The morning started early. My training partner and I were up by 4am following a restless 4-hours of sleep for me. I began my morning rituals of getting dressed, making sure I had everything for the swim start and trying to mentally prepare myself for the battle that my body would endure in the hours ahead. Admittedly, anxiety did get the best of me for a bit that morning. I found myself being exceptionally emotional as the reality hit that this was to be my "one moment in time." Eventually, I settled down mentally and began running down a mental checklist of tasks that had to be accomplished before I could get in the water.
Pre-Race: My first stop was the bike transition area. Pumping tires, filling bottles, last application of Body Glide, etc. I dropped my special needs bags at their respective boxes and headed into the next task. The body marking stations went quickly and smoothly as they put race numbers on arms, age on my left leg and a bright smiley face on the back of my right leg. It was something new for me but I thought it might inspire those behind me, at least I'd hoped there would be people behind me. I'd forgotten all about it until the bike portion when someone told me that I had a great smiley face. My response, "I haven't even seen it yet!". I'd also heard about the "test" that they give participants to determine whether you are lucid and coherent enough to complete the race. Truth or rumor, I followed suit and wrote my number on the inside of my forearms to be sure I could pass the "What's your number?" quiz. Kind of the first thing most learn in prison, too, I'd think...LOL. A quick explanation to a "newbie to be in 2011" that marked me and the logistical tasks were done. Like clockwork, we moved in and out of this area. The pre-race time moved much quicker than I'd anticipated. Perhaps I was so focused or maybe it was because there were so many people around.
Swim: Everyone stood around once the pro's entered the water waiting to take the plunge into the frigid water that we knew awaited our arrival. Memories from the practice swim temps would be easily channeled and the water temps on race morning would be no different. There were no pleasant surprises once I hit the water. Midge and I jumped into the water, me first, with her falling in right behind me. This time I didn't make the mistake of jumping in with my goggles on my head like I'd done in Augusta. I surely would have never found them in the darkness of the morning and/or the murkiness of the water. I positioned them on my head and we headed out to find our start spot. Despite having numerous conversations pre-race about this, it seemed as if it were a new topic for discussion and of all times, race morning. We treaded water after finding our start position which we finally settled on being middle left. I'd repeatedly said over and over, I don't want to start together but on race morning, there was something settling about being with her at the start. Something familiar and calming that I really needed. We may not see each other again once the race is underway.
At the banquet on Friday night, they had reminded all of us not to panic when the first cannon sounds. This is not for us but for the pro's. Sure enough, the cannon went off, Midge turned white and with a frenzied look said "was that our start!?!" We giggled anxiously knowing that the next sound we'd hear would be ours. D-Day! There was no turning back now. Once we started, there was relatively minimal forward momentum. I was kicked under the chin, swam over, grabbed, pushed, etc. It was total chaos. Every now and then you'd find a spot and swim for a bit but mostly felt like a human pinball in a machine at war. I found myself never actually swimming a straight path (this is true in the best of circumstances but I'm just saying...). I worked hard trying to remain focused and it eventually paid off. I made it to the turnaround buoy and headed back upstream reciting the alphabet, repeatedly saying my niece's names, spelling I-R-O-N-M-A-N with every stroke and pretending to chase Bailey down the hall at home. These are the images that got me through what would be my biggest obstacle of the day. And just like that, the swim was over. I wasn't as cold as I'd anticipated or as traumatic. The Quintana Roo Speed Sleeves - very smart purchase for warmth and for movement. Swim Time: 1:30:34
T1: Out of the water, around the corner and happy wetsuit strippers to greet me. I was quickly out of my wetsuit and through the shoot. I grabbed my transition bag and made it into the tent. Contrary to what I'd heard, there were not enough volunteers to help with changing. I assume that there were more of us in one spot than they'd anticipated. Athletes were everywhere and modesty went out the tent! It felt like it was 100+ degrees in that tent. Did I mention that there were female athletes EVERYWHERE. I made the best of this transition and put on my Harrell's bike kit. I opted to save time and skip the chamois butter (this would also be a mistake) to save time. A quick slather of sunscreen by the volunteers and I grabbed my bike and headed towards the bike mount line. T1: 10:29
Bike: My feet were freezing as I clipped in and headed out on the first loop. I was wearing a sleeveless jersey which turned out to be perfect for me and the weather ahead. The race announcer had indicated that we'd face relatively no wind; however, I'd done my research and knew that the winds in Tempe were as unpredicatble as the stock market at times. I found myself climbing the long incline between 11 and 13mph. Still I heard those words, "Don't eat the paste" which we'd been saying all week. Buzz and I were going to have to be patient. This paid off as I pushed speeds of 27-30mph on the return trip. There was no doubt I could use the tailwinds to my advantage.
Fleeting thought that was! The other thing about Tempe winds, they change unpredictably...and they did. The headwind remained but there wasn't a strong tailwind on the return of the second loop. It now felt like a crosswind. I had a slower 2nd loop than the first but still made a relatively good time. I continued being patient, very patient. This was also my first glimpse of anyone that I knew. Until this point, I'd seen no familiar faces. Finally, the third loop was about to begin. I didn't know what to expect but began praying that I would not have a flat tire like the many, many that I'd seen off on the side of the road. Luckily for me, no flats. I would soon pass Rick and Cindy as they waited in the potty line. I, too, stopped and used my first port-a-potty all season. I stopped once and used it, stopped once and got tired of waiting in line and stopped once for my special needs bag. Otherwise, it was a solid, consistent ride. Oh yeah, Mr. Pina dressed in an all green kit...#1-Drafting is cheating and #2-How big you must feel drafting off a girl...I hope me slamming on my breaks both times raised your heart rate just a little. Sure was fun getting you to back off! Bike time: 6:25:08
T2: Into the shoot I went...I handed Buzz off to a volunteer and went to find my run gear bag. Thank goodness I'd put ribbon on my bag because it made it much easier to spot it in the sea of gear bags. Now, I just had to change clothes and run my first marathon - EVER! I had assistance in the tent and I made use of it this time. I changed into some dry clothes which were a welcome after being on the bike. Lathered up again with sunscreen and off I went onto the run course.
T2 6:07
Run: I started off very slowly on the run and actually walked some of the first mile. Again, I kept telling myself, be smart...be patient. You've still got a lot of work ahead of you. I soon found my rhythm. Running at a steady pace, staying in my HR zone throughout. I said to myself, just run the miles and walk the aids stations. This became my way of keeping the forward momentum going. Each aid station was a reward for the mile behind me that I'd already ran. I never used my gel flask, instead, I took advantage of everything provided. Early on in the run, I started alternating between coke (I'd practiced this) and Gatorade and sometimes both, depending on who was giving it out. I just couldn't tell the cute little kids wanting to be helpful "NO". They were so cute. Towards the end of the run, I took advantage of the disgusting chicken broth - solely for the sake of the sodium. Looking around, I noticed just how many people had salt lines on their tri suits and run clothes. Again, I had to race smart. I met some cool people along the way all vying for the same honor. I passed Rick going the opposite direction who made reference to how fast I was on the course. This just pushed me harder. I knew I was in the groove
Mile after mile, I wanted it to be over. Eventually, a new goal was set. I saw a chance to finish in under 14 hours. I had wanted to finish in 16 hours but had secretly hoped for a 15 hour finish so coming in under 14 hours would be achieving the impossible. The fans were amazing; the volunteers incredibly helpful; and the athletes continually inspirational. When I hit Mile 24, I knew what was left to do. Early on, I'd made the mistake (which was a good one) of asking someone, what is the cutoff for the run. His response, "It doesn't matter; don't worry about it; you're way ahead of THAT!" I had to break 14 hours...I'd have to!
THE FINISH LINE: When I 'rounded the shoot into the last dash to the finish line, my emotions took over. It was one of my proudest accomplishments. I savored every word of "TONYA LEWIS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA...YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!" They grab you, wrap you in a warm blanket like a burrito, place your medal around your neck and it's off to get pics. It was much like being a celebrity. And, the feeling was totally indescribable. You truly can't imagine it or explain it unless you've experienced it yourself for the first time. It was beyond what I'd envisioned! Run Time 5:43:43
Overall Time 13:56:01
All in all, I had a phenomenal race for me. The tips that I would have for any newbie surfing the net for their first Ironman event would be:
*Don't eat the paste; do drink the chicken broth.
*Don't worry with a fuel belt; you'll be glad not to have the weight or the task of refilling the bottles. Train with the Endurance Gatorade and it will be familiar to your taste buds on race day.
*Swim strategy is everything. Position yourself in your comfort zone. Wait if you need to but know that with a mass start, you're bound to get kicked. Keep moving! Don't apologize as it's expected you'll connect with others MANY times.
*Pacing and HR are EVERYTHING. They are the difference, in my opinion, between finisher and DNF.
*Be patient, be very patient. Make your moves when can and if you can't, there is a reason. Sit tight!
*If you think you will need it, put it in your gear and/or SN bags. You'll be glad it's there when you get there. I didn't use everything but was happy to see those items I'd packed that I did want.
*Changing clothes was wonderful for me. It was nice to have something fresh on after each event.
*Did I mention be patient?
*Lastly, enjoy it; savor it; be proud of it. You've earned it! Not all who dare will hear the words "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" but I am so glad to have joined the ranks of those who did! :)
Pre-Race: My first stop was the bike transition area. Pumping tires, filling bottles, last application of Body Glide, etc. I dropped my special needs bags at their respective boxes and headed into the next task. The body marking stations went quickly and smoothly as they put race numbers on arms, age on my left leg and a bright smiley face on the back of my right leg. It was something new for me but I thought it might inspire those behind me, at least I'd hoped there would be people behind me. I'd forgotten all about it until the bike portion when someone told me that I had a great smiley face. My response, "I haven't even seen it yet!". I'd also heard about the "test" that they give participants to determine whether you are lucid and coherent enough to complete the race. Truth or rumor, I followed suit and wrote my number on the inside of my forearms to be sure I could pass the "What's your number?" quiz. Kind of the first thing most learn in prison, too, I'd think...LOL. A quick explanation to a "newbie to be in 2011" that marked me and the logistical tasks were done. Like clockwork, we moved in and out of this area. The pre-race time moved much quicker than I'd anticipated. Perhaps I was so focused or maybe it was because there were so many people around.
Swim: Everyone stood around once the pro's entered the water waiting to take the plunge into the frigid water that we knew awaited our arrival. Memories from the practice swim temps would be easily channeled and the water temps on race morning would be no different. There were no pleasant surprises once I hit the water. Midge and I jumped into the water, me first, with her falling in right behind me. This time I didn't make the mistake of jumping in with my goggles on my head like I'd done in Augusta. I surely would have never found them in the darkness of the morning and/or the murkiness of the water. I positioned them on my head and we headed out to find our start spot. Despite having numerous conversations pre-race about this, it seemed as if it were a new topic for discussion and of all times, race morning. We treaded water after finding our start position which we finally settled on being middle left. I'd repeatedly said over and over, I don't want to start together but on race morning, there was something settling about being with her at the start. Something familiar and calming that I really needed. We may not see each other again once the race is underway.
At the banquet on Friday night, they had reminded all of us not to panic when the first cannon sounds. This is not for us but for the pro's. Sure enough, the cannon went off, Midge turned white and with a frenzied look said "was that our start!?!" We giggled anxiously knowing that the next sound we'd hear would be ours. D-Day! There was no turning back now. Once we started, there was relatively minimal forward momentum. I was kicked under the chin, swam over, grabbed, pushed, etc. It was total chaos. Every now and then you'd find a spot and swim for a bit but mostly felt like a human pinball in a machine at war. I found myself never actually swimming a straight path (this is true in the best of circumstances but I'm just saying...). I worked hard trying to remain focused and it eventually paid off. I made it to the turnaround buoy and headed back upstream reciting the alphabet, repeatedly saying my niece's names, spelling I-R-O-N-M-A-N with every stroke and pretending to chase Bailey down the hall at home. These are the images that got me through what would be my biggest obstacle of the day. And just like that, the swim was over. I wasn't as cold as I'd anticipated or as traumatic. The Quintana Roo Speed Sleeves - very smart purchase for warmth and for movement. Swim Time: 1:30:34
T1: Out of the water, around the corner and happy wetsuit strippers to greet me. I was quickly out of my wetsuit and through the shoot. I grabbed my transition bag and made it into the tent. Contrary to what I'd heard, there were not enough volunteers to help with changing. I assume that there were more of us in one spot than they'd anticipated. Athletes were everywhere and modesty went out the tent! It felt like it was 100+ degrees in that tent. Did I mention that there were female athletes EVERYWHERE. I made the best of this transition and put on my Harrell's bike kit. I opted to save time and skip the chamois butter (this would also be a mistake) to save time. A quick slather of sunscreen by the volunteers and I grabbed my bike and headed towards the bike mount line. T1: 10:29
Bike: My feet were freezing as I clipped in and headed out on the first loop. I was wearing a sleeveless jersey which turned out to be perfect for me and the weather ahead. The race announcer had indicated that we'd face relatively no wind; however, I'd done my research and knew that the winds in Tempe were as unpredicatble as the stock market at times. I found myself climbing the long incline between 11 and 13mph. Still I heard those words, "Don't eat the paste" which we'd been saying all week. Buzz and I were going to have to be patient. This paid off as I pushed speeds of 27-30mph on the return trip. There was no doubt I could use the tailwinds to my advantage.
Fleeting thought that was! The other thing about Tempe winds, they change unpredictably...and they did. The headwind remained but there wasn't a strong tailwind on the return of the second loop. It now felt like a crosswind. I had a slower 2nd loop than the first but still made a relatively good time. I continued being patient, very patient. This was also my first glimpse of anyone that I knew. Until this point, I'd seen no familiar faces. Finally, the third loop was about to begin. I didn't know what to expect but began praying that I would not have a flat tire like the many, many that I'd seen off on the side of the road. Luckily for me, no flats. I would soon pass Rick and Cindy as they waited in the potty line. I, too, stopped and used my first port-a-potty all season. I stopped once and used it, stopped once and got tired of waiting in line and stopped once for my special needs bag. Otherwise, it was a solid, consistent ride. Oh yeah, Mr. Pina dressed in an all green kit...#1-Drafting is cheating and #2-How big you must feel drafting off a girl...I hope me slamming on my breaks both times raised your heart rate just a little. Sure was fun getting you to back off! Bike time: 6:25:08
T2: Into the shoot I went...I handed Buzz off to a volunteer and went to find my run gear bag. Thank goodness I'd put ribbon on my bag because it made it much easier to spot it in the sea of gear bags. Now, I just had to change clothes and run my first marathon - EVER! I had assistance in the tent and I made use of it this time. I changed into some dry clothes which were a welcome after being on the bike. Lathered up again with sunscreen and off I went onto the run course.
T2 6:07
Run: I started off very slowly on the run and actually walked some of the first mile. Again, I kept telling myself, be smart...be patient. You've still got a lot of work ahead of you. I soon found my rhythm. Running at a steady pace, staying in my HR zone throughout. I said to myself, just run the miles and walk the aids stations. This became my way of keeping the forward momentum going. Each aid station was a reward for the mile behind me that I'd already ran. I never used my gel flask, instead, I took advantage of everything provided. Early on in the run, I started alternating between coke (I'd practiced this) and Gatorade and sometimes both, depending on who was giving it out. I just couldn't tell the cute little kids wanting to be helpful "NO". They were so cute. Towards the end of the run, I took advantage of the disgusting chicken broth - solely for the sake of the sodium. Looking around, I noticed just how many people had salt lines on their tri suits and run clothes. Again, I had to race smart. I met some cool people along the way all vying for the same honor. I passed Rick going the opposite direction who made reference to how fast I was on the course. This just pushed me harder. I knew I was in the groove
Mile after mile, I wanted it to be over. Eventually, a new goal was set. I saw a chance to finish in under 14 hours. I had wanted to finish in 16 hours but had secretly hoped for a 15 hour finish so coming in under 14 hours would be achieving the impossible. The fans were amazing; the volunteers incredibly helpful; and the athletes continually inspirational. When I hit Mile 24, I knew what was left to do. Early on, I'd made the mistake (which was a good one) of asking someone, what is the cutoff for the run. His response, "It doesn't matter; don't worry about it; you're way ahead of THAT!" I had to break 14 hours...I'd have to!
THE FINISH LINE: When I 'rounded the shoot into the last dash to the finish line, my emotions took over. It was one of my proudest accomplishments. I savored every word of "TONYA LEWIS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA...YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!" They grab you, wrap you in a warm blanket like a burrito, place your medal around your neck and it's off to get pics. It was much like being a celebrity. And, the feeling was totally indescribable. You truly can't imagine it or explain it unless you've experienced it yourself for the first time. It was beyond what I'd envisioned! Run Time 5:43:43
Overall Time 13:56:01
All in all, I had a phenomenal race for me. The tips that I would have for any newbie surfing the net for their first Ironman event would be:
*Don't eat the paste; do drink the chicken broth.
*Don't worry with a fuel belt; you'll be glad not to have the weight or the task of refilling the bottles. Train with the Endurance Gatorade and it will be familiar to your taste buds on race day.
*Swim strategy is everything. Position yourself in your comfort zone. Wait if you need to but know that with a mass start, you're bound to get kicked. Keep moving! Don't apologize as it's expected you'll connect with others MANY times.
*Pacing and HR are EVERYTHING. They are the difference, in my opinion, between finisher and DNF.
*Be patient, be very patient. Make your moves when can and if you can't, there is a reason. Sit tight!
*If you think you will need it, put it in your gear and/or SN bags. You'll be glad it's there when you get there. I didn't use everything but was happy to see those items I'd packed that I did want.
*Changing clothes was wonderful for me. It was nice to have something fresh on after each event.
*Did I mention be patient?
*Lastly, enjoy it; savor it; be proud of it. You've earned it! Not all who dare will hear the words "YOU ARE AN IRONMAN" but I am so glad to have joined the ranks of those who did! :)
