Race Recap

Well, I have been enjoying my rest and relaxation period a little too much...haven't posted in a very long time!
Honestly, I have tried to take advantage of the remaining summer days here in Wisconsin. Taking hour rides here and there before or after work. Now I am almost being forced to take them strictly after work. Sun rise is getting later and later:(
Feeling great! Well, aside from my nagging neck/shoulder issue I have had going on since a week and a half out from Ironman Wisconsin. But, its not stopping me.
Ok, Ironman Wisconsin was a perfect day. Especially considering what they were forecasting leading up to Sept 7. Forecast called for potential isolated thunderstorms, highs in low 60s and winds from 15-25mph. Not the best conditions to swim 2.4M, bike 112 and run 26.2 miles. Believe me, that's what we dealt with in 2006.
But I came prepared. I stuffed garbage bags, long sleeved shirts, running tights and winter gloves in my transition bags AND my special needs bags. I was not going to be sitting in transition for 71 minutes this time around trying to warm up and keep the uncontrollable shivers at bay.
Weather was in the low 70s, sunny to partly sunny and the winds began to pick up on the second loop of the bike ride, I would figure they were 10-15mph. This year was the first year where I entered the water without the scared as hell feeling building in my gut. I knew I would give it all I got and the day would unfold as it was meant to. I had done the training for the swim and the bike and figured I would survive the run by trying to run the first 2-3 miles before allowing myself to walk (my usual routine/treat to myself). I had bought a brand new full length wetsuit which I wore for the first time two days prior to the race. Its a sweet suit! Super bouyant and extremely flexible. My swim time didn't show the advantages of the suit though. I came out of the water in 85 minutes and 23 seconds. That was almost 9 minutes slower than last year. What the... Oh well, its just a small portion of my big day.
T1 time was 9 minutes and 40 seconds. Sort of slow but I had done all the arrangements and changing on my own where as in past years I had assistance from a volunteer. Packed my packaged pharmacy along with some cliff bloks and was on my way.
Bike felt great. Even on that second loop. I saw a number of people on the side of the road, changing flats. Ted was one of them. Bummer. You always feel a bit nervous and sickened passing athletes changing tires. Even more so when you encounter a familiar face. I got to Verona and was thrilled to see my family there at their usual location. I seriously heard my little brother Mikey WELL before I saw him! It was a treat to see them on both loops, gave me something to look forward to and push thru those wicked hill climbs! It was also fun seeing my fellow TriWisconsin teammates in various locations on the bike, particularly on the hills where encouragement is always a blessing.
Finished the bike in 6 hours, 4 minutes and 38 seconds. A few minutes (3 to be exact) slower than my bike last year.
I couldn't do anything but walk from dismount to the transition area. How in the world am I going to run the marathon?!
T2 was a little faster, thanks to the help of a wonderful volunteer. She helped me change, gathered my stinky/sweaty/ripe tritop, shorts and socks. God bless her! She even got me a glass of ice cold water to take with. Time was 4 minutes and 40 seconds.
Off to the run!
I got my running legs going once I exited the Monona Terrace. Knowing that the crowds were just around the corner was enough to fuel my engines. I had just another 26.2 miles to go before crossing that finish line! I felt really good. I ran until about mile 18 before deciding to take my first walk thru an aid station. I kept it at a minimum. Grabbed my grub and drinks and continued on. I opted to hit two more aid stations and follow this routine.
Mom, Dad, Julie, Mikey and a couple of Mikey's friends were in various locations along the run course so I had to look good just in case they happened to pop up all of a sudden! I was still feeling really good! I saw some more of my team mates both on the sidelines cheering and participating. I was having a blast cheering for them and smiling for complete strangers! Then I heard the announcer at the finish line calling out finisher's names. I am there!!!!! Just a few more blocks and I am done!!! Even though I was probably only going at a snail's pace, I felt like I was sprinting. Down the final stretch and under the Ironman arch. I was an Ironman!!!!
Run time was my fastest Ironman marathon time yet, 3 hours and 51 minutes and 54 seconds. That's about a half hour off my best straight up marathon time! I bested my previous Ironman marathon time by almost 4 minutes.
Wow! I felt awesome! Finishing time was 11 hours and 36 minutes and 14 seconds. Just about 12 minutes off my time from last year which was my personal best time.
What a great day!
Thanks for reading. Now I need to rest:)