Some Numbers...Some Report

The 2010 Ironman World Championship race is now history, and before writing my whole race report, on another day, I'll start off with some numbers.

Ironman Wisconsin, 2003 & 2004, Ironman World Championship, 2010
Swim - 1:09, 1:11, 1:06
Bike - 7:32, 8:21, 7:18
Run - 6:25, 6:42, 5:22
Transition Times - 30min, 27min, 17min
Finish Time - 15:37, 16:43, 14:04

I was thrilled with my Ironman finish time October 9, and with the whole day! Actually, the whole week leading up to the race, and the week after, were great, too!

My Mom and Dad came from Wisconsin, ready to not only encourage me (as they have been doing, athletically, since I began swim team at age 9), but also to get right in there and volunteer at an aid station, and chase me around the course all day!

In my next post, I'll have a full race report...right now it's time to study for my Certified Pool Operator's Exam. I've been in class the last two days, learning all about water chemistry, pool equipment, how to figure water turnover rate and keep accurate records, etc, etc; generally how to keep a pool operating safely. It's been interesting...but I'm a little suspect of an instructor who doesn't swim in a pool, and would never get in a spa. She keeps pointing out in class that she knows something about the cleanliness (or lack thereof) of spa water. I, on the other hand, don't mind a few germs...it builds up my resistance, I say! And the hot water and jets feel so good after a long workout...

Aloha Kailin!

Yea...daughter Kailin arrived from Tennessee tonight, still smiling after 17 hours of travel time! She's completed IM WI once and IM Louisville twice, and is here to cheer me on...yea! And I know niece Allison will want to swim-bike-run with her older cousin!

Also arriving today was friend and fellow swimmer Carol, all the way from Canada. We are looking forward to swimming again with her while she's here! The first picture is of Robin and Carol, and the next is of Robin and I, Lucie and Rebecca, who have been my great swim partners during Ironman training. Some days we swim with lots of talking, some days lots of floating, and some days we hardly stop at all...except for dolphins, sharks (!) and interesting fish. We also did 2.4 Ironman swims regularly - thanks girls!!

So, finally, a race report from the 7th Annual Kukio Blue Water Swim held last Saturday. This race is a point-to-point 1.2 mile swim beginning at Kua Bay and ending at Kukio beach, and for once, I was actually early enough to warm-up. But...standing at the water's edge, I watched as the waves came crashing in - big waves - and was concerned that once I got out there, I wouldn't be able to get back in for the pre-race meeting. So once again, I did not warm-up (my usual SOP at races). Later, I heard that a competitor was unable to start the race due to a dislocated shoulder during his warm-up/battle with the waves, so I was happy with my no-warm-up decision!

I choose a great spot to start - not many people, but still a good line to the first buoy. Before too long, I realized that once again, I was battling it out with my friend's 14-year-old daughter. She stayed on course, kept a great pace, and once again, beat me! Most of the way there were 4 to 6 of us jockeying for position, and there was some toe-touching going on, but it wasn't too too bad.

I felt strong, and had to work to stay on toes for the draft, especially at the end. I almost lost concentration when I saw a big turtle just before the finish...oh, the "hazards" of swim racing in the ocean! Then there was the usual run/slog through deep sand to the finish line!

I was surprised when someone tapped me on the shoulder after the race, and thanked me for the great draft and said he was sorry for touching my toes...and this was a guy who has won his age group in the Kona World Championship Ironman race numerous times! Anyway, I was very pleased with my time of 26:55, and first in my 50-54yr. age group of 17 women.

Sunday we ran in the 25th Annual 5k & 10k PATH Walk/Run, out and back on Alii Drive. Cliff and I held a steady pace for the first half of the race, and the second half I picked it up a little. I actually passed a few people on the way to the finish line, and was happy to come in just under 58 minutes. So, I ran 6.2 miles...that times 4, plus more, and I'll have the marathon on Saturday completed! No problem!

Lots of excitement starts tomorrow - athlete registration begins, there's an Ironman Keike Dip & Dash - young kids swim, then run a short distance; then it's time for the Parade of Nations, where the athletes from all the different countries walk down Alii Drive. The Ironman excitement is building!!

A Good Sunday...

Well, here's another late night (early morning), and so a condensed post...but it was a fun Sunday!

Today Cliff and I ran in the 25th Annual PATH 10k run - Cliff got 2nd in his age group!! Then it was "photo op" time with all the Big Island athletes doing the Ironman (I'm lower left, front - next to my absolute favorite pro triathlete Bree Wee!!), then church.

I was very blessed this morning as we sang "Nothing is Impossible" by Planetshakers. Through You I can do anything; I can do all things, 'Cause it's You who gives me strength - Nothing is impossible!

Later in the service Pastor Tex had me come up front, along with the Solid Rock Ministries gal who has headed up the SRM Ironman aid station for 17 (!) years, and he and the church prayed for me...for strength, safety and enjoyment in the race Saturday.

I have really appreciated everyone's encouragement, concern, well-wishes, words of wisdom and prayers! Thank you!!

Time for Sleep!

Sorry…no race report on the Kukio Blue Water Swim until tomorrow. Today’s racing and training took the whole day, with a fun party to finish off the night, leaving no time for a report.

One of the reasons training took so long today, was because we made many stops to make fit adjustments on my bike…and had to stop for a picture next to the coral Ironman M-Dot on the lava. But please, will someone tell that girl to straighten her bike helmet!!

Time to get some sleep…I need to get up early for the PATH 10k run tomorrow – look for two race reports Sunday!

Hours and Hours and Hours

Not only do triathletes spend hours and hours and hours training (and eating and resting and sleeping!), but hours and hours and hours of mostly volunteer labor goes into hosting the Ironman World Championship race.

This afternoon as I was driving around town, along with more and more athletes out on their bikes and running, others were preparing in a different way for the big day. At the pier area, big, orange, swim course buoys have been set, and banners were going up on the light poles along Alii Drive, as well as on Kuakini Highway and Palani Road.

On the Queen K Highway, heading North toward the Energy Lab run turn-around, huge lighted signs caution drivers to be aware of athletes. Directors of Aid Stations are in the final stages of assembling their crews, and those that volunteer in the registration/body marking area, construction, and many other volunteer areas, will have a long, fun week of “work” ahead of them. The over 5,000 who volunteer each year are a true blessing to the competitors!

It’s exciting to see the athletes arriving in Kona from around the world, and to watch them train. When you’ve been here a while, you pretty much know who you see running in the distance on Alii Drive, because you recognize their running style, their clothes, or even their swinging ponytail! Not anymore! It’s really interesting to observe all the different, and fast runners, and all the varied running styles.

Well, time to get some sleep…there’s a big weekend of racing ahead, which will draw a lot of the visiting athletes. Tomorrow is the Kukio Swim, a 1.2 mile point-to-point swim from one beautiful sandy beach (Kua Bay) to another beautiful spot; Kukio. I am usually able to place in swimming races in my age group, except for this race. Fast Ironathletes of all ages are expected, and that includes fast women aged 50-54! The race t-shirts are known for their really nice design, and the brunch following the race is yummy, so it will be a good morning. Oh, and my friend called and said the surf/swell/waves should be up for the race…my favorite swimming conditions!

On Sunday, PATH (People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaii) is holding their 25th annual 5k and 10k walk/run along Alii Drive. This race will feature some very fast runners, both visiting and local, a great t-shirt and a silent auction. For Cliff and I, there will be running before the run race on Sunday, and cycling and running after the swim race Saturday; but much less than what we have been doing on the weekends. Race reports to follow…

Just 9 More Days!

It’s hard to believe that the Ironman World Championship race is only 9 days away! Am I ready? Well, that’s the question friends are asking me, and the question that’s been swirling around in my head! At this point, it’s taper time…time to back off the long, long hours of training, get in some quality swim-bike-running, and gather all my clothes, shoes, goggles, and “accessories.” Gotta love any outfit that you can wear accessories with…even if it is a stretchy black belt with a big plastic buckle, and a gray and red highlighted watch with a wide, gray, rubber wristband!

I’m feeling close to being ready, which is right where I should be right now. I’ve been thinking a lot about my goal times, how I want to feel (good, but just on the edge of uncomfortable-ness) and what kind of competitor I want to be.

Physically, I want to push myself to a faster Ironman than I’ve done before, even though I’m 6 years older. Mentally, I want to be alert and thinking through each phase of the race both in the moment, and what’s just ahead. Emotionally, I want to remain positive throughout the day, no matter what I encounter, be it good, bad, or very challenging. Spiritually, I want to race with my heart overflowing with thankfulness and joy…a thankfulness and joy so genuine, that others see it in my face.

And when things get tough, there’s always a good song to go to, right? Today, while I was doing 1-minute pick-ups on a spin bike at The Club, my “go-to good song” was Amazing Grace…

Amazing grace; how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found; was blind, but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.
My chains are gone, I've been set free,
My God, my Savior has ransomed me.
And like a flood His mercy reigns; Unending love, Amazing grace!

I’ve also been thinking about how this will be the first race, ever, that I’ve competed in “with a purpose.” I’ll be racing to bring awareness to, and help raise money for my friend and fellow athlete, Annamari, who conceived, developed and leads a program called Deep & Beyond. Deep & Beyond consists of a variety of outdoor activities that she offers to those in our Kona community who are disabled and/or disadvantaged. Annamari raises all her own living expenses (approx. $12,000/year), as well as the funds needed to run her programs (approx. $25,000/year).

Tax-deductible financial gifts of any amount are accepted, but for each $30 donation, you will receive a drawstring bag commemorating the Ironman and Deep & Beyond. The bags just came today (see picture above), and I’m excited to begin handing them out. Please let me know if you would like more information!

Finally, the clouds were just beautiful today! All day! I took pictures from a few different places – enjoy!