Faces of Ironman

You know an Ironman triathlon is tough.  i know it is tough.  At least once per week you can see super slow motion video of athletes pushing through pain via reruns on the television.  Ah, the pain

After my volunteer shift at Ironman Wisconsin in 2010, i snapped a few photos.  The following images were all taken at the same place: the corner of the run course where athletes look up and see the marathon turnaround.  Since it is a double out and back course, this takes place just a couple hundred yards away from the finish line.  So close, yet so far.  Upon seeing this point where they can almost touch the finish yet still have 13.1 miles to go, reactions vary, but there is almost always emotion.

Let's take a closer look.

Each of the runners in this first set seem pretty disheartened.

 

This next group took it all in stride.  Half marathon to go?  Let's do this.

 

 These four didn't know what to think of the challenge ahead.

 

These last athletes were not happy at all.

 

What is the lesson here?  140.6 miles of racing will really, really hurt at some point. Being ready for that pain and having a plan for when it hits you may be the difference between finishing strong and crawling home.

Happy New Year. Where Am I?

Before i let the reality of a new year sink in, i should note two last things that took place in 2010 after my Racing Season 2010 Recap.

In September, Jodi and i returned to Ironman Wisconsin to volunteer.  While last year we were in the kayaks keeping the swimmers safe, this year we ended up on the run course (me) and the medical tent (Jodi).  i was a pointer at the very challenging corner of State & Henry.  It was an out-and-back course so two way traffic made things busy a while after the pros came by.  A sharp angle at the intersection and an intermittent blind spot added to the degree of difficulty but luckily i managed to keep athletes and spectators from colliding during my shift.  Jodi was positioned just beyond the finish line to assist athletes who needed medical attention.  The weather was mostly cooperative so there weren't a constant stream of delirious souls filing in, but a few stopped by to keep things interesting.

Last year we had brother Mike along as a fellow volunteer and this year we had friends and triathletes Javi and Sara join in the fun.  Javi volunteered on the run course just a Gatorade's throw from me and Sara paid her dues in the busy women's transition tent.  Even before race day came there was much Madison to enjoy in the form of a practice swim, the farmer's market, a run around town, and some fine dining.  Our wonderful host was Madisonite and Ironman Lindsey.  Despite recovering from a stress fracture, she provided a comfy place for us to rest our heads, found us some tasty grub, and made sure race day was a blast... all on crutches, no less.  Oh, by the way, Sara registered for her first Ironman to take place in 2011.

2011?  What will it bring?  Ah, wait, not yet.  One more thing.

In October of 2010, Market to Market Relay came around again.  This is an 84 mile relay race from Lincoln to Omaha in which we had never participated.  Friend and Ironman Fred needed some last minute subs on his team, so Jodi and i answered the call.  i wasn't so sure at first as i had mentally closed shop more or less, but i am very glad to have reopened for a day.  Our goal was to finish in under 12 hours.  We did. It gets a little crazy at times, but i highly recommend this race.

OK, so what will this year bring? Here's is what i know: we are already signed up for 211 miles of racing.  i have a pretty good base of swimming and running and the biking isn't too far behind.  Nothing too crazy, mind you, as i don't want to burn out, but i also don't want Spring to roll in and feel like i'm behind.  So, where am i?  i feel like i am right where i need to be.

Time to hop on the trainer.  Happy New Year!