Just 112 Miles

But not once did I think about biking 112 miles. It was 16, 40, 40, 16. That was the blessing of the Madison course. 16 miles out, 2 40 mile loops, 16 miles back. That doesn't sound so bad, does it. Well, I didn't think so and it seemed to be the best way to approach the bike portion.

During T1 (the first transition) I was going through all the notes in my head. One of Ryan's major tips was to take your time, it's a long day on the bike and make sure everything feels right. So, I took my time, got sunblock, arm warmers, stopped in the port-o-potty and went go find Blain. A volunteer had him waiting for me as I jogged to my row. During this, I hear people yelling "Mandy!!", I look up, see teal and blow kisses to my friends and family. I am L-O-V-I-N-G every moment.

I clip in and start to head down the helix.

The first 16 miles out of Madison are going well. I am getting passed a ton, but knew that would happen and didn't let it phase me. I just looked for people I knew, interesting outfits, and Blain look-a-like's.

35 minutes in I am passed by Jeff, Tony's brother. He is looking speedy!! 20 minutes later, I hear "is that Blain I see!!" It's Tony. I pedal hard to keep up for about 5 seconds before he blows by me too. A guy passes me with about 6 Snickers bars in his back pockets and am SOOO wishing I trained with Snickers bars.

I hit the first loop and convince myself I am on a 40 mile bike ride and start looking for groups of teal shirts. It's the great thing about not knowing where anyone will be, it gives me something to do, other than pedal the hills. There were a few places with people in teal and I was so mad when it wasn't my group. How dare other people wear teal on MY Day!!

Anyway, my first loop kicked butt! I did way better than expected. The hills were killer, but I was still feeling good. Really good. I see a van go by with the timer, so I knew the lead biker was close. He flew by me in a flash. A woman comes up to me and says "Was that the leader?" I say "I think so. But he did have a 15 minute head start."
She gave me this look like I just said my next Ironman will be on Mars. I thought I was funny.

Then loop 2. Oh, loop 2. I am going to quote someone else's race report because I couldn't have put it better myself. "As we came around for the second loop, a headwind had picked up. This came as a real mental blow for me, because I dropped several mph and felt like sh*t. It wasn’t a gusty wind, just steady, so it was hard to know it was so strong. Consequently, it got into my head a lot, and I was really worried that I had gone out way too fast"
Yup, so true. It was the first time I thought I wouldn't be able to finish. Now I knew I was still above my goal, and if I could just keep pedaling, I would be fine. But around mile 70, you aren't thinking very straight. Or at least I wasn't.

But then I saw teal and felt better. I stopped at a few water stops - including my FAVORITE at mile 40/80 sponsored by the Chicago tri club. It was PIRATES!! That was just the pick up I needed before the 3 large hills.

Then it happens, the hills are done, I am feeling okay (some stomach cramping but stopped taking Gu and Accelerade which helped), and my Ironman dreams come so close to an end. What was it... A BEE!!! Yes, a bee flew up my bike glove, my left thumb, and stung me. Now, thank goodness I am not allergic, but it HURT! Luckily there was a vision of teal coming quick so I pulled over. Erica and all her nature all knowing-ness and Suzie and her hospital knowledge (a kick butt PT but close enough to a doctor for our group) looked and didn't see anything. Some swelling, but the stinger was out so I pedaled on. Stupid bee! Stupid Mother Nature!! Stupid "Circle of Life"! Bah!

I make the left turn for the 16 miles home and start talking my self into the fact I am only on a 16 mile ride. It starts to work and I am feeling good. I take one more Gu, with a lot of water, and it is sitting okay. I attempted to use the bathroom around mile 90 so I think that helped too. I hit the overpass, a volunteer tells me last hill until the helix, I thank him and keep going.
Then I see it. Monona terrace, the helix, the end of my 16 mile bike ride. I am on John Nolan drive and I hear "Go Ironman" from the cars stuck in traffic and it hits me. This might happen. It's about 4 pm, I have until midnight. Oh my gosh, I am going to do it - I AM GOING TO BE AN IRONMAN!!!

I hit the helix, give my self a pep talk that I can make it up - I didn't walk 1 hill, I can do a helix. It wasn't too bad and then I see more teal and "YAY MANDY". I wave as I go around, and as I go around again.

When I finished, I feel as if I just won the race - and to me, I did.