JOURNEY TO IRONMAN Florida 2011 & RACE REPORT
I'm still on a total high, totally exhilarated but have this very surreal feeling. To understand my race day it is important to understand my year, and what a freaking crazy year it was! Graduated Grad School. New job & staying in SC! And Ironman! A year filled with the highest of highs and some of the hardest/challenging moments in my life. Last year when I signed up for Ironman, I thought it would be an athletic challenge, something that I only could dream of doing, something to see how far I could push my body. Funny thing, when I signed up for Ironman last November, I hadn’t been feeling well for a couple months prior. Doctors didn’t know exactly what was wrong with me for several months and I certainly never thought the issues would continue daily for 5 more months. My health challenges dictated a different lifestyle and different way to go about training. Being able to do an Ironman quickly became something much more than the ultimate physical challenge. It became that positive distraction and monumental goal of hope that kept my drive going, spirits up, and my head focused on bigger and better things during the days that, well, I just didn’t feel like the normal me. It allowed me to fight through the battles knowing and praying things just HAD to get better. In my mind, I didn’t have a choice but to get healthy - I needed to be able to work full time and needed to be prepared for Ironman – because not doing it was not an option I allowed on the table. I knew I had amazing friends prior to this time period in life – but their constant encouragement, care, and support helped keep my Ironman fire going.
Ironman is what I dreamt of on days when the only thing I could do was sleep 20/24 hrs a day; couldn’t lift my head of my pillow without getting nauseous; could only make it to the mail box when I went out for a run, or when riding to Mac’s & back (20ish miles) did me in for the entire day; I’ll pretend the days of having a hard time negotiating right turns on my bike was only a nightmare. Doctors tried a wide range of drugs – at one point I was on 8 prescription drugs that weren’t helping…way too many for a “healthy” person my age. Once diagnosed with Meniere’s disease (inner ear issue) and migraines my two Neurologists, ENT, and my general physician warned me against doing any endurance event – especially Ironman – because endurance events alone are a trigger for a Meniere’s relapse, not to mention “excess” sodium in the body is a trigger as well. Humm – problem, endurance athletes need sodium. Being my hardheaded self, I was determined to do Ironman but knew training would need to be different than others. My training days became - do what I can when I can, i.e. quality over quantity. When my body was tired or off kilter even a hair – I rested. Against doctors’ advice, I quit every prescription drug I was on, turned to natural supplements and hired a nutrition coach to make sure my nutrition and especially sodium levels were spot on. In March I received a steroid injection in my ear, which helped tremendously – at least now I was able to swim without getting sick and disoriented. Days and months went on and I slowly was getting better, stronger and having more good days then bad. Charleston Half Iron and relay swim around Key West proved to be pivotal proving points for me. I started going days and weeks without wearing my motion sickness patch, and I was getting stronger. Excitement filled my soul and I knew I was on the road to becoming an Ironman.
Just when things were looking good health wise, I tore my calf in August and had to take some time off running. Once “recovered,” I started back running only to develop knee pain in October during my runs that had me hobbling between miles 10-15. Seriously, can anything else go wrong?!! How the heck am I going to finish a marathon at the end of 112 miles if I can’t even run 15 miles alone without pain?? Dr. Bruce Richmond to the rescue! A week in a half before the race I got a cortisone shot in the knee (which is not fun). I stayed off my knee – virtually no running – until race day. I just didn’t want to chance anything.
The Goal:
Fast forward to race weekend. I had several goals: 1) make it to race morning healthy. 2) Finish the race no matter what within the 17hr time frame - even if it took me 16:59:59. 3) Not go into a Meniere’s relapse before, during, or after the race.
Wednesday:
I drove down and had the great company of Mr. Angie King, er Jeremy. Loved the company on the trip as he kept me laughing and mind distracted. Once we rolled into PCB and met up with Gina, Angie and the gang – that’s when it struck me. CRAP – it’s time! My heart began racing and I don’t think it really slowed down until the race was under way…a couple days later. After a great dinner and laughs, I headed to my condo. The condo unit said that I’d have a lock box on the door to my unit for a late check in…well no lock box. After several calls, I finally got into my condo to find some good luck flowers from my parents. I then pulled the blinds shut for a good night’s rest to see that some of the blinds were missing. It’s late, I’m beyond tired, and just want sleep – holes in blinds aren’t going to work. After a few more calls, I was moved to a different unit.
Thursday:
After ok sleep on Wednesday night, I was so excited to wake up Thursday to get packet pick-up done and spend way too much money of my first paycheck in the expo. I wanted to get everything done prior to half of my (what Gina calls) possy coming into town later in the day – Greg, Grant, Dave, and Heather (Grant’s “Mum” visiting from England). All day I had nervous energy. When my boys and Heather showed up, I felt sooo much better about everything – who would have thought these silly boys would actually calm my nerves and not send me running for the hills??!! The continuous laughter they brought is exactly what I needed!
Friday:
Friday morning rolled in and the boys and I
woke up to sing Happy Birthday to Heather. I know being in PCB for her Birthday
was a dream come true – I’m so glad I could help with that 
. Greg and
Grant went off for their own morning run and Dave accompanied me to meet Team
Anderson for a swim/bike/run practice. Looking at the sea – well there were
waves and swells but nothing like Key West was in June. Didn’t like the waves
and current – but it could be worse, and I was praying for better. Water
actually felt great – just that cold air and sand…brrr. I skipped the run –I
didn’t want to get frustrated or nervous if I felt any knee pain or discomfort
– I would just deal with that race day. So I headed back to my condo to meet
the boys and heather for bfast and spend the rest of the day repacking my
transitions bags for the 1000th time…do I have everything? Is this what I want
to wear on the bike/run. Is all my nutrition accounted for? Repeat
thoughts 1000x. While I’m doing this Grant and the gang, were on a secret
mission with the help of G’Ville headquartered Yvette to buy a megaphone! As if
his British mouth isn’t loud enough already! Friday night came and the
rest of my possy showed up – Maureen, Shari, and Shawn. Aww…now this is
what’s it’s all about – my G’ville family was in full force. I am the
luckiest girl! Dinner to celebrate Heather’s birthday, and what the heck a
glass of wine to calm my growing nerves. (note to self – always have a
glass of wine night prior – it really helps!). Out of coincidence, Nancy
ended up being at the same restaurant and she came over to our table to wish me
luck and meet my peeps.
Saturday Race morning:
I actually woke up before my alarm even went off. I slept well – thanks to wine and melatonin – and was ready to go! A peak out the window to see calm flat waters – aww! Yes, prayers are answered. Dave, my go to man and rock for the entire wkend, joined me for the early rise (he must have drawn the shortest straw to be in charge of me). We hit the body markings, then transition to put last minute essentials in my bags and pump my tires. Headed over to meet Mike and one last pit stop. Started getting ready and was trying to visualize the race start. I knew what was ahead – and knew the start was going to be a huge mental challenge for me. I followed Mike onto the beach, had him run through the swim course one last time with me.
Swim:
My chest is pounding. Thought to myself - TWO LOOPS, Kristin!! OK…ready. I found my way to what I thought would be a good starting point. Towards the outside right, not up front but not too far in the back. WELL, I was wrong. Canon went off and we made our way into the water. Self-talking – holy crap…this is crazy…arms and feet flying, I’m running over people, people on top of me…it was like Time Square during New Year’s Eve but in water – and I freaked out. I had a big anxiety attack early in the swim from just the amount of people all over me and me on them, I couldn't see buoys or kayaks and saw nothing but feet and bubbles - I couldn't get my breathing under control – I flipped to my back and was pulling down the neck of my wet suit to breathe – SHIT this isn’t working – people still flying and swimming over top of me. Breathe Kristin just Breathe (I’d really like my inhaler at this point). I finally sighted a kayak and darted straight across swimming over top of people and when I made it I held on. The guy in the kayak was awesome – Navy guy, Ironman, and a Coach. He helped settle my breathing and me down. No clue how long I held on, but I didn’t care about time, just wanted away from the craziness. I decided I needed to get going and off I went. But ended up right in the mix again and had to head back out to another kayak. Thinking to myself WTF Kristin – you’re better than this, you can easily do this stupid swim, stick to your play swim the outside – you didn’t fight through this entire year to end it like this. Well, I guess I wasn’t talking to myself – because the guy in the kayak said – yes, just stick to the outside and you’ll be fine. Finally ok I continued on my swim, eventually settled in. End of the first lap I did see I think some sort of sand shark which was cool, and of course a ton of jelly fish mostly well below the surface. Coming into land for the second lap I got one more kick in the goggles by some guy doing breaststroke. Thanks sir – may I have another? In for the second lap – smiling this time – I stopped and yelled to 1st kayaker to thank him and give him a thumbs up. A little late – but I was cool, calm and confident.
2011 Ironman Florida Swim Start Video
T-1:
Heading through swim-bike transition I saw
Greg taking pictures and yelling for me. Why am I the only one running, and
everyone else strolling?? I ran into the t-1 change room and found a
volunteer. She was awesome – dumped my bag, asked me what I wanted to wear – as
I dried myself off she organized my stuff then help me get my sports bra and
jersey on. She put all my left over stuff back in the bag. I need one of these
volunteers at home!
Bike
Off I went - heading out of transition I heard a British accent on a mega-phone w crowd support - Kristin Kristin Kristin...it was Grant and the rest of the gang!! I was smiling big and was able to high fived Grant as I headed out on the bike. From then on smiled the entire time even while I was throwing up at least 15 times and dry heaving which started at mile 3 and ended around 110 (sorry for those behind me – I tried to get away from everyone). I think I drank too much seawater and that upset my stomach. Loved all but 10 miles of the bike - between mile 50-60 brutal head winds and a nasty bumpy road. I was going 19-20 mph then slowed to 14-15 through that zone. I decided not to fight through the head wind and wear myself out – still had half a ride to go. I stopped at the half way mark to grab a bagel w/peanut butter (hoping I could keep that down) out of my special needs bag and to make a pit stop. Heading back on the bike at about the 109-mile marker I think - Maureen was yelling her head off doing the windmill with Shari and Shawn.
The run was soon to be here and I was nervous. I wasn't sure how much nutrition stayed in my system vs. exiting. I know I ended the bike 1 1/2 bottles (or 600-800 calories) short of my planned nutrition intake, and I didn’t get down all my shot bloks. That left me scared heading to the run - I knew if I kept throwing up chances of completing the run were good. Also knew if I didn't get fuel in me - I'd crash big time early on in the run.
T-2:
My change was quick. I was lightheaded and a bit off balance coming off the bike. I knew I couldn’t sit or stop moving – I just had to keep going. Cup of water and I was out the doors. Exiting I went through the sun tan lotion people…they hit my face, arms, and legs…oh and my neck. Which at that point of the lotion hitting my neck I felt an intense burning/stinging sensation…I took two steps, bent over and begged another volunteer to take it off – he dumped water on my neck and cleaned it away. Yes, this was really the first time I knew I screwed up and didn’t put enough lubricant between my wetsuit and skin. I hit the Port-o-potty pit stop on the way out and I was off.
Run:
Ran out of transition area to head out on the
run and saw Greg and Grant - got me some hugs then went down the a few yards to
see Dave and got me another hug. The first 10 miles was slow and painful and
involved several pit stops - I got pretty dizzy and light headed at the 10-mile
marker so I walked for about a minute. I was unsure and unsettled as to what
exactly was going on… wasn't sure if it was nutrition or my meniere's episode
coming on. Either way I knew it wasn't good and needed to battle through.
Decided I have to run and can't walk - will only walk through aid stations to
make sure fuel is getting in my system. I started eating whatever I could
that my body would allow me to swallow, and started drinking both coke and
water - never drank coke in a race - drank it at every aid station this race!
I saw Greg, Grant, Dave, and Nancy between mile 11 and 12 - they were yelling
and cheering on the megaphone. Greg was running around runners jumping over
bushes to try to take pictures. With Grant’s word of the day – that was
“Awesome.” Seeing them just lifted my spirits big time and just when I
needed encouragement the most - it gave me that added incentive to push through
and put a little pep in my step. I then saw Maureen, Shawn, and Shari yelling
their heads off at the 13.1 turn around and I lit up smiling. I had just 13.1
miles to go! I made the turn and saw 3 of my teammates. 1 - Mike was just
passing me and he was looking strong, there was no way I could keep up. He did
the same thing to me at Charleston! (Mike is blamed for being responsible
for pushing me over the edge to do an Ironman – thank you Mike!) I next saw
Angie and shortly after Gina, both looking strong. Knowing that we were
relatively all together gave me the extra push to keep going. The second half
of the marathon was great. I kept pushing, and knees were surprisingly feeling
good. I was doing crazy calculations in my head (like how long it would take
Gina and Angie to catch me since they are better runners then me) – my
calculations made total since to me at the time, after all math is my strength
especially on mile 130 of an Ironman, haha. My run was feeling stronger on the
second look then the first look, and I was feeling overall much better. I
somehow caught up to Mike at mile 20 or 21 I think and we ran a bit together
then I lost him at a fueling zone. I continued the run counting down every mile
- 6.2 to go, 5.2 to go, 4.2, 3.2, 2.2 - my legs and body starting to get really
tight and my time started slowing down...1.2 - you f**king got this - pick your
damn legs up - made the left turn to start down the shoot - looking ahead crowd
cheering. I saw Shari on the right side yelling - we high fived! I was
looking up to see this massive Ford arch and thinking....I've never been so
happy to see a Ford logo in my life (and yes I wore my Chevy kit during the
ride). I cross the finish line take a few steps to hear Mike Madden announced
right after me - we finished basically together! How awesome! The guy that
pushed me over the edge to do Ironman, and we finished together!! Freaking sooo
cool! Got to the picture zone and struck the “tiger pose” for my buddy
Scott Meadows – Scott – you asked for it and you got it What a surreal
feeling! This proves when you WANT something and are willing to WORK and
sacrifice for it...dreams do come true.
Post race:
After pictures, Dave and Grant went to pick up my transition bags and bike while Maureen, Shari, Nancy, Shawn and Greg walked me back to my condo. There I iced down and called home to let my folks know I was alive and was an Ironman! The boys poured some wine for a celebration toast. Everyone was starving so I got in the shower to get ready to go out. While in the shower, I'm screaming "ouch" at each tender raw skin spot the water hits – my neck, under my arms, breast bone (frm heart rate monitor). In the mean time, Grant is becoming an Ironman as well…putting on my IMFL warm up jacket, bib number, medal, sunglasses, and aero helmet. Still w megaphone in hand – Grant politely cracks the bathroom door to ask (through the megaphone) “uh, Kristin are you ok?" Do you need anyone to come help you?” Dyeing of laughter, I declined, finished my shower, put on my compression tights then off to Mellow Mushroom where the Megaphone may have become a legend…ooorrrr something.
Sunday:
Breakfast with my peeps then to pick up my personal driver Mr. Angie King, er Jeremy, to drive me home. Thank you so much Jeremy for driving!
To my “possy”
You are each freaking awesome. From day one of me committing to do Ironman, you had my back. Greg - you were the first to know I took the plunge and you were so excited for me. When you weren’t seeing me out because I was training – you each understood and lovingly gave me a hard time, tell me you missed me, then would make me take the time to come out anyways even if it was less than an hour and I was all sweaty. Words can't describe how much you and your friendships mean to me. You were cheering your butts off the entire race for me and other racers you didn’t even know. You truly took care of me before, during and after the race – just like when you took care of me during the months I wasn’t feeling great. No questions asked - you all are just there. I get emotional just thinking about it. All the support at the race and from friends and fam everywhere else - wow....what did I ever do to deserve this, how lucky am I to have been so fortunate to have met and have all you awesome people in my life. The support you gave me added that umph I needed to get through and kick ass and have fun. You are the true definition of friendship. Thank you for being apart of one of my dreams coming true.
To Team Anderson:
I couldn’t have asked for better people to train with and experience Ironman with. Training days went by faster and full of laughter (mostly), and the race was more than we ever imagined. Seeing you each on the course was fantastic and kept my kick going on the run. Jason, Mike, Angie, Gina – YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!
What's next?
Races aren't on the schedule yet for 2012. After the Ride Across America in 2010 and Ironman in 2011 - my body needs a little recovery period...just a little. I won't be doing an Ironman in 2012...but yes, someday will do another one. For now my focus turns to spending quality time with my dog, my friends, and work. Don't worry - I'll still be riding and doing tri's...just nothing too over the top...yet.
Ironman & Asthma...how do you train?
Training for Ironman Florida with exercise induced asthma is not unlike going for a walk, doing a 5k, tennis, bike ride, playing soccer, or any other physical activity. It comes down to being able to know the signs and symptoms that are triggers for an asthma attack. These triggers can be vastly different from person to person. After learning individual triggers, then it's learning how to manage them. Developing a asthma management system with your Asthma Doctor is key. I use a daily maintenance inhaler twice a day, as well as a rescue inhaler that I use as needed.
Finding the right daily management system and quantity has made a world of difference in how I feel on a daily basis when not training, and especially before/during/after training session. That feeling of an elephant standing on my chest 24hrs a day no longer exists.
Now, during a fast hard climb or at the end of a race when I'm sprinting as hard as I can - you will probably hear me before you see me. Yes, I will be wheezing and coughing as I cross the finish line reaching for my rescue inhaler. Race officials at the finish line usually want to get me a medic - after taking hits off my inhale - all is well again.
Exercise-induced asthma symptoms can include:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Fatigue during exercise
- Poor athletic performance
Calling all Riders! RIDE FOR CAUSE
Riders,
Mac Smith's in Anderson, SC is a beloved institution for all cyclist in the area. Upstate cyclists are familiar with the phrases.... All roads lead to Mac's, I'll meet you at Mac's, I am turning around at Mac's, I need to use the restroom at Mac's, and last but not least all of the infamous tales of the sprint to Mac's! I think we have all been thankful many times for the bathroom, water, and the shade of the porch to refuel for those long rides. There have been many Saturdays that the SVR has taken over the whole parking lot!
Mac Smith's had a benefit for a friend of his suffering from cancer. This young man, Ted, is 26 years old with a wife and a new baby. His wife worked at Mac's, but had to be let go due to the economy. This family has no insurance to help with their mounting medical bills.
I doubt if Mac even knows what a blessing his store is and how much he "gives" to us, so let's show him and "give" back to him!
We would like to take up a collection and deliver it to Mac's on one of our Saturday Velo/Vance Rides this coming Saturday, February 12 at 9:00AM. You can donate cash or check (make to Ted Terrell). No amount is too small! Prayers for this young family are needed and certainly appreciated!
We are all so blessed to be able to physically get out and do something that we love....let's pass some of those blessings on!!
The ride starts at 0901 from the parking lot of New Spring Church in Anderson just off Hwy 81N. Come one, come all.
Thank you!
and
See You Saturday!
http://andersoncyclist.blogspot.com/
Hey - I made my hometown paper!
When I lived in Indiana, I wasn't a cyclist. I loved riding my bike, but it was more of means of transportation to Mac Park (community pool) or to my Grandma's. When I was done with my athletic career and living in Nashville, I was seeking a way to get back in shape, feel like an athlete again. I read an article on triathlons, and thought, sounds like fun. I was hooked to riding and tri's since.
Click here for the Indiana Gazette story .
Smith Chevrolet supports Asthmatic cyclist to bike across America for American Lung Association
Post Ride Your Carolina Interview!
Ride Reflection
Going into the ride, I was filled with anxiety about training, nutrition, and of course CAMPING every night! To prepare myself I hired a coach, but still thought there would be days that my legs would just hurt and I wouldn't be able to walk. Coach Dan Shelby did an fabulous job of getting me into shape. Overall day after day I felt great. My legs kept going and pushing hard and felt good after the rides. Even after cranking 112 miles I was still walking without pain! Thanks coach!
Nutrition, I can't say that I mastered this, but have gotten much better. Prior to the ride, I had to teach myself how to eat while riding - eating gels, nutrition bars, and drinking. It sounds simple enough, but this has always been my hardest task when it comes to endurance events. My stomach is simply sensitive. I found a Accell Gel - Raspberry flavor that I learned to eat and actually like, mini cliff bars, and PowerBar Endurance & Recovery drink or back up Gatorade. Although I learned to eat the gel and Cliff bars on the bike (small portions at a time) - there was one eating task I didn't think about. Eat a decent size meal then ride! Talk about acid reflux! Ug. My body was use to letting breakfast and/or lunch food settle before heading out for any type of workout. However, on the Big Ride, it's eat and go. The breakfast foods were typical for me - a bowl of cheerios and a banana. But getting on my bike right after eating, even if I peddled easy for the first 10-15 miles, it just wouldn't sit well, and sometimes didn't stay at all. As the days went by, my issue only grew worse. This part of the ride - I don't miss.
Camping: I'm constantly ask if I got "use to sleeping in a tent" - I can't say that it was horrible, and I can't say that I got use to it. It's just what we had to do. Days that we were lucky enough to stay in High School gyms put a smile on my face. Granted I was still sleeping on my air mattress, but it saved time putting up and breaking down my tent, another words an extra 15 min of sleep! As for the days we got to stay in dorms - well, I really appreciated a bed! Yes, I did splurge on a couple rest days for a hotel - I thought I was in heaven!! Cushy bed, dark room, peace & quiet, secluded from all others...yes, it was worth every penny spent.
Here is more personal ride reflection via video while I was on the ride. This was done during our last week of riding.
Terrian Maps!
This is one example of the terrain maps - this is in Montana crossing the continental divide.
Day 47: 2 days remain!
Mileage: 60
Dedication: Thank you to the Carolina Chevy Dealers
Gettysburg was our final rest day, and many of us opted to enjoy it in an air conditioned hotel on the Gettysburg Square. The camp site was just over 2 miles away - and of course we didn't have a car to transport our luggage. Loaded up, I made my way to camp to load my gear and depart for Poolesville. It was very interesting riding with an extra 40 lbs on my back - I was a bit of a weeble-wable on the way out.
Once to camp - I received some cool mail from from friends. Cards of encouragement & congrats, and three awesome t-shirts from "Team Snyder", aka Sherry & Bonnie. I have said it many times - I have the best friends anyone could ask for! Opening up my cards and packages each rest day was extremely fun - this morning the shirts just brought the biggest smile to my face. What better way to start a day!
Dedication picture: I cannot thank the 12 Carolina Chevy Dealers that supported me since the day that I committed to this ride. Their backing and support has been outstanding. Its great to have a group of business men who are committed to supporting their communities and looking for ways to make a difference.
Day 47 Video
Day 16 Hardin, MT to Sheridan, WY
July 6
To Sheridan, WY. Day 16
Chilly and wet morning! Last night rain came through leaving our tents soaked for 5:00AM wake up. Packing a wet tent isn't ideal. Luckily, once we got to camp in Sheridan, WY it was sunny and we were able to set up and dry out our belongings.
I was worried about it raining the entire trip - but it didn't. It was just overcast and cold for the ride with headwinds for at least 60 of the 85 miles. We hit the 1000 mile mark cumulative - total miles to date on Big Ride as of today is 1078.8! We are 1/3 of the way to DC!! Hard to believe!
Nothing to exciting to see on today's trip except for the battle ground where Custer's Last Stand took place and the Welcome to Wyoming sign - our 4th state! Pics coming soon.
Today I started out with my "family" riding group of Timmy and "son" Izzy. The three of us are a pretty tight group and brings many laughs during the long days. Today I did get to ride more with the other Tim - Big Tim. Big Tim is a very strong rider and is getting more comfortable with the long mileagle. Although, today, both of us felt that we didn't have the legs, that we were pushing lead. The headwinds didn't help that feeling. With 20 miles left, the winds changed direction and we were able to crusie into camp chit chatting away. It's always great when riding conditions and road traffic allow the opportunity to socialize on the bike.
The evening was capped by ribs at Wyomming Ribs in downtown Sheridan. The boys got the ribs while the girls got the linguine...guys won because they got our left overs...I think the have this planned out. A trip to KMart for supplies to boot and then back here at the camp site.I'm very tired. Time to curl up and get some sleep for a 112 mile ride tomorrow. Ummm....next destination? Hummm, I'll let you know in the morning.
-Kristin
