The IRONMAN World Championships is known for its harsh race conditions and is widely considered one of the most difficult one-day sporting events in the world.
In 2005, I finished my first triathlon. If ask back then if I wanted to go to Kona, I would have quickly said, Kona? What's Kona? Kona wasn't my driving force when I started the sport. My goals evolved from finishing sprint races, to doing half IRONMAN distance. Then improving speed at Olympic to finishing an IRONMAN. After finishing my first IRONMAN, I knew I wanted to race on the worlds toughest stage. I trained day in and day out for 5 years trying to earn a spot at the world championships. Twelve IRONMAN races later and I was eligible for a Legacy slot and I jumped right on that.
My journey to the start line in Kona was one I never envisioned. My dad was diagnosed with cancer in April of this year. He was diagnosed with a very rare for of cancer and I took this opportunity to race for a cause. Not only did it give more meaning to my training, it gave my dad hope. Together we raised $6,905 benefiting the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for Double-hit lymphoma research. CLICK HERE for an article featured on Ironman.com
Now for the details of my experience in Kona, Hawaii.
Race Week
I arrived in Hawaii with my husband, Charlie on Sunday, October 4, six days before the race, joined by my family on Wednesday. I was able to swim most of the race course, experience the wind on the Queen K, watch the Parade of Nations, run in the Underpants Run for charity, meet the legends of IRONMAN (Paula, Dave, and Mark), and soak in the feeling of being at the world stage for IRONMAN. Race week went by in a flash and before I knew it, I was waking up on October 10.
Race Day
Breakfast did not come easy on race morning, the nerves were flying. I can't remember the last time I was this nervous, anxious, and excited for an event. It started with the norm, a bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit, almond butter and a cup of coffee. Charlie drove my mom and I to transition and the day began.
I was in line for the temporary tattoo number, then into transition to check the air in my tires, added nutrition to my bike, and soaked in the setting. The professional athletes racing started about an hour ahead of the age group women, so I was able to relax and get into the zone before the race.
2.4 mile swim: 01:11:33, 1:42/100 yd
Treading water at the start with nearly 650 of the worlds best IRONMAN woman was a moment I will never forget. The admiration I felt when I looked around brought tears to my eyes, I felt beyond lucky and so privileged to be there on the starting line with so many amazing women.Cannon Boom.......and it had begun. Crystal clear water quickly turned into a churning mix of arms, feet, bubbles and rush. Everyone on the worlds stage is gunning for the open space, all strong swimmers wanting to get the lead.
I wanted to enjoy this so much, I found myself giving way to the girls all for a better look at the corral and fishes below. A decision I was very happy with as I exited the water without any major collisions.
Transition Swim-to-Bike: 0:04:54
Fitting 2300 bikes on the pier is no small feat. Transition was a neat, clean, and perfectly laid out area. Exiting the swim, immediately you get to stand under hoses with fresh water, then your funneled to pick up your gear bag and then into a tent to change. I put my cylcing jersey on, socks and bike shoes, and out to the bike I go. Helmets are placed on your bike in Kona to save space on the hanging racks for the gear. Found my bike, buckled my helmet and off I went on the 112 mile ride towards Hawi (pronounced - Ha-vee) and back.
112 mile bike: 6:37:57, 16.9 mph
Entire workout by the numbers:Distance: 112 miles
Time: 6:37:59
Pace: 16.9 mph
Elevation gain: 4430 ft
Average Cadence: 84 rpm
Average Heart Rate: 143 bpm
Average Temperature: 95 F
The course by itself if challenging, add in the conditions (heat and wind) and it is truly amazing what the worlds best can do on this stage.
The course starts with a 7 mile section within downtown Kona before heading out onto the Queen Kaahumanu (Queen K) Highway. The energy around Kona is so high, the crowds are roaring, the 'hot corner' is calling out names of athletes and everywhere you look is happiness and smiles. I was all smiles during this section! I still couldn't believe I was here, racing Kona.
The next section heads north on the Queen K for about 34 miles, before turning to make the climb to Hawi. I remember riding thinking to myself, the air is oddly still. It almost felt as if we had a tailwind. The rolling hills were nothing and I was up and over them with ease.
I made the turn at Kawaihae and ahead of us on the climb were these dark ominous clouds covering the top of Kohala mountain. As I approached the seven mile climb to Hawi the winds had really started to pick up, however it wasn't the cross winds everyone warned me about, it was a direct head wind blasting you making the climb much more challenging. I keep my focus on my heart rate, ignored my speed and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge. Then in the final two miles, the skies opened up and it began to rain. Rain? Really?? It was a welcomed relief from the hot sun. And there it was the turn in Hawi, I knew at this point it was mainly downhill to the finish and I felt great.
Hawi Climb Stats: 6.5 miles, average pace 12.4 mph, average cadence, 84 rpm, average HR 150 bpm, 566 ft elevation gain.
Hawi Decent Stats: Average pace 27.9 mph, average cadence 78 rpm, average HR 124 bpm.
I was nervous before the race about the descent out of Hawi, the crosswinds are known to blow you so much you can be pushed off the road. Instead we had a blistering tail wind pushing us down the mountain. This was a relief as I was able to relax on the descent and recover from the climb.
After I made the turn south back onto the Queen K, I knew it was mainly downhill from here and I was so happy to be where I was: 79 miles in, ave HR was at 143 bpm, ave pace was a 17.7 mph, I was on point for the ride of my life.
This is when it started to get tough. The heat was relentless, I felt as if I was being cooked on the tarmac, similar to an egg on a skillet. The winds had really picked up but again it wasn't the crosswind I was expecting. It was into the teeth, a straight head wind the entire trip back to Kona.It took everything in me to remain positive, keep my HR in my goal zones and keep those pedals turning. But I did just that. My ave HR was 142 bpm, right on goal target. My speed however took a hit, ave pace for the final 31 miles was 15.2 mph. During the race, I didn't know my pace, I set my computer to display three things, Total Time, Heart Rate, and Cadence. I wasn't worried about my pace in the race, all I wanted to do was race smart and to my ability for the course and conditions.
Looking at the data, I wouldn't change a thing about how I rode the bike. I hit my goal HR numbers and keep my legs spinning. I road to my fullest capabilities and I am so proud of the ride I had.
What amazes me the most, is the strength, speed and power of the field. I am in awe of the fierceness and speed of the professional and age group athletes. This course tests you in every possible way, terrain, wind, and heat.
Transition Bike-to-Run: 0:06:25
I always feel so bad handing off my bike to the volunteers at the entrance to transition. But I am oh so thankful they are there to take them. Entering in transition, you are funneled along the perimeter of the pier. Of the bike, I felt somewhat tired but that is normal. I could feel the heat of the ride radiating off my body. I grabbed my bag and into the tent I went. I changed into a clean pair of running shorts, took off my cycling jersey, switched into a tri top, grabbed my visor and race belt and made my way to the exit for the 26.2 mile run.
26.2 mile run: 4:58:29, 11:23/mi
I'll break up the marathon into four segments:
1) 10 miles out and back on Ali Drive
2) 7.5 miles heading North on the Queen K to the energy lab
3) 7.5 miles returning south on the Queen K to Palani Road
4) 1 mile finish down Palani turning on the Ali Drive for the finish
1) 10.1 miles, 10:19/mi, average HR 140 bpm
Fans, spectators, volunteers, locals, anyone and everyone are lined Ali Drive watching, cheering, and supporting the 2300 athletes. My memory of these 10 miles are a little blurry. My body was overheated and it took all concentration and energy to keep my feet moving. Our house we rented was on the run course at mile 2, then again at mile 8. I couldn't wait to see my family. Their support helped me get to the big island and I wanted so badly to see them.Seeing them lifted my spirits and gave me energy to keep pressing. Even when my body didn't want to. I plugged along, dousing my body with ice and water at every aid station. My energy was very low, this was a feeling I had never experienced in an IRONMAN before. I kept thinking to myself, why do I feel so run down. I stayed in my HR zone on the bike, I was on top of my nutrition/hydration plan, but what I didn't realize until after the race was my severe sunburn. The exposure and heat on the bike got the best of me. This never really crossed my mind while racing, I knew it was warm and I felt overheated but I didn't let it get into my head.
2) 7.5 miles, 12:09/mi, ave HR 124 bpm
Looking up at Palani about to turn onto the Queen K, I approached an aid station and started to walk. I continued to walk to the top of Palani then started to run again once onto the Queen K. My marathon quickly turned south from here. I was disoriented, dizzy, and in a daze. If I ran too long, I would drift across the road without knowing it and stumble nearly falling to my face. At that point I knew I had to change my race plan. I did a run/walk combination to keep my body moving but not over doing it. Yes, maybe I could have ran through it, I might have been able to tough it out, but maybe I couldn't. The last thing I wanted was to not make it to the finish line. I wasn't disappointed, I stayed positive and keep moving.
3) 7.5 miles, 12:11/mi, ave HR 126 bpm
The return back from the energy lab was much the same. But now, the sun had set and the course was dark. I was starting to feel very weak, nauseous, and had no energy. I'll save the details but I found myself running from port-o-let to port-o-let. Looking back now, I think I suffered from heat exhaustion and sun poisoning. The miles ticked by, I buddy up with another athlete for sections and we share stories about the conditions on the bike. Then before me, I could see the light at Palani and knew I was there. I knew, I would make it to the finish line.
4) The final mile still feels so surreal. Running down the final stretch, I reminded myself of what it took to get there. This was a goal of mine for so long and I had finally accomplished it. The finish shoot is lined with carpet, flags of all the nations represented, bright lights, and cheering fans galore. All of a sudden, the pain in my body was gone, I was no longer dizzy, I was in a place of pure joy. I saw my friends and family in the shoot and was able to give them a hug. The final mile was the best mile I have ever experienced. This mile will be with me for a lifetime.
I am forever thankful of the opportunity to race on the world best stage. My family and friends who supported me along this journey made this a reality for me, and I cannot thank everyone enough. Thank you and I love you all so much! "Anything is Possible" when you have the support, love and passion.
