My journey to Ironman started early last year when I asked myself the question can i still run a marathon. In order for me to even consider another “run” at an Ironman I needed to know I could still run 26.2 miles. In May of 2015 I ran the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon, did well, and then my mind wandered to Ironman.
In September 2015 I signed up for the Wisconsin Ironman. 10 years ago Sara and I both did the Wisconsin Ironman. In that race Sara qualified for the Hawaiian Ironman World Championships and I got sick on mile 16 of the marathon, threw up in Camp Randall, and had to drop out for a trip to the medical tent. I was going back for unfinished business, to finish Wisconsin this time.
We flew into Chicago and stayed at my dads house on the lake. We woke up in the morning and took a swim first thing while the water was calm..it was amazing like swimming in a big pool…
My dad is such a great host and it was great getting a chance to hang out with him before we moved on to Milwaukee
Next up was Sara brother Steve’s house where he again held his annual pig and corn roast/family get together.
There was plenty of food for everyone, which is a small miracle looking at how much the nephews and nieces can eat these days :).
Sara and I had been waiting to taste real Wisconsin sweet corn for some time and we were not disappointed.
After part of a week hanging out in Milwaukee and trips to Sheboygan Falls it was time to move onto Madison. We stayed at the host hotel, which was just steps to the athlete village and the beautiful capital building.
Before the race nearly all of our clothing and gear for the day needs to be checked in and ready for race day. Here Marni and I checking in our Run bags to the bike to run transition room. Oh yea there are lots of bags and we are having fun now…
The day before the race all bikes need to be handed over to be racked on this outdoor parking area. My bike is parked just below the skywalk from our hotel to the Monona Terrace. The weather looks good for race day some clouds and temps in the middle to high 70’s.
The morning of the race we were up before the dawn. After a quick breakfast it was time to start down to the transition area to get body marked. The day was just starting and I was just trying to stay calm for the long day ahead.
Sara and her friend Sarah were with me all the way to the swim transition. Then they went up to the swim to bike transition to volunteer for the early morning. It was awesome having Sara had me my bike after T1 and send me off with a smile.
It is a crazy experience to swim in the lake with 2400 fellow athletes. At no time is there free water in front of you and at the turn buoys it was like a traffic jam.
Even after the last turn it seemed like the long time to the water exit. When I exited the water I was ready to get out of my suit and onto my bike.
After Sara handed me my bike it was time to head out of town and start riding hills. This year the course had 4500 feet of climbing in the 112 miles. I felt really comfortable on my bike but really needed to hold back on the hills to keep from getting cramps and the run was still ahead of me.
I felt pretty good after the bike but took some time in T2 to get enough water and food in before running out. The run took us from the capital..
To Camp Randall Stadium (UW Badgers).. This is the exact place that 10 years ago I got sick and had to drop out. I said a prayer of thanks as I ran out of the stadium so grateful that I was moving on to the rest of the race.
Out to Picnic Point by the lake shore dorms…
and to the massive crowds on State Street..
here my brothers George and Andy and Sara were waiting to cheer me on..it was so awesome to have them there for each loop. Knowing they were there really kept me going during the run.
My training partner Larry looking good as he was cruising on State Street…
and then it was back to the capital for the second lap, it was hard turning at this point knowing I had another half marathon to run…and what’s the deal with my stance it looks like I am dancing 🙂
Running down the finisher shoot was so amazing so I started slapping peoples hands and enjoying it. I was happy to be done and happy to have had a good race.
I am all smiles for my picture but I was really tired and not sure if I can eat anything after the day I just had. It was great to get the medal and hear that I was an Ironman.
George and Andy were so awesome to come out and watch me race. Ironman is not the easiest thing to watch, I know I have done it many times. It meant a lot to have them there to celebrate my finish with me.
My other training partner in crime was Cory from Minnesota and Larry’s cousin. He ended up winning his age group in his first Ironman with an awesome time. So great to get to know him better and share the experience with him and Larry.
Our friend Marni also did Ironman and Sara was there to greet her at the finish. I was up in my bed resting. Marni has done every IM Wisconsin since it started and tough as nails. It was awesome staying/hanging with her for the Ironman. It was so fun catching up with her and doing this great race together.
Special thanks go out to Sara for all the love and support she has given me through all the training and racing and traveling. She has always been my biggest supporter and I love her dearly.
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