Sunday morning 4:30am, David and I left for the starting area. No sign of daylight at this point; but, we started off with an excellent omen…the best parking space. Much to our surprise we got to park right next to the finishing area. I joked with David, “If I had a camera, I’d take a picture of our parking spot.” …George Castanza would have been proud.
Every step of the way, to the start of the swim, was a continual sign of good things to come. For example, David and I were the first to get body marked, no worries of lines. And best of all, I was able to visit the “Honeybucket” with no hassles whatsoever…who could ask for anything more. I was in heaven.
Around 6:00ish, David and I mozied our way down to the swim start and I had to face my first sign of apprehension. Will my new goggles work? While the brand and make were the same, I was doing big time IM-no-no by changing my equipment right before the start. But, once again, the planets, moons and stars must have been in alignment because my goggles worked flawlessly. I can’t even begin to tell how excited I felt.
Much to my surprise I was lucky enough see both Eric and Matt at the shoreline. I’m sure they could sense the difficulty I was having just trying to contain my excitement over my goggle test. But, with that aside, all we needed to do next was to relax and wait for the swim to start.
With minutes to go before the start, I inserted my earplugs, adjusted my swim cap and positioned my goggles in place. It was almost eerie to be somewhat deaf,because of the earplugs, and yet still have the ability to hear the bagpiper playing an uplifting melody to inspire us. Before I knew it, the cannon sounded and the swam began.
Since I typically start way in the back, the affects from being bumped, hit or run over were pretty much a non-issue. I just kept to my turtle-like freestyle stroke and I was happy has a clam (pardon my sea-creature analogy.) Well, up until I latched onto a person that I would draft off for the remaining 1.2 miles. What a godsend! She was a perfect draft for me. Not only did she set a good pace for me, she swam straight. I completely trusted her direction. I hardly had to sight, she was swimming so straight. I even got aggressive with a few swimmers, that we were passing, after they accidentally swam into our path. I did not want to lose my draft. As David, Eric and Matt will attest, when it comes to drafting, Alfonso is king. Albeit drafting on the bike during an IM is illegal, this was the swim. So, I had no problem holding on for what I saw was rightfully mine. Besides, I think I deserved that draft given all the injuries and challenges I seemed to face in preparation for the IM. ;-)
Anyways, after the effortless swim, I came out the water fresh as ever. I half expected to have a PR; but, I must have been lulled into complacency because I was about 5-10 minutes slower that I anticipated. But if there’s one thing that the Hoppers have taught me, don’t panic. Take everything in stride and move on from there.
Transition to bike was a little longer than most; but, again, no biggy. I knew that the bike is the strongest of the three legs, so I wasn’t worried…guess I should have been a little worried; because, unbeknownst to me, the wind was going to shift…unfortunately not in my favor. So that sums up the bike for me really. Felt great on the bike when the wind was to my back. I watched my heart rate monitor to stay within my BPM range and I rode strong up until the head wind reared it’s ugly head. I went from an average of 22mph to a snails pace of 8-9mph at times. ;-(
Oh well, I just sucked it up and put my head down into the wind. The only thing that bothered me was when two women decided to blatantly draft off of me and when this elderly British fellow almost crashed into me up a hill…funny how his British accent still sounded proper even while he blurting out expletives to himself, during his attempt to avoid a crash.
I must stay Richter Pass and Yellow Lake didn’t prove to be as challenging as I remembered. And while I typically ride up hills like molasses, I didn’t experience any cramps like I did in 2002.
So, the real fun began when I started the descent into town. I was on such a high I decided to have some fun with a truck that was in the next lane, just outside of town. I pulled up right next to it and shared a welcoming smile with the elderly female passenger. I could almost make out her words as she spoke to the driver. Is as if she said, “Hey Wilbur, look at the Ironman cyclist. Shouldn’t he be slowing down before he makes the transition to the marathon?” …so I slowed down…just in time to see my daughter Katie on Main street close to house that we rented. What a great sight, followed by the smiling faces of my sons Charlie and Benny, not to mention my photo-taking wife Nancy. I was able to slap Charlie’s hand but, I missed Benny. I made a mental note to be sure and hug Benny on my way out for the run.
Transition from bike to run, uneventful…changed into my running gear and lathered up with bodyglide around my toes and heels…smart, smart, and smart. Luckily I made a conscious effort not to smear the sunscreen, like last year. Getting that stuff in your eyes is not a pleasant experience.
So, the true test began…a 26.2 mile run. During training, did I use my heart-rate monitor correctly? Did I set a realistic BPM range? Did I put in enough miles…well the last question I can answer honestly…definitely not. But you would never have guessed by the way I felt throughout the run and at the finish.
On my way out, I saw my family again. This time, I gave a very smelly, sweaty and yet loving hug to my entire family…and I also gave them an overly conservative finish time of 11:30pm…boy was I wrong.
From the get go, I felt remarkable relaxed. Every mile was relatively manageable. I felt a twinge of cramps from time to time; but, overall I felt okay. Granted I walked the hills and the aid stations; but, I ran more that I typically would have during the marathon.
I saw my first glimpse Eric during his return trip home. He still looked strong and it showed with his PR at the end. Unfortunately, he shared some bad news regarding David. As it turned out, David had just begun to suffer with what appeared to be the beginnings of a stress fracture. However, he was able to take some Advil and it apparently masked the pain. So, he was still able to finish with a respectable time.
As no surprise to my training mates, I spent some time enjoying the company of fellow runners and the Penticton’s alike. So much so that close to the 13 mile turn around, I slowed down to have a party-like conversation with one of the spectators. At this point, this overly friendly fellow had a little bit to drink; but, not to the point of being obnoxious. He loudly and repeatedly offered that all athletes eat and drink for free at his tail-gate party. So, I took him up on it. I actually stopped and waited while he surprisingly started to pour me a mixed drink, to which I replied, “no, no, I was just joking. If I’m still walking at the end, I’ll come back and take you up on the offer.” To which he replied, “I’ll leave the light on.” We both shared a laugh and I was on my way.
Just before that I was able to share a little smile with Matt. Of all places, I was waiting for my turn to use the port-a-potty when I saw Matt. He’s a funny guy. I stuck my hand out to give him a warm hand shake and Matt remarked, “I want a hug.” I probably would have obliged; but, nature was calling so we parted ways.
Well the rest is pretty much the same, I jogged, fast-walked, shared a laugh and photo-op with Matt’s parents on Main street and saw Heidi(Matt’s wife) and Amy(Eric’s wife) towards the finish as well. But, the best sight of all was seeing my entire family with about 1K to go. As much as I hate the teaser of having to go a little bit further on Lakeshore drive before finishing, the additional distance gave me a little more time to pull myself together. I’m confident enough with my masculinity to admit that I did shed a tear or two when I saw wife and kids. Thankfully I regrouped just in time to cross the finish line with the all the family in tow.
And yes, with the way I felt afterwards, I will be doing another Ironman…probably not next year; but, another one before I turn 50. ;-)
No comments:
Post a Comment