Ironman Wales. The Run

The bike leg took almost 8 hours but I was ecstatic that I had made it well before the cut of time. The first thing I put on when I got in the transition tent was my Superwoman knickers over my tri suit.  I had promised to wear them if anyone made a £200 donation to Macmillan. A special person did just that. I grinned and thought about her as I pulled them on.
I ran out of the transition tent feeling nervous but elated.  I soon heard Jon again and Mary too,  I remember exchanging words with them but not sure about what.   I ran slowly and steady, actually that's the best I do at running- slow!
The crowds did their thing as they had all day.  The pants went down a storm and got a lot f attention from spectators and runners alike.
The run consisted of a loop just over 10km that we had to do it 4 times.  The run to the furthest point was a gradual ascent.  I had done so much training on hills and now I was so pleased that I had.  I heard a few complaints about the hills but I have to say I found them ok.
At the first junction where we joined the main road the Macmillan Cancer Support crew were there.  They whooped and hollered each time I passed in my green Macmillan vest.
As I ran up that first leg I was now one of the runners that the cyclists could see running as they came in on their ride.  I could not believe my eyes, there were loads of riders still coming in.  This made me feel really proud. 
I ran to the furthest point and then turned on the timing mat.  I think the mat was used to get our times out online to our followers.  As we got to the furthest point I had to go through a type of gate and the marshal slipped a coloured fabric band onto my arm.  Each time you got here you got a different colour. Yellow was the first, red was the last, blue and green came in between.
The feed stations were great, they had gels, cola, water, power horse energy drink, and savoury biscuits. 
All along my biggest worry was nuitrition. At each station I had a gel, water or cola and a savoury buiscuit.  I took advice from Davids  coach and walked at each feed station. Giving my heart a chance to calm down and to digest the drink.  
As I approached the Macmillan team for the second time I had done 7 km and I had developed a blister on the sole of my right foot.  Each step was agony. I couldn't believe it!  At the junction was an ambulance so I asked the team if they had a blister plaster.  They didn't but the paramedic had a look and dressed it for me.  I put my shoe back on and tied it loosely.  Hey presto it was fine.  I was so relieved. 
Loads of runners passed me, but I didn't mind at all. I just kept plodding on.  I knew I was drinking enough as  had to pee at every feed station and we passed them 16 times.  I know I lost a lot of time here, but so what.  As time went on though, I was longer each time as it took more energy to stand up.  My legs were getting weaker, but I only felt it when I sat down.  There were portaloos at the feed stations I hasten to add.
By time I had done two loops and 14 miles I began to have a real belief I could do it.
It began to rain and I picked up a silver blanket to run with.  On my way to get my third band I was very tired and began to think of my Mum.  She would be so proud and would be cheering me on and laughing at my Superwoman pants.
Here I was fit and healthy running for my Mum and n this day in her life it was her last.  It was a strange feeling and made me sad.  I couldn't let myself cry now! 
Then I thought of what my friend Helen told me in Africa on our cycle ride.  She made me see things from a different perspective and this has allowed me to let go of the grief that I have coveted all these years.  The simplest of words can have the greatest of meaning sometimes.  Thank you Helen.
I snapped out of it and with a spring in my step carried on.  I loved my Mum so much and could never find words enough that were fitting, so she was told every day.  And she always told me she loved me. I was  very lucky indeed.
By the last lap I was shattered and wasn't sure how I would make it to the end, but I knew I would.
As I was given that last red arm band I did a little dance and sang " I've gat a red band"  The volunteers had a good laugh at me.
Then I got into town and someone said to me I had three minutes to get to the end if I was to make it under 16 hours.  I had no idea how far I was from the end but I just sprinted and as I rounded the corner there it was, the finish banner.  I did it!
I saw nothing, I just ran as fast as I could and could hear the shouts.  Someone put a ribbon around my neck and took the timing chip from my ankle. Then Mark and Kirsty were there.  It was so good to see them. We chatted for a while in the rain before I went into the transition tent.
Within minutes I was a shaking wreck, cold and weak.  Mark and Kirsty took me to my accommodation.  Sleep did not come easy.
I am still amazed that I did it.  There was a time I couldn't do more than three minutes on a rower, now I am an Iron Woman.
My Mum would be proud, and I am proud of me.
On top of that I have managed to raise cash for Macmillan Cancer Support.  Thanks to all those who sponsored me and I am so relieved I did not let you down.

Ironman Wales. 8th Sept 2013 The Bike

I hopped on my bike conscious of the crowds of well wishers.  I began to pedal off and within seconds I heard the familiar voice of my friend Jonathon.  I was so pleased he and Mary were there to support me and surprised they were there so early.
Now I had to focus on keeping a decent pace but not push myself too hard.  I had a long way to go.  I knew the route and knew there was some tough climbing ahead.  But none too tough.  I had to get my nutrition right on the bike.  If I got it wrong it was game over.
I ate an energy bar as early as possible and kept sipping at my energy drink.
Quite a few riders passed me in the first hour but that didn't bother me, in fact it made me feel pretty good that I had obviously done OK in the swim.  1hr 23mins for the swim.
We headed West onto the Angle Peninsula, I kept my heart rate a nice low at around 135 and found myself gliding along quite nicely.  I knew there was a long climb coming up and when it did I changed down a gear to keep my heart rate steady.  A few people passed me but as soon as we crested the hill I passed them all while they recovered from the climb.
As we got to the military area we had to cross a cattle grid and I saw one rider down just by he grid.  I think it was a pro and he was on the return leg.  He was under a silver blanket and being attended to by paramedics.  Seeing that took some of the fun out of things for a while. 
I rode alongside a guy called David for a while and we chatted away.  The nice thing about our race numbers on our backs is that our names were on there too.  I made a point of saying hi to each rider, by name, that I passed.  During the course of the ride I came across no less than 5 "Davids".  
On many occasions a rider would pass me and encourage me and use my name.  I have to say that felt great.
At the first feed station I had finished my first bottle of drink and took a replacement bottle.  I didn't stop there but soon wished I had as before long  needed a pee.   So as soon as I could I found a hedge to hide behind.
 Once I got to Narberth I knew we had some good descents and the worst of the climbing to come.
I still felt good and loved the descents but wished it was dry.  Due to the rain, all the roads were still wet. 
I found myself flying past riders on the descents and they would catch me on the ups.  The descent into Wisemans Bridge was a blast and the climb out was pretty harsh.  A couple a people were walking up the hill.  I used my lowest gear and just ground my way up.  Even here there were supporters cheering us on.  I was loving it.
Then came the blast into Saundersfoot and what an event!  Hundreds of people lined the streets and made the climb out seem easy.
Before I knew it I was riding into Tenby, now all I had to do was another 42 miles and that leg was over.  I cruised along at a steady pace.  I now started to eat another energy bar and found it hard to swallow.  This was a bad sign, so I took tiny bites and drank lots.  I began to nibble on my peanut butter roll and even found that hard to swallow.  I was getting tired.  As we came into Narberth again I felt pretty rough, my stomach had been cramping for the past 30 minutes or so.  I began to get quite anxious about everything. For a split second panic set in,  I just couldn't  fail!  I managed to get that chimp out my head quickly.   I knew I couldn't eat any more so kept  up the fluid intake and gels. 
As we rode through the main street of the town I passed a guy called Darren.  He looked tired and I asked him if he was OK.  He said "No"  he said he was feeling weak.  I asked him when he last ate, he did not know.  He had no gels on him.  I had a caffeinated gel on me and passed that to him knowing that it would give him a huge boost.  We swapped stories of our pain symptoms and I left him at the cross roads as we left the town.
Even though the biggest climbs were to come, I had a sense of satisfaction creep up on me and soon after Narberth my stomach settled down which gave me a real boost.  At this point I was being passed by the pro's and wished them well as they went by.  Again the climbs were made bearable by the supporters.  My friends Jonathan and Mary were on the climb out of Saudersfoot and I waved to them as I passed.  I was so chuffed to see them again. 
As I rode down the long hill into Tenby I saw a stream of runners coming up the hill.  I was tired and felt awful when I saw all the runners already well into their run.  And the road was so long!  I had to snap out of it and focus on me.  I had time and still had a good chance of finishing this thing.
The ride through the town into transition was amazing, again the support was incredible.   I got to transition and finding my lace on the rack was simple.  I ran into the tent and grabbed my red bag.
I changed my socks and shoes.  The volunteers were a great help again.  In fact I had quite good banter with the girls helping.  I asked for  quick manicure promising not to get it smudged on the run.
I was nervous about the run, this is my weakest discipline. I faffed in the tent in no real hurry to get going.  Eventually I had to get going, I had no reason not to. I jogged out into the open air.




Bike route.

Ironman Wales.The Swim. Sunday 8th September

I set my alarm for 4.15 am and when it went off I was pleased that I'd had a decent sleep. Even though I had been woken at 2am by the rain.
I got up and faffed a lot, had porridge, yoghurt and toast for breakfast and made a few peanut butter rolls for the bike leg.
I had a white bag for my wet suit and swim kit and a yellow bag for extra food.  I left the B&B a bit later than planned. Oh we also had a smaller purple bag.  More on that later.
The only parking available was a very long walk from town and it was still very dark.  Lots of people were parking and making their way to town with their white and yellow bags.  My bags felt pretty heavy, but then I had three 750ml water bottles filled with energy drink and some energy bars for the bike.
I followed others to the transition area and my bike.  I was glad I put the cover on my bike overnight.  I put the two drinks bottles in the holders, stuffed two bread rolls into my makeshift holder that I had made to fit between my aero bars.  And put some gels and an energy bar into the small tri bag on my frame.  A quick check of the tyre pressure and that was the bike sorted.  I used the yellow bike cover to stand on and I stripped down to my tri suit and battled my way into my wet suit.  I only put it on up to my waist as I knew I would need a wee before we set off for the long walk down to the beach.  Just under 1km.  I also put my timing chip around my left ankle where it would stay for the duration of the race.
I then went and handed my white bag in which now had my warm clothing in, I handed my yellow bag in too. All bags had my race number on.  I didn't really have time to feel my nerves. Once my bags were handed in all I had now was my purple bag.  This was for my trainers once we got to the ramp going down to the beach.
But now I had to queue for the loo.  There were plenty of portaloos on site and there were a few queues.  Bladder emptied I could fight my way back into my wetsuit.  While I was hopping around getting an arm in a sleeve, David came by.  He had to do the same as me.  Once he'd emptied his bladder we zipped each others wet suits up and set our watches.  It was good to have him to laugh and joke with and we walked down in the procession together.  The atmosphere was amazing, people lined the streets all the way to the final ramp.  They cheered and blew horns, some were dressed in crazy hats and wigs.  The sight of the sea was quite surreal and it was nice and calm. 
The zig zag ramp down to the beach is lined with railings and set up on the rails were hooks with out race numbers above them.  When you got to your number you took your trainers off and put them in your purple bag and hung it up.  Being 1276 I was mid way.  There were hundreds on the beach ready to go.
David and I walked together onto the beach and the count down had already begun.  We had thought of getting wet first but we had no time now.  The starting horn sounded, David and I hugged each other, wished each other the best and we walked in the water.  I was quite happy to start so far back as I didn't want to get caught up in the madness.   As it happens it was too far back as I found myself catching and passing swimmers.  Its a waste of energy however, when you have to swim around people, but I had found a rhythm quicker than I though and I didn't want to slow  down.  Within seconds of starting it began to rain.  My thoughts immediately went to all the people in Tenby supporting us.  I quickly focused on the job in hand.  It was going to take me about one hour 20 minutes and I had swum just short of that in training twice a week with no trouble.  I was happy in the water weaving in and out of the other swimmers.  The first 750 metres seemed to take ages as we swum against the current and it was an unusually high tide.  I had found some space on the way but as we neared the first buoy it got a bit crazy as everyone was trying to keep the distance down by turning as close to the buoy as possible.  I just didn't think it was worth it so kept wider than anyone else and once round it I headed for the red roof of the lifeboat station.  Right in our path was a large blue boat, early on I made the choice to keep the boat between me and the beach.  Just because I could see most people did the opposite and I would have space.  I passed the boat and now had the second buoy in my sights.  The turn around the second buoy wasn't as congested as the first and now I headed toward the beach.  I was still passing swimmers and as I got nearer the beach I kicked harder to get the blood to my legs so they didn't buckle when I got to he beach.  It worked, I swam in as far as I could as it is more efficient that wading.  I stood up carefully and wanted to be sure I could run and not fall flat on my face. ( I've done that before).  Yip I  was OK, I ran up the beach under the banner and down the beach again into the water.  Before I dived in I checked my watch, 40 minutes had gone by.  A bit slower that I hoped for but with 1900 metres to go still I felt comfortable.  I cant say I noticed anything on that run up and down the beach.  I was so focused on what I was doing that I saw nothing but the sand ahead of me.  Now on he second loop I had loads of space, all the swimmers
around me were spread out now.  I had to keep reminding myself about good technique which made all the difference as it makes you so much more efficient.  On this second loop I noticed there was quite a swell in the water now, but that didn't bother me, I was loving it.  I continued to pass swimmers and now I noticed the odd swimmer passing me.  I didn't try and stay with them but just kept to my comfortable pace and rhythm.  The turn around that first buoy this time was fine with much fewer swimmers.  I kept the big blue boat to my right again and noticed that the church spire was pretty impressive from the water and I used that as my guide to the last buoy.  Once past that last buoy it was only 400metres to the beach and the end of the swim.  Again I kicked harder now to get the legs in shape for the run.  I came out the water and headed for the ramp. As I ran to the ramp I pulled the zipper down on my wet suit and peeled it off my arms.  I ran up and made two turns on the zig zags, now my trainer bag was on the third section but the numbers had come off the rail. I had run up to this point and was crestfallen when I realized it was going to be a mission to find my trainers.  I must admit I just stood there not knowing how to deal with this.  I looked at the sea of bags and my heart crumpled.  Then an assistant helped and I found my bag.  I quickly put my trainers on, and grabbed the small bottle of water from the bag.  I trotted the rest of the way up sipping my water and ran through the town to the transition tent.  Again the streets were lined with spectators all cheering us on.  I ran into the huge transition tent and grabbed my blue bag off the rack.  It was packed in there and people were hastily getting changed.  I took my bag to the centre where the chairs were and sat down to change.  I peeled my wet suit off and tried my best to get rid of the sand of my feet and lower legs.  I squished a gel down me, had a gulp of water, put my socks and shoes on, pulled my gillett on and put my helmet on.  There were lots f volunteers on hand to take your bag from you to hang up.  I ran out whilst pulling on my arm warmers.  I knew exactly where to go for my bike as I explained in my previous blog.  I so nearly got straight onto the bike forgetting that you could only mount once out the transition area.  I trotted to the exit and I was off.

Saturday 7th Sept

Saturday 7^th Sept was a strange but enjoyable
day.

At my B&B after breakfast I packed my bags.  At registration on Friday I picked up all my
required bags, tags race number and instructions.

So in my blue bag, went my cycling kit.  In my red bag went my running kit.  I laid everything out on the bed first.  I was really concerned that I would forget a
vital bit of kit!  The forecast for
Sunday was mixed and I had forgotten to bring a gillett.

My friend David, who I met on the Africa ride, text and we
arranged to meet up later. He was making me laugh with his questions about the bags.  He hadn't caught the Friday night briefing so was a bit unsure about the process.

It was late morning and I drove into Tenby and was lucky to
find a parking quickly, although it was on the outskirts of town.

I wasn’t alone, there were lots of others taking their bikes
out of cars and putting them together. 

I put the wheels on my bike and stuffed the blue and red
bags into my new Ironman rucksack.  With
this on my back I hopped on my bike and cycled into town up the steep
hill.  The roads were very busy with
traffic.  Spectators, supporters and
fellow competitors were streaming in. For once as a cyclist on the road I felt completely safe.  None of the drivers minded as I passed them
up the hill.

I made my way to the transition area, which was huge.  Then I realised I hadn’t put the number on my
bike.  I did that carefully and wheeled
it into transition.  Only the athletes
were allowed into the transition area. 
I feel a little odd calling myself an athlete, I am more a participant .

I racked my bike at my designated place and could not
believe my luck.  There were eleven long
rails and my number was on the end of the number 9,  which meant I could find my bike easily after
the swim and find my racking place after the ride.  I covered my bike with the bag provided and
headed for the huge marquee set up as the transition area.  To access these places you had to show your ID race number bracelet.

I was impressed with the set up in the marquee.  Again more racks with the race numbers
on.  On one side you hung up your red bag
and on the other your blue bag.

In the middle were chairs so you could sit down to
change.  I checked my bags once more
before hanging them up as there would be no access allowed to them on Sunday
morning. 

 

The place was buzzing with nervous athletes and all were

friendly.

I wandered into town and bought a sandwich, I took my food

and sat on the harbour wall looking out to sea. As I ate I could see lots of activity on the beach where our race would
start.  Today was Ironkids and there were
hundreds of them taking part.

I looked out to sea and tried to imagine myself swimming
amongst hundreds.  A daunting thought
indeed.

 

Then I wandered down to the beach to watch the Ironkids in

action.  They had to run down to the water, run through knee high water around some little bouys and then back up the beach again.  It was a long way for
little legs but they competed in waves of age groups with gusto!

On my way back to town I met the same two guys from Cardiff

that I met when I came to Tenby a few weeks ago to ride the course.  It was good to see them and we talked as we
walked back to the Expo and transition area.

Shortly after that I met up with David and his coach.  We talked nothing but tri and all things

related.  It was very interesting to get
tips from a pro and I began to wish I had used a coach to prepare. 

David and I had diner together before going to the race
briefing.  Even though I had heard it the
night before, I was happy to listen again.

I gave David a lift back to his hotel and I went back to my
B&B for an early night.

I pasted on my race numbers on both upper forearms and was really chuffed with them.

I lay on my bed and went over the race in my mind, set some
ground rules ( like, do not chase anyone down, go at a steady pace ) and
visualised myself crossing the finish line. ( I had not seen the finish line in
reality)

At 9.30pm I turned the light out

Tenby

I arrived in Tenby in good time. So many emotions ran through my head in the way over. Happiness, excitement, sadness.... I thought of my Mum a lot and actually laughed out loud when I thought of her seeing me running in my Superwoman thong. She would howl with laughter at that.
I found a parking and headed for registration, it was very well set up but I'm too tired to go into detail now. I got what I needed then drove to my B&B . I quickly unpacked and headed back to Tenby for a swim. The B&B is fab!
Parked and headed for the beach. As I walked down the long ramp I realised I forgot my swim cap and its compulsory. I passed two ladies donning their wetsuits and asked if they had a spare cap. They did and gave it to me gladly. Phew! I stripped off and struggled into my wetsuit.
A quick briefing waterside and I was off. The water was choppy and it took me several minutes to get into a rythym. I stopped a few times and took my goggles off and put them back on, just to practice in case they get kicked or hit off on the swim. I did two loops of the practice course which was just over a mile. I felt really good and happy to be in the sea. Afterward I went into town and had a pasta dish. Met fellow competitors and chatted away. Then went to the race briefing at 5pm, and afterwards met up with my friend David at the Pasta party. It was great to see him.
Now back in my room I have looked again at the briefing pack and I am shattered and oddly enough feeling hungry, but I think that is nerves.









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Nearly there!

Thursday 5th September 2013.
I gave Wednesday a miss as I felt so very tired when I got up and my limbs felt like lead.  In fact as the day went on I felt worse, my head was thumping and my throat was sore.  I had awful visions of getting a cold.  So I ate loads of healthy food, lots of fluids and had an early night.
I felt just fine this morning.  I went for a short ride and run and then enjoyed a salad in the sun.
I was almost taken out by a driver again on a round about.  The driver just did not see me, even though she almost hit me.  She is still blissfully unaware that she almost ended my dream.  Lucky for me, I was able to take evasive action.
This afternoon I spent ages sorting out what I need to take.  Wetsuit, tri suit, helmet, cycling shoes, running shoes, race belt, blah blah blah.  I will pack tonight and set off to Tenby tomorrow morning.  I want to get there early enough to check into my B&B and register so I can go for a sea swim in the afternoon.
I am filled with fear and trepidation about Sunday. I know I need to trust my training.  I've worked really hard for 6 months and should be fine.
It will be an emotional day too in respect of my Mother.  Sunday will be the last day that I am ever the same age as my Mother.  She passed away 30 days before her 48th birthday and it will be 30 days before my 48th on Sunday.  When the going gets tough, as I know it will, I will think of my beautiful courageous Mum. 
I can hardly believe its here, after all the weeks of training.  Running and riding in rain, hail, high winds and baking sun, getting up early to go swimming.
And now the privilege of lining up at the start with super fit professional athletes from around the globe.
I have had such encouragement from family and friends its humbling.
More than 20 years ago I used to dream of doing a big triathlon. Never give up on your dreams hey!

Sponsorship

For a £200 donation to Macmillan I will wear a super woman thong over my tri suit for the run section



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