Wahine at IM Canada - Race Feed

[Wahine's DH]

Posted by DH
Valley Star Motel, Penticton, British Columbia 4:41 A.M. PST

Yukon gold potatoes and a hard boiled egg for a second breakfast. Wahine woke up at 1:30 A.M and decided to eat the first.

Sky is too dark now, overcast. Checking the weather site, 60 deg F now (16 deg C). 60% chance of light showers, projected high of 68 deg F (20 deg C). Great racing temp, maybe slippery downhill, we’re happy.

Wahine relates a fragmented dream of swimming with her life jacket on. That’s the first laugh of the morning as yet again she goes through the mental checklist. Second laugh when she remembers she hasn’t brushed her teeth.

Thanx for txt msg CC. It brought a smile.

[divingbiker]

I was just looking at the live video and thinking of Wahine, wondering how in the he!! anyone swims in that mass of people so close together. My hat's off to all the athletes. Will be thinking of her throughout the day and checking the results and video.

[Wahine's DH]

Posted by DH
Okanagan Lake Beach, Observations 6:50 A.M. PST

Most of the crowd is in place, lining the shores from the ropes to the trees. There is a heavy background murmur and occasional shouting to the athletes. The athletes are shuffling. Most have their position but are pulling out their wetsuits, adjusting goggles, shaking out their arms.

The water temperature is 68 deg F (20 deg C), ambiant air 60 deg. Pleasant. There is the morning smell of damp sand and ponderosa pine. Herring gulls circle the canoes, yachts, kayaks and buoys that form the triangle course.

The athletes have formed a bulging arc, those anticipating the fastest swims at the middle. Wahine is to the left of middle and about half way back. Pink swim cap!

Wahine does well in the swim, most recently first out of the water in her age group at the Pacific Crest half Ironman. I’ve seen videos of her from underwater cameras. When she catches and pulls, you can see heavy turbulence coming off her fingertips. But the key to her performance is body position, keeping her core high, rolling and extending. She is good at translating what her coaches tell her.

Wahine has disappeared into the mass of black suits, one of 2500 coiled springs.

[Veronica]

Oh my gosh, I just want to stay here at the computer! Wahine's DH thanks for making us feel like we're there.

Go Wahine Go!

V.

[Wahine's DH]

Posted by DH
First transition (T1) at Martin Street, Penticton. 8:05 A.M. PST

What a spectacle when the cannon fired! Waves of athletes plunging forward, turbulence and windmill arms out front. The jostling continues for several hundred meters, then I can see some snake-like lines as some athletes find a draft to their liking. The energy and speed is astonishing.

They fade beyond detail. I want to get a latte, but movement through the spectactors is slow. So many have the same idea: Head for the transition area to see how their athlete looks coming in. I know when to expect Wahine. 65 min or so after the cannon.

There she is!-- in dripping glory. Focussed on process. Keep the feet moving, off with the goggles, pop the cap (Pink!), peel down to waist, orient, yield to the wetsuit strippers, breathe deeply…

I move to the fence near her bike. Request to the crowd: Excuse me please, smiles and yes, we understand, there’s room.

Wahine is already at her bike. “Race smart!” I yell. I’m worried because she pushes through pain.

Clack clack—out to Main street, spinning, HUGE SMILE. Looking so strong after T1. Clouds are clearing. Blue sky poking thru everywhere. Now, I’m optimistic.

[Starfish]

Wow, Wahine DH, thanks for writing so well! This is great! Woohoo!!!

[KnottedYet]

Live video? where!?!?! :eek: someone please post a link for the computer-illiterate among us? (aka ME!!)

[Shiraz]

Go Wahine!!!! We are cheering you on!! Thanks DH we love the updates. I feel like I am watching her!

[divingbiker]

Live video? where!?!?! :eek: someone please post a link for the computer-illiterate among us? (aka ME!!)

Ha! You, computer illiterate??? hahahahaha

Click on the LIVE VIDEO link (http://ironman.com/canada) below the picture.

[alpinerabbit]

awwww this is so exciting.....!

[KnottedYet]

can't get the live video (my computer says it's got a bug? uhhh, what?) but I did get this: http://ironman.com//events/ironman/canada?show=tracker&y=2007&race=/events/ironman/canada&bib=2289

Go Wahine, Go!

[kelownagirl]

Knot - When I clicked on the link, Windows Media Player opened up, but it doesn't want to connect.

Wahine's DH - thanks for the live feed! I got up at 7 and tried to find the IM on TV but no luck. It's good to know she's doing well so far and that the
weather is clearing. It was looking a little ugly last night, and early this morning, so I was a bit worried it might be windy for the ride. (I sent a text last night too but forgot to sign my name so she might have wondered who it was from :rolleyes: ) Anyway, we're going to head down to there before noon because I want to see her go by in T2 and finish of course! Maybe we'll see you down there!

Barb

[KSH]

Awesome! Thanks for the updates! We really do appreciate it!

[KSH]

Time Update:

TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:08:31) 1:48/100m 563

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 40 mi. (--:--) -- mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 72 mi. (--:--) -- mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (--:--) -- mph --

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile

[Over50Newbie]

I just checked out her swim time online. WOW! And her T1 looks good too. Here's best wishes for a smooth bike leg. GO WAHINE!! You make us all proud!

Lynette

[KnottedYet]

Sister Madonna Buder (age 77) was only 23 minutes behind Wahine at T1!!!!

Go Sister Buder! Go Wahine!

[Starfish]

Also, a little off topic, but for those reading who are battling cancer or have a loved one who is...

My friends from PA were also just about 20 minutes behind Wahine at T1...they're a married couple...and she is healthy as a horse, and he has been battling metastatic colon/liver cancer, including chemo, for the last 1.5 years. A tough couple.

Go everyone!!! Go Wahine!!!!

[LBTC]

We just rolled our lazy butts out of bed and I've read through all of Wahine's DH's posts, which are fantastic and brought tears to my eyes....

My DH asked how this time compares to what she'd hoped. Is it bad luck if I repost what she predicted?

Wahine is kicking some international butt! Loads of butterflies surrounding her,
~T~

[Starfish]

2:14:55 on the bike at 40 miles! 17.79 mph average! Woohoo!

[kelownagirl]

Just checking the leaderboard. The woman in 10th place is #563 over all. Wahine is #607 over all. Sounds pretty good to me!

[Tri Girl]

WOW! :eek:
Thanks for all the live updates!! This is SOOOO exciting. She's kicking tail!

[KnottedYet]

I'm watching Wahine #2289 http://ironman.com/events/ironman/canada?show=tracker&y=2007 and Sister Madonna Buder #2787

At the 40 mile bike mark, Sister Buder was only 19 minutes behind Wahine! (add that to the 23 minutes at the T1, and I think that makes her a total of 42 minutes back)

Go, Iron Women, go!!!

Edit: there are a few bike photos showing up now, for those of us who can't get the video to work (a couple niiiiice subies, too! :D ) http://ironman.com/events/ironman/canada?show=photos&slideshow=1&y=2007

[rocknrollgirl]

Just got home from a 24 hour mt bike race( I will save THAT story for another time), and logged right on to see how our Yoda is doing....

GO Yoda GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LBTC]

We're watching the live local coverage. The lead women just went through the transition to the run. At the 40 mile mark, Cassie was about 15 minutes behind. I am now officially glued to the TV and thinking loads of butterflies to Cassie right now.

H&B
~T~

[Zen]

You aren't missing a lot on the race feed. Too much face time for the commentators and they talk about one person for too long instead of doing running commentary.

Oh well, I'll take what I can get.
[edit] now we're starting to see something worthwhile...

[LBTC]

Argh! The track an athlete isn't working now!

And the local coverage is following the lead runners, not showing the transition area!

Argh!!

[LBTC]

I think I crashed the ironman site. Darn.

Guess it's time to clean the house and think of loads of butterflies around Cassie!!

H&B
~T~

[KnottedYet]

It's working for me, just very slowly.

[LBTC]

yup, it came back, thankfully, but there is nothing new to report.....I think the results page is a bit behind - she must have gone through the transition by now, right?

H&B
~T~

[KnottedYet]

I couldn't even get the 72 mile time, so maybe it is way behind.

Anybody know her 72 mile time?

and I can't get Sister Buder's info at all. Anybody know how she's doing?

[divingbiker]

I couldn't even get the 72 mile time, so maybe it is way behind.

Anybody know her 72 mile time?

and I can't get Sister Buder's info at all. Anybody know how she's doing?

The way I interpret it, there's a time for the first 40 miles, and a time for the next 72 miles, for 112 total. So the 72 mile time won't be posted until she's done with the bike.

No update on Sister Buder since the 40 mile bike time.

[Wahine's DH]

Posted by DH
The Out and Back. 12 Noon. PST

Sorry I’m late. Huge traffic jams.

Wahine just flew by.

We saw her at the crest of Richter Pass. Elevation at the bottom is about 1200 ft and the crest is about 2300 ft. Wahine’s coach thought she should charge near the crest. He pointed out that with the climb behind her, she will be sooner doing 35 mph down hill rather than spending more time at 12 mph mashing. “Do the math, he said.”

I can’t tell you if she followed his advice. She was already up there. When I asked her how she felt, she said “Medium”. Perhaps she tried to charge

We grab the signs and cowbells and cheer Wahine approaching low profile. Here then gone, heading for the climb at Yellow Lake. Is she on schedule? This time she said she felt good. Rosy cheeks and a you-guys-made-me-smile.

[divingbiker]

She's off the bike!

TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:08:31) 1:48/100m 563

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 40 mi. (2:14:55) 17.79 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 72 mi. (4:11:56) 17.15 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (6:26:51) 17.37 mph 1114

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile --

[Over50Newbie]

Simply Amazing!!!

I was shut out of the site for the last couple of hours, but just got back in. I saw the same data as above and a T2 time of 5:21.

This is sooooo exciting!

Keep it up, Wahine!!

Lynette

[teigyr]

Incredible. I'm checking in as I can, this is so exciting! Go Wahine! And thanks, Washine's DH :D

[LBTC]

The site has been frustrating, and so has the local coverage. I'm not getting anything done as I hope for a glimpse of her on TV.

Wahine rocks!! I am sooooooooooooooo impressed!

Thank you for posting Wahine DH!
H&B
~T~

[rocknrollgirl]

Good job DH!

Go YODA!!!!!!!! You are kicking azzzzzzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LBTC]

Knot, sister Madonna has done IMC 10 times, she's the oldest competitor this year (a month older than the oldest man who turned 77 today), and her goal is to complete the IronMan Hawaii when she is 80 years old. (the live coverage just switched to the finish line and the race MC - much more interesting than al that face time the color commentators were getting!

Go, Wahine, Go!!!

~T~

[Wahine's DH]

Posted by DH
Downtown Penticton, 2:35 P.M.

A glorious day for a run. Big white fluffies and 72 deg F (22 C). Not a drop on the bike course. Mild lake breeze all the way to Okanagan falls.

Traffic and cheering spectators line the roads. Lawn chairs and beer coolers on the curb. Kids in trees. We were in gridlock for T2! Athletes streaming by on tricked out bikes.

I’m heading out to the run course to see if I can judge Wahine’s stride. Three blocks from the internet.

The plan was: Wahine, do a form run for the first three miles, set the motor pattern, then increase the turnover ‘till optimal heart rate.

If she is striking heavy, I’ll know that Plan B is in place. Plan B is to tough it out at an injury-free pace and empty the bucket coming into town.

Yowsa! She’s gotta be happy with her first two events!

[KnottedYet]

GOOOOOOOOOOO Wahine!!!!!

[Zen]

C'mon!!!
I Can"t Stand The Suspense!

[Tri Girl]

AWESOME bike split! Keep it up, girlie!!!

[Starfish]

17.37 mph for 112 miles. WOW!!! :D Go, go, go!!!!

[Starfish]

I can't get Sister Buder's info at all. Anybody know how she's doing?

TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:31:18) 2:24/100m 2177

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 40 mi. (2:33:10) 15.67 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 72 mi. (5:22:55) 13.38 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (7:56:05) 14.12 mph

[Wahine's DH]

I've seen that look before, she's running on stubborn.

[Running Mommy]

HEy DH- What is Wahine wearing?? It might be easier for us at home to keep our eye out for her.
Thanks SO MUCH for the updates! It is SOOO appreciated.
I'm cheering for her all the way from Arizona!! :D

[Zen]

I've seen that look before, she's running on stubborn.

:D
And she's got plenty of stubborn, right?

[KSH]

OH MY! How exciting!

The swim was fast... and the bike she did was amazing! What a solid race she is having! All her hard work has paid off!

[KnottedYet]

Thank you for the Wahine and Sister Buder updates!

Go Go Go!!!!!:D

[teawoman]

Go Wahine, go!!!! :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Starfish]

Is it just me, or is anyone else crying a little watching these folks come over the finish line?

[crazycanuck]

I'm trying to follow Wahine's progress...

I just sent another text to Wahine's DH..hopefully my possie vibes are still working.

Keep rockin Wahine...

C

[Zen]

Is it just me, or is anyone else crying a little watching these folks come over the finish line?
not just you *sniff*

[divingbiker]

It's so cool that they put the tape up every time so each athlete gets to break through like they're the winner. Because they are!

[Starfish]

Here is Wahine at 13.1 miles into the marathon!

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (2:16:50) 10:26/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile

[Over50Newbie]

OMG - She is on the home stretch!

Run, Wahine, Run!!!

Lynette

[Running Mommy]

I am SOOO emotional watching this!! I want to be there SOO badly!
I have my IM mojo back. I can't wait for the training to begin in earnest!!

BTW- Wahine is FLYING! 10:26 min miles in an IM??!! :D
I bow to the queen!!

OHHOHH!! CC! A guy from Western Australia just crossed!!!

[LBTC]

I just figured out how to use the new DVD R just so I don't miss Wahine crossing the line. :p

And, yes, I've been teary-eyed all day with this on. Athletes coming back from injuries, athletes who have completed unbelievable numbers of IMs, athletes struggling across the line, athletes with amazed delighted grins running across, families running across the line with their athlete, yup, tears for each one of them!

And huge speedy butterflies for Wahine.

Go, girl, Go!!!!

~T~

[Zen]

ACK! Change the battery pack!

[LBTC]

Local coverage ended. I don't think I got her finish....blasted fools! They said they would cover until midnight!!! :eek:

I guess I might as well make dinner now.

Go, Wahine, Go!!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Running Mommy]

LBTC she is still out there... They had to change the battery pack in the camera. It's back now..

[Zen]

... They had to change the battery pack in the camera.

Maybe they can save up over the year and have two cameras next time:p

[Xrayted]

Go Cassie go!!!!! Wooohoooo!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

[HillSlugger]

What's her estimated finish time?

[LBTC]

OMG, talk about tears! Did you see the guy with the banner held above his head that said: She Said Yes ?

[Starfish]

What's her estimated finish time?

If she keeps the same run pace and she started at 7am...something like 7:15 or 7:30pm?

Is that what everyone else gets for an estimate?

[Running Mommy]

My guess is soon. At least in the next hour...
Wonder how the folks are doing over in Kentucky! Why did they do two IM's on the same day???
I do know that everyone made it out of the swim at KY tho... With the swift current, it's not surprise!! :p

[Starfish]

She did it! She's done!!! :D :D :D

[divingbiker]

Yay! She finished in 12:16 and was smiling at the end!

What an inspiration!

[Running Mommy]

I Saw ya!!
FABULOUS!!!!
I'm all teary eyed!! YOU RAWK!!

[Tri Girl]

I just saw her finish live!!!!

SOOOOOO AWESOME!!!!

CONGRATS CASSIE!!! :D


Made me cry!!! You rock, girlfriend! Loved the hug to your fellow athlete at the finish. So proud of you!!!!

[Veronica]

She looked so cool and strong at the end! Woohoo GIRL! You rock!

V.

[Zen]

I thought I heard her name! And if i was looking at the right woman, she looks GREAT.


YOU ROCK, SISTER!

YOU
ARE AN
IRON
WOMAN!!!

[HillSlugger]

Wow! Awesome!

[KnottedYet]

Hooooooorraaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!

[snapdragen]

This is so very cool, congratulations Wahine!

[Over50Newbie]

Wahine, you are my hero!

Lynette

[KSH]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

WOW! What an amazing race! We are so PROUD of you! You rocked it!

12:15... FAST-FAST-FAST!

[LBTC]

Wahine, you ROCK!!!

You did an awesome race! I hope you could feel the butterflies!

Hugs,
~T~

[ehirsch83]

Amazing girl!!! You are a true inspiration. You just rocked that IM. :D :D :D :D :D

[teigyr]

Congrats! I only wish I could have seen it while it happened. The FIRST thing I did both times I got home today was check TE!

I can't wait to see pictures :D

Now for the thai food and beer?

[kelownagirl]

I just got home and we had an awesome day! I was near tears the whole time with a huge smile plastered on my face. I first saw Cassie on the bike coming into T2 and I yelled "Hi Wahine!!" so I think she heard and knew it was me. She definitely saw me when she went out for the run and waved. (Below are pics of the end of bike and the start of the run about 5 minutes later.)

About half an hour later, we watched the winner come across the finish line. (His pic follows in a later post), then we went off to find food and watch the race from the White Spot for awhile. Around 5ish we headed back to the finish line and got to see another good friend cross, then we waited for Cassie. I will post pics of her in another post in case they are too big. She looked great and very strong throughout the race!

It was so awesome to be there watching the athletes. So many ability levels, ages, shapes and sizes. It's amazing. Makes you think that maybe you could do it too... :rolleyes:

Anyway, congrats Wahine - and here are a few pics for everyone!

[kelownagirl]

Here are a few more, about 1km to go, and then right at the end.

[kelownagirl]

Here's the guy who came in first, and the guy who proposed to his girlfriend right near the end. Cute. :)

[LBTC]

Thanks so much for posting these, KG! Fab pics and great info on Cassie's race! Glad you had fun, too!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Eden]

Way to go! That sounds quite fast.

[Running Mommy]

Thanks SO much KG for the pics!
Wahine you are such a stud! You ran a NEGATIVE SPLIT!!! In an IRONMAN??
Sheesh, I BOW down to you!! Sounds like you had a most excellent day! I (we) can't wait to hear all about it!

[Wahine]

Hi everyone!!

I'm home. I can hardly walk and my stomach has finally settled enough for some food. Needless to say, no Thai food tonight.

I'll post more later but I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all the great vibes. I really needed them today. We had a lot of wind on the bike and I had some stomach troubles that plagued me a bit on the ride. When I got off my bike to head into T2, I nearly fell down. I considered if I should even head out on the run. And as you saw, I did. Not with the kind of pace I had hoped but good enough for a PR.

So I'm at home eating bland pasta and drinking OJ. I might consider a naturopathic advil (beer) a little later.

Edited to Add: KG those pics rock, thank you sooooooo much for being there today. You too Pika, it was great seeing you and it added to may race in a way you could not even imagine.


Thanks again.

Cassie

[Pika]

Whew>
DH and I just got back from Penticton - It was great being there watching Cassie tear it up in person- She was passing people left right and centre right til the end!
Unfortunately because she was running so fast at the end ( notice the negative split) we only got pictures of her butt!!!
It was really awe inspiring to watch all the athletes-They are incredible- my voice was cracking everytime I cheered !
DH and I were torn- since we wanted to stay til the end but with the 2 hr drive back and work first thing in am- had to call it a day:(
We saw Sister Maddonna head out on her run with a big group- they were about 4km into the run. They all looked amazing!
All in all it was a hugely inspiring day.
If you all get a chance- definitely try to see an IM in person. I can't even begin to describe it ( Wahine's DH did a great job of it though!!)

[Running Mommy]

You had ISSUES??!!! HEck, I would have liked to see them splits if it was a perfect day!
SHEESH!
You really ARE a stud!!!
WOW!! You are just amazing! I know well of the post IM tummy. Rest up and hope you feel better quickly.
Lots of love is going your way today, I hope you can feel it! :)

[crazycanuck]

WAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO :D

YAYAYAYAYYA Wahine!!!

I sure hope my texts weren't time delayed & woke you guys up.

Since i'm at work I kept refreshing the IM find an athlete screen & by pure fluke you'd JUSt finished..

What a gal.

I can't wait to watch RM at IMWA in 08 :)

C

[salsabike]

Wahine, you are fabulous! Congratulations.

[alpinerabbit]

Wahoooey!!!!!!!

Sooo... Wahine....

after this, are you going to find your true calling.....


http://www.kofferfabrik-fuerth.de/Bilder/Fun/ironman.jpg

[DirtDiva]

WOW! Well done! And with a fantastic time too! Enjoy your hard-earned rest. :)

[rocknrollgirl]

YEEEEEE HAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I watched until about 10 pm our time, and was so beat, I had to go to bed. I missed her live finish by just a few mins. Even the DH watched with me.

We are so proud of you. Great Job!!!!!!



Ruth

[Tri Girl]

Thanks for the pics, KG!
Wahine you looked just AMAZING out there. And a PR with some issues is just so incredible. You drink that beer, rest, relax and take it easy today (and for heavens sake- get you an hour or two massage in the next day or two :D ).

Congrats on an amazing race! I can't wait to see more pictures and hear ALL about it!
Yee haw!!!!

[KnottedYet]

Wow, Wahine! You looked great!!!! You stud muffin, you!

Thanks, KG, for the pictures!

[knapplaura]

Great job Wahine! Way to hang tough in the wind! Very motivating performance....I am going to have to pick your brains as I start gearing up for IM AZ again.

Denise, maybe I will see you there this year! I am in Alabama now and getting back into the training routine slowly but surely.

best wishes,
Laura

[Wahine]

I just found out my standings in the Athena 39 and under group.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Lets just say I'm heading to the awards ceramony tonight.

[kelownagirl]

That's awsome Cassie! I can't find the Athena standings on the website. How did you do?!!

[Veronica]

No fair to leave us hanging!

V.

[silver]

Awesome!!!!!!!!

[rocknrollgirl]

I went to the website too, and could not find the standings....well????

[teigyr]

I know, I looked too.

I'm thinking I know but I don't want to jinx it. She was awesome!!!

[Kimmyt]

WHOOOOOOOOWHOOOOOOOO Holy Bleep Bleep Congratulations!!!!!! :D

[Grog]

Wow! What a race! You should have seen that woman runnin' :D

I was on the run course at km 6 approx and peeled my eyes out for 2289, who thankfully came not very long after a friend of ours who was also heading out on his marathon at about the same time. When I finally figured out the number on your arm, Wahine, you were already running away. You looked GREAT! I'm the silly one who screamed "GO YODA!!!" You looked just as great on the way back (I was you at about two km from the finish, before the last left turn...) You didn't look like you had issues at all. Great job! It was wonderful to see you.

And by the way the guy who proposed was staying at the same B&B as us in Summerland. It was a great story to hear at breakfast (from his uncle, unfortunately, as the happy couple was still sleeping when we left). :D

[eclectic]

Wahine ! ! ! ! Way to go :D :D :D

I wasn't able to follow along yesterday but just reading the action today got my heart to beating

Thanks so much to your DH for the great play by play coverage.

NOW what was your standing? ? ? inquiring minds want to know :D

[LBTC]

Yeah, Wahine, no fair! The results page doesn't let me choose 2007!!!

What colour is the award you're getting??

Hugs and happy butterflies!
~T~

[KSH]

I just found out my standings in the Athena 39 and under group.

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Lets just say I'm heading to the awards ceramony tonight.

That's our girl! WAY TO GO!!!! You rocked it out there!

[Pika]

Wow! I knew you were moving fast! I'm sooo happy for you- outta that huge field you placed!!!! Awesome!
other good news is we do actually have some video of the race- have to kinda edit first to take out all the pictures of pavement where we forgot to turn off the camera- we missed you on the bike-such a drag- stuck in spectator gridlock- but we did get some good shots of the mass start- ohh looked really scarey, and then at the 4km mark at the bike- unfortunately we missed you there and then at yellow lake- again you were too fast for us ( mighta been that we really should have just gone for 1 wine tour instead of 2- but I know you won't hold that against us- besides we did discover the most amazing wine- has some sage in it!!! and a dessert wine with chili peppers - YOWZA!!!-- oops drifting here--- anyway we did finally get YOU on camera at the 4km to finish mark ( husky station) and along the boulevard at the finish- evidence of your speed- passing passing passing- AMAZING!!! You ROCKED!!!
Will let you know asap when edited:)

[Wahine's DH]

Athena 39 and under category. First place.

Fun at the VIP tables. Wahine weeped through the midnight finisher videos. She's still a little shaky.

Thanks to all, it means a lot.

[kelownagirl]

Whoo hooooooo Wahine!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D

[crazycanuck]

YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

Awesome chickie :cool:

C

[Wahine]

So now you all know. I'm actually pretty proud. I never thought I would ever place at an Ironman event and to get first place, too much.

Grog - I totally heard you and I had no idea who it was. I had already seen KelownaGirl and Pika so I knew it wasn't them. Too cool. I knew it was someone from TE. I was pondering it for several miles on the run. Always a great help to have something else to think about. Thanks for the cheering.

So here's my version of the race, you all know the basics so I'll leave the stats out.

Swim - I positioned myself well, about 3/4 to the front, a little behind the real big wigs and with some space around me. At about 500 m out I got into a crowd of very aggressive swimmers and got my azz kicked. I was elbowed in the face, lost my nose plug, kicked in the gut several times, pulled under at least twice and had to roll out on 2 different guys during the race to find space to swim. It was the roughest swim I've ever done and I've done a lot of mass starts of over 1000 athletes. My left shoulder was killing me and I limped in for the last bit.

Bike - I headed out feeling OK. Glad to be out of the water. The first 40 miles went well but the food I was taking in was just sitting in my stomach and not moving. So I had to pull up and let things digest. As we hit the first of the big climbs I wasn't fast but I was solid and I attacked the descents and the shorter hills after Richter Pass. But about 60 to 80 miles into the race the tank was empty because of the problems I had earlier so I started to flag. At that point we hit the nasty headwind. I was thankful for all the wind I had to train in. In other years, this would have beaten me mentally but not this year, I just kept plugging away knowing that my competetors were in the same boat. But it cost me a lot physically. On the last big climb I was getting my second wind on the bike but I knew I was dehydrated (no desire to pee at all and this is now over 5.5 hrs into the race) and I played catch up the rest of the day.

T2 - I nearly fell down getting off my bike. I was unsteady enough that a volunteer had to spot me back to the change tent. At this point I seriously questioned if I should continue but it's always been my philosophy to at least run the first 3 miles and reassess. So off I went. And I did finally pee at T2

Run - I had hoped to hold close to a 9 min pace. No such luck. So my goal was shot but I knew that I still had a good chance at gold in the Athena cat if I could break 12:20. My legs we killing me but I just tried to hold the form my coach had taught me. That's all I thought about for 4.5 hours, well that and getting as much fluid in me as possible. At about mile 10 I ran into a friend, we ran together for about 6 miles then he had to back off. Meanwhile I was getting stronger, at least relative to the crowd. So I went ahead. At about mile 22 I passed an old friend that I hadn't seen for a very long time, I said hi as I went by and told her we'd talk later, I was on the hunt for a PR. She followed me in. At the last 500 m of the run she came up behind me and smacked me on the azz and said "Let's go" so we sprinted in. Well... as best as an Ironman sprint can go. That's who I was hugging at the finish line for those of you that watched the live feed.

I was as close to collapsing at a finish line as I've ever been. It was cold and windy. I got home as soon as I could. I still couldn't eat very much at noon today but I think I'm back in fighting form now.

We went to the awards ceremony tonight and sat in the VIP area. Very cool. I was emotional the whole night. There is truly nothing like Ironman Canada.

Thanks to all. I really appreciate your support.

Cassie

[Wahine]

we did get some good shots of the mass start- ohh looked really scarey, and then at the 4km mark at the bike- unfortunately we missed you there and then at yellow lake- again you were too fast for us ( mighta been that we really should have just gone for 1 wine tour instead of 2- but I know you won't hold that against us- besides we did discover the most amazing wine- has some sage in it!!! and a dessert wine with chili peppers - YOWZA!!!-- oops drifting here--- anyway we did finally get YOU on camera at the 4km to finish mark ( husky station) and along the boulevard at the finish- evidence of your speed- passing passing passing- AMAZING!!! You ROCKED!!!
Will let you know asap when edited:)

I can't wait to see the vid to see if I was actually holding form or just hallucinating. As for the wine...you went to Silver Sage didn't you!! That's the hardest part about doing IMC, you're in the middle of wine country and you can't taste a drop. That's OK, I'm making up for it tonight.

[DirtDiva]

Well deserved vino too! Congratulations!!!

Oh, and that bloke who won? From the bestest little country in the world. :cool:

[crazycanuck]

Keiran Doe...man he's cute...

C

[Tri Girl]

1st place- you're INCREDIBLE!!!!! Congrats on such a fantastic day- even through all the struggles you still pulled out your A game and dug deep. That's what Ironman is all about!!!

[KnottedYet]

Whoooooo-hoooooooo-eeeeeeeeeee!

First Place! You stud-muffin!

[mtbdarby]

Wahine - fantastic job! Thanks so much for the inspiration and sharing your training and complete journey with us regular folk;)

AMAZING!!

[Running Mommy]

WOW! Simply amazing!!
And as a fellow Athena- DAMN GIRL!!! You smoked that course! Tho looking at the pics I have to say that your prolly an athena cause your tall?? You certainly aren't even CLOSE to being as much of an athena as I am...:p

So tell us, how badly did you smoke the 2nd place athena??

And to think my goal is to come anywhere in the 15 hour range... OY! I have a long way to go!! sigh....

It sounds like you have a great coach too. They are hard to find! I'd say he's a keeper.

And one last thought. Your DH ROCKS!!! I LOVED reading his reports thru the day. I could feel how proud he was of you, and his love for you. And I could also feel the excitement of the race in his written words. Not easy to do.

Ahhhhh.... Now it's recovery time. Keep that protein up. You have compromised your immune system. It's time to get all healed up.
And enjoy sleeping in.

Soo did you sign up for next year???

[rocknrollgirl]

I second RM..my compliments to your DH, great job, and much appreciated. I hope that you are basking in the glory for a bit, you sure do deserve it. We are all really proud of you.

I have never done an IM, but my recipe for recovery would include, red wine, chocolate, and naps.

[Kimmyt]

I have never done an IM, but my recipe for recovery would include, red wine, chocolate, and naps

A++ WHAT RNRGIRL SAID!!

[Running Mommy]

LOTS of naps!!! It's a good thing I work from home now, because in the week after IM I would have a spontanious need for a nap.
I'd be cruising along working and BAM, I needed to lie down! :D
Your body worked hard for you. Give her some love!!!
Your poor heart and lungs are prolly thinking "what did we ever do to YOU??!!" hee hee hee :p

[Over50Newbie]

Wahine, I tried to follow you all day long - You were AMAZING!! Congratultions on the gold - you deserve it.

Lynette

[Pika]

{I can't wait to see the vid to see if I was actually holding form or just hallucinating. As for the wine...you went to Silver Sage didn't you!! That's the hardest part about doing IMC, you're in the middle of wine country and you can't taste a drop. That's OK, I'm making up for it tonight.}

Silver Sage it was...hopefully your DH picked up some wine for you to sample post IM.
my DH has cables for camera at work so will take longer to edit- hopefully in the next day or two- really needed someone like LBTC to be there to get the great shots.
__________________

[Starfish]

Wahine, any pics of you accepting your category-win medal?

[colby]

I missed the Ironman Live broadcast, was in Seattle with my husband (but hey, for you Star Trek nerds, I got my picture with Wesley Crusher :p). I was thinking of you, but didn't get a chance to check in.

Wahine, you are awesome, no doubt about it. First place in the athenas! :D I only dream of being average, and here you are kicking butt and taking names. Nice work. You looked great in those pictures, strong and as happy as could be given the circumstances. Take it easy, you've EARNED it!

I'm with RM - I don't see how you're athena at all, you look awesome. I couldn't put myself in athena because I'm too close to the line, and I don't look nearly as good as you do.

Looking forward to a picture of you with that medal. ;) I could only dream of that opportunity.

[HappyAnika]

I'm way late, but just wanted to add my congratulations on a phenomenal race! And to think you questioned whether or not to run . . . then you go and take first place! Awesome. It's so good to see all of your training paid off big time. Congrats again! :D :D :D

[Wahine]

So tell us, how badly did you smoke the 2nd place athena??

And one last thought. Your DH ROCKS!!! I LOVED reading his reports thru the day. I could feel how proud he was of you, and his love for you. And I could also feel the excitement of the race in his written words. Not easy to do.

Ahhhhh.... Now it's recovery time. Keep that protein up. You have compromised your immune system. It's time to get all healed up.
And enjoy sleeping in.

Soo did you sign up for next year???

2nd place came in at 12:30 ish.

Thanks for the compliments. DH is a great writer, I'm still trying to convince him that this could be a retirement activity.

I'm still recovering. I have a very sore joint in my foot and my lower legs are still swollen.

No, I did not sign up for next year. I'm a once in a while IM girl.

[Wahine]

Wahine, any pics of you accepting your category-win medal?

I don't have any pics of me receiving the trophy but I might be able to rustle up some photos of me with the trophy...

Later.

[HeatherErin]

I'm a little late - but HUGE congratulations on your accomplishment! Amazing!

[csh_01]

Congrats on your awesome race!!!!! What a huge accomplishment to get first place in the athenas! I hope you have a nice recovery from all your hard work.

[yellow]

Another late one...

Quite simply, you are incredible! Congratulations and thanks for being such a great role model!

You seriously rock, woman! :D

[Wahine]

Sparkly.

[Tri Girl]

Coooooollll :cool:

[HillSlugger]

Awesome!

[Starfish]

Man, that medal, and that trophy, would be just be living front and center in my house!! :)

And, looking at your picture, it still just kills me that you are considered an Athena. Amazing.

[Running Mommy]

and to do it on the 25th anny no less... sigh.. You are a stud!

[Skeezix]

I know I'm late, but OMG CONGRATS!

Reading it all was just amazing, I am sitting here at my desk and am more than a wee bit teared up.

Seriously, you are amazing.

[light_sabe_r]

WOW....

that's all I can say...

WOW....

Well done wahine!!

You girls were crying watching the TV feed... I have tears welling up reading this thread!

(I know I'm super-dooper late... But I saw... I read... I enjoyed!)

[Wahine]

Thanks Gals. Better late than never.

Meanwhile here's a photo I found while searching for an article about my race in the local rag. It turns out that this photo was published in a Bend newspaper after my HIM in June. That's me coming out of the water.

[Skeezix]

Another great photo! I don't think you can take a bad one (color me jealous).

[Wahine]

Oooooooooh believe me, I take many a bad photo. I just don't expose them to the world. Maybe I should post some of my funnier ones.

Or...

NOT!!