Home > Fit City > Archives > 2009 > June > 23 > Entry
Ironman Coeur D’Alene race report
Erin Whalen just returned from Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, where she tackled her first Ironman Triathlon. She returned to Austin late last night, finisher’s medal firmly in hand. She wrote about the experience so I could share it with Fit City readers:
“I am an Ironman.
Sunday was far and above the hardest day of my entire life — I battled physical and mental pain far and above anything I can ever remember. I overcame all of it, though, and on Sunday I became an Ironman.
For the past six months, I have been training for Ironman Coeur D’Alene with T3, an Austin training group. I averaged about 13 hours of swim/bike/run/core training per week and a total training distance of 2,870 miles. In the end, 59 of us made it to the start line ready to tackle the 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile run.
At 7 a.m. race morning, 2,500 athletes dove in to conquer two loops in Lake CDA. Off we went into the washing machine whirlpool spin cycle that is the Ironman swim. Luckily, I do not get freaked out in open water, but the combination of getting constantly kicked and grabbed, plus choppy waters, left me feeling sick and dizzy. Upon finishing the swim, I was greeted by tons of cheering spectators and volunteers who did everything from strip my wetsuit off to completely redress me for the bike portion.
The bike portion was a two-loop course, meaning we rode 56 miles twice. It was beautiful, scenic, technical, and by far the hardest bike ride I have ever completed. Luckily, tons of awesome volunteers, spectators, inspirational signs and scenery distracted us somewhat from those hills. It was important to ride smart, knowing we would have to come back and do the hills all again on loop two.
During the ride, I kept thinking, “This is the hardest thing I have ever done, but I have to keep going.”
Also, I was having bad stomach problems that I couldn’t get under control. Six hours into the race, I wasn’t able to stomach any of my nutrition, but not finishing was not an option! By the time I pulled into the transition area, I had never been so happy to get off my bike.
Due to my stomach issues, I just wasn’t able to run. I tried multiple times, but it became clear that in order to finish, I would have to walk the marathon. My teammates saw me on the course and were so supportive, but eventually I just put my head down so they wouldn’t see my frustration. I saw some of them at the first turnaround and told them, “I don’t think I will make cut-off.” Luckily, they’d done the math and assured me I would. So I kept going.
When I got back to town, I turned around to see my training partner Alisa Leon, who ended up becoming my Ironman Angel. (That’s us in the photo below.) She caught up with me, walked with me, encouraged me, and ended up staying with me the rest of the race. We conquered rain, wind, freezing cold and pitch darkness together, but never entertained the idea of quitting.
Just past mile 25, we turned left down a street to the finisher’s chute. My teammates were there cheering for us, and then we knew we had it. Alisa and I grabbed hands and, for the first time, ran to the finish line. People were cheering in grandstands all around us, and Mike Reilly called my name and said “You are an Ironman!” My teammates were at the finish line waiting for us, and I proceeded to cry like a baby.
They say you have your ups and downs in an Ironman. I’ll be honest, I had far fewer ups than I had downs. My saving grace was my amazing teammates and friends and a promise to myself that I would never quit. I gave this course everything I had. Throughout the race I thought, “You are leaving nothing behind. If nothing else, be proud that you won’t regret not giving it everything.”
In all of my training and race preparation, I never thought I’d have to worry about the 17 hour cut-off time. I was well prepared for this race, both physically and mentally. But, as with any race, anything can happen. I faced things beyond my control, but I still finished with everything I could.
I am so proud of my finisher’s medal and the ability to call myself an Ironman.
And I’m going to do it all again next year.”
All but a handful of the T3 group finished the triathlon. Erin crossed the finish line at 11:38 p.m., 16 hours, 38 minutes and 54 seconds after she began the race.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment Categories: Triathlon
Comments
Austinites love to be heard, and we're giving you a bullhorn. We just ask that you keep things civil. Leave out the personal attacks. Do not use profanity, ethnic or racial slurs, or take shots at anyone's sexual orientation or religion. If you can't be nice, we reserve the right to remove your material and ban users who violate our Visitor's agreement. Click here to report comment abuse.
By steve
June 23, 2009 2:56 PM | Link to this
i saw you 2 finish. i am a coach and a 5 time cda finished my self. but i have to say the first one has the most feeling attached to it. i always return to the finish line to watch the last people cross and cry every year. dont know if you got to see the old lady that was last but what a finish. you guys make me thank god i am a part of suck a great sport. way to go you made my night
By Phil
June 23, 2009 5:08 PM | Link to this
Congrats on an outstanding accomplishment Erin. I know what its like also, I’ve fought various old (high school) injuries for years but finally rowed the Natchitoches marathon last November. I made it to the parking lot before crying. I’d been trying to run a marathon for years, but had various knee and foot injuries plague my training.
This inspires me to train harder than ever! Thanks for sharing!
By SonyaM
June 23, 2009 10:06 PM | Link to this
Erin, I am so amazed at you and your perserverence. I have run 10 marathons and still don’t see how I could swim and bike and then try and run a marathon after all that! Kudos to you!! You rock and are a STRONG WOMAN!!!
By Electronic Foreign Exchange
December 20, 2009 8:09 AM | Link to this
I somehow dont agree with a few things, but its great anyways.
By jeffMlewis
July 8, 2010 1:38 AM | Link to this
I have several images of your race and finish at jeffMlewis.zenfolio.com. Congratulations, jeff www.opticaldelusions.com
By jeffMlewis
July 8, 2010 1:39 AM | Link to this
I have several images of your race and finish at jeffMlewis.zenfolio.com. Congratulations, jeff www.opticaldelusions.com