IM Louisville

RUN: 12 miles in about 2hrs. No rush, ran along course looking for friends.

It was a long but exciting day spectating at IML. The best way to describe the day was in brief recollections:

--Swim start line-up: the nervous looks, the readjusting of goggles and helmets, the stretching and anxious looks at the water. Followed by the run into said water.

--The bike out: the smiles, the smorgasbords of foods on bikes, the fresh legs.

--The run: the easy, efficient strides of those who are blessed with great running form. The steady, step-step-step of those less blessed. Yet the perpetual forward momentum of both groups.

--The run: runners dropping out to the curbs, leaning over sick, and being carried off the course. this is serious shit.

--More run: the blank stares, the smiles upon recognition of family, the determined look, and the suffering-but-determined look.

--cheering on the course: people love hearing their names, their club, or something yelled out to them. Unless they are really suffering. Then you just get a dirty look. haha.

--cheering at the finish line chute: So emotional. So very emotional. I tear up just remembering it. The look on the faces as they come out of the darkness and into the bright lights of the chute. The willingness to share the joy in high-fives. The tears on their faces, the big smiles, and the pure joy of finishing.


Things I learned for my race:
--Before leaving T1, start the watch and get the first round of nutrition ready. Don't do it in the mount chute.

--Stay in the predetermined HR zone, regardless of how good you feel. You WILL need that energy in the run.