IMTX Race Report

[kams]

May 21, 2014 14:02:34 GMT -5 thom said:

Epic. Amazing. Fabulous. I don't even have the right words. Congratulations ironman!

I'm so sorry about your bike troubles, but thank goodness it didn't stop you. I suppose even through the awful waiting and wondering if you could continue you still got a break for your legs.

How are things now? (I remember having such a huge emotional letdown after my first marathon was over.) Are you still riding the high or are you wondering what to do with yourself? Hope you're feeling good!

I'm also curious about after an IM...do you take time completely off or do some easy workouts just to keep from getting to sore/stiff?

Congrats again. Simply amazing.

I feel good! I am a little sad, especially since a few things went wrong, but mostly really proud and happy. I have been planning on a bit of a post-race slump. I'm also excited to get pregnant now, and we have a move coming up, and work is crazy in June, so I feel like I have enough to keep me occupied.

I was actually hoping to go swimming this morning, but my sunburn is blistered and I was nervous about the chlorine burning it. I have a recovery workout schedule in my book that I need to look at, but I for the most part you want to return to swimming pretty quickly, a few easy bike spins, and then slowly return to running. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, or I'll correct myself if I see I was wrong when I re-read that part of my book .

[kams]

May 21, 2014 14:09:48 GMT -5 Susie said:

May 21, 2014 13:18:12 GMT -5 kams said:

It is totally funny now .

It was my back tire that blew. I should have known to check out my front wheel also while I was down, but I wasn't entirely rational.

The only positive thing I can say is that at least it sounds like it was a controlled blowout.  A front blowout is my only blowout experience, and it was so scary.  I remember hearing the loud bang when it blew, and I didn't immediately realize it was my bike that made the sound.  I was going >30 mph downhill, lost control, and went over the handlebars.  It was only a sprint tri, so the DNF was not so bad; it would be heartbreaking in an IM. I could not continue; my helmet broke in several places, my bike needed to be inspected for cracks in the carbon, and I was not really in condition to remain on the course either.  

Oh no, that's terrifying!

It was so grim at the end of the bike course - I would see a sag truck with bikes in the back and people being brought back in. Men crying their eyes out. There were some sad, lonely moments out there as it got later in the day.

[hannahb]

So proud of you! Simply amazing.

[ktzmoh]

What an amazing accomplishment. Congratulations!!

[bostonmichelle]

Congratulations!! That is an amazing accomplishment, especially considering your setbacks on the bike portion. Your race report was amazing and brought tears to my eyes.

[Deleted]

May 21, 2014 16:27:36 GMT -5 kams said:

May 21, 2014 14:02:34 GMT -5 thom said:

Epic. Amazing. Fabulous. I don't even have the right words. Congratulations ironman!

I'm so sorry about your bike troubles, but thank goodness it didn't stop you. I suppose even through the awful waiting and wondering if you could continue you still got a break for your legs.

How are things now? (I remember having such a huge emotional letdown after my first marathon was over.) Are you still riding the high or are you wondering what to do with yourself? Hope you're feeling good!

I'm also curious about after an IM...do you take time completely off or do some easy workouts just to keep from getting to sore/stiff?

Congrats again. Simply amazing.

I feel good! I am a little sad, especially since a few things went wrong, but mostly really proud and happy. I have been planning on a bit of a post-race slump. I'm also excited to get pregnant now, and we have a move coming up, and work is crazy in June, so I feel like I have enough to keep me occupied.

Yes come get knocked up with me!!!! 

[humpforfree]

I loved this- you are awesome. Thanks for sharing- even the poo parts!

[reginaphalange72]

I loved reading this! Way to go kams! You are amazing. Congratulations on an amazing day. You should be so proud! You are one tough lady!

[oliviapope]

I always tear up at these recaps. I don't know how you stayed strong after the bike troubles, I don't know that I would have been able to handle that. Congrats, Ironman!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

[trigal]

Okay, my favorite line is that you hoped someone would steal your bike. I think everyone feels this way after 112!

So proud of you! Welcome to the Ironman family!

[trigal]

May 21, 2014 16:27:36 GMT -5 kams said:

May 21, 2014 14:02:34 GMT -5 thom said:

Epic. Amazing. Fabulous. I don't even have the right words. Congratulations ironman!

I'm so sorry about your bike troubles, but thank goodness it didn't stop you. I suppose even through the awful waiting and wondering if you could continue you still got a break for your legs.

How are things now? (I remember having such a huge emotional letdown after my first marathon was over.) Are you still riding the high or are you wondering what to do with yourself? Hope you're feeling good!

I'm also curious about after an IM...do you take time completely off or do some easy workouts just to keep from getting to sore/stiff?

Congrats again. Simply amazing.

I feel good! I am a little sad, especially since a few things went wrong, but mostly really proud and happy. I have been planning on a bit of a post-race slump. I'm also excited to get pregnant now, and we have a move coming up, and work is crazy in June, so I feel like I have enough to keep me occupied.

I was actually hoping to go swimming this morning, but my sunburn is blistered and I was nervous about the chlorine burning it. I have a recovery workout schedule in my book that I need to look at, but I for the most part you want to return to swimming pretty quickly, a few easy bike spins, and then slowly return to running. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, or I'll correct myself if I see I was wrong when I re-read that part of my book .

I usually do three swims before getting on the bike, then three rides before running. Be aware that you may not be feeling it, but you will when you start moving again. An underlying fatigue that hits pretty quickly into your first few workouts. Take it easy! And get some Vitamin C! Your immune system is down and lots of people get sick after IM!

[katinthehat]

It's one thing to cover 140.6 miles. It's another thing to be halfway through it, have to stop, doubt everything that you've done the past year in training, then pick back up and keep on to the finish line.

Seriously, seriously awesome.

[andrealynn]

This was so awesome to read! It really is an incredible feat, and I am so proud of you!

[emilyj]

Congratulations, Ironman! Way to push through everything and battle it out until the end. You are so impressive!

[coconutbug]

May 21, 2014 16:22:48 GMT -5 kams said:

I took it in yesterday to return the wheels. I told him the story, and he just said "ironman is tough." I pried a little more about the things that went wrong, and I told him te ironman tech even said it was bad, but he accepted zero responsibility.

I kind of felt like he thought I was making excuses for the bike split, and blaming equipment instead of my fitness. That's a big pet peeve of mine, and I already was really emotional about it, so I dropped it.

Our triathlon community is really small, so I didn't want to go bananas on him. I just won't ever go back, and can be hopeful that the next ironman has a PR in store for me

Argh, that makes me mad.  It's too bad they kind of have a corner on the market there. But I have no doubt you will PR your next IM!!

[jchokie79]

What an amazing recap/experience. Your perseverance on the course was incredible. You're such an inspiration to all of us. Congratulations again, you're such a badass!!!

[gncorman]

Congrats Ironman!!! This was an amazing recap on your amazing feat. Your determination, strength and mental toughness is inspiring! Thank you for sharing your journey with us.

[taratru]

GodDAMNit, woman! Why are you making me cry?!? I am just so damn proud of you. You earned every bit of it, and you deserve no less than amazingness at every turn. Awesome.

[joenali]

Coke and chicken broth got me through every mile if my run, it was my savior!

Well done my (internet) friend!!

I know you are still on your high, but if you need post ironman support, I'm here!

[kams]

You are the best friends a girl could ask for!!

[chitownbelle]

May 21, 2014 16:22:48 GMT -5 kams said:

May 21, 2014 13:38:57 GMT -5 texassmith said:

Tears! The tears are flowing! So proud of you and amazed at your resilience. You Ironman, you

Are you gonna have words with your bike shop? Sounds like they screwed up in a major way.

I took it in yesterday to return the wheels. I told him the story, and he just said "ironman is tough." I pried a little more about the things that went wrong, and I told him te ironman tech even said it was bad, but he accepted zero responsibility.

I kind of felt like he thought I was making excuses for the bike split, and blaming equipment instead of my fitness. That's a big pet peeve of mine, and I already was really emotional about it, so I dropped it.

Our triathlon community is really small, so I didn't want to go bananas on him. I just won't ever go back, and can be hopeful that the next ironman has a PR in store for me

Best part of this? You're already talking about your NEXT ironman!! ?

[labbie]

You are amazing and you are an ironman!!!! Amazing race report, thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I teared up so much reading this starting with you and your dh holding hands on the way there. Congrats and happy recovery:)

Sent from my XT1080 using proboards

[sassystace]

Aw,kams! So proud of you. Way to fight hard, endure and fight to the finish! Congratulations, IRONMAN!!

[runblondie26]

OMG , the dog poop! How is that even possible on top of everything else?

That's pretty cool they had people putting sunscreen on you, etc. Total rockstar treatment....exactly what y'all deserve.

That's such a tremendous feat you accomplished, especially with the added trials and tribulations on the bike. Standing ovation!

[breezy8407]

Awesome! You are amazing!

[boston340]

I'm just catching up now on the H&F world. LOVED your race recap! You are such a strong, caring, beautiful, and funny Ironman!!! I'd love to see pictures from your race!

[enfuego23]

Loved the race report. I wanted to hug you everytime you cried during the rough parts of your race. You are amazing!

[woowoo]

Congrats Ironman! I read your report twice, and am still overwhelmed at your perseverance through the bike challenges. I'll bet there are a lot of people that faced less that ended up with a DNF. You are my hero....so impressive.

And as for the poo....my first thought was SHAME ON THAT OWNER that left their dog's sh*t on the side of the road along an Ironman course. Jerks!

I did laugh a little that you clarified for your volunteer that the poo wasn't yours.

Congrats again.

[bella9280]

Amazing recap congratulations again!!!!

[emuni04]

I am just in awe reading these reports. You are so badass! Great race report, and you have my respect and admiration!!!