I can proudly say that I am an Ironman now...

And even more proudly I managed to raise well over a grand for the society.

We managed to get to race check-in with plenty of time the day before the race (which was tricky as I had to be at work for an important meeting in the morning), but thanks to Chris (hubby) and Beth (who also comes to the society meetings every year and had flown out to support me) we got there with an hour to spare. At he race briefing the director went over the course with us and told us that the current during the swim was so fast that even an empty dorritos bag could make the swim in 1:30. This really calmed me down and as such I was able to get some sleep the night before. On race morning we all got up at 4 and went to the start of the race. The actual start was on a beach and we all waded in and started swimming when the gun went off. Chris said he had seen dolphins in the water before we all started, but I never saw them. I had never swum in salt water before and didnt appreciate it when I got water in my mouth. But the current was incredibly strong and I felt really fast. I was actually surprised when I saw the exit coming up so soon.

After a quick shower and change I was on my bike. The first 70 miles were brutal as we had a 15 mph headwind and it was freezing. I could barely feel my fingers and toes, but after mile 73 we turned the corner and the wind was behind us, the sun had come out and it felt like a completely new day. It was a wonderful ride. My amazing support crew where leapfrogging me in the car so I had lots of cheering along the way. Every time I saw them it gave me more motivation and encouragement.

Then on to the marathon. To be honest I think the endorphins had kicked in as I wasn't in that much pain and was able to pace myself pretty well. I would run from aid station to aid station (which were a mile apart) and walk along whilst sipping water or eating snacks. It was an out and back course over some bridges, through downtown Willmington, around a pretty lake and back. We had to do it twice and I was lucky as I had one loop in day light and one loop at night. So it felt like two very different loops. Also so many of my supporters would run alongside me, which was a great distraction, that it felt like the time flew by. Crossing the finish line was an unbelievable experience, I sprinted to the end as I just wanted to be done.

I felt pretty nauseous after the race and that stayed with me for a few days. I was sore for a while, but it wasnt too bad, and I can proudly say I still have all of my tonenails and I only had one blister. So all in all I think I survived pretty well. It was such a great experience. I cant wait to sign up again .....

 

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