Post-Race Words

I want to thank all of my family and friends again for the tremendous support throughout my training and race.  I surpassed my fundraising goal, with much help from my sister Melissa & Dave McBride.  

The race day support crew this year was very inspirational, and present all over the place throughout the day.  Thanks to Scott and the kids, Mom, Melissa & Aunt Debbie, Tammi & Alex Jones, Alex LaClair, PJ, Christi, Jake Teske, Willie & Myrtie, Bob & Gin, Jeff & Lynn Kellogg, The Placid Planet crew, Aunt Mare, Uncle Bill, Sissy & Ronnie, Amy, Mary Eppolito, and the Spiridigloizzi crew, and their pit captain Cherstin.  It was lots of fun looking for everyone, hearing the horns, hoots, and cowbells.  I love you guys! 

What a day!  My alarm went off at 4, I had 1/2 hour to myself to contemplate the day, eat breakfast, & get my things together.  Scott& I headed down to transition for a few last minute adjustments to my transition bags, to pump up my tires, & unbag my computer & bike seat.  I loaded my nutrition/hydration on the bike, then headed out into the street for body marking.  I got to see my kids & some of my favorite people just before the swim start.  

The swim was fun, and over quickly, then off on the LONG bike.  It rained a bit early in the bike, then became sunny, and very humid.  This required me to change my nutrition plan slightly, and to hydrate more than I had planned.  Aid stations were frequent, and well staffed, which made last minute modifications easy.  The run was the same... entertaining, difficult, and very familiar.  Scott, PJ, and Jake provided the perfect combination of encouragement and comic relief.  Uncle Craig was out there with me too... I could feel his vibe on River Road.  

The finish was just as amazing as last year.  The noise and electric energy made me smile & pick up my pace for the last mile or so.  I love running 1/4 of the way around the olympic oval, seeing all of the people, and hearing the announcer and the pounding music.  You really need to experience it to understand.  

All in all, I had again, one of the best times of my life to date.  

I'm really looking forward to spending time with my family, and enjoying the rest of summer.  

I'll be back in the spring for IM 10!  

Thanks again for everything you all have done for me!

KI

The Morning After

She is an Ironman AGAIN!!!

Unofficial time from our photos is 13:38:57

Sent from my iPhone

She's coming!!!

Latest news is that she is 3 miles out. Romi just picked up her bike and bags. What a big girl! We will watch her go out and then jet to get the kids in position at the finish.

She's already an ironman, but she's almost finished for today!

Best,
Melissa

The Run So Far

Scott is out on his bike, along with future ironmen Jake Teske and PJ
Banazek. They are out on 83 riding ahead and making stops to boost her
morale.

Scott messaged ahead and met us know she was coming our way so we were
well in position with all of the kids to give her some love.

Iron Andy came past not long after, and got plenty of love from the
crew too.

Aunt Debbie and Petey ran uphill with her and back down to send her
back out on her second half.

Then Aunt Debbie and Petey ran with Iron Andy and we sent him out
toward Cherstin and Drew's Crew with a smile on his face.

Now we wait a little bit longer. The kids have made friends, played
games, rested, gone swimming, shopping, and snacked their way through
the day.

She's looking strong, and her pace is solid. Check ironman.com for her
splits if you want the deets.

Best,
Melissa

KI's first marathon loop

Looking healthy and happy after 13.1!

Working on Photos & Waiting on 13.1

Well, my phone died (trying to refresh the malfunctioning GPS a million times did it I think) so we haven't been posting for a couple of hours.

KI came through the final bike loop looking strong. She was a few minutes behind Andy but was looking a little less tired than he.

We dashed over to the Oval just in time to see Andy, and then shortly thereafter, KI make their way out onto the road. They came out to begin their marathon about 10 minutes after the 1st place champion crossed the finish line after the full 140.6 miles. Amazing.

We're anticipating seeing her on her first loop around 5:30pm. Trying to get the day's photos taken so far up on the site before we head back down to the tent.

Thanks to all of you taking the time to send KI your good vibes. while she isn't reading them in the moment, tonight as she's winding down and recapping her day, she will revel in the love and good will everyone has been pouring out all day long.

Think about it - if today was a week day and you had gone to the office, or wherever you work, KI would have most likely started this race before you got there, and would have another 13.1 miles ahead of her when you were heading back home. That's just plain amazing in my book.

Auntie M

A Rookie Spectator's Point of View by Tammi Bice Jones

I think this is the most inspiring and awesome event you can come and watch. To know somebody doing it is even better.

My favorite part of the day so far was watching KI come out of the water and wave to us. It made me very emotional, which was unexpected.

The most unexpected thing about the day was watching the professional athletes come back so fast!

One of the highlights of my day was seeing Scott come back to the tent in his bike shorts - to go ride with KI on the run.

While it doesn't inspire me to necessarily do an Ironman, I may be inspired to do a triathlon on a smaller scale after experiencing this.

Note to self: next year, wear sneakers or some sort of non-flip flop shoe. Spectating is its own sport!

Projectjoy.com

Today the kids passed out hundreds of beach balls with Myrtis. Sharing
the love and passing around good vibes.

Family time

Wow wow wow

So, the last few posts have been on the fly, and at times, even on the
run. Now that we have a few minutes to relax, we'll give you a better
update.

Her transition was soooo smooth! Unlike last year, the rain had only
come in spurts during the swim (big, wet spurts called downpours at
times), so the transition area wasn't nearly as muddy.

Ironkip's crew was out in force. We made the transition en masse and
were able to spot KI (and Andy) coming out of the water, in the chute,
and on her way to her bike.

Romi, Ruby, Hunter, Petey, and RJ did a great job keeping up and
staying with KI. We all made it around the oval just in time to wish
her off on the bike.

We are now at the tent on the corner after a really solid first loop
cheer. Her gps chip isn't working, which is a bummer, but the kids are
swimming, Myrtis has handed out at least 50 beach balls, the
playground is full, and the sun is SHiNING!!!

Best,
Melissa

She. Is. Amazing!

Waiting for the 1st bike loop

We are heading to tent.

She's transitioning!

She got out of the water with approximately 37/39 splits. Looking
amazing heading out onto bike course! Start looking at the KI LIVE
page to track her progress on the bike.

Feeding the kids and drying out before heading to the tent for the
afternoon!

It's not raining now, hoping for a safe descent into Keene!

Best,
Melissa

Andy's out and lookin great.

KI should be out of the water any minute!

Best,
Melissa

Looking good!

4-8 minutes ahead of her normal pace at the half of swim!!! Taking
wagers in how far below 14 hours here on the course!!

Best,
Melissa

She's swimming her little heart out!

KI looked great when we caught up with her on the way into the water.
She got to get some lovin' from her kids, and went into the water with
a smile on her face!

We are waiting for her to finish her first loop now. Should be coming
through shortly.

Best,
Melissa

Shhhh....everyone needs a good night's sleep!

OK folks, it's the night before the REALLY big day. IronKip and Iron Andy did a very short swim this morning just to get wet I think. Jake Teske, aspiring Ironman 2012 joined them in Mirror Lake, sans wetsuit. It was chilly, but I don't think much would have kept him from getting into the mix.

All is quiet on the home(s)front tonight. KI and Scott turned it in early, after sending Romi, Ruby, and Hunter up to have a slumber party with Grammy at the Aunties' house.

Newcomers to IronKip's Crew - Tammy and Alex "Petey" Jones, are camping out in the Aunties' unfurnished apartment with Hunter, while Christi is hunkered down at KI's house along with those who follow IronKip on race day "every year she does Ironman" including Alex LaClair and Jake Teske.

Tomorrow we're hoping to stay dry, though the forecast isn't necessarily cooperating. We are a bit more savvy this year, with a 10' x 10' tent down in the park, and plans for how to move about town.

We're expecting Aunt Mill in town dark and early, and will see Nanny and Poppy, the Heymans crew, and Willie and Myrtis on course as well.

We'll do our best to keep everyone up-to-date on IronKip.com. Please note, she is NOT wearing the GPS on the swim, but we'll keep you posted.

It's gonna be a GREAT day!

Best,

Auntie M

Ironman 2010

They are doing it again! Standing in line at the school registration
to sign up for Ironman 2010. IronAndy and IronKip haven't even started
2009's event, but are fully committed to their Iron lifestyle.

Rock on Iron Posse!

Ironman Friday

It's been quite a day!  I'm getting ready to hit the sack.  

Thanks you so much for all of the kind words, and donations to Memorial Sloan-Kettering.  I am truly touched by the fact that so many of my friends, family, and people I have yet to meet, have given so generously, as well as offered support to me personally. 

The day began with a swim in Mirror Lake, followed by some time at the athlete's village with the girls.  Face painting, snow cones,  and creative time under the Janus poster tent.  After that, we headed down to the beach, where the girls were registered & body marked, then suited up for the Ironkids fun run that Auntie M spoke of in her last post.  What a hoot!  Check out the video when you get a chance.  After the race, it was back to business, a 1 hr training ride on the bike course which went well.  I made it home in time to prepare pasta, meatballs, & sausage for the gang's  dinner,  exhausted girls bathed and in bed, then off to the mandatory race meeting at 7:30.  A quick stop at Placid Planet, then home to get ready for bed.  

Hunter and Scott were unable to be here, as Hunter's WSB baseball team made it to the championship game this evening, which they WON!!!  And Scott, being to dutiful and passionate dad he is, stayed back to work, and bask in the glory of the game.  They have an ETA  of 11:30 tonight.  Can't wait.

I'm super tired, and really happy.  Hopefully tonight will be a good night for sleeping.  

Again, thank you so very much for the positive thoughts, words, and energy.... I will carry them with me through the weekend and across the finish line.

Iron Thursday Wind Down

As the kids would say, it's only "3 more sleeps" until Ironman! Today was a great low-key day, where IronKip did all of the things she does "every year" she does Ironman. It's become today's running joke with Iron Andy, to do the same things, in the same order, at the same places, as IronKip did her first, and only other time she did Ironman - you know, like she does every year she does Ironman. :o)

I've posted today's photo diary in the Ironman LP 2009 album on the pics page here on IronKip.com and will try to get a few more up in real-time during the day than I did today, especially on race day.

All in all, IronKip is looking great, feeling fine, and seems mentally ready to carpe diem this thing. We're all feeling that she's going into this year's event stronger and more aerodynamic than last year, and therefore feel pretty strongly that she'll bust through the 14 hour mark and come in anywhere from 13:09 to 13:59 (she humbly demurs by saying she would be happy to finish with another 14:09). We'd all be happy with that too as long as she has fun, and stays healthy and safe, but know she's got more in her this year.

So, tomorrow we go back at it, starting with a morning swim with Iron Andy, followed at some point, by a 1:10 bike ride. Romi and Ruby arrived tonight, and are sooooo excited to participate in tomorrow's Ford Ironman Kids Fun Run at Mirror Lake Beach Park - We'll be sure to get photos and video of that event up here as soon as we can. Mommy's little IronGirls!

Remember to pass along your good vibes, and the IronKip.com link to folks who want to be in the know! She gets so pumped up from all of your well wishes! I love it too, because I love seeing the little buzz she gets, especiall from all of the kids who've been leaving her notes. Props the the G clan of H20town!

Also, if you haven't already, please help her along with her fundraising for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to help KI meet her personal goal. That cause means more to her than you could possibly know. Thanks so much to those of you who've made donations. Every bit helps - and we all hope that by the time the IronGirls are able to race, no one will need to raise any more money to fight against cancer.

night night!

Auntie M

It's Officially Ironweek!

Sitting atop the hillside overlooking the swim start, I'm watching
lots of people who more than slightly resemble slender seals and sea
lions enter and exit the water at the Gatorade sponsored training swim.
The energy is not as intense as it will be here tomorrow morning, and
the days leading up to Sunday's event, but it's palpable.

KI and I picked up a super tired Iron Andy (he got in at 3am) for what
has now become our IronThursday traditional trip to the beach.

I dropped the kids off at the lake to swim an "easy" 30 minute
training loop. They were both looking and feeling good heading into
the water.

After the swim, we'll pick up Iron Andy's wife Cherstin and drop off
Andy's bike for it's final tuning before heading to registration.

It's bound to be a good day. If the weather holds like this through
the weekend, Sunday could be perfect race conditions, which I think
everyone would appreiate after last year's wet wet wet day.

I'll do my best to keep folks posted on how IronKip is faring. I'm
playing with some different technology than last year, hoping to hand
out as much real-time info as possible to those of you who can't make
it to LP.

If you have a second while you're on the site, click on the IronKip
link above and then in the box in the upper right corner, click to
Leave Good Vibes for KI. She'd love to hear from you!

Best,
Auntie M

This is a test mobile blog. Getting ready for race day by making sure we can give you all the news as it happens!

Today's Training Run with HUNTER!!!!!

Today, Coach Krista had me scheduled for a swim and a 35 min easy run.  As I was playing catch with Hunter before I left for my run, he asked if he could run with me today....... Imagine the excitement, pride, and joy those words  brought to my heart!  He suited up in his sneaks, gym shorts, & a tank top, and off we went.  He stuck with me the entire 35 minutes, walking only briefly up part of Cagwin Hill, (steep rd near our house).  

I think I was grinning ear to ear the entire time.  SO PROUD OF MY BIG H!!!!!!   

Heading to LP tonight, possibly for the duration.  Will continue to update, as I get my Ironman mojo back on track.  

A shout out to the Watertown Savings Bank Baseball team, as they have their 1st playoff game this evening.  

Heading to Placid Tomorrow

BIB # 2259

Training continues to taper, i feel tired, and lethargic, which is how I felt at this time last year.  I have a bike appt at Placid Planet tomorrow morning, my race wheels are on the new bike, and I REALLY need to get focused and organized for the big day.  Not sleeping much, because I am on the go with the kids and lists of things to do all day, so my thoughts turn toward the race when I go to bed.

All body parts are fine, hydration & nutrition are a top priority all week, and the bike issues will be behind me by tomorrow afternoon.  Wet suit packed, new running shoes broken in, and I think I'm almost ready to be almost ready....  

Thursday training

Yesterday, fitting it all in proved to be a challenge, but mission accomplished! my 1st long-ish run wearing the new nike Triax 12s was sweaty, hot, and GREAT. No pain, aches, or discomfort, and a nice smooth ride, negative splits.

Thanks to the dedication of my trainer, Kim Amaral, I was able to do an open water swim in Lake Ontario, probably a little over a mile, testing out my new tri shorts under the wetsuit. Very comfy, and a great swim, as it was windy, wavy, & forced me to really concentrate on my stroke mechanics and breathing.

Kim left the gym in Watertown, with only a few hours to walk her dog, grab a bite to eat, load & unload her kayak, paddle alongside me, & return to the Y to train more clients. Thanks for your time and support, Kim!

Off to The River today to spend time with family friends & have some fun. A 1.5 hour bike is on the schedule, but I'll do that with my friend Ellen, so it will seem like fun more than a training ride! More tomorrow....

Taper, Taper, Taper...

The taper has begun!  workouts are decreasing in volume, and the intensity has changed as well.  This will continue through the day before the race.  I like this phase of the training.  A whole lot.  

Sunday was the Utica Boilermaker 15K in Utica, NY.  Lisa Millis and I were trying to figure out how many years we've  run the race, as we sipped on a beer at the finish party.  We believe this was our 7th year.  WOW, how time flies.  We had a GREAT time, perfect weather, and 15K of chit chat and laughter...  If you like to run, and you haven't done this race, you should try it.  At least once.  The field this year, I think, was 15,000 runners.  

The rest of the week so far, has been steady, but not crazy, training-wise.  I had a bit of bike trouble on Monday. As I was climbing a hill, my gears started to shift themselves, and I was unable to turn to the left.  As those of you who cycle know, once you're clipped into your pedals, & you're on a significant incline, you have to suck it up & do what you've got to do to get to the top... I did just that, then stopped in a safe spot to assess.   The cable that runs from the rear chainring to the right shifter, was hooked on a piece of the aerobars, & pulled tight.  Quick temporary fix, but once again, I'll need a check-up & adjustment at Placid Planet before the race.  

Swimming is good, I've not swam much at all this month, with all 3 kids going in different directions, and no childcare during lap swim hours.  

Not a banner training year for me, but all in all, I think I'll do just fine, I'm eating well, doing the things I'm supposed to do, (for the most part), & looking forward to the big day. 

Auntie M continues to provide me with her enthusiastic inquiries and support re: my progress, via every technology  available, multiple times a day.   Scott offers suggestions here and there, which I am grateful for.  My kids are amazing.  Ruby was bobbing around in the deep end of the pool a few days ago, grinning from ear to ear, saying, "I'm doing Ironman, see?" They are all genuinely excited, and looking forward to running in the IronKids race on Friday before IM.  I can't wait to see them run their first race!    

Day before Boilermaker

It is raining super hard, thunder & lightening too.  Tomorrow is the Utica Boilermaker 15K Road Race, which I run every year with my dear friend Lisa Millis.  The weather is supposed to be nice, & there is a huge party at the finish line.  Looking forward to seeing, (and maybe running a bit), with Nichole & her sister-in-law Holly, who we somehow run into each year at the start, despite the fact that there are anywhere from 11-15,ooo runners/athletes in the same area before the race....  A very fun training run as I continue on in the taper phase of my training for IM.  

A shout out to my buddy Dave McBride, who is returning to the world of triathlon racing after a lengthy hiatus.  His comeback race will be tomorrow, the Triangle Triathlon in NC.  Good luck, & enjoy the day, McFly!  

Last long training ride

Wednesday evening, I left for LP after Hunter's last at-bat, arriving at 10pm.  I had plans of riding my bike 2 loops of the IM course, minus a short out-and-back portion.  Most of my long rides this season have been in the rain, and the new bike had taken a beating after 5.5 hours of heavy rain on last Thursday's long ride.  I ended up with a flat, replaced the tube, and found no sharps inside the tire.  On a shorter ride with Scott on Monday, I blew another tube, which added to a short list of grinding, shifting, & loose cable problems.  Auntie M, bless her little heart.... delivered my bike to the bike shop in her convertible, with my list of issues.  Yesterday morning, the best bike shop ever (Placid Planet), arranged to have someone give me my fixed, lubed bike, and all of the tubes/CO2 cartridges I needed, hours before the store opened, knowing I had a long ride & needed to get back to Watertown to my family at a decent hour.

I rode the 2 loops, 1st one much faster than the second, but felt good the entire time, and desperately needed to do it at least once before the race.  I LOVE MY NEW BIKE.  I am not significantly faster on it, but I am more comfortable, and transition more easily to the run after.

So, 88 total miles yesterday, a long run today, and then........the beloved taper begins!  16 days 'til Ironman!  

Auntie M and I spent some time talking about the race, & Ironkip.com, as we ran a few errands in town, and then I hit the road, in time to see my family, (all but sleepy Ruby), before they went to sleep.

Thanks to Alex, my amazing niece, for watching the kids for me, and Auntie M, for tech support and every other kind of support.  Her optimism with regards to my love of Ironman and it's trials and tribulations is so appreciated!  Thanks to Scott for affording me the opportunity for a quick overnight mid-week to train on the bike course...  Last evening after a long day at work, he took all 3 kids to the go-karts,  & Papa Johns for dinner..... XOXO

Mooseman

Albeit late, a brief summary of Mooseman, June 7, 2009.  

Scott & I headed through Lake Placid on our way to New Hampshire, to pick up some bike equipment for Iron Andy, who was meeting us at the race.  Upon arriving at Placid Planet Bicycles, (the best bike shop ever), Scott and Kenny presented me with a new Cervelo P3 Tri bike.  (This has been a private dream bike of mine since I began receiving triathlon magazines & racing a few years ago).  Scott had ordered it a week earlier as a surprise.  I was speechless, & super excited, but also a bit pensive, as I needed a custom fitting, & wouldn't be able to start training on it until about 4.5 weeks pre-IM...  More on that later.  So off we went to NH, with my beloved Cannondale road bike "Little Blue", & Scott's new road bike on the back of the Suburban, to compete/complete in Mooseman on Sunday.  Just a long training day.  

We ate good food & enjoyed the little athlete's village on Saturday, then Scott, Andy, & I took a training ride on the bike course.  Scott is kickin' like chicken on his new wheels. much faster and stronger than I was my first summer on my road bike.... maybe someday he'll start running & swimming too!  I'd LOVE that!

Race day was windy, sunny, & cool in the morning.  50ish.  The swim was wavy, I fought hard on the way out, got blown in a bit on the way across, & sailed in with ease on the way back.  not a great split, but respectable.  The downside was I had aspirated a bunch of H2O, and was set up to cough for the rest of the day.

The bike course was quite hilly, and fun.  it was now probably in the 60-70s.  I had a great ride on Little Blue.  I ate and drank what I needed to to set myself up for a decent run.  Still coughing my head off, and now getting a bit of a sore throat.

The run course is fun at this race. They changed it a bit this year, a small stretch and finish through a wooded area & on the beach.  It was pleasantly almost 30 degrees cooler than last year, thank God.  I enjoyed it, but was experiencing wheezing from the post coughing rawness in my throat.  I was pleased with my run, but my legs & HR were such that I could have gone faster had I not had the breathing issue.  

Overall, I was very content with my performance.  My body parts worked great, no pain or injuries post-race, and the goodie bags/finishers loot is GREAT at this event.

The post-race lobster rolls and clam chowder in a bread bowl was SOOOOOO tasty too.  

Thanks to Scott for all of the support....  and thanks to my mom for staying with our kids.  

 

We've Moved & I'm BACK!

June 4, 2009 by IronKip.

I’m BACK! I have received several inquiries as to when Ironkip.com would be back up & running… My sister spent some time last evening, dusting the cobwebs off, and here it is! It has been a whirlwind of a year since I entered my first blog on this site. Ironically, I am heading to Bristol, NH, for the Mooseman half-iron distance triathlon this weekend. It was almost exactly a year ago when Scott disclosed Ironkip to me for the first time. I realized this as I read posts from last spring. Training is good, a bit behind where I was last year at this time, but coming along. We shall see just where I stand after the race Sunday. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run. Exactly half the distances of Ironman. Adjustments in training, nutrition, and hydration will be made after this “long training day”. I’ll update more regularly this year, and look forward to any words of wisdom from my friends, pals, and family. Thanks, Auntie M!