IMWI 2010

Well this was going to be my first IM that I was repeating. When I signed up last year the goal was a bit different. As my year progressed, I had injuries and a few bike crashes that made me reassess my original goal. I was happy to make it to the start line. Now the game plan was to have a solid & steady day & go for a stronger run.
It looked like everything was going my way: I got in on TH, no huge lines at registration, was able to hop on the bike and run in Verona and had a relaxing dinner. Friday had a nice swim with Dave, Gary & others (granted the water was quite choppy but it was good). My brother and fiancée made it in from NJ(we just were in Canada for his IM) and went to lunch. Later met up with other  MSMrs for the dinner and shared some good laughs.
Sat was a quick check ride on the bike and then drop the bags off & hang out. My former coach and friend flew in from Utah as a surprise! He was there to cheer his athletes on & stopped by to see me. It was great. I was ready for the race.
 
Race day- Got up & started eating right away. For those that know me, I have a huge issue with nutrition. I never eat/drink enough & somehow end up in med tent. Anyway, the oatmeal was going down & I followed my “plan” as discussed with coach Carla.
SWIM-The swim was wild! When I first got in, I had my “spot” then more people kept invading my space. I started to get nervous. I had gotten clocked at IMCA and really didn’t want a repeat. I kept shifting & if wasn’t for Dave V, I think I would’ve climbed out! Having a familiar face by you(especially being a girl) helped calm my nerves. Then the gun went off & I did everything to fight for my space. Remembering that “I earned it” just like everyone else. It was a battle until the second turn. I got into a rhythm and then to my surprise I was on the back side again! WOW I thought what just happened? Did I just swim 2.2(not to the exit yet)? I got out with a 2min PR from my prior IMWI which was awesome considering there were 500 more people in the water.
I had a huge smile going up the helix because I was in such disbelief. Then I saw the whole MSM crew & Carla right there!! It was awesome! I got to T1 & Angie(my brother’s fiancée) was there. She gave me my bracelet which says “yes I can” and whisked me on my way. Again I was out faster than before. WOOHOO!!
BIKE-Well I had it planned out but my stomach refused anything the first hour. With the cooler temps, I didn’t panic. I was at least drinking water. Then around Mt Horeb, I knew I had to do something. I got  some food in but not what I needed. The bike was flying by for me. I safely maneuvered the “S” curve down which I was thrilled about(not an aggressive descender)  and looking forward to the hills. Again there was Carla & MSM people on the hill. Didn’t even realize I was climbing. Then I had more friends on the other hills which kept me moving. Made to special needs & saw Trudy then my girlfriends! My bike bag had come undone so she helped me rig it back on to my bike, got my nutrition, gave me a hug & sent me on my way.  It was getting windier & hotter. I had to get focused back on my nutrition. Since solids weren’t working, I started to go with gels at the aid stations. I knew I needed food since I still had a marathon coming up. I slowed the bike up a bit after the hills to try to eat more before returning to Madison.
T2- arrived safely back. In & out faster than before – and Gary runs out of T2 with me(bonus).
Run- Gary & I started the run together & then my girlfriends reminded  me I needed to run my race. Gave Gary a kiss and started to jog. I was holding it together for a good 6 miles. I kept thinking, this is what I worked on all summer, this was my strength , this is where I was going to make the biggest improvement. I kept that thought until mile 8. Then things were getting fuzzy. I hit the porta john & thought I’d be fine. Did the run, walk for a bit then I just couldn’t run. My brother met me while I was a walking and struggling. He gave me a pep talk & sent me on my way. I couldn’t even run the “down hills”. Then I found a shady spot and sat down. I couldn’t even get to the next aid station. I evidently didn’t look like a racer at the time because some spectators yelled at me for being on the course when I sat down. A guy came over & sat with me. He talked to me & told me to take my time. He asked if I needed anything. I told him I didn’t want to go to med tent. I’ve been there before. I knew I was in trouble. He reminded me I had plenty of time on the clock. He was great. I finally got up & he asked if I was ready to run. I told him I think I’ll start walking first. As I got onto state street, I couldn’t even run for the crowds. I could barely muster a smile for the MSM crew. My girlfriends saw me(they were working aid station 1) & knew I was in trouble. When I came back around, they handed me some flavor-ice popsicles! It was awesome. I walked a few more miles & Gary had caught up & walked with me.
We then started the walk/run combo. One aid station didn’t have cola. I was so dejected and had walked about a block when the volunteer came up & said he had rootbeer. I turned around & went back(time was not at factor at this point)! It was awesome! Kept downing pretzels and cola(when they had it)Then I started running  more & more. I hit the last timing mat & decided to salvage what I could. I ran the last few miles. Even though my run was not what I had hoped or trained for, I did do a negative split J
It was great seeing everyone on the course. It made a tough day easier to swallow as I crossed the finish line for the 2nd time in Madison. It may have not been the race I wanted, but I did achieve some of my goals and glad my family/friends were there to share in my day.
 

Steph