Posts Tagged ‘ironman cda’
The start was not as crowded as I had imagined. Sure, it was crowded with 2,500+ people all jumping in the water at once. But I thought it was a suprisingly calm “chaotic” swim. The winds were pretty strong so the current was choppy, but it was a consistant chop. Easy to get in the groove or flow with. I consider the swim quite nice for anyone who has done atleast a couple open water swims.
I was aiming for a swim time fo about 1:12, given my Iron distance swim time of 1:09 in the Aurora reservoir back home only 5 days earlier. But the chop and crowds apparantly added a little more time than anticipated. Oh well, still a great swim. The water temp was in the mid 60’s and actually felt quite warm.
My only issue with the swim was the guy I was drafting on the final stretch went from a smooth freestyle stroke into a breastroke. His abrubt change into a frog kick cought me right in the nose! It hurt, it hurt alot. I think the chillish water helped sooth the pain. I learned quickly to stay away from that guy.
Out of the water in 1:20:14. I think I could do better, but let’s be honest. This was my first ironman and I am not qualifyeing for Kona (this year…) So who really cares if it took a little longer than I anticipated…
In transition 2, the service was excellent again. I dismounted my bike, crossed the dismount line and somebody took my bike so I didn’t have to worry about it. I was again ushered to the changing tent and handed my transition bag.
In the changing tent, volunteers were there to help change shoes, massage out cramps, organize gear. It was pretty cool. I didn’t want to spend too much time in there as the bike already took me a full hour longer than I expected. That’s right, an HOUR LONGER than my target. Winds, cold, and strange pains led to the slow time. But again, I am not going to Kona this year, so really, I didn’t care. I was still out there to have fun.
My goal now was to run the Marathon in 4:30. I put on my running shoes and at the last minute decided to wrap my jacket aroung my waist, that storm was still threatening us all.
As I left transition, guess who I saw again? My family was right there at the start of the run. Now I truly fealt awesome. I was done with the Bike and on my feet. My legs fealt ok, not great, but ok. I was ready for the marathon.
My strategy was to run the race with an average pace of 9:30/mile. I started off the first six miles with a target pace of 10:00/mile to get in the groove and loosen my legs. The strategy worked great, six miles down and I fealt ready to run. So I upped my pace to a 9:30/mile.
About 30 minutes into the run, the rain started and I was thrilled to have my jacket. It was cold, but certainly manageable. The run course is an out and back X2, which leaves 4 opportunities to see family and friends. I just could not believe they all stayed outside in the cold rain to chear me on! They ROCK!
On one pass, my daughter ran out to me with her arms up, I immediately scooped her up for a super hug and gave my wife a kiss. I believe in life it is important to stop and enjoy the things you love, even if it is halfway through the marathon portion of an Ironman. This moment may have taken 15 seconds off my time, but in reality it re-energized me to finish this thing.
The run actually felt fine, as expected my legs were in a bit of pain. But this is Ironman, it is not supposed to be comfortable. I ran through most of it, and walked the aid stations. As it got colder, I started to craving the warm chicken broth at each aid station.
I ran it one mile at a time, some miles were faster than others, and a few were very slow.
Over the course of the run, aches and pains came and went. One thing that stayed constant was the ear to ear grin I had. Knowing in a short time I would see the finish line and hear those words “Steve Cogger, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN”
As I turned the final bend and saw the chute to the finish I got another surge of energy and picked up the pace. I attempted to space out the guy in front of me with the guy behind me so we could all hear our names and enjoy our moment.
As I enetered the final chute I saw my family in the bleachers, still braving the cold and wind (and now dark) to be with me as I crossed the finish line. I blew some kisses and absorbed the moment as best I could. My family is awesome!
I am a big fan of team blaze and respect what John Blaze accomplished. One thing I was not expecting was the guy 20 feet in front of me to slow down to a walk as he approached the finsh, lie down, and roll through the finish. Again, respect to John Blaze, but I nearly tripped right over this guy as I crossed the finish line.
So, rather than a photo of me with my arms raised victouriously crossing my first ironman finish line, I am hopping over some guys feet.
After that little hop, I got my medal, finishers hat and shirt and photo.
Grabbed a couple slices of pizza and found my family. My two year old daughter said “Daddy, you a ionman” and then asked for my Pizza, which I gladly gave her a bite of.
This is me finding my bike at Transition 1 during Ironman CDA. My support crew was waiting for me by my bike so I of course stopped to say a quick hello.
Apparently, I was having too much fun at this point in the race. Notice the volunteer who helped me find my bike. He told me I was having entirely too much fun for being in a race. To me, that is what it is all about. Fun, fitness, and healthy challenges.
I may not be fast, but did you notice all the other (and very expensive tri) bikes still in transition as I am pulling out. Makes my think my swim time wasn’t so bad….