The Run (4:47:09)
Faster athletes will call the marathon a run, others a swim.
For the first nine miles, I was averaging a 9:30 min/mile pace. Not bad for a self-proclaimed cyclist dealing with the Texas heat and humidity.
Then mile 10 happened.
It went from sunny and humid to dark and pouring rain in less than half an hour. The winds were gusting upward of 35 mph; there was thunder and lightning, and it was raining and hailing so hard it was difficult to see in front of you.
Many athletes were pulled from the course and held in restaurants and parking garages—some for up to 45 minutes. I, like hundreds of others, missed the memo and kept trudging along. Some sections of the course were covered by four inches of standing water.
I've never been so wet in my life without being physically underwater. And what do soggy shoes and socks bring? Blisters.
Anyone out there who ran through the wind, rain and hail earned their missing 18 miles from the bike leg. Luckily, I finished somewhat early—some late finishers braved the elements until after midnight.
Finish (10:59:40)
My parents, girlfriend and a couple coworkers were cheering me on throughout the day and were waiting for me—also soaking wet—at the finish line. IRONMAN may be an individual effort, but every athlete relies on a team of "Race Sherpas" to help get them to the start line. Mine happen to be the best in the business.
This race was different for me in that it was my first time using a coach. He completely changed my "more-is-more" training mentality to believe that shorter, harder efforts can yield better results with less wear and tear on my body. My TriDot training plan helped me beat my first IRONMAN time significantly (even if you calculate the 18 missing miles) and I felt fresher at the finish.
Whether you complete 140.6 or 122.6 miles, it's always special to hear "You are an IRONMAN" as you cross the finish line.
IRONMAN is a mentality, not a number, and just showing up to race is more than most will consider in their lifetime.
Keep up with all things triathlon on Twitter (@nystrummin and @active) and on Instagram (@nystrummin and @activedotcom).
Interested in starting your own IRONMAN journey? Check out IRONMAN.com for a race near you.
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