Tusch Is an IRONMAN!
On Sunday, September 8, 2013 I completed my first Ironman! 14 hours 50 minutes and 29 seconds!
First off, thank you for Jen, Phil, Mark, Erika, Trina, Erin, Sergio, Kristi, Mary, Keely, Kevin, Steph, Erin, Tye, Cyrena, Shane, Morgan, Katie, Christie Lee, Tony, Julie, Angela, Miron, Stacy, Sarah, Rich, Ellie, Tim, Christina, Julie, Chase and I'm sure a few I'm forgetting that I saw on the course and more that saw me. It was definitely energizing and really carried me through the run particularly. The many more texts and Facebook words of encouragement were also on my mind every step of the way.
Details:
Swim: 1:50:46
Transition 1: 10:07
Bike: 6:59:05
Transition 2: 7:41
Run: 5:42:50
Overall: 14:50:29
Official Results
Garmin Swim
Garmin Bike
Garmin Run
My swim and bike estimates were pretty spot on, the run was going to hit or miss, but would say I hit it for the most part. PR either way. I always say, I've got one speed: finish.
The Swim
The swim was a bit less hectic than I anticipated. I had the plan of starting back and in-line with the start buoy rather than start way outside with the idea that it will clear out and that is basically what happened. The wind was out of the northeast which gave us a nice push into the first turn. At the first turn buoy, I was about 9 min ahead of my expected pace to that point. The second turn buoy was a bit tougher as I was being pushed to the right by the waves. The long backstretch was a beast. Of course the wind and waves that helped you on the first stretch were working against you, plus it was long (1 full mile), but over soon enough. The final stretches I tried to push a bit and was very pleased to see 1:50 when I crossed the timing mat. I swam the whole way, no rests. Got into a good rhythm and pace. There were a few other swimmers near me pulling about the same speed, so I could pace with them and draft a bit. A few times I had to get my bearings, but mainly could quickly sight to the next buoy. Got run over a few times and bumped, but no kicks to the face. Goggles stayed clear the whole way.
The Bike
The bike seemed to start out a bit foreboding. I decided to use some throw-away bottles in which I mixed my protein+energy drink instead of tossing my normal bottles. I had used them during training at times so wasn't completely new equipment. About 3 miles in by the Alliant Energy center I hit a bump and one came loose and fell. So I stopped and picked it up. Technically, involuntary littering can be a penalty if you don't go back and get your 'garbage', but more importantly in this case it was one of my key fuel bottles. Then on Whalen, my chain came off and I had to fix and then my water bottle fell out again! All told, before the first 20 miles, I dropped my water bottle 3 times and dropped my chain 3 times. I finally settled in though.
I've ridden the bike course quite a bit, so I knew what to expect. That said during training, you are really trying to push hard, often because the ride is the only think you are doing that day. The advice all the pros were saying was don't push it on the bike. So I decided to heed that advice and kept a good pace, but not that I was over exerting.
What definitely were pick-me-ups were the three big hills on Old Sauk Pass, Timber Lane and Midtown Road. There were huge crowds for the first lap. These are steep hills were you are in the 'easiest' gear on the bike and you are spinning out just trying to keep going. There basically is just room for two bikes as you push up the hill with throngs of people with signs, costumes, music. It keeps your mind off the hill. Verona was awesome too as you turned on from Cross Country Rd to folks lined up, clanging bells and cheering.
The second loop was pretty uneventful, had a pretty solid ride at good pace and no issues with bottles or chains. The final stretch home on Whalen on the "Stick" was a bit tough. There was a bit of a headwind that made it a bit slower. I find that coming back towards Madison on Whalen is usually a bit easier, even after a long ride, but it was tough, it was over soon enough. I kept looking at my watch and really wanted to beat 7 hours and knew I'd be really close, so I pushed it on Syene and the rest of way into Madison and came in with a 6:59:05.
The Run
At this point, it was about 4 pm and I had about 8 hours to do the marathon to be an Ironman. Key things were going to be, don't get hurt, don't cramp and don't bonk. Running after 112 miles on the bike doesn't feel good, but in a nice way it feels different. I have a short, shuffling stride that actually lends itself well post bike. I started out just aiming to keep my normal pace and then respond to my body. My only real race day experience with this large of a brick was Door County half-iron and I managed to run the entire thing at a faster than usual pace. I ran the first 3 miles (walking the aid stations) and after running up a semi-steep but short hill by Camp Randall decided running hills was no longer going to be in the plan. I'd run, but walk aid stations and hills. Then during the last half of the run loop where it is pretty flat, I decided to run/walk roughly quarter mile on, walk 100 yards or so. I'd say the plan worked. At the aid stations, I stayed hydrated, I had some protein/carbohydrate/electrolyte thicker paste I'd squirt from a bottle I was carrying into a cup of water, mix it, take some more water, perform energy drink and water. The stations were about a mile or so apart so there were lots of them which was great.
Running State Street was a blast and I always made sure I was running though, despite the hill. There was music, throngs of fans and a real energy.
Though a run/walk approach, the furthest I'd ever run was 14 miles before doing the marathon, during training I'd run 25 to 30 miles a week doing one loop of the run (13.1) at least once, but I was nice to push past those distances. Once you make the turn at Lake Mendota Drive you are just bringing it home from there.
The Finish
Once you get to the top of State Street and see the Capitol, you can really feel it. Making that turn onto Main street before turning left into the chute is awesome, while there are few folks there cheering, it really is the calm before the storm as most are packed into the final turn and stretch to the finish arch and its dark. You make the turn onto MLK and its loud, the lights are bright. You are an Ironman! I've walked MLK hundreds if not thousands of times and certainly won't be the same.
Here are a few anecdotes from training over the last year:
The word "brick" takes on different meaning than a rectangular block for building.
How to spell triathlon (not with the second a)
The Loop - no longer think of Chicago.
I wore my first swim cap ever.
Learning that during swimming you should exhale under water.
Clipless pedals - they do actually clip...
20 seconds - time between mounting bike and falling wearing my first bike shoes...despite being warned
Spandex is more necessity than fashion statement.
You learn what a bumpy road actually is.
Know what a long workout really is.
The "Observatory" during Crazy Legs (or Ironman) is no longer what comes to mind when you hear "Observatory Hill"
45 miles an hour on a bike is fast
You have to worry about and figure out how to eat while exercising
You can spot a quarter size rock or inch crack on a road like a hawk.
Paoli is beautiful little town
Different asphalt is a feels faster/slower, you constantly check your tire thinking it must be flat.
A wetsuit kiss is not a nice thing
The best example of looks are deceiving are Ironman Athletes.
You can smile for 26.2 miles
First off, thank you for Jen, Phil, Mark, Erika, Trina, Erin, Sergio, Kristi, Mary, Keely, Kevin, Steph, Erin, Tye, Cyrena, Shane, Morgan, Katie, Christie Lee, Tony, Julie, Angela, Miron, Stacy, Sarah, Rich, Ellie, Tim, Christina, Julie, Chase and I'm sure a few I'm forgetting that I saw on the course and more that saw me. It was definitely energizing and really carried me through the run particularly. The many more texts and Facebook words of encouragement were also on my mind every step of the way.
Details:
Swim: 1:50:46
Transition 1: 10:07
Bike: 6:59:05
Transition 2: 7:41
Run: 5:42:50
Overall: 14:50:29
Official Results
Garmin Swim
Garmin Bike
Garmin Run
My swim and bike estimates were pretty spot on, the run was going to hit or miss, but would say I hit it for the most part. PR either way. I always say, I've got one speed: finish.
The Swim
The swim was a bit less hectic than I anticipated. I had the plan of starting back and in-line with the start buoy rather than start way outside with the idea that it will clear out and that is basically what happened. The wind was out of the northeast which gave us a nice push into the first turn. At the first turn buoy, I was about 9 min ahead of my expected pace to that point. The second turn buoy was a bit tougher as I was being pushed to the right by the waves. The long backstretch was a beast. Of course the wind and waves that helped you on the first stretch were working against you, plus it was long (1 full mile), but over soon enough. The final stretches I tried to push a bit and was very pleased to see 1:50 when I crossed the timing mat. I swam the whole way, no rests. Got into a good rhythm and pace. There were a few other swimmers near me pulling about the same speed, so I could pace with them and draft a bit. A few times I had to get my bearings, but mainly could quickly sight to the next buoy. Got run over a few times and bumped, but no kicks to the face. Goggles stayed clear the whole way.
The Bike
The bike seemed to start out a bit foreboding. I decided to use some throw-away bottles in which I mixed my protein+energy drink instead of tossing my normal bottles. I had used them during training at times so wasn't completely new equipment. About 3 miles in by the Alliant Energy center I hit a bump and one came loose and fell. So I stopped and picked it up. Technically, involuntary littering can be a penalty if you don't go back and get your 'garbage', but more importantly in this case it was one of my key fuel bottles. Then on Whalen, my chain came off and I had to fix and then my water bottle fell out again! All told, before the first 20 miles, I dropped my water bottle 3 times and dropped my chain 3 times. I finally settled in though.
I've ridden the bike course quite a bit, so I knew what to expect. That said during training, you are really trying to push hard, often because the ride is the only think you are doing that day. The advice all the pros were saying was don't push it on the bike. So I decided to heed that advice and kept a good pace, but not that I was over exerting.
What definitely were pick-me-ups were the three big hills on Old Sauk Pass, Timber Lane and Midtown Road. There were huge crowds for the first lap. These are steep hills were you are in the 'easiest' gear on the bike and you are spinning out just trying to keep going. There basically is just room for two bikes as you push up the hill with throngs of people with signs, costumes, music. It keeps your mind off the hill. Verona was awesome too as you turned on from Cross Country Rd to folks lined up, clanging bells and cheering.
The second loop was pretty uneventful, had a pretty solid ride at good pace and no issues with bottles or chains. The final stretch home on Whalen on the "Stick" was a bit tough. There was a bit of a headwind that made it a bit slower. I find that coming back towards Madison on Whalen is usually a bit easier, even after a long ride, but it was tough, it was over soon enough. I kept looking at my watch and really wanted to beat 7 hours and knew I'd be really close, so I pushed it on Syene and the rest of way into Madison and came in with a 6:59:05.
The Run
At this point, it was about 4 pm and I had about 8 hours to do the marathon to be an Ironman. Key things were going to be, don't get hurt, don't cramp and don't bonk. Running after 112 miles on the bike doesn't feel good, but in a nice way it feels different. I have a short, shuffling stride that actually lends itself well post bike. I started out just aiming to keep my normal pace and then respond to my body. My only real race day experience with this large of a brick was Door County half-iron and I managed to run the entire thing at a faster than usual pace. I ran the first 3 miles (walking the aid stations) and after running up a semi-steep but short hill by Camp Randall decided running hills was no longer going to be in the plan. I'd run, but walk aid stations and hills. Then during the last half of the run loop where it is pretty flat, I decided to run/walk roughly quarter mile on, walk 100 yards or so. I'd say the plan worked. At the aid stations, I stayed hydrated, I had some protein/carbohydrate/electrolyte thicker paste I'd squirt from a bottle I was carrying into a cup of water, mix it, take some more water, perform energy drink and water. The stations were about a mile or so apart so there were lots of them which was great.
Running State Street was a blast and I always made sure I was running though, despite the hill. There was music, throngs of fans and a real energy.
Though a run/walk approach, the furthest I'd ever run was 14 miles before doing the marathon, during training I'd run 25 to 30 miles a week doing one loop of the run (13.1) at least once, but I was nice to push past those distances. Once you make the turn at Lake Mendota Drive you are just bringing it home from there.
The Finish
Once you get to the top of State Street and see the Capitol, you can really feel it. Making that turn onto Main street before turning left into the chute is awesome, while there are few folks there cheering, it really is the calm before the storm as most are packed into the final turn and stretch to the finish arch and its dark. You make the turn onto MLK and its loud, the lights are bright. You are an Ironman! I've walked MLK hundreds if not thousands of times and certainly won't be the same.
Here are a few anecdotes from training over the last year:
The word "brick" takes on different meaning than a rectangular block for building.
How to spell triathlon (not with the second a)
The Loop - no longer think of Chicago.
I wore my first swim cap ever.
Learning that during swimming you should exhale under water.
Clipless pedals - they do actually clip...
20 seconds - time between mounting bike and falling wearing my first bike shoes...despite being warned
Spandex is more necessity than fashion statement.
You learn what a bumpy road actually is.
Know what a long workout really is.
The "Observatory" during Crazy Legs (or Ironman) is no longer what comes to mind when you hear "Observatory Hill"
45 miles an hour on a bike is fast
You have to worry about and figure out how to eat while exercising
You can spot a quarter size rock or inch crack on a road like a hawk.
Paoli is beautiful little town
Different asphalt is a feels faster/slower, you constantly check your tire thinking it must be flat.
A wetsuit kiss is not a nice thing
The best example of looks are deceiving are Ironman Athletes.
You can smile for 26.2 miles
Quick Info
Bib#: 1465
Track Me: My Athlete Live
Swim Start: 7:00 AM
Estimated Completion Times (Detailed info below):
Swim: 8:55 AM (1:55)
Bike: 3:55 PM (6:45)
Run: 9:00 PM (4:58)
Total: ~14 Hours (Under 14 is the goal, under 13 not likely, but not impossible. I hope I don't need all 17 hours, but finishing is finishing)
Official Homepage
Spectator Guide
Bike: white tri-bike with blue and black lettering
Clothes: Black shorts and black and white top and black calf sleeves for bike and run. White and gray helmet. White cap for run.
Yell for "Tusch"
Track Me: My Athlete Live
Swim Start: 7:00 AM
Estimated Completion Times (Detailed info below):
Swim: 8:55 AM (1:55)
Bike: 3:55 PM (6:45)
Run: 9:00 PM (4:58)
Total: ~14 Hours (Under 14 is the goal, under 13 not likely, but not impossible. I hope I don't need all 17 hours, but finishing is finishing)
Official Homepage
Spectator Guide
Bike: white tri-bike with blue and black lettering
Clothes: Black shorts and black and white top and black calf sleeves for bike and run. White and gray helmet. White cap for run.
Yell for "Tusch"
FAQ
Q: Tusch - I didn't know you did triathlons?
A: Not before this year. This will be my third total (Triterium Sprint and Door County Half Iron). I've done 3 aquathons as well.
Q: Have you every done a marathon?
A: No, this will be my first one
Q: Have you ever swam?
A: Well I knew how to swim (as in if (and when) the USS Comin' Hot were to sink, I could tread water)
Q: I didn't know you were doing Ironman?
A: Well, you actually have to sign-up a whole year in advance. I've kept it on the down-low. Signing up for IM just involves a credit card and being ready when registration opens. I felt I had to earn my name being even mentioned in the same paragraph, let alone sentence. Not quite sure if I have, but if only to prevent folks from fainting if you see me on the course, if not prepared, yes, I am doing Ironman.
Q: What 'inspired' you to sign-up?
A: Well, I have watched a number of them being in Madison, if only for a few hours checking out festivities and cheering folks on. It's really pretty special to have this event in our backyard. I'm not sure what is more powerful, being awe-inspired by the commitment and resolve of the athletes to finish such grueling endeavor, or guilt from your own personal laziness. I remember watching even the first one here in Madison. The people that impress you aren't the super humans that run 6 minute miles for a whole marathon after an extremely long swim and bike ride. What inspires you are the old men and women (I'm talking 60, even 70 years old) that finish and what 'look' like regular folks; people you can/could actually identify with. You want to be the one being cheered, the one who can say I did Ironman.
So last year, Helsher and I had a text exchange during the 2012 IMWI that went something like this (about 8:00 pm):
Helsher: We should do Ironman next year.
Tusch: What, you inspired by all the people finishing that look half as in shape as you?
Helsher: Yep
Tusch: When would we have to sign-up?
Helsher: We would have to sign-up by tomorrow, registration fills up right away for Wisconsin.
Tusch: Hmm, I guess that is a whole year from now. I'll do it if you do it.
(I may had still been drunk from previous nights fantasy football draft)
Helsher: I'll do it if you do it.
I meet Helsher to watch a few hours at the finish line to watch the 13-15 hour finishers.
Stand-off continues in person
More and more 'regular' folks now finishing, now I feel a mixture of inspiration and laziness guilt .
Stand-off continues until next day noon via text
Registration opens
Helsher registers
I register
Feeling of accomplishment that you managed to snag a coveted Ironman Wisconsin spot erupts.
Feeling of what did I just do starts to set in...
Within the next month you feel like you must be Machinery Row and Endurance House's customer of the year...
Q: So have you been training for a year?
A: Well... I started out good shortly after signing up (biking and did a lot of running). Work started to crush me in the late fall through winter, but picked things up more steadily in April/May. I got a nice jolt of confidence finishing the Door County 70.3 half iron triathlon in late July, finishing in 6:20. Training has been good since.
Q: Did you train with a coach/team?
A: No, I haven't. It's the one thing I would change. I was having a hard time seeing how to fit it at the time with work (more of an excuse than anything) but was adding to my stress. Special thanks to Helsher, Michael, PJ and Luke and members of E3 and SISU for the tips and facebook posts of training; it made me make sure I got my time in. Zeus has a real good group, so be sure to cheer loud for the E3 folks when you see them on the course.
Q: Did you know Ironman is not a drinking event before you signed up?
A: No comment
Q: Do you look good in spandex?
A: I'm sure the mental image of myself in skin tight lycra does not align with reality (so no), but it is the only thing that doesn't chaff after 9 miles.
Q: Will you do another one?
A: Gotta get the first IM done first. I won't sign-up for the 2014 Ironman (except to volunteer) but I do expect triathlons and some 70.3s. Maybe again when I'm 40...
Q: Why do it?
A: There are very few ways a person not in the armed forces, law enforcement or fire protection can be a bad ass. This is one of them.
Q: Are you ready?
A: I know physically I can complete the swim, bike and half the run. I know mentally, I will finish what is left.
A: Not before this year. This will be my third total (Triterium Sprint and Door County Half Iron). I've done 3 aquathons as well.
Q: Have you every done a marathon?
A: No, this will be my first one
Q: Have you ever swam?
A: Well I knew how to swim (as in if (and when) the USS Comin' Hot were to sink, I could tread water)
Q: I didn't know you were doing Ironman?
A: Well, you actually have to sign-up a whole year in advance. I've kept it on the down-low. Signing up for IM just involves a credit card and being ready when registration opens. I felt I had to earn my name being even mentioned in the same paragraph, let alone sentence. Not quite sure if I have, but if only to prevent folks from fainting if you see me on the course, if not prepared, yes, I am doing Ironman.
Q: What 'inspired' you to sign-up?
A: Well, I have watched a number of them being in Madison, if only for a few hours checking out festivities and cheering folks on. It's really pretty special to have this event in our backyard. I'm not sure what is more powerful, being awe-inspired by the commitment and resolve of the athletes to finish such grueling endeavor, or guilt from your own personal laziness. I remember watching even the first one here in Madison. The people that impress you aren't the super humans that run 6 minute miles for a whole marathon after an extremely long swim and bike ride. What inspires you are the old men and women (I'm talking 60, even 70 years old) that finish and what 'look' like regular folks; people you can/could actually identify with. You want to be the one being cheered, the one who can say I did Ironman.
So last year, Helsher and I had a text exchange during the 2012 IMWI that went something like this (about 8:00 pm):
Helsher: We should do Ironman next year.
Tusch: What, you inspired by all the people finishing that look half as in shape as you?
Helsher: Yep
Tusch: When would we have to sign-up?
Helsher: We would have to sign-up by tomorrow, registration fills up right away for Wisconsin.
Tusch: Hmm, I guess that is a whole year from now. I'll do it if you do it.
(I may had still been drunk from previous nights fantasy football draft)
Helsher: I'll do it if you do it.
I meet Helsher to watch a few hours at the finish line to watch the 13-15 hour finishers.
Stand-off continues in person
More and more 'regular' folks now finishing, now I feel a mixture of inspiration and laziness guilt .
Stand-off continues until next day noon via text
Registration opens
Helsher registers
I register
Feeling of accomplishment that you managed to snag a coveted Ironman Wisconsin spot erupts.
Feeling of what did I just do starts to set in...
Within the next month you feel like you must be Machinery Row and Endurance House's customer of the year...
Q: So have you been training for a year?
A: Well... I started out good shortly after signing up (biking and did a lot of running). Work started to crush me in the late fall through winter, but picked things up more steadily in April/May. I got a nice jolt of confidence finishing the Door County 70.3 half iron triathlon in late July, finishing in 6:20. Training has been good since.
Q: Did you train with a coach/team?
A: No, I haven't. It's the one thing I would change. I was having a hard time seeing how to fit it at the time with work (more of an excuse than anything) but was adding to my stress. Special thanks to Helsher, Michael, PJ and Luke and members of E3 and SISU for the tips and facebook posts of training; it made me make sure I got my time in. Zeus has a real good group, so be sure to cheer loud for the E3 folks when you see them on the course.
Q: Did you know Ironman is not a drinking event before you signed up?
A: No comment
Q: Do you look good in spandex?
A: I'm sure the mental image of myself in skin tight lycra does not align with reality (so no), but it is the only thing that doesn't chaff after 9 miles.
Q: Will you do another one?
A: Gotta get the first IM done first. I won't sign-up for the 2014 Ironman (except to volunteer) but I do expect triathlons and some 70.3s. Maybe again when I'm 40...
Q: Why do it?
A: There are very few ways a person not in the armed forces, law enforcement or fire protection can be a bad ass. This is one of them.
Q: Are you ready?
A: I know physically I can complete the swim, bike and half the run. I know mentally, I will finish what is left.
Come Watch
Considered one of the best spectator friendly courses, come cheer everyone on. Training is often a very lonely endeavor with early morning swims, bike rides on country farm roads and multi-hour runs. It doesn't matter if you know them or not, just cheer them on.
Spectator Guide (this also shows what roads are closed)
WARNING: Not all folks who do Ironman are or look like professional athletes. Many look like me. You will be inspired. Just prepare to sign-up by noon the next morning because Ironman Wisconsin sells out that quickly!
Swim - 2.4 Miles
Swim starts at 7 AM in front of the Monona Terrace. 3000 heads bobbing up and down in the lake waiting for the start. I'll be the one with a swim cap, goggles and black wetsuit... My wetsuit has a little checkered teal pattern on the right arm and left leg, you may be able to pick me out with binoculars if you can see my right arm. Click for image of wetsuit. While comfortable in the water, I'm not a textbook swimmer, my left arm is a bit weaker than my right and I breath every right arm stroke. So if you see someone like that, it could be me!
Swim Course
Given my training paces, I expect to finish the swim between 1:45 and 2:05 hours. My half-iron 1.2 mi race time was 52 min and have been feeling good in the water. I must finish by 2:20. I'll be towards the back of the pack (some will start to finish around 50 minutes, many before 1:30), so don't worry if I'm not the first person out of the water.
Turn by Turn Expectations (1:55 time pace)
Turn 1 (front stretch away from start): 33 min (~7:33 AM)
Turn 2 (going away from shore): 9 min (~7:42 AM)
Turn 3 (long backstretch towards start) : 50 min (~8:32 AM)
Turn 4 (short stretch towards shore): 9 min (~8:41 AM)
Turn 5 (final angled stretch to finish): 14 min (~9:55 AM)
The buoys are about a tenth of a mile apart.
Bike - 112 Miles
I hope to be transitioned and on my bike and pedaling a little after 9 AM. The course heads down John Nolen to Rimrock to get out of town taking some back roads (Whalen) into Verona before doing two loops through the hilly countryside by way of Mt Horeb and Cross Plains. My bike is a white tri-bike with some blue and black lettering and I'll be wearing black shorts and black and white top; I'll also have black calf sleeves. See photos from the Door County Half.
Bike Course
Biking is probably my most comfortable event. Given training times, my biking goal is to maintain an overall average speed between 16.5-17.5 mph and finish in 6:30 hours - 7 hours getting me back to the Monona Terrace a little before 4 PM. I will not very likely make it before kick-off of the 3:15 Packers game. Poor planning, I know, but IM Wisconsin was scheduled before we knew it would be a late Packers game... Go Pack Go!
Approx Expectations (+/- 15 MIN given a 9:05 AM start) - See bike course map for mile markers
10 mi - Fitchburg - Whalen & Fish Hatch: 9:40 AM
15 mi - Verona - Whalen/PB (Start of Loop 1): 10:00 AM
30 mi - Mt Horeb (roundabout): 10:50 AM
40 mi - Cross Plains (east side of town by P): 11:20 AM
45 mi - Timber/Old Sauk Pass: 11:40 AM
55 mi - Verona - Whalen/PB (Start of Loop 2): 12:20 PM
70 mi - Mt Horeb (School): 1:15 PM
80 mi - Cross Plains (west side of town): 1:50 PM
85 mi - Timber/Old Sauk Pass: 2:05 PM
95 mi - Verona (M & PB east of downtown): 2:50 PM
100 mi - Fitchburg - Whalen & Fish Hatch: 3:10 PM
112 mi - Finish Monona Terrace: 3:50 PM
Run - 26.2 Miles
After the bike, I embark on a marathon. No, I've never run a marathon. The course is two 13.1 mi loops beginning at the Monona Terrace, looping around the Capitol, past the Kohl Center, into Camp Randall (first and ten Wisconsin) and then sort of reverse Crazy Legs into Campus, down State Street and then heading back west up Lakeshore Path towards Eagle Heights before turning around and then retracing back towards the Capitol. Then you get to do it again. I'll be wearing same clothes from the bike (photos) black shorts, black and white top with a white hat and black/red shoes. I'll have a running belt with green bottles too.
Run Course
I'm aiming for about 5 hours total which I feel is within reach. This will put me finishing the first loop around 6:30 PM and finishing around 9 PM for at total of 14 hours. I'll be trying to keep an overall pace to finish around 13:30 (will depend mostly on swim and bike), but simply finishing before the midnight race end time will be completely satisfying.
Approx Run Expectations (with 4 PM start with 5 hour run) see run map for mile markers
4 mi - Observatory & Walnut (by roundabout): 4:46 PM
6 mi - State & Lake: 5:09 PM
10 mi - Walnut & University: 5:47 PM
12 mi - Murray & Dayton: 6:05 PM
14 mi Monona Terrace (near turn, think map marker is wrong): 6:25 PM
18 mi - Babcock/Observatory (Boathouse): 7:16 PM
19.5 mi - State & Lake: 7:35 PM
20 mi - Lakeshore: 7:45 PM
24 mi - Breese Terrace: 8:35 PM
26.2 mi - Monona Terrace: 9:00 PM
After the race I'll be in and around the finish line cheering everyone else on. Last year, the fastest time was about 8:30 (crazy, I know) so athletes will start to finish around 3:30 PM with stream of folks after that.
Spectator Guide (this also shows what roads are closed)
WARNING: Not all folks who do Ironman are or look like professional athletes. Many look like me. You will be inspired. Just prepare to sign-up by noon the next morning because Ironman Wisconsin sells out that quickly!
Swim - 2.4 Miles
Swim starts at 7 AM in front of the Monona Terrace. 3000 heads bobbing up and down in the lake waiting for the start. I'll be the one with a swim cap, goggles and black wetsuit... My wetsuit has a little checkered teal pattern on the right arm and left leg, you may be able to pick me out with binoculars if you can see my right arm. Click for image of wetsuit. While comfortable in the water, I'm not a textbook swimmer, my left arm is a bit weaker than my right and I breath every right arm stroke. So if you see someone like that, it could be me!
Swim Course
Given my training paces, I expect to finish the swim between 1:45 and 2:05 hours. My half-iron 1.2 mi race time was 52 min and have been feeling good in the water. I must finish by 2:20. I'll be towards the back of the pack (some will start to finish around 50 minutes, many before 1:30), so don't worry if I'm not the first person out of the water.
Turn by Turn Expectations (1:55 time pace)
Turn 1 (front stretch away from start): 33 min (~7:33 AM)
Turn 2 (going away from shore): 9 min (~7:42 AM)
Turn 3 (long backstretch towards start) : 50 min (~8:32 AM)
Turn 4 (short stretch towards shore): 9 min (~8:41 AM)
Turn 5 (final angled stretch to finish): 14 min (~9:55 AM)
The buoys are about a tenth of a mile apart.
Bike - 112 Miles
I hope to be transitioned and on my bike and pedaling a little after 9 AM. The course heads down John Nolen to Rimrock to get out of town taking some back roads (Whalen) into Verona before doing two loops through the hilly countryside by way of Mt Horeb and Cross Plains. My bike is a white tri-bike with some blue and black lettering and I'll be wearing black shorts and black and white top; I'll also have black calf sleeves. See photos from the Door County Half.
Bike Course
Biking is probably my most comfortable event. Given training times, my biking goal is to maintain an overall average speed between 16.5-17.5 mph and finish in 6:30 hours - 7 hours getting me back to the Monona Terrace a little before 4 PM. I will not very likely make it before kick-off of the 3:15 Packers game. Poor planning, I know, but IM Wisconsin was scheduled before we knew it would be a late Packers game... Go Pack Go!
Approx Expectations (+/- 15 MIN given a 9:05 AM start) - See bike course map for mile markers
10 mi - Fitchburg - Whalen & Fish Hatch: 9:40 AM
15 mi - Verona - Whalen/PB (Start of Loop 1): 10:00 AM
30 mi - Mt Horeb (roundabout): 10:50 AM
40 mi - Cross Plains (east side of town by P): 11:20 AM
45 mi - Timber/Old Sauk Pass: 11:40 AM
55 mi - Verona - Whalen/PB (Start of Loop 2): 12:20 PM
70 mi - Mt Horeb (School): 1:15 PM
80 mi - Cross Plains (west side of town): 1:50 PM
85 mi - Timber/Old Sauk Pass: 2:05 PM
95 mi - Verona (M & PB east of downtown): 2:50 PM
100 mi - Fitchburg - Whalen & Fish Hatch: 3:10 PM
112 mi - Finish Monona Terrace: 3:50 PM
Run - 26.2 Miles
After the bike, I embark on a marathon. No, I've never run a marathon. The course is two 13.1 mi loops beginning at the Monona Terrace, looping around the Capitol, past the Kohl Center, into Camp Randall (first and ten Wisconsin) and then sort of reverse Crazy Legs into Campus, down State Street and then heading back west up Lakeshore Path towards Eagle Heights before turning around and then retracing back towards the Capitol. Then you get to do it again. I'll be wearing same clothes from the bike (photos) black shorts, black and white top with a white hat and black/red shoes. I'll have a running belt with green bottles too.
Run Course
I'm aiming for about 5 hours total which I feel is within reach. This will put me finishing the first loop around 6:30 PM and finishing around 9 PM for at total of 14 hours. I'll be trying to keep an overall pace to finish around 13:30 (will depend mostly on swim and bike), but simply finishing before the midnight race end time will be completely satisfying.
Approx Run Expectations (with 4 PM start with 5 hour run) see run map for mile markers
4 mi - Observatory & Walnut (by roundabout): 4:46 PM
6 mi - State & Lake: 5:09 PM
10 mi - Walnut & University: 5:47 PM
12 mi - Murray & Dayton: 6:05 PM
14 mi Monona Terrace (near turn, think map marker is wrong): 6:25 PM
18 mi - Babcock/Observatory (Boathouse): 7:16 PM
19.5 mi - State & Lake: 7:35 PM
20 mi - Lakeshore: 7:45 PM
24 mi - Breese Terrace: 8:35 PM
26.2 mi - Monona Terrace: 9:00 PM
After the race I'll be in and around the finish line cheering everyone else on. Last year, the fastest time was about 8:30 (crazy, I know) so athletes will start to finish around 3:30 PM with stream of folks after that.
Follow Me During the Race!
There's an app for that! I'll be wearing a My Athlete Live tracker for the bike and run. It doesn't work for the swim. You can track my progress via website and iPhone and Android apps. Click the link below, review instructions and select Ironman Wisconsin. Then find my name. You can track multiple people. It should be real-time, but can suffer from poor cell phone reception if saturated; past users for IM WI have reported good experiences though.
MyAthleteLive
MyAthleteLive