Ironman Louisville

[kacie tri-ing]

So, I thought I would go ahead and start this thread 10 days out.

As most of you know, I have been training for IM louisville for a while now :p. Here I am 10 days out, and I am starting to get pretty nervous/excited. I am in the middle of my taper, which feels more like training for a HIM than a taper!

I have to just trust my coach and my training. I have done the workouts, and I'm sure I am ready. Well....I guess I am sure. Now that I have done the massive massive workouts, and I have a better sense of the day, I am even more intimidated.

I have been avoiding thinking about it or totally buying into it for a while now. I finally booked the hotel and am beginning to make plans. It probably doesn't help that I have SO much other stuff going on with my house/family that it is just adding to the anxiety. I did finally start to make plans, and that makes it feel real. Right now, I am feeling like I can't think about ANYTHING else!!! This is going to be exhuasting for 10 days!

So, I had a dream about my race last night. I had a dream last night that in T1 I accidentally put on my running shoes instead of my bike shoes. So then, I ran back into transition, and there was a table with a coke on it. So, of course, I started to drink the coke. Then, someone told me it was the concession stand, and I had to pay for it. I didn't have any money! So, I gave him back the coke and took off. I woke up this morning thinking I needed to add money to my list! I emailed that to my coach, and he responded with a packing list :-)


I am meeting with my coach to talk about, well, the day. In particular about strategy and nutrition. I had a really good race last weekend, and I should believe that I am ready!

I have noticed other funny things from my taper. I am not as hungry for one! I thought it would be REALLY hard to control my eating during my taper, but I think my body has figured out that I am ok, and I don't NEED to eat as much. I also have random bursts of TON of energy--usually at bed time!

I have a couple of friends coming with me, along with my husband, and I am very grateful for the support.

That's all--I just wanted to get those thoughts out right now!

Oh! My number is 204!

[colby]

It's going to be awesome! Almost there! Just hang in a little more, make sure to get your rest. ;) You're prepared, it's just time to execute the plan, be prepared to adapt, and visualise yourself crossing that finish line to "Kacie, you ARE AN IRONMAN" - there's nothing like it.

Hooray!

[rocknrollgirl]

This is very cool. I wish you the best of luck. I am headed out for a destination race myself, but should be home to watch your progress online. Remember you have all of us with you!!!!

[GLC1968]

Oh man...I'm so excited for you! I hope you keep updating us on this thread so that I can live vicariously through you.

Yay, Kacie!!

[OakLeaf]

Exciting!!! Good luck!

A friend of mine who's planning to race Louisville next year is going down to volunteer this year. I'll make sure he looks out for you. ;)

[Pika]

Hey KC- that must be the same day as IM Canada as I too am 10 days out!!
I totally get the whole feeling of being engulfed by nothing other than thoughts of IM... I have been working on my nutriton plan for a few days- it is harder than I thought ...or maybe I am just brain dead- so far I have found the taper hard- not because of how little I am doing but more that everything seems so hard- heck a 3 hr ride seems like forever..I am wondering how I ever rode 7 hrs!!
Glad to hear you have a coach you trust..it is nice just to put those "what ifs" aside and rely on their expertise!
I am sure you will do great!!
Remember to have fun out there!! ( I am ging to put money n my list now too-hehe)
Tam

[colby]

Good luck to you, too, Pika! We'll be following you both. :)

[katluvr]

So I got all nervous & excited for you while reading your post. I can't imagine ever doing an Ironman, so excited for you!
K

[artifactos]

6 people from the tri club I ride with are competing at IM Louisville as well! One of them has run many marathons and finally got to the point where she wasn't bothered by races when it came to running.. but now she's doing tris and she is so anxious about the race that she constantly has the sh*ts and feels like she's going to throw up. She can't wait for the race to be OVER so she never has to do another triathlon again, and she's serious about that.. she can't deal with the nerves involved in the new sport.

I'll be following all of your bib numbers on Sunday!

[Bike Chick]

How exciting! Good luck to you and Pika both! I'll be watching for your bib number and the one of a friend of ours. He's doing his first IM at Louisville as well. Have fun. I'll be thinking of you and can't wait to hear the race reports from both of you!

[spindizzy]

Both of you..have a fantastic race! Focus, but be prepared to adapt and as you said "Trust your Training."

[kacie tri-ing]

Pika!!! How are you feeling today? I had a 10 mile run, and was so grateful for it. The nervous energy was starting to build up a little too much! I was glad to let some of it out!

Yesterday, I spent some time making goody bags for my DH and two girlfriends who are coming to watch me! They are my "ironman weekend survival kits." :p

Meeting with my coach in a few hours to talk a little more about the race!

[Pika]

Wow- you are way more organized than me!!
I had a short run ( just 10km) it felt really good - I was grateful for that as my last few run have been sooo hard or at least felt hard so I was happy to have a quick 10km with light happy feet:) I am hoping I can remember that feeling come race day:):)
My husband was signed up for IM too but then had a heart attack in march ( from which he has fully recovered) so much so that he has decided to do the swim and the bike.- I am happy for him this way he can still experience some of it ( the best part I think) and we can sign up for next year as they let entrants from this year sign up first for next year so no standing in line:)
I have not been feeling too antsy- really I have just been tired so I am glad for the rest- maybe a few more easy days and I will get antsy...
my sister is also doing IMC and I picked her up from the airport yesterday and we brought her bike to my friend to be re assembled..it took 3+ hrs as he ended up replacing the "collar" on her axle and repacking and replacing her bearings. She is happy:):) her bike feels like new. He is a great guy to help us. I was meant to spend more time with her over the next few day but she has a cold:eek::eek: and I don't want to catch it:o:o
Tomorrow I have a short brick - 2 hr bike 15 min run..I am still working on the details of my nutrition so I can send it off to my coach. Guess I should do that right now!!

[Bike Chick]

Pika, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband's heart attack but glad to hear that he's doing well enough to do part of the race. That's great! How neat that your sister is joining you as well. I know both of you must be excited to have your families there in one way or the other.

[Alex]

Really looking forward to some great race reports. Good luck, everyone!

[kacie tri-ing]

ONE WEEK!

Pika and I are getting closer :(:eek::rolleyes::confused::);):p:o:D:cool::D:D Those are my mixed emotions!!

[kacie tri-ing]

My husband said tonight, "this taper is going to kill me."

Maybe I am not tapering as well as I thought I was!

[colby]

Hang in there, gals. You're almost there. Deep calming breaths. ;)

[katluvr]

I was wondering how you were doing KC, I can't imagine all your emotions (nor imagine doing an IM). Very excited for you. Enjoy your week and enjoy your race!
K

[kacie tri-ing]

Pika--how are you doing?

All is good here! I am trying to think about the tatoo....are you going to get one? I am clearly trying to think about ANYTHING other than the race!

I will spend some time visualizing the race later in the week, but right now, I can't dwell too much on it or I get pretty nervous!

[Pika]

I am sure you will be great come race day!
What I am learning is that everyone does differently through the taper...I am super busy at work which keeps my mind occupied and I am enjoying the rest time- unlike many, I am not feeling antsy- but I likely will once I finish work this week and have time to ponder... also I am thankful to be generally healthy- many of my friends have nagging injuries that now seem worse and 2 gals i was training with fell off their bikes and # their collarbones so no race for them!!! So this week I am feeling grateful for my health and enjoying the down time I know I will get nervous closer to the race!!
Hang in there KC you will get through this and ahve a great day!
(wrt the tattoo- I don't think I will- I am hoping I many great adventures left, seems weird but to me getting the tattoo would be saying this is the best I can be or the most I will accomplish and heck I think there is sooo much more to do and see and accomplish- I hope this is just the first step:)- Guess the other option would be to get a tattoo to represent all the great stuff life has to offer :) and I might run outta room:p:p

[Pika]

btw my bib # is 2760 :) Wahine had to tell me how to get it...I am such a newbie!!!

[Running Mommy]

Haven't been on TE in eon's, but something told me to check in. Must have been so I could send you some soothing IM taper vibes!! ;)
Can't wait to track you race day!
RM

[colby]

All is good here! I am trying to think about the tatoo....are you going to get one? I am clearly trying to think about ANYTHING other than the race!


(wrt the tattoo- I don't think I will- I am hoping I many great adventures left, seems weird but to me getting the tattoo would be saying this is the best I can be or the most I will accomplish and heck I think there is sooo much more to do and see and accomplish- I hope this is just the first step:)- Guess the other option would be to get a tattoo to represent all the great stuff life has to offer :) and I might run outta room:p:p

So, the tattoo... I don't have one either. Yet? I thought about getting one and then surrounding it with little dots to designate each of the races I complete, maybe in the race "color" where there is one (Coeur d'Alene uses green, for example) if I ever did another race venue. I just don't know where I would put it, and I don't know if I really want it "out there" or what. I also don't know if this is really something worth commemorating that way... or maybe it really should be since it consumes so much of yourself and really is a pretty significant accomplishment. Part of me says I'll just be doing another race anyway, part of me says if I busted my hump to get to this point maybe I should make it permanent. I don't know if I really want to be that kind of person that shows up to a sprint tri with an Ironman tattoo... though I know it's really common around here, we're in a competitive area.

If I did get it, where? My ankle? Kind of cliche for a woman, but not bad overall. Back of the calf? Pretty public, and usually what dudes with Ironman tattoos do. Back of the shoulder? What would be the point unless I wore a racerback top, which admittedly isn't very often. Back of the neck, so you'd see it if I had a ponytail? That sounds like it might hurt. ;) The best place I thought about putting it was on the inside of my wrist, so I'd be able to use it for motivation during races - you ARE an Ironman, you CAN do this. Subtle, and more for me than for other people.

It might help once you're able to actually start doing things. Right now it's just pacing. ;)

[Bike Chick]

Heck, yeah! You've gotta get the tattoo! Isn't that part of it??? Colby, a lot of the dudes here have them on the back of their calves too and it is pretty cool seeing them at sprint tris. I almost want to drop to my knees and bow or stop and salute or do something to show my respect. You've got a point about where a woman would put hers without looking so cliche. But if you earned it, you can put it anywhere you want:D

[Pika]

I like the idea of the inside of your wrist- I "get" that- around here there are loads of people with the calf tattoo and a few that have the date underneath- one person even has a series of dates ...that is what made me think ...naaa not for me- there are too many other things- but you have a smart idea Colby with the coloured dot around it- that makes more sense in my brain:) but I am way ahead of myself....I actually have to finish mine first:)

[kacie tri-ing]

Thanks for getting the vibes!

I think that I have had some mixed emotions because: 1. Tapering for my first ironman 2. My husband had surgury yesterday. Turns out the thing on his shoulder was not malignant...was quite worried 3. We just moved back into our house because the upstairs neighbors flooded us so we had to get things fixed.

A little going on down here in the ATL :D

So, I know that the energy is building up because I was SO happy for my little 40 minute set swimming today. I started to get emotional thinking, "there are my last laps in the pool before the big day," and I started thinking about all of the laps that lead up to this week. But at the same time--really? Who on earth gets emotional about laps in the pool!!! :p

So the tat--yes, I really have to focus on the race, but I want to enjoy all of the thing around the race. On Friday night I will do all of the visualization stuff my coach has me do. Sounds hippy dippy, but I swear it helps me.

I was thinking about it on my swim. I think it might be cool to get an artistic design of the s/b/r with an embedded m-dot or 140.6. But that would mean committing more space on my body than just a little simple m-dot. It is really common on the ankle, but it is an easy place too. Wrist is really cool. I never thought about that! I like where KSH (who hasn't been on here in a while) got hers on her back. It was low back, but off to the side.

I guess it is just something to ponder while out there enjoying the day!

[kacie tri-ing]

So, today, a student and her family had a flower arrangement, good luck balloons, and a basket of spa stuff delivered to the school for me...how cool is that?!!

[kacie tri-ing]

I was wrong, I am actually number 206! A 12 year old corrected me today :p

[salsabike]

You guys---have a wonderful race!

[colby]

So, today, a student and her family had a flower arrangement, good luck balloons, and a basket of spa stuff delivered to the school for me...how cool is that?!!

That spa stuff will definitely come in handy. ;)

Visualizations aren't hokey... the brain is a mysterious thing. Stick with it. When do you leave?

[colby]

I like the idea of the inside of your wrist- I "get" that- around here there are loads of people with the calf tattoo and a few that have the date underneath- one person even has a series of dates ...that is what made me think ...naaa not for me- there are too many other things- but you have a smart idea Colby with the coloured dot around it- that makes more sense in my brain:) but I am way ahead of myself....I actually have to finish mine first:)

Dates just seem way too long... I want something simpler. Maybe the year, I guess, but I want something pretty simple if I go through with it in a public place. KSH's was really cool, an original design would be the other way to go.

We just don't have any doubts that you'll finish. ;) Are you heading up tomorrow? Friday?

[wnyrider]

This is for you Kacie... !!!
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd253/90madgrad/Peanuts/snoopy_happy_dance.jpg

[Bike Chick]

So, today, a student and her family had a flower arrangement, good luck balloons, and a basket of spa stuff delivered to the school for me...how cool is that?!!

How neat is that!!!

You guys both go kick some Ironman bootie!!!

[Pika]

well- I'm off..leaving for penticton today- it is only a few hr drive ..now that I am finished work and packing the butterflies have started:)
Wahine is coming up today too and will hopefully get together tomorrow - weather looks ok- cool but no rain:)

Have fun KC you'll be great and I can't wait to hear how your day went:)
Tam

[colby]

well- I'm off..leaving for penticton today- it is only a few hr drive ..now that I am finished work and packing the butterflies have started:)
Wahine is coming up today too and will hopefully get together tomorrow - weather looks ok- cool but no rain:)

Have fun KC you'll be great and I can't wait to hear how your day went:)
Tam

We're rooting for you!! :D

[kacie tri-ing]

Packing up the car! I will be driving to around nashville tonight, and finish it in the morning (about 7 hours for me!) Good luck pika!

[spindizzy]

Now I can follow 4 people at IM Canada and 1 in Louisville. Bonus day for me. Go get Iron!

[OakLeaf]

Good luck Kacie and Pika, and Wahine too!

[GLC1968]

Oh, I"m so excited for you guys!

Good luck Pika, Kacie and Wahine! I'm sure you all will ROCK IT! :)

[divingbiker]

Can't wait to follow you this weekend! Have fun, and good luck!

[Pika]

Well I have done the registration, the practice bike ( where people were passing me in a steady stream) popped into the lake for a quick swim and had lunch with Wahine and her beau! Lunch was great it was good to catch up. Now we just have the mandatory meeting tonigh tand check-in tomorrow. Yikes!! I am constantly nauseous:o:oHopeully that will improve:)
bye for now- oh and the weather has been updated again- now calling for 40% chance of rain- not much accumulation though so I thinkit still looks good- not smoking hot:):)

Hopefully KC your nerves are holding up better than mine!!

[colby]

Well I have done the registration, the practice bike ( where people were passing me in a steady stream) popped into the lake for a quick swim and had lunch with Wahine and her beau! Lunch was great it was good to catch up. Now we just have the mandatory meeting tonigh tand check-in tomorrow. Yikes!! I am constantly nauseous:o:oHopeully that will improve:)
bye for now- oh and the weather has been updated again- now calling for 40% chance of rain- not much accumulation though so I thinkit still looks good- not smoking hot:):)

Hopefully KC your nerves are holding up better than mine!!

Weather sounds decent... 40% isn't too bad, maybe some sprinkles. Wind makes it worse, but hot direct sun really sucks. Rain on the run isn't bad until you start walking or the sun goes down, watch your temperature, maybe wear an extra layer through the run (when we had rain on the run, I left my arm warmers on, and didn't regret it, for morning clouds or cool temps I just wear them on the bike).

The meeting is mostly boring but good to hear. Sometimes it's nice to be around people as nervous as you are, you feel a little less crazy. ;) Let the final countdown begin!

[Bike Chick]

oh and the weather has been updated again- now calling for 40% chance of rain- not much accumulation though so I thinkit still looks good- not smoking hot:):)

That means there's a 60% chance that it won't rain!

We'll be cheering for you guys. I know you will do just fine.

[colby]

Bib numbers at the ready...... athlete trackers ready......

Bikes and bags prepping for dropoff, a good day/night's rest ahead. :)

[kacie tri-ing]

Hey! This is SUPER excited/nerve wracking!

I am 206, and ready to go. Bike and bags are checked in, pancakes in my belly, nice and hydrated, and ready to go!!!

I had a wonderful practice swim this morning, and it really put me in a great mood. I just have to keep remembering that my attitude is what I can control, and to focus on that!!

I LOVE the energy and talking to everybody along the way!

Off to eat a few noodles and then to lie down!!!!

[divingbiker]

I've got three browser windows open, ready to track kacie, pika, and wahine!

Go, Ironmen!

[divingbiker]

Kacie's doing great!

TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:21:52) 2:09/100m

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 23 mi (1:14:22) 18.56 mph

[Bike Chick]

Thanks for the post. Didn't realize you could follow live. I have them and a friend of ours at the same time. How exciting! They are doing great!

[colby]

Way to go Kacie, nice swim and powering through the bike over 18mph. Sweet!!

Pika and Wahine both had AWESOME swims! Pika was 6th AG :D

[Bike Chick]

Just checked the weather in Louisville. It's 90 deg with 47% humidity. Looks windy with 18 mph gusts. Mighty warm.

What is Wahine's bib #?

[divingbiker]

What is Wahine's bib #?

2530. She's doing great on the bike.

[colby]

IMCA bike split is in - Pika averaging over 17mph and Wahine the Machine over 18. Woohoo!

Kacie's pushing through over there in Louisville, keep going, Kacie, you're almost there!! :D

[colby]

She's off the bike! Lace up those shoes... let's go.

[spindizzy]

Weather in Penticton - "light thunderstorm" (whatever that is!), rain and wind. Everyone I am tracking is doing awesome. Managing to get those amazing bike splits - incredibly strong athletes!!! GO! GO! GO!

[divingbiker]

Must be too many people following athletes...I can't get the website to respond any more. Dangit.

[makbike]

could someone please post the link so i can check on a friend who is participating in the Louisville iron man today? I've tried the link on the Iron man page but it will not connect. I was wondering if there might be another one available. Thanks.

[salsabike]

http://ironmanlive.com/tracking.php?race=louisville&year=2010

Kacie's still doing well--has crossed the 15-mile mat, and is going at about a 10-11 min pace.

Makbike, the links are just overloaded; I couldn't connect for a long time either. With two races going on at the same time, I can see why.

[colby]

Wahine (and I assume Pika, can't get hers to load) is off on the run, and Kacie's over halfway through hers.

Maybe Ironman shouldn't have two events going on at once ;)

[salsabike]

TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:21:52) 2:09/100m 1270 63

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 23 mi (1:14:22) 18.56 mph
SECOND BIKE SEGMENT 40 mi (55:27) 18.39 mph
THIRD BIKE SEGMENT 70.5 mi (1:47:45) 16.98 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 112 mi (2:27:25) 16.89 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (6:24:59) 17.46 mph 1037 34

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 3.39 mi. (32:48) 9:40/mile
SECOND RUN SEGMENT 8.2 mi. (49:51) 10:21/mile
THIRD RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (49:45) 10:15/mile
FOURTH RUN SEGMENT 15.33 mi. (24:17) 10:53/mile
FIFTH RUN SEGMENT 20.1 mi. (59:35) 12:29/mile
SIXTH RUN SEGMENT 25.04 mi. (--:--) --/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile 734 26

TRANSITION TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE 5:42
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN 7:57

[Bike Chick]

They are all doing an awesome job! Thanks for the update. I haven't been able to get the page to load for a couple of hours. I'm dying to know what's going on:eek:

[divingbiker]

Kacie's done! Woohoo!

SWIM BIKE RUN OVERALL RANK DIV.POS.
1:21:52 6:24:59 4:43:06 12:43:36 643 22

LEG DISTANCE PACE RANK DIV.POS.
TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:21:52) 2:09/100m 1270 63

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 23 mi (1:14:22) 18.56 mph
SECOND BIKE SEGMENT 40 mi (55:27) 18.39 mph
THIRD BIKE SEGMENT 70.5 mi (1:47:45) 16.98 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 112 mi (2:27:25) 16.89 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (6:24:59) 17.46 mph 1037 34

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 3.39 mi. (32:48) 9:40/mile
SECOND RUN SEGMENT 8.2 mi. (49:51) 10:21/mile
THIRD RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (49:45) 10:15/mile
FOURTH RUN SEGMENT 15.33 mi. (24:17) 10:53/mile
FIFTH RUN SEGMENT 20.1 mi. (59:35) 12:29/mile
SIXTH RUN SEGMENT 25.04 mi. (54:08) 10:57/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 26.2 mi. (12:42) 10:56/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (4:43:06) 10:48/mile 643 22

* *
TRANSITION TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE 5:42
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN. 7:57

[salsabike]

Wow, she did a GREAT job.

[divingbiker]

Wahine's halfway through the run.

LEG DISTANCE PACE RANK DIV.POS.
TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:11:13) 1:52/100m 1100 46

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 42 mi. (2:14:04) 18.80 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 70 mi. (3:57:14) 17.70 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (6:11:18) 18.10 mph 1025 30

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (2:05:35) 9:35/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile 868 28
* *
TRANSITION TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE 5:07
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN 4:22
*

[colby]

Way to go kacie, 12:43!! I only see that in my dreams for IMCdA ;)

Wahine is moving up the ranks...such a strong runner. Way to go ladies!!

[kacie tri-ing]

KACIE DARDEN-- YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!

Best words EVER!!!!!

Feeling great! It was a tough crazy day, but I exceeded ALL of my expectations.

Updates to come later!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[divingbiker]

Congratulations, Kacie!

Pika's halfway through the run, too.

LEG DISTANCE PACE RANK DIV.POS.
TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:04:05) 1:41/100m 463 6

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 42 mi. (2:24:20) 17.46 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 70 mi. (4:42:15) 14.88 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (7:06:35) 15.75 mph 1814 60

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (2:38:10) 12:04/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (--:--) --/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (--:--) --/mile --
* *
TRANSITION TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE 5:26
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN 3:57
*

[Bike Chick]

KACIE DARDEN-- YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!

Best words EVER!!!!!

Feeling great! It was a tough crazy day, but I exceeded ALL of my expectations.

Updates to come later!!!!:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

Great job, Kacie!!!! Congratulations!!!!

[spindizzy]

Wahine is done. Under 12 hours.

The servers are overloaded. I went to Mozilla and kept refreshing until I was in..it took forever!!!

Congrats Kacie. Go Pika..you're almost there.

[colby]

Wahine is done. Under 12 hours.

The servers are overloaded. I went to Mozilla and kept refreshing until I was in..it took forever!!!

Congrats Kacie. Go Pika..you're almost there.

Under 12!! Way to go, Wahine!!! :D

Congratulations, Kacie! You did AWESOME!! Way to execute. Enjoy the sleep... and tomorrow you'll eat the best breakfast you ever had, regardless of what you eat. ;)

[OakLeaf]

Wow, amazing job Kacie and Wahine! I can't get on from here to check on Pika. Go Pika!

[colby]

Pika finished in 14:05. WAY TO GO PIKA!!!! You are an Ironman!!!!!! :D

Congratulations to all three of you. Such an accomplishment.

SWIM BIKE RUN OVERALL RANK DIV.POS.
1:04:05 7:06:35 5:45:42 14:05:45 2014 82

LEG DISTANCE PACE RANK DIV.POS.
TOTAL SWIM 2.4 mi. (1:04:05) 1:41/100m 464 5

FIRST BIKE SEGMENT 42 mi. (2:24:20) 17.46 mph
FINAL BIKE SEGMENT 70 mi. (4:42:15) 14.88 mph
TOTAL BIKE 112 mi. (7:06:35) 15.75 mph 1815 60

FIRST RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (2:38:10) 12:04/mile
FINAL RUN SEGMENT 13.1 mi. (3:07:32) 14:18/mile
TOTAL RUN 26.2 mi. (5:45:42) 13:11/mile 2014 82

TRANSITION TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE 5:26
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN 3:57

[salsabike]

Oh yay!

Congratulations, you guys!

[rocknrollgirl]

Congratulations to all three of you. Way to go!!!!

[Blueberry]

Congratulations!! You are all amazing!!!

[Bike Chick]

Congrats to all three of you!!! You rock!!!:D

[katluvr]

Kacie, Wahine & Pika! OMG:eek::D
You all are did it!! I can't even imagine. Here I am trying just to trackle a sprint. If I EVER did an IM distance (which I doubt) I am sure it would take very bit of the 17 hours to finish. All of your times were FABULOUS:):):)

Enjoy your celebrations, rest and recovery. Can't wait for the race reports!

K

[OakLeaf]

Woohoo Pika! Congratulations to all three of you! You are Iron!

[sfa]

Congratulations to all three of you--what an amazing accomplishment!!!

[Pika]

Thanks everyone I will post race report soon, lots to tell you about. I will say that was amazing to see wahine-strong awesome run, you can imagine my surprise past the turn around when I also saw my husband( bib#3027) ( he was suppose to only do the swim and maybe the bike!! (as an aside his bike was racked next to sister madonna) anyway our night ended with a ambulance ride and not for who you might think!! more later my tumbly is rumbly :)

[GLC1968]

Wow, congrats to all three of you - amazing performances!!

Picka - can't wait to hear more!

[artifactos]

Congratulations!!

Of the 6 people I was tracking from my triathlon club, 5 of them finished. All of them had very hard runs, as the heat got to them pretty badly. But they finished!

The 6th broke his femur in a fall on the bike. :(

[Blueberry]

Thanks everyone I will post race report soon, lots to tell you about. I will say that was amazing to see wahine-strong awesome run, you can imagine my surprise past the turn around when I also saw my husband( bib#3027) ( he was suppose to only do the swim and maybe the bike!! (as an aside his bike was racked next to sister madonna) anyway our night ended with a ambulance ride and not for who you might think!! more later my tumbly is rumbly :)

You CANNOT keep us in suspense on that one!! Everyone OK???

[Pika]

Gosh I was hoping to see Kacie's report! I hope she posts soon, I will try to be brief but it the longest day of my life that went by the fastest:)
My swim was crazy.. I positioned myself at the far right- the least direct route hoping that way I could avoid the "washing machine" but it was a strategy that did not work I was pretty beat up- my mistake was that from my position I ended up on the inside corner of all the turns- Yikes! I am really comfortable in the water but even I got freaked out after being pummeled and pushed- I realized that among all those men I just had to make my own room- wish I played waterpolo that would have been good training! I kept waiting for the open water that everyone told me would eventually come but it never did- I was surrounded the entire time- I think my swim time was a result of swimming for my life- I was very happy that it was over ( but also happy with my time)

T1 the volunteers were awesome!!! Wetsuit strippers, someone to find your bag and hand it to you and then your own "personal" volunteer in the change tent to help you get dressed and then they rebag your wetsuit etc.

The weather the few days before the race was "unsettled"- lots of wind and afternoon thundershowers. The bike started out great- I am not a strong cyclist- so I was doing as well as I was expecting. The downside of getting out of the water when I did- I was passed but not just hundreds but thousands of cyclists!!:eek::eek: I just kept telling myself to ride my own race and to remember to have fun- the first two hours flew by- the weather was great then we headed up Ricters pass the climb was good ( I actually passed a few people) then onto the rollers (7) -there was a headwind but it was manageable and really everyone was in the same boat- I headed down the out and back- took a quick peek in my special needs bag and grabbed a piece of candied ginger ( yum) and then carried on to the last climb of the day. The climb to yellow lake is a false flat for a long way and then a gradual climb- As we turned north things got ugly- there was a mother of a headwind(squall) so that I was riding that false flat in my easiest gear wondering what I was going to do once I actually hit the hill.My mantra was "just stay aero and keep pedalling" the climb up yellow lake is crazy with the crowd of volunteers and fans - it felt like the tour with crowds 4-5 deep pressed in on either side of the road- needless to say I had no problem riding up the hill:D From yellow lake it is a fast descent into Penticon- Ithough I might be able to make up some of the time I lost..I was really hoping to break 7hrs - I was pretty close and given the wind I was happy with my result.

T2 was quick- again the volunteers were amazing- someone grabs your bike and racks it- finds your bag and gives it to you and then someone helps you get organized and dressed- the faster cyclists got stuck int the rain/hail so they were FROZEN after the descent - the volunteers really had their work cut out for them with people unable to move their fingers or feet!!

The run started out ok- I was hoping for a 5hr run- my splits were right on for the first 8 miles and then things started to go south- I couldn't put my finger on it- my legs were ok, I was drinking taking sips frequently so I wasn't thirsty -I had my nutrition plan and was sticking to it but still I felt like crap- I started to walk and then run walk and then pretty soon I was most walking:(:( Nothing looked good at the aid stations, I tried the chicken soup one station it tasted ok the next terrible- I kept trying to evaluate why I could not run but I couldn't think of why..boredom?? mentally not strong?? I just couldn't figure it out so I just decided to walk/shuffle the whole way back. I knew I would finish but not in the time I had hoped- then I saw my husband on the run!!! I asked him what the heck he was doing and when he was going to quit and he said he was going to finish it- he looked good and assured me he was walking lots too so I didn't need to worry about him. There was lots of support along the run ( though as an aside- please if you ever cheer for someone don't tell them they are "almost there" unless you can actually see the finish line:D:D- here the "almost there" started about 6 miles out:eek: I sure did not feel "almost there":o
So I shuffled in for the run- I was grateful for all the help and kinds words along the way- can I tell you again how awesome the volunteers and fans are!!

So there I am at the finish.. they have 2 "catchers" to walk you through the maze of stuff to the food and chairs etc- by now it is pretty chilly- I got a few space blankets and had some melon - I wasn't feeling so great but heck I just finished an Ironman- doesn't everyone feel like crap??? ( apparently not there were lots of people looking normal) anyway I though I would feel better if I could just lay down- so I took my space blanket to a patch of grass but just as I laid down someone came over and asked if I needed help- I must have looked kinda blue- she said ohhh we'll take you to the medical tent to warm up- they gave me hot iv bags used like a hot water bottle- they were great but I just felt worse and worse I finally said I think I'm going to be sick :o:o- I vomited up the melon (sorry for the tmi) they then took me to a plinth and hooked me up to an iv and gave me anti nausea drugs but I threw up 2 more times!! so more drugs and more iv...now it is getting late ( close to midnight and they close the medical tent at midnight) I am still sick and haven't been able to find my husband. Anyway they waited as long as they could but because I was still so sick the Dr did not want to send me home- so they called the ambulance..just as they were loading me up my husband saw the ambulance and then saw it was me- he had been looking for me for over 2 hrs!!!- he finished only about an hour after me ( only 4 months post angioplasty..he's amazing)...so I get send off to the hospital via ambulance- I ended up staying at the hospital for more iv and yet another anti nausea drug- that seems to do the trick and they let me go home for the best night sleep at about 2:30 am. I feel great today- nice to get the iv for that reason I guess:rolleyes:
Now I have to go over my nutrition plan and figure out where I went wrong- I am thinking the temps had something to do with it- also I know I really don't do fesh fruit well on an empty stomach- so heaven only know why I chose the melon after the race- that was definitely a mistake I won't repeat!

What I will repeat is IMC- my husband and I are both signed up again:D
Thanks for reading ( if you got this far)
It really was an amazing experience- even if it didn't go as planned for me- I was sooo happy for my husband and truly the crowd support at this race was awesome ( even if people did tell me I was almost there with 10km more to run/walk):p:p

[Bike Chick]

Pika, you rock! How awful that you ended up sick afterward and they took you to the ER...I hope you are feeling better....and how awesome that you were able to do this with your husband and sister. DH and I sat here tracking you, Kacie, Wahine and a friend of ours and wondered about nutrition. It's an entire day without solid food and you are asking your body to perform at its fullest potential for hours on end. No wonder that you had stomach issues.

Congratulations, Pika!

[spindizzy]

Pika:
Awesome RR! I had to giggle when I read that you saw that "patch of grass and decided to lie down" - that is so totally what I would do! The volunteers are trained well to spot people like you. (and me!)

You finished! Your DH finished! Congratulations to both of you!

[colby]

So there I am at the finish.. they have 2 "catchers" to walk you through the maze of stuff to the food and chairs etc- by now it is pretty chilly- I got a few space blankets and had some melon - I wasn't feeling so great but heck I just finished an Ironman- doesn't everyone feel like crap??? ( apparently not there were lots of people looking normal) anyway I though I would feel better if I could just lay down- so I took my space blanket to a patch of grass but just as I laid down someone came over and asked if I needed help- I must have looked kinda blue- she said ohhh we'll take you to the medical tent to warm up- they gave me hot iv bags used like a hot water bottle- they were great but I just felt worse and worse I finally said I think I'm going to be sick :o:o- I vomited up the melon (sorry for the tmi) they then took me to a plinth and hooked me up to an iv and gave me anti nausea drugs but I threw up 2 more times!! so more drugs and more iv...now it is getting late ( close to midnight and they close the medical tent at midnight) I am still sick and haven't been able to find my husband. Anyway they waited as long as they could but because I was still so sick the Dr did not want to send me home- so they called the ambulance..just as they were loading me up my husband saw the ambulance and then saw it was me- he had been looking for me for over 2 hrs!!!- he finished only about an hour after me ( only 4 months post angioplasty..he's amazing)...so I get send off to the hospital via ambulance- I ended up staying at the hospital for more iv and yet another anti nausea drug- that seems to do the trick and they let me go home for the best night sleep at about 2:30 am. I feel great today- nice to get the iv for that reason I guess:rolleyes:
Now I have to go over my nutrition plan and figure out where I went wrong- I am thinking the temps had something to do with it- also I know I really don't do fesh fruit well on an empty stomach- so heaven only know why I chose the melon after the race- that was definitely a mistake I won't repeat!

What I will repeat is IMC- my husband and I are both signed up again:D
Thanks for reading ( if you got this far)
It really was an amazing experience- even if it didn't go as planned for me- I was sooo happy for my husband and truly the crowd support at this race was awesome ( even if people did tell me I was almost there with 10km more to run/walk):p:p

Hey Pika, great report!! I heard the weather was pretty rough from a few other finishers. You did AWESOME. I laughed at your swim report... washing machine, all the men, I know whatyou mean.

Whatever caused you to bonk on the run may have been a result of earlier issues that also led to your mega crash at the end - maybe not enough or too much or the wrong food for the weather and ride you had with that wind and cooler temps that finally caught up with you on the run? It's really hard to know until you put it all together on race day, even if you have tested your nutrition plan there are so many variables. Even your muscle strain can cause random issues that manifest themselves in more directly unfortunate ways... :p

I remember finishing my first Ironman, I must have looked like a zombie, I sure felt like one. Everyone, I mean EVERYONE, asked me if I was okay. ;) I made it home and to the best night's sleep of my life, sans IV fluids, but I am so glad there are so many people there to help you out and watch out for you. Volunteers and even spectators really make the race. After my second, things were very different, I had pizza and soda, I could say more than "water" and "take these clothes off me and put on my soft fuzzy pajamas please"... ;)

Congratulations on your first, here's to your second. Congratulations to your husband, too, how serendipitous that he found you just before you left - that would have been pretty traumatic for both of you! I'm thinking maybe I can convince my husband to come up and volunteer for IMCA next year. I don't have any strong desire to race 2 IMs that close together, but I wouldn't mind cheering people on and experiencing it from the other side.

[kacie tri-ing]

CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am going to read it again now!

(Pika--I will post mine soon, I promise!)

How are you feeling now?????

[OakLeaf]

Wow Pika, congrats, and hope you're feeling much better.

[Pika]

Thanks everyone for the congrats:) I am happy I finished but feel there is lots of improvements that I can make for next year:)
How are you doing KC?? I heard there was lack of water in Louisville- hope that didn't have an effect on you!!
Here it is wed- day three post IM and I am still not digesting food well:( Still on broth and rice- when I try to eat something else it just sits like a lump- I am hoping my digestive system recovers by tomorrow as I am back to work!!
Gosh I really did not think that it would be my digestive system that would take the longest to recover. ( The rest of me feels great- I could totally run or bike today but my stomach is limiting me!) That seems crazy!!
Looking forward to your report when you get a chance KC
And Colby- do you mean you'd come up to Penticton to volunteer? That would be AWESOME!!

[colby]

And Colby- do you mean you'd come up to Penticton to volunteer? That would be AWESOME!!

Yep... that's what I'm thinking. It would be a nice adventure at a nice time of year when I don't have anything else planned. :D

[Pika]

Yae! Will will have to plan to meet up! That would be soo fun:)
My belly is finally pretty good- I had normal meal last night( something other than rice and broth) and it wasn't sitting in my stomach like a rock this morning so i am happy for that:)
The one major benefit of all those iv fluids is that I have had zero muscle soreness:) (though walking most of th run likely had something to do with it as well!)It has only been my stomach that has stopped me from exercising so I can get back at it now ( yippeee:)
here is a link to my pictures:)http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=60069&BIB=2760