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Ironman Texas - Triathlon


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The Woodlands, Texas
United States
WTC & Memorial Hermann Hospital
90F / 32C
Overcast
Total Time = 13h 37m 39s
Overall Rank = 1130/
Age Group = F30-34
Age Group Rank = 38/
Pre-race routine:

I woke up to the alarm sounding at 4:00 Saturday morning. I did not know there was another 4:00 in the day! I normally hit the snooze a few times but today I jumped right out of bed. It's here! It's finally race day. I showered, dressed and tried to eat a bit of Greek yogurt and granola before saying goodbye to Brittany and Anne and heading out at 4:45. I was unsure of where we would be able to park and how far we would have to walk. Knowing transition was a good mile from the race start, I wore old running shoes – no way was I getting a blister before the 140.6 miles even started! We found parking easily at HEB, right across the street from transition. I walked over to my bike, added my food, pumped up my tires and headed over to my bags to add a few things I had forgotten the day before. There was an announcement that the water temperature was too warm for wetsuits! This was met to a lot of grumbling but personally started my day off right! I was still feeling oddly calm, I expected the nerves to start kicking in any second now.


I met Will in transition and we walked around together. Then he went to meet his family and me to meet Andy. As Andy and I walked to the start line, I called to find out my family was waiting for me on the bridge. They had front row seats to the swim start! We found a port-o-can just before the bridge that had almost no lines. Yay! Then we continued to the bridge. As we hit the bridge, I heard the music playing The Scientist by Coldplay. The water was completely still, yet freckled with buoys and kayakers. The calm before the storm. "Nobody said it was easy...".



I couldn't hear anything. People around were hugging, yelling, talking. All I could see was the lake, all I could hear was the song. "No one ever said it would be so hard...". All I could feel was Andy's hand in mine as we walked and I blinked back the tears. Then finally a voice broke through - "ERIN!". It was Betsy, she had come out to watch. I kept blinking the tears back as we hugged and talked. Then it was time to continue the walk "I'm going back to the start".


Then I saw them. My family - my parents, Carol, Aunt Marcella and Uncle Richie. Andy said it was at the sight of my dad's face that I burst into tears. Then everyone did. Hugs, tears, laughter. I think it was my mom who said "you made it, you finally made it". And I had, I finally made it to the start line. Pictures, more tears. More hugs. Then I had to continue my walk.




My dad joined for the next part of the walk. There were Robi and Rachel. Hugs, pictures, smack-talk about paintball (team Alwon WILL be dominating!). And then the 3 of us walked on. The song was over, I'm not sure what song was next. I felt as though I was being escorted by the 2 men. The feeling was indescribable, just a slow formal march, everything was going on around me in a blur, all I could see was the 2 of them, marching along by my side. We got to the starting area and said goodbye to my dad. We found Will and his family. Then later Ron and Robin. Everyone was doing their thing. We dropped off my special needs bags and found a quiet place to sit on the lawn. I sat with Andy, quiet. Unable to believe this was it. Shouldn't I be more nervous? Then it was time to head to the start. I swallowed my gu, took off my shoes, gave him a hug and kiss and said goodbye. I knew I'd see him on the course.


I walked alone to the start line. 2200 other athletes around, yet we were each alone. I saw so many familiar faces in the starting chute. I saw Buck who asked how I was feeling. I told him "oddly calm and un-nervous". He gave me a knowing smile (he is a several-time Ironman finisher), nodded and said "then you’re ready". I have no idea why, but this sent me into an even further state of calm. I then saw Pedro was on the other side of the chute, we hugged and wished each other luck. Carolyn was next, we hugged and got into the water together but swam our separate ways upon entering.


Swim
  • 1h 15m 6s
  • 4224 yards
  • 01m 47s / 100 yards
Comments:

I entered the water with 2 minutes to spare before the start gun went off. The song Iron Man came on and the athletes burst into applause. Then before I knew what was happening the gun went off. No warning, no count down. Just a gunshot. Here goes nothing.





Funny, you would think 140.6 miles would open itself to a novel, but I think I remember more of the before the race then the during. As the gun went off, I was in the 3rd row in the water. The first few rows did well, the first row went, then the 2nd. As the 3rd was getting ready the competitors behind us got edgy and started to swim over it. This was it, the washing machine.



For those who don't know, triathlon swimming is a full contact sport. Every (wo)man for himself, it's kick or be kicked. I dreaded this part of the race. Amazingly, the crowds cleared out quickly. It felt like maybe 2-5 minutes and then I had clear water. I expected the crowds to last much longer but I was grateful they didn't. I was able to navigate well - I would find at least 200M of clear water at a shot, then as I would catch the group in front of me, I'd stop, look for another channel. Swim for it and enjoy the clear water before catching the next group. For the most part the swim was more uneventful then I could have hoped for. I only had trouble with 2 competitors and took care of them very quickly without much frustration. As expected, the congestion picked up around the turn buoys, one girl kept apologizing as she kicked me. I joked "where can I expect you to go in this mess?". So, we decided to swim head up together, chatting and being amazed we were already 1/3 the way through our IM swim. After rounding the buoy we took off again. As I swam across the lake, finding channels of clear water I decided to take some time and swim backstroke - I wanted to see this, to take it all in. As far as I could see the water was peppered with swimmers, all with different goals and aspirations yet all with the same target, the finish line that is now ~139 miles away (actually as the crow flies it was probably only half a mile, but they sent us the long way).




I rounded the last corner to the canal, this is the last clear water I found today. The canal was jam-packed. Bodies upon bodies upon bodies. I did a quick scan and saw that even if I could navigate around the swimmers in front of me, there was no where to go. Then I heard the cheers. The canal was narrow enough hat spectators had lined the entire thing. Normally swimming we are in the middle of a lake or ocean, all on our own. The canal allowed us to see and hear the spectators. I decided what's an extra 5 minutes to a very long day? I could be frustrated about not having clear water. I could be upset with a slower then expected swim. OR, I could enjoy this. No matter what laid ahead of me, I was finishing my first IM swim, right here, right now. So, I smiled. I picked up my head, slowed down my stroke and started breathing more often. Checking out the spectators, listening to their cheers and taking it all in.





Before the race I had told Andy - I knew I could swim the distance in 1:05-1:10. As I didn't want to raise my heart rate or push the swim at all, let's make it 1:10. Add 5 minutes for the chaos and I should be out of the water in 1:15.

An hour and 15 minutes after the gun went off I was turning for the ladders leading out of the swim. For some reason I followed a guy to a ladder. Although he was stumbling and there was an empty ladder next to him, I stayed there, patiently waiting my turn. As I climbed out of the water the volunteer at the top yelled my name. It was Rick!!! He helped me out of the water and seeing his smiling face there just sealed what was an already wonderful swim. I was so happy I waited for that ladder. I then saw my family lined up as I ran by to grab my transition bag. My mom asked how I was and I didn't lie - I was happy. So incredibly happy and feeling completely fresh. I met my goal for the swim, which was to leave the water feeling like nothing had happened yet. My heart rate as low as a walk and a smile on my face, I had more then accomplished it. And, in exactly my expected time too!
Transition 1
  • 08m
Comments:

I took transition slow and steady. The brick walkway to the tent was slippery and we know how well I get along with gravity. I walked, enjoying seeing friendly faces all along the way. Hugged Lori, then saw running Joe (a man I met on past race courses who has climbed his way onto the list of my favorite people - I refer to him as running Joe here because another Joe will appear later on the course) and gave him a huge hug. He told me how proud of me he is and to keep going. I entered transition and this was a bit stressful. The sweet volunteer was only trying to help but I needed some calm and she kept barking orders at me, throwing stuff at me, putting things away that I was still using. I finally asked her if we could start over. Let's just empty the bag and do things one at a time. We dumped the bag on the floor, and she held items up one at a time. I'd either put them to use or she'd put them in the bag.

Finally ready I exited the tent. I walked to my bike. On the way I saw Nora, volunteering and cheering, I asked if I could hug her too and she gave me a huge hug. Saw other familiar faces, then as I turned down the rack that housed my bike I saw Andy. I feel like my face lit up, I was so happy to see him! As we were kissing my dad made his way over and yelled at me to go get on my bike. I yelled "I love you too daddy" and headed off to grab Felix (my bike – when you spend that much time with something, even though it is inanimate you get attached and do find yourself talking to it. Ok, maybe that’s just me...).






As I exited transition I saw Rachel and Robi! I walked Felix out to the start line and as I mounted I saw my family cheering me on again. My Uncle Richie's face stood out in the crowd, cheering on his Penelope.



Bike
  • 6h 09m 35s
  • 112 miles
  • 18.18 mile/hr
Comments:

I don't have much to say about this ride (surprisingly). There was tons of drafting (CHEATING!) going on which was very frustrating. I kept using my brakes to stay out of packs. Even if I didn't get caught, I wasn't going to ruin my Ironman experience by knowing I had cheated. If others wanted to cheapen their accomplishments and could sleep at night, so be it. I was doing this on my own. Now, let me see what I can remember:

I got to the mount line, got on my bike and took off. Standing up, pedaling my way through the crowds of cheering people on either side of the course I took off for the next 112 miles of my journey. I turned the first corner and the crowds thinned but were still there. As I entered Woodlands Parkway it was just me and other athletes. I have been dreading this bike ride for months. Absolutely dreading it. The winds had been killing me throughout training. I ride a small, lightweight bike and apparently even being up 15 pounds on the scale I don't weigh enough to hold it down in the strong winds. So, it's been a rough training season. My male friends would ride along in a straight line and I'd be blown off into ditches regularly. I wasn't afraid of the heat. Nor the humidity. Nor the chance of rain. I just hoped it wasn't windy out there. Flying along with no effort I could feel the winds at my back. I kept my heart rate as low as possible, kept my effort low and my feet circling and flew down Woodlands Parkway. I was on Fish Creek faster then I can normally drive there! This just could not be a good omen for the turn-around where the winds would most surely be in my face. I might as well keep the effort low and not worry about it. I kept riding, we were on 2854 before I even blinked!





Out in the national forest there were 3 pickups parked off the road tailgating. One guy yelled "hey! I know her - I see her out here riding every weekend! You go girl, this is what you've been training for". I cracked up that even out in the boonies on my bike, I was recognized.

At mile 40 a guy passed me and said "wow, it's starting to get hot out here". I could only think about how much trouble he was in for today. The day was gorgeous, probably 80 degrees and completely overcast. We couldn't have asked for better (well, in May in Houston anyway).


I had planned to stop at least once to stretch my legs, but when we got to Richards and our Special Needs bags I didn't need anything and I felt fresh enough to not want to stop. I found a few headwinds but they were brief and I was ok with headwinds, it was the side-winds that kill me. One stretch was the worst, but nothing compared to what we had trained in. I commiserated with a fellow rider that we were now paying the piper for the tail winds we had enjoyed thus far. However, it did not last long, maybe only 5 miles? I kept pedaling, wondering if I could make it to 105 before stopping. Yep, turned out I didn't need to stop at 105 either. Keep pedaling.




Randomly throughout the course we'd pass spectators cheering us on. I heard lots of "hey look, it’s a girl!" (um, thanks?) or "you go girl!".

Just past 105 as I got another "you go girl!" a guy rode up to me and asked if I was insulted. I said not as insulted as when they sound surprised a girl is out there. We laughed together and then he said one day everyone would realize men are the weaker sex. He had watched his wife give birth to their 3 children, yet he cries when he gets a cold. He said he deserved more cheers then I did, as I was female and therefore much tougher then him. We laughed for a while and then bid each other luck on the rest of our rides. The ride down Jackson Road was fast and furious. Until we hit the dreaded chip&seal anyway.


Around mile 80 or 90, I turned off of 1488. There were some spectators stationed on the corner and one yelled "LOOK! She's smiling this far into the race". Her friend (who had her back turned as I was riding by) yells "Smiling? Is her name Erin? If she's smiling it must be Erin". Her friend yelled "her bib does say Erin!" I have no idea who these 2 girls were, but it totally cracked me up and they got me happily through the next half hour at least chuckling at this.




I don't even remember riding through the dog loop. I must have been on autopilot. I turned on 2854 and saw it, the mile 100 marker. For the 2nd time that day I burst into tears. I laughed at myself, unsure exactly why I was crying. I've ridden 100 miles many times before. But, I felt super fresh. I had ridden it by myself, faster then I possibility imagined and was almost done with the bike segment of my first IM. The last 12 miles were long and hot.

Luckily through the Woodlands there were crowds along the way. I slowed down by Ashlane, hoping Robi could leave Nutrition Depot for a second and cheer. There he was, yelling my name. I sped up again, the home stretch.

I turned the last corner to remarkable cheers. The volume and energy was beyond amazing. I got off my bike, handed it to a volunteer and tried not to be shocked I had finished my ride in 6 hours and 5 minutes, never having got off the bike. I expected 6:30 at best, most likely 7 hours on the bike depending on the rest breaks I took. I had averaged over 18mph on the bike ride of my first Ironman!!!
Transition 2
  • 15m 33s
Comments:

Again I walked slowly through this transition. No use in rushing and raising my heart rate, I certainly wasn't out to set any records today! I got towards the bags and saw Andy waiting for me. A much needed kiss and he said he'd be waiting at the run start. I got to the bags and saw Lori working - YAY! She grabbed my bag for me, handed me my bag and gave me a kiss (woohoo!) and I was off to the tent. How lucky am I? Rick waiting for me after the swim and Lori after the bike? Major props to doing a hometown race.

I sat down in transition and took inventory. I was dizzy from dehydration (hit the last 10 miles of the bike). My feet were killing me. Not a good way to start a marathon. So, I drank a bit of water, took my time getting ready. I changed clothes entirely, which I can't decide in retrospect if this was a good idea. Putting on a sports bra while sweaty just does not work. But, I was super comfy wearing my regular running outfit so I think it was worth the hassle. My upper IT band cramped, right next to the hip as I tried to put on my shorts. Ut-oh. I got them on and sat for a while. Ate half a bar (much needed calories, I did not take in much on the bike) rested a bit to get my head under me and then used the restroom before heading out.


I turned out of the transition tent and saw Rick's friend Danny who said "Rick told me you killed it on the swim!". Then just a few feet further away, as promised, Andy was waiting for me. He asked how much time I was allowed to spend in there (I had been in there 15 minutes!) and I told him until 10 minutes after the bike course closed, I had a few more hours I could have used :). However, it was now time to start the marathon, my favorite event!
Run
  • 5h 49m 25s
  • 26.2 miles
  • 13m 20s  min/mile
Comments:

I took off at a nice easy jog, it was early afternoon and hot out. Not as bad as it could be and we were super lucky it was still overcast. Although the swim and bike went off without a hitch, I was still on guard. I've done enough of these to know 26.2 miles is plenty of time for something to go wrong. Really, really wrong.


I was heading down the waterway when I saw Evan on his bike. Big hugs and he and his friend wished me well. Next a male voice yelled "keep running sexy!". I looked at the guy next to me and said "do you think he meant you or me?" and he cracked up. A few feet further down, the runners were pointed to a rather steep but short uphill, all dirt. I said "What? Whose idea was this?" The guy now next to me (not the last one) commented back. We were both walking - no use blowing up our quads at mile .2. We exchanged some conversation and as we started running again I noticed his bright green visor. I remembered Jeff
mentioned on the IMTX thread that he would be wearing a bright green visor. I said "Jeff?" It was him! We ran together for a bit, then he was cramping and told me he would catch me later. He was right, he later passed me like I was standing still.






I ran along on my own. Thinking about the solitude, even though there were 2200 others out racing with me. A thought I had several times during the day - I trained both by myself and with friends. Although either Will or Ron were with me for every ride and were even physically out on the course running their own races they couldn't be with me now. Although my dad and I began running together, I was now running alone. Although Rachel and Emmie swam with me and were out there cheering, they couldn't be with me now. And although I couldn't let go of his hand this morning, Andy couldn't be with me now. Ironman is at
its heart a solo journey of one. Others can train with you, feed you, support you physically and mentally to get you to the start line but once that gun goes off, that day it is all you and no one else. I had done this. I had gotten this far, I never once doubted I would make it the rest of the way.

I stopped at the first restroom, only about a half mile in. Surprised I needed to, I still felt dehydrated. At the aid station at mile 2, there was Rick again! Apparently Danny gave him a heads up as to my whereabouts so he knew where I was. Just past that I found a guy stumbling along, looking like he was in bad shape. He was cramping already. I asked him if he wanted some Endurolytes. He literally grabbed on to me wrapping his arms around me - half a hug, half for support. I got him the endurolytes and he thanked me profusely. I hoped it was enough to do the trick and in the back of my mind hoped I wouldn't
need them later. But, I would rather help someone now then hold off in case I needed them. I stopped at yet another restroom and as I started to run again who did I pass? He looked MUCH better. He again thanked me and put a big smile on my face.

Back towards mile 3 or 4 I came upon a really big guy. He had blown by me on the bike like I was standing still. He was now walking but looking strong. I had to talk to him. I ran up next to him and congratulated him on killing the bike course. He said he knew at his size he couldn't run a marathon so he trained heavily on the bike, his intention was to get off early enough to walk the whole marathon. He had done it and was happy, today he would become an Ironman. I was more then impressed and told him so.


I continued to jog along, walking through aid stations to grab cold, wet sponges, dump water on my head and put some water in my body. I needed to rehydrate, undo the damage I did on the bike. Luckily my legs never felt the bike. My body didn't, besides being slightly dehydrated I felt great, completely fresh. I was happy, smiling the whole way. This is what I had trained for, this is what I had waited for. The back part of the course is quiet and mostly lonely. Then around mile 5 we hit the waterway and the crowds were spectacular. You couldn't help but smile and run faster through these sections. Except of course when you spot your family :) I stopped to take pictures, give hugs, thank them for being there. Then I kept running! I almost immediately heard "MOM! It's Miss Erin!!!!". It was my next door neighbor Melanie and her girls. The girls were super excited and so energetic.








There was an out and back on the waterway and I ran into both of my new friends going the other way. The first guy thanked me again, he was walking but no longer cramping or stumbling. The bigger guy was running!!! I yelled "wow - look at you!" and he grinned like a little boy and gave me a high five. That seriously perked up my day. The entire waterway was a party, the energy was beyond indescribable. I saw so many friends out here I couldn’t even begin to name them. My family had crossed the bridge and was waiting on the other side in front of the fountain. Then Stephen, Marisa and Austin were on the bridge, cheering. From the other side of the bridge I heard the Goose's crowd screaming "ERIN!!!!" It was amazing. Then I entered Market Street. I can't even begin to describe the energy there. I passed the finish line (it was 3 loop course!) with no regrets, I wasn't ready to be done yet, I was just getting warmed up!


I saw Adrienne at the first aid station of the 2nd loops. She said I looked way too happy. I have her to thank for a lot of that. Mentally she helped me get here, get my head in the game and I thank her for that. As I got towards the 2nd aid station of the 2nd loop I realized I had a problem. My electrolytes were severely out of balance, if I kept dropping I'd end up in serious trouble. My only option was to start using the sports drink available on the course. I had to make a choice - I could risk severe GI issues at drinking it (most sports drinks make me violently ill) and would then have to miserably walk the next 2 loops while throwing up or I would most certainly be pulled off the course hopefully only ending up in the med tent with an IV and not worse. I took the risk, after all I had enough time to walk the course and still become an Ironman. Not taking the risk would guarantee the end of my day and my Ironman dream. I drank some Perform and immediately felt better. As I left the 2nd aid station I saw Pedro. I was shocked to find he was on his 2nd loop, he should have beaten me off of the bike. He said his hip was severely holding him back. I was sad to hear this. We walked together for a bit, talking and enjoying the company. I have to say here I always love chatting with him, he might be the only man I have ever met as perky as I am! Once we started running he was off.


Around the corner I saw coworker Joe!!! What an awesome surprise, I had no idea he would be out there. And, he chose a great place to be, that back part of the course is lonely and quiet. He was on his bike so I saw him in several spots along both the 2nd and 3rd loops. I was super touched he came out.


I continued onwards, drinking a bit of Perform and eating a few potato chips at each aid station (~every 1 mile). I would also grab new icy sponges to put down my top and keep me cool. Luckily my stomach completely agreed with me this race except for the half a banana I took at some point along the way. I stuck to chips and drink after that! Then somewhere on the second loop it happened. I had to make a pit-stop. That opened the flood gates. I'd run along at a decent clip (~11:30 / mile which is exactly the pace I expected) but I'd take 2 minutes + at every aid station. UGH! I kept with a walker the whole race - he'd walk on by, then I'd run, pass him, catch him and he'd pass me while I was emptying the bladder. Oh well, if this is the worst mistake I made on my first Ironman, I'd say I'm doing pretty well!!!





I honestly never reached a point in the run where there was even a doubt I wouldn't finish this. At 6PM my energy started to dip and I laughed, thinking I couldn't complain about a minor energy dip 11 hours into a race! I continued on, feeling strong and steady the whole way. The 2nd loop was as I expected the worst. It was still hot, it’d been a long day and there was still a long way to go. Some people ask me about the mental aspects of pushing your body so far, this is an interesting thing. I never felt as though I'd gone so far or been going all day long. To illustrate, on my 2nd loop I saw the mile 5
marker. My face lit up in a smile and I thought "I'm at mile 5 of my first Ironman run!!! Already about an hour into it, how awesome is that?" and, I was very pleased with my progress. For some reason, I decided to see how close to an hour in I was and saw over 2 hours on my Garmin. I couldn't figure out how it had taken me over 2 hours to go 5 miles (surely I wasn't that slow???) so I looked at the distance. 13+ miles. I was super happy to be 5 miles in, somehow 7 extra had skirted by in there without my noticing. I thought back, I could barely remember being on the bike, certainly not for 6 hours and not TODAY, right? The swim seemed eons ago.



I kept slugging along the 2nd loop, stopping regularly but running between restrooms. My goal going in was I wanted to run the whole thing, except for the aid stations, those would be my walk breaks. Guess I did that, I wasn't planning to stop for so long at the aid stations though!

I took a longer break at mile 17 - special needs bags. I had put a fresh pair of shoes, socks and a towel in my bag. Getting out of my wet shoes was worth every second it took. I looked forward to my fresh shoes for the past 2 miles and they did not disappoint. From here on out there would be no more sponges, no more water on my head. My shoes needed to remain dry. Luckily we were past the heat of the day so this wouldn't be an issue. I put on my dry shoes, smile back on my face and took off towards Market Street. As I passed the finish line the 2nd time, it was mentally tough. I wanted to turn left, with the other finishers but I had 1 more loop to go. I could do this!!!


The 3rd loop got slightly harder physically but my dry shoes were helping. I found Jerry at the aid station this time (it's like a magical aid station, each loop held a new friend!). I stopped for a little bit to talk to him. I finally received an update on Ron (I had heard nothing about where Will or Ron were the entire day, I didn't even know if they were ahead of or behind me).


I turned the corner onto Panther Creek for the last time and also saw Joe for the last time. At this point I knew beyond a doubt I would finish and I would finish running. I ran past Tammy Manchester's booth after saying goodbye to Joe and she said she'd see me once more. I happily informed her that no - I was on my 3rd and final loop!


There were tons of people walking this stretch. Almost no one was left running. I turned onto Woodlands Parkway and was suddenly in pain. This is the only part that truly hurt that day. Someone had attached an 80 pound lead weight to my wrist. I couldn't lift my arm! Who had done this and how did I not notice? I was mildly freaking out when I finally got the strength to lift my arm enough to see my garmin. I think that thing weighs 1/2 an ounce. I decided to throw it away at the next aid station. My legs were heavy, I could barely lift them. Then I came to - told myself there was no way I was throwing away a $200 piece of equipment because I was being a wuss. I allowed myself an extra walk break if I promised to shut up, suck it up and continue running after the next aid station. I agreed and instantly started feeling better. Then saw a series of signs lining the path:

  • Knock-Knock
  • Who’s there
  • Orange
  • Orange Who
  • Aren’t you glad you never have to do this again
    I started talking to the guy walking next to me, told him I wish I were smart enough for that to be true but I knew I wasn't. He ended up being very good

    company! We walked together for a while, walking and running for the next 3 aid stations. We probably walked a little more then I'd have liked but again – over the course of a 13+ hour race, what's an extra 10 minutes if it means my day or more importantly someone else's is more enjoyable? I finally had to stop and pee again, so I lost my new friend.


    However, I was now entering the waterway for the final time. 4+ miles to go, 3+ of them fully lined with friends, family and spectators. At this point, I slowed down. I could not figure out why, my body felt good. I was close. What was the problem? I realized that as much as this hurt, I wasn't ready for it to be over. This was IT, I was FINISHING my first Ironman.


    I saw the 23 mile marker and almost started crying again. If I hadn't started smiling so much at the site of the crowds I would have. The smile was plastered on my face from this point forward. I saw my mom under the bridge where she was standing last time. She told me Andy was waiting on the other side and said that she'd see me at the finish. I saw Andy again, I stopped for a kiss but didn't want to stop for too long - the adrenaline was kicking in, I was almost there! I was flattered to see he had brought Ken too. I told them I'd see them at the finish.


    I rounded the corner off the waterway and said goodbye to my friends at the Anadarko aid station. Neighbor Rick (not the other Rick) was very excited to hear I was finishing loop 3 at this time. I got back on the waterway to head out towards Laundry's, the last aid station I planned to stop at (there was 1 more but with <.5 miles to the finish I hoped I could skip that one). Being 3 loops, the volunteers were looking more familiar each lap and several congratulated me on being almost done. Coming back down the waterway I walked with Big Mike for a few minutes, he had back cramps coming off the bike and WALKED the entire marathon. Now THAT's an Ironman. With <2 miles to go, he knew he'd finish. Back on the waterway, it was time to keep running. I saw Robin and the rest of Ron's family and stopped for a minute for a few hugs and some updates on Ron. Then I took off again. Each time, the adrenaline pumping harder. The smile getting bigger. I was getting there.


    I hit the last uphill by the pavilion and walked it. I wanted to finish strong. I hit transition and took off. My plan all along was to take the last lap around Market Street slow. To savor every minute. To take it all in. I left transition and saw Lori and Tanya for the last time. I turned the corner and saw Steve yelling his head off. I didn't stop at the aid station, my legs were moving. They were light and turning over fast. Slow down I urged them. No they said. I kept moving. I turned the corner into Market Street and the crowds were unbelievable. Slow down, enjoy it. But I couldn't slow down. The noise, the spectators, the finish line beckoning. I was flying. And smiling. Maybe smiling isn't the right word - my face was warm from the glow. The pride was swelling through my body. It was just dark out, but still light enough to see everyone and every thing.


    I turned the last corner. The volunteer said "2nd and 3rd loops to the right, finishers to the left". I yelled triumphantly "I'M GOING LEFT" and somehow the crowds around me erupted even louder. As I sprinted towards the finish I heard my voice again and again, but the only face I saw was my dads, screaming "I love you!" with a look of pride on his face that matched what I was feeling inside.


    13 hours 37 minutes and 39 seconds after the gun went off, I crossed the finish line. I am an Ironman.


    "http://images.finisherpix.com/fileadmin/data/images/0027/0027_40389.JPG" width = "300">

    I am an Ironman


    At Ironman, they have "People Catchers" on the other side. Mine was Rick. The perfect ending to a perfect race. I had come full circle and had finished my first Ironman. Once I was stopped and we were talking, another volunteer went to put my Finishers Medal around my neck. I asked if Rick could do it, then I asked for 2 finishers pictures - one with him and one without. I had after all, just finished and Ironman, I could get 2 finishers pictures if I wanted! The photographer couldn't argue that logic.



    Rick got me safely into Andy's arms and we later found my family. I also found (or was found by?) Will and Steve. Will was now also an Ironman, I am so proud of him :) Ron was still on the course but would finish with plenty of time to spare. We all made it, we all achieved our dreams on the course that day and no one can ever take the title of Ironman away from us.


    I want to give a quick shot-out to those spectators who were there all day long. I saw Rachel every step of the way. Later on during the run I never made a loop without seeing Karen or Emmie. The Red White & Blue tent where I saw Brittany and Anne each loop, cheering me on. The slew of familiar faces at the Strive aid station (including a guy I used to swim with who moved to Fort Worth!), and Jen telling me on lap 2 how proud of me she was while I was on my 2nd and most painful loop. Doing this race in my hometown added an element that I can't put on paper, but having friends pulling me out of the water, giving me my bags and a kiss in transition, handing me water at the aid stations and catching me at the end. It means so much to me, it made it all that much more personal and special then had they been strangers doing the same jobs.


  • Post race



    Last updated: 2010-06-25 12:00 AM
    Swimming
    01:15:06 | 4224 yards | 01m 47s / 100yards
    Age Group: 0/
    Overall: 0/
    Performance: Good
    Suit:
    Course:
    Start type: Deep Water Plus:
    Water temp: 0F / 0C Current:
    200M Perf. Average Remainder: Good
    Breathing: Good Drafting:
    Waves: Navigation: Good
    Rounding:
    T1
    Time: 08:00
    Performance:
    Cap removal: Helmet on/
    Suit off:
    Wetsuit stuck? Run with bike:
    Jump on bike:
    Getting up to speed:
    Biking
    06:09:35 | 112 miles | 18.18 mile/hr
    Age Group: 0/
    Overall: 0/
    Performance:
    Wind:
    Course:
    Road:   Cadence:
    Turns: Cornering:
    Gear changes: Hills:
    Race pace: Comfortable Drinks: Not enough
    T2
    Time: 15:33
    Overall:
    Riding w/ feet on shoes
    Jumping off bike
    Running with bike
    Racking bike
    Shoe and helmet removal
    Running
    05:49:25 | 26.2 miles | 13m 20s  min/mile
    Age Group: 0/
    Overall: 0/
    Performance:
    Course:
    Keeping cool Good Drinking Too much
    Post race
    Weight change: %
    Overall:
    Mental exertion [1-5]
    Physical exertion [1-5]
    Good race?
    Evaluation
    Course challenge Just right
    Organized? Yes
    Events on-time? Yes
    Lots of volunteers? Yes
    Plenty of drinks? Yes
    Post race activities:
    Race evaluation [1-5]

    {postbutton}
    2011-05-31 4:26 PM

    User image

    Expert
    1083
    1000252525
    The Woodlands, TX
    Subject: Ironman Texas


    2011-05-31 5:08 PM
    in reply to: #3526189

    User image

    Champion
    5312
    5000100100100
    Calgary
    Subject: RE: Ironman Texas
    didn't really read it but looked at the pictures. Looked like a great time.
    2011-05-31 6:03 PM
    in reply to: #3526189

    User image

    Extreme Veteran
    406
    100100100100
    Frisco, Texas
    Subject: RE: Ironman Texas
    your report epitomizes what ironman is about. amazing. truly a great read. you enjoyed every minute out there...just awesome! and...amazing time!! way to go erin!! congratulations. big question...you in for next year??
    2011-06-01 5:03 AM
    in reply to: #3526189

    User image

    Veteran
    493
    100100100100252525
    West Palm Beach
    Subject: RE: Ironman Texas

    Congrats IRONMAN!!!

    I absolutely loved reading your report and your pics! This is what the journey of the IM is ;-)

    I remembered last year u wrote on the IM Coz about your stress fx...I am so happy that you were able to fullfill this dream!!!

    Erin...You are an IronMan!!!

    2011-06-01 8:04 AM
    in reply to: #3526189

    User image

    Pro
    4174
    200020001002525
    Keller, Texas
    Subject: RE: Ironman Texas
    Great RR Erin!!!!

    Sorry we never saw each other out there!
    2011-06-01 8:13 AM
    in reply to: #3526189

    User image

    Master
    3195
    20001000100252525
    Just South of Boston
    Subject: RE: Ironman Texas
    Fantastic RR! Congrats on reaching your IM goals!

    Reading this was a real inspiration to this newbie! Thanks!

    Mike


    2011-06-02 6:08 AM
    in reply to: #3526189

    User image

    Champion
    6973
    500010005001001001001002525
    marietta
    Subject: RE: Ironman Texas
    AAAAWWWWWSOME!!!!
    General Discussion-> Race Reports!
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    General Discussion Race Reports! » Ironman Texas Rss Feed