It's All About The Gear

I don't know if you've noticed this about triathletes, but we love gear.. new gear, just new to us gear.. you name it. I love the old bike shorts I've had for years, but it sure is nice to have a new pair every once in awhile. I especially like really quality stuff that you've had for years that just works really, really well.

It takes awhile to figure out what works for you and I'll even say that sometimes what you need evolves over time. At first, when you're just getting started, it's hard enough to just afford the bike and everything else that you have to buy to even enter the dang race! However, eventually after four years of just training with a heart rate monitor, you finally stop salivating over everyone else's Garmin 405 and buy one (or the new wheels, etc. etc.). You didn't necessarily need the Garmin right off the bat, but you sort of get to the point where to take your training to the next level you need more data, and that sometimes requires an upgrade.

With that said, Triathlete magazine has an entire issue devoted to "gear" each year and I do find it quite interesting. I like to see what other triathletes are using and why. One of the athletes I'm working with suggested I put something together at some point showing some of the equipment I currently use. He said it could help those that are either just curious or are trying to figure out where to start!

I've linked that page under the side bar of the blog entitled "Curious About What Gear I'm Using?"

So, hopefully it helps you and if have any questions about what I'm using or why, just let me know! I'm sure I forgot some things - so please chime in about those too. It's almost New Years Eve! Hope everyone is having a great week.

It's That Time Of Year!!

Needless to say, it's gotten a little crazy. The good news is, I'm still alive.. and the time I have not spent in blogland, I have been using to see friends and soak up the Christmas spirit! It's been wonderful. Sometimes we just need to take a break from typing incessantly on the computer and actually see the real world and NOT document it! Ha! Anyway, it's been fun and even though I've been enjoying my time away.. I really have missed seeing what's going on with my favorite bloggers and catching up on the latest and greatest on Facebook, Twitter etc. etc.

The Holidays have been amazing. I hope they have been for everyone out there as well. So far, I've seen Heidi (and her hair looks as fabulous in person as it does in the picture!) and finally met Scott. Wow, Scott is just a 100% first class kind of guy. The guy you wish your single friends would finally bump into because they are the old school kind of respectful and chivalrous. What a treat to have dinner with those two last week.

The Christmas tree was put up ON Christmas morning due to a few snags but it still did get put up.. and my Mom being in town has been really, really nice. I picked her up last Wed. at the airport and she'll be here for a full two weeks before returning to the warmth of Florida.

All in all, I've been liking not having a schedule.. but it's about time folks. I'm a little sick of the lack of structure and I need to get back into a routine with workout out and training again. This will will be devoted to trying to get in something - anything - each day, and then next week will bring the fire! I can't wait!! I'm ready, and I can't wait to see those workouts in training peaks again. It's been a full month since the race and some R & R was in order, but now I'm excited that's over too! Let's roll!

I'll leave you with some Christmas party pictures of the weekend after the race (hence, why I am still tan!!). It was awesome to see my triathlete and swimmer friends in normal clothes and share a few moments catching up with them. Enjoy!!

Tamsin (super fast swimmer!)

Of course, Kybar

Mo Money, Mo Money, Mo Money - do you love his jacket or WHAT! So Nantucket!

Rob - one of my surrogate Fathers in town!!

One of my favorite training partners - Rich!! When it does work out to ride, he is like mapquest, we can go anywhere and can get me within 1 min of when I want to return! Amazing talent!

Socializing!! Nice face Kim.. geez.

Ahh.. we must have stopped dancing for two seconds to take this!! Pretty ladies - Kim, Lisa & Rebekkah.

Kim Squared!

I hope everyone had a wonderful time with family and friends and that you took a moment to be thankful that we have everything that we do. We sure are blessed!? What did you get for Christmas?? Anything good! Do share??

The Thank Yous

One never gets through the Ironman training or completes the Ironman alone. This journey is always the result of many, many people in your life giving you a little boost every once in awhile when things are seeming bleak. It could be anything from an email, to spending a part of your 5 x 6 min strength intervals on the bike, to just a text letting you know they are thinking about you. I sacrifice a lot during IM season, but there are so many people that were out there sacrificing right along with me. The family was getting less phone calls, my friends were seeing me less for gatherings, and of course Kyle even spent some time away from me when he was sick so I didn't come down with a bug or understood when I feel asleep at like 8:00pm on a Saturday night.

The Ironman has since come and gone. And even though it feels like it was just yesterday, my body has enjoyed a much needed break (as has my mind!). The people that were there in my life before, are still there now. They wouldn't care if I came in first, last or if I had to DNF and walk home. They love me no matter what and I'll tell you, that's a pretty good feeling.

So, without further ado I just want to say a quick thank you to all the people I mentioned before the race in this post IM Coz Or Bust, along with my Sponsors, my teammates who raise money for such a great cause like Ballou Skies, and just keep me grounded and happy, my facebook and blogger friends (too many of you to name, but just to name ONLY a few - Kim K, Mary, Charisa, Beth, Maija, Marit C-L, Ramon, Teresa, Courtenay, Jen H, Bri, TriMommy, Michele, Chloe, ADC, Steve, Christi, and Julia). I would link to all your blogs but I don't have time!! Just know that it means a lot to me that you read and write and just listen to me blab!! My Pittsburgh Crew (Chad, Jen, Jos, Matt, Jason, Billy, G, Nate) who never lets me down and always makes training so much more fun. My Michigan com padres - Jim, Cindy and all the crew up there!! My gym friends who always encourage me at Masters swimming and while I'm on the treadmill for what seems like hours on end and of course, my coach - Justin. Justin has changed the way I think about everything and he's starting to help me get a glimpse of what things could actually be if I put my mind to them and believe in myself and my dreams.

Speaking of dreams, I have some pretty big ones for next year. I couldn't be more excited about the upcoming season and although the passion to train like a manic hasn't come back QUITE yet.. it certainly is in burning embers deep within my soul. Come January 1st, it will be ready to roar and I couldn't be more excited about trying to nail down this schedule without the pressure of qualifying for Kona.

Now, a few people asked me why I didn't mention more about Kona in some of my posts or Facebook messages. It's not that I am NOT excited about Kona - I certainly am! It's great to have a year to get ready, and plan and SAVE and SAVE :) However, this may sound crazy, but I'm even more excited for other things. I wanted to break 10 hours in an Ironman pretty badly this time, and I knew if I did, Kona would pretty much take care of itself (at least in the case of Cozumel). However, there is much much more on the horizon now and I just want to see how far I can go and maybe someday compete against the best of the best. The goal is to become the very best athlete and person I can. If I can do that, then I will be happy. However, to have that happen you must continue to be pushed to a level where the competition is fierce and you have to up your game just to stay within sight. I'm not sure what exactly all that means, but let me say, I'm excited to find out.

This next season should be really fun, and I can't wait to see where it goes. If it goes really well, then I think the next steps will be evident. So, let us just continue on the journey together!!

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported EACH OTHER in this sport this year. Triathletes really are some of the best people around - don't you think?? Who's with me on this!!??

More Coz in Pictures - The Aftermath :)

Kyle took this picture while I was out racing my hiney off. Don't worry.. while I've been sitting around for the last two weeks doing ABSOLUTELY no training.. I've managed to gain a few pounds already and get a little of it back!! No issues there! It's been wonderful to just rest my mind, see some awesome friends and say thank you for all the support I've received this year. So, here are some photos of the Iberostar Resort where we stayed etc.

Loved these guys! I'm amazed they can sleep on one leg.. especially when sometimes I can't sleep at all.

Ahh.. I need to think of this on nights like when I was attempting to shovel my drive way in 16 degrees tonight wearing my ski jacket and ski pants. Trust me, if I would have had a face mask, I would have wore that too!! Needless to say, I've been wearing my woolies around the house and socks to bed!!

I know many of you are facing cold temps too so think warm thoughts!!

Of beautiful docks lit by lights at night

And scuba tanks for diving (next time I am DOING it!!)

And swim up bars (became more familiar with this AFTER the race!)

And little huts

Warm breezes blowing over you while you get your massage

And blue pools and you have to submerge your chair in you're so hot!

And cool guys made out of towels on your bed each day!

The day after bliss!!

I call this my triple chin and awesome short tan line picture!

Miss Yvonne was so kind and very personable. A huge congrats to her for winning the women's pro race by almost 20 minutes. She signed an picture for me and the fact that we were the same size made me happy! Sometimes little women can go fast :)

I have another post to write.. that is very different than the last few.. but I just don't think I have it in me to write tonight.. soon... very soon!

I hope everyone is doing so well.. thank you so much for your comments on the race.. some of you are such loyal followers that just lift me up and give me so much joy. The thoughts and words you share with me are just so awesome. Thanks!! It means so much!!

No I Won't Back Down. Gonna Stand My Ground. The Marathon

Did I mention that when I first arrived in the second transition tent I was greeted by about four awesome ladies. Since there was only like one other person in there with me I had plenty of help. The only problem was, initially, they placed me RIGHT by the door opening on the chairs and the door / flap of the tent was WIDE open. So I quickly made the motion "I'm going to take my shorts off" and they realized that I was saying "let's move somewhere more secluded" so they grabbed my bag while I started to undress quickly! They even held little towels around me! So sweet!!

Anyway, I was putting on my socks and shoes while they were spraying me with bug spray. I got a big mouthful of it (I heard there were wicked mosquitoes on the course) and decided that was as much cancer as I wanted to swallow today!

I ran out of the tent wondering how my legs would feel. Within the first five minutes I was overjoyed. My legs felt great, like I hadn't even biked!! I made some adjustments to my race belt and started trucking along. Transition was right behind a big super market in town and there were plenty of people cheering and saying things like "Muy Bien Senorita!" I couldn't help but smile ear to ear and give a wave or a fist pump! The run was three 8 mile loops of out and back and I would see many of the same people and places over and over again.

Those first four miles I was clipping along and noticed that the Garmin was still set from yesterdays 15 min run. So I just started it right where it was rather than messing with it trying to get it reset and then on to that screen again giving me pace per mile. I decided heart rate and pace per mile would be my guides (along with how I felt). Miles 1-4 were a little faster than I wanted (6:50-7:15), but honestly, I felt great and my heart rate was fine. I was hot, but other than that, I felt well-prepared to run a good marathon. I decided it was ground I wouldn't have to cover feeling terrible later (which I knew I would).

Miles 4 though.. well the rest of the race were a different story.
My legs started getting heavy around mile 5 and it never really let up after that. I just took water and Gatorade intermittently and tried to be thankful my stomach didn't seem to be having any major issues. I probably smiled a lot less in those later miles. When I would look at my watch I would try to hold around 8 min pace and just not let it stray too far off of that. I didn't know where the other girls were, I didn't see many (except for right at the beginning), and really, I didn't care. I just worried about my race, how I felt, gritting my teeth and either getting to the half way point or back into town.
I saw Kyle when I was in town and made a face. I think that face said "it is mile 8 and I still have two laps to go and I am HURTING!" He just kept on cheering. I think on my second loop when I was turning to finish off my third he said something like "come on Kim - RUN GUTSY" and that certainly meant something to me. I just couldn't back down.. not now, not when I had already come this far. One more eight mile loop and I was home. I had to put my head down and give it everything. The miles clicked away and I couldn't wait to see 18, then I couldn't wait to see the marker for 20 - a 10k to go.. you can do anything for a 10k I told myself.

I started to think of all the people watching me online, and the people written on my arm that morning that between the four of them, were family, or felt like family anyway.. and that I knew were going through some tough times health-wise. Even my coach who had spent countless hours with me via email and phone investing time with very little return but still believed that I could do this. I just couldn't let them down.. or myself down. It was time to put this baby away. My quads felt like a thousand needles were piercing them with every step. Everything hurt.. right down to the bottom of my feet.

Finally I felt it.. the rush of town. People started lining the streets and were cheering pretty loudly. Some people were even stepping out in front of me to take my picture (which I thought was strange but hey - that's fine!). "Just get there!!" I kept thinking.. over an over.. cross that finish line.. get to Kyle.

The crowd was like a funnel and when I saw many people in front of me make the turn to go back out on the course for another loop, I step into the side for the finishers.. I WAS MAKING THE TURN FOR HOME!!

I saw the big screen with the professional women getting their awards.. and there it was.. 400 feet away.. plain as day 10:03.. I hadn't known I was that close all day. I thought I MIGHT be.. but never really knew. You have got to be kidding me I thought...

We did it..We freakin did it! Ballou Skies had a pretty big day :)

I don't know if I have ever been so happy in my life. I started dancing and cheering. The stands on either side started cheering with me!! I felt so blessed and so thankful!!
I had made it!! I was home!!
Needless to say..
I was flying..

And even though the names had long faded from my arm.. and the small tattooed cross was only barely visible.. I knew each step of the way I was running on faith. Faith in those that helped me get here, and an even bigger faith that if this was the day I was supposed to have.. well, then I would have it.

And it was.. and I was so grateful.

and in pain

But I beckoned the cameraman over to give me a huge hug seeing as I couldn't take one more step.

Another great part of the race was seeing Charisa after in the finishers area! She had a great swim and is just a wonderful, fun, charming person. It was awesome to get to race alongside her.

Calling Coach Justin after the race. I almost fell off my chair when he told me I was the first amateur female and 6th including all the professionals.

And I met the policia after I was finally able to get out of the medical tent.. which I didn't want to visit but considering I only had to pee once (a very small amount) during the day.. the fact that shortly after I was dizzy and lightheaded made me realize I probably did need that IV.

You know who you are.. and your stories and thoughts have touched me in a way I can't describe. Thanks for taking this journey with me to the finish of Ironman Cozumel. I couldn't have done it without you.

Ironman Cozumel - The Bike Baby

Let it be known that for some reason I decided that I didn't want to put on my bike shoes in the tent. I'm not sure if this was because I was afraid of falling in them while running through T1 (which was really stinking long by the way!) or what! The way the first transition was put together was much different than anything I have seen previously. This may have been due to the fact that it was a park. It was very long rows of bikes around the outside edges and then many bikes up through the middle portions as well (think like spider legs).

Anyway, I headed out once I put my shoes on by the bike only to realize they were completely filled with dirt. "Oh this will be fun for 112 miles!" I thought! O well!

I could already feel the sun starting to rise hot and high in the sky and it was only 9:00am. I settled into a rhythm. There were only two things I was worried about for this ride - cadence and heart rate. These two variables would decide my speed and pace. This was important because when the wind picked up through the day (which I knew it would - about noon would be the worst of it on my last lap of this three loop course) I wouldn't need to be surprised my speed might go down. Cadence & heart rate, cadence and heart rate.

This was also going to be the first real time I could test my stomach and see what was being absorbed (if anything :) I took sips of water for about the first 10 mins and then decided it was time to start with the real nutrition. I looked at my watch so I would know what intervals to look for through the rest of ride. I made my plan. At 10 after the hour, every hour, I should have another 24oz bottle of Infinite Fluid Energizer empty and ready to switch. At every 50 min mark of the hour I would take another gel (the first one being at that 10 min mark), so approximately every 40-45 mins.

All I could see where men around me, but all in all, there was lots of space and not many people on the course yet so I was really enjoying that part. I knew it would get much more crowded as we set out on the second and third loop. I reached the southern part of the Island fairly quickly passing my hotel and then riding right along the coast. This is where the wind is the worst. It would come off the water and you really had to be careful when you were taking a drink or opening a gel. During the first loop it was fine and I was really please with my cadence. I was shooting for above 90 and I averaged about 93 for the entire ride. The sun started feeling hotter and hotter and I knew hydration was going to be an issue. I could NOT let that slide on bit. Sip from the front Aero Profile Design bottle full of water, sip from the infinite bottle was the theme of the day. When an aid station would come, I would refill that front bottle and that happened at least 6-8 times during the bike portion. When we would finally make that turn at the bottom of the island toward town I would feel the wind at my back and would finally start picking up speed and instead of going 18 or 19mph, I would hit closer to 22. Still, heart rate and cadence.. no need to hammer. I knew it was going to be a long day.

The only thing I felt very sad to see was of course, you guessed it, drafting. I saw large packs of men and occasionally, I also saw a women tucked right in with them. The few age group women that were ahead of me seemed to want to just tuck into behind a man and see how long they would / could get away with it. I'm not going to name names (although, if you are going to draft, maybe wearing shorts with your last name labeled on the butt is NOT a good idea - just FYI there missy). Either way, each and every time it happened and I was swallowed up by a group I would soft pedal until I was shot out the back. Just fine with me. Two different times people came up beside me and thanked me for not drafting and / or took a moment to complain with me. One women even came up and said "hey, did you know there are about 5 men on your @%% right now?" I would turn around, say my peace, and just hammer it for about 5 minutes until I left them behind. There's just no place for that in our sport and if you feel like doing it, seriously, go somewhere else and race ITU. I did see some officials and even pointed them up ahead at times so who knows how many they caught.

All in all, the bike was uneventful, just as it should be. I enjoyed seeing the families sitting outside of their homes when we weren't in town cheering us on! When we did come around the loop into town it was a massive crowd and I saw Kyle each time!! As he cheered I would yell something to him that is just for us to know and smile! I think he knew I was absorbing my fluid and was assured that things were going much better than I thought!

When we finally made the last loop I was really excited to get off that bike. I was sick of the drink, sick of gels and just ready to be off that bike!! I did a bit of math and realized that I was going to be coming in right around 5:25.. "YIKES," I thought.. Is this too fast??" I tried not to panic. Coach Justin and I had a plan and I had followed it to perfection. No reason to panic. I let up a little in the last 3-4 miles into town and just spun the legs to get ready for the marathon.

Coming into town I got out of my shoes and tired to only think of transition, which I had gone over in my mind about 5 times on bike.

Nick @Trijuice caught this picture of me coming into T2! A happy girl!!

As you can see from this picture Kyle is VERY close.. right in T2 with me!! He got some great photos and footage - just wait till you see the video!!

The volunteers were absolutely spectacular and I can't thank them enough. Did I mention my bike special needs bag was out and READY for me by the time I was even slowing enough to grab it!! That's how well-organized and awesome this race venue was this year! Much improved from last year I heard.

Before I knew it was in the tent and stripping down to put on my Ballou Skies / Splish bottoms and running shoes / hat / bug spray before heading out. I could feel my back burning from the bike and the lack of sunscreen.. but I knew this race could come down to minutes / even seconds.. and I just didn't have any extra time to spare. I would have to hope for the best.

I was also getting worried, I did not have to pee ONE time on that bike. Once again.. was my hydration enough - only time would tell. I am a HUGE sweater and it was hot on the bike. I knew the bike would pale the run in temperature comparison.

Here we go!! Time to race!! I hoped my legs were ready too!! Final Bike time - 5:27

MORE TO COME!! Thanks for reading!

Ironman Cozumel.. The Backstory & The Swim

Some people may have thought that the journey to this race started sometime mid-summer when I signed up. Let me tell you, the journey to this race started a long, long time before that.

Even while I sitting on a bike, in the last week of December wearing a sling.. I wrote this:

I want to start dreaming again, and I have been. I’m starting to believe again. In what you ask, well, that’s to be determined, but mostly in myself, my spirit, and that love can be transferred to and through other people as we follow our heart. When the alarm sounds at 5:00am, and it’s cold and dark outside, you best be believing in your dreams because it’s a constant struggle sometimes. Life beats you down, responsibilities are necessary and sometimes what you’re doing day in and day out doesn't seem to be helping you make one bit of progress. It’s not a matter of if you will get to that place; it’s a matter of when. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of your own way and move on.

On Sunday I had the race of my life (well, a least up until this point). Some people may also think got out of bed one day and thought - I can break 10 hours in the Ironman. Nope. That didn't happen either. Instead after months and months of training, seeing the numbers, running the stats and really testing myself both my coach and I knew it was possible. Not that it would be easy, or even that it would necessarily happen.. but that it could happen if I had the right day. I told three people that I may be able to break ten before this race - my coach, my husband Kyle and one of my very close friends. That was it. I told the people that I knew wouldn't bat an eyelash. I didn't do it that day.. but 10:04 - dang close. Don't worry 10 hours.. I'll get you next time around :)

On my biggest weeks this fall, I swam close to 20,000 yards, I biked around 220-260 miles, and I ran close to 60 miles (all while still working fourty hours per week). Making it a point to try and sleep as close to 8 hours as humanly possible, eat well and get a massage (once a month in the prior months and once per WEEK this last month before the race), helped make this day possible. I didn't wake up one day and have this race.. I knew this race was in me.. but it would only be possible if this was the race God wanted me to have on this very day.. and if I had faith in him, and myself.. luckily.. I had both.

Our trip to Cozumel was amazing. We stayed the Iberostar Resort at the South end of the Island. It was filled with beautiful pools, serene beaches and plenty of cool things to see.

Kyle and I both thought it was a bit strange that we were placed in the number 21 villa. This has been his favorite number for his entire adult life. Then, as we strolled up with our luggage, we found a Pennsylvania quarter on the patio. Hum.. interesting.. I think this it our place!

I didn't feel nervous at all. I had done all the training and I didn't have anything to prove to anyone. I just wanted to execute my plan and not worry about anything else. If I did that, the results would take care of themselves.

Unfortunately, I was only able to eat one meal before encountering what would be DAYS of issues with my stomach. The food was great. It was plentiful and delicious. However, maybe even though I didn't feel nervous my stomach was getting most of the subconscious nerves. I didn't drink the water, but occasionally, I would forget and rinse my toothbrush or open my mouth in the shower. Who knows.. Either way, after anything and everything I ate, my stomach started to hurt, blow up with gas, or I would get.. the dreaded runs (or all of the above). I started eating pepto bismol tablets like candy. Gas-X was my best friend. By Friday, I decided that maybe I should take a day off of solid food. This may let my inflamed system take a rest and attempt to get back to normal.

I attended the practice swim and observed my first experience of getting stung in the face by tiny jellyfish.. This was not enjoyable. Yet I knew on race day, it would not stop me from pursuing my dream. I drank two ensures and at least 6 Gatorades on Friday. By Friday evening I was hungry, but hadn't had any major incidents all day.

Saturday I tried to eat again, but only things like white bread, crackers, bananas and some peanut butter. In fact, my pre-race meal consisted of two yogurts, a banana, a peanut butter sandwich and gatorade. With each meal on Saturday I continued to have symptoms, but they had died down slightly and I was thankful. I put on my game face.. checked in my bike and hoped for the best.

Kyle and I decided to rent a scooter to take a look at the course. For some strange reason, after finding out I was number 1313, I was very pleased. I liked this number.. it was different. Then we happened to get #13 scooter and I started to believe maybe these were signs. Maybe everything was going to be just fine.

Driving the course around 2:00pm it seemed hot, very hot, and windy - ohhhh... yes, amazingly windy (oh.. and long!). Even driving it on the scooter seemed to be taking forever and I thought "man, I hope this doesn't seem this long tomorrow!" Once again, I prayed, and tried not to worry. It would be what it would be!

The night before I wore my game face.. took some time to think about my race and went to sleep. I was able to sleep through MOST the night which was a pretty big deal for me.

Before I knew it, race morning was here. The alarm went off at 4:00am and I was hoping from the bottom of my heart I could have a good day. By the time we arrived at the swim start, I had already hit the bathroom for some very unpleasant experiences 3 times. I had taken two Imodium, three peptos and two gas-x pills after my two ensures that morning. I was NOT feeling very positive about my stomach situation at that point.

But regardless, I was going to race as hard as I could, and see what happened. Kyle knew I was really worried about my stomach choosing to not absorb all day. He just kept telling me, "It will be fine Kim."

As we said our goodbyes I thought of all the people who would just love to be racing but couldn't because they were sick, or hurt, or just didn't have the means financially. I decided that no matter what, I would make it to the finish.. if I threw up the whole 16 hours.. I would still make it happen - for me, and for them. I finally stopped complaining and kissed him goodbye.

The next moments were filled with craziness. From being cramped in the swim start area like sardines to being rushed into the water with only five minutes until the gun.

We had to peel off the side like flies and all I heard were bodies in the water dropping beside me. I stayed way to the right because we were to keep the buoys on our left and I wanted to be able to get out and find some faster swimmers without getting caught in the mayhem. When the gun sounded there was no countdown, no warning and just like that I was swimming strong and steady. I felt spectacular, strong and like I was hitting 1:20 / 100. I have no idea if that is true - but I felt like it! We made the first turn and I was able to cut in a little and draft some faster swimmers. Being able to see underwater was amazing. OUCH - my first sting of many.. I pressed on.

We made another turn shortly after and the large oval course started taking us downstream for the long part of the loop. My goggle started to move off my eye a bit so I pushed it as hard as I could to suction it on.. but only to get it in a weird place. I couldn't mess with it.. I kept swimming. I saw only orange male caps around me. We jostled for position and to draft off those in front of us. I wasn't backing down. At some points I knew I had to burp, no time to stop... I burped underwater...and kept going. The swim went fairly fast on this stretch and I knew we must have had the current. We mad the last turn and I couldn't see anything but arms in the sunlight.

Finally, we swam past the Jesus statue and I felt a calm come over me. I was almost done. It was amazing to see the rays of light hitting the statue in the water and I knew I wasn't alone. Not today.. not ever.

When I reached the dock I was pulling myself out and bounded up the steps.

There was the clock - clear as a bell when I took off my cap and goggles.. 59:10. You have GOT to be kidding me I thought. I try all year to break 30 mins in a HALF ironman swim and I just broke an hour in the 2.4 mile IRONMAN swim. I smile liked I had just won the lottery.

Regardless of how I felt the rest of the day.. I knew from that moment, feeling the love of those who believed in me, I was going to battle through anything that could be thrown at me.. Nothing could touch me.

I ran a VERY long way to the tent.. and a nice Mexican volunteer helped me put on my race belt, helmet, sunscreen and grab my shoes (notice no sunscreen is said in this sentence) and I was off. Kyle was right there in transition with me as I exited due to his MEDIA status..

I smiled and waved and was off on my bike..

More to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!