Ironman Coeur d'Alene Race Report

Okay, here it is. I know you have all been waiting for this… (insert sarcasm here.)

Gun went off at 6:45 for the pros. I wasn’t even near the water at this point, but I didn’t really care. For someone who is typically a stress ball, I was surprisingly calm and collected. Karen and I casually walked down to the water’s edge and lined up at the very back of the pack. Gun went off at 7:00. She and I waited about a minute or so for the washing machine to hit the spin cycle before getting in. I was hopeful that this would keep me out of the chaos. By the time I had settled into my stroke, about 50 yards in, there were people surrounding me. It really is like being thrown into a washing machine with a bunch of panicky people. Arms are flying, legs are kicking, and the water is white from all the splashing. It was quite the experience. We made it to the first turn. Everyone comes to a complete stand-still because of the traffic jam. Eventually, it lightened up and I kept going. I remember the sun being in my eyes and kind of blinding me. I decided to follow some dude’s feet until I realized I was actually faster than him and started swimming over him. Sorry buddy. So, we round the next buoy and I’m feeling really strong. At this point, the huge waves are pushing me closer to the shore and I feel like I’m hauling. About 100 meters from land, some dude kicks me in the eye ball. Hurt like a “you know what.” I thought my goggle had been smooshed into my eye-socket. I get out of the water and sprint around the beach to start my second lap. Still feeling great that this point. Finish up the second lap with only a couple of more bruises and such. Got smacked in the back of the head by some chick. It scared me to death. I thought my brain was going to ‘spload. Waking up the next morning with a black eye was special.

I make it out of the water. I’m completely fired up from having a good swim at this point. T1 was a breeze. The volunteers were incredible. I get all bundled up and grab my precious Cervelo for a short little ride.

Holy crap. That ride was not easy. Those are not hills. Those are MOUNTAINS. My legs felt like bricks. I made the first loop and swung around near transition. I saw the T3ers cheering and then my parents. I’m not sure that I’ve ever heard my mom yell that loud. I really didn’t want to head out for a second loop. At this point, it was getting very cold. I was freezing, tired and just wanted to get out of the saddle. Too bad quitting wasn’t an option, because I really would have. Second loop was more painful than the first. Seriously, those hills were like pedaling through sand. I believe at one point, I looked down at the speedometer and it was registering 4mph. Are you kidding me!? That’s infuriating. On the final few miles, it started raining. Now, I’m soaking wet. Finally, I make it back to transition and I’ve never been more excited to hand off my bike to some wonderful volunteer. “Take it and burn it," I told him. I scramble into T2 absolutely freezing. That tent was so warm and cozy. Again, I didn’t want to leave. Some poor soul helped me put on dry clothes and sent me on my way.

Out of the cozy tent and onto the rainy, windy, and cold run course. Oh Ironman is so fun. I made it through the first couple of miles moving at a decent pace and ran into one of my favorite people. KAREN! I couldn’t help but get all giddy. I run to catch up with her and we decide to do the next 24 miles together. She is amazing. A life-saver. A true Ironman. We decide at about mile 5 that we are ditching our nutrition. We make a deal to throw away our gel flasks and sample the buffet at the aid stations. Best decision ever. We also decided to do a LOT of walking. We laughed, we yelled, we grunted and cried. It was such a blast. The emotional roller coaster was exhausting but it helped having someone else there to pick you up when it starts to really hurt. Halfway through the run, we see Joe Blakistone. He starts yelling, “You’re doing this! YOURE DOING AN IRONMAN!!!!” He’s yelling, shaking his fist, smiling so big. The spectators had to be a little weirded out but it absolutely made my day. That was the first point at which it really dawned on me that I could do this. I would become an Ironman that day. We get out to the dark, cold neighborhoods and I begin to realize there are gigantic blisters on my feet. We’re talking half dollar size. It felt like I had razor blades in my shoes. The only thing I could really focus on was the desire to take a warm shower and crawl in bed. Coming out of the neighborhoods, we could see the lights and hear the music. The Promised Land. We were finally there. I couldn’t believe we were almost home. It was the most incredible feeling ever. We rounded the corner to the finish chute. Karen and I decided that she would go on first and have her moment. I told her I would see her at the finish line once she was an Ironman. At this point, I’m crying tears of joy. One of the best pieces of advice I received during training was to slow down in the finish chute, make eye contact with the spectators, high five people and take a mental image of the finish line. I believe I stopped at one point and just stared, trying to remember every detail, the sounds, the smells, the lights, the people… EVERYTHING. Finally, I jog through the finish line and hear Mike Reilly say, “Lindsey Clements, you are an Ironman.” Oh those sweet sweet words. I can’t describe the feeling. I did it. I actually did an Ironman. Next thing I know, some sweet volunteer has his arm around my waist and was telling me congratulations. He asked how I was feeling. “I feel incredible. I don’t need medical. I’m on Cloud 9.” My mom and dad come running up to the fence for hugs and congratulations. My mom hugged me so hard I had to tell her to let go. My skin hurt to the touch.

This was the most incredible experience of my life. The pain was indescribable, but the feeling of accomplishment made every single tear, pedal, step, and stroke over the last 3 years worth it. I am an Ironman and that can never be taken away.

So, I close this post with one last thought…

I can’t believe I just signed for Ironman Florida 2010. Bring it, Ironman.

Ironman Experience, Part 2

Flashback: I remember standing at the starting line of Danskin Triathlon 2007, wishing to myself that I could do an Ironman one day. How proud I would be? How incredible would it feel to cross the finish line? I reminded myself that will never be me. Ironman is for the real endurance athletes… Not in my entire lifetime, could I have guessed that it could become a reality. Little did I know, two and half years later…

June 21st, 2009:

3:15AM - wake up call. Why so early? I had to start eating. I had planned on taking in about 700 calories (if memory serves me correctly) before starting the race. This meant I needed to eat about 2-3 times before I ever got to the race site. I prepared myself a bowl of Grapenuts, Soy Milk & 2 bananas. Nom, nom, nom... Another hour passed, repeat the last meal. By this time, I’m beginning to wake up but I am, surprisingly, composed. No butterflies in the belly but I held a focused mindset.

4:45ish – Double check my swim gear, bundle up and head down to the lobby to meet Chris Quirk & Jim Opre for a ride to the race start. By this point, I’m beginning to get stoked, not nervous or unconfident but truly excited for the day ahead of us. We headed down to the transition area and finished packing things up, getting organized and mentally preparing for the race.

I was able to steal a few minutes away for some peace and quiet. I needed to be alone and review the grueling training over the last 6 months. “Have confidence in yourself and trust your training.” I knew I could do this. I knew that I was physically capable and had the mental strength. The only thing I could not be sure of was what surprises the day would bring. Would it be mechanical issues on the bike? Poor weather? Would my busted ankle hold up for the next 17 hours? Would my nutrition plan fail me? These were the only things that plagued my mind. Finally, before putting on my wetsuit and joining my teammates, I took a few minutes to thank my God for the privilege and ability to be there. I thanked him over and over for my incredible team, T3, and my amazing coaches. I thanked Him for the never-ending support and unselfish love from my family. I thanked him for folks back in Austin & all around the country, who wanted this for me as much as I wanted it for myself. This type of experience can really bring life into focus. It shows you how loved you are and how blessed you have been. It would be impossible not to realize there must be something bigger than you allowing this one-in-a-lifetime experience. Not everyone will stand at the starting line of Ironman about to accomplish a goal that, at one point, seemed impossible. I was one of the blessed few and that was not going to be over-looked.

6:30 - The masses begin moving down to the water’s edge. 2200 people standing on the shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene is a mental picture I will not soon forget. I high-fived teammates, wished them the best of luck, hugged those that supported me through the past 6 months, and told my parents how much I loved them and how thankful I was to be their little girl.

Ironman Experience - Part I (Pre-Race)

What an incredible trip!? I had the time of my life. Being at Ironman was like summer camp for adults. I had a total blast. I arrived a few days before my parents. I was lucky enough to get settled in and a few practice swims, rides & runs before the race. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is gorgeous. The weather was fantastic, excluding race day. (More about this later.) It was a much needed break from the heat and humidity down here in Austin, Texas. My parents and I were amazed at how friendly and supportive the locals were. They could not have been more pleasant to be around. I think they truly love having Ironman come to town... spandex and brightly colored shoes included. The final day before the race, we went for a quick open water swim on the race course. It was a balmy 61 degrees in the water and maybe 50 outside. At this point, I had adjusted to the weather quite well. After a short swim, I headed back to the BW (Best Western) for a quick nap. Mom & Dad took me out to drive the race course in the afternoon. I am very glad we did this. It helped ease my nerves knowing what awaited me the following day. I spent the rest of the day in bed, relaxing. I might have taken 3 different naps and kept my feet propped up above my heart. I knew they would need every ounce of help they could get. The night before the race, my parents took me to a fantastic Italian restaurant for dinner. Note to self: do not order the Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Parmesian Pasta before race day, no matter how delicious it may be. ***Especially, when you have been on a vegan diet for two months leading up to the race. After an early dinner, and by early I mean Blue Plate Special early, we headed back to get some rest. Thank you Mom & Dad for all of the pre race encouragement and enthusiasm. You completed this experience for me and I could not have done without you. If it weren't for you two, MY ROCKS IN LIFE, I would have been a pile of nerves going into this race.

Lake Coeur d'Alene after dusk..

Ironman Athletes Village from a distance. Beautiful green grass and pine trees.

Driving the bike course. The hills are much worse in person. Trust me.

Underpants Run: The people behind me are running in their undies. A tradition at Ironman. Too bad I wasn't invited :(

Goofing around with Karen & Shawnda before a chilly swim.

2200 bikes ready for the race!

WARNING WARNING WARNING

Ironman Race Report Coming Soon...

Figured I should update you guys, considering I haven't touched my blog in 5 weeks. Yes, I am an IRONMAN. I'll tell you more about the experience later. I even have a ton of pictures to share.

Thank you for all of the support!

Tony Wrote a Song for Me!

You all remember my friend, Tony, from Captex Tri right? Well, he has his own unique way of inspiring me for Ironman. It goes a little something like this...

(To the tune of Sawyer Brown's Six Days)

10 Days to CDA!

Well she rolled outta Austin, heading toward the great white north,
She got her bike in the back, she been ridin' like-a never before,
Lookin' for that Ironman sign, Imaginin' that little white line!
TEN DAYS to CDA, and the Lindsor's a-feelin' fine! S

he got 1,000 gears on her speedy Cervelo bike,
She's passin' slower riders and her eyes are open wide!
Just passed some dude named White,
She's passin' everyone in site!
TEN DAYS to CDA and Lindsey's a-lookin' fine!

Well it seems like a year since she kissed her life goodbye,
She used to have lots of fun but then she started trainin' for this crazy tri,
Now she's married to that daily grind,
With a monster ego and a small behind!

TEN DAYS to CDA and the Lindsor's a-feelin' fine!
Well the USTA is getting' everybody to the line,
It's wetsuit legal and she ain't gonna fall behind,
Her stomach'll be a ball of twine,
When she's crossin' that starting line!
TEN DAYS to CDA and the Lindsor's a-feelin' fine!

Engine 2 has her light as fallin' snow,
There's a trail of flames behind, boy justa watch her go,
She says `Hey this batch is mine! `You all can kiss my behind!'

TEN DAYS to CDA and the Lindsor's a-feelin' fine!

TEN DAYS to CDA and the Lindsor's a-lookin' fine!

Capital of Texas Triathlon

I spent my weekend with my family and T3 out at the CapTexTri. The good news: I was 6th place in my AG. The bad news: I was less than 1 minute away from the podium. It's bitter-sweet. Next year, I'm going back for a podium spot. Captex is my new A-Race.

We had an awesome race crew this year. Mom, Dad, Wood and Wright all came out to watch. It made my day... or summer, really!!!

This right here is why I love racing in Austin. Gordon Mcgregor took this photo just prior to the start of the race from the swim dock. Amazing.

Finishing with a bang!!!

Just thought you all might want to see my pre-race fashion statement. A lot of people had an opinion on this outfit. I can't figure out why...

My buddy, Tony, came in for the race from Chicago. I am pretty sure he had fun...

Again, it was another successful weekend and I look forward to doing this race in 2010.

T3 Practiceman

This past weekend was one of our final key training weekends for Ironman. On Saturday morning, the team met out at Kiker Elementary to do a 40 mile ride around South Mopac, followed by a 13 mile run. I felt fantastic and hauled butt during the ride. I was doing a time-trial effort. Apparently, I didn't read the training plan correctly and was not aware that we were only supposed to be going about 5% above our Ironman pace. It was a blast, I must say. It's always fun to ride fast.

By the time we all made it out on the run course, the air temp was heating up quite nicely. I wasn't moving too fast at this point, but it was just great to get in the miles.

I was thrilled to see Performance Wellness at the team tent afterwards and happily signed up for a massage. My hamstrings have been so angry at me recently so Michelle did her best to calm them down.

Another fantastic training weekend with T3. Thanks to Gordon Mcgregor for the awesome photos. You can make any athlete look fast. :)