Ironman Coeur D'Alene
Sunday, June 22, 2008
By Karra Whitmire


Stats:
Swim 2.4 miles, 1:28:30
T1 8:25 (yeah, yeah, I know, just read the report)
Bike 112 miles, 6:20, 17.7 mph
T2 2:42
Run 26.2 miles, 3:57:11, 9:04 min/mile
Total Time 11:57:01
Division W30-34, 21/102
578/2060 place overall

I never really write race reports, but I thought this race required one. I completed my first Ironman triathlon on Sunday in a better time than I anticipated I could do. Here's how it went.

I arrived at the transition area around 5:00 am when it opened. While it seemed early, I ended up using most of the time. I double-checked my bike and transition bags, dropped off my special needs bags, and got my wetsuit on. I wore a neoprene hood under my race cap, as well as booties, since the water was only 59.5F. Wetsuits were actually mandatory. It had warmed up significantly in the last week, so it was almost hot compared to what I'd been practicing in. I had decided to race the event (more or less) instead of just finish, so I wore my tri-top and tri-shorts under my wetsuit.

The swim went pretty well. I hung out about 2/3 back on the beach. I didn't get in the water before the race started, as I wanted to stay warm as long as possible. The mass start wasn't too bad. We were spread out so much on the beach that there was enough room for everyone. The turns got very crowded though. I had to pretty much tread water or breast stroke because there wasn't anywhere to go. I liked the little break on the beach between laps (it was a two loop swim course). Overall nothing traumatizing and I made it out in 1:28. Since I was hoping for under 1:30, I was stoked.

To make my mom happy, I jumped in the hot tub in the transition area after my wetsuit was stripped off. My left calf had cramped a little on the swim, so I thought it (and the rest of me) could use a little warming up. The extra time was well worth it, as I was never cold on the bike. I put on arm warmers and my shoes and I was off. Sure, eight minutes is a lousy transition time, but it helped make the rest of the day more comfortable.

The bike ride went well. I was going much faster than I anticipated, but my heart rate was staying aerobic, so I just went with it. I stuck to my hydration and eating plan, but still didn't pee until 4 hours into the bike ride. Yes, I got off and used a Port-O-Potty. No peeing on the bike for me. I finished the 112 mile ride in 6:20, a 17.7 mph pace. I was very excited about that, as I was hoping to finish the bike in under 7 hours. Lots of time to spare.

I got through T2 in a much more respectable 2ish minutes. I didn't have any trouble at all finding my run legs. I think they were just happy to be off the bike and eager to do what I do best. Unfortunately, I got a high stomach cramp under my chest for the first couple miles. I tried to relax and work that out and eventually it went away. Then I felt great for the next bunch of miles. I got lots of compliments on my speed, which is always motivating. I was still keeping my heart rate aerobic, so again I went with the fast pace (8-8:30 min/mile). For the first half, I ate my Gu's and Endurolyte tablets on schedule. Then I started forgetting at what times I was supposed to take them again, so I was pretty much eating/drinking at every aid station. My belly wasn't very happy during most of the run. If I ever do another Ironman (I'm thinking every 10 years would be cool, like Cathy on the LUNA Pro team - I'll do the next one when I'm 40), I'd rethink my nutrition. I think sticking with an all liquid diet would be best. While my Gu/Baker's Cookie plan worked fine in training, I felt like I could have found something better for race day.

I was amazed at how good my body felt on the run for the first 20 or so miles. It wasn't sore or tired, just belly-achy. I guess my peak training with 45 - 50 miles per week of running really paid off. The run started to hurt about 20 miles in when the cramps kicked in. Even though I took in lots and lots of salt during the day (about 13 or 14 tablets on the bike, and probably 6 so far on the run), my right calf wasn't getting enough. So the cramping wasn't very fun. I still ran the rest of the way in, but I walked the aid stations so I could shove down lots of pretzels, a little chicken broth, and more Endurolyte tablets. I had to stop a number of times to massage my calf because it seized up. When I could run, I still had a great pace. I pulled off a sub-4 hour marathon in 3:57, about a 9:00 min/mile pace. Considering my stand-alone marathon PR is 3:30, I thought that was awesome following 8 hours of exercising.

I crossed the line in 11:57, never having thought it realistic for me to break 12 hours. I really did put in the training though. I never missed a long ride or run on the weekend. I did think during my race that all those long weekends abandoning my family had finally paid off. Like my Ironman friend Ruth said, 'You put the time and training in the bank. You just have to make the withdrawal.' Very well said.

I can't write this report without acknowledging my fantastic cheering section. Holy cow! What great spectators I had. First there was my dear husband Brian who worked very hard on calculating when and where I would be during the race. You should see the math he did. Plus, he coordinated the rest of the spectators to let them know where I was. Then there was my fabulous mom who was in charge of babysitting all day, but still managed to come cheer the every time I went by. Caden did awesome that day. It was so fun to pass by him and see him smile when he recognized me. My dad and stepmom came out as well. They were on the course a zillion times, usually near the transition area hanging over a barricade and cheering the loudest. I remember them most just before the finish line because they were practically in the street. And then Keri, Tyler, and McKenzie came all the way from Denver just to cheer me on. It was a great mini family reunion and Caden loved having the kids to play with. Donna was a terrific supporter as well, keeping everyone under her watchful eye. And then my dear friends Marne and Ironman Capn Kirk came all the way from Seattle to cheer. As triathletes, they know the ins and outs of the race, so they were able to help the family navigate. Plus they really know the right things to say. Marne rode her bike along the last stretch of the run before the final turn around back to the finish to wish me well. It was around mile 19 or so and her presence was very encouraging. Great job spectators! It was so positively distracting looking for you and your great signs along the course.

On the negative side, I did end up in the medical tent after the race. I blame it on the pizza. I felt great after my finish, but had a few bites of pizza at the finish as that is all they had for post race food. Really bad idea. Not long after, I started feeling dizzy and nauseous. I decided to go lay down on one of the medical tent's nice lawn chairs. They eventually covered me up with some space blankets, but since I was sopping wet (yes from my great sweating ability, but also from the nice wet sponges along the run course) I wasn't getting any warmer. The nausea didn't subside and I'd been there about a half hour, so they decided to take me in to the official medical tent. They took my vitals - I was kind of messed up. Blood pressure 90/50 (that's low for even me), heart rate 90 bpm (no, my resting HR is not that high), and temperature 96.0F (whoops). They gave me an anti-nausea pill, elevated my legs, brought me some real blankets and a heating pad, and gave me lots of attention. They never really left my side even though I wasn't dying. They eventually gave me an IV, which I was actually sorta happy about. May as well re-hydrate the easy way. After another half-hour or so of rest, my vitals were normalish and they left me in Brian's care. Marne and Kirk were super nice and hung around while I was recovering to help haul my stuff home.

I didn't get an M-dot tattoo...yet.

Thanks to everyone for your well-wishes, training support, tips, suggestions, and cheers.