| Author |
Topic: IMLP RR (with pics!) |
DawnT
Cool Runner |
 posted Jul-24-2007 01:09 PM
   
Pre-Race: I was surprised to see how calm I was in the days leading up to the race. No butterflies or worries of any kind. I knew I would finish unless something unexpected happened, so perhaps that helped me. I was hoping for a sub-14 (1:30 / 7:00 / 5:30), but my major goals were 1) to finish and 2) to keep running on the run. I knew I'd be happy with any finishing time if I was still running the run. I used Rich Strauss' IM Intermediate plan and I felt like it prepped me well for this course. I was a bit nervous getting my bags and bike ready on Saturday just because I was worried I'd forget something important. I was shaking all over. But, once I got everything into transition I was fine. Went back to the hotel and relaxed while the family went out to have some fun. Had an early dinner and was asleep by 9:30. Slept great all night. Swim (1:24): I was hoping for a 1:30 swim, but I really didn't know what I could do with all those people. It was beautiful with the mist in the mountains before the start. Here's a couple of good shots of the swim start:   I positioned myself to the far right and thought I'd have to wait a few minutes for the mob to go before I could start swimming. I wanted a calm swim more than a fast swim. I was surprised to see that I could start swimming almost right away. Mostly clear water the whole swim, although there was a bit of full body contact. Very easy swim for me. Just tried to keep it relaxed and strong. I was on someone's feet the whole way and I felt great. Got out in 41:xx for the first lap. That's a PR for me at the 1/2 IM swim distance! Finished in 1:24, so I was pretty thrilled. T1 (6:53): It's a *long* run to t1. I had a quick transition, but the tent was packed. No spots to sit down so I grabbed a corner and got my socks, shoes, helmet and sunglasses on as quickly as I could. No volunteers to help, but it really wouldn't have saved much time. Forgot sunscreen and I was worried I would get fried, but I was ok. Bike (7:04): I knew I had to take it easy on the bike if I wanted to even try to run at the end of the day. I just tried to keep my pace even and easy all day. Spun up all the hills (love my 39/27!!). The first loop was very busy, but it was a bit more spread out by the second loop. I think my first loop was 3:20 which makes my second loop 3:44. Picked up more Infinit at special needs and it was going down easy all day. Also had a PB sandwich at special needs since I needed some solid food by then. Someone from Slowtwtich told me that if I felt good coming into town on the first loop then I'd have a good day. I was feeling great at that point and the support from spectators was amazing! The hills were a bit longer and steeper on the second loop, but I was still spinning and never red-lined it. It did get pretty hot and windy out there, but nothing too bad. The descent into Keene was a blast and I passed tons of people!! I only had to stand on the climbs when I wanted to stretch my legs. Climbing up papa bear was fun with all of the support. I think that's the easiest hill to climb! Here's me after the first lap. I had a goofy smile on my face all day!!  T2 (4:12): Trotted into transition and did a quick change into dry shorts and a run top. A volunteer was there to help me with sunscreen which I really needed by that point. Run (5:23): I really didn't know what to expect on the run. I was just hoping that I could keep running even if it was only a shuffle. It was really hot and I felt like crap for the first couple of miles. Used the sponges to cool off as much as possible. Started on Gatorade and water. About halfway through the run, I started having stomach issues. Ended up hitting every other port-a-potty on the 2nd half of the first lap and almost every one on the second lap. In between aide stations I was running/shuffling except for the hills. My legs felt strong (better than my 2 stand-alone marathons), but my stomach was cramping so I had to walk a bit because of that. The spectator support was amazing. I truly felt like a rockstar out there. My family was at the 2 mile of the run and they also came back into town for my first lap, so I got to see them tons of time out there. That really helped. Switched to coke and chicken broth by the middle of the second loop. Here's me at the halfway point of the run - still with the goofy grin.
 And, here's the happy face on my back a-la-TriBob!  Finish (14:03): I was 3 minutes short of my goal time, but I really didn't care. I know I lost that time in my tour of the port-a-potties. The fitness was there and I was still able to run the vast majority of the marathon, so that's all I wanted. The last half mile of the finish is something I will never forget. I even got to hear the famous "Dawn Tsiofas you are an Ironman!!". Wow!  
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TriBob
Moderator of Multisport Training |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:15 PM
Awesome!  I'm only getting some pics. I'll have to try at home. they block a lot of photo sites here. ------------------
Help fight MS, sponsor my MS150 ride. Takes Q's, Kicks A's
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Flip
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:19 PM
Yay, yay, yay! Congrats, IRONMAN! Great report, great pictures. I love that you smiled the whole way! Way to go, Dawn! ------------------
"rapid motion through space elates one"
~~ James Joyce User Profile My Triathlon Webpage
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organicolive
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:21 PM
Spectacular!
Congartulations on an awesome achievement (in the true sense of the word!).
You are an inspriation to tri folks like me who only dream of the big IM!------------------
Mama on the swim-bike-run!
obabynaturals
My User Profile
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CCRoz
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:21 PM
Oh Dawn, what a great race you had. Thank you for writing such a great report and sharing those awesome pictures with your happy, beautiful and confident smile. You look amazing at the end, too. You did a fantastic job, and your physical and mental preparation really shows in a well-executed race. Bravo, IronDawn!!
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runnerparris
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:29 PM
Great Job...awesome!!! Congrats..I love the pictures and you are a great inspiration. I hope to achieve the same dream.
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imfl03
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:35 PM
Awesome... It was a blast watching your progress all day long, and now seeing the pics and the RR make it all a neat little package.Congrats IRONMAN!!! Is is possible for you to e-mail me a copy of the original of that second pic? Sheldon [This message has been edited by imfl03 (edited Jul-24-2007).]
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ussoccer
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:36 PM
Amazing, Dawn. Awesome, too. For you are Ironman. It really sounds like you had a fun time out there, and that's what it's all about -- pushing yourself, reaching for the stars, and having fun.Great job all around. Many folks in my Tri-club talked about how tough the second loop on the bike was. But you, you nailed your pacing and training to take that puppy the way it should be done. Congratulations. The best part of this entire journey is the change within. It is happening as we speak. You see it. You feel it. You know it's happening. Let it change. Because you will be empowered by it and a better person for it. You can do anything. You know that. Because you just did something. A whole Iron something. And thanks for giving me excitement in my next quest. Awesome. IronDawn. That's you!
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DawnT
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 01:42 PM
Thanks very much to all of you. Your replies are making me cry! I just want to say to anyone who hasn't done an IM yet, that I believe anyone who has the dedication to do the training can finish an IM. I started at zero at all three sports 6 years ago. My first swim I could barely swim to the end of the 25 meter pool before catching my breath. My first run I couldn't even run a full mile. And, my biking was around 12 mph. If I can do this, anyone can. Take your time and build your fitness. Work out a multi-year training plan. Train consistently and you can get there too.
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tithers
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 02:02 PM
Woohoo ROCKSTAR!!!!!!!!! I loved your report and the pics! Did you get a smiley face sticker on your bike? Someone said something about stickers and tires being changed during the swim.I'm in awe of your accomplishments!
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regiolanthe
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 02:33 PM
Simply - wow.Can't imagine how you must have felt in the moments before the swim - talk about setting you in a relaxed state of mind. The course looks gorgeous ... and brutal Congratulations on achieving iron-hood. Reg.
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ddeininger
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 02:33 PM
Great RR, and your second post really puts it into perspective. Awesome job!
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caffeinated
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 03:18 PM
Awesome! You rock!
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Diesel88
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 03:19 PM
What strikes me about your pics are how much darn FUN you look like you're having! You make it look easy!  Wonderful accomplishment - you are indeed an inspiration to those of us looking to follow.
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kristine25
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 03:33 PM
Isn't this suppose to be an Ironman? What's with that huge Thor like grin on your face. You look like you are at Disneyland. Truely amazing to do something like IM and smile while you are doing it.I am inspired. Amazing. You rock girlfriend.
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mmoonhead
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 03:57 PM
The last couple posts mirrored my thoughts - you look like you're having a stroll in the park, not doing an IronmanYou have my big-time respect...congratulations!
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Dougie Fresh
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 04:10 PM
Dawn, I am in awe of your accomplishment. Congratulations on becoming an IRONMAN!
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tsiltman
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 06:01 PM
How awesome!! Congratulations!! Thanks for the race report and the great pics!!
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Yoshiko
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 06:11 PM
What a great accomplishment!! I love your race report with wonderful photos.
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welshtroll
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 06:17 PM
quote:
Originally posted by DawnT:
Thanks very much to all of you. Your replies are making me cry! I just want to say to anyone who hasn't done an IM yet, that I believe anyone who has the dedication to do the training can finish an IM. I started at zero at all three sports 6 years ago. My first swim I could barely swim to the end of the 25 meter pool before catching my breath. My first run I couldn't even run a full mile. And, my biking was around 12 mph. If I can do this, anyone can. Take your time and build your fitness. Work out a multi-year training plan. Train consistently and you can get there too.
massive inspiration. i'd really like to do this. i'll store this post somewhere on my computer and get it out on these rainy days we're having.
thanks for telling your story!!!
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Kymber
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 07:15 PM
SO freaking inspiring! I loved your pictures and I love reading where you started. That is where I am at. And its hard to even think I could get to where you are now Thanks for your RR! Congrats Ironman!
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melonella
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 07:32 PM
Great RR for an awesome race. PR'ing the first loop of the swim, finishing first loop of the bike feeling great, and nailing your goal time all show just how well prepared you were. You should be incredibly proud of this accomplishment.oh...and fantastic pics!
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snigglefritz
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 07:53 PM
Wow! You were right behind me, I don't know how I missed you on the run. I too did the 2007 Iron Tour de Port o John on the run. My favorite was the set at the end of Station St in town, good crowd support  Congrats on becoming an Ironman!!!! It feels so good. I must admit as I drove out of town today I cried. I was sad it was over and I think I was overwhelmed with the whole experience. I will have to get a RR together. I doubt I have such nice pics to share, those are awesome, especially of the swim!
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petrarch
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 09:09 PM
Dawn, congratulations! How does the announcer know how to pronounce your name correctly?
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DawnT
Cool Runner |
posted Jul-24-2007 09:14 PM
quote:
Originally posted by petrarch:
Dawn, congratulations! How does the announcer know how to pronounce your name correctly?
That's so funny! I have no idea, but he said it right. We almost never get our name pronounced correctly. I never even thought of that. (My maiden name is Young, so I still use that for business and e-mail because it's so much easier) Mike Reilly announces at all IM North America races, so I guess he's had a lot of practice.
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