I traveled to Idaho a few weeks ago for Sue's Ironman. This is my third Ironman as a spectator and I love them. It is so inspirational to watch 2,000 people race as I can now relate to what it takes to prepare for one of these things. I had arranged to rent a bike from a local bike shop so I could get some riding in. After getting in late Wednesday night, my plan was to head over to pick up my bike on Thursday to get in a loop of the bike course or 56 miles. I got up early Thursday morning and headed over to the lake (at the end of the street) with the girls. They scored a great rental house in an optimal location. I had my new thermal swim cap in hand and I cautiously put on my wetsuit and neoprene cap. I knew it was going to be cold but I have never swam in such cold water so I wasn't sure what to expect. It was somewhere around 53-55 degrees. There were plenty of people swimming so I figured since I have more body fat than most of these people, it shouldn't be a problem.
I put my feet in the water and so far so good. Its cold but okay. I start putting my hands in the water and its okay. I wade for a while, then decide to go. I dunk my head and it was like I got an immediate headache from eating ice cream too quickly. WOW....the cold on my face was harsh. I had to stop and wade. I contemplated the need for this since I wasn't racing and at one point I was trying to convince myself to go back. Of course I didn't but it was tough. I realized that it just took some time to acclimate your face to the water temp. I managed about 2 miles..not bad.
I eventually got my bike later in the day and start heading out for a ride. 2 miles into my ride, my front derailler cable disconnects and I lose the ability to shift from the small ring to the big ring. Not a big deal. I'll stay in the small ring since I'll be doing lots of climbing. A few seconds later, a huge pop (flat tire). Not only did the tube blow, the tire ripped apart. I call Lida for a ride. She picks me up, we head back to the bike shop, make the repairs and off I go. I decide to take an alternate route and do on this hilly scenic trip around Hayden Lake. Then, I merge onto the Ironman course and ride that for a while. My legs were a bit heavy from all the climbing and traveling. My day ends with 45 miles but it was a strong ride.
We hit the steakhouse later and pig out....yum.
Friday is another swim in the morning and I learned my lesson from yesterday and spend some time splashing water on my face before I submerge it. I got in a 1.2 mile swim. Later in the day I hit the Ironman run course for a 12 mile run. I was feeling pretty sluggish so I didn't push it.
Saturday was my day to ride 100+. This bike was really not working very well but fortunately I decided to ride a flat route....a bike trail from CDA to Spokane. It was nice scenic route and I felt fairly strong all day. I got in 101 miles, then followed it up with a 20 minute run.
Sunday was race day and so I just enjoyed watching the race all day. It was a LONG day. I did a bunch of running around and ran with Sue and Lida some but nothing formal. The girls both had a great race and was fun to be there to help support Sue and cherish in the celebration of the finish and the race.
We got up early so the girls could hit the finisher tent and I didn't last in there very long. It was crazy. Off to Hawaii rolldown just in case Sue would get lucky but no such luck.
It hit the CDA golf course for my first round of the year. It was a blast . I drove a Par4 300 yard green and hit a 6 foot putt for eagle......that was cool.....my only highlight of the day.
Off to Lake Placid next weekend for a big weekend of training......
I'll post some pictures of the trip.
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