This past weekend I returned to the site where my Ironman career began, Clermont Florida, to compete in the Great Floridian. I was excited, as I have always enjoyed racing in Clermont-the only non-flat area in Florida!

My recovery from Rev3 South Carolina went well, and I was feeling even stronger for GFT. I continued to stay inside as much as possible to steer clear of fall pollens. In the past 6 weeks the only time I was outside on my bike was the race in SC. I headed to FL on Wednesday with the race being Saturday. Traveling alone this time I knew I would have plenty of time for R&R and just “chilling” pre-race.

The cold front that hit GA hit Florida too, sadly, with record low temps and very high winds. Thankfully I packed warm cycling clothes at the last minute which were much needed for my ride Thursday. Sleeping in, naps, and eating were pretty much my day.

Friday I did a little morning jog at the race site, and then hit the USAT training center for a short swim in their gorgeous outdoor pool. Friday night I went over my nutrition plan with Michael as I was determined not to get in the dehydrated state that hurt me in Louisville. I was ready to roll.

Up at 4:30 Friday morning, drinking my First Endurance Ultragen and eating breakfast I was nice and relaxed. I headed over to the race site, putting the 48 degree temperatures and high winds out of my head. Completing my race prep I could not stop shaking, so when I was done I sought shelter in the car until it was time to slither into my Tyr Hurricane wetsuit. Before I knew it, it was a minute to start and I went to the lake.

The swim was 2 loops, exiting the water after the first one. The start was smooth-not too much batting around. The water was extremely choppy because of the wind. I swallowed more than my fair share (which turned out to be relevant later in the day). Midway through the 1^st loop my goggles were knocked ajar and I had to stop, make sure my contact was still in, fix goggles and continue on. The rest of the swim was uneventful, but I knew I was feeling much better in the water than I had 2 weeks prior.

Out of the water, into transition tents to prep for a fun ride. Due to the chilly, windy air I made the decision to wear a jersey and arm warmers. The bike was 3 loops, with 2 Special Needs at the end of 1 and 2, so I knew I could disrobe at the 38 mile mark-enough time to warm up. Hopped on Kokko and I was on my way. Leaving the waterfront are a few short, steep climbs. Partway up the 3^rd my pedals locked; thankfully I caught myself before falling, but then had to go down the hill to turn around and go back up. I laughed and said “roll with it”.

I quickly passed several women-and men. The winds were strong, and the terrain hilly, but I was feeling great. The 1^st loop contained the infamous Sugarloaf Mountain. Climbing seemed effortless. I focused on fluid intake of First Endurance EFS and water, as well as my Liquid Shot. I was right on target. I was carrying my LS flasks in the back pocket of my jersey and was having difficulty maneuvering. I made a mental note that at Special needs 1 I would switch the flasks with my spare tubes which I had stored in the Fuel Belt carrier on my top tube.

Came to Special needs at the end of loop 1; got rid of the clothing, made the fuel switch and was on my way. Leaving the area I was told I was in 7^th place. Loop 2 continued smooth. Through the ride I kept checking in on my legs, stomach, rest of the body-all feeling great. Winds were strong, but it was a sunny, beautiful day and I was having fun. I moved up 4 more places to 3^rd during loop 2.

Loop 3 I was a bit in “no man’s land”, but there was a guy riding a few hundred yards in front of me who was riding the same pace and that helped me keep focus. (I would eventually pass him toward the end which he didn’t like!). Halfway through loop 3 the top flew off of my aero bottle, right before a set of rumble strips. Going over the bumps everything in the bottle flew out onto me. I was a sticky mess-laughed it off. I had one more full bottle of EFS so I was not in danger of running out of fluids. My legs felt great the whole ride-as did the rest of me, and was looking forward to the run. I knew I was well hydrated-I pee’d so much on the bike I “washed” the numbers off of my bike frame. So, entering transition, as I handed Kokko to the kids racking the bikes I made sure they knew she was #121 so she was put in her proper place and not lost.

I made a quick transition to my run shoes and off I went. The run course was pretty cool in that it was both spectator friendly, on paved paths not on road, and set in a way that one could see one’s competition regularly. We left transition in one direction for 1 mile, turned, came back through the park and out the other direction just over 3 miles, turned and came back to the park. We did this loop 3 times. And I discovered on the longer “leg” a good series of hills we would run 3 times-actually good to change up the muscles used.

My first 2 miles were an easy/get my run legs going pace. As I came back through the park I really got moving. I don’t recall ever having felt that good during the run portion of Ironman. My feet were quick and light, I was enjoying the people around me. No cramps, aches of pains. I could also see the first 2 women. The lead woman was about 20 minutes ahead, 2^nd was closer. I could tell I was running faster and felt positive that if I was patient I would catch her.

The running trail was pretty-through some woods and over a foot bridge. The hills were short, fairly steep in parts, but I ran up quickly. The outer turn around was at the top of the steepest hill. There was an aid station halfway up the hill; it was going up the first time that I knew I had to make a “pit stop”. This was at approximately mile 5 ½.  It was a quick stop, and I was back running. Around mile 8 ½ (we would come through the park at the end of loop 1 at mile 9) I thought “I am going to have to stop again at mile 9-shoot”. No sooner did I have this thought-and I really apologize for the graphics, but it is what it is-than crap (literally) just started coming out of me. Great I thought, right when I am going to be in front of lots of people!. I made it to the port o john at mile 9, cleaned up as best I could, and back to the run. Well, from this point on, everything I put into my body came out. I lost every calorie, electrolyte, all fluids. My stomach didn’t feel bad (other than a stitch I now had that took 10 miles to get rid of), but nothing stayed in. I never stopped taking in Liquid Shot, water, Gatorade, in hopes, but it all came out.

Needless to say my second loop slowed quite a bit. But, I just kept plodding along: run, drink, fuel, run behind a bush-over and over. I began to really fade around the 15 miles mark. I never panicked, but I was a bit worried because at this point I was running on fumes. As I completed my 2^nd loop I saw my friend Christi who had raced the Aqua Bike. She stopped with me at the aid station and I told her what was happening. I tried Coke at this point, but my gut really didn’t like that! Miles 18-23 became a death march. I said to Christi as I passed her at Mile 20 “isn’t this fun??” I NEVER once thought of stopping, never walked, knew I would finish-it what kind of shape I wasn’t sure, but I continued on my march. Through the entire run I made a point to smile and say Thank You to every single person who cheered me on-and there were a lot. Yes, some of my Thank You’s were less “peppy” than others, but I did the best I could. The cheers from people really helped me through. I even had a few people say “love your outfit” I do hope they were looking at the top half! I did at one point look down at myself and thought, “this is disgusting!”

Reaching the top of the hill at the farthest turn around was certainly not as “springy” as the first time. I hit mile 23 and took my last swigs of Liquid Shot, within 2 minutes made my last run behind a bush and told myself I wasn’t stopping again no matter what! (I am sure I added an extra mile to the marathon adding up the number of times I ran off course to find a bush). It was then I saw the woman in 4^th place and the fact that she was running better than I, and she was gaining. It was then I experienced my own little miracle. I prayed with everything I had in me to have what I need to maintain 3^rd place. I started singing Christian songs I like to myself and suddenly-I could RUN-really run!! I felt like I was sprinting, when in fact I was running a decent tempo pace. I sang, I ran and the last 2 ½ miles was by far the fastest of the marathon. When I reached mile 25 my singing became self talk: “run like you stole something”, “don’t trip and fall”, and “don’t you dare slow down”. And finally, the finish line! I finished 3^rd overall. I don’t think I have ever fought so hard to maintain position! It was far from my fastest Ironman, but that didn’t matter one bit. Ironman number 9 is successfully in the books!

As soon as I finished I saw Christi and that’s when I started bawling “that was so hard” I cried. Well, it’s not supposed to be easy! After going over my race, my nutrition, every aspect, with Michael we deduced it was all of the lake water I drank that caused my GI distress. Mentally-and physically, and nutritionally I believe I executed the race perfectly. I was patient, I was calm, I was smiling, I problem solved as needed, I stayed in the moment at all times. I believe that my “double” of racing a Half Ironman and then a Full 13 days later was a complete success. I definitely want to do it again-not next week or anything, but sometime.

Of course a huge Thank You to my amazing sponsors!! Best products out there!! First Endurance for all of my nutritional needs before, during and after (sorry I couldn’t keep it all in me!); Kestrel-best bikes on the planet; Tyr for the awesome Hurricane wetsuit, and goggle choice for the day-nest Pro-most comfy goggles I have ever used; Recovery Pump to always keep my legs fresh and recovered, All 3 Sports for all of the gear I need, TriSwim-Tri Slide prevented chaffing of any kind; and of course my Trakkers/Rev3 teammates for their support and encouragement.

Lastly, as my 2011 triathlon season closes, a special Thank You to Michael Lovato-the absolute best coach and triathlon role model I could have!! You help me stay healthy and strong, you’re always encouraging, supportive, and know what I need better than I do myself! I hit you with some crazy stuff and you haven’t cried Uncle yet! Thanks ML!

Thanks for reading

Categories: Triathlons