Ironman Kentucky Training- Let’s Wrap This Up!

[KSH]

Ironman Kentucky Training- Let’s Wrap This Up!

Number: 1359

First off… Thank you for being apart of my journey the past 8 months! Every kind word, thought, advice and your encouragement will get me across the finish line in Kentucky !


Now, how about some lyrics from Frank Sinatra…“I Did It My Way”….

And now, the end is near;
And so I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear,
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain.

I’ve lived a life that’s full.
I’ve traveled each and every highway;
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Regrets, I’ve had a few;
But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course;
Each careful step along the byway,
But more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.



Eight months of training….

Fabulous and amazing support from my Ironsherpa!

1000’s of inspires, kind words and encouragement from friends and family!

Having a very kind friend help me with getting my bike ready for Kentucky !

Being the luckiest gal in the world for having such a huge support crew coming out to watch me race… thanks to… my Dad, Jonny, Evelyn, Ryan, Libby, Doug and Anna!

Swimming 80 miles in 40 hours, in the past 8 months!

Biking 2,500 miles in 155 hours outside, in the past 8 months!

Biking 1,040 miles in 65 hours on the bike trainer, in the past 8 months!

Walking/Running 460 miles in 87 hours, in the past 8 months!

Completing three, 12-mile runs!

Completing four, half marathons!

Finishing my first 25 K!

Ten bike rides of 70-95 miles.

Three bike rides of 100 miles.

Early mornings.

Late nights.

Two-a-days. Swim in the morning, ride at night. Run in the morning, ride at night.

Gaining weight.

Losing weight.

Wondering how much more food I could eat… and still be hungry!

Turning my legs into thighs of steel!

Feeling lucky for having good enough physical health and strength to get to train for something like this!

Days when I didn’t know if I could get up and do it again.

Laying down to sleep with quads too sore to lay on.

Saturdays spent waking up at 6:00 AM to ride for hours and hours.

Sundays spent waking up at 6:00 AM to run for hours and hours.

Hours spent on the bike trainer inside my apartment. Thank goodness for the invention of DVR!

Emotional highs.

Emotional lows.

Crying tears of joy.

Inner doubts combated by confidence.

Blisters.

Saddle sores- visits to the dermatologist… still riding even in pain.

Swollen left knee.

A constantly messy apartment.

Cheering my cousin across the finish line of his first Ironman!

Wondering if I could do what he did.

Living life having all my time planned out. Everything being centered around training!

Missing time with Jonny.

Missing time with friends.

Dreaming about crossing the finish line.

Envisioning achieving a goal I never thought possible.

Training with triathlon buddies!

Training by myself.

Making new friends to train with!

Watching the seasons go by… winter to summer. Being outside for most of it!

Riding in 100+ degree heat more times than I can count.

Learning how to eat every 15 minutes on a bike.

Learning how to carry 4 gels on me for a run… 2 can fit in my bra!

Mentally sucking it up.

Talking out loud to myself on the bike to “keep pedaling” because all I wanted to do was stop.

Running faster than I have in a long time! Actually seeing 9 minute miles!

Wishing it was over already!

Being sad knowing my journey was almost over!

Learning how to speed walk!

Finally embracing the joys of owning a Garmin! How did I live without one?

Knowing that this is my Ironman. This was my journey. Good, bad, tiring, exciting, painful, wonderful, hopeful, and willful…


In closing, I think Frankie said it best…

Yes, there were times, I’m sure you knew
When I bit off more than I could chew.
But through it all, when there was doubt,
I ate it up and spit it out.
I faced it all and I stood tall;
And did it my way.


Pictures:
1) Me on my last 100 mile ride! I got a good group together who went and rode with me! From Left to Right: Myself, Ken, Bobby, Aimee, Jonathan, Kristie, and Jonny! Kristie and Jonny joined us for 40 miles.

2) All the cards I have gotten from my friends and family! I am so lucky!

3) Bike checked in at the bike shop on 8-23-08! My stallion (My Hearts Desire) is on her way to Kentucky! She will carry me most of my miles in Kentucky!

[HillSlugger]

One week to go! Wow! I know you are going to do great!

[Grog]

This is really exciting Karen. I've been reading about your progress for a long time, this comes to an exciting turn! I am sure you will do great.

Good luck - I will be thinking of you.

All the best!

[Aggie_Ama]

I haven't followed the training, but I knew you were doing it. Those are some impressive stats, can't wait to hear about the race!

[Urlea]

I admire the drive and the sacrifices you've made just in training. You've already got so much to be proud of.

Go out there and kick some butt!!

Know that you've got a whole cheering squad of ladies here thinking of and praying about your race.

I'm sure you'll do great! Enjoy the suffering. :D

[Blueberry]

What a great post - wonderful perspective. It's a journey, and I'm glad that you've taken the time to enjoy it.

Good luck - you will ROCK the course!!

CA

[jesvetmed]

GO KAREN!!!! Can't wait to hear the details. Will see if we can follow along online. YOU ROCK no matter how the race goes! Look what you've done already!
J

[firenze11]

Wow! You gave me goosebumps and a little tear in my eye. It has been wonderful following your training and I hope you have an incredible Ironman!

[Tri Girl]

KSH,
it's been a long journey, but like Frank- you did it your way. :D
Enjoy your day of racing. Someone told me before my IM in 2006 to enjoy the day like a celebration or party. You've worked very hard for 8 months and now's the time to enjoy and smile and savor every moment on the course. Even the tough moments- enjoy them as well. It helped me keep my perspective on race day and really enjoy my moment in time.

Here is what a good friend e-mailed me the week before my race:

Just a few short days until Redman (or in your case, Louisville). I want to wish you good luck and give a few final thoughts to keep with you on race day.
Trust your training. You have prepared for this event. Know that you have it within you to do this. You will doubt yourself, but trust the preparation you have done.
Race the race you have trained for. Do your race at your pace, don't get caught up in what those around you are doing.
Enjoy yourself. This will be a monumental accomplishment.
I'll be looking for you at the finish line.
Good Luck

While I won't be physically there looking for you at the finish line, I'll be looking for you online.

HAVE FUN!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[colby]

Good looking number!!

You know you're ready. Don't doubt yourself, but listen to your body. You've trained for this race, you CAN make it.

It honestly took me two months to realize what an amazing thing I did by completing my first Ironman (or any Ironman for that matter). I don't mean that to sound arrogant or anything, but I really just took it for granted that Ironman is something anyone can do if they train hard and are dedicated. It might in fact be that simple, but honestly, very few people CAN train that hard and ARE that dedicated. I don't really take compliments very well, but after the 800th person that said "an IRONMAN? Like the triathlon?" I had to take a step back and say "wait a second... I really did do something amazing."

And you, too, will do that amazing thing. You might not do it the way I did it, because everyone races their own race, but you WILL. Just by showing up, just by training with impressive dedication (even on the days you felt like giving up, and ESPECIALLY over the last 4 weeks), you did an amazing thing. What happens on Iron-Day is just ONE MORE amazing thing (albeit a sub-17 hour amazing thing ;)).

Sh!t WILL happen on race day and you WILL handle it, because you're Iron. That's just how it is. We'll all be here cheering you on, so when you're out there laying it all out on the course and need a little help, just think of us cheering you on. :)

[salsabike]

We'll all be here cheering you on, so when you're out there laying it all out on the course and need a little help, just think of us cheering you on. :)

Yeah, we WILL be, KSH! Have a great race!

[tygab]

I think you've already been given lots of wisdom, and you have amazing dedication to see this through. My meager .o2 is to tell you to enjoy the presence of the moment... whether it be good bad or you're just not sure. It is not about yesterday or tomorrow, but being there in that moment...

and when it's all over with, give everyone in your life extra hugs for all their help along the way (which it sounds like you have already)... they may not be racing but I am convinced it's always a group accomplishment...

race sound and safe, we'll be thinking of you!

[alpinerabbit]

I am very impressed by your diligence - best luck, keep your brain together....:p

[Running Mommy]

K-
Been REALLY busy lately, but I have been following you. I'm so happy for you, and envious! I want to be back out there too.

Go out there and get em!!

And when your on your bike and it hits you "I can't believe I'm riding my bike in an IRONMAN?!" - cherish that thought! You will remember it for the rest of your life.
Say hi to Mike Rielly for me. He'll be waiting for you at the finishline.

Race hard, stay safe, have fun!!

Denise

[KSH]

Awe, thank you ladies! *Wipes a tear*

Thanks so much!

I wish I could reply to every single one of your amazing posts... but I'm running around packing tonight! Heading out Wednesday at 5:00 AM to go to the airport!

Tri Girl- Loved what your friend wrote! It really fits! I will stick to my plan and race my race. :)

Colby- What you did is amazing! This time next week I should be able to say that I did it too! I will handle everything that comes my way race day! I'll dig deep and remember those days that training wasn't perfect and use that for strength.

RM- Oh! I have already planned that if the day gets tough I will remember that I am doing an Ironman! I might even scream it out to the spectators! HA!

Finally... my coworkers were so sweet and made cupcakes for me to send me off! My coworker who has done an IM decorated them with all this IM/tri related stuff. Too cute!

All right... off to finish packing then I'm heading to bed early!

I'll probably report more once I get there as I'm sure I'll have down time.

[emily_in_nc]

GOOD LUCK, KSH!!!!!!!!!!

You, my dear, are amazing and inspirational. What you've done so far is, to me, even more impressive than completing an Ironman (which I'm sure you will do too!)

You rock! :) :D ;) :cool:

[Wahine]

KSH - you have done an amazing job of your training. It's time to enjoy the result. You will do great and I'm truly looking forward to watching your progress on-line. I can't wait. :D:D:D

[crazycanuck]

Good Luck KSH!

With all the training you've been doing, i'm sure you'll be happy with your result.

Give it your best shot & remember to smile :)

[Running Mommy]

I'll be with you in spirit tomorrow. And ironmanlive will be streaming through the shop flat screen so we can keep our eye on you out there.
Gonna be a warm one, so hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!!!
Your gonna rock!!

[makbike]

Good Luck KSH! Weather for Louisville tomorrow - high 80's, high humidity and winds from the east (5-15 mph).

[Wahine]

Good Luck!!!! I will be watching online.

[Urlea]

Thinking of you! :)

[tygab]

Thinking of you! :)

Same here, go KSH (though surely you are in a sound, restful sleep at this hour, right? :))!

[rocknrollgirl]

Good Luck Today!!!!!!!!!! I will be sending you good race day vibes.

[HillSlugger]

She's out of the water in 1:15:50
pace: 1:59/100m
overall rank: 488
AG rank: 13

[Wahine]

Thanks for the update MD!!

[HillSlugger]

Karen's bib number is : 1359

the link for tracking is:
http://ironman.com/events/ironman/louisville/?show=tracker&rid=164&year=2008

[Wahine]

She's finished the first segment of the bike at an avg of 16.8 mph!!!:D:D

Thanks for posting the link info and bib number. I know it's here someplace, but my laziness appreciates not having to look for it.

[firenze11]

This is always so exciting! Go KSH Go!

She's doing so well. I'm going to keep checking throughout the day.

[Tri Girl]

Go Karen, Go!!!!! :D

[Blueberry]

2nd Bike Segment = 15.32.

Go Karen!!

CA

[NbyNW]

This tracking thing is cool. Go KSH!

[colby]

Rockin' swim, KSH!!! :D :D

Third bike split is in at 14.85. Keep going, K, you're ALMOST THERE!! Finish strong! You can do it!!

You'll have PLENTY of time left for your run!

[Skeezix]

Go KSH!

[colby]

I have to step away from the computer, but it's all downhill from here (literally if you're still on the bike course, since it's a downhill finish)!! Just stick with your run/walk plan and YOU WILL BE IRON!

I'll be back later for the finish ;) I thought they had text messaging alerts, but I can't seem to find them.

[NbyNW]

Just checked in again, KSH has finished bike & is out of T2.

Final Bike segment avg. 15.85 mph. Nice work!

Run run run!

[Urlea]

Well done Karen. You Rock!!! :D

Just lock in and get that run completed. You're doing amazing!! So proud of you.:)

[firenze11]

I just got back from an 8 mile training walk and I kept thinking about how Karen was doing and where she was.

Yay I'm so glad to see she's doing so well!!!

[Blueberry]

Looks like she's through the first 2 run segments:

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 4 mi. (1:00:31) 15:07/mile
SECOND RUN SEGMENT 4.3 mi. (1:01:18) 14:15/mile

Go, Karen, GO!!!!

[HillSlugger]

She's gonna be pushing 17 hours but she should make it!

[rocknrollgirl]

GO KAREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are all pulling for you!!!!!

[crazycanuck]

Keep going Karen!!! :)

[Blueberry]

2 more times in:

THIRD RUN SEGMENT 4.15 mi. (1:02:14) 14:59/mile
FOURTH RUN SEGMENT 3.5 mi. (58:31) 16:43/mile

Go, Karen, GO!!!

[rocknrollgirl]

Go Baby Go!!!! DH and I are rooting for you!!!!!

[salsabike]

Look at Karen GO! Yeah!

[NbyNW]

Almost there . . . go go go!

[tygab]

Come on KSH, I was thinking about you on my brick er swrick? (swim/run) today. Almost there, keep pushing!

[Running Mommy]

So close Karen!! I'm tearing up thinking about what you must be feeling right now.
All that training, the good, the bad, the triumph, the defeat, the feelings of fear. And here you are.... DOING IT!!!!
I'm so so proud of you!!!
People have said in the past that I inspired them. Well I had lost my Iron mojo, but you have found it for me. You have inspired me to get back out there and give it a roll once again. You are my inspiration.

GO KAREN GO!!!!!

So so proud!! So Proud!!!!

[Wahine]

I just checked and she's through the 4th run segment. She's maintaining a 4 mph pace overall and she has under 6 miles left!! If she keeps up this pace she's got it!!!!

Go Karen!!!!!!

[salsabike]

FIFTH RUN SEGMENT 4.3 mi. (1:04:21) 14:57/mile

[HillSlugger]

About 5 miles to go!

You got it Karen!

[Running Mommy]

I've got Ironmanlive.com's live video feed rocking, and I REFUSE to leave until I see Karen cross the line!!

- Of course then I'll have myself a good cry. It's funny how this gets to me so much. But I think it's just knowing how much it takes- and appreciating the effort.

[tygab]

ok I'm watching too, any ETA of when she'd cross?

[Running Mommy]

ok I'm watching too, any ETA of when she'd cross?

She has to be close. If you look at the times of the people crossing right now, her's are very close. They are either just a bit faster on the bike or the run. So I'm thinking within the next 30 mins.

GO KAREN GO!!!

[Urlea]

Okay, Switched computers so that I could watch. Hopefully I'm able to catch her finishing. :) I'm so excited for her!!!

[firenze11]

ergh this is when I wished I had a better internet connection. Go Karen! You are such an inspiration! Amazing!

[salsabike]

Can someone please tell me how to get the live feed--have an url? Neither of us could figure it out from the website, so I can only look at athlete tracker.

[tygab]

Can someone please tell me how to get the live feed--have an url? Neither of us could figure it out from the website, so I can only look at athlete tracker.

www.ironmanlive.com, then click on the Live Finish line cam
I'm having some trouble understanding the scottish(?) announcer, but Dallas TX ought to be something I hear...

[salsabike]

Thank you!

[Urlea]

The accent is hard to understand, I'm going with you Tygab on just hoping that I'll be able to pick out Dallas.

Just checked, Sixth run segment posted now. 1.8miles left now!!! GO GO GO!!!!

[Running Mommy]

She's coming! 1.8 to go!!

[HillSlugger]

What's she wearing?

[tygab]

awesome, thanks RM for keeping us posted!

[Aggie_Ama]

Aww the feed won't load for me. :( Go KAREN GO!!

[firenze11]

Aww the feed won't load for me. :( Go KAREN GO!!

Me either! This is still so exciting. You're almost there Karen!!!

[NbyNW]

Wow, the live finish video is awesome! I'm so glad I sat down at the computer just now.

Just a few more minutes now . . .

[Aggie_Ama]

Got it loaded! So cool to watch.

[Urlea]

Wooohooo!!!!!!!! You Did It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

[NbyNW]

There she is! Stop hugging people and cross the finish line!

[tygab]

YAHHHHHH she got tons of announcement too KSH fan club in effect!

[Running Mommy]

Karen is an Ironman! And she took her time going down the chute. They even called her KSH!!

I was screaming and cheering from my chair. I hope she heard me. ha ha
That was COOL!!! Way to get some camera time there girlie! You deserve it.

AWESOME!!!!!

[salsabike]

There she is!!! Yay Karen! YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!

[Aggie_Ama]

Woohoo! And a lot of air time from the announcers. :D

[dex]

Woohoo!

Dancing monkeys for you...
http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/monkeedance2.gifhttp://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/monkeedance2.gifhttp://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/monkeedance2.gifhttp://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/monkeedance2.gifhttp://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/monkeedance2.gifhttp://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/monkeedance2.gif

[NbyNW]

Great job, Karen! What an amazing day! Congratulations on your accomplishment!

[firenze11]

Aww yeeaahh! You are an Ironman! :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D Congrats Karen, it was great tracking you throughout the day and getting doses of inspiration along the way. Enjoy every moment!

[tygab]

Indeed, Congrats and what a great way to finish - you must feel terrific!

[HillSlugger]

Wow! Just wow!

[Skeezix]

Whoohoo! KSH! You totally rock! Ironman!

[Blueberry]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Go sleep (and then tell us all about it!!).

CA

[colby]

WAY TO GO KSH!!!! Iron KSH, that is!! You made it! Picked up the pace on the bike, did awesome on the run, and now.... IRON!!

YAY!!! :D :D :D

[alpinerabbit]

http://onwardoverland.com/gerbil.gifhttp://images.scripting.com/archiveScriptingCom/2005/09/12/cuteDancingHamster.gifhttp://onwardoverland.com/gerbil.gifhttp://images.scripting.com/archiveScriptingCom/2005/09/12/cuteDancingHamster.gifhttp://onwardoverland.com/gerbil.gifhttp://images.scripting.com/archiveScriptingCom/2005/09/12/cuteDancingHamster.gif

Way to go!!!!!!!!!

Does your nick stand for KrazySmokin'Hot??

[rocknrollgirl]

YEE HAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am so excited for you. Great, great job!!!!!

[divingbiker]

Congratulations, Karen! All your hard work paid off.

[Wahine]

WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

How awesome!! I remember when it all started (note nostalgia in voice while wipes tear from her eye)....

Karen you rock.

[spindizzy]

Yes, yes, yes!!!!!

Can't wait to hear your story!

Congratulations!!!!!

[Tri Girl]

YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!

Congrats, congrats, congrats!!!! :D:D:D:D:D






I missed your finish because we went camping w/friends at the last minute. :( They sometimes have the "see me finish" link next to finish times, but I don't see it on her stats. Will that come up in the next few days?

[KSH]

Hey ladies! Thanks for tracking me! Didn't mean to worry you there on the run :) Trust me, the entire time I was on the run I was doing the math in my head to ensure I would finish. I finished in 15:45:38. Plenty of time to spare! :cool:

Here are some highlights in no particular order (as some of it's copied from some other places I typed stuff up)!


I am an Ironman! Well, you know what they say... if an Ironman were easy everyone would do it. I can say that the day sufficiently challenged me in many ways!

I kept a positive attitude though, and kept moving forward. I tried to not think about the day as a whole, but rather in small segments. Just had to get to the next aid station, just get to mile X, etc.

It was a rough day for a lot of people. I know the heat and humidity took a few competitors out. One of those being my friend Kenny. He fought a good fight out there, but his body was done.

I made sure to stick to my plan and to NOT vomit. My stomach got a little queasy on the bike around mile 80. I just backed off my nutrition some (only 1 sip of Infinit every 15 minutes, and lots of water), I poured cool water on my neck and I slowed down my pace some. That seemed to help.

Otherwise my swim was solid. I had perfect sighting. I have never sighted so perfectly in a race before. OH! Waiting in line for the swim, I got to wait with Amy and Abbie from BT. So cool. Amy was so pumped and excited! We all hugged and pumped each other up before starting.

The bike was hilly AND windy. I finished a 112 miles with hills, wind, heat and humidity! I DID IT! And I only stopped for 20 minutes. Hey, I had to fill up the Camelbak, pee, get my special needs, etc. I kept cool water in my Camelbak the whole way, it was great. Ice cold water all day long. I know some guys were probably a little bit annoyed when this girl on a road bike, and with a dorky Camelbak flew by them and left them in the dust.

When I started the run, I couldn't run at all. Both of my Achilles heels were seizing up. Too much pain. It had started on the bike and didn't go away. So I walked... kept a 13 minute mile for around 13 miles... then it slowly worked it's way down to a 14 minute mile and then 15... and 16 minute mile. Even then I was cruising past people. Those last 13 miles were the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It was mind over body that whole way. By the last 3 miles I was to tired and hurting I sat down 3 times. I knew I had time to finish, so I took my time. Jonny met me about a mile out and we walked in together. Which was nice.


My support crew was amazing! They made shirts which Jonny surprised me with the morning of (yesterday). Thus, the honorable mention of the "KSH support crew" when I finished. Yes, I milked it. I won't be there again. Then I got a really horrible picture under the clock. My head was turned looking at the announcer. Dang it!



Thanks for all the wonderful and amazing inspires! I am so lucky! I really do appreciate everyone tracking me and encouraging me along the way. And for following me on the course.

When I hit a low point on my run... right around mile 14 ish when we had to pass over the finish line to head about out for MANY more miles... I kept reminding myself that people were watching me and I had to keep going. Each time I crossed a timing mat I knew people out there would be cheering for me.


Like I said though, I stuck to my plan... I executed the race I needed to...

When my tummy didn't feel great I backed off on the nutrition until it settled down. When I tried to start running 5 minutes into the run and both my Achilles heels were extreme pain, I walked fast. When I started getting a blister, I sat down and put more body glide on my feet. When I screamed at all the dang headwind, I reminded myself that doing an Ironman is hard! When I started having a low point on the run, I said out loud, "It's all about attitude! Stay positive! Keep moving forward!" When I had a really negative person around me complaining about how horrible her race was and how much pain she was in... I quickly moved on. I didn't need to hear that at mile 18 on my marathon!


I soaked up the day. I talked to my crew between segments. Yes, even at the finish line! High five's for the spectators and hugs for my crew! HA!

OH! And get this, after all that fan fare. I had my head turned to the SIDE in my freaking finishers picture! WTH? I'm so upset. *Sigh* Serves me right?

So overall a really great day! I'm glad I am an Ironman.

Been there. Done that. Bought the bumper sticker. Ain't going back. :D

[alpinerabbit]

Been there. Done that. Bought the bumper sticker. Ain't going back. :D
Don't say that....

[Tri Girl]

So proud of you, Karen!!!! Congrats on a really great day!:D

FWIW... I feel your pain with the finish picture. The photographer at my race took the blurriest picture ever. You can't even tell it's me or what time I finished in. Oh well, the picture in my avatar is one a friend took and that's just as good.

[jesvetmed]

Congratulations! :D:D:D:D
You are amazing. And you are an Ironman!
Wooo Hooo!!!!!
Thanks for taking so much time to share the journey with us!
Jes

[Grog]

Karen, I am very, very happy for you. This is wonderful! thanks for posting your report.

And never say never. :)

[NbyNW]

Bravo and well done! So inspiring to read about how the months of preparation paid off and that you were able to stay positive and motivated through the day.

Be very proud, IRONMAN! (IRONWOMAN?)

[Skeezix]

Wow, I just love the recap. That is just so freaking impressive. Congrats!

[crazycanuck]

Congrats KSH! I'm proud of you for finishing!!! An IM is no easy feat as you know!

C

[Running Mommy]

Karen I'm so dang proud of you!!!
It's been a long time coming, but you sure deserved it.
I've been thinking about you all day, thinking how I need to get my rear in gear.
You inspired me, yes you did!
Now as for the "never again".... HA! I said that after my first marathon...ummm 6 marathons ago... LOL:D

Now is your time to get that body all healed up. Take plenty of time to recover. Let your body dictate the pace in which you start training again.
Sleep... LOTS!!!

Congrats again, and GREAT JOB!!
Oh- and thanks for taking your time in the chute so we could see you and scream at our computers for you. I was so afraid I was going to miss you.. Go figure?! :rolleyes:

[KSH]

HA! Thanks ladies! It was a great accomplishment in my lifetime and for that I am proud. It was hard, but I did it. I did the training and the race itself. It's more than I could have hoped for.

Oh... and there will be a detailed RR to follow. :)

Otherwise, I will still do tri's! Just not another Ironman... for a long, long time if ever again. It was an accomplishment and I kept a positive attitude, but it was really hard. I'm not an amazing or gifted athlete. I'm OK with that. But because I'm not that distance was a killer.

With that said, I'm looking forward to doing some sprints, Olys, and a HIM or two next year! I loved the HIM distance! That was fun!

The IM was an experience of a lifetime and made sure I enjoyed every minute of it, but for now (and years to come) I'll be OK not doing another one. I just gave up too much of my life for training and that makes training for this stuff not very much fun.

[makbike]

Karen,

Congratulations! What a super accomplishment!

This link was posted today on the local forum. There are some great shots and I'm not sure if you are in any but thought I would pass it along.

http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=29990

[HillSlugger]

Been there. Done that. Bought the bumper sticker. Ain't going back. :D

When do you get the tattoo? ;)

[tygab]

Thanks for the update and congratulations again. I know you're saying no way right now, but after the pain and memories fade a bit.... you may find yourself entertaining the idea again. Of course having some FUN doing the shorter races is great too, heck if it is not fun why spend the time on it.

Either way, I am one of the many most impressed and inspired by your journey!

[colby]

When I started the run, I couldn't run at all. Both of my Achilles heels were seizing up. Too much pain. It had started on the bike and didn't go away. So I walked... kept a 13 minute mile for around 13 miles... then it slowly worked it's way down to a 14 minute mile and then 15... and 16 minute mile. Even then I was cruising past people. Those last 13 miles were the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. It was mind over body that whole way. By the last 3 miles I was to tired and hurting I sat down 3 times. I knew I had time to finish, so I took my time. Jonny met me about a mile out and we walked in together. Which was nice.

That sounds familiar. I didn't sit down because I was afraid I wouldn't want to get back up, but I sure do know that feeling. The last couple of miles isn't so bad, but that middle 10 or 15... oh boy... especially on a two loop course. Second loop this way, finishers that way... :rolleyes:



My support crew was amazing! They made shirts which Jonny surprised me with the morning of (yesterday). Thus, the honorable mention of the "KSH support crew" when I finished. Yes, I milked it. I won't be there again. Then I got a really horrible picture under the clock. My head was turned looking at the announcer. Dang it!

Yeah, well, you finished. Print that picture out and frame it anyway. You'll remember the feeling. ;)


Like I said though, I stuck to my plan... I executed the race I needed to...

So overall a really great day! I'm glad I am an Ironman.

Been there. Done that. Bought the bumper sticker. Ain't going back. :D

Way to bottom line! ;) Bumper sticker, tattoo... Iron Woman!

[HappyAnika]

Congratulations!!!

I don't know if you remember me, haven't been on in ages with my 7 month old son having taken over my life. I was thinking about TE the other day and how I miss it, so I thought I'd drop in, and good timing! While I didn't get to follow your progress this year, I remember your progress last year up to the HIM. I'm so glad to see you accomplished your goal of finishing an Ironman this year. Congrats again! :)

[KSH]

Congratulations!!!

I don't know if you remember me, haven't been on in ages with my 7 month old son having taken over my life. I was thinking about TE the other day and how I miss it, so I thought I'd drop in, and good timing! While I didn't get to follow your progress this year, I remember your progress last year up to the HIM. I'm so glad to see you accomplished your goal of finishing an Ironman this year. Congrats again! :)

Congratulations on the beautiful son!

Thanks for the kind words!

[emily_in_nc]

Karen,

I was on vacation when you were doing your IM and kept forgetting to check this thread when I got back, but I finally did.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Your accomplishment is truly inspirational; you have done what 99.99999...% of people will never do. I'm sure your family and friends are proud beyond belief, just like we here on TE are.

You're my hero! :D :)