Ironman Wisconsin Race Report
I can't believe it's over. Until next time I guess? Maybe?
Gary and I arrived in Madison Thursday night. I was glad to be there but very anxious. We had two full days before the race. Friday we got in the very choppy water. It didn't seem too bad, but I was wearing my wetsuit which I think helped a lot. I actually felt really good in the water. We then registered, rode our bikes a bit, and went to the race meeting/dinner. The video at the meeting got me pretty excited, but still one more day...
Saturday we went down to the water again. Gary and Eric swam, and Jeff and Beth went for a little run. I opted to hang out on the bleachers by the water. It ended up being a great choice because I met a "lovely lady duck" (sing Fergie) who ate off of my shoe and out of my hand. I was thoroughly entertained. We headed back to the hotel after everyone except myself stood in line for a voucher for next year. (I need to do one first to be sure I want to maybe do another one, right?). Gary and I went for a short run and started packing our 5 bags. 1. swim to bike transition, 2. bike to run transition, 3. special needs bike, 4. special needs run, 5. dry clothes morning bag. It took forever! You need so much crap to do an Ironman. When we went to drop off our transition bags and bikes I was a little worried I might have forgotten something. We would still be able to get to them in the morning. Next was the bike course preview by car. It was long. I got a bit nervous, but it was good to see most of the course. My mom and dad arrived just as we were finishing up the course and we went to a nice dinner then headed off to bed.
Race morning came quickly after a sound night's sleep. One Boost and one breakfast bar later we were in the truck on our way to the start. Enter nerves with a little bit of nausea. We had quite a bit of time before the start, and by the time we were walking down to the water the nerves were gone. I just wanted to be in the water!
The Swim
I followed Eric and Beth to the far right of the mass of people. All 5 of us started in the front but since the loops around to the left the far right seemed much less dangerous. Swimming a bit further seemed a lot better than being repeatedly kicked, pulled on, elbowed, and scratched. Fives were exchanged, the gun/horn(don't even remember) went off and we were gone. I stayed on Beth's feet for a bit so she could take me to a good spot, but quickly lost her. I enjoyed my spot and only got one elbow to the head until the first turn. I took the first turn a bit too close and had to work my way out of the neoprene school. The swim was a two loop course and I took both pretty easy. I felt very relaxed, but on the second lap I was ready to be out of the water. Thank goodness for the volunteers helping you out of the water, and the wetsuit strippers who actually pulled me up into the air while taking off my suit. The crowd was simply amazing. People lined the entire helix of the parking structure that we ran up. I felt like a celebrity.
The Bike
I saw Beth as we were headed to our bikes. We chatted for a bit, and got on our bikes and then she was gone. I knew better than to try to keep up with her on the bike. The first part of the ride was nice and flat and I worked on getting my heart rate down from the excitement of the transition. This took several minutes, but I was glad to be taking it easy. It would be a long day. Jeff passed me early with a "nice butt" comment that I heard as "nice bike". Then Gary. I was so glad to see him and hear that he had a good swim as well. I wanted everyone to stay and chat, but I knew they couldn't. The bike course for me was very challenging. I rode very conservitively, but it was hard to do on such a hilly course. There were big rolling hills, long climbs, and a few shorter steeper climbs. Nothing was worse than what I trained on, but it was still tough. I never let my heart rate exceed 160, so I felt pretty good about that. 112 miles by yourself (although surrounded by others) is a long ride. I entertained myself by singing, talking to myself, cows, and volunteers and athletes when I could. I ate all of my Clif Bloks, some Clif Bars, Oatmeal Cream Pies, Gummy worms, and a lot of Gatorade. I was happy that I was able to eat so much because I knew I would need it. One part of the ride has longest climb followed by the steepest climb. (which you do twice) The spectators line the road as if it were the Tour de France. You ride through a tunnel of people cheering literally in your face. And of course ringing the cowbells. Oh the cowbells! It's pretty hard to hold back with so much support. Seeing my parents and my sister three times was also pretty awesome. Finally I reached the last part of the ride back into Madison. I actually couldn't wait to start the run; the bike had taken a lot longer than I thought it would. I rode back up the helix and back into transition.
The Run
I felt like a very grateful 2 year old as the kind volunteer helped dress me for the run. Madison has some very nice, and patient volunteers! I exited the transition and headed straight to the port-o-potty. As I squatted I thought why on earth would someone be outside shaking the port-o-potty when I am in here? I opened the door to see no one and realized it was my legs that must have been shaking. The first few miles of the run felt so good. I have never been happier to be running in my entire life. I actually wasn't even scared that I had to run 26.2. The run course was full of spectators even more so than the bike. My heart rate was low, but I still tried to hold back a bit on the first loop. I was so glad to see Jeff, Eric, Gary and Beth on the first loop. They all looked great! The run was kind of a blur, and the parts I remember seemed dark, but I actually only ran for less than an hour in the dark. I felt really good running, and hoped I could keep up my pace. I took Coke, and water at every aid station. Gels and food were not appetizing. On the second loop I saw Gary, Jeff, Beth and Eric one more time. I also made a friend from Team Mexico that I ran with for a few minutes. I relied heavily on the aid stations and crowd support. It's really nice having your name on your race number, and if I've said it once I'll say it a thousand more times...Madison fans are AWESOME! On the second loop I started playing the number game in my head even more. I was slowly giving up the thought of finishing under 13 hours. I hit mile 22 and my body said "enough!" I was having a hard time running. Nothing in particular was hurting and my heart rate was in the 130s. I just couldn't run. I started walking more often, but was still able to walk fast. I was also feeling really dizzy and that scared me a little. As long as I kept moving I felt ok. I think the last 4 miles I walked more than half of the time, but I'm not really sure. I remember getting to mile 25 and thinking that I would try to run the last 1.2 to the finish line. It didn't happen. I told myself when I get to the crowd I will run. I got to the crowd and turned the corner. I had no idea I was that close to the finish line when I saw it. The second thing I saw was the clock. 12:59:20! I could make it! I picked it up and ran hard to the finish. I heard "Nikki Ditsch, a personal trainer from Lexington, Kentucky... YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" I crossed the tape. 12:59:46.
Gary and I arrived in Madison Thursday night. I was glad to be there but very anxious. We had two full days before the race. Friday we got in the very choppy water. It didn't seem too bad, but I was wearing my wetsuit which I think helped a lot. I actually felt really good in the water. We then registered, rode our bikes a bit, and went to the race meeting/dinner. The video at the meeting got me pretty excited, but still one more day...
Saturday we went down to the water again. Gary and Eric swam, and Jeff and Beth went for a little run. I opted to hang out on the bleachers by the water. It ended up being a great choice because I met a "lovely lady duck" (sing Fergie) who ate off of my shoe and out of my hand. I was thoroughly entertained. We headed back to the hotel after everyone except myself stood in line for a voucher for next year. (I need to do one first to be sure I want to maybe do another one, right?). Gary and I went for a short run and started packing our 5 bags. 1. swim to bike transition, 2. bike to run transition, 3. special needs bike, 4. special needs run, 5. dry clothes morning bag. It took forever! You need so much crap to do an Ironman. When we went to drop off our transition bags and bikes I was a little worried I might have forgotten something. We would still be able to get to them in the morning. Next was the bike course preview by car. It was long. I got a bit nervous, but it was good to see most of the course. My mom and dad arrived just as we were finishing up the course and we went to a nice dinner then headed off to bed.
Race morning came quickly after a sound night's sleep. One Boost and one breakfast bar later we were in the truck on our way to the start. Enter nerves with a little bit of nausea. We had quite a bit of time before the start, and by the time we were walking down to the water the nerves were gone. I just wanted to be in the water!
The Swim
I followed Eric and Beth to the far right of the mass of people. All 5 of us started in the front but since the loops around to the left the far right seemed much less dangerous. Swimming a bit further seemed a lot better than being repeatedly kicked, pulled on, elbowed, and scratched. Fives were exchanged, the gun/horn(don't even remember) went off and we were gone. I stayed on Beth's feet for a bit so she could take me to a good spot, but quickly lost her. I enjoyed my spot and only got one elbow to the head until the first turn. I took the first turn a bit too close and had to work my way out of the neoprene school. The swim was a two loop course and I took both pretty easy. I felt very relaxed, but on the second lap I was ready to be out of the water. Thank goodness for the volunteers helping you out of the water, and the wetsuit strippers who actually pulled me up into the air while taking off my suit. The crowd was simply amazing. People lined the entire helix of the parking structure that we ran up. I felt like a celebrity.
The Bike
I saw Beth as we were headed to our bikes. We chatted for a bit, and got on our bikes and then she was gone. I knew better than to try to keep up with her on the bike. The first part of the ride was nice and flat and I worked on getting my heart rate down from the excitement of the transition. This took several minutes, but I was glad to be taking it easy. It would be a long day. Jeff passed me early with a "nice butt" comment that I heard as "nice bike". Then Gary. I was so glad to see him and hear that he had a good swim as well. I wanted everyone to stay and chat, but I knew they couldn't. The bike course for me was very challenging. I rode very conservitively, but it was hard to do on such a hilly course. There were big rolling hills, long climbs, and a few shorter steeper climbs. Nothing was worse than what I trained on, but it was still tough. I never let my heart rate exceed 160, so I felt pretty good about that. 112 miles by yourself (although surrounded by others) is a long ride. I entertained myself by singing, talking to myself, cows, and volunteers and athletes when I could. I ate all of my Clif Bloks, some Clif Bars, Oatmeal Cream Pies, Gummy worms, and a lot of Gatorade. I was happy that I was able to eat so much because I knew I would need it. One part of the ride has longest climb followed by the steepest climb. (which you do twice) The spectators line the road as if it were the Tour de France. You ride through a tunnel of people cheering literally in your face. And of course ringing the cowbells. Oh the cowbells! It's pretty hard to hold back with so much support. Seeing my parents and my sister three times was also pretty awesome. Finally I reached the last part of the ride back into Madison. I actually couldn't wait to start the run; the bike had taken a lot longer than I thought it would. I rode back up the helix and back into transition.
The Run
I felt like a very grateful 2 year old as the kind volunteer helped dress me for the run. Madison has some very nice, and patient volunteers! I exited the transition and headed straight to the port-o-potty. As I squatted I thought why on earth would someone be outside shaking the port-o-potty when I am in here? I opened the door to see no one and realized it was my legs that must have been shaking. The first few miles of the run felt so good. I have never been happier to be running in my entire life. I actually wasn't even scared that I had to run 26.2. The run course was full of spectators even more so than the bike. My heart rate was low, but I still tried to hold back a bit on the first loop. I was so glad to see Jeff, Eric, Gary and Beth on the first loop. They all looked great! The run was kind of a blur, and the parts I remember seemed dark, but I actually only ran for less than an hour in the dark. I felt really good running, and hoped I could keep up my pace. I took Coke, and water at every aid station. Gels and food were not appetizing. On the second loop I saw Gary, Jeff, Beth and Eric one more time. I also made a friend from Team Mexico that I ran with for a few minutes. I relied heavily on the aid stations and crowd support. It's really nice having your name on your race number, and if I've said it once I'll say it a thousand more times...Madison fans are AWESOME! On the second loop I started playing the number game in my head even more. I was slowly giving up the thought of finishing under 13 hours. I hit mile 22 and my body said "enough!" I was having a hard time running. Nothing in particular was hurting and my heart rate was in the 130s. I just couldn't run. I started walking more often, but was still able to walk fast. I was also feeling really dizzy and that scared me a little. As long as I kept moving I felt ok. I think the last 4 miles I walked more than half of the time, but I'm not really sure. I remember getting to mile 25 and thinking that I would try to run the last 1.2 to the finish line. It didn't happen. I told myself when I get to the crowd I will run. I got to the crowd and turned the corner. I had no idea I was that close to the finish line when I saw it. The second thing I saw was the clock. 12:59:20! I could make it! I picked it up and ran hard to the finish. I heard "Nikki Ditsch, a personal trainer from Lexington, Kentucky... YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" I crossed the tape. 12:59:46.
