IronBird by Bray Scott-Lewis

Ok finally it is time to reveal my very own IronBird superhero Painting which was is amazing birthday gift from artist and friend Bray Scott-Lewis. It is oil on canvas and I will take a photo when it has been stretched onto a frame. It is priceless to me! Thank you so much Bray. When I requested that she make me an original piece of art for my 50th birthday I had no idea this masterpiece would immortalize my Ironman achievement 

My Ironman Nutritional Plan

Here is  the nutrition plan I executed exactly as planned:

Breakfast 2.5 hrs prior to swim. Juice, vitamins & supplements, Vega meal replacement mixed with Hammer Vegan protein mixed with banana and almond milk, half  Udi's everything bagel  with vegan margarine.

From 2 hrs to 1 hr prior to swim: Vega pre race energizer

15 min prior to swim: Gu gel (salted caramel) and water

Bike: IronmanPerform every 10 min; Hammer café latte Perpetuem  every 15 minutes until gone then Perpetuem orange-vanilla solids with water, salt tablets every hr with water,  gel with water at hr 4, 5 & 6

Run: Carried no nutrition as I trained using brands I knew would be available at aid stations every mile. At aid station I alternated between  Ironman Perform ir water this was about every 10 minutes due to my pace. I had Perpetuem orange-vanilla solids with me but didn't use them. salt tablets every hr with water,  gel with water at hr 1, 2, 3, 4. I also took ice at every stop and shoved it down my top and shorts - front and back and hips.

I  helped other racers who spotted my salt tab container hanging from my race belt during the run. They pleaded and I happily shared those and dispensed Tylenol & Zantac I brought but didn't need myself! I suffered no serious illnesses nor injury throughout my training and race.

Before the race I thought I might need to drink coke for a final energy boost on the run. They say you have a 45 min window before the sugar crash. I nearly grabbed some but feared it would cause a gastro issue and since I had none and was ramping up my pace I didn't risk it. I also didn't accept any of the other yummy goodies being offered by the wonderfully attentive volunteers every 10 minutes. I hadn't trained with eating any of that food and running so I knew this was not the time to try. 

A Legendary Ironman of Mythical Proportions staring Zeus & Thor and appearances by Áine & Apollo

On Sunday, July 27th I achieved my goal, my dream - I became an Ironman. I loved every adventurous moment of my race. I realize now that I wouldn't change a thing about the way the day unfolded. I evoked my inner superhero IronBird spirit! 

Ok finally it is time to reveal my very own IronBird superhero Painting which was is amazing birthday gift from artist and friend Bray Scott-Lewis. It is oil on canvas and I will take a photo when it has been stretched onto a frame. It is priceless to me! Thank you so much Bray. When I requested that she make me an original piece of art for my 50th birthday I had no idea this masterpiece would immortalize my Ironman achievement 

During the Ironman race, I smiled rather than cried my way to a top ten age group victory by crossing the finish line in under 3 hours. 

I laughed and danced with my favourite Thunder Gods - Zeus, the Greek & Thor, the Norse - each and everything they sent me fireworks, a deluge if liquid sunshine and heavenly hail stones! I was kissed and warmed by my favourite sun deities Áine, the Celtic beauty and her Greek counterpart Apollo. Their superpowers  gave me the ultimate pleasure of descending the mountain in a perfect aero tuck on the 2nd lap thanks to dry pavement. I was given one chance to reach a top speed of 80 kph and feel that adrenaline rush I love and need to reenergize and nourish my newly discovered "need for speed" in perfectly safe conditions. 

As my friend Stacy said on Facebook

"She ended up executing a perfect day for all the things in her control. Her time as bang on.  They pulled her due to weather but SHE did it all right. Look at the races other Ironman athletes had yesterday and you'll see just how AMAZING Moka's finish time is.  She did fiercely great!"

I believe It was my destiny & ultimate test of discipline, focus & determination that the day unfolded as it did. Physically and mentally I pulled it together. The only slight gastro and cramping issues I had were immediately remedied by taking salt tablets every hour from hour 5 onward. 

See post "my Ironman nutrition plan to see what I ate from my breakfast at 03h00 to my finish at 19h44.

I  helped other racers who spotted my salt tab container hanging from my race belt during the run. They pleaded and I happily shared those and dispensed Tylenol & Zantac I brought but didn't need myself! I suffered no serious illnesses nor injury throughout my training and race.f! I suffered no serious illnesses nor injury throughout my training and race.

ok so maybe I'd rather not have the multiple oozing saddle sores - holy ouch & pass the diaper rash cream I somehow removed several layers of dermis from my hide

I took Monday off totally and enjoyed post race chats and the awards ceremony. I walked a lot and felt fine. I swam for 20 minutes in the pool at the hotel yesterday and had massage. I hope to swim again today. I can't wait to get back on my bike and will tomorrow if my saddle sores allow. My recovery training plan recommends Friday as a day off - osteopath visit anyway. Saturday is supposed to be my first run and Sealey can't wait. The intensity and volume are low.

The 4 Race Day Thunderstorms 

I've always loved thunderstorms. I respect their power and know they can be dangerous. But I love the show - lightening awakens something in me I like and thunder makes me jump & sometimes scream & sometimes grip onto something like in scary movies. 

There were 4 thunderstorms and other times the rumble of thunder was heard at a distance. 

Storm 1 was the most dramatic and the only one that frightened me really and only   because it was so powerful & I was swimming! As soon as I was on shore, I was I started to laugh. The forecast predicted it for 2 weeks! I am surprised so many people were surprised. 

I saw the thunder clouds gathering on my first lap of the swim and wondered to myself "when" not "if" it would begin. I recall I was willing it to let me finish the swim. Earlier, in transition, I made the correct and wise decision to only inflate my tires to 105psi so they'd be better in the rain that hadn't yet begun but as a Maritimer I could smell & feel in my bones.

You don't need your race bib on the bike for an Ironman (though I saw plenty opted to wear theirs). I used a spare belt to attached mittens with Velcro to address the  

chronic Raynauds (hands freeze, get numb, turn white from lose of circulation) get after the swim or whenever my hands are exposed to the cold (wind, cold)  or I am stressed. I carry mitts everywhere and had placed a pair in each of my gear and special needs bags in case they became to soaked to be effective. I also had hand warmers I could add to keep my hands toasty. I added the warmers to my mitts in  T1 knowing I'd thank myself. I had more offers of cash for them and comments if envy from racers than I could recall (lost count at 10). So many others battled to grip their handlebars or grip their brakes in the rain during the steep 10k descent into Keene. 

The sky during that first storm gave the impression that it would never be sunny again - it was that ominous. It lasted for 3 hours. It followed us through the Adirondack mountains until we were in the valley on the way back to the Hamlet of Jay on the way back from Ausable Forks.  

I was more fearful of other cyclists who were inexperienced at riding in wet conditions. I passed so many not just because I could but for my own safety as it was obvious that even experienced cyclists were riding their brakes. That so many began the bike at the same time meant it was crowded and drafting distance was impossible to obtain and was waved until later in the day. Human error and inexperience scared me more than cycling in an electrical storm!

Storm 2 - at 165 km approx 15h00 climbing after Whiteface Mountain. The lightening and thunder weren't as dramatic as the morning but the rain was colder and turned into ice pellets and then hail stones like large pebbles. That time I actually burst into laughter which made the two guys I'd been with most of the day also laugh. One guy said something to do with a storm of biblical proportions and predicted pestilence would follow shortly - I howled while climbing mama bear that honestly felt like a piece of cake! 

Storm 3 and 4 - happened during the run... Brief and refreshing though loud thunder and a drenching but the sun shone I right after and between and it got so hot sweat stung my eyes

Sealey admitted to hospital - 15h July 24th

My poor girl... After explaining Sealey's medical history, chronology of her current condition of not keeping down any food since Sunday and a change this morning to seeing blood in her vomit and stool, the wonderful Vet here in Lake Placid drew blood, full exam and concluded her pancreas is very inflamed. Usually due to ingesting high amounts of fat. I immediately knew what caused it... Only once has Sealey been hospitalized overnight for a life-threatening emergency. When she ate suet that had spilled from the feeder in the yard. The location was changed but there is a strong possibility that where Barry now places it, Sealey could have ingested some or enough to cause this current crisis. The Vet immediately agreed that suet would be the likely culprit based on the high levels of fat and stress on her pancreas and all the symptoms. 

Barry feeds the birds a variety of seed to attract different types. We all enjoy them around the yard especially Sealey. Suet is now banned from the property forever. It could kill her next time.

The Vet commended me for my treatment as she usually send people home to first try exactly what I did. Fast her completely and reintroduce bland low fat food and acid reducer. The moment she lost appetite get her to the Vet. I am relieved I didn't her worse and did what I've learned in 24 yrs loving and caring for dogs.

The only course of treatment and ironically what I told Barry before the Bet visit ... IV to hydrate and a variety of meds through the IV to settle her nausea, pancreas, etc. 

Sealey had to be muzzled as she'd only allow me to touch her during the exam she was in such distress. Even Barry recognized it was best he wait outside.

We will take it day by day. I will return at 11am to see if she'll eat and if it stays down she can be discharged. If not, we give it another day - Sunday, race day I could be cycling and running by my girlie in the hospital!!!

Might be Monday before I can have her with me ... Prayers welcome and requested 

Silver lining? She getting the best care possible and she will get better! And I have a week off to pamper her with love and attention! And had we boarded her - I'd be dealing with this long distance - Not!!! Better here and now.

Taken in the wee hours this morning

my ritual post race photo with my baby will happen!!!

I AM AN IRONMAN!

Summary

i had the BEST day of my life as an athlete!!! I smiled so much my cheeks hurt : )

 I achieved my PLAN A+ goal of sub 13 hours which as you can see from my blog post I felt was unlikely.  

Ironman Lake Placid official time for me is 12:10. It doesn't include my 2nd swim lap nor T1 as we were pulled due to continuous lightening forks, claps of thunder and  a deluge until 50k into the bike + two more storms, one with hail stones as I ascended "the bears" on my 2nd lap. All done by the run except rumbling thunder in the distance.  Lap 1 time doubled - 12:52. My Garmin computer total time is 12:58 includes a 3.7!k 1:16 swim + a 15:05 T1 that includes waiting on the shore for 3 min til we were told to go to transition. I was with 50 swimmers in a backyard and includes a steeplechase and a 1k barefoot wetsuit run + more unusual events. It was an untraditional Ironman - typical Moka... Read on

Pre Race

Up at 3:30am. Left my room at 4:45am. Prep onsite was perfectly timed 5:00 until I started at 6:43. The sky had a few clouds but you could tell something was changing as the hours passed - the sky became on solid grey mass that was darker over the mountains. 

Only three wrinkles to my pre-race morning  1. pump was in the car at the family's hotel too far too late be delivered the night before - no prob, I borrowed one of the 1000s in transition (made the wise decision to inflate to 110 psi not the max as I knew we'd have to deal with wet pavement.  2. Could not find family at rendezvous point until Kristin found me 20 min later just as I was looking to beg a stranger to take the items i was passing off. i was desperately and painfully in need of the porta potty but there was a huge lineup and they were a good 5 min away. This meant no warmup swim which was ok as I didn't get one for EPIC either.  In the 15 min lineup for the washroom  I discovered  my  gel was gone - that freaked me out.  Good thing  Tin had snuck in the athlete only area with me - it dawned on me that someone would have a GU gel amongst the thousands of athletes and spectators but I couldn't leave the lineup - she found one in 2 min max - and a favourite flavour!  (Bird had also snuck past security the day before - both got some great photos and provided me with such comfort, the thrill of a shared memory and support b/c of it)

Team IronBird have been amazing throughout my journey to IMLP  but yesterday they were amazing!!! I couldn't have done this without my core team of Birdie, Kristin and Barry. Other family and friends contributed directly to my successful journey and yesterday - THANK YOU ALL - separate post to follow but a description of the day would be incomplete without including this:

Yesterday Diana Birdie Case and Kristin Kent joined forces and were EVERYWERE despite road closures, in thunderstorms, they got to the perfect spots to witness and boost my fabulous achievement by car  ago. They climbed a long steep hill twice to be there for me. I couldn't have done this without them.

 exaggeration!) and they both travelled here at their expense (resort towns are not cheap) and at a time when both of their lives are in a state of transition to quasi chaotic. 

The Swim

The entire swim was crowded. body contact of all kinds, even had my finger bitten by accident I'm sure. Lap 1 was uncomfortable.

I finally relaxed by lap 2 and felt I definitely going have a faster split. The rain was intense entering lap 2. 

At 3.1k frantic support crew on paddle boards, in kayaks and boats hollered "swim to shore" - swimmers tugged on those who didn't hear to alert them. I've never swam a faster 300m! Lightening forks on the far shore.  If I double lap 1, my time is 12:52.

My Garmin total time is 12:58 and includes a 3.7!k 1:16 swim + a 15:05 T1 that includes waiting on the shore for 3 min til we were told to go to transition. I was with 50 swimmers in a backyard

T1 & Bike

Transition was slippery and muddy. Change tents were standing room only - volunteers were awesome! Then imagine everyone leaving T1 on bikes through a narrow downhill shoot - very dangerous. 

The thunderstorm and heavy rain followed us for 50k including the biggest descent. Frankly I felt right at home - it was typical Maritime weather and I am more experienced cycling in those wet conditions than most out there as I passed a ton of people - women and men - all ages - uphill, flats and downhill I had to holler "on your left, move to the right" "keep right unless you're passing" and when they didn't budge I screamed "Move #xyz you are blocking!" "Gimme some room"!

 

Now I didn't let loose completely and was pissed that I was being robed of strength - aggressive descents but it was dry on lap 2 in that section and Pitoune and managed to reach 82kph!!! I was in heaven.

Hot sun, then 2 more thunderstorms, one where the rain turned to hail on my 2nd ascent of "the bears".

Once It was hot I had the pleasure to remove my mittens (Raynauds) and admire my nails - well the thumbs facing up while I gripped the bar end shifters. 

Run

I have to begin by thanking Stacy who shared her run plan with me and I adopted 100%. This was strongest, most enjoyable and satisfying marathon EVER! And was at the end of a very eventful day. I was so focused on my form and I only fast walked every aid station to hydrate and/or eat a gel or grab ice to shove down my top & short front and back to  keep my core cool. My splits tell the story I race against the clock attain my dream time! I tear up most when I think about it. I practically sprinted the entire last 2k. No - I floated effortlessly. 

Crowds throughout the day cheer me on by calling me Canada or EPIC girl! I've never been so proud and I think I did as well because I wanted to look like a proud solid competitor from the best nation in the world! 

The crowds and volunteers went above and beyond given the weather. Lake Placid was a special place to Diana Birdie  and I as girls when we came and visited Santa's Village - my adoration was renewed when Barry & I were here in 2008 and now it will forever be one of my favourite places on earth!

Tons more details and photos to add - in addition to the pro photos, I had my own professional photographer in Kristin (Toronto Star freelance journalist & photographer)

I'll likely update this post for my own memory recall and add new posts with photos when I get them. 

Here's a selfie taken just before midnight at the finish line. 

Barry, Sealey and I were there with thousands to cheer those who became an Ironman as well a some after the midnight cutoff. It was so moving and almost the perfect end to the day ...

The perfect end to my 22hr day. We had arrived back to the hotel after checking again to see if my run gear bag had been located (drag)... I see a gal with a volunteer shirt and backpack trying to transport a tri bike with helmet, cleats and bike gear bag - she had a hard walking cast on her foot and was struggling. I told Barry I'd be back soon. Took the bike and bag - walked her 1 mile home and then back to the hotel at 1am. She was bringing home for her roomie who raced and was exhausted. I got to end my day helping someone who had helped countless others like me all day. 

The Day Before the Big Day

Will update throughout today as time permits

Ok sleep all things considered. In bed later than planned as I was playing catch up on things I needed to do yesterday since today is already busy

Sealey is a lot better but her ordeal took time. Walked and fed her a Vet hospital at 11am. She was ravenous which was a great sign. Rascal had chewed through her IV once so they had her in her collar. I saw that as another good sign that she was feeling like herself. Had to leave her at Vet til 17h to be sure the food stayed down.She was discharged to us at 17h with instructions to fed her small amounts of gastro food and note her drinking and pees and poops. She still had the IV line in and needs a recheck and fluids at 10h30 today. Having her back was/is the best! It did mean that she and Barry would remain at my hotel for my most important night of sleep pre race. But I would have worried without being her primary caregiver so the sacrifice was a no brainer - it's what any mom would do.

Not much sleep but had a good day!

Good practice swim of 1 lap of course with all buoys out at 7am. Picked up Pitoune from bike tech - 30 min ride and she was tucked in for the day

Good luck charms in my aerobag

Gear bags checked - lost my sunglasses and had to find some others after a wonderful treat of a manicure 

Shopped at Ironman store - bought lots

And drove bike and run course with Bird and Tin

And now supper with Team IronBird

IMLP athlete tracker bib #692

Here's the click to be able to track me live on race day!

If it doesn't work just google Ironman Lake Placid 2014 tracking.
You can find me by name or bib # 692


http://m.ironman.com/triathlon/coverage/detail.aspx?y=2014&race=lakeplacid&rd=20140727&live=1&rid=1143240128#axzz38LoJeglO

My Ironman Lake Placid Race Day Plan

I'm being a brave girl and publishing this now... I have a printed version with me at all times. I will review this plan over and over to stay focused and to avoid increasing my personal expectations in these last days, hours, minutes before I begin the final leg of this amazing journey of self discovery and pride. I will read this plan at least 3 times per day and twice on race day morning. This method has worked well for me for 3 years.

 I WILL STICK TO THE PLAN

Moka’s Ironman Lake Placid Race Plan

July 27, 2014

SWIM PLAN
Gel 15 min before start - just before warm up swim if possible
Start with 1 hr 20 min group
Start swim faster for first 100-200m then find steady Ironman race pace
Focus on Good Form - Roll, Kick, Keep Neck Neutral, Scapula 
Relax - Breathe Easy
2nd 1900 increase pace slightly but watch form and breathing Exit - not too fast and let wetsuit strippers help!

Run steady don’t sprint to T1

T1 - Move swiftly - No chatting
Apply chamois butter and sunscreen - take belt with mittens
Make Sure I Have Everything I Need Before Exiting Change Tent

BIKE PLAN
Warm up legs with higher cadence then increase intensity gradually
RACE IN HIGH END OF POWER ZONE 2 to 
LOW END OF POWER ZONE 3!!!
Higher zone only on ascents - Aero tuck on descent to save legs & go faster!
Keep Neck Neutral
Hydrator Every 10 min - Perpetuem Every 15 min - Sip Water After Perpetuem
Pee!!!
Take Gel with Water at 4h30 and 5h30 
Spin in higher cadence before T2

T2 - Move swiftly - No chatting
Glasses, Visor, Belt
Make Sure I Have Everything I Need Before Exiting Change Tent

RUN PLAN
Start slowly & increase speed only after 1 km but watch pace isn’t too fast
Focus on form throughout 42.2 km
Walk Every Mile Aid Station & if need be Walk the Hills
Hydrator at Every Mile Except 1hr, 2hr, 3hr, 4hr - gel + water
Coke only if needed and only with 45 min to go
Relax & Enjoy It
Keep emotions in check until I enter the stadium.
Finish Strong Proud Smiling

My personal definition of a successful Ironman race
Finishing it satisfied that I did my best. I will be even more satisfied if I am able to run most of the 42.2.marathon distance after swimming and cycling well.

All times below are my best estimates having never done an Ironman … may the Ironman Gods & IronBird Goddesses & My Guardian Angels 

Smile Upon Me

Plan A +  Finish  under 13hrs (unlikely) 

Plan A  Finish  between 13hrs -13hrs 30 min (hopefully)
06h50 - 08h15 SWIM (1:25)

08h15 - 08H25 T1 
(10 min maybe longer due to long transition swim-transition)

08h25 - 14h55         BIKE: lap 1 8h25-11h40 (3:15)
                                           lap 2 11h40-14h55 (3:15)

14h55 - 15h05 T2 (10 min)

15h05 - 20h00         RUN: lap 1 15h05-17h30 (2:25) 
                                          lap 2 17:30-20h00 (2:30)

Finishing time based on above is 13 hours 10 min

Plan A- (that's A minus) Finish under 14 hours

Plan B - Finish between 14-15 hours 
Mechanical issue - Physical pain - Mishap Or just not my day
Finish proud of myself for persevering and satisfied with 2 of the 3 sports or all three if conditions were a factor.

Plan C - Make all cutoffs and Finish before 17 hour cutoff
Something catastrophic happened or my body just broke down during the run.
Finish proud and satisfied that I completed an Ironman Distance triathlon. Something I didn’t even dream of doing until 2 years ago and didn’t know existed 4 years ago. Be happy that I did it!

Moka's Ironman Lake Placid Schedule & Event Info

Click below to go to my race week schedule and information - enjoy!

Moka's Race Week Schedule & Event Info

Pre Race Day 3 - July 24

Up at 4am with Sealey who hasn't been able to keep food down all trip. At first we thought it was the trip but she's well travelled so that would be a new one. Then we thought it was all the grass she seemed to have eaten in Drummondville when Barry walked her behind the motel and I packed. Again, I will do a separate entry about this but suffice to say this has been a constant worry and on this morning increasingly so as there was blood and still grass in her stool and vomit and she had lost her appetite which up until now was fine.

It was hard to leave her to practice this morning but by the time I left at 6:30am her tummy seemed to have settled and she was even trying to engage me in silly play and asking for a  gentle belly rub. 

More athletes at swim this morning doing it - like me - approx when we will race to get a sense of the sun's position and conditions. Also all of the rope line was in place for the first time since arriving. 

I had a great swim. I did a lap of the course = 1.9k (well 2.12 :) 

I drove to the Town of Jay where I cycled the new out and back to Austable Forks. The length was to be 45 min max so I was able to add the steep initial climb towards  Wilmington - another stretch I really wanted to do as it seemed tough on the Computrainer but gave me no problem.

My impressions of the bike course remain as they were before arriving. No surprises which is terrific. The notorious "3 Bears" aka biggest climbs of the course located at the final 12k of the 90 & 180 won't be a picnic but I am confident I can do them. I am hopeful and wish for no headwind nor a thunderstorm torrential rain nor scorching sun on that stretch which maybe unavoidable - but I'm unlikely to get all 3?!?!!

A highlight of my morning was meeting "Bear" aka Denis who is a resident of Jay. A lovely interesting gentleman who was stationed in Stephenville, NF in the early 1960's. We had a nice chat before my ride and I look forward to hearing him cheer me and others on Sunday - hopefully during both laps! It is a joy to meet someone who lives in the community where you race. Bear gave me his email address and has promised to tell me how he got the name. 

Here's my newest friend - Bear 

Back to the hotel... 

Barry informs me Sealey vomited again about 1.5hrs before and it was all pinkish in colour - time to call the Vet. Fortunately  I knew where the Vet Hospital is as the bike and run route pass by it... I've passed it 5 times in 3 days.

Appointment at 2pm left me with enough time to go get my race kit at the venue... But haven't yet looked through the goodie bag. 

Pre Race Day 2 - July 23

July 23

7am - bike workout 45 min easy spin in all chain ring so I figured that most run route would be ideal as a distance & intensity & time and I was right - it was perfect ... Quick transition back in the hotel room and off I went for a 45 min run - it was supposed to be on a flat course and again I chose well - I ran around Mirror Lake which gave me 37 min in length and rather than add to it I was satisfied with that. If I am to reduce anything this week, it will be running to conserve energy. Lake Placid is a higher altitude than home and a lot more humid so I want to give my body time to acclimatize as I did in Arizona - though I'll take the dry dessert heat over humidity anytime!!

Back from my run, long shower and dress for... A wonderful massage at Element Day Spa located here at High Peaks Resort. I was delighted that my RMT is a former 70.3 triathlete. Jennifer provided not only the best massage for my needs but we shared stories. 

Jenn gave me some emotional support I needed at that very moment and I left her a big tip to show my gratitude. I won't go into details but suffice to say my stress load was elevated into the stratosphere due to a major argument with Barry. A real humdinger that I'm still trying to cope with the best I can. Ironman training and racing puts a strain on a couple. Days away from the big event is not a good time to stop supporting an Ironman racer let alone bringing up issues that could have been addressed months and weeks before arriving at the event when all focus needs to be race-related. (just saying).

Thank goodness for my Sealey who knows how to cheer me up... Even thought she isn't 100% (more on that in a separate post!) here's my kid and the playground next to the hotel at daybreak 

Thank goodness for Kristin!!! She reported that the water was back on. Out preferred company called and the remedy only cost $80!! Plus he flagged another potential breakdown later in the summer that we ought to address. What a relief!!!

Sooo - that crisis solved, the three of us drove the 90k bike course in a thunderstorm that varied in intensity and which gave me a sense of what Sunday may hold. The forecast has remained fairly constant that there will be showers and thunderstorms. We had to backtrack twice to find the correct route but now I know it. I'll drive it again on Saturday - hopefully with Bird & Tin.

Got groceries and I cooked us a nice meal in the room. There is only a fridge but I knew that and want to both eat what I know and save some money... So I bought a single hot plate, a hand mixer for my breakfast smoothies, our toaster and small microwave we keep in the garage guest room. Plus plates, cutlery, a pot and a pan, etc.

Went for a walk after supper up and down this quaint resort town with lots of opportunity for dreamy window shopping 

The Canadian Bobsled IronBird Team !!

It was lively and we're still days away from then kick off and main event. Most athletes have yet to arrive.

Here's Sealey happy to roll in the snow they always have out front of the Olympic skating centre (thanks to the Zamboni!!)

Bedtime prep took longer than planned as I decided I'd be best to take my bike and everything with me to my swim practice at 7am. 6 hrs of sleep if there were no interruptions ... 

Wanna lay beats whether I got the full 6 hrs or not? Lol!!!

Arrived in Lake Placid!!! Pre Race Day 1 - July 22

July 22

Slept in Drummondville, QC -  late night and we were only 3 hrs from Lake Placid so slept in until 8am. Started packing up and received a text from Kristin who was housesitting for us that there was no water. We have a waterline in the lake and all our water is pumped into the house via a electric motor in the basement as well as a UV light to remove bacteria, a salination feed, chemical feed, sediment removal system. Lots can go wrong but rarely has in the 8 yrs we've lived in our home. We installed and/or upgraded the system so we know how it works and who is best to service it. 

Before leaving Drummondville there were  several calls back and forth to Kristin with texts of photos of the system so I could explain how it works, try to diagnose the problem from afar... Locating the water pump service guy's number,leaving umpteen messages... By the time we arrived in Lake Placid - Kristin brilliantly found an alternate companies but was awaiting my permission to hire them, the preferred company hadn't called back. She had no running water but lots of spring water but was also heading out on a two day journey here on Thursday etc etc. We had a plan A and B but nothing would be resolved before 9am the next day.

Silver lining - thank heavens Kristin was there to deal with it and how lucky she did so intelligently & calmly! It would have been a major panic to arrive home after. 10 days to no water wondering when it happened... By then the pump motor and UV light would have burnt out for sure - together a very costly and much more stressful scenario to deal with. Thank you Kriistin - see resolution on July 23 entry ...

We had arrived as planned with time before room was ready so we went to Mirror lake where I had a relaxed swim to work out the kinks from the 17.5 hr drive over 2 days. 

It felt as good psychologically as it did to stretch out my travel weary body.

And look - Sealey came out to greet me as I finished my 35 min set with 6 x 50 m fast! 

Sealey was keen to swim as it was a hot afternoon and yeah there was a ball and mummy was swimming. And she made a friend who was willing to share her ball - friend for life!!

 I laughed a lot! Nice to feel this relaxed at the Ironman swim sight. Nice to associate it with a happy memory swimming with my Puppet and her friend.

Very cool that the first "good luck" wish onsite came from a member of the Halifax Tri Club!! Chris (?) and I recognized each other - he's here on a cycling vacation with his wife and family based in Montreal which is a day trip.'

Checked in to High Peaks Resort  - great view of lake and mountains - central but the other end of Main St & the mayhem yet a nice 10-15 min max stroll to Ironman epicentre.

Pitoune and I then set out to ride for 45 min as per plan. Easily found the bike start - looks just like Spinervals & Computrainer footage I trained with indoors all fall/winter! Did the first climb after the Ski Jumps.

It wasn't dark but the way the sun was positioned low made the silhouettes a photo I wanted to have... 

I has noticed the road for the run course just across from the ski jumps and I. decided to do that section.

As I was about to make the turn I saw a couple of cyclists looking at a map. John and Jenna from Kingston were first timers but had come to IMLP 2013 to watch and register for 2014. They too decided to ride the run course out & back on River Rd - approx 9k rtn on a mostly flat, mostly boring out. The return at least offers lovely views of the Olympic Ski Jumps that really are gigantic and kind of mesmerizing.

 

Those my new Canuck friends!

And a barn that begged to be photographed 

Returned to the hotel very satisfied having bikes the start of the bike course and most of the run course!

Room service, prep for 7am start to Day 2 onsite - pre Ironman.

Barry and Sealey were asleep before I finally turned out the lights but I slept soundly - didn't even hear my alarm but my internal alarm & got me up ... As did Miss Sealey!

Race Week begins!!!

Sunday July 20th

Bye Bye Birdie & Kristin - see you on Friday in Lake Placid

Barry had a double header of ball

And I spent 13 hours - doing laundry, 

checking lists, packing clothes that Barry thought were mine but each of the gals claimed

cleaning 2 tri bikes and prepping them for the trip (Tin will use my Evageline) stripping and making beds, packing, cleaning, loading the car, roof rack, bike rack... Oh and picking up Barry & Sealey & my household bday gift that was finally ready. Felt glad to have the entire say to get this done but more tired than I hoped I'd be before the long trip. The weekend was more taxing than I had planned. My mind and body need rest. I need to feel back on track with my plan. Workouts wise it's all good but a couple of things I had planned for 6 months that I wanted to do this weekend didn't and couldn't happen. Don't get me wrong - it was all great but I'm sad I wasn't able to do two things I really wanted to do on my birthday. I can still do them but they won't be as meaningful. I need to find a way to let it go and bury the disappointment, but I am only human.

Now we have two for the squirrels and Blue Jays

Then my PC DIED!!! Silver lining - I am so organized I can cope having printed just about everything. I have packed it and will take it to a tech in Lake Placid

Bed by 11:30 pm  - far too late again and far too exhausted. My body ached it was so tired. Not how I want to feel one week before my Ironman.

Today - July 21

up at 5:30am to run with Sealey to the park and home since we will be in the car for 11 + hrs. Even tired a morning run can help give me energy 

Yay! Just about caught up on blog and all in car on iPhone app while Barry drives. I drove the first 9 hrs (he'll kill me but hey Support Crew apparently need their rest more than Ironman wannabes)

Stopped for gas, stretch and the best curds in the world - only small bag with my lactose intolerant belly. Poor Sealey was overheated when we went for a stick toss break and almost looked faint. Found shade and she drank and drank icy water and we wetted her down. She perked up and looked interested in eating  but before we pulled away she was sick in several blankets and a toy. I managed to wash everything in the restroom. Naturally she was all better the moment she saw us eating our food! Not a chance though. She'll have to wait til we stop for the night

and we will stop for the night now - we left 12 + hrs ago!!! Drummondville it is which is was I hoped. Lake Placid is only a 3 hr drive!

We found a pet friendly spot that is perfect. Clean, upgraded recently and near town and the hwy and only $79 + $12 for Sealey = $109 with breakfast and a large room too. 

We have two small coolers of food with us and dry goods mostly so I can keep eating healthy, to save money and avoid junk food temptations & to save money.

We found a place for takeout - a local fav where we got a takeou smoke meat sandwich for B and I got a chicken breast to add protein to my green salad. Sealey ate her dinner and kept it down!

We gained an hour but it was stlll midnight local time (1 am our time) before  lights out.

Sleeping should come easy being as tired as I am but their are challenges on the road we've addressed years ago at home. Namely - when a dog is in a strange place - they will bark when they hear noises outside ... The white noise from the fan helps block sounds for her and me who is a light sleeper & chronic insomniac. I prefer fresh air but need sleep more. I also need a cool temperature and can't sleep in anything! Barry is the polar opposite....he can and does sleep anywhere and is a heavy sleeper so he doesn't wake up at the slightest sound. He also needs to wear full pjs and no joke will often wear two layers top and bottom and lots of blankets and a warm room. And he snores - loudly! We've slept in separate rooms for years to accommodate these stark differences. Cuddle time is not sleep time and vice versa! Sleep is too precious especially to me.

For no races like this one I have my own room for the Friday and Saturday nights. Barry and Sealey will bunk with Kristin & Paco at a different offsite hotel near Whiteface mountain. Bird and Tin are staying there from Fri-Tues. problem solved. In the meantime it's ear plugs and separate beds with very different bedding - lol! The room temp is still a challenge. But we will figure it out.