Frame Done

I got my frame back from Michael's, after having it redone - as the dimensions were wrong the first time I got it back. I think it turned out pretty good! It has my Finisher Certificate, my Bib, my medal, a plaque with my times and my finisher photo.

Tat is Good!

Well, the tattoo is holding up and staying on! Been lotion-ing it up frequently, per instructions from Lucky. Doesn't really hurt at all, but a little scabbing is starting on the M-dot. I stopped by spin class on Thursday to do the unveiling to the peeps. Then took off...no spinning for me! So far I'm happy with the location that it was put at. Went to the gym last night to lift weights and it stuck out 'just enough' from my t-shirt to be visible with my hair up. Perfect!

 

So, now that I got the M-dot...now what? I don't know the answer to that yet. I have been resting this month and trying to take it easy. I may start going back to spin class in November, but not at the frequency and intensity that I did last season.

I have no real plans for races next season, yet. I will debate that this winter and see what I want to do...for sure it will be shorter distances and all for fun. For now, I'm just trying to readjust to my extra time and figure out what (outside of triathlon training) I want to focus on and or take up that I could not do over the past year due to training.

I will keep up the blog, but it may have a little less frequency of postings...due to less intensity and energy focused on training over Fall/Winter months. We'll see! It may transform into something totally different. Who knows?

I Finally Got My M-Dot!!!

Today was the big day! I headed to see Lucky at noon for my tattoo appointment. I got there and he got me all set up with my tattoo design on my neck and Jake showed up shortly after that to oversee the procedure. The inking didn't hurt that bad... I think that the worst part was the positioning that I had to hold my head/neck in for that extended period of time! So, I was pretty much gagged laying on this bed, trying to keep my neck stretched out for the inking for over 2 hours! In the end, I think it ended up good! I got my M-dot and I think it turned out awesome! He even put in a little 'pink lightning bolt' in one of the swirls to commemorate my bike! So cool!!! Noelle showed up to watch the activity and photograph, and then Jen and Val arrived for their appointments after mine! When I got off the table from finishing the tattoo - I was really light headed. Felt like I was totally drunk! I think that the head position that I sat in for that period of time was just enough to make me a bit loopy. It took about an hour or so to feel a bit better. Jen got her tat done on her calf - looked awesome!!! Then Val bucked up and got hers done too, on her calf. Turned out really nice too! All-in-all, we had some really good ink done today! Afterwards, Jen and Val and I headed out to grab some grub and some drinks at a local establishment. Ironman Heidi joined us, but we couldn't show her our tats because they were all under bandages! Oh well...we'll display them tomorrow at spin class, I guess. 

 

Jen - Pre-tattoo

Outline Complete

Lucky Working on 'Swirls'

Getting Back Into It...

Today I'm a bit sore, from doing one of my new workouts from Nicole yesterday. Was actually nice to hit the gym again after taking some time off. I ended up doing a brief warm-up on the stair mill with Jake and Carmilla, then about an hour of my total-body weightlifting session - including my rehab stuff. This week I need to get out all my winter clothes (as we had our first snow yesterday), and go through the painful process of trying things on and tossing things out. Should be an interesting endeavor, as my post-Ironman weight loss is making my clothing options interesting. Not that I'm complaining, mind you - just makes things interesting. Guess I need to go shopping!

Time Off and Trainer Day

So, for the past few weeks since Ironman, I have been giving myself some much needed rest. The leg/foot numbness has been minimal, but still there - so I've been keeping up with my rehab exercises. Other than that, a few visits to the gym to lift weights, but no swimming, biking or running (for the most part). Today, I went back to Nicole (trainer) to get some measurements taken and some new workouts to ease myself back into the world of weights. I actually have dropped some weight since Ironman, and I was anticipating seeing that coming from lost muscle (due to not working out). However, my measurements indicated that I had dropped almost NO muscle, all the weight from fat - thus dropping my body fat by 1.75%! Amazingly, this level is the lowest that I have been at (that I know of) since monitoring my body composition over the past 7 years with Nicole. Woo hoo! So, my plan is (for now) just to do some weight lifting and low to moderate cardio in a non-scheduled manner - since my life has been run by workout calendars for the past 1-2 years and I just need to rest my body with the whole bulging disc thing. But, I want to maintain my current body composition levels (obviously). 

 Today, I also got my Ironman frameset back today from Michael's, containing my medal, bib number, finisher's certificate, time plaque and finishing picture. I'm not overly excited about how it turned out, as the frame is WAY too big and everything is matted very far apart. So I will be taking it back to get redone. Grr.. Now, all I have to get is that darn M-dot tattoo! Stay tuned...next Wednesday is the big day!!!

Tattoo Consultation

Today, me, Jen and Val went to see Lucky to get our consutation done for our tattoo! We met at the tattoo shop in Maple Grove and laid out our ideas for Lucky to sketch and mull over. We all are kind of sitting in a similiar design mode - which was funny.

Mine: I will be getting my M-Dot on the back of my neck, so that when I'm working out (or racing), you can see the tat with my hair up in a ponytail. However, put the hair down - and it's 'professional-Jen' with no tattoo showing. Clever, eh? I want the M-Dot with some swirly lines and stars, and maybe a small lighting bolt to give some props to "Pink Lightning". We'll see how the final design turns out.

Jen: Jen is going for a side-of-calf M-Dot, with some swirly-leafy design. Leaving some room for when she completes Ironman Canada next year to put in a maple leaf.

Val: Val is also going for a side-of-calf M-Dot with swirly lines and star-bursts, but integrating that design into the butterfly tattoo that she has at her ankle.

We're set up for our actual tattoo appointments on Oct 14th! Us three are all going in, back-to-back. So we'll have Lucky all day long - poor guy! So stay tuned for the final result!

1o Random Thoughts on Ironman

1. After completing a new distance (any new distance) in racing, your perception of shorter distance races changes. What used to be "the ultimate", is now not quite so grand (or hard). I experienced this when I did the 200 butterfly race, and my perception of the 100 fly completely changed. I believe that now this has occurred at the Half IM level for me as well. So Wierd!

2. The absolute best part of Ironman has to be the fans and volunteers! If they were not out there yelling your name (complete strangers, mind you), I believe that the purpose of this day would be lost

3. I cannot believe that I kept moving for 13:11:49... only sitting in T2 once (to lace up my shoes). Otherwise, consistently moving forward the entire race. Go! Go! Go!

4. The marathon is almost a blur, it flew by so fast (not technically...as I wasn't running a 3:30 or anything), but before I knew it the miles were done. I've never felt that way in a 'regular' marathon before!

5. I've made some great friends in my training for Ironman. Crazy people tend to stick together, which is what we are good at! (I never said that we were sane)

6. I can't believe we were swimming with a dead body in Lake Menona...glad that he surfaced after the race and not during! But, I doubt that anybody would have known, with all the arms and legs flailing.

7. The "Bitches" (hills) didn't seem as bad as when we were on training rides...attributed to the adrenaline pumping with all the people on those hills cheering and yelling I think. During training rides, not so much. Just you and your legs (and snot).

8. I think that besides swimming, biking, and running...nutrition is almost as important - if not more important during a race of this magnitude. Teaching your body to keep moving for that length of time on certain nutrition is required well in advanced of this race...every training ride and session counts!

9. They need to have a full book written on mental Ironman preparation, not just one sentence or paragraph stating that "you may become emotional during your taper period". They fail to mention that a fly could send you off a cliff with an emotional outburst or breakdown, causing the people around you to wonder if they should call 911 to commit you or not.

10. I cannot believe that I didn't sing to myself all day long on the course. I do this in shorter races and I even made little 'playlists' to pull out in case I couldn't think of other songs to sing to myself during the day. Nope! I think I only sang to myself in two spots - during the swim...which paces my arms (and what else do you do when you swim?) and when I was climbing up some of the "bitches" (hills). I was too entralled in watching people and fans to sing to myself, I think.

Post Race

Post Race: After chatting with family and friends for a bit at the finish line, I attempted to eat some food. Didn't really want to, but choked down a piece of pizza and a cookie. (You really DON'T feel like eating after these long races...believe it or not). Then Jake and I had to go get my bags and Pink Lightning and head back to the hotel to pack up our stuff, because he had to leave super early to get to work the next day. Unfortunately, I didn't get to hang at the finish line to see Cindy cross it - which bummed me out.

The crew at the finish line

Jen & Noelle showing off their pipes (a post race tradition)

Cindy & Noelle at Finish (Rockstars!)

"Team" at Finish (Jen M., Jen & Val)
Back at the hotel I did get to run into Cindy and get her 'recap' of the race, which made me happy. Both her and Noelle did so well! At the hotel, the fam met us up for a little recap at the room. I attempted to have a beer...choked down maybe half of it. Food + Drink = Not appealing to Jen at this point. That night I didn't sleep...I think I was too jacked up on caffeine from the Cokes at the water stops and the Gus that I consumed. That, and just the realization of the whole day just wasn't going to turn my brain off. Which was OK, as I had to get up early and head back to the Terrace again to go get my "Finisher's Gear", which opened up at 7:00 AM. We were in line by 6:00...let me tell you why.

Waiting in line for the Finisher's Gear (Jen M., Pam, Jen & Kim) By 7:15, the 'normal' sizes for all the decent gear were pretty much picked over and rampaged. It is just like Black Friday with crazy shoppers when they opened up those doors. People rushed in and just grabbed things off the racks. So funny! I ended up putting another small dent in the pocketbook on this little trip to the store too. The Finisher's gear I got: 2 jackets (1 normal, 1 bike), sweatshirt, ribbed 3/4 zip sweatshirt deal, t-shirt, tech-shirt, water bottles. After that craziness, I sat in the hallway and chatted with Brian, one of the coaches from our training weekend and recapped the race with him. What a super nice guy! Am so glad we met those people in June...was great to familiar faces during the race (except Brian was working in one of the Penalty Tents...so was a good thing we didn't technically 'visit' him during the race - ha ha!). Then I stood in line to get my pictures with Jen M., Kim & Pam (a.k.a. Mrs. Kona Qualifier!!! or Rockstar!). Picked up my pictures and my plaque - which turned out pretty good - and then headed back to the hotel to meet mom, dad & Stacy. Jake had loaded up the truck and was already half-way home, so I got to ride home with the fam. We stopped at Perkins on the way home, and saw Jonny, Val, Jen, & Mimi - just keep running into people we know! Surprisingly, I felt really good 1 day post-race. Legs a little sore, but not bad! The marathon this spring was 100x worse - as I was walking like a 100 year old for about 3 days! The only thing that hurt were the blisters on my toes. Still hadn't popped them, so everytime I hit them on something (back of car seat) - they just throbbed! Ouch!

Blister on Toe! (Yes, I know! Pedicure is a MUST!)

Run Video Clips

Here is some footage of the run on State Street

Jen at the Finish Line!!!

The Run & Finish

The Run: After getting out of transition, I had no idea how my legs were gonna feel for the marathon. Over the past week and a half when I was given permission to run again - my leg/foot took about 1/3 mile to 'warm up' and not tingle. I had NONE of that this day! I guess the 112 mile bike was enough of a warm up for those guys. 

Miles 1 - 6: I headed out on the run, planning to galloway (run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute) and just keep it strong and steady. My watch was set to beep at me and tell me when to walk or run...this watch was also borrowed by Val and had just run Louisville Ironman, giving her a stellar performance - so I was using it as my good luck charm at IMWI!

As I headed out, I saw my cheering crews again! Man, I loved them all! Jake asked me if I was doing alright and I smiled and gave the thumbs up and kept running. The surprising thing about the run, was that it went so fast...I tried to take everything in while my legs were doing their thing. Watching all the spectators, all the runners, reading all the signs, EVERYTHING! It was absolutely amazing! At about mile 3 we run around the football stadium (Camp Randall) on the football field and then head out to the running trail before we hit State Street (where the majority of the crowds are). 

 

At State Street, I saw Mom, dad & Stacy cheering loudly with their signs. The TCMC crew were back there again and Ironman Jim ran beside me and asked how I was feeling...my response was that I surprisingly felt better than I had in my Half Ironman races this summer (granted I was injured during those races...). It didn't feel too bad! Then I saw the Team IronJen crew and Jake, yelling and screaming.

Miles 7 - 13:

The run is a 2-loop course, so at mile 13, you get to see the finish line, you turn and do it all again! Everyone said that this is the most discouraging part of the race, to be so close to the finish line and have another 13 miles to go...but it didn't even phase me! After the turn around I stopped at my special needs bag for some Gu, and then got to run past all the cheering crews again a few blocks down!

Miles 14 - 18:

On the far portion of the run route, the running path was lined with the Janus signs that people made for their athletes...it spanned over a mile with back-to-back signs. I really liked this part, seeing all of the great motivational posters people made for their loved ones. I never did see the sign that mom, dad & Stacy made for me (Go IronJen & Pink Lightning) - but I was looking! At the Ford Motivational zone, they had music blaring and I got to see the message that Jake put up on the electronic board for me - which meant a lot to me! At mile 18, on the last turn around on State Street before heading back to the finish, the cheering crews were going nuts! Jake ran with me here for a little bit, giving me my last pep-talk and the Team IronJen girls were shouting that I could make it back by around 8:00 PM! I gave Jake a kiss and headed out on the final stretch to the finish line.

Miles 19 - 26.2:

I kind of picked up my pace a bit for this final stretch...I tried to keep my water stops minimal and just kept moving forward. It finally got dark with about 3 miles left to go. Athletes were getting their 'glow' bands, but I never was offered one - which was fine with me! I just kept going. I never had an instance during the marathon that the miles didn't just peel away, or where I was just dying to see the next mile marker. It flew by so fast! Before I knew it...I could hear the music and Mike Reilly announcing finishers names by the capital. I rounded the corner and saw the chute and was almost there!!! I guess I was pretty 'serious' looking going into the finish line (according to Jake) but then I threw my arms in the air as they said my name..."Jennifer Rehling You Are An IRONMAN!" I was actually pretty surprised that I didn't start bawling...I expected that I would really tear up. But I was too excited and wanted to go see Jake, my family, and friends. Final time: 13:11:49!!! My Run time: 5:01:41 / 11:30 min/mi pace. I finished before 9:00 PM, which was my goal (after the standard goal of just finishing!) 

The volunteers gave me my medal, a shirt and a finishers hat and escorted me to the "Finishers photo" area. They kept asking if I was OK and I kept telling them, they could leave me, as I was fine. I got my photo taken and then got out of the finishers area where I gave Jake the biggest hug & kiss! Then I got to talk to mom, dad, Stacy, Team IronJen and the TCMC crew for a bit. It was the most wonderful day!

 

Jen's Ironman Finish Photo!

IMWI 2009 Medals

Bike Video Clip

Jen & Pink Lightning biking through Verona

(Red / White / Blue TCMC uniform)

The Bike & T2

The Bike: The bike course in Madison is 112 miles long - consisting of a 16 mile stretch out to a town called Verona, then it is a 2 loop course (roughly 40 miles per loop) and then back from Verona into Madison again for the last 16 miles. For those that are not aware...this course has HILLS! This is considered one of the most technical Ironman bike courses in the U.S., including Kona. You are constantly on rolling hills or turning at 90 degrees, or climbing (what I affectionately call) the "Bitches" - the 4 major hills on the loop that you have to do twice. Plan for the bike is to go out super easy, take the first loop very conservative and keep it steady for loop 2...then the stick back to Madison, just do it (remembering I had to run a marathon after I got back)! Key goals for the bike was to keep my hydration and nutrition on task. I had my watch set to beep at me every 10 minutes to remind me to drink something. My liquid food was to be taken in every half hour, and my supplement pills, at the top of the hour. It is a science!

Jen & Pink Lightning on the course

I started out on the bike just like Jonny said to - in my low chain ring and spinning it out nice & easy out to Verona. Kim (a girl I train with) passed me on the bike in Madison and was cruising! I felt pretty good going out to Verona, and was holding about 19-20 mph. Leg and foot weren't even numb! Awesome!

I little before Verona, I went into my large chain ring and decided to keep it there...I was feeling great and was trying to keep telling myself to actually slow down. Don't get too excited here...it is a long day out on the bike. I was holding a pretty fast pace, but it felt really easy.

In Mount Horeb (~30 miles in), Noelle passed me on the bike. We chatted briefly and she was off. I half debated to try to keep pace with her, but that lasted 2 seconds when I scolded myself and remembered that this was my own race, and to keep pacing myself nice and easy. It is a long day to go still! At about mile 45, the "bitches" #2 and #3 came up - as I had attempted standing briefly on a couple of the short 90 degree ascents earlier in the ride, my legs felt super rubbery in that position...so on the big hills I kept in the saddle for the whole ascent (#2 is about a mile long!). With all the people, signs, chalk, etc - the hills didn't seem as bad as when we were there for training. Thank god for adrenaline!

On the last "bitch" (#4), the TCMC crew was a waiting towards the top. Was awesome to see them there cheering and jumping up and down. At this point, I was about 30 minutes faster than my predicted pace. So was feeling pretty good.

Coming up Bitch #4 - Smiling & Waving!
I got back to Verona for the completion of Loop #1 and got to see my awesome cheering crews #2 and #3! Mom, dad, and Stacy were waving and yelling as I flew by, and Team IronJen did the same. Jake did his job and yelled out to me to "Eat!", in case I had forgotten. (Nope! I was on task!) I stopped at the special needs bags at mile 56, and all I wanted out of that thing was my wet naps. My aero bars were SO sticky with my Carbo-Pro (food), I could barely get my fingers off of it! So I wiped those down, grabbed a swig of Coke, and took off in no time at all. On to loop #2. On this loop, I was slowing down a bit...I knew I had a ways to go until I might see any more of the people I knew on the course. And those darn "bitches" again....augh! Well, I hit the hills again and made them all without standing. On the last hill, with the TCMC'ers - Ironman Jim ran me up the hill and talked to me until the top. I SO needed that boost! I knew once I made that last hill, that the rest of the course would just fall into place and be fine.

 

Gotta Make It..Up...The...Last...Hill!

Ironman Jim, Steve G. & Jonny J running Jen & P.L. up the last hill

Heidi, Jonny J & Val on the hill (Go Team!)
Back in Verona, for the last time, I got another glimpse of Mom, dad & Stacy and as I went by the IronJen crew (and Jake), they started singing "Somebody call 911!!!", which made me laugh! Jake had filled them in on this little 'joke' and they wanted to make me laugh as I went by this last time on the bike. It definitely worked! Those cheering crews of mine were the absolute best on the bike course! By far my favorite part of the day out there!!! On the stick back to Madison, I was slowing down a bit more still...but I didn't care. I only had a little bit left and wasn't gonna kill myself. I was WAY ahead of my expected split and was going to make it back into town soon. My feet were hurting a bit, so was curious how that was gonna feel when I got off the bike. I also think I got stung by a bee somewhere on this stretch... whatever. I didn't care at this point. Back in Madison, I got back to the helix and rode 'er up to the transition area. The bike takers took Pink Lightning from me and I headed into the Terrace. Bike time was 6:39 - I wanted to get in around 7:00 or under. Was very happy about that...as I knew that since it was 3:00 PM at this point in time...I could walk the whole marathon and make it in by midnight. No problem, this Ironman thing was going to be mine! T2 Transition: In transition 2 I grabbed my bag and heard Leann, Erica and Corrine yelling at me and cheering me on (they are friends of mine that were volunteering in there). I was so excited to see those guys! I ran into the changing area and had a lovely volunteer help me get all set. I changed into a running outfit, took my supplements, grabbed my running belt, and then quickly stopped at the restroom before heading out on the run. Only 26.2 miles to go!!! 

Leann, Erica & Corrine in T2

Swim Video Clips

Stacy got some good footage of the swim. What chaos! Check it out.

Here's a clip of me running up the Helix after getting out of the water & going to T1

(blue swimsuit & waving)

The Swim & T1

The Swim: Noelle, Cindy and I filtered into the swim chute just around the time the National anthem was being played. I swam out to the 'ski ramp' and was going to start the swim semi-near the front of the crowd (maybe about 20-30 feet from the front line) and just a tad 'wide'. The plan for the swim was just to keep it loose and swim steady. Not going for any speed records here - is just a 'warm up' for the day. We bobbed in the water for about 4 to 5 minutes until the cannon fired. And we were off!

Lining up at the swim start
The first minute required you to swim heads up - to see what the heck was going on. Imagine arms and feet just flailing, causing the water around you to be one big, bubbly mess! The course is a 2-loop rectangle, and the first length was just pandemonium. Who cares about swim technique here...just survival!

The best part of the swim was looking out at the Menona Terrace, that was lined with people from top to bottom! Was so amazing to see all those bodies...which I'm sure they were thinking the exact same thing as they looked at all of us, flailing in the water.

The top of Menona Terrace - Spectators
The absolute worst part of the swim came at the first 90 degree turn. Everyone descending on one small point, attempting to change direction was just like a whirlpool! I made it around the buoy and just kept going. A couple times I literally had to stop, tread water for a bit to allow stupid people to get out of the way, and then I would curse at them (not that they could hear me...but it made me feel better). At the end of the first loop, I checked my Garmin and saw I was at 33 minutes...which was below my expected split. Loop two, I decided to take it wide and swim out a bit from the crowd. This allowed me to have about 5-10 feet of open water in front of me so that I could actually do a proper swim stroke. What a concept! It was still crazy at the 90-degree turns, but then I got back out to my spot with open water. I came into the final stretch and swam it into the finish chute. A volunteer helped me out of the water as I glanced at my watch. 1:12 was my split - I was very happy, as I had estimated around a 1:15 for my time, based on my Half Ironman swims this year.

Next, I ran over to the wetsuit strippers. Down I went, and off came my wetsuit - the coolest thing! I grabbed my wetsuit and started running up the helix to the T1 area. I got a big yell from my two cheering groups on the helix and then headed into the Terrace.

T1 Transition: In transition, I grabbed my bag in the convention room and went into the changing room. I decided to change every 'sport', so had to get out of my wet swimsuit and into my bike uniform. I for some reason didn't have any 'helpers', so it was a bit tricky to put on the sports bra and uniform top by myself, slightly wet. I got it done, put on my bike shoes, belt with my bib number, and helmet and headed out the door. Collin was my 'sunscreen' guy - who wiped me down on my arms and legs and then I was off to grab Pink Lightning for the 112 mile bike ride. I saw Jake and Team IronJen as I was heading to the helix to ride my bike down out to the course. They were cheering loudly and pumped me up! And then the bike leg began...here is where the endurance of this race actually starts!

Jen and Pink Lightning on Bike Out

Pre-Race

Saturday: I got up and went out to the Terrace to run for 15-20 minutes. I ran into some of the girls who were at the Gatorade swim and/or spectating - including Kat, who we met in August on our training ride (she is from Chicago), Val & Jen (a.k.a. "Team"). 

 

Me, Kat, Val & Jen at Lake Menona
After the run, I took Pink Lightning out for a spin to get her gears all checked out. I was still fretting about the valve extender and thought I'd just replace the tube/extender when I got back to the hotel. Well, I couldn't get the air out of the tube (no tool) and decided I'd need to call my personal mechanic (Jonny) to assist or I'd go insane thinking about this issue all night before the race. I got all my bags packed up for transition and special needs and Jake and I headed to the Terrace to drop off Pink Lightning (& get 'er fixed up) and the bags. Jonny met us and looked at the situation - said it looked like it would be fine to race on...then looked at my worried face and said "OR...we can just change it". That's what we did, and got P.L. all checked in and bags dropped off.

My bike rack spot

Bikes set up in transition
Mom, dad & Stacy got into town and so had "the girls" (Heidi, Maggie & Andrea). The girls were the sweetest things - they had delivered a huge pink bouquet of flowers to the hotel and a good luck note. Of course I started crying...they are the absolute best!

I took my sleeping pill that night and tried to sleep - I got about 4-5 hours of sleep (I think) and then Cindy and I headed to the race site Sunday morning at 5:00 AM. Sunday: At the Terrace, we met up with Noelle at the bikes and got them all checked over. I put in air to P.L.'s back tire again and I SWEAR air was leaking out a bit still. Slight Panic!!! Called Jonny quick (as he was there) and then just decided - screw it! The air wasn't leaking out now and seemed to be holding fine. It will be just fine for the race. I got body marked (I told them to mark over my bruise on my arm from Jake's tailgate incident - so I didn't look like a battered woman) and went into the Terrace to do a quick bag check and chill out in the hallway until we got shuffled down to the swim start. My Cheering Crew: The girls and Jake showed up and met me in the hallway - again, the girls teared me up with their display of support via their 'custom' Team IronJen t-shirts they had made up the day before and their IronJen visors! And Jake sported his custom shirt we had made stating: "I don't do triathlons, I do a triathlete" (with "Go IronJen!" on the back). They are the best!

Noelle, Maggie, Andrea, me, Heidi, & Cindy

We went down to the start via the helix (parking ramp spiral) and I ran into Mom, Dad & Stacy in their "Team Pink Lightning" apparel and signs - which teared me up AGAIN! Man, you'd think I was PMS-ing or something!

Mom, me & Stacy (Dad taking pic)
And last but not least, I ran into the TCMC crew on the way down...Ironman Jim gave me a great big hug and told me to have fun. Of which, I again started to lose it. So I had to keep moving towards the swim start before I totally was a puddle. I then dropped my clothes bag off and stood in line with Cindy and Noelle to enter the water. Cindy seemed calm and happy, I started to calm down and threw a smile on my face, and Noelle seemed a bit tense but strong. Man...we were ready to get this thing done with! The swim was about to start!

Cindy, Noelle & Jen

I AM AN IRONMAN!!!

Oh man, have I wanted to hear those words over the past year of training!!! (Or somehow fast-forward my blog to this day and see how everything turned out) The race yesterday was an absolute dream and I am so glad that I did it! I am planning on posting up some race reports (probably by sport) over the next few days - in order to avoid a blog novel (as I could go on, and on, and on...as Jake and my parent's got to hear last night and on the ride home today from Madison).

High level Cliff's notes version to get the ball rolling for my lengthy race report:

(click on the image above for a larger image of my splits)

• Final Time: 13:11:49
• 1074th place (of 2176 that finished)
• 41st place in my age group (of 132)

Athlete Tracking

Just a quick post for anyone who may want to track the race tomorrow online.  You can go to http://www.ironman.com/ and there should be links to the Wisconsin Ironman athlete tracking / race coverage.  

My bib number is #2258, or you can search via my last name. Race start is at 7:00 AM...goes to midnight! I'm anticipating/expecting to finish somewhere around 9:00 PM (give or take). Pending things go smoothly. Cross your fingers!

There will be live video streaming footage of the finish line too from that website - so you can watch for me at the finish! Almost there!!!

All Checked In!

This morning, Cindy and I drove over to Lake Menona to do the Gatorade swim. I guess on Wednesday, some guy drown out there and they hadn't recovered the body yet...so we were hoping that we didn't happen upon him out there. I swam one loop of the course (1.2 miles) to get my siting down and see how it went. Swam comfortably and loose - and ended up doing a 35 minute swim, which is consistent with my 1/2 Ironman swim times. So I was happy. After the swim, I ran into Pam, Kim, Jen, Val, Mimi, and Jeremy...which was good to see them out here. Then I ran back to the hotel to shower up and Jake dropped me back off at the Terrace to check in and get a look around at the merchandise shop & expo. 

I got all checked in at the expo (after standing in a few lines), where you sign waivers, get weighed, get all your stickers and bags, get picture packages, etc. At the store, I ended up getting quite a bit of stuff...IMWI bike jersey, tri outfit, a couple t-shirts, visors, and a hoodie/pants that were really cute. That plus the picture package put a small dent in the pocketbook. But I knew that was coming. After all that, met back up with Jake and had lunch with Noelle & Cindy. Then headed back to the hotel for a nap. Tonight is a banquet at the Terrace and athlete meeting. Then I will probably go back to the hotel and start putting all my transition and special needs bags together before hitting the hay.

Heading Out to Madison!!!

Well, yesterday had a few minor melt downs while sitting at the house - packing, thinking, stewing, etc. I made a physical checklist for my bike and for on the run (printed out and taped up with packing tape for water-proofing), so when my mental capacity starts to falter out there - I can pull these cards out and have a contingency plan to feed my mind with the key rules that I'm following for the day (e.g. If you get weepy or sad - EAT!!! Your body is telling you it needs fuel!) and all of the positive thoughts that I am sure that I will be faltering to remember in the midst of this long day.

 

In addition I made on the back a little 'playlist' of all my favorite training songs that I can sing to myself...otherwise I will be singing the same Lady Gaga song to myself for double-digit hours. I wish that iPods were legal!!! But...that would make me break one of my rules: Enjoy this day and take it all in - every second. This day is technically my "Super Bowl" (to put in a football reference since that season starts on Sunday too)...capping off the season that I've been working very hard for. I want to be able to take in all of the volunteers and fans that are going to be out there, the scenery, the athletes, and all of the excitement that this event brings. It is totally indescribable unless you've been out there to experience it. There will be 2500 others out on the course with me on Sunday, going through the same thing that I will be - and I want to take that all in.

So, after lunch here - I will be packing up the truck so Jake and I will be heading out of town when he gets off from work. Man there is a lot of stuff that needs to go with us! We should be getting into Madison tonight - just to unpack at the hotel room and probably crash. Tomorrow morning I plan to swim (on the course) and get a little warm up out there, then I do the athlete check-in process and may then have to check out the Ironman merchandise shop (retail therapy has been prevalent this past month for Jen).

I'll post an update tomorrow on the day's activities out there. Goal is to leave Andover with a strong and positive attitude and enter Madison ready to enjoy the weekend (no stressing!!!). Yeah right!

Thank Yous...

So, before heading out tomorrow to Madison and getting caught up in the whirlwind of Ironman events out there...I wanted to express my thanks to everyone that has made this journey of mine over this past year possible. Without the love and support from my family and friends, I'd definitely not be where I'm at today...less than 4 days away from this crazy event! I won't go into major detail, as I hopefully will have expressed these thank yous to everyone in person - but wanted everyone who is following this blog to know that there are MANY people that have made this possible for me to get even this far...

Jake: My wonderful husband has been so greatly supportive throughout this season, putting up with my crazy training schedule, my lousy moods, aches and pains, and lately my stress & emotional outbursts as I get closer to the race. It will be his lovely face that I'll be thinking of throughout the race and searching for the second I cross the finish line! Thank you honey for putting up with me and I love you so much! 

Mom & Dad: You guys have been my biggest cheerleaders since I started sports in 7th grade...So, even when I'm 30-something, it means the world to me to see you guys at every race cheering and smiling! Thank you for all your love and support (and worries)...I promise I'll tame things down after this event and make sure I'm healed up. I Promise! 

Family / Friends, Cheering Crew & Followers: To all my friends and family (you know who you are) that have showed up at my races this season to cheer me on and/or have been following me on this blog...I really appreciate your enthusiasm, support and encouragement. I also appreciate the consideration to all of those that have had to put up with my hectic schedule, for when I couldn't meet up for events or functions, due to early morning training rides or races. (I swear! I will re-emerge again! Soon... I promise!) 

Ironman Jim / Ironman Heidi: Thanks you two for getting me into this crazy mindset/mentality to attempt this Ironman event. Instilling that seed that I could actually do this event was the first step, but helping me through every day over the past 9-10 months with pep-talks, strategies, mindsets, and pushing me beyond what I thought possible (4 hr marathon? You are still crazy!!!) has been instrumental in getting me here today. Don't worry, I'll still be cursing you on the race course on those hills - but only because I've been threatening that all year! 

Jonny J: Without the hours and hours of workouts that you've put this body through, I'd definitely not be ready for this race like I feel that I am. Your instruction, technique, and experience has been key in getting me ready for the big day! Thanks a million! Pink Lightning thanks you too... Nicole: A huge thanks to Nicole for the strength training and nutrition plans that she's kept me on over the past year. Her help has helped in getting my body to the optimal shape to endure this race and I'm very thankful for her help and support during this process. 

Mr. Sholund: Not visible during this season, but a special thanks to my high school swim coach - for the skills and training he put me through WAY back then, making this part of my race (the swim) one of my strengths and the least of my worries (besides getting punched or kicked in the head by 1000's of flailing arms and legs...details)! 

Dr. Dave: Thanks so much for all your help in getting my body back into whack throughout this summer and all my little injuries. I curse your deep tissue work, but it all seems to have worked out in getting me set for the big day! 

Noelle / Cindy: To the girls that roped me into this....thank you for all the fun, training days, and support that you've given me. Racing this year with you two has been great and I cannot wait to see you two out on the IMWI race course with me. You guys have worked so hard and deserve everything that Sept 13th has to give us that day! 

Jen / Val: To "the team", you guys have been so great to train and race with this year. I am so glad that I got roped into this race and spin class to get to know you guys better. I hope to have the positive attitude of Val come race day and enjoy the whole day that I've worked so hard for (as much as my body will let me), and I will be looking for the other IronJen "burning up the race course" out in Madison! Go Team! Mazel Tov! 

Run Club / Spin Class Peeps: All you guys in both these groups have been motivational and inspirational in all your training, events and all of the sweat and pain that we've gone through together! Thanks to everyone!

Update: MN Tri Series 2009

Today was pretty uneventful, with no major panic attacks or revelations. Just a day. Hopefully the next few days will be similiar and low-key. I had my last appointment with Dr. Dave this morning and things are looking good...for the race. Still have some reflex issues - but, we'll deal with that after the race. Overall, progress has been made. Yeah! After work I dropped by spin class to send my well wishes to the crew heading out to Madison. Was good to see some of them prior to getting out there. Erin got me a card and some "Lifesavers" for a minty kick on the run when we're out there. So thoughtful! Lastly, thought I'd mention my final standings for this season in the MN Tri Series. As you may, or may not recall, last season in this same series I finished in my favorite placement - 4th! And this year? Drum roll please..... 4th place again (click image above for details)! So, funny! I'll take it...based on the whole 3 races that I did. Ha ha!

Packing and Getting Ready...

Yesterday, Jake and I went down to have dinner with Matt & Beth - all you can eat sushi & hibachi. Was really good! Got my carbs in! Yum! Then we went and met the newest edition to their household - Josie (pitbull). She is a handful! All day long I was thinking to myself thoughts like: one week from now, you should be on your bike...one week from now, you should be on the run....one week from now, you will be DONE! Can't believe it is almost here...Augh! This morning Jake and I went to the gym. He lifted and I went and ran outside for about 5 miles. Leg/foot/back felt good after the warm-up. Is still a bit "ghost-like" and tingly when I start running. But I'm guessing next week I'll have lots of fun feelings when I actually start to run off the bike. Forecast still looks like we're gonna get wet. Now all the days surrounding race day are peppered with rain, so I'm guessing we won't catch a break. We'll see. So this afternoon, I went and picked up my "special needs" and "transition" bag snacks and treats. Between events and then half-way through the bike & the run - you will have bags that you can put stuff in - if you need them (extra clothes, food, drink, etc). Because I don't know what I'll be feeling like having at these times, I picked up a wide variety of things to consume, including:

• Nutter Butters (required, as these were my staple for century rides this summer)
• Pringles & Cheeze-Its (something salty - am told that all the sweet stuff you inhale gets pretty bad during the day)
• Jolly Ranchers & Gummy Bears - some sweet/sour things to suck on.
• Small Gatorades (blue kind, my favorite) - as I'm sure I'll be about ready to hurl with all the other flavors of Gatorade they will have on the course.
• Small Cokes - Note: Cokes on race day are permissable - and they are not "diet" coke, so I'm not breaking my anti-diet Coke rule (I've been clean since December!!!)

Now, I'll probably only grab one thing and stick with it...but better to have options, than none at all. Right? I also started going through my packing check-list and putting things together. I cannot believe all the crap you need to haul over there..."just in case"! You'd think I was racing for a week, not less than 17 hours! Tonight, Jake and I plan to put together our 'bike rack' for the back of his truck and get that all situated and set up. Hopefully that will work out good. We shall see!

Spa Day For Pink Lightning

  

Today was a big day for Pink Lightning...in preparation for race day (1 week away!!!). I slept in this morning, as I am attempting to get 10-12 hrs of sleep on days that I can here, prior to IM. Rest and sleep are high on my list of priorities this week & next. After getting up and having my coffee and breakfast, Pink Lightning and I went out for a ride. As I have been pretty 'light' in my rides over the past few weeks with my back and leg/foot deal, I decided to bump it up a notch today and see how things felt. We went out for about a 25 mile ride, and the plan was to keep aero for the ride and spin at a nice high cadence, keeping the legs moving fast - but not grinding. The first 10 miles I took out in my small chain ring (warm up) and I was just cruising! I was holding 19-21 mph in the small ring. Then I kicked her up into the large chain ring for the remainder of the ride and kept my high cadence rolling. Still holding 19-21 mph, even into the wind. This ride gave me a bit of a confidence booster going into next week that the back/leg/foot is holding up and my fitness level has not seemed to drop during this disc injury & extended taper. Whew! After the ride, it was time to pamper Ms. Pink Lightning. We went out on the patio and had a little 'spa day'. Time for a bath! P.L. got washed up good, degreased, and given a little TLC. She's gotta get me through 112 miles of hilly terrain in a week - so she better be lookin good and well rested too! Then after the bath, we drove down to see Jonny. He was nice enough to do a little "pre-race tune up" for us. Jonny proceeded to tighten things up on Pink Lightning, get her gears shifting smoothly, tweaked her brakes, rotated her race wheel tires (yes...we rotated her tires), put on new handlebar tape, lubed up her chain, and topped 'er off with a teflon polish finish! I think that she should be set! We'll go out for a spin on Monday or Tuesday and ensure that all her adjustments are kosher and that we don't need any last minute tweaks before we head out to Madison. Tomorrow, Jen gets pampered...as Suzie is coming over for a little 'fluff & buff' massage to limber things up before IMWI. No deep tissue stuff, so should be semi-relaxing...unlike most of her massages. Can't wait...but need to go to bed soon to get my exorbitant amount of sleep.

Go Team Go!

Last night Jonny took 'the girls' (me, Jen, Erin, and Val) out for dinner to regale Ironman stories from Val (just did Louisville) and himself (Canada) - and to instill the "ins" and "outs" of the things that us "first-time IMWI'ers" need to remember come race day. This was really great to hear, since tension and stress has mounted amongst the group heading out there. Plus his little pep-talks to us all, instilling confidence that we all can finish the race based on the training that he has seen us do this year, (let me re-phrase...that he's made us do this year - usually whining and griping) really was calming and much needed by the crew.  

Was a fun evening hearing all about the races (Val's was stellar in almost every way (great weather, feeling good, great splits, etc.) vs. Jonny's was really tough (95 degrees, 40 mph wind, smoke from forest fires making it hard to breath, upset stomach, ending up in the med tent). Which just goes to show you that each and every race day brings a new set of possibilities and/or obstacles to overcome. Most of which, we cannot control. I wonder what I am in for?

Oh don't worry, I've already started scoping the 10-day Madison forecasts. Currently, some sites claim 30% chance of showers and some don't (just mostly cloudy). Most are consistently putting the day at temps from a low of 50 degrees, to high of mid-60's. So, I think we're in for a cool day. I can handle that - regardless, I don't think we'll have the horrible conditions that we went through when we rode the course out there at the beginning of August (pelting rain then hot and windy)...so we should be good.

Tonight I met Lindsay for a swim at Lake Ann after work. We swam about 2 miles and called it good. I feel bad that her IMWI'ers are soon to be dropping off and she's gotta train for another 2.5 months for IM Arizona without the crew. That would suck! I told her that she may be able to talk us into some sympathy swims until it gets cold out. We'll see.

Fair Day & Race Number

Yesterday morning I met up with Nicole to do my monthly measurements and to see where I 'landed' as I go into Ironman. Since I had not been doing any 'core' and no running for the past 1.5-2 weeks, wasn't sure where I was going to end up. However, my weight had dropped a smidge, due to nerves and appetite starting to decline.

Interestingly enough, I dropped 2% body fat this month! Largest drop in the past year. Yeah!!! I dipped under the mark I wanted to race at and really haven't been this lean since 'bridal bootcamp' prior to our wedding 4 years ago. So, that was great news. We chatted and planned out taper nutrition and the days leading up to the race.

Then, I went home and decided to try out this whole 'running' thing I was allowed to do again. I did a loop by my house for 5K. Leg/foot felt good after it got warmed up and my pace was really good. Ran sub-8:00 for the first mile. Then threw in some 'walks' for good measure for the last 2 miles and averaged 8:27 min/mile for the entire run.

Jake and I then hit the fair for the day...so that I could consume more calories and 'bad food' after my great news from Nicole. ha ha! I ate (shared) the following: scotch egg, pickle-on-a-stick. pork chop, nitro ice cream, cheese curds, some sort of sausage wrapped in a bisquet deal w/ asian sauce, Sweet Martha's cookies and a chocolate dipped banana. Was fun to just walk around and people-watch, not be at work, and not be stressing about Ironman. Was a fun day.

Today, I got the message that Ironman race numbers have been posted. Jen's number for the day is.... 2258! I'll post this next week with a link to the athlete tracker for people to be able to follow me on race day via their computers.