A very long race....report

Racer: Amy Krupka
Race: Ironman Lake Placid
Date: 7/22/07
Overall Time: 15:01:22
Overall Place: 1770/2208
Age Group: 30-34
Age Group Place: 94/127

Pre-Race

Fortunately, Eric and I made the trip up to Lake Placid twice prior to the race. It is a LONG drive, but well worth it. The setting is beautiful, we got to swim in the lake, bike the full course, and run the full course multiple times, not to mention, got to experience some Olympic flavor (the bobsled!!). Now we were headed up for our race, staying at what could have been a disaster but ended up being a blessing, the Wilderness Inn. It was actually a trailer, and Tim, Eric, and I were trailer park trash. And we loved it! Our place was quiet, about 20 minutes from town, had a kitchen, bath, and 2 bedrooms. It was perfect. We were able to cook meals and just hang out. Plus, it was cheap. Ironmen are also wealthy men-this I learned all too quickly!

We were pretty busy, despite getting up there Wednesday. We had to do a quick 25 mile ride, Thursday we got registered. Lots of M-dot tattoos there...not too frightening seeing all these people wearing “kona finisher” gear! We were supposed to swim, but it POURED, so we chilled in the village, only to lose power and have to eat out. Friday involved one of the famous Gatorade swims, which was surprisingly pleasant, albeit, intimidating to see sooooo many fast swimmers. Friday night we had the meeting, which was wonderful. Got to meet the very funny Michael Lovato, and they do a youngest/oldest competitors as well as the “biggest loser”. One guy lost 140 lbs, another 160! They were still large guys, the one guy had signed up weighing 415 lbs. Wow. It was nice to chat with Eric’s dad, Fred, Michelle, and Chuck, who ate with us. Finally got home late–that was a busier day than we wanted!

Saturday was a crazy day, from trying to pack all our bags and gear, to getting it over there in time. I couldn’t figure out what to take, since it had been terrible rainy and cold weather. I decided to embrace my girl scout and brought everything, rain gear to ear warmers. You never know in LP. We dropped off our stuff, and I went to get my hair braided at the Mirror Lake Salon. It was my present to myself–didn’t want to worry about that! Finally at 4 we got to go back home and rest, and to bed at 8:30.

Race Day!

Up at 3:45, can’t believe we actually got some sleep! The nice thing is we didn’t have much to bring. I was most worried about timing my eating, so I wanted to finish my bagel and toast breakfast by 4:15. Boy it was cold...40 something degrees. Eric’s dad was wonderful and picked us up so we didn’t have to worry about any shuttles. We thought I had the money parking spot in front of tennis courts by the swim start, which we left the day before. We just wanted to put our pre-race stuff there and drive off after midnight, but the event staff didn’t seem too happy it was there. So, we stayed away from the truck. There weren’t any signs the day before, so go figure. We got marked and I went to get air in my tires. Of course I had a pump in my truck, but didn’t want to tempt faith, so I waited for Inside Out to do it, which took FOREVER. Finally got to rush down to the swim start at 6:30 had just enough time to put on the suit and get in the water. Eric and I went to the back, where we could stand, about 150m from the start. Then they started playing “Ironman” by Black Sabbath. That’s when I started to tear up, of course wearing my goggles. It was pretty emotional. I never would have thought I’d hold up enough through training to actually get this far, and it hit me right at that time. I’m actually going to do this race.

Swim

You can never prepare yourself for a 2300 person mass start. Eric and I just tried to stay together, but I lost him at the line. Little did I know he was behind me the way up. It was a little like rush hour on the beltway. You’d take 2 strokes at normal speed, then have feet 1 inch from your face, so you’d do 5 strokes of breaststroke. The good thing was that it took so much thinking and figuring out of where to go, that the first turn came up quickly. In no time I was on the way back with a lot more room, only for it to get crowded up at the exit. When I got out, I was glad to see it was only 38 minutes. Not bad for doing breaststroke half the time! I paused just to rest a second and rushed in for the second loop. It was much better this go around, but I stayed wide and away from the buoy line. Too crowded. I traveled a much great distance, but I actually swam, and went faster: 33 minutes for lap two. The most awesome part was the wetsuit strippers–seriously only took 10 seconds to get it off. I need to hire him...and it was a wonderful dash to the village. Wow, what a rush, so much cheering!

T1 was crazy...I took way too much time, 12 minutes, but I was worried about those cold temps, so I totally dried myself off, changed my clothes, struggled with my sunscreen, and debated about arm/leg warmers. Saw Michele just ahead of me head out, and I decided be warm, take the warmers, and headed out.

Bike

This is actually what I was dreading, since it would make or break my race. I’ve done this course over 8 times, and its exhausting. With wind, which is almost as much a guarantee as it is in Eman, the course is tough. I was VERY relieved to see others going my speed up the first hill. Thank god I wasn’t going to be the slowest. The downhill is the most exhilarating and frightening thing ever! 6 miles of hitting 35 mph + (some guys went 50 mph +) but with 100 of your closest friends. Drafting rules are a joke–the good news is the refs didn’t worry too much about the “survivors” in the back with me. We couldn’t expend energy to draft, we just wanted to survive! I had gotten hot in the warm sun and decided to tie up my leg warmers to my race belt. The ride through Keene and Jay is wonderful and flatish, just enough to rest. I had my much anticipated PBJ sandwich and tried to relax. The real course begins at when you turn to Wilmington. About 5 miles of uphill, then the 14 mile out and back which has another slight uphill to the turn around, but had the GREATEST rest stop. Seriously, they were in full costume and blaring music (my favorite Family Guy moment–Peanut Butter and Jelly with a baseball bat–blaring when I was in the Potty). More fig newtons and twizzlers on the way back, then the hellish 12 miles back into town. My favorite part of the day was going up the “tour de france” hill, which was also named “Papa Bear”, the last big hill to town. People surrounded you on both sides up the entire hill, leaving you only 5 feet to bike. There were megaphones and drums and horns–I felt very Lance-like, at least for 10 seconds. The ride into town is INCREDIBLE. So many people cheering...then I came to my truck. WHERE’S MY TRUCK???? I somehow saw my mom, dad, and Aunt Bobbie and screamed that to them. “Its fine, you look great!” they cheered to me. I was happy–I actually was ahead of my anticipated time! 3:40. So much fun, let’s do it again!

Bitter reality sets in as you get to that first hill. I had this funny girl I kept catching up with that would say “this is the last time we EVER have to climb this hill!). The traffic was awful trying to get back to town, I offered drivers my bike and I”d wait in their car in traffic. I had some takers, but decided to keep going. :) Then the wind started...I was 5 mph slower this time on the downhill, and MUCH slower through the “flats”. Not so flat in a headwind! And, my right knee started to kill me. Don’t know why, it was a new pain, but it hurt to climb. I had to go VERY slowly up every single climb, even had to stop to stretch twice. I was so glad for my compact crank...I could barely get up some of those hills since it hurt every stroke. But I got back to town, got up those last 3 hills (as my friend said again, we will NEVER climb those again!). I was exhausted from being on the bike, and was ready to run (as much as I could have been).

T2 was better, I was still ahead of my time, with it being 4:00 (I was going by real time now...and yes, had the thought, I ONLY have 8 HOURS to finish!), and saw my parents. I asked about Eric, and said my knee had really bothered me, so I was worried about the run. Then I was off.

Run

It was definitely hot by the time I was running. The second bike loop was very sunny, and as soon as I started running, I had a terrible headache. Fortunately, I was still peeing, so I wasn’t dehydrated. I knew it was from the sun, which was intense. It pounded with each step. I just took water, gatorade, and sponges to soak my head. Saw Tim, who looked good. I was just praying to see Eric, who I finally saw as I got past the turn around. My head really hurt, and he had told me not to take Excedrin, which I had, b/c of the possibility of hyponatremia, and I wanted to check with him. He looked great, was really running. He told me I could take the one Tylenol I had (thank god!). He ran with me a little bit, then took off at what would be his mile 20 (the Ford Motivational Mile. Awesome). I was so jealous....I took my time, running and walking and shuffling (I did the “Melissa”. It worked! Thanks for teaching me that on a RBR. Didn’t hurt nearly as much). Going up the big hill I got a pat from a Bernese Mountain dog and decided to run up the turn, much to the delight of the crowd. I had to walk then, and people tried to coax me into running, but I had to conserve my energy on the uphills! The crowd is TREMENDOUS. Shouting your name, giving high-fives, it was great. I saw Eric who had only 1 mile left, gave him a kiss. One guy said to me, “Hey, no outside assistance!” to which I shouted “And I don’t even know that guy!”. It gave a bunch of us running a laugh. I was pleasantly surprised to see my first loop was 2:36. I was hoping for a 6 hour marathon (this was my first mary by the way!). I was happy to see my parents, told them I hurt, but I was going to shuffle through.
Now, it was starting to get cold. I only hoped to get down and back River Road before it was pitch black. The spectators again leading up to the out and back were some of the most fun, from the Tri-life club wearing Tutus and tiaras, to the group that had the mini-dancing Santa in the middle of the road (with a sign that said, Santa also gives lap dances). And of course, our own Mid-Maryland water stop, which was awesome to see Bob, Don, Maura, and Laura. When I got to River, I was happy to see Tim heading back, looking good. I was starting to really hurt, not anywhere specifically, just all over. It really hurt to start running after walking, especially those first few steps. I decided to eat a cookie along with gatorade and water at each stop. I also walked all the little hills, conserving my energy. The glow necklaces came out right when I headed back to town. I walked almost all the way to town, trying to conserve energy for the last few miles. I remember even at mile 20 thinking, I have 3 hours, can I run 6 miles?? Everyone was screaming my name, even as I walked, begging me to start running. I couldn’t believe I had made it 24 miles...I saw my parents and told them I’d be a little while longer, as that I hurt really badly, and since I had plenty of time, I was in no rush! I made it to the last turn-around, and ran the last mile back to the finish, getting high-fives along the way, and grinning ear to ear!

The entry to the track is unbelievable, there are people surrounding the track. I managed to get around a guy with his kids at the beginning, and I just trotted in all alone. I heard “From Olney, Maryland, we have another first timer, let’s welcome, Amy Krupka!” And that was it. I saw the tape, and Don holding one end, I “ran” through the tape, and was greeting with a bear hug by Bob. He helped me get my goodies, I got my picture with my medal, and saw Eric. He led me over to get a massage. I saw Tim, and gave him a hug. I tried to drink some chicken broth but it made me nauseous. Got a brief rub down, and I started to really get cold. After all, the temp had swung from 45 degrees, to 85, back down to 45. I saw my parents, got big hugs, and then got into my clothes. They laughed at me b/c I couldn’t pick up my legs to get pants on. :) The hard part was getting our bikes and bags. My parents thank god got my truck (by the way, it had been towed!). Eric got our special needs bags, and Tim and I chilled in some chairs till my parents arrived. No one wanted to unpack the bikes, but I offered to cook a pizza if the boys got the bikes in. I finally could eat. We watched some of the tour, and off to bed at 1:30 am.

The Next Day

Yes, we HURT! Unbelievably, we were wide awake at 7:30. Boy, did steps hurt. My feet hurt. I had no blisters, but they really, really hurt! We went to the greatest place ever, Downtown Diner, then to the awards banquet. We finally met Christina Kichula, who SMOKED the course, and saw my coach Hollie, who couldn’t have been more proud. We got our pix, and sat down for breakfast #2 (hey, I was still hungry!). The ceremony was awesome, the DVD they gave to us they played, and I cried. I didn’t at the finish, but when you realize all you went through upon watching it, it was moving. Also to watch the last finisher, at 11:58. It was upsetting to think of those that didn’t finish, but then again, there was a 92% finish rate, which I thought was pretty high.

Tim took off Tuesday, and Eric and I finally got to do some sightseeing. The Olympic training center, the ski jumps (AWESOME), and the summit of Whiteface were all well-worth it. Then I convinced Eric to get tattoos. Hell, why not? I wanted to do it with him there, and we were still on a high. It hurt, but only 10 minutes of pain. I’d like to think Eric thought it hurt a little more than me. As well it should. I had almost 2.5 hours more of pain to endure the day before. :)

Overall...

Wow. What a painful, torturous, and amazing experience. Eric and I professed, never again. All those hours training, the money spent, the sacrifice (I had given up my horse in this process of training, and ultimately had to find her another home), the pain....and I have to admit, I may be up for the challenge again. It will be a few more years till I do, b/c I don’t have the money, and I would want to do a less hilly course, but I won’t rule it out. I met so many wonderful competitors on course, so many wonderful volunteers, so many wonderful spectators. I relished the experience, and who would turn that down? Besides, I have to break 15 hours!

PS Thanks so much for all of my friends and family, for helping me and supporting me through this process and sticking by me. To my coach Hollie, who dealt with my endless questions, my nagging hip injury, a frightening ankle roll, etc, you were such an upbeat and encouraging person, giving me such confidence. To my bestest training buddies in the world, Megan, Jen Kopecko, and Gregg, I finally got to do my IM! To Bob, Don, Maura, and Laura, you guys were such a site for sore legs! To my wonderful parents, and surrogate dad Fred, and my aunt Bobbie, I loved having you there to cheer me on and to share this experience. To Michele, who completed her second IM, you definitely are my hero! To Tim, our hilarious roommate, with his endless Tour updates, his countless requests of the chambermaid, and his sense of humor, you were such a fun person to have around to break the tension. And of course, to Eric, my greatest training buddy, and best friend, and bestest boyfriend. He stuck by me in all those long slow runs and bike rides, telling me to suck it up, and also that I COULD do it. He believed all along when I didn’t....and I was so lucky to share this experience with him. We are IRONMEN!

Its only 20 days away!!!

aiyeee! only 20 days left!
Just got back from Lake Placid for a week of training....wow. I'm waaaay in over my head, but I'm ready to be done with this! Eric and I went up Wednesday, got in a quick 42 miles doing the course once around, minus a 14 mile out and back. I was excited to make it through all the hills on Cervy. My plan all along was to take Orby, my road bike, but I just couldn't find a seat that I could deal with for 6 hours. So, this was the big test.
the scariest part came when I tried to do my first ever 112 mile ride. Wow. That's all I'm going to say. I spun as much as I could up all the hills. Fortunately our motel was at mile 28, so we got to take a break and refill our bottles on both loops. eric took off on the second loop. I was happy to see him on the out and back. i wasn't too far away from him! But those last 12 miles, they are NO JOKE. Wow. In a head wind. The hills...they are a killer. then came the 2 mile brick run! and swim? well, we put off that one.
The next day was my 18 mile run. Yeah, the day after my 8 hour bike ride! I started off slowly, legs were like cinderblocks. Then I passed the horse show. Wow. There was a grand prix going on, and that was sooooo impressive. I just cannot believe how awesome those horses and riders are. I stood there in awe for 20 minutes. It was incredible....I hate when my horse world collides with my tri world! I digress...back to the run. I had fun, catching Eric on his way back, who questioned why I was so late. uh...yeah, horse show. He already knew. :)
I only did get in 16 miles. My right knee started hurting, and we were getting close to my reward for my hard work--a bobsled ride! We decided to call it a day and took off for what was the greatest 42 seconds of my life. A real life bobsled ride on the official course. Of course, there was a driver and breaker, but we rode on a wheeled sled that was frighteningly fast, and just the most fun I've had. What a great reward.
Then a swim. The lake was set up for a rowing competition. there were lanes that were 1000 m long. So, Eric and I decided to do a 2000m swim. it was like the world's biggest pool! I was pooped, but got in a good, easy 45 min swim, and amazed all these people when I got out (and terrified a dog, that had no idea what I was coming out of the water) when I said I swam to the other side of the lake. yes, I rock. :)
Saturday, well, I lost it. I was exhausted. A day off was earned. Eric and I spent 3 hours at the horse show, and I loved every minute of it. Then we got a place to stay for the extra night, and I passed out for 3 hours. Eric even went running and brought everything in, and I was still asleep. I needed it.
The last thing we did was try for another 84 mile loop, but it was absolutely freezing and windy, plus my legs were nonresponsive. I was worried I couldn't make it around the course again in under 3 hours, and we had a long drive home!
We headed home, and I was glad to see that Hollie agreed with our plans, and told me don't worry about making up the long ride.
What's done is done, I'm officially in taper mode! And I'm ready to take the next 6 months off and start riding horses instead of bikes!