The expression on my face in this picture sums up my day perfectly. It was one of the Best. Days. Ever. And although I didn't actually get to hear the words, "Cynthia Smith, You are an Ironman" because Mr. Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman, was indisposed at that moment, I did indeed cross the finish line earning the coveted title of Ironman. And I was thrilled to tears.
The day started out like any other race day. Early alarm, 3:45, I think. Force feed myself some food, in this case, it was a BoBo Bar on the drive to Ross's Landing along with some Nuun Energy and water. Kelly and I easily found parking and after waiting for transition to open at 5 a.m., we got body marked (the guy totally muffed up my number.
That mess on my left arm is supposed to be a 1. Oh well, it must have been a good omen, or something). Then we headed to the bus for the short ride to the swim start. We arrived on one of the first buses to secure our spot near the front of the line. There were maybe 100 people ahead of us. Score.
Part of our support crew: Mac, Ronda, with Mom and Dad (Not pictured, Kiki and Sarah)
After some of our own body marking, a few trips to the porta-potties, and hugs and kisses, we were ready to go. The overcast skies gave us a hopeful outlook on the weather for the day. We prayed the rain stayed away at least until we were off our bikes.
A tribute to our people at home and in our hearts.
You were all with us on race day.
Kelly's game face: ON!
Relaxed and ready. Lets do this!!!
View of the dock as the athletes entered the river.
View from the river walk. Thank you, Dad!
This amazing view is from the pedestrian bridge; thank you to random FB peep for posting.
The swim turned out to be non-wet suit legal as the water temperature was 77 degrees. After the practice swim the day before, I was prepared. The water was warm and I am a strong swimmer, so no worries. I jumped in off the dock and started the 2.4 mile swim downstream to Ross's Landing. I struggled with my leaky goggles for a bit until I adjusted them properly (note to self: buy new goggles) and settled into a rhythm. I never really encountered anyone in my personal water space, except for a few guys who were cutting straight across the river in front of me. The river curved and it was hard for people not to get too off course. It was really cool swimming past the island and under the bridges. I looked up at one point and saw all the people on the pedestrian bridge watching us. That was really cool! I kept myself entertained by singing Tate's song, "Slippery Fish" and just kept swimming. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. The swim was fast, to say the least.
My predicted swim time was between 1:15 and 1:20. I finished in 57:26. To say there was a current is an understatement. I was amazed and thrilled with the "free time" I had just earned for myself. Even the last athlete out of the river still had 45 minutes or so before the 2:20 cutoff! Amazing! I climbed out of the water at Ross's Landing to a huge crowd and lots of cheering! It was surreal. Up the steep carpeted slope and into transition. Lots of smiles and adrenaline! What a rush!
Into transition to find my bike bag. Look at all the spectators!!!
After a not-so quick T1, where an amazing volunteer helped me do just about everything right down to putting on my socks for me... awesome, I hit the porta-potty, got slathered with sunscreen and was on my way. I saw Mom at the Bike Out and blew her some kisses! See you this afternoon! And off I went.
Swim split: 57:26
T1: 9:58
I was feeling great as I headed out onto the 116 mile bike course. It was still overcast and probably near 70 degrees, but not raining and not overly humid. Perfect weather for a Sunday ride. The route took us south into rural Georgia for two loops before heading back to transition. Considering how far in front we were when we started the swim, I believe that about 2000 people passed me on the first loop of the bike course. Not kidding. And not a fun or relaxing first loop for me. Especially considering that some guy crashed right behind me within the first 10 miles. That was pretty scary. As was being passed by 2000 people, men and women, moving faster and with more gusto than I had. My goal was to finish; I wasn't trying for a Kona spot. So, I stayed to the right and minded my own business. I hunkered down and focused on the task at hand.
Here's me. Focused. And looking relaxed. This must have been the 2nd loop.
I'm having fun now!
The rest of the ride was pretty uneventful. I ate, drank and peed. I peed a lot. Like 5 times. 22 minutes worth of time, I'd later realize. Oh, well. I also met lots of new friends. Wearing my Swim Bike Mom bike jersey was one of the best wardrobe decisions I made for the day. I met Meredith's (SBM's) coach, Brett Daniels, and one of her good friends from All3Sports, Rick McElroy, who were also racing. I also received lot of shouts of "GO, SWIM BIKE MOM" from many spectators and volunteers. After all, Georgia is the home of SBM. It was very cool. (www.swimbikemom.com)
I also met one of the men, Jeff, who, along with a friend of his, had raced an Ironman in Spain the day before, hopped a private jet and made it to Chattanooga in time for our event. They are on a mission to complete all events on the Ironman circuit. I believe they raced in IM Maryland the week before. Jeff was the nicest guy. He asked about the names I wrote on my arm, "Jason, Cooper and Tate" and I explained that they were my family at home rooting for me. We exchanged the usual chit chat, "is this your first?" Yadda, yadda. I said it was mine and he said, "Well, you wouldn't believe this, but I raced in Spain yesterday." He's done over 100 races, I believe. Unreal. It was pretty thrilling to meet him. I watched he and his friend finish the race later that night and enjoy a champagne shower at the finish line.
Pretty countryside
I chatted with a few others, said hello to all the horses and cows along the way and took in the view as much as I could. I also stopped to help a gal who had dropped her chain. Between the two of us, we had her back in her saddle in no time. I'd like to think I earned a little bit of good karma at that point. Little did we all know, but someone had thrown tacks on the road and 30 or more riders ended up with flats. Some people's day came to an end because of it. Such a shame. Luckily, neither Kelly nor I flatted out there.
Actual tacks from the bike course. Thanks again to random FB person for this picture.
Also, the snack I prepared in my special needs bag was just what I needed at the halfway point. My almost thawed coconut water tasted like a coconut slushie and was amazing paired with my chocolate and vanilla almond butter Stinger Waffle sandwich. It was heavenly and gave me a good boost.
After a nice 2nd loop of the course, I was heading back into town and saw Kelly up ahead. I rode up alongside her and she was shocked to see me, thinking I was way ahead of her. Nope. She had a great ride and I peed enough for both of us, apparently. The best part was hitting transition within 2 minutes of each other and starting our marathon at the same time.
Oh, and I saw these two crazy girls as I returned to town. What a boost! Thanks, Kiki and Sarah!!! Your enthusiasm was unrivaled!
Bike split: 7:28:49
I'd say I was pretty happy to see my dad here.
Oh, and happy to be off the bike, too!
Oh, and happy to be off the bike, too!
Hugs please!!!
Here we come. Watches, set! OK, now see that athlete in the green on the left? That's Kelly's new friend, John. See the gal on the right in orange kissing her husband? That's my new friend, Yvonne!
Lookie who found each other!! How amazing was this???
Heading out for a little marathon now. See you all later!
T2: 8:23
As we headed out along the river walk and up the first hill out of transition, the misty rain started to fall. Kelly ran up and over the hill ahead of me, looking strong and determined. I wouldn't see her again until mile 10 or so. I set my watch for my 5:1 run:walk intervals and settled in. The first aid station was just at the top of the hill and they were stocked with icy cold wet sponges. I grabbed a few and sponged the road grime off of me. Might as well start fresh and "clean" after that long bike ride. It felt great!
The river walk was pretty and not overly crowded. I chatted with a few younger guys looking pretty worn out as they started their second loop of the run. With over 8 hours until the cut-off time, there was plenty of time to finish, but it's amazing how exhausted some of them looked. I must have been kind of annoying as I felt fresh and energized.
Leaving transition and feeling great!
I also met my new friend, Yvonne (pictured above in orange) as we kept overtaking each other with our walk breaks. She was very sweet and we enjoyed some good chatter along the way. I also met a guy named John, who thought my run walk interval was a good one. He was in his 60s or so and was running along with the rest of us. I lost him on the first big hill but I remember seeing him in one of the finish line videos and was thrilled to see that he finished.
The Riverwalk portion of the course lasted about 6 miles or so then we ran along a 4-lane highway for a while as we returned to the riverfront. This was not my favorite part of the course but the volunteers made it more than bearable. I ran into super heroes (literally and figuratively, as there were lots of volunteers in costumes) and some amazing people who went out of their way for me, fetching bananas and Bonk Breakers for me when needed. They made sure I was OK at one point when I guess I looked a little "off" and all in all were just what we all needed out there. They were loud and cheery and always smiling. What a boost.
Our super heroes for the day, aka amazing volunteers!
The run continued across Veteran's Bridge, where I remember chatting with Swim Bike Heather and meeting two gals, Alisa and Lisa. On our second loop, we'd kiss each mile marker sign as we hit the 20+ mile markers. They were full of energy and spirit and it was a joy to run with them. Veteran's Bridge brought us to Barton Street and Hixon Pike which was the "big climb" that had been dreaded by all as the race approached. The house Kelly and I rented was just off this main street and we were able to run the hill on Thursday after we arrived. Yes, it was steep but it wasn't too long; it was pretty easy to walk up and that's just what I did.
The back side of Barton Street
The neighborhood was out in droves. Each house that lined the street had more people than the last. There were parties going on complete with drunks and loud music and lots and lots of cheering. All I had to do was wave and the cheers would get louder. It totally made me feel like a rock star.
And there was free beer, too!
I ran into Kelly around mile 10 on the first loop. It was great to see her but she was walking and not feeling so good. It turns out she had torn her calf muscle coming out of transition after the bike and by then her body was not handling the trauma well. To say she is an inspiration for conquering the pain and finishing is an understatement. She waved me on and said she would be OK.
As I started the second loop, I stopped at the special needs station. I grabbed the picture of my family, a few Stinger Waffles and my coconut water, which was warm by then and didn't taste very good. I must have looked like I was having trouble putting my things in my race belt because a super nice guy approached me to help. He wasn't even a volunteer. He reminded me of an actor and now I can't remember who. Regardless, he was very sweet and his enthusiasm gave me some energy. Thanks, random stranger, for lending a hand.
My second loop was pretty uneventful but I met some more nice folks. It was getting dark and we were all given glow necklaces. This is when it really starts to get interesting. The rain had stopped, my feet were less squishy in my shoes and my quads were getting more and more sore as the night went on. I kept up with my intervals and told myself I'm feeling relatively fine, you're doing great, keep moving forward. I walked when I was supposed to and ran when I was supposed to, gave and received a lot of encouragement. I high fived the spectators and gathered strength from them as I was getting more and more tired at this point. I was happy to see the aid station and the turn back onto the bridge for the final climbs and few miles before the finish. And there was warm chicken broth. Did I mention the chicken broth? Heaven in a cup. All salty and warm and delicious.
I crossed the bridge again, this time with Swim Bike Heather, Lisa and Alisa and up the hill for the last time. Only a few miles to go. As Heather and I were making a short climb up the backside of the hill together towards the beautiful mansion-lined section of the course, we were chatting away like we were having coffee. Until I heard "Living on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi, blaring over someone's stereo. I felt a surge of adrenaline like no other and took off. With the finish line mere miles away, I was getting excited to see it for myself.
The finish line awaits.
I ran down the short hill towards an aid station and heard a spectator cheering, "Go runner!!" I guess there weren't too many people running anymore at this point. It was nearing 10 p.m. and the crowds were thinning. I walked up the last hill then ran the rest. We looped under Veteran's Bridge towards the North Shore Main Street. I remember making the left turn onto the Pedestrian bridge and was now within a mile to the finish. I was in complete awe that I was almost there. I think I mouthed an expletive or two in amazement as a very nice gentleman pointed the way.
Over the Ped Bridge to the finish line.
It was dark when I ran across for the 2nd and last time but you get the gist.
I ran slowly and walked a bit to try to take in the day. I was feeling a bit of sadness that it was almost all behind me now. You could hear the music blaring and Mike Reilly announcing from the finish line and see the lights and the crowds. Spectators were still lining the bridge and were congratulating us all and calling us Ironmen as we rounded the last turn towards the finish. It was surreal. It was dark in that short section leading into finish chute. I slowed down a bit more to take it in.
Then it all happened so quickly. I was there. The crowds were loud and Kiki and Sarah saw me and started screaming. I danced back and forth from side to side to high-5 the spectators and as I hit the red M-Dot carpet I saw Mom and Dad. What a thrill that was. After hugging them tightly, I continued on a few more steps to cross the finish line. I had done it. I am an Ironman.
Run Split: 6:03:55
Total finish time: 14:48:31
The volunteer awarded me my finisher's medal, I hugged him and then allowed the tears to come.
I was handed my finisher hat and shirt, was escorted into the photo shoot and then meandered toward the food tent. I didn't want chocolate milk or pizza and the thought of eating a Little Debbie oatmeal cream pie made my stomach turn so I left the tent to look for Mom and Dad. And they found me, hugged me tight and I cried some more.
Talking to Jason and the kids at home.
Jason was so excited; he was at home with the kids and the Smith family, who had come for a visit. They were all huddled around the computer awaiting my finish, tracking both Kelly and I all day long.
He assured me that Kelly had just crossed the last timing mat and was a mere 3 miles from the finish. We returned to the finish area to await her arrival. Her parents paced.
Finally, here she comes!!! Looking fresh and amazing and smiling ear to ear!!! High fives for Mike Reilly... Then, "Kelly McClernon, you are an Ironman."
Wahoo!!!
Torn calf, bah! Kelly rockin' her finisher's pic!
The day was now complete.
Done. And Done. Now lets eat!
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