in that as soon as I am off the bike, it vanishes. I am going in for a bike fit soon, hopefully we can get to the bottom of it.
Nursing these pains led my quads to feel like they were on fire too. My strategy of breezing through the bike and saving my legs for the run was fading away. Now my strategy was turning into get through the bike and deal with the run when you get there. I kept telling myself, these were bike specific pains, I will still feel great on the run. (I partially believed myself. I had to..)
The volunteers and fans out on the bike course were awesome! Even though I was in pain, they made the day and the course so much fun! I don’t think the smile ever left my face.
Next time into town marked the final miles of the bike. Once again, my crew was there cheering me on. I don’t what I was happier about, seeing my family out there supporting me, or the idea that I was about to get off my bike.
I’m in. There was no question whether I should register or not. I’ve wanted to do an Ironman event for a couple of years now.
Previously I was registered for Ironman Arizona 2007, however something more important came up the week of the race. Our precious baby was born. Of course we had no idea when I actually registered (a full year in advance). And it was pretty much a no brainer that I would miss that race.
Again, registration takes place a year in advance of the event and I look forward to a great year of training. We never can know what the year will bring, I will train smart and focused so that I can remain healthy for the upcoming year and be prepared for IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE 2009. Woo Hoo!