Hawaii Ironman

^{PLACE & TIME:}  Robin 42nd - 11:34:10

 (1:14:44-3:07-6:19:24-3:44-3:53:11)

Previous PRs or Personal Records:

(Click on pictures to make bigger)

Iron Prayer (two days before race) - Troy and I have been a part of this wonderful ministry since 2000.  This has to be our biggest service yet so far.  We had over 180 people in attendance!  Praise God!

The Race -

Part of my support crew (Anna, Troy, Leonie and Rich) and I wake up at 4:30am.  Leonie and Rich are going to grab a spot on the rock wall along the swim course.  We all quickly get ready to leave at 4:45am.  I'm nervous and excited!  As I'm putting on my tri shirt and shorts, Troy asks me if I'm wearing the shirt.  "I was planning on it.  Should I wear my swim suit?"  Doubt enters my mind.  Why didn't I think about this sooner!  I wish I had one of those cool speed suits that pulls over my outfit.  No, my decision not to spend an extra $300 was a good one...stick to the plan and don't covet!  I try to put the unease I have aside and focus on getting some toast and grabbing the gear I'll need this morning.  My bike and most of the gear is already at the transition area so there isn't that much to carry this morning.

Troy drops Leonie, Rich and I off near the race start.  I hug Troy and give Anna a kiss.  As I approach the transition area I hug Leonie and Rich and head off to get body marked and turn in my special needs bags (my own personal nutrition for the bike and run).  The body marking is really cool here!  They use rubber stamps on my arms to make the perfect race numbers.  Troy warned me that these would be burned into my arms later. 

Next, I head over to my bike to add my Garmin (GPS computer) and bottles.  Then I head off to put more gear in my T1 bag (Swim to Bike) and T2 bag (Bike to Run).  A nice volunteer, Dottie, accompanies me to my bags.  She flew in the night before from Honolulu with her triathlon team.  It's nice talking to her.  It takes the edge off of my nervous energy.  I decide to wear just my jog bra for the swim and put my jersey in my T1 bag.  Still wondering if it would be better to wear a swim suit and take the time to change after the swim.  Rookie mistake to not have figured this out sooner...no, it's too late for changes now...move on!

I'm all done with the transition area.  I call Troy and find out where the gang is meeting.  Troy and Anna take me to Leonie and Rich who have secured a sweet spot on the wall!  It's hugs all around again.  Picture time too!  Dad had to go back for his camera so I probably won't see him.  We talk about my decision to go with my jog bra.  I tell them I'm happy with my decision but there still is some doubt.  Troy and I talk about where I should wait and position myself in the race.  We decide that I'll swim out before the start and grab onto a tire on the pier or the float holding the Ford car (yes, really!).  We decide I should be on the left and in the middle of the pack unless it's crowed there.  Otherwise the center and middle.  Oh, here comes Mom and Hilde!  It's good to see them.  Hugs!  Here comes Liesbeth, too!  Wow, this is a great moment! 

A few more last minute pictures and a kiss from Troy.  It's almost go time!  I head to the transition area to get in the water.  I swim out towards the end of the pier where there are tires along the edge.  I notice that my jog bra is making some major drag.  I try to tell myself that's it's not a big deal and focus on grabbing onto a tire.  As I am waiting I look underwater below me and I see a turtle.   I wonder if this is the one I saw the day before the race.  He's pretty brave to be out near all these crazy triathletes.  The water isn't completely full of triathletes so he's in for a surprise. 

I'm really close to the pros.  It's pretty cool!  I look up and see some Navy Seals skydiving down to the water.  They are helping support the swim today.  I was secretly hoping one of them would be my brother.  He just got back from Iraq and couldn't be here today.

Suddenly the pros are off!  I have 10 more minutes to wait until I get to my starting spot.  A few more folks put up on the tire.  One of them is a mom and she tells me her daughter is officially a teenager today.  She says that the race will be nothing compared to raising a teenager! 

It's 5 minutes now to the start.  As I swim over to my spot I realize the jog bra is going to be a big problem.  Think!  I remember that I'm wearing my heart rate monitor.  I get an idea to pull it on top of my top.  It works!  Great hopefully I'll still be able to have a good swim. 

I can hear Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman, say "have fun out there now" in a soothing voice.  Just as I start to relax, boom!  The cannon fires and we are off!  It's crowded out here!  I have a great draft but I also feel like I need to get around some of these people.  To avoid bodies I find myself drifting to the right where the paddle boarders are keeping a tight line for the race.  Soon I find myself almost on top of a board.  I look for a hole in the line of bodies.  There's one!  I take it and find a small open area. 

Just as I'm thinking that this is nice that I have all this space I find myself right back in a thick crowd.  I'm dodging arms and trying to avoid feet.  This is a one loop course so I'm hoping that things will spread out soon.  I take peaks at the course ahead of me and keep my eye on the Body Glove boat that marks the turn around point.  I'll soon be there!  I feel strong today and actually wish I seeded myself further up in the crowd.  No worries!  Make the best of it!

As I get close to the boat it's still very crowded.  I anticipate that it will be even worse making the turn back home so I try to position myself a little further out.  I round the turn and I find myself in a pretty good spot.  I wonder if I'll make my goal time of 1 hour and 10 minutes.  I glance at my watch and see 34 minutes.  Great!  Right on track!

I'm now around the last corner.  A little over half way...no problem!  As I continue along, my goggles are really hurting me!  I tightened them up before the race so that they wouldn't get kicked off.  There is no way these things are coming off, but they sure hurt!  It would be silly to stop and adjust them so I try other ways to relieve the headache they are causing... like smiling.  That kind of works.  Squinting.  That's better but not great.  I try pushing the lens with my right hand every few strokes.  Not quite.  I keep experimenting and find that squinting is the best technique. 

I don't feel as strong and it seems like I'm slowing down.  Keep looking ahead!  I can see the pier now but it still seems far away.  I glance at my watch 1 hour and 5 minutes!  There's no way I'll get there in 5 minutes!  Okay, no problem.   Just try for 1:12. 

Now, I'm alongside the pier!  Almost there!  I look again at my watch.. 1:12.  Okay, finish under 1:14!  I get to the stairs.  Some nice volunteers help me get my bearing.  I run through the garden hose showers and to my bike bag.  I dump out my shirt and glasses and put them on quickly.  Troy had me roll up my jersey so I can roll in right on. 

Now I'm off to my bike!  My pedals are already on the bike because a volunteer told me I couldn't put them in my T1 bag.  I'm concerned about getting my feet into the shoes while on the bike in time to go up the steep hill.  I haven't practiced this enough so instead  I pull the shoes off and run with them to the bike exit.  Then I throw on my shoes and head out on the bike.  All the incredible energy from the crowds and the excitement of being here brings tears to my eyes! 

I'm looking forward to seeing the gang on Kuakini Highway (south), a short out and back section in town.  It will be a while before I see everyone again.  First, we do a short loop out to the Queen Kaahumanu ("Queen K") Highway.  The Queen K is where I'll spend most of the time on the bike and run.  Troy describes it as "black (lava), barren, hot, humid and either stifling still if you're running, or gusting wind if you're biking."  Others describe it as "mind numbing".  I bike down Palani Rd. and hear my name being called by the announcer, Wit Raymond.  He knows Troy and I and tells the crowd that Troy & Anna are here cheering me on...that's sweet!

I'm heading up Kuakini now and see the gang ahead!  What great energy to get me pumped up!  I smile and wave.  Soon after I reach the first timing mat at the turn-around.  Mile 5: The mat picks up the signal on my timing chip on my ankle and sends my stats to the web.  I'm averaging 18.8 mph.  Good pace, but the race has just started.  Back down Kuakini and there's the gang again!  This is great! 

Now it's back up Palani and onto the Queen K.  Okay, the real work begins!  There are tons of bikes out here and it makes it hard to keep the required distance of 4 bike lengths between me and the bikes ahead.  Otherwise I will be penalized for drafting.  Suddenly I see a bike go down .25mi ahead of me.  I see the bike fly off onto the shoulder.  I get closer and see it's a woman and she's not getting up.  I think back to the Iron Prayer service....  Triathlete and pastor Lincoln Murdoch  read us Ps 119:32, "I shall run the way of Your commandments, for You will enlarge my heart" (New American Standard).  He encouraged us to have an "enlarged" heart for the other athletes out there.  Also, at the athlete race meeting, the bike race director had mentioned we should be ready to help others out there in need.  I bike up to her and ask if she needs help and she says yes.  I immediately pull over and ask if I could pray with her.  She says yes.  When I ask her name she pauses before saying "Gaylia".  This is a sure sign something isn't right.  I pray with her, asking for God's healing hand upon her.  Then I tell the bikes going by to request help.  Gaylia asks how she looks.  I scan her body and report road rash and a cracked helmet.  She says she'll bike to the next aid station and get checked out and that I should go ahead.  I feel uneasy leaving, like I should do more.  I see a guy on a mountain bike coming in the opposite direction.  I tell him that someone crashed and he says, "I know" and bikes right by.  He must be heading towards her.  I see a spectator on the side of the road up ahead.  She's talking to someone on her cell phone about the crash.  I shout out "her number is 725 and her name is Gaylia".  I hear the woman repeat the information.  That makes me feel a little better but I want to do more.  I see some policemen on the opposite side of the road.  I ride over to them and tell them about the crash.  They stare at me blankly.  I'm shocked when they just stand there and make no motion to do anything.  Suddenly I see Gaylia bike by.  "That's her, number 725".  Again, nothing....what's wrong with them?!  Forget it.  I jump back into the race.  I catch up to Gaylia and ask how she's doing.  She tells me that she's fine and will stop up ahead.  "Good, be careful".   She says she will bike slow.  I feel better but still wishing I could do more.

Life on the Queen K is tough.  There continues to be quite a few cyclists around me so I have to make sure I'm not drafting.  If a cyclist's wheel gets ahead of me, I have to back off until they get 4 lengths ahead before I can re-pass.  If they're not serious about the pass, they will slow afterwards and force me to slow down, too.  I remember Troy telling me to surge before they pass to make sure they're serious about the pass.  I've already been backing off quite a bit and know I need to be more aggressive.  I see the shadow of  a bike coming up on me so I surge.  I hear a woman make a noise of frustration.  I know I'm not doing anything wrong so I just continue on.  Later she passes me and I recognize her from Big Kahuna...it's Teresa Rider.  She's a good cyclist!  I probably won't see much of her but who knows!

It's lava on both sides as far as you can see!  Troy said he'd be at Mile 40, the turn to go to Hawi.  I'm looking forward to that!

Mile 28: I'm averaging 18.2mph.  My goal is 17.5mph for a time of 6:25.  But there is still a lot of pavement to cover.

Mile 32: I reach the 10 mile stretch that Troy had me ride on Thursday.  He said the cross winds can be horrible here.  It's actually quiet here!  Yeah!  This might mean that it's going to be a mild day?!

Mile 40: No Troy?  I wonder if he's still on his way or maybe he wasn't allowed to come out here.  I hope I'll see him when I come back in a couple hours!  Ah, downhill!  I push hard and fly down.  I'm trying to take full advantage of the downhills or tailwinds...free speed!  I take a right turn at the bottom and start my 19 mile journey up to Hawi.  Where are the pros?  I need a distraction!

A few miles up the road I can see a cyclist coming.  It's California's Chris Lieto!  Alright!  "Go Chris!".  Where's Normann (Germany), Macca (Australia) or DeBoom (USA)?  A bunch of guys go by and it's too hard to see faces.

Mile 49: Things are great until 10 miles to Hawi.  This is NOT a mild day!  Now I know what real Hawaiian cross-winds are like!  It's scary but surprisingly I'm able to keep my speed pretty even.  It's hard to predict the gusts so I keep one arm in the aero bars and one off to keep me steady.  It's so weird - when it blows hard, I'm riding sideways.  I've run out of my Sustained Energy and I only have water.  I take in a banana at an aid station and look forward to getting my Special Needs bag in Hawi.

It's a long, gradual climb to Hawi and it slows down my average.  I focus on the pros coming towards me as a distraction.  A pro girl goes by.  Up the road I see Heather!  "Go Heather!" Wow, Desiree is way back there!  I hope she gets back up there! 

Mile 59: I make it to Hawi and the turn around!!  My average for the last 31 miles is 17.5.  I'm happy considering the good chunk of climbing.  Special Needs!!  Yeah!  Our experiment with the Polar Water bottles works!  My drinks are cold and slushy, not hot and yucky!  I'm heading back to Troy (mile 76) and the Queen K.  Surprisingly, the cross winds don't seem as bad going this way!  I'm flying downhill again and pushing hard.  I wonder if a headwind awaits me somewhere.  Where are the cyclists?  It seems like I’ve entered the Bike Twilight Zone.  No need to worry about drafting now! 

I see Scott Rigsby coming the other direction.  He's hopefully going to be the 1st double below-the-knee amputee to complete ANY Ironman!  He spoke at Iron Prayer too.  "Praise God, Scott!"

Mile 76: I'm almost to the turn to the Queen K.  There's Troy and Anna!!  He tells me my dad is ahead...hey Dad!  That's a nice boost!  I hope it carries me home.  The next 8 miles go pretty well.

Mile 88: My average for the last 29 miles is 18.4.  Yeah!  I might match my Ironman Coeur d'Alene time of 6 hours 5min!   But I still have a ways to go!  I look forward to seeing the airport which is 8 miles from town.  Indeed, All this lava is mind numbing!  And major headwind!  There are not many bikes around me to keep things interesting.   Suddenly a girl passes me on the right (you're only supposed to pass on the left).  I tell her not to do that.  No response.  Then a guy comes up on the right.  I tell him not to do that and He goes around on the left.  Another woman comes up on my left!  As I say something to her, she points to my left, as if to say I'm blocking her.  The rules say to ride on the right side of the road near the white line.  That’s where I’m at.  Soon 2 more pass on the right!  One girl even does it after a ref goes by on a motorcycle.  No one seems to be going into the road where you’re supposed to pass I must be missing something here.

Mile 103: Finally I see the airport!  The miles click off slowly.  My average is dropping… closer to my original goal time.  I’m turning off the road heading towards T2!  My average for the last 34 miles is 16.6!  The slowest yet, but my overall is 17.7mph for a 6:19 finish!  Yeah, I still beat my goal time! 

Into transition!  I hand off my bike to a volunteer (so nice!), grab my bag and head into the changing tent.  I take my time getting gear on.  I make sure to stop for sunscreen.  They spray it on and I wonder if that's going to help much.  I'm out on the run course...yeah!  I feel pretty good, the crowds are pumped up and so am I.  Just before the first mile I see Anna and Troy.  Anna's holding out her hand for a high five.  I stop, give her five and a hug.  I head up to Troy and give him a hug.  He tells me that Mom, Dad and Hilde are on the other side of the street.  I give them big waves and tell them I love them.

Mile 1 is 8:19.  Whoa!  Don't go any faster than that!  I feel good but I'm not sure that will continue.  This is the most beautiful part of the run course.  I'm running by the ocean and there are beautiful trees and plants and  lots of people cheering!  I wonder who is winning the men's race.  I hope it's Macca!  At the aid station I opt for Gatorade, ignoring the drinks I'm carrying (Sustained Energy and Heed).  I know they are better for me but I just feel like something else now.

Mile 2 is 8:20.  There's Leonie, Rich, the Freys, Amanda and Rachel!  There are big cheers!  Leonie runs along side me to give me support and Troy-tips.  I love her energy!  She reminds me to utilize the ice and water and tells me that my friend Sierra is 5 minutes ahead of me.  Thanks Leonie!!

Mile 3 is 8:19.  I don't think I can keep this pace up but I'm getting attached to the notion that I can.  I feel like pushing more but resist.  A girl from IM Coeur d'Alene passes me.  I tell her good job but can’t remember her name.  A girl in green and in my age group comes by and tells me Christ is my strength.  That's so sweet and a great reminder!  I tell her thanks and good job.

Mile 4 is 8:28.  I'm not feeling as strong but maybe I can hold this pace.  I see Hector Tovar.  He's looking good.  I'm passing quite a few girls now.

Mile 5 is 8:40.  Getting harder!  I make the turn around and now it's back to my cheer crowd...yeah!

Mile 6 is 8:34.  Better, but will this last?!

Mile 7 is a 9:01.  I really want to walk!!  I know I'm going to see the gang soon. I can't do that in front of them.  I can keep running!  Just before mile 8 I stop and walk.  This doesn't feel right!  I have friends and family that came all the way over here to watch me...run! 

Mile 8 is 9:24.  Ugh! At least it doesn't seem overwhelmingly hot.  Where's the gang...there they are.  The energy is high and I cannot help but smile through the discomfort.  Leonie and Rich are running ahead of me, waving signs and cheering me on.  Leonie is actually running and jumping...love it!  I tell them thanks so much.  Wow, that helped!

Mile 9 is 9:12.  Steady!  Keep running!  I see Troy, Anna, Mom, Dad & Hilde.  More cheers and smiles.  I smile and wave.  I don't show the discomfort because I don't want to worry Mom and Dad.  I see Pro  Brad Seng heading to the finish.  "Go Brad".  I see Carrie Chavez and ask her who won the men's race.  It was Macca...yeah!  I ask her how her super-fast hubby, Steve, is doing.  She says good.  Yeah!

Soon I'm heading up steep Palani.  I want to walk so bad but I just shuffle up.  I'm now on the Queen K.  Lava, yeah...not!  A few of the girls I passed have passed me back.  Oh well!

Mile 10 is a 9:21.  Hold this pace, hold this pace!  I see Heather Gollnick.  She looks strong but I can’t tell where she is in the field. 

Mile 11 is 9:51!  Ouch!  It cannot get any worse than that!  I see Sierra ahead.  I bridge up and we catch up on the day and even life stuff.  She's engaged, cool!  It's been a tough day for her but she has a great attitude.  We both long to cross the finish line. 

Mile 12 is a 9:05.  Great!  Time flies when you're talking to a friend!  Sierra and I separate at the next aid station.  I shout encouragement back to her.

Mile 13 is a 9:09.  I'm coming back to life.  Thanks Jesus!  Thanks for that boost from my chat with Sierra.  I see Hector.  He's struggling physically but he has an awesome attitude as always!  I tell him I'll pray for him.

Mile 14 is a 9:01.  Feeling alive!

Mile 15 is a 9:03.  Good!

Mile 16 is a 9:07.  Time for Cola!  I've been waiting for this!  Caffeine baby!  I've been fasting from all caffeine for two weeks, just like at IM Coeur d'Alene, and I'm looking forward to really feeling the effects now!  I'm heading down to the "Natural Energy Lab" (NEL) along the beach!  Only racers are allowed down here so this is a treat.  I see Bruce Belden coming back up .  He smiles and says hi.  I say hi.  Farther down I see  the girl in green and we wave.

Mile 17 is a 9:15.  More Cola!  I can get my special needs soon but I haven't drank what I'm carrying.  Hum?!  I make the turn around and head back out. 

Mile 18 is a 9:34. I opt to skip my special needs and dump what I'm carrying to lighten the load.  I'm on the Cola plan now (and the broth plan if I can find any out here).  I see Sierra and Hector on the way out.  We cheer for each other and offer encouragement.

Mile 19 is a 9:43.  No problem!  It was a climb out of the NEL so it's to be expected. 

Mile 20 is a 8:55.  Wow, thanks God!  I just might make my goal finish time!  Wouldn't that be something!

Mile 21 is a 9:16.  Feeling good mostly.  I feel a slight twinge in my groin.  I think if I push the run any harder it might seize up...careful!  I see folks running towards me with glow sticks which is a sign that they will be out here after dark.  I’m in the “no glow stick” window now.  Thanks God for honoring that desire of my heart!

Mile 22 is a 8:34.  Wow, there's Troy with Anna in the stroller!  He ran out here for me!  What a great coach and hubby!  He tells me I look great.  He reminds me that the race is over at the top of Palani (Mile 24+) because it's downhill and cheers all the way home from there..  Yes, almost done!  I cannot believe I've made it this far with no crashes, injuries, or stomach problems!  Again, thank you Lord!

Mile 23 is a 9:14.  Troy runs by with Anna in the stroller.  He's running pretty quick and talking to me at the same time!  He encourages me to keep pushing the pace.  He says at mile 24 to say a prayer and thank God for this great race He has given me.  I'm totally up for that(=

Mile 24 is a 9:07.  I thank God for this race and for my support crew!  I see Troy up ahead turn off to take a short cut back to the finish.  One last hill to the top of Palani.  I made it!!  Home free now!

Mile 25 is a 9:07.  I hit the “hot corner”, which turns towards the finish, and see the Freys, Amanda and Rachel cheering.  I smile and wave.  A little further up is Pastor Lincoln Murdoch and his wife Jen.  I give Lincoln a high five.

I cannot wait to cross that finish line with my Mom and Dad.  I see them.  They come along side me.  We hold hands and run the last 300 yards together on this famous stretch of Ali’I Dr.  Here, The crowds are thick and the energy is incredible.  We run up a ramp (cruel!) to the finish.  Together we cross the line and I raise my hands to the Lord.  I think back to when I stopped to help Gaylia on the bike. This race is a big deal but God knew it was a bigger deal to have His heart for others.  I’ll never regret stopping and will never feel that I lost time or wasted anything.  God allowed me to “soar on wings like eagles…run and not grow weary” (Isaiah 40:31).  My goal was to cross the finish at 11:35.  I crossed at 11:34:10…Praise the Lord, for He is good!

Lots of Energy!

Yeah!

Thanks Gang!

Major Sunburn!

 *First Below the Knee Double Amputee to Complete the Ironman Distance!!!