Ironman Coeur d'Alene

The race director declared the swim was the most dangerous conditions they have seen in 13 years of Ironman history, with two-foot swells. Strong wind was driving the waves and the currents. Never mind the mass swim start. With safety being the number one concern, the athletes were given the choice to skip the swim, do one lap of the swim (1.2 miles), or do the expected two laps (2.4 miles). No offense and no judgment meant, but that’s hogwash and it’s highly unusual. An Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run, and thus, I didn’t even consider bailing on the swim. I am an Ironman.

There were more kayaks, boats, and lifeguards on surf boards to help any swimmers in trouble than maybe any Ironman has ever seen before. And some people were pulled from the Lake.

The Idaho bike course was new for this year’s race: more scenic and more mountainous than previous years. From Lake Coeur d’Alene transition, nearest City Center, the course followed the Lake’s edge, and turned back in the opposite direction some 8 miles in. The course then ventured into Hayden Lake area again following the Lake’s edge, scoring hill after hill, and looping back around.

I saw a triathlete laying on the road, obviously waiting for an ambulance. It appeared he had not made one of the many sharp turns and blood was spat upon the tar, and leaking generously from his head. Of the 2196 athletes who started this Ironman, he was amongst the 110 athletes who wouldn’t finish this race.

The first loop on the bike, I was laying the hammer down. I felt pretty strong and thought I could keep it going. The hills were amazing, and just kept on rolling. By the second loop, I had lost some momentum.

Starting the run, I didn’t feel particularly energized, but I expected my energy level to change. I was walking within the first few miles of the marathon, one foot in front of the other. And within those first few miles, I felt blisters developing on the balls of my feet. In a few more miles, I could feel blisters developing on both of my heels as well. Shoot. This was not going so well. At an aid station, I took off my shoes and applied some Vaseline. I considered Band-Aids, but they wouldn’t have stayed in place, nor did I think they would have helped when it came down to it. I put my shoes back on my feet, over the egg-shaped fluid filled blisters. I continued to walk, leaning toward the outside of my feet on every step. Each step was painful, like walking on a bed of hot lava rocks. I pretty much walked the whole marathon. The run course followed the edge of the Lake, as it had on the first stretch of the bike course. The scenery sure was pretty.

The day goes by fast, but I did have time to appreciate the fact that my body is capable of swimming, biking, and running long. I had time to analyze what it takes to make it to the starting line of Ironman and what I can do better next time. I had time to think about my courageous dad, who is struggling with his health at this very moment. I had time to remember my loving mother, who died in 2001 before I did my first triathlon. I know she would be proud of me.

Reaching the finish line in 14 hours and 39 minutes was a relief. I endured and completed my fifth Ironman.