Read about Kathy's journey.
An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4 miles (3.86 km) swim, a 112 miles (180.25 km) bike and a marathon (26 miles 385 yards, 42.195 km) run, raced in that order and without a break.
Kathy reflects on the “Half Iron Man Race”
On May 2, 2009 I started the White Lake Half-Ironman at approximately 7:45 a.m.; I was in the last wave (#9) to start the swim. There were 700 participants in all; the lake was full of wetsuits and multi-color swim caps; it was one of the most amazing things I’ve seen. I went in to warm-up and to calm my nerves; my friend Ellen would be going off about 20 minutes in front of me, so we talked for a little while, then a hug and a good luck and off she went. The remaining groups were waiting patiently on our turns. Before I knew it, we were ready to go – it was amazing – the lake is beautiful and very shallow – we were in approximately 5’ of water; the swim was a 1.2 mile swim and we started at one pier and swam in a triangle back to the opposite pier where we got out to make the short run to the TA (Transition Area) to get on the bike. The bike ride was 56 miles starting around the lake and then we took off through the countryside. The ride was scenic and long (I’m really going to have to work on my bicycling); however, I loved every minute of it. The last six miles seemed to go on forever; there was some praying and asking multiple angels for some help to make that last 6 miles. I made it with a little help from my friends, therefore finishing the longest bike ride I’ve ever been on. Back to the TA and then, the run which I should call the “walk”, I obviously need to work on the crossover from the bike to the “run”, my legs and feet felted really weird, almost like they weren’t there. Anyway, I made it all 70.3 miles of this adventure. Now, I’m looking ahead to November 7, 2009 for the full Ironman; so, for the next six months you’ll find me in a pool/lake or on a bike or running – TRAINING is a must.
Kathy
On May 2, 2009 I started the White Lake Half-Ironman at approximately 7:45 a.m.; I was in the last wave (#9) to start the swim. There were 700 participants in all; the lake was full of wetsuits and multi-color swim caps; it was one of the most amazing things I’ve seen. I went in to warm-up and to calm my nerves; my friend Ellen would be going off about 20 minutes in front of me, so we talked for a little while, then a hug and a good luck and off she went. The remaining groups were waiting patiently on our turns. Before I knew it, we were ready to go – it was amazing – the lake is beautiful and very shallow – we were in approximately 5’ of water; the swim was a 1.2 mile swim and we started at one pier and swam in a triangle back to the opposite pier where we got out to make the short run to the TA (Transition Area) to get on the bike. The bike ride was 56 miles starting around the lake and then we took off through the countryside. The ride was scenic and long (I’m really going to have to work on my bicycling); however, I loved every minute of it. The last six miles seemed to go on forever; there was some praying and asking multiple angels for some help to make that last 6 miles. I made it with a little help from my friends, therefore finishing the longest bike ride I’ve ever been on. Back to the TA and then, the run which I should call the “walk”, I obviously need to work on the crossover from the bike to the “run”, my legs and feet felted really weird, almost like they weren’t there. Anyway, I made it all 70.3 miles of this adventure. Now, I’m looking ahead to November 7, 2009 for the full Ironman; so, for the next six months you’ll find me in a pool/lake or on a bike or running – TRAINING is a must.
Kathy
 All set |
 1.2 mile swim in clear water :) |
 Out of the lake in record time. |
 56 miles on the bike |
 13.1 run...almost done! |
 Just a few blisters....OUCH! |
