How to finish an ironman by RexKwonDo

"Great challenge"

How I did it: I signed up for Ironman CdA (Coeur d'Alene), and completed it yesterday. I finished in the last hour.

I was able to complete it by staying strong mentally. I kept negative thoughts away during the race, and stayed focused, determined, and cheerful.

Physically, I ate a ton. Aside from eating at every single aid station the entire way, I had huge portions of food during my transitions and mid-points on the bike and run. I ate peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, a couple slices of pizza, half a gallon of milk, eggs, a bunch of fruit leather, and a turkey and cheese sandwich. I know most people can't handle so much solid food so they stick to gels and such, but I'm used to eating during exercise and it kept me from hitting the wall.

During the race, other participants kept telling me how great it would feel to hear the announcer say "You are an Ironman". I felt like that was kinda silly, as I certainly wasn't doing it to hear some catch phrase at the end. However, when I reached the end I was surrounded by what may have been thousands of people cheering wildly for me, and they shouted the phrase in unison. It was a rush, and certainly an amazing experience.

Lessons & tips: Don't make excuses, don't be a wimp, and push hard until you reach the finish.

Resources: The volunteers, spectators, and people of Coeur d'Alene. The city was very friendly and supportive. I've been to races where the people were ticked off that traffic was affected by a race, but in Coeur d'Alene they were nothing but nice. Cars driving by would cheer, and random people in the grocery stores would wish me luck. Thank you, Coeur d'Alene!

My favorite spectator sign: "If it were easy, it'd be called your mom"


2 people found this helpful
 

Jun 25, 2012, 07:51PM PDT | 2 comments | 14 cheers


Comments:

Trauma_Junkie is really ready for Memorial Day!

congratulations!

I volunteer each year for our little “Iron Man distance” tri. (We dont pay for the ironman name, so at the finish the poor people have to hear, “You are tougher than Iron” instead. I had no idea it was such a big deal…but hey, All I do is run.

Jun 26, 2012, 02:10AM PDT | Thread | Respond to this 4 cheers

RexKwonDo

Thank you. The words don’t matter, but hearing thousands of people cheering and chanting for me was incredible. The energy was amazing, and knowing I was done made me very relieved and proud.

Jun 29, 2012, 01:54PM PDT | Respond to this


RexKwonDo has gotten 14 cheers on this entry.

 

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