Ironman Louisville...Race Report...The Run

I saw Ken as I dismounted my bike and he got a good laugh at my fabulous tan lines!  I jogged on into transition, where a volunteer handed me my bag.  I ran into the women's changing tent and got dressed as quickly as I could.

I was so thankful to be in different clothes that were not soaked in sweat.  I threw my hair up in pigtails and was ready to roll.  I was sad that my hair was so wet that I could not get my pigtails to stand up as perky as I can at home.  Oh well...

I got another layer of sunscreen, not that it really mattered anymore and I was ready to attempt the marathon.  I saw my crew cheer me on and I stopped and gave all three of them hugs.  I knew it was such a long day out there, and the only one of them that is obligated by marriage is Ken!  All three of them were such troopers!

My exact words to Ken was that this was the easy part.  Ha, clearly you lose your perspective during an Ironman.  Someone please remind me that I called a marathon easy the next time I run one.  

Transition Time:  12:41

As soon as I started I knew it was going to be a long day.  It was hot.  By hot I mean in the 90's with a triple digit heat index.  I knew I had to take it easy if I did not want to end up in medical like so many others.  The saddest thing is that right after I left transition, I saw a man arrive on his bike and tell his wife he was just hit by a car????  He and his bike were both fine and then he told her he missed a cutoff and he started crying.  I felt bad for him, but I was also confused, because the bike cutoff was still an hour away.  

Right away I saw two guys that were dressed as cheerleaders, with boobs and everything.  I told them how hot they were and they yelled back.  They were pretty fun cheerleaders.

I made it to the first aid station and grabbed a cup of ice and tossed as much as possible in my top and added the rest to my water.  I was in no mood to eat anything, especially a GU, so I also drank some orange mango Perform.  Delicious I tell ya...

My plan was to run a few minutes and walk a few minutes.  I stuck to my plan pretty well, which usually was three minutes of running at a minimum.  I tried to stay in the shade as much as possible, but at times it was difficult to avoid the sun.  I looked forward to my second lap, which would be when the sun was down.

I saw a man that was spectating and he called out my name and asked me if I would meet him for a run the next day.  I told him, you bet and to meet me downtown at 6:30 am!  

I ended up chatting with a man named Kerry for a while.  He was from Louisville and told me that we were experiencing the hottest day of the year.  Go figure!  He as super nice and had a huge blister on his foot so he was walking.  I lost him when I started running, but saw him again later and know he finished.  

It always seems like the worst part of the run is getting to the turn around on the first lap.  After that, it seems like it gets easier for some reason.  I drank more ice water and iced Perform and dumped as much ice in my top as I could.  I ate pretzels and potato chips.  Someone offered me grapes and I about died.  I loved eating the grapes!  

Soon, I was finishing my first loop which means we turn and run right by the finish line.  It has never bothered me so much like it does others, because I know I will be back to experience it for myself!  I saw my crew at the turn and gave them a thumbs up to tell them I was feeling better.  I felt like I was finally cooling down!

You can see the layer of sweat and salt that is covering me!  I felt such relief finishing the first loop!

I skipped special needs on the run and kept moving.  I still was alternating my run/walking and was glad I was not pulled over on the side of the road like so many others.  I was tired of drinking but took water or Perform at every aid station.  I was starving too, but was still afraid something bad would happen if I had a GU.  I stuck to grapes and added oranges too.  It was pure Heaven.  I may have needed a room with my oranges the way I was molesting them.  Moving on...

For some reason the image of this man finishing an Ironman with poop running down his leg kept popping into my mind.  It had me so worried, that I stopped to do a quick "check" to make sure we were all clear.  My stomach was just not right after ingesting so much Ohio River water.  I did not want to be the girl that finished an Ironman with poop running down her leg.  Anyway, we were good, so I tried to get the image out of my mind.  

On the second lap, I tried to make my purpose to pass as many people as possible.  I would pick someone out ahead and tell myself that they were annoying or something and to pass them.  I turned it into a game and it was fun.  I did not get passed on the second lap.  

I was running longer than I was the first lap, just like in 2012.  My legs were feeling a little sore, but I stuck to my run/walk plan.  

A lady was handling out Twizzlers at one point and she became my BFF.  They were almost as good as the Payday I had on my bike.  

Soon enough, I was upon the final aid station.  I cannot even remember if I stopped or not.  I made it my mission to run all the way to the finish, knowing I would pass all the people up ahead.  I made the left turn and knew I had one block left to run before turning right to head to the finish line.  

I turned right, and knew what was ahead.  The lights were blinding.  The crowd was deafening.  A volunteer was sitting there and gave me the thumbs up to run to the finish.  I was running. I was smiling.  The crowd was so loud.  Everyone was yelling and had their hands out for high fives.  I ran down that chute with the biggest smile and slapping all of their hands.  

The next thing I knew, I was on the read carpet.  I had made it.  I was still high fiving people.  It was amazing.  One of the hands that was extended was Ken's.  I saw him and smiled the biggest smile ever.  I had made it.  I crossed the finish line and heard, "Keri Jackson - YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"  

High fiving Ken, I have to buy this picture!  Also note, the horrible burn lines and pigtail swinging in the wind.  Best picture ever!

Run:  5:57: 25

Total time:  16:06:43

I instantly felt like I was going to vomit.  I got carried away high fiving everyone and sprinting, but I was fine.  I just needed some water.  I got my finishers hat, shirt, and medal.  My sweet volunteer told me that she wanted to make sure my cute face was visible for my picture.  I laughed at her and told her how rough I must look.  I got my picture and was free to see my crew.

I was not too tired for a little sass in my finishers picture!

Ken picked me up and gave me the biggest hug ever with tears in his eyes.  That moment, that exact moment made it all worth it.  The awful swim, the firery crotch on the bike, burning up on the run, was all worth it just to hear Ken tell me how proud he was.

With the best IronFans ever!

After hugs and pictures, we went to get a drink.  I ordered a mojito and brownie with ice cream.  I started to get a mango mojito, but decided on a normal after all the mango Perform I drank on the run.  

We went back to the finish line to cheer in the final finishers and it was hands down one of the best experiences ever.  A lady made it with two seconds to spare.  If you want to get inspired, go to the finish line of an Ironman 5 minutes before midnight.  AMAZING.

I was worried that there was no way that a second Ironman could top my first Ironman finish.  Well, I was just as proud of this finish as I was my first, maybe even more.  I felt so proud for overcoming what was not the perfect day, that I could not have been more proud or thrilled to have made it.

We walked back to the car this time, without having to take the shuttle.  It was a good year, no one was too chaffed to walk back to the car.

I had so much fun reading all of my text messages and Facebook message.  It is so overwhelming to feel so loved and to know that so many people are cheering me on.  Thank you all so much!

I wish I could say that I am never doing another one, but that would be a big fat lie.  I have no plans do complete an Ironman in 2015, but 2016 might be a different story depending on nursing school.

Ironman Louisville...Race Report - The Bike

A volunteer quickly handed me my bike bag and I was running into the women's changing tent.  Well, I guess I should say that I ran into the women's only after I started to run into the men's tent.  I was reassured that I was more than welcome to join in with the men if I wanted to!

I found a spot and started to grab everything out of my bag.  At this point I had no idea how long I had been in the water and I did not know how close I was to the cut off.  In my mind, I was really flirting with danger on time. 

I dried off as quickly as I could and shoved a Honey Stinger Waffle into my mouth.  I ate it so quickly, that I almost forgot that I had eaten it at all!  Extremely lady like, you know!

As I was removing my swimsuit, I noticed some nasty that was along my bra line.  Yuck.  I can only imagine what all I swallowed when I was trying to get out of the current of doom.

I got dressed as fast as I could and headed out with my helmet and sunglasses and stopped at the sunscreen tent for a little slathering.  Um yeah, I could have done a better job than the lady did on applying my sunscreen.  This was my only complaint for the day.  I ended up getting fried.  I was not the only one though, I saw several people with super odd lines where the sunscreen people missed. 

I grabbed my bike and as I was running out of the transition area, I saw Ken and Abby!  They were waving their hearts out and I was yelling something to them about the swim.  I am sure I did not make any sense at he point. 

Transition Time:  11:29

Headed out with a bra stuffed full of goodies!  Please take note of my crooked helmet.

This is the look of relief to be on solid ground!  And yes, I am posing.  Doesn't everyone stop and pose for pictures during an Ironman?

Just like that, I was on my way for a long day with Fern (my bike).  We had cloud cover for a little bit, but it quickly went away and the sun was out in full force.  The first several miles of the course are on River Road, which is a flat section that runs along you guessed it, the Ohio River.  I kept looking out over the river and was so happy I was no longer in that water!

I drank as much of my Gu Brew as possible before the first aid station, but did not have all of it drank, so I kept it and grabbed a bottle of water.  My stomach was a little upset and I knew it was from ingesting so much water during the swim.  In the effort to keep it real, I was worried that I may have had a small accident in my pants. 

I made it my mission to be on the look out for a porta potty.  I was so busy worrying about whether or not I had pooped my pants that I did not really notice the hills on the out and back section that everyone worries so much about.  At the end of 1694, I stopped at the aid station and went into the bathroom.  The coast was all clear, thank goodness!  I was not quite sure what I would have done had the situation been different. 

While I stopped and chugged on some cold water.  It tasted so good!  While I was getting back on my bike I heard a guy tell his friend that we are not pros and there is no shame in stopping at an aid station, especially when it is this hot.  I could not agree with him more! 

I left and made my way up the nasty hills to get back to the main part of the course to start the first loop.  I was taking salt pills at the bottom of the hour and a GU at the top of the hour.  I was also snacking on my Cherry Cola Honey Stinger Chews that were in my bento box.  With my stomach still bothering me, I sometimes pushed eating a GU off by 15 or 20 minutes.  I think I only ended up eating three GU's, since I ate a few other things after special needs.

Once I was on the first loop, I was greeted with all of the fast riders that were on their second loop.  This is always my least favorite part because the fast people are really fast!  I was looking forward to riding through La Grange with all of the people out watching and cheering. 

Being a female, you hear a lot of "You go Girl", "Girl Power", and "Pink Power" and many other things that I am sure I am forgetting.  I always smile and wave at the spectators and tell them thank you.  They do not have to be out there!

The part of the course that I hate the most is after La Grange when we turn left onto Ballard School Road.  The hills on this section get me every time.  Plus, we have to do this section twice.  The only reason made it through this section with no pitty party, is because I knew I was not too far from seeing my crew.

There were a few more tough hills after we turned off of Ballard Road, but several people were out cheering, making it tolerable.  Also, the homes on this stretch were absolutely gorgeous!  We made a left and I was instantly on the look out for my fans.  We rode a half mile or so and I saw the 50 mile mark and knew that I would seem them any moment.  I saw a left turn coming up and started to get worried that maybe I missed them?

My IronFan's set up.  They had a cooler full of beer and food for grilling!  It was like they were tailgating!

That is when I heard the loudest airhorn ever and saw Ken, Abby, and Scott cheering and holding their signs!  They had a complete set up that included a pop up tent and of course a cooler full of beer.  They were definitely making a day of it!

Oh, speaking of signs.  Yeah, my crew had the best signs on the entire course. 

This ended up being one of the more popular signs on the entire course!

I just about peed my pants when I saw this one, especially after I my earlier incident

I gave them the biggest smile I could and got a huge energy boost from seeing them.  The signs made me laugh so hard that I was still laughing miles down the road.

I made it to the turn where I had to loop around for my second loop.  I was certainly dreading two parts of the second loop, but also was looking forward to special needs, La Grange, and seeing my crew.  This helped out so much!  I also reminded myself that this was the last time I would have to ride on these hills!

I talked to a girl named Holly on the bike for a bit.  She told me she was having a hard time because she did not train on hills for the bike.  Plus, it was much hotter than it had been all summer.  I looked her up after the race, and sadly, she did not finish the run.  

My helmet was really hurting the side of my head.  I caught a look at my shadow and realized that is because it was crooked on my head.  Seriously, it was so crooked.  I did this in 2012 too and had some weird after effects from it.  I told myself to fix it at special needs.  At least I realized it was crooked early this year instead of wearing it crooked for 112 miles like I did in 2012.  That is progress.  Maybe next time I can put it on straight???

I made it special needs and was so excited about eating my Payday!  As in, no grown adult should be that excited about a candy bar.  I had a nice volunteer who talked to me while I shoved the Payday in my mouth.  I told her my mom would be so embarrassed if she saw me eating a candy bar without chewing it first!

I was also so excited to finally talk to someone about the swim.  I was a complete motor mouth telling this nice lady that I thought I was going to drown.  She pulled my chamois butter out of my bag and asked me if I wanted it.  Um, yeah I do!  My crotch is on fire, were my exact words to her.

I had no shame at that point and just squirted the butter on my crotch.  It was really quite funny having my hands down my pants out in the open.  Once again, a proud moment for my mom.

I grabbed my Keebler Rainbow Chip cookies and put them in my bento box, had my sweet volunteer spray me with sunscreen, thanked her, and was on my way.  I knew I only had 12 miles before I saw my crew again, so I was pretty excited.

We rode through La Grange with a lot of people still out screaming.  Soon enough, it was time to make the turn onto Ballard School Road.  I shouted to the policeman that was waving us to turn that this was my least favorite part.  He told me he would not take that personally, ha, ha!

I remember stopping and taking a Gu somewhere on Ballard Road.  That is when I saw a guy pass me where jean shorts!  I was kind of like WTF?  But in reality, I was wearing a skirt and leopard print sunglasses, so who am I to judge!

After the horrible hills, it was time to turn and I was just a few miles from seeing my crew.  I was still eating my Keebler cookies, taking salt and drinking as much as possible.  I never got any leg cramps at all during the entire ride.  My legs did feel a little tired, and I knew it was from the excessive kicking I did while on my back in the river.  Oh well, I was still doing well on time.

As I started to make the turn on Old Sligo Road, the policemen monitoring the course told me I was wearing the biggest smile they had seen all day.  Well, I am sure that had nothing to do with the 6'5 man blowing the airhorn just feet away!

I stopped and chatted with Ken for a few minutes, while Abby took my trash that was in my bra.  I asked about my swim time, and they told me it was 1:39.  My jaw dropped.  I told them about how horrible it was and laughed.  Ken was very concerned about the heat, but I told him I was fine.  I got a kiss and was on my way.

As I pedaled away, I read the new signs they had and once again, I just about peed my pants.  One said you have the desire and the other said and your crotch is on fire!  I shouted back that MY CROTCH IS ON FIRE!!!!  I was on my way and super excited to be on mile 81.  

I pedaled on and was so happy that I was nearing the end of the bike.  I drank as much as possible and still ate my Honey Stinger chews.  The last 20 miles or so are pretty flat and once we hit that, I felt home free.  I knew I could still get a flat tire and still make the cutoff at this point.

I passed a man that was pulled over on the side of the road.  He asked me if I knew what time the bike cut-off was.  I felt bad for him, I am sure he had not anticipating needing to know that info, as he looked like a super experienced athlete.  I am not sure if he finished or not.

I passed by my group of favorite spectators that were under a tree drinking.  Once again, they went ape shit just like they did in 2012.  Seriously, they were clearly having so much fun cheering for people.  

Once I saw the river, I knew I was getting close.  At this point, I was just telling myself not to wreck or get hit by a car and you got this!  I was kind of over drinking, but I knew I needed to guzzle a little more fluids before the run.  Please do not offer me anything that resembles lemon-lime for a few more weeks.

I teared up just before rolling into the bike finish.  I was so proud of myself for overcoming the struggles during the swim and then riding 112 miles in such heat.  I was really happy!  

I came rolling into the bike finish and was so excited to be off my bike!  I dismounted and saw Ken and yelled something to him about my crotch really taking a beating.  On any other day, that would probably be a major turn on, but not on August 24, 2014.

I handed my bike to a volunteer and was thrilled that Fern was now in someone else's hands.  It was now time to go change to head out to run a marathon. 

Bike Time:  8:05:46  (Which is also the same amount of time we were in the car driving to Louisville from Kansas City)

Ironman Louisville...Race Report - The Swim

The alarm was set for 4:30, but I was wide awake at 4:00 am.  I laid there for a few minutes and was afraid to try to fall back asleep and wake up really grumpy.

I had a little coffee, got dressed, and we were on our way.  I ended up getting some glazed donuts for breakfast and I tried to eat as many as I could on the way to downtown.  I only managed to eat 1 1/2.  It is tough to eat that early in the morning!  A quick pit stop at Walgreens for allergy medicine for Ken and we were on our way.

We parked and made our way to the transition area so that I could drop off my nutrition and my special needs bags.  I had forgotten to bring a pump with me, so I borrowed one from a lady next to me.  I couldn't figure out how to use it and was starting to panic.  Luckily, a man walked by that was some sort of race official, so I asked him for help.  He aired up my tires and I was good to go!

I found Deb and we made our walk to the swim start line, along with Ken and Abby.  It is about a mile walk to the docks, but we enjoyed chatting and talking about baseball and different things.

Deb and I both got body marked and soon it was time to make our way to the end of the line to wait for the race to begin.

At the swim start with Abby the IronFan!

With my number one IronFan!!!!

Once again I teared up giving Ken a hug good bye.  I guess just knowing that I am going to be out there all day with no real way of talking to him really upsets me.  I was very grateful that I had met Deb the day prior and was able to sit and chat with her while we waited.

The swim start, we jump off of the docks.

The lines for the porta potties are super long, but we were lucky enough to be waiting closer to the boat docks and were able to get access to a private bathroom on the docks.  It was nice not having to pee by a tree like I did last time.

When we made it back to the swim line, it had started moving.  My nerves were kicking in as we were watching the pros swim by.  The current looked strong.  As in so strong I am not sure if little me can make it up the channel.  I knew the rain from the last two nights did not help with the current situation.

As the line continued to move, the song "Call Me Maybe" came on.  Of course I started singing to sooth my nerves and was just imagining that this would end up what I would be singing in my head for the next two hours.  Lucky me.

The whole swim start thing is really kind of stressful for me.  The volunteers are trying to get the swimmers into the water as quickly as possible.  This involves a lot of hurrying and shouting.  As I made my way down to the dock, I looked for Ken and Abby but could not see them.  They did see me, along with my dance moves as I was singing my heart out before being cattle called into the water.

I am snapped my fingers and dancing in this picture

It was suddenly my turn to jump in and without hesitation I leaped into the water in a way that would remind you of a cat being tossed into a full bathtub.  I went completely under and my heart was racing.  I was trying to gain my composure, but all I could hear was the shouting of the volunteers to people to GO, GO and to not stop on the dock, and to swim!  Suddenly, I was once again brought back to the Titanic and hearing Jack say, "Rose, Rose, I need to swim!  Swim Rose!"

I am in the pink cap right by the volunteer that is shouting and moving her hands.  Yes, my face should be in the water, but you know...

I started swimming a few strokes and just could not get into a groove.  I was being knocked all over with the current and really thought that I might drown.  The verse of "Call Me Maybe" kept popping into my head and I was hoping that song would not be the last thing I heard.  I kept swimming without my face in the water and was trying to calm myself down.  It was then that I saw a beam of hope.  We will call him Bob, and Bob was the first kayaker that I met for the day.  Yes, I said my first.

I swam over to Bob with the same urgency in which I swam to Ken's kayak during my very first open water swim.  I grabbed a hold of his kayak with a death grip.  I assured Bob that despite how it may look, I do indeed know how to swim.  I chatted with Bob for what seemed like an eternity.  During that time someone else grabbed a hold of the back of Bob's kayak.

I told Bob I was counting to 10 and going to go on and swim.  I did not start counting.  In that moment, I am pretty sure Bob thought I was not going to leave.  I told him again, I was leaving in 10 seconds.  Finally I started counting and left.  Bob wished me good luck, but I am pretty sure he planned on me either coming back or me being removed for the river.

The moment I let go of Bob's kayak, I regretted it.  I wanted to swim back to dear Bob, but instead, I flipped onto my back and was trying to swim the elementary backstroke.  Yeah.  That worked out really well.  I was exhausting myself.  I saw the side of one of the docks.  Yes, I was still inside the island, and had maybe made it 150 meters from the start of the swim.

I swam over to the dock in a panic.  I had fantasized that there were stairs on the dock for me to just do myself a favor and get out of the Ohio River before I drowned.  I was in full on survival mode at this point.  Alas, there were no stairs.  Just a 16 year old life guard that asked if I was okay.  I am not sure if it was sheer look of horror on my face, the f-bombs I was dropping or my fingernails digging into the side of the dock that made him question my well being.

In the calmest voice I could muster, I told him I was just resting.  Ha, resting my ass, I was just trying to live!  I gave myself the best pep talk I could and peed.  I kind of thought that might make me feel better.  You know, focus on peeing and less on drowning.  I finally told myself to move away from the dock and keep swimming.  I started swimming the backstroke for a few yards and then flipped over to swim freestyle.  The minute I flipped over, I felt sea sick.  For any amount of time that I was on my stomach I thought I was going to vomit.

Suddenly, I had a vision of me vomiting and choking.  I now had to worry about not only drowning, but vomiting as well.  To my back I went and I was backstroking.  I kept splashing water into my face while I was backstroking, because you know, I practiced it so much in the pool that I was super efficient.

I was getting exhausted and started to wonder if I would ever make it to the main river.  I had decided I would backstroke the entire thing if needed, but I knew it would make me exhausted and it would most likely cause me to miss the swim cutoff.  I kept moving and stopped at another kayak.  We will call him John.  While I am sure John was a super nice guy, he annoyed the hell out of me and I only stayed for about 10 seconds.

I put my face in the water and tried to freestyle again.  I still felt sick, but made myself swim 30 strokes before I flipped over to my back.  This went on for awhile and finally I put my face in the water and started counting.  1, 2, 3; 1, 2, 3; appeared to be swimming.

I tried not to celebrate too much, but I was swimming!  I was swimming out of that horrible current and getting away from the island!  I kept going and thought for a second that I might just make it.  I encountered a few areas that were freezing cold.  They were so cold that they took my breath away.  I flipped to my back to calm myself down for a few seconds and then was swimming toward the turn buoy.

I really started getting into a groove and was passing people.  There was some drama at one of the turn buoys with a lady yelling at a man.  I was not sure what that was about, but I laughed and made the turn.

The minute I turned I started flying!  Apparently I was in the right spot for the current to take me down river.  I was passing every person in site and was feeling so much better!  I tried not to look up at the bridges, because I did not want it to seem like it was taking forever to get to them.

I had no contact with any other people and was seriously just flying down the river.  I didn't know it at the time, but Ken and Abby were on one of the bridges watching the swim.  They never really could identify me, but they did see one of the kayakers flip her kayak.  I guess she was also running into swimmers too.  That made me laugh!

Ken and Abby's view of the swim

My goggles did not hurt my eyes like they sometimes do when I swim non-stop for so long.  I was really wondering how long I had been in the water at this point.  There were several people behind me, so I was sure I was not going to miss the cutoff, but I wondered if I would be close and chasing my tail the rest of the day.

The next thing you know, I hear music and I know the swim exit is near.  I kicked it in high gear and passed a few people and went to the far right of the exit.  There were two men there and I popped my head out and asked if they would mind helping a lady out.  They picked me up and put me onto the stairs.

I have never felt so relieved in my entire life!  I survived!  I did not succumb to the Ohio River!  It did not defeat me!

The announcer called my name and I started jogging to get the hell away from the river.  I was looking for Ken, but I did not see him.  I figured I must have taken a super long time to get out of the water and he and Abby probably thought they missed me.

I went onto transition and grabbed my stuff to get ready for a 112 mile butt whooping, still grateful to be on solid ground.

Swim Time:  1:39:22

Ironman Louisville...Pre-race...

I finally feel like I have caught up on life enough for a race report.  Let's start with the pre-race events!

Ken and I left for Louisville on Thursday around noon.  We decided to make the entire eight hour drive in one day so that we could enjoy all day on Friday in Louisville.  It was a pretty easy drive and Ken and I enjoyed talking and singing in the car.

Fern was locked and loaded for the drive!

We arrived in Louisville around 9:15 pm local time and made our way to our apartment.  I did a little bit of homework and we went out for some dinner.  We were both pretty tired and ended up calling it an early night.

We slept in on Friday and then I went for a quick three mile run.  It was one of the first times in quite a while that I had gone running without Kya and I really missed her on my run!  I felt naked without her.

The ducks I saw on my run

We took our timing getting ready and decided to make our way to Jim Beam before going to the expo for me to check in. 

We didn't do the organize tour, but we did do a little bourbon tasting and walked around the property.  It was very pretty out there. 

Shout to my friend Erinn!  I had to text her to let her know we were at Jim Beam.

We really tried to like straight bourbon, but we just couldn't get into it!

After hydrating with Bourbon, we made our way to downtown to check in for the race.

I ended up buying a coffee mug, visor, and water bottle at the expo.  I only bought these items since I had already completed this race once before.  I did not buy anything that stated 2014, because I did not want to jinx myself!

Obligatory race bib photo

We had a late lunch at Doc Crows and went back to the apartment to rest for a while.  We ended up both falling asleep and woke up to a complete down pour happening outside.  The thunder was so loud!  It was kind of relaxing.  We ended up going to Buffalo Wild Wings for a late dinner.  I was not that hungry, but I forced myself to eat since I did not want to skip a meal this close to the race.  I know, such problems.

We called it an early night and were excited for the next day since we would be picking up our friends, Abby and Scott, from the airport in the morning!

I had debated and debated about doing the practice swim.  Ken told me that he thought I should, so I ended up driving downtown to the river.  The Ohio River, I swore I would never set foot in that thing again, but here I was about ready to head into it for a practice swim.  Yeah. 

I always feel like the Ohio River is mocking me.

I am happy to say I did not panic, but at the same time, I had no intentions on swimming up river 600 meters to the turn around buoy and back 600 meters as well.  Call me chicken, but I wanted to save my swim toughness for the next day. 

I hopped in the water and paddled around a bit.  I had a difficult time getting my goggles to seal and it further proved why I should not swim out that far.  I swam near the concrete bank of the river a bit and decided to climb back out.  I am not going to lie, I was a little worried about the swim the next day.  I kept reminding myself that I had conquered the Ohio before and I could do it again.

After I got my stuff, I saw a lady standing there wearing a UMKC shirt. I started talking to her and learned she was from Minnesota.  We talked for quite awhile and she told me that the swim makes her nervous.  I also found out that she was there alone, so we made plans to meet up the next morning so we could be in line for the swim together to calm our nerves.  I was so grateful to have met Deb!

Before I left the river, I wanted to get some water samples to take back to microbiology for testing.  I saw a spot where the water kept breaking over the concrete bank, and figured that was as good as any.  I set my bag with my cell phone, swim cap, and goggles down as if I knew what was about to happen. 

Yep, I slipped on the algae that was on the concrete bank and slid into the river.  Thank goodness I caught myself before I went entirely in, but I was soaked for the waste down.  The worst part was when a little boy in a small boat said, "look mommy, that girl fell into the river, ha, ha!"  Yeah, ha, ha you little bastard. 

I was unhurt, except for my ego.  I got my samples and went back to the car, noticing I had brown algae all over my pants.  Lovely. 

We picked up Scott and Abby and dropped off my gear and bike at the transition area.  It was pretty hot and I kind of felt like I was going to melt.  We stopped at an Irish pub for lunch and our waiter kept wishing Ken luck and told him to carb up for the race.  I responded with something like, yeah, he needs to carb up for spectating.  When we left, I am pretty sure he thought it was Ken participating in the race.  Oh to have those long legs.  I guess I should also mention that a lady at Walgreens wished Ken good luck and told him that she hopes he wins.  Seriously.  He did not even correct her!  Ha, ha!

We made our way to the Louisville Slugger Factory since neither Abby or Scott had been there before.  I was very happy to see that my boy Derek Jeter was still hanging out in the lobby.  I kind of considered him to be my good luck charm and insisted on a little time with him.

2012 and now in 2014.  Clearly Derek Jeter brings me good luck in Louisville!

After my time with Derek, I made my way over to Ken Griffey Jr, and Ken may have caught us in a very compromising position. 

Yes, that happened.

Abby and the Babe

We finished the tour and made it back to the car just in time for it to start pouring down rain.  The forecast for the race had been for rain and I was torn about it.  I did not want it to downpour while I was on the bike, but I kind of wanted it to rain on the run, hopefully sparing us of the high temperatures that were predicted.

We had pizza for dinner and then it was early to bed for me for a 4:30 am wake up call!

20 MPH, Open Water Swimming, and Flats...Oh My!

I wish I could say that the 20 mph was my biking speed, but alas it was just the speed of the wind I dealt with during the Cider Mill Century ride a few weeks ago. 

Do you know what is more difficult than riding a bike up hill and into a 20 mph wind?  Being 4'10 and riding a bike up hill and into a 20 mph wind.  There was one moment where I really, really wanted to cry and call someone to come pick me up.  There is this little voice in the back of my head that would not let me and was calling me a big baby and a quitter, so I stuck it out.

I felt better when several of the male riders told me how much they were struggling in the wind too.  I guess misery truly does love company.

The best part was when I finally said screw this, and stopped to turn on my music from my phone (no headphones).  The first song that came on is one of the nastiest songs I have on my phone, Shake That, by Eminem.  I had the music on pretty loud and a group went by me just when I got on my bike again.  I am sure they were quite surprised by the super sweet girl in pink with vulgar lyrics blazing!

Needless to say, I was quite glad when the ride was finished.  :)

Now on to open water swimming.  Open water swimming has always been difficult for me, not so much physically but mentally.  I always start worrying about not being able to touch the bottom or see, when in reallity, I can swim so I do not need to touch the bottom! 

My last two open water swims I give all the credit to Snoop Dogg.  Apparently I still know all the words to a few of Snoop's songs from the 90's and they are quite easy to sing in my head while I swim.  Who knew? 

My last open water swim was last night, and I truly had no fear hopping right in and swimming away.  I swam 3000 meters and could have kept going.  I was brutally attacked by seaweed a few times, but kept  my composure!  KJ for the win!

Last OWS at Kill Creek, thank goodness!

Last time when I was training I did not have to change a flat tire.  Actually, I did not even have a clue how to change a flat tire.  I should really count my lucky stars every day that I did not get a flat during the actual Ironman.  I got my first flat tire at home and went to You Tube to learn how to change it.  Laugh all you want, it worked.

On Saturday Jennie and I were out riding and got 1.5 miles from our cars when she got a flat tire.  I told her I would take care of it.  And guess what, I totally did!  I was able to change a flat tire without even looking at the video! 

Less than two weeks to go!

Throw Back Thursday...

August 26, 2012 - One of the best days of my life

I will never forget the moment when I crossed the finish line of Ironman Louisville and received the biggest hug ever from Ken.  It was the best feeling ever!  I hope to have that very same feeling in five more weeks as I attempt my second Ironman.

Love, Life, and Ironman...

When I crossed the finish line of Ironman Louisville on August 26, 2012, the furthest thing from my mind was doing another Ironman.  I had so much fun that day, but I was also relieved.  Relieved that I had made it through the swim, that I did not have a flat tire, and that I was not sick during the run. 

I am not sure if Ken remembers this or not, but when he hugged me at the finish line, he mentioned something to me about next time.  I remember thinking to myself, ha, next time.  Yeah right.  My spectating husband had been making mental notes about what he would do when and if there was a next time.  I feel 99% certain that this involves a pop-up tent, a cooler of beer, and few swipes of the ever important Body Glide.

There was a small part of me that wanted to sign up for Ironman Louisville 2013, but the other 99% of me said no way.  I think that 1% was when I was writing my race report.  I knew that I needed time not spending 7 hours on a Saturday working out.  I needed a break.

2013 has come and gone and the only thing I really did was half ass train and run a marathon.  While I had big plans to be super fast, I was just not into it.  As much as I cannot believe I am saying this, I missed Ironman training.  I longed for the long hours spent by myself just riding my bike.  I also in some sick way, missed riding up that hill at 159th and Mission where I throw out f-bombs while counting to get up the darn thing.  I longed for Friday night swims of just swimming and counting my strokes. 

Back in November I started really thinking.  I started thinking about maybe it is time. Maybe I should sign up for an Ironman in 2014.  I thought about it for six weeks or so, and then mentioned it to Ken.  As much as I thought he would laugh and offer up divorce papers, he looked at me with pride and told me to go for it.  His only rule just as it was the first time, is that I cannot half ass the training.  

While I was still considering registering, I got online and read a few race reports.  While I was reading different racer's thoughts from that day, my heart started pounding.  Reading about some one's swim in the Ohio River quickly brought me back to my own swim.  The panic and fear that I had that day.  That feeling had me feeling completely a live and excited.  Excited for the unknown of what a training season will bring.  Excited for another journey to the start line and to the finish line of one of the hardest endurance events that a person can do. 

I am a big believer that people should dream big.  Have goals that scare you and make your heart race.  As I was thinking about registering for the Ironman, I started thinking about all of the scary moments from the race.  I remembered how lucky I was not to have a flat tire during the race and deal with anxiety of changing it.  My heart started racing at the thought of it.  Even though I conquered the Ohio River in 2012, I am absolutely terrified at the thought jumping into that river again.  As I sit here with my heart racing and panic on my face, I realize that I have never felt more alive than I did during the Summer of 2012. 

Yes, there were dark spots during the training.  I have not forgotten about how exhausted I felt and how cranky I got.  With that being said, I have also not forgotten about the moment I crossed the finish line and Ken picked me up and gave me the biggest and best hug of my entire life.  I have not forgotten about the feeling of pride I felt for conquering my fears.  I have also not forgotten about the realization that I am the one that got me to the start line and finish line of an Ironman.  I was personally responsible for Every. Single. Mile.

With all of the hard training that happened, I was rewarded one hundred times over.  I want to experience it again.  Just one more time.  

I am very excited to say that with a lot of fear, excitement, and possibly even craziness, I have just registered for Ironman Louisville.

What better way to start off the New Year??

Ironman Aftermath...

I woke up on Monday feeling pretty well.  I was a little sore, but nothing that I could not handle.  We packed up the car and went to the Ironman store for me to buy a little merchandise.  I had refused to buy anything in advance in case I did not finish.

I ended up with a hoodie, sticker, water bottle and two other shirts.  Chances are, you will see me wearing an Ironman shirt at some point very soon.  :)  We made the eight hour drive home, stopping along the way.  That is when the soreness kicked in.  Still, it was not as bad as I was expecting.  On Tuesday, we both went back to work.  I guess life has to go on after Ironman.

Two random things, my hoo hoo was numb until Wednesday.  It did not hurt, it was just numb.  The other thing, remember when I mentioned that my bike helmet was crooked all day?  Well it must have irritated a nerve in my head because if I touch a certain part near my forehead hair line, I have a weird sensation go in a line to the back of my head.  Very random.  It has gotten better and is almost completely gone.

When I got to my office on Tuesday, I was surprised with a decorated door.

My entire office tracked me all day on Sunday.  They are all super proud of their Ironman!

I received a very special delivery from Ken on Tuesday.  Now, if he did not already receive husband of the year for his spectating, he should definitely receive it for the beautiful flowers!  

I received these beautiful flowers and chocolates on Wednesday from Ken's parents.  Talk about making me feel spoiled!

Jill, Heather, me, Michelle, and Melissa (thanks for the picture Mel!)

I spent the weekend celebrating with friends, telling the story of my day and enjoying a few cocktails.  I have also been very spoiled by my friends.  I have received gift certificates for facials, massages, pumpkin baked goods, and other gifts.  I certainly have the sweetest friends a girl could ask for!  

Oh and in case you did not notice, September 1st has come and gone.  I certainly hope you are in the spirit of Fall and have enjoyed a Pumpkin Spice Latte!  I had my first on Friday.  I was prepared to beg for it, but the nice lady a Starbucks kindly made it with no begging needed.  It was everything I had hoped it would be!

Race Report: Ironman Louisville...

Grab yourself a latte, this is going to be a long one.  :)

The alarm was set for 4:30 am.  I ended up sleeping very well, so well in fact, that I was awake at 3:30.  I tried to go back to sleep, but was afraid if I did, I would be grumpy and groggy.  I decided to go ahead and sit up in bed and think about the events that were about to take place.  I had a little coffee, two pop tarts, and started drinking gatorade.  Ken woke up and got ready for the long day ahead.

For those who are wondering, this is 3:40 am Kansas City time.  We were ready to leave by 4:45!

Enjoying a wonderful blue gatorade cocktail

This is the part when Ken told me it was too late to turn back.  

On our drive downtown, I made sure to listen to a few of my favorite songs so that I could get one stuck in my head to sing during the swim.  I have found that singing in my head is the best way for me to stay calm during open water swimming.  Those of you that have been around me very long know that this is no surprise.  I literally sing songs all the time.  Not very well, but I can rap with the best of them.  :)

We got downtown and I dropped off all of my bike snacks and my special needs bags.  I asked some stranger to check my tires to see if they needed air in them.  He said they were fine, so off I went to find Ken and his parents so I could head down to the swim start to get body marked.  

All of the bikes and the changing tents

Bill checking everything out

Ken made the mile walk with me from transition down to the swim start area.  At this point, I was still very calm, just chatting away with him.  He did tell me that it would be no different that my swimming in the pool and no different than swimming in Kill Creek Lake on a Monday night.  He told me not to worry.  We laughed about the fact that it would be dark when I finished.  

Once we got to the body marking area, I had the two sweetest ladies mark me.  One of them was from Kansas, so I thought that was a good sign.

I love this picture.  Because everyone is busting up laughing and smiling this big before their very first ironman.

All marked and ready to swim!

In front of the swim start and looking pretty terrified!

It was time to say good bye to Ken for the day.  This is when I started crying.  He gave me a hug and a kiss and I could not hold it in any longer.  I could not believe that the person that had been there for me during all my training was going to be on the side lines and that I would not be able to talk to him until after the race.  It still makes me tear up thinking about it.  It was the toughest moment of the day for me telling him good bye to start the race.

The swim exit and a view of the bridges

With the start being a time trial start, you line up and wait in line for quite a while.  I met a few very nice guys while in line.  Most were first timers, but a two of them had completed in previous ironman races.  I told them that I was nervous about the swim and that this was my very first triathlon, ever.  I think they probably had doubts that I would make it, but never said anything.  They were all super nice and I was very glad to spend my time waiting with such nice people.  

Before I knew it, the line was moving and we were down by the dock getting ready to jump in.  Right before we jumped in, the guy in front of me (I cannot remember his name) turned around to wish me good luck.  It was so sweet.  

I had never jumped off of a dock before to swim.  Sure, I have jumped into a pool before but I can always touch and I was never swimming 2.4 miles.  I was afraid that I would lose my goggles or that I would panic.  I jumped in and immediately felt some nasty moss.  Yuck, OMG, what is that, was what went through my head.  Get a hold of yourself KJ!  I told a deep breath and decided to swim a few strokes without putting my head in the water.  I figured this was my best bet to slow my breathing and to calm down.  Guess what, it worked!  It took me a few moments to get into a rhythm, but before I knew it I was swimming along the channel.  I kept counting, 1, 2, 3, 1, 2, 3 and then started singing my choice song of the day:  Starships.  Starships were meant to fly, hand up and touch the sky.  I kept repeating and repeating it over and over again.

Next thing you know, bam!  I get smacked by some guy that had to have known I was there, he came from behind me.  I popped my head out of the water, called him a name and moved on.  The contact was not nearly as bad as I was expecting, but I did get felt up a few times.  Pretty sure that those types of situations usually come with dinner and gifts first.  :)

My goggles started leaking a little bit and I wondered how I would swim another mile and a half with leaky goggles.  That is when angels parted the clouds.  I felt something odd beneath my hand.  I first panicked and thought that I swam over someone and that they were under me.  Nope, that is sand!  It was the bottom of the river.  I stood up, fixed my goggles and walked for a few moments.  That was perfecting timing.  I had a hard time seeing the turn bouy, but tried to follow everyone else.  Pretty sure that I thought it was earlier than it was and started turning, but quickly realized I was wrong.  Darn it.  I made the turn and realized we were no longer in the channel, but now in the main river.  I told myself to stay calm, it does not matter, you are doing fine.  I kept singing and may have snuck in a little Bone Thuggs N Harmony, See you at the Crossroads, See you at the Crossroads.  Yeah, I am a child of the 90's.  

I wanted to stay to the outside of everyone and when I looked up, no one else was in sight.  How the hell did I get way over here?  Oh well, I am still inside the kayaks and swimming alone.  I told myself to ride it out and swim by myself like I would in pool.  As I was enjoying my alone time, a kayaker waived his paddle and I knew I needed to scoot over just a bit.  I kept going along thinking that boy, this sure is a long way.  Who's idea was this?  I have to ride how far when I get out of here?  Next thing I know, bam a kick to the ribs.  Where did he come from?  OMG, where did all of these people come from?  Apparently I was back in the middle of everyone and fighting for my space.  

Wow, I felt like I was starting to get sea sick.  I was just getting tossed around and I knew it was the result of all the bodies around me.  We had to swim under three bridges to get to the end.  I saw the first one and thought it seemed so close.  Wrong, it was so far away.  I stopped looking up.  I just swam and hoped this would be ending soon.  My goggles started to hurt my head and I started to get a headache.  That's just great I though.  Swim, swim, swim.  

Finally, I could hear music and the crowd.  I knew we were getting close.  Those last few hundred yards flew by.  Next thing you know, someone extends their hand and helps me out of the water.  Holy Moly, I just survived the worst part of the day.  I just completed the swim portion of Ironman Louisville!

I was smiling so big!  I saw Ken and his parents and yelled to them that I did it, I did it!  I made it!  I made it through the swim!  People were yelling as I made my way over to transition.  Way to go purple girl, Love your enthusiasm!  I was so happy, that I had forgotten that I still needed to go ride my bike 112 miles in the Kentucky hills.

Is this the face of a happy girl or what?

Swim Time:  1:47:11

Swim to bike transition was kind of a blur.  I ran in with my bag and started changing.  I had two very sweet volunteers help me and make sure I had everything I needed.  Every volunteer that I came into contact with was fabulous.  I made sure that I said thank you each time I received any form of assistance.  Next thing you know, I was out of the tent, all lathered in sunscreen and grabbing my bike of the rack.  As I grabbed it, I remember smiling and thinking, oh my goodness, I am grabbing my bike for the ride portion of the ironman.  Wow.

T1:  8:24

hopping on the bike

I wore this smile all day

I was so happy that I was able to see Ken and Bill and Linda before I headed out.  I knew it would be a long day on the bike and getting smiles and waves from them was the best way to start my day.

The first several miles are a flat section before all of the rolling hills begin.  I remembered two things from a video I had watched about the bike course.  The first, take this section easy and the second, you should need to throw away your first bottle of water or sports drink at the first add station, which was 10 miles in.  If you do not start hydrating right away, you are in trouble later on the bike, especially when temps are in the 90's.  I made sure that I drank and drank and took my Gu's at the top of each hour.

Even though I despised the bike during my training, it was my favorite part of the race.  I will admit, it may have been my outfit.  I had other riders pass me and tell me that I was the cutest thing out there.  I would smile and say thank you.  I smiled the entire day.  I was Miss Popular on the bike.  I had so many spectators yell things like, Go Pinky, Yay Pretty in Pink, Girl Power, Love the outfit, You are rocking the pink.  It was too funny. After I would ride by a group of spectators and they would yell something at me, I would have other riders tell me that I have a huge fan club.  Yep, that's right, it is amazing what a cute outfit and a smile can do.  :)

There is an out and back section at the beginning of the course that is down right dangerous.  People get going so fast and pass people and I saw one guy wreck.  It was awful.  I ride at my own pass and do not worry about anyone else.  Go ahead, pass me.  We have a long way to go.  

I knew that I would see Ken at mile 38 when we looped through La Grange.  I was looking forward to seeing him more than anything.  As we approached all the spectators, I could not help by smile from ear to ear.  I saw Ken, but missed seeing Bill and Linda.  The cheering on this section of the course was crazy.  People were screaming and jumping up and down.  I received several, cute outfit shouts and smiled and waved.  

At mile 38

After leaving La Grange, you tackle many more hills before we start the second loop.  Around mile 45 or so was the toughest part of the bike ride for me.  I felt defeated and like I had so far to go before I was finished.  I knew I still had several hours before I would see Ken again at the bike finish and I was overall just bummed.  I pulled over and gave myself an attitude adjustment.  I took a Gu and told myself that I did not just swim in that nasty river for 2.4 to stop now.  I also told myself that I needed to think about everyone that was cheering me on.  Do not let them down, do not let yourself down.  Strap on a pair and get going.  I then decided I needed to break the ride up into sections.  I needed to look forward to getting to special needs so that I could eat my Payday candy bar.  Now that lit a fire under me.  :)

I did think we were on the second loop at one point when we were not.  That was disheartening, but when we were on the second loop, I was much happier because all of the fast people were long gone.  The course was not as crowded and you could just ride.  I stopped at special needs and spoke to the sweetest volunteer that helped me with my stuff.  I ate my Payday and headed out.  Even though I knew I would not see Ken in La Grange, I knew riding through there with all the spectators would give me a boost.

As I came up over the hill, I saw this tall guy in a black shirt standing there waving his heart out.  Oh my goodness, it was Ken!  I was shocked and so excited!  I heard him say he was taking a picture to send to everyone at home. I thought about everyone that was tracking me and wishing me well.  My eyes filled with tears.  I could not believe that he had skipped out on going on the Urban Bourbon tour to see me again.  Now that my friends, is love.  I saw Bill and Linda this time too.  I was on cloud nine.  I am not sure if Ken knew or not, but he completely made my day by sticking around to see me the second time.  I knew I could finish the bike now.  

Soon, I was upon the section that had given me trouble last loop.  When I came around the corner, there were two bikes on the ground.  Two people had a small collision.  I, along with two other guys, got off my bike and made sure they were okay.  We all agreed to walk up the hill and collect ourselves.  There was a man spectating in his lawn and he told us that he had already had to call three or four ambulances that day because of people and the heat.  He told us he thought we were wise to walk up the hill.  Me too sir, me too.

I hopped back on my bike and talked to a girl named Anne for a while.  She told me she hated the bike and was struggling.  We talked for awhile and then parted ways.  I never did see her again, but I know that she did finish.  Just before we came upon the final turn before heading back to the river, a group of women told me how much they loved my outfit.  I shouted back, "If you can't be fast, be cute!", they got a huge kick out of that.  

The last 30 miles I spent leap frogging with a guy named John. We talked and gave each other a hard time.  I would hear Keri, Keri, Keri, and would shout out, is that my buddy John?  He had ridden the course and told me when it would flatten out.  When we got to our final aid station, John was with me and I told him we needed to bring it on it.  He said, after you mama, and had me lead the way.  I lost him and never saw him again.  I am not sure if he finished or not.  

During the last stretch, I saw people lining the street that had pulled over and were under trees.  I could tell they were struggling.  There was one guy that was in front of me going up a hill and I could tell he got a cramp in his leg.  He pulled over, but could not get off his bike in time and fell over.  Fortunately, he was right across from the fire station and they came over to assist him.  His name was Karl and I am not sure if he finished or not.  

My favorite groups of spectators were the ones that had tents set up and were obviously drinking.  The last group that I saw was obviously drunk and they went ape shit when I went by.  You would have thought that I was Lance Armstrong the way they were cheering for me.  Again, it was the outfit.  

I passed several guys on the final stretch and remember thinking about how much fun I was having.  I finally looked at my overall bike time and knew I was finishing slower than I expected to, but would be way ahead of the cutoff.  I let myself think at that moment that I would be an ironman that day, unless I got sick or something on the run.  

As I made the turn to head back into transition, I was squealing.  People were saying you made and you are almost there.  I kept saying yay, yay!  They were all laughing.  I was just so excited to had made it through the swim and the bike.  

Guess who I saw right at the dismount line for the bike, Ken!  I was so excited.  I hopped off and was able to get a kiss from him.  I heard the people behind him say how adorable I was.  Yeah, as adorable as I can be after an eight hour butt whooping!

Bike Time:  8:04:52 

I am not sure if I was happier after finishing the bike or the swim!

My hoo hoo thanked me the moment I got off that bike.

Wow, what a hot mess!

A quick note about my sunglasses, I wore a pair of my everyday sunglasses.  Ken was making fun of me because they were prissy.  Well, I had tried on sporty looking sunglasses and they made me look very masculine.  Ken did not believe me, so I tried on his.  Um, yeah, I looked like a weird man.  So, the girly sunglasses won!

I went into transition and did a complete change of clothes.  I was so happy to be out of that padded bike skirt and have on new socks and shoes.  Oh, the other thing.  My helmet was slightly crooked on my head.  You can kind of tell in the pictures, but it was crooked.  I still have a weird sensation on part of my head.  I know it was because of that helmet.

When I was all changed and heading out to the run, I saw this lady just sitting in a chair half naked and miserable.  She looked like she had been put through the ringer.  She must have been in there for a while because I did not recall seeing her on the bike.  I thanked my lucky stars that I was all in one piece and did not look half as bad as she did.

I made my way out of the changing tent and stopped at the aid station for a little water.  I saw Ken, Bill, and Linda up ahead.  I stopped and gave all three of them hugs.  I had been so grateful for them all day long that I felt that I needed to thank them.  I am sure my sweaty hug was exactly what they were hoping for.

T2:  9:47

Two legs down, one to go.  This is the moment where I realized, oh my goodness, I have to run a marathon. I know how hard it is too run a marathon, let alone after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles.  This might be ugly.

I ran out onto the street trying to tell myself that the first half a mile running after biking is the hardest.  My legs were not having it.  I quickly remembered that I did not stretch my legs before starting.  I always stretch my legs and know how badly things can go when I do not.  My legs were burning.  I stopped and stretched on a curb on the bridge.  The run is an out and back on one of the bridges and then a double out and back.

I stretched and walked for a bit.  I knew that it was best to take it easy that I had a long few hours ahead of me.  I also knew that I could walk the entire thing and still make it by the midnight cut off, but I did not want to chance it at all.  After my legs started to feel better, I started running for a certain number of minutes and then walking for a certain number of minutes.  I would change the amount of run/walk time, depending on when there was an aid station.  I drank at every aid station and tried to take a Gu or Gu Chomps at every two aid stations.

I look pretty rough here

As soon as I made it to the turn around the first time, I felt so much better.  I just had to run back downtown and then I would be starting my second loop.  I was that much closer to being an ironman.  I thought I would have talked to more people during the run, but most people I saw were struggling, big time.  I never felt fabulous, but I also never struggled so badly like others did.  My first loop was a little slower than I had hoped and part of this is because I had to first a porta potty two times because I was unsure of a situation that was at hand.  Fortunately for me, it was a false alarm and all was well.  :)

I completed my first loop just as it started to get dark.  I looked around for Ken, but never did see him.  I later learned that he had walked away about two minutes before I passed by.  I skipped special needs, knowing that I really did not put anything in there besides advil and pepto, so I continued on.  Run then walk, run then walk.  I came upon a nice guy named Chris and he and I kept passing each other.  He would always ask me how I was doing.  Always.  He was a very nice guy.  I also chatted with a guy from Austin that was doing the ironman for his 50th birthday.  I remember at this point being so hungry that my stomach was growling.  I started eating pretzels hoping that it would hold me over.

On the way to the turn around, I saw a guy spectating with a dog.  This dog was none other than a Siberian Husky.  :)  I told him I had been waiting all day to see a husky.  I thought of my sweet girl and was sure that she was at the vet routing for her mama.  I remember asking someone for the time, wanting to make sure my watch was correct.  It was 9:45.  I knew I had this.

I got to the turn around to head back to downtown.  As I was on my way back, I wondered how many people I was seeing on their way out wouldn't make it.  I hoped they would all get a huge boost of energy and make it in.  I do recall seeing a very handsome police officer.  I made sure and told him hello and thanked him for being out on the course.  You take what boosts you can get on such a long day.  :)

When I would run, I always passed more people.  I was amazed at the number of men I was passing.  I asked one guy if he wanted to run/walk with me and he told me there was no way that he could.  I felt very fortunate that I still felt so good.  I definitely felt so much better the second loop than the first.

I did run into Chris again and this time he had a friend.  We chatted and I told him I thought I passed him on the bike.  He asked what I was wearing, so I told him.  He said, yes, you did pass me on the bike.  Big smile for Keri.  I ended up taking off running and never saw Chris again.  I know that he and his friend both finished. At the last aid station, I asked if this was the last aid station.  I was told yes and that the finish was 1.4 miles away.  I ate a few pretzels, washed them down with some water and made my way.

I knew I had less than a half mile to go.  People were telling us you are almost there.  I just smiled.  I was so happy that I could hardly contain it.  Just as I was approaching the final corner, a lady shouted, it is just around the corner.  I instantly thought of hiking the Grand Canyon and how I kept telling Maddie, that something was always just around the corner.  I chuckled and knew that Maddie would be dying laughing if she were there right now.  The only thing is, I knew that finish line was just around the corner.  I passed a guy and girl and saw the lights.

There it was.  The moment I have been waiting for all day.  The lights, the crowd, the music, the cheers.  I was there.  I had made it.  I scanned the crowd and looked and saw Bill and Linda.  They were screaming.  I was smiling so big that it hurt.  I knew Ken was just ahead.  I saw him.  He was waving, taking pictures and yelling for me.  I could not believe it, it was here, my moment.  I had pictured this moment for the last nine months and it was here.  I was so excited that I was squealing.  Squealing.  Then I hear it, Keri Jackson, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!

Run Time:  5:35:36

Overall Time:  15:45:50

I could not believe it, I did it.  I made it.  A volunteer instantly came up and asked me if I was okay and if I needed anything.  I told him I wanted to see my husband.  He got me some water, got me my medal.  I saw Ken over at the barricade.  I had to go see him.  I walked over there and Ken was beaming with pride.  I got a quick hug and a kiss and a nice lady took our picture.  I just wanted to get out of the finish area to get to Ken.  I wanted to tell him all about my day.

I got my finisher's shirt and hat, got my picture taken and my volunteer got me some chocolate milk.  I thanked him, he congratulated me and I was free to see my family.

When I saw Ken, it was the best moment of the day.  He picked me up and hugged me and told me how absolutely proud of me he was and that he could not believe that I did it.  He said it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen.  I cannot quite put that moment into words, but it was so amazing.  I was so happy, so proud, so overwhelmed.  Lots and lots of hugs followed.  Ken then started telling me about all of the texts he had received from all of my friends.  I was completely shocked and overwhelmed by all of the love and support.  He told me that he had to charge his phone because he had gotten so many texts, that his phone had died.  I knew I was loved, but had no idea how much all of my friends truly did care about my progress that day.

We said goodnight to Bill and Linda and went to get some food and a drink.  I ordered a mojito and it was so good!  I told Ken about my day and he told me how much fun he had spectating.  We went back to the finish line and watched the final finishers come in just before midnight.  The energy at the finish line was amazing.  We finished our drinks and made our way back.  I was still in complete shock that my ironman journey was over and that I had made it.  Not only did I make it, but I finished feeling good and with a huge smile on my face.  What more can you ask for.

We got back to the car and I looked at my phone.  Wow, between my text messages and all my Facebook messages, I could not believe all of the kind words.  I tear up even thinking about it.  It was simply amazing.

 The finish shoot

This is the picture Ken was trying to take of me, but I was running too fast.  You can see my arm and glow stick.  :)

I am not sure that this smile could get any bigger!!!

My finish was very cheerleaderish!  I was so HAPPY!!!

I did it, I did it!!!

This picture pretty much says it all.  I am not quite sure if I can put into words the way I felt at that moment, but I was so very happy!

I was a hot mess, but a very happy hot mess.  I was still in complete shock that I had made it and was still standing. 

I love, love, love this picture.  Ken is so supportive in everything that I do.  You can just see the pride in his eyes.

These two were such troopers.  They were out there from 5:15 am until I finished.  Ken told them to go back to their hotel to rest, but they refused.  They did not want to miss one moment of the day.  I am forever grateful for their support.

Well, if you made it this far, you might just be an ironman!  Thank you so much for reading and for the constant cheers!