TrimastersCoach

Ironman Florida 2009
It was a beautiful day in the Panhandle for an ironman race. I finally decided to race Weds. night and that should have told me what I knew, that my body needed a break! My sister was racing; Kevin was racing as well, so it seemed like a good thing to do!
The swim was fairly uneventful two loop swim. My brother-in-law Graham was actually right there cheering as I finished the first loop. That was pretty cool. I did see way too many jelly fish for my comfort zone. Every time I saw one under me, I lifted my head out of the water so it could not sting me. I doubt that made a difference but at least I did not get stung. Only one event on the way back, I must have been swimming in someone’s way and he literally stopped me, pulled me back and told me I was in his way…huh? In a big ocean, I am in his way…go figure! We had a fairly long 100 yds. running in the water to get to the sand. I need to practice my dolphin technique as I landed mostly on my face in the surf. Wish I could look like the Kona dolphins!
The day was sunny and cool compared to Hawaii, low 70’s and a 7-10mph east wind. We spent about half the bike going east. My legs felt surprisingly good for most of the ride. It was pretty uneventful although lots and lots of fast men flew by me like I was going backwards. They would form a pack pretty quickly; it was interesting to watch that happen. I would guess they were travelling about 25+ mph and were out of sight instantly. I really needed to focus in this race as there were stretches where I did not see anyone I had my quickest bike split so I believe my plan of doing just 5 bike rides in 4 weeks worked.
The run was partially along the ocean road with the All3sports members cheering us on, into neighborhoods, and through a state park. Again, it was flat run. IM FL has great volunteers at the aid stations, and lots of people cheering us on. With a two loop run you pretty much see 2400 people so the day was never boring. I ran for a bit with my sister, she was experiencing vertigo, while I was in the bushes having G.I. distress over and over again. Luckily we both finished!
I believe every ironman is a learning experience and Saturday’s race was no different. I learned that I had fitness left in my body; I am sure from years of training. I learned again to never quit after experience something that has never happened before in an ironman race. Again, just keep moving forward always and you will find yourself at the finish line. While in the medical tent hooked up to an IV pole, the doctor said swallowing ocean water in gulps due to the chop causes GI distress, maybe that happened to me, but I knew that if I could keep running I would finish and I did, with an Ironman PR…10:27:25
I am looking forward to the off season and becoming a grandmother in February.
Train safe.
Laura

Nov 09th by admin

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Ironman World Championships #19 – October 10, 2009

2009 Ford Hawaii Ironman World Championships is a day for the record books. It felt like the hottest day I have ever had the opportunity to race here in Kona, coupled with an amazing head wind all the way home made for a brutal day! I am thankful and happy to come away with a strong finish! 11:03:02

When I walked out of the house a 5:15 a.m. it was already 77 degrees and I was sweating. I just thought, hmmm, going to be a day to remember ☺ I headed down to set up the bike and begin my day. I was able to get organized quickly and then go wait on the beach and chill for about 30:00 minutes. My typical MO is to have some sort of issue that freaks me out, but today it was painless.

I began the swim next to the pier and after the typical being used as some guy’s springboard forward, (let’s see how far we can push her down as I swim over her!) I settled into a group of what I thought were fast swimmers. It was one of my slowest swim finishes, so my swim group was not all that fast! It was fun, the ocean was rolling and chaotic. I talked to my mom as I swam past her ashes, and asked her to keep me safe on the day. That was pretty cool. Oh, I did get punched in the stomach, really not sure how that happens during a chaotic swim, I mean come on; my stomach is not in anyone’s way. That was a new experience for me.

The bike for me turned into a bit of a challenge. I felt pretty good, and was riding steady, but about 40 miles into the ride I began to vomit and that continued for the rest of the ride. Let’s see, covered with urine and vomit… imagine being anywhere near me ☺ The heat was the story of the day. Well that and the incredible head winds coming home which made the last 35 miles an adventure in mental toughness. I love the blowing trade winds, but today, they were absent. I would take a trade wind gust any day over a 20 + mph head wind for 35 miles! Also, I train with power and my power meter was not working so I used my heart rate and tried not to work as hard on the hills. Have to love technology…but only if it works! I did hear after the race the temperature on the course was 100 degrees. I think in 19 years, it has never been that hot and in fact I never had cloud cover until 22 miles into the marathon! I know enough about racing now to realize one needs to race their own race and as people flew by me on the bike, I knew that I may see them again during the marathon.

Once the run began I certainly was not sure how that would play out. After being sick most of the bike, I was worried that nothing was left in the tank, but all of a sudden I did feel good. Once I was on Alii Drive, I felt like I was home and actually love running that part of the course even though it was hot and even more humid. There are lots of people cheering for you and just so much energy it keeps you going. I had a bad spot about 9 miles in the run, took a Hammer gel, and slowed my pace down and was so excited because I was able to run up Palani Road. Nice steep uphill that is normally a place I love to walk. Gary my awesome massage therapist was there cheering me on and telling me it is a long day and stay in the moment! The highway was HOT, HOT, HOT! I enjoyed the run at least until after the Energy Lab, which seemed to suck all the energy out of me. It was survival mode back to the finish line. I was incredibly happy to finish strong, placing second in my age group to Donna Smyers, a great competitor of mine. I look forward to next year and a new age group. Who ever said getting old is not fun…I am very excited to age up!

I also wanted to thank everyone for their calls, text message, and facebook notes. It was inspiring and kept me going knowing you all were behind me. Thanks again to Hammer Nutrition and Steve Born. During the day I used Perpeteum, Enduralytes, and my most favorite, Energy Surge tablets. They carried me through the day. Thanks again for your continue support of me as I continue on in this sport I love so much. Without your help and knowledge in endurance sports, I would be lost.

Mahalo,
Laura

Oct 12th by admin

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