Ironman Augusta 70.3 - Completed!

Just wanted to post a short note that YES, I did complete the Ironman Augusta 70.3 on Sunday. My time was 7 hrs 25 minutes 56 seconds. I did awesome on the swim, excellent on the bike, and methodically plodded through the 13.1 mile run. I've never done a more physically challenging event in my life!

Full race report in the next few days :-)

Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 1 Day to go

Well, we got here to Augusta yesterday afternoon. I did the race briefing and then weighed in to qualify for Clydesdale division. Everything went smooth and by 4 pm, I was done. It's really an incredible atmosphere with a major buzz going on. Lots of excitement and adrenalin in the venue, as people prepare for the race. I'm thinking I'm not going to spend lots of time at the host hotel. I'd be freaked out being around there too much. I've got enough adrenalin going without feeding off everyone elses.

Emily, my daughter, went to register for the volunteer table and it was really just a check in thing and they were completely out of the volunteer shirts. That kinda stinks. The volunteer coordinator has really not seemed to have things together very much. While things seem pretty organized for the athletes, the volunteer efforts seem very lax. When Emily signed up 3 1/2 months ago, we had to email back after not hearing from them for a month. Anyway, it's a shame because even volunteering at these events is a major thing for the volunteer and a big blessing for the Ironman event staff. The volunteer effort should be well organized.

Today, Emily starts her Volunteer work at 10:30, so I'll take her downtown. She'll be doing race check-in. I'm going to take my wetsuit, go down to the water and take a swim in it. I just want to be sure that it won't be too hot in it. At 2 pm, I can check my bike in at the transition, so I may take it for a short ride around town before I rack it.

In 26 hours, I'll be starting the race!

Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 3 Days to go

Had a great run this morning and feeling strong. Emily and I head out tomorrow AM for Augusta. I'm pretty relaxed, excited, and looking forward to an incredible weekend. It's amazing that over 100 days have passed since I started this journey and I'm looking forward to crossing the finish line!

Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 6 Days to go

Less than a week to go until the Ironman 70.3. This week is more about maintaining and being strong on raceday, rather than trying to get faster, build endurance, etc. I had a great run this morning and felt strong. This afternoon, I spent time on my writing and then watched a video tonight about the Ironman China from April of this year. It was an amazing race and I appreciated that they showed the athletes struggling, whereas Ironman Kona always shows Chrissie powering through to the finish with a smile on her face. It looks like a great event and certainly would entice me to do the full distance.

I'm really quite excited about raceday. I've been watching the weather for Augusta and right now it's calling for rain next Sunday. I've never even considered a rainy day Ironman 70.3! I'm thinking that will help keep me cool and hydrated :-)

I'm looking forward to the day finally getting here! I'll keep you posted.

Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 14 Days to go

Great day today. Ran and walked 4 miles this morning with my daughter. Then mowed for a bit, then 30 minutes elliptical at the gym, mowed some more, then 2000M in the pool. I was basically in motion the bulk of the day.

I realized a few weeks ago that this Ironman would not be a fast race for me. I'm ok with that and am not pushing for more than my best. I spend so much time comparing my speed to others and it's counter productive. I have no doubt that I am in shape to do the swim, bike, and run... I'll just need to finish when I finish.

I got some slick tires to go on my mountain bike that I'll be using for the Ironman Agusuta 70.3. They should help speed the cycling along. I put the tires on my rims this evening and I'll take them out for a spin in them morning.

I am very pleased with the muscle that I've gained during the training. I'm in the best shape I've been in, in years!

Two weeks until the race!

Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 18 Days to go

Had a great run this morning with Emily. Yesterday did some swimming and a walk. The last few days I've been sick with a bad cold. I almost went into panic mode, worrying about it affecting the race. "What if it takes weeks to get over?" "What if I start losing endurance?"

Thankfully, Cipro and lots of juice and extra sleep seems to be knocking it down. I'm breathing easy again and feeling good.

I tell you, running with my daughter is an amazing thing. She's signed up to race the Hickory Knob Triathlon with me on Oct 16th. It's going to be wonderful and we're doing the sprint together. This morning we went for a run and it's just incredible to be running next to her. She's fast and graceful and makes me run faster than I ever do by myself.

I had something incredible happen last week. A friend called and asked if I would run a 1/2 marathon with her on Oct 31st. We ended up running some of the Simpsonville Sunrise race together, and she liked that we run a similar pace and that I wouldn't give up... both good traits. Anyway, I'm signing up for that race now.

I can't believe the Ironman 70.3 is so close. It won't be long! Emily is going to volunteer at the event. On Saturday, she'll be signing people in and on race day, she'll be body marking at 4:30 am and then working from 11-3 greeting at the finish line with towel and drink. Sounds like she's going to see the race very first hand!

Ironman Augusta 70.3 - 22 Days to go

Yesterday I had a great run and the day before I swam the 2000M that I'll be doing in the race. I'm not doing doubles very much right now as I'm working between two jobs, a book, and my training. I keep wondering how people train for the Ironman... I'm thinking some things I'm doing now would have to drop.

Sept 1st was my two year anniversary of beginning this journey toward health. I remember that day that I decided to change and went out for a run. I didn't make it more than a few blocks. Today, I run 13 miles at a stretch. I couldn't swim a lap or two without stopping. Today I've swum 4000M continuous. I wasn't able to bike 10 miles and last weekend I biked 62 miles (100 km). Two years ago, I was morbidly obese, physically frustrated, and very unhappy with my body. Today I have muscles and veins that you can see and I genuinely like the way I look. I'm amazed at my balance and strength.

Gain Health!