Ironman Coeur D'Alene 2009

I didn't do this race, but went up to volunteer and support my T3 teammates (50+ of them!)

    This is the way to do the race - volunteer in medical tent and receive an ALL ACCESS, baby, badge. I felt like a VIP at a rock concert.

 

I volunteered in the T1 tent because Lizbeth helped me so much last year. It was very rewarding. The swim was really rough, and CdA is always cold, so the volunteers' help was even more needed - ever try to put on a sports bra when you're wet and cold? It was crazy chaotic and pretty fun! Lots of naked bodies made me realize women of all shapes and sizes do this.

It was amazing to see the pros come in. They do their T1 in probably a minute, don't change their clothes, don't put on extra suncreen or shoes (shoes are on the bike). In general, you don't help them in the change tent because they have their own routine down, and besides I didn't want to make anyone lose by being too slow assisting them!

I spent most of mid-day cheering teammates on, as well as Stacy and Kathleen. It was fun and I have to say that CdA is very spectator friendly. It was fun hanging out with Yvonne, Chris, Maggie, Nancy and Rhonda. Some of my teammates are really fast; some of them have a lot of heart. It was a hard day - water was choppy, the sun never really came out and it was windy on the bike,  weather was cold and during the run, it started getting colder, windier and started to rain.

At 3 pm I went to the medical tent. It was great experience, but not particularly a pleasant one. I've seen the great side of Ironman, now I've seen the ugly side - basically what athletes do to themselves and endure through, maxing out their bodies' capacity in less than ideal conditions. We saw mainly hypothermia, but also some dehydration. I think weather extremes mess up how your body absorbs nutrition. I think you need to eat more, too (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Your body is trying to burn calories, just to warm you up, while you are using those calories to run. So it's something to think about in the cold. I was glad to help a few teammates in the tent, but didn't see too many T3ers, thank god.

I got to see the end, which was great. Franciso Pantano won and it was exciting to see him cross the finish line, 8:32

 

To my friend Stacy, I was so happy to see you come out of the swim and unhappy that you did not get to continue on the bike. I hope you had a memorable time nonetheless.

To my friend Erin, I think you were the strongest person out there, pushing through despite having a tough day. There were so many times you could have quit, and most people would have, but you did not. It doesn't matter what your time was - you finished!

.......still.....

as much as I enjoyed volunteering and cheering -

        I'd rather be racing! (to be continued....)

Comments

[RBR]

Jane,

I can not thank you enough for your help and support this weekend. I am forever grateful. My husband wanted me to tell you how grateful that you were there when I (finally) got out of the water. I was so sick and your cheer leading and expertise helped me get out on the bike. I may have missed the secret mile 90 bike cut off by three minutes, but I did continue to finish the bike course even though it was unofficial. I am very disappointed that I was not able to do the marathon and finish the course, but I know I would not have gotten as far as I did without your help.

I am putting Rocky Raccoon on my calendar. If you decide you want to do it I am there!

Thank you again!
Stacey

[Greyhound]

You received the rock star pass because you've got skillz. Mad skillz.

[Priscilla]

Thanks for cheering!! It meant alot to the ones that came in late. The medical tent was beyond awesome. I'd have to say the nicest doctors ever :) Thanks again for cheering!!!

[RBR]

YOU ARE A BEAST!! Sub 7:30 on a HOT, HILLY course! WOO HOO!! Great job at BSLT 70.3!

[Lisa]

Jane~ Not sure if you still read my blog, so I wanted to be sure you saw pics in the girls of their tri onesies that I just posted. We LOVE them! http://ferrariflies.blogspot.com/2009/06/im-triathlete-again-y-freedom-tri.html