Click here to read about the bike.
I wandered out of the transition tent trying to adjust my plan. Originally I was going to run from aid station to aid station and walk through each to get water and other nutrition. While on the bike, I realized that I'd have to modify, so I figured I'd do a ten minute run/one minute walk. After visiting the doctor and acknowledging that I might get myself into trouble, I settled into a 5-min run/1-min walk. I also walked through the aid stations. I was able to keep up with that for about 8 or 9 kilometers. At each aid station, I would drink water, some Gatorade, and lots of ice! I also was trying to take in some gels and electrolyte tablets. I saw Randy for the first time and that helped my spirits.
After the first turnaround, I realized that I just wasn't digesting anything. I could feel everything sloshing around in my gut while I was running. So, I walked a few kilometers to try to get it to settle. It helped, but I still wasn't feeling great. I saw Randy a few more times, as he passed by me on his second loop. He tried to cheer me up, but I wasn't really registering anything he was saying until about a minute later.
I finished my first run loop and was feeling like crap. My time goals were completely out the window and I was in survival mode. It was the lowest moments I've ever had in an Ironman. I wasn't sure I would be able to finish and I'd never felt like that before. I wanted to stop. I wanted to cry. I wanted to be done. Then, one of the spectators shouted out that no matter what happens, "you've accomplished something today." Then I wanted to cry because it was the best thing I could've heard at that point and all those people were cheering and volunteering just so we could accomplish something. I no longer wanted to stop. I wanted that damn medal!
I slogged through the second lap. It's too bad my gut had forced me to walk so much. My legs had been willing to run, but once you walk for too long, the muscles scream if you try to run. So, walk I did. I picked up my ego and dragged myself around the course one more time. I wish I could remember what I was thinking about, but it was probably about staying away from the medical tents!
At this point, I want to acknowledge the amazing volunteers and medical personnel on the course. There were a lot of people having trouble and the race still had a 93% finishing rate. That's a testament to their hard work and dedication.
I finally got close to the finish line. What has amazed me at every Ironman I've done is my body's ability to feel stronger than ever while approaching the finish. I hit the cobblestones of the pedestrian village and ran the last quarter-mile to the finish line. The spectators were fired up and I felt like a rock star, for the fourth time, I got to hear Mike Reilly announce my name and call me an Ironman.
At the finish, a volunteer walked with me, gathering my gigantic medal and my finisher's hat and shirt. Randy was there to welcome me back too!
On the run course, there was a sign that read, "It's a difficult club to get into, but once you're in, you're a member for life." It wasn't the race I was hoping for, but I like to think that I truly earned my membership in the Ironman club this time!
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