TriSupporter

Ironman Wisconsin 2009 Recap - really long

What a weekend! We arrived in Madison on Friday evening and settled in our hotel, The Edgewater (not bad but not close enough for me) and headed out to dinner a Sardine - highly recommended, make sure you check it out the next time you're in Madison.

The Day Before

On Saturday we headed over to Monona Terrace for our volunteer meeting at 8am. If you recall, Rianman, Jodie (TriSupporter extraordinaire), and I choose to body mark (more about that later). We and 3400 other volunteers met to get our instructions, get our t-shirts, and for those who wanted to register for 2010, a wristband. Our volunteer captain reminded us in a not-too-friendly way that she too was a volunteer and she was up early when one of the group started wise-cracking. Ouch. She also insisted that we were to only write actual ages on both arms and the calf--many of us questioned this but she insisted. Okay, what can you do when the captain says jump...you jump.  The final blow came when she told us there was a mix up in the tshirts and there weren't enough large and extra larges. This of course meant people wanted to start grabbing at shirts and she lost total control when she said she had to save some sizes for those who couldn't make the meeting. Huh? They don't have to come but they get first choice? That did not fly with the two Ironman brothers from Illinois. They shot back and the promptly took their shirts. At which point I grabbed a Large  for me and Medium for Jodie. Rianman got an Extra Small. Hot huh?

 

After we left our orientation, we hit Marigold Kitchen our favorite breakfast spot in Madison; I NEVER leave Madison without visiting at least once. We then split up for most of the day so we could see our friends. We finally met up late in the afternoon with Joel, Steve, and Joel's daughter Kaitlyn. Saturday might meant sharing an Italian dinner with Kat and Stacy for Kat's pre-race dinner. Can I just say, Kat had a beer! Really. Rianman hardly had a beer all summer before IMOO 2008. Who's the stud? After dinner, we all headed back to our respective rooms for some good sleep before our 4 am wake up calls.

Race Day

4 am again. We're up, showered and at the body marking station by 4:40. No, Rianman did NOT wear the extra small shirt. He wore the large and I pinned the XS to my shirt--the green didn't match the only shorts I brought--a kelly green pair--I wasn't going to wear any size in that color shirt! There were a lot of volunteers and at first, I thought, too many of us as athletes only trickled in. But then, then crush of athletes arrived and there were definitely enough of us. Oh, I have to say this...remember when we all questioned why were writing the age in 3 locations when NO other tri does this? Well, after about 10 athletes were marked, the captain informed us that in fact we were to write the bib number on the arms and the age or P for Pro on the calf. DUH!! So, sorry to the handful of athletes that will never find their photos.

Things I learned body marking

Let me just say that body marking is the BEST. First, it's early and you're free to watch the swim start. Second, you get to use a really big Sharpie. Finally, you HAVE to touch some very, very well-toned, no, strong arms.

• Men are easier than women - there is just more real estate to write big numbers on
• Shaving is a real plus--writing on hairy shoulders or legs is tough
• It is NOT possible to write clearly without holding onto the person--really. I swear. 
• Some bodies are easier to write on than others and the biggest muscles are NOT easiest cause they are too well-developed. Smooth skin and toned arms is the key. 
• No matter what they tell you, most are nervous because many of them have a hard time telling your their age--it's like they just forget.
• A Pro does not want his or her age on his or her leg, a P will do nicely, thank you very much!
• You make a connection with some athletes and you end up cheering them on all day and you feel for those who didn't make it, at least on this attempt

TriSupporting

Once Rianman, Jodie and I finished our volunteer obligations which I must say I LOVED, we tried to find a spot to watch the swim. We headed to the top of the Monona Terrace garden and squeezed ourselves between others; Joel and his two daughters came out to cheer. It was of course a blast and invigorating and inspiring. It was made all the better when I reflected on how much less stressed I was than the previous year when Rianman was in that mass of arms and legs.

 

Jodie had her athletes to cheer so while she did a little cheering at T1, Rianman and I went to breakfast then the three of us took off for Mt. Horeb High School. Our whole day was essentially a redux of last year. Once there, we saw Monty, Chelsea, Kat, Trish, Laura, Beth and the memorable athletes we marked.  It was warm so we felt for the athletes; there was no breeze and few clouds. It was a good 10 degrees warmer than last year and I think it made a difference. We had one guy stop and ask for salt tabs. He ended up laying down for 20 minutes. We were nervous for him but he said he felt better and started back on the bike. Rianman took down his number just to follow up.  Add one more to cheer for.

Once we saw our athletes pass us twice on the bike, we headed back to Madison to sit ourselves at the Union--it's a great spot because you see your athlete twice in about 15 minutes and then again on their 2nd loop when they really need to see you. And, it is not so crowded (don't y'all go there next year). We did get to see Hillary Biscay pass by - she won last year and came in third this year. Very exciting. We saw our athletes pass by and all looked good. Monty was taking it easy but had a great attitude. Chelsea was kicking some serious ass while Kat and Trish ran together and met - how fun is that? We also saw the guy from earlier who needed the salt tabs--he was running and he recognized us! He looked great and we learned he finished!! We also cheered on a couple other KC Multisporters including Todd who I body marked.

(Kat and Trish running - I tried to get a better shot)

Once we saw Trish pass with her brother Tim running along side (Tim is a super supporter - holy cow, he ran all over town for Chelsea and Trish and when I say ran, I mean he actually ran. He needs to bring a bike next time.), we made our way back to the finish line to see them all cross. We also heard the unfortunate news that Monty had to pull out at 13.1 miles. He was cramping and eventually ended up at the ER on Sunday night. Lest anyone think becoming an Ironman isn't hard or dangerous or should be taken lightly is just wrong. This shit is hard. We witnessed the results of crashes, a guy vomiting just 20 yards from us, men and women crying, people limping and grabbing at leg cramps and side stitches, and the lonely looks on many faces as they walked by with 6 long miles to go.

At the finish line, we watched in anticipation and heard Mike Reilly announcing each Ironman. Let me tell you, that NEVER gets old. People are so happy to come into that chute and spectators are screaming and cheering happily and relieved to see their athlete achieve a dream; the lights are bright and the music is loud. We watched as Laura, Kat and Trish crossed as well as so many we watched and cheered all day. It was a great day and hope next year will be another great year, now that Rianman has signed up. Yup, we'll do it all again.

Congratulations to all the athletes--don't forget to thank your TriSupporters!

 

On to IMOO 2009

Well we're off to Madison to volunteer for Ironman Wisconsin 2009--get ready for the best body markers ever. Line up now. You won't want to miss being body marked by me. I've been practicing--you can't image how good my '0' looks!

For first time IMOO TriSupporters, I have some advice.

For those of you sherpas getting ready, be patient. This weekend is all about the triathlete. What s/he wants to do, when they want to do it, and how they want to do it, no matter how inane or selfish...just let it go. There's no need to add to the stress. If you know me, you know I'm not the kind of girl who takes crap. But this weekend really is a big deal. The triathlete has spent the last 6-8 months training and s/he's probably nervous and anxious. You have also spent the last 10 or 12 weekends alone. You've either done all the household chores yourself or your house is falling apart. You've sacrificed--so is it really worth making this the weekend you lose your patience? I think not.

Be supportive for just a few more days. Then come Monday or Tuesday when you're flying home or driving in the car, the bitchin' can start and at that point, it's about you again.

Have a great race to all our friends - we'll be cheering you on. Monty and Kat - it'll be twice as nice. Trish - you've got it in you. To all the others out there - we'll be toasting to you at the Union.

Ding, Ding.

PS: Starbucks will be open early--the lines can be long. Plan to change your shoes at least once--your feet will thank you. Charge your camera battery. Dress in layers. Wear bright colors so you'll be noticed by your barely conscious athlete on mile 20 of the run. Have fun!

Got a Sharpie?

Last Monday Rianman and I nervously watched our computer clocks as 12 noon approached. Repeatedly we refreshed the web page waiting for the exact moment we would be able to register as volunteers for the 2009 Ironman Wisconsin. We spent the night before analyzing all the volunteer opportunities and settled on body marking as our first choice. Body marking would mean an early rise but we'd be done by 7 am leaving us able to watch the entire race. Not to be unprepared, we had a 2nd choice and if we failed to gain a slot for our 2nd choice, we each had a 3rd and final choice.

The computer clock read 12:00 PM and I refreshed one last time. Nothing. The page wouldn't load. I tried again. Nothing. Microsoft wanted to diagnose the problem. I knew the problem--too many people were hitting the server...all trying to gain their favored volunteer opportunity. Hundreds? Thousands of people hitting the server at the same time crashing it. We refreshed and nothing. Rianman and I were experiencing the same problems just in different parts of the house. Our friend, Jodie, also trying for Body Marking with us was not having any better luck and she was in Wisconsin.

Finally at 12:22 pm, I got in! Every step of the process was nerve-wracking, what would happen when I hit Submit? Would my registration get lost in the ether? Well at one point in the process that is just what happened. While sorting the volunteer opportunities, the page went blank. Nothing. I looked at the URL and didn't know what to do. So I took a shot and hit the back button. My work was not lost and I submitted again and this time the gods were smiling down on me and the Sunday AM Transition slots appeared--oh the relief! I continued without problems and got my confirmation...I would be body marking on September 13th from 4:45 am to 7 am. Not long after, Rianman got his confirmation! And after a quick phone call to walk her through it, Jodie got hers!!

I felt like I did when I registered Rianman for the 2008 IMOO...the tension of beating out all the other people and beating the clock. When you're confirmed...you feel like you've won a race! You're exhilarated and exhausted..it's a little rush and on Monday at noon, the start of work week, it was the perfect jolt.

In just 4 months we'll be using our big Sharpies to write numbers on peoples' arms and legs...for most, these are numbers they'll never forgot. The numbers will be hanging in garages, basements, and captured in photos displayed online and on fridges...not permanent like a tatoo yet enduring. It'll be an honor and great fun!!

Watching Ironman Wisconsin

Last night on Versus, Rianman and I watched the one-hour IMoo recap. (Thanks to Susan for telling us it had been airing.) Rianman was like a madman trying to find it and set the DVR to record it. You would have thought he was going to be the 'everyday' hero they were going to showcase. If you don't know, these recaps always showcase the pros and several amateurs who have either overcome some life obstacle or have commited themselves to a charity. The stories don't always end well...they don't always finish, but they are usually moving stories and I've been known to shed a few tears during these shows.

As we were watching the show, it brought back a lot of memories...for both of us. In many ways it was a way for Rianman to see the race from the spectators eyes and yet when the commentators would say something about what the athletes might be feeling or going through, he was nodding in agreement. Maybe it was like an affirmation for him to watch this and to know that he did it...he completed the Ironman. He did what few people do. He did what many could not. He did something, as someone said on the show, that he didn't know HE could do.

For me, it was fun seeing parts of the course we didn't get to and to hearing Rianman say, "That hill was so tough." Or, "See, there was no way you could find a sign among all those signs." Or, "That was the loneliest part of the course."

I did enjoy seeing the pros. I do wish they featured more amateurs...even if they don't have some compelling story. Like Oprah says, everyone has a story...I'd like to hear more. And maybe interview some TriSupporters for their stories. We're important right!?!?

Anyway...I had fun watching it all over again...from the comfort of my family room. I've said this many times, spectating is hard work. But I'm happy to do it all over again...whenever he wants.

What he'll want to do before doing another Ironman is watch the recap over and over and over. I'm not sure how supportive I'll be of that desire. I won't be ringing my cowbell for that.

Where are we now?

Okay so it's been a week. And I haven't posted anything new. It's been a rough week....exhausting... exhiliarating... beyond expectations. Not only about Ironman but because I had to make decisions about big changes in my career. So, I know I owe several posts on the day before the race, the race recap, post race, etc. I'm getting to those. Really...I am.

Real quick...Congrats to Rianman's Iron Harem: Kat, Kerri, Val. Also to Monty who stuck it out like a Ironman does, and all the others who finished. You were all amazing and so were all the people who started but didn't have the day they wanted. 

So where are we today...both of us are feeling back in the swing of regular life... sort of. We arrived home on Tuesday evening to a fantastic greeting from our neighbors Joe and Erin. They really did up the front of our house so that all our neighbors probably wondered what the heck Rianman had done.

   

We struggled to work on Wednesday feeling both tired and maybe a little down from the high wewere feeling from the race. I don't think we were expecting the crash...it was sort of like..."What now?" Rian wasn't working out (per Coach Ken). It was a weird work week. We no longer had this big goal we were working towards or looking forward to. It was unexpected and we didn't know how to get through it. We both couldn't wait for the weekend. 

On Friday we went to have a drink with our friends Mark and Missy and it was great reliving the race and other big news (I'm starting a new job in October). On Saturday after sleeping in for the first time in ages (well not so much for me but for Rianman), we finally tackled the basement. It has been a project I've been waiting to start. We didn't organize so much as we had to deal with some unwanted house guests...well they've been evicted and we just needed to clean up after them. We do NOT want new tenants.

I think it definitely takes the following weekend to get back to real life. For 6 months, everything has been about the Ironman. Training, training, training. Maybe that's why Coach Ken insists on a marathon in the fall after an Ironman.

I do think we're still in the wake of the big event cause we can't help saying things like:

"A week ago right now I was coming out of the water."

"A week ago right now you were starting the bike."

"A week ago right now we were at Mt Horeb High waiting for you to pass us by for the 2nd time."

A week ago Rianman was not even half into the biggest challenge of his life. A week ago we didn't know if he would finish. He didn't know if HE would finish. We didn't know how we would react or what it would mean for him to finish.

None of us knew what was to come and how memorable that day would be to each of us. We each probably take something different away from it. Awe for the people who attempt it. Thrill for those who finish. Heartbreak for the people who didn't. Rianman is the Ironman but it changed all of us.

September 7, 2008 9:33:03pm Rian became an Ironman

He did it!!! More details to come!!

Ironman Wisconsin Day 2

Yesterday was Friday, our second day here. Mary arrived to the airport at 1:00 am. I picked her up but not after I was stopped by a cop for turning right on a red-right-turn arrow--oops. He asked if I knew why he stopped me..."uh, no. I was just trying to make sure I wasn't going down a one-way the wrong way." He was nice (didn't give me a ticket) and told me how to get to the airport. There were NO signs. We got in around 1:45 am...very tired.

All day it was just Mary, Ri-guy and me. While Mary slept in, I went with Ri-guy to the swim at Law Park (the official swim start) around 8:00 am. It was already pretty full and you could tell there was some excitement in the air...or nervous energy. Athletes were pulling on their wetsuits, chatting with others, and supporters were milling about watching bags for those who didn't check them with the Gatorade tent. It was pretty chilly but okay with a sweatshirt. The lake water was warm which surprised many swimmers given it rained the entire day before.

Per Coach Ken's plan, Ri-guy swam for 30 minutes and got some markers for sighting while in the chaos of what will be the swim portion. We then walked back to the hotel and on the way stopped at the Capitol Starbucks where we luckily missed some insane rush. When we left, the line was out the door. The cool thing is they will be open at 4:30 am on race day...thank god!!!

We went to Marigold Kitchen for breakfast and apparently so did all the other athletes and family. It was awesome and highly recommended. After we went to browse the Expo. We spent a bit of money on items only for me...Ri-guy won't buy anything till the finisher's store opens at 7am on Monday morning...superstitious I guess.

We bumped into Susan and Monty from KC a number of times...it's so good to see familiar faces. Go Monty!!! We figured out how to get our extra carbo meal ticket and gave it Susan to enjoy so Mary and I could go to dinner together.

As we explored the Expo and Marketplace, Mary and I spent about 15 minutes trying to come up with an electronic message that displays during mile 8 and 22 or so of the run. It's triggered by the timing chip...it's a great idea and I highly recommend doing it. It's supposed to be inspirational or motivational for the athlete...problem is you only have 25 total characters including spaces AND their bib number. Try to come up with an inspirational message in about 18 characters...it ain't easy! The funny thing is...I can't remember what we wrote!

After that Mary and I went to the Janus tent to make signs. They have yard signs that you can make that will be placed around the run route as well as paper signs with wood sticks...perfect addition to our other signs we're making. When we got back to the hotel, sherpa duties required a bit of planning and organizing of gear bags.

 

We ended the day with Ri-guy going to the carbo dinner and mandatory meeting with his girls Kat, Kerri, and Val. Go girls!!! Mary and I went to Harvest...terrific restaurant on the Capitol Square. Ri-guy joined us for dessert...he didn't have any.

Thus ended Day 2 of Ironman Wisconsin for TriSupporter. It was a great day. Fun...interesting...long...and best ended on a bottle of Malbec with a great friend.

Ding, Ding.

PS: Tomorrow is Race Day...Ri-guy is 1039...Good luck Ri-guy..Kat..Kerri...Val...Monty...and ALL the other athletes both first-timers and experienced!! All the best to the TriSupporters!!

Ironman Wisconsin Registration

Today (well it is midnight so yesterday) was the first day of registration. After our rain soaked drive,   we went to Monona Terrace while the crowds were nearly non-existant. I don't know what Friday will bring but I expect it'll be a lot busier than it was today.

Tip #1: Try to get in on Thursday to register. Almost no waiting.

So I decided to try to document the process of registration. We had no idea what to expect so maybe this will help someone in the future.  

When you enter the convention center, you'll see a lot of volunteers and they are all friendly and helpful.

Step 1: Proving who you are and showing your USAT card or buying a day pass. You'll be marked with a bingo-type ink dot on your hand.

Step 2: Walk to the opposite side of the hall, wait in line, and get your waiver.

Step 3: Go downstairs and complete the waiver (will you allow family to know your medical info, emergency contact, etc) at a number of table with pens. Tip #2: Bring a pen to Step 2 and you'll save time at step 3.

Step 4: (I suppose this is part of Step 3). Go and get weighed. They'll record your weight on the waiver...I guess this is confirm Clydesdales???? Or, so they know how much you weighed before you need the IVs in medical after the race???

Step 5: Get your bib numbers, packet with gear bags, and chip. You'll also get your swim cap and some vendor flyers and we got a license plate frame for IMoo. Don't forget to buy or pick up the carbo load dinner tickets right after the chip pickup table. The dinner sells out for non-athletes.

 

That's it. As you leave, you are presented with your first major opportunity to spend money. You can choose to buy your offical photo packages. They start at $95 I think. We decided to wait till after and buy the digitial files so we can have them as we want.

You can then make your way upstairs to the Ironman Marketplace where there is all kinds, and I do mean, ALL kinds of Ironman products. There are dog leads, racing kits, socks, trailer hitch covers...just imagine and it is there. Ri-guy wouldn't buy anything cause well he's not an Ironman yet.

Tip #3: Wait till 7 am, Monday morning to hit the store when the finishers products are out. And when I say 7 am...be there at 7 am. We hear lines form and if you want finishers stuff...you gotta be there.

After Ri-guy worked out for about an hour and a half in the hotel gym, we ended our night with dinner at a Mexican restuarant on State. Ri-guy napped as we waited to pick up our friend Mary who was forever delayed flying into Madison...finally arriving at 12:50 am!!

Day 1 is over. Another day closer to THE RACE!

Driving to Madison!

You have new Picture Mail!
Originally uploaded by natalieandrian

This was taken somewhere between Des Moines and Iowa City. I used window marker to write on the passenger side window...Chasing M Dot. It's a dreay, rainy day from Kansas City to Madison...never letting up. As we arrived to the Best Western Inn on the Park in downtown Madison around 2 pm, we rushed to unload the car and get to registration at Monona Terrace. More to come on that...

Wow..we're here!!

Bib 1039

That's it. It's official...Rian has a bib number assigned. Looks like he's doing this thing. Last week, Ironman sent emails to those registered that if they weren't coming and didn't want a bib number, they should let them know.

So on Saturday, Rian got his bib number for Ironman Wisconsin...1039. I think that's a pretty nice number...I find it rolls off the tongue fairly easily. I think I can shout - "ten, thirty-nine" or 'ten three nine" so he knows it is me.

He won't miss any of his supporters though...we're wearing gold t-shirts, carrying tiger tails, organge posters, and shaking gold and purple pom poms. If he doesn't see us, he's not looking.

So, in one week, 1039 will hopefully be a more than a number but a finisher...an Ironman...my Ironman. 

Doesn't he look ready???