I AM AN IRONMAN!

I AM AN IRONMAN!

It feels so amazing to say those words and to know that it’s real, and oh yes were talking about me. What a long an awesome journey. I feel such an immense sense of accomplishment and pride. I am not often proud of myself, but the moment I started that swim and crossed the finish line, I was more proud of myself than I have ever been.

The low down, break down, muscle spasming tale…

The enviroment in Louisville was filled with excitement, fear, courage and dreams. You see people there from all walks of life, different ages, and of different physical abilities. Everyone was there for there own personal reason. With the exception of a few bad seeds, every competitor was really nice and when they would find out I was a first timer to the IM, they got excited and would share everything they knew with me.

Race Day: Super early wake-up, not that I felt like I slept! Had a hot bath to get the legs woken up, ate some french toast then headed down to the transition area to drop my bottles off before walking a mile to the swim start! It felt really official when I got my body marked with my race number. Then it was off to wait in line for the next 2 hours!

The cannon shot of at 6:50 for the pros, followed by the age-groupers at 7am. What a great sound to hear, everyone is cheering and getting amped up. Before I knew it I was jumping in the water and starting my swim with 3,000 other people. It’s important to keep calm during the first half of the swim, because there is so much congestion you feel like you are going to drown with people swimming on top of you. About a mile in I noticed my timing chip on my ankle did not feel secure and as I went down to tighten it, it came of and started floating away. It was like in a movie, in slow motion. I was able to get it, try to attach to my wrist, after that failed I put it in my shorts. From there on I felt great during the swim and was right on my target time.

The transition from swim to bike was easy. I just had to put my CycleLife top on and the rest of my gear. I was super hungry during the swim so I quickly ate a Clif Bar and drank some liquids.

My bike started off great, I was feeling good. Aside from my stomach feeling funky from eating and drinking to fast, I felt good. John found me all over the course and had signs to hold up that Michele and Cara made since they couldn’t be there. It was Awesome. Mile 80 was the downhill point of my race. I started experiencing dehydration and my legs took the brunt of it. It started with muscle spasms in my right quad to the point where I had to get off the bike to stretch and massage it out, 3 miles from the transition area. I rode one-legged the rest of the way in, took it easy in the transition area and tried to compose myself for the run.

The marathon was the hardest run I have ever done. My legs are still spasming and I am not able to have an open stride like I usually do. I would take as much liquids, salt tablets, bananas, and cold water sponges as I could at each Aid station. Every mile was an aid station equipped with all sorts of things, and I went through them all. I would shove 4 ice cold sponges in my top and poor a cup of ice to keep my core temp down, drink water, Gatorade and around mile 15 I started in on the cola and chicken broth. That really helped. I was feeling better so I tried increasing my pace, but the spasms started coming back. I had gone through all my salt tablets, so John rode his bike back to the hotel to get me more. I was able to get some from fellow competitors while I was waiting for Super John.With 4 miles to go you can start to see the final destination. The last mile was filled with so much excitement, happiness, joy, emotion and satisfaction. I did it, I crossed the finish line, did a ballerina twirl followed by a curtsy and became an IRONMAN.

The rest of the night I was on cloud 9. John was amazing, the best husband ever. He ended up getting about 50 miles in on the bike and tons of walking!

It is now 8pm on Monday and we have been in the car since noon. My legs and lower back are tired but I am still mobile. Since I have an Olympic Tri in 2 weeks I will get on the bike tomorrow to spin my legs out. The next 2 weeks I will take nice and easy.

A question I have been getting most often after the IM is, “will you do another and if so which one?” The answer is HELL YEAH and the race is still up in the air.

Thanks again to Adventure Woman, Friends and Family and mostly to John.

And in case you were worried that the blog would end when the IM did, great news, AW offered me another year of sponsorship, so keep tuned in because this little turbo isn’t going anywhere except to get more food and to the next race!

Journey to today

The journey to Louisville really started 5 years ago.  I made a
personal promise to myself that I would compete and complete an
Ironman within the next 5 years. I knew then I would be able to finish
the bike with no problems, it was the run and swim that I would have
to conquer. Having only done 3 sprint triathlons (in 2001) prior to my
set goal, I had a long road ahead of me.

Soon after I told myself I would do an Ironman in 5 years, I went back
to school full time, moved to Philadelphia and entered a whole new
battle field, the COLD. Living as an athlete in Florida you are
spoiled by year round training. There were only a handful of times it
was to cold to train, moving North, I would soon experience that I
would have to find a new sport for the winter.

My body, more specifically my hands and feet get cold, fast. After
many different warm gloves, creams, and several doctor vists, I was
told I have Renards syndrome. It simply means I don’t get adaquet
circulation to my hands and feet. Living in Florida, I never would
have had a chance to figure this out. This makes training on my bike
very difficult in the winter. So, I took to running.

My cousin Marita, and roommate at the time and my soon to be
sister-in-law were runners, so I ran with them. I was inspired
watching Helena run her first marathon, that I set out to run my first
the following year.  I wanted to qualify for the Boston Marathon in my
first shot and I did. The next 3 years I ran 2 more Marathons, and 1
Duathlon.

I knew at Boston when I crossed the finish line that the Ironman was
looming on the horizon. Having the confidence to successfully get
through the two largest portions of the IM, I knew I could do this. At
this time I had finished school, graduating at the top of my class and
was fortunate to land a job shortly after graduating. I had nothing
stopping me now. What better time than now, So I registered. I ran 1
more marathon before my official training would begin in December. I
started my training out on a high note, Setting a personal record at
the last marathon by over 14 minutes! I was off to a great start.

37 weeks ago my training began. You have all been there through this
with me. Supporting me, sending me care packages, going on training
rides, runs and swims, all to help me with my own personal goal. I
sometimes wish I had some large noble cause to be racing for,
something bigger than my own personal goal, and I can only say this. I
race for myself because I can. Because I have been blessed with the
physical ability too. I race for my family and friends and I race for
those who can’t. I race because I am a woman and how awesome it feels
to blow by a guy! I race because I just love to do it.

In less than 72 hours I will be jumping into the Ohio river started my
first of many Ironmans to come. I can’t wait!

--
Megan Marie Howe

IRONMAN or Bust!

Week 37, the last and final week. The Ironman is almost here. Weeks and weeks of training, many bananas eaten and who only knows how many pairs of stinkin' goggles I went through until I found the right pair!


I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!

Over the weekend I felt a cold starting to try and make it's way into my body, but I kicked it out and hibernated as much as I could in my bed, resting and taking plenty of Vitamin C.

I feel good this week. Trying to keep off my feet as much as possible, eating enough and not doing killer workouts. My coworker Laura asked me yesterday if I made a binder for the trip (i love making binders for anything!) and not letting her down, I pulled out the binder that had detailed maps, schedules, checklists and more checklists. I have spent way to much time to get to KY just to have forgotten something or to be stressed about where a place is and how to find it. I am prepared in my training, I want to be just as prepared in my packing and traveling!

With my lists all made, all of my clothes neatly laid out on the bed, the only thing left to do is pack it all up. I wanted to wait until my last workout was complete before putting everything in the bags, and it's very gratifying to check things of the list as I put them in the bag!

THE PLAN OF ATTACK!

John and I are leaving for KY tonight at midnight. I am leaving work early to pick up a few more things from the store, ice then a quick dinner, pack and bed. We hope to get a few hours of sleep in before we leave.


Friday 12pm - We should arrive in Louisville no later than 12 and we will check into the hotel. Unpack, get situated then head down to the Galt house where athlete check-in is. After this if I have time and feel the need, we will go for a super easy ride to get the junk out of the legs from the car drive. Then it's off to Cararaba's thanks to my awesome parents. 7:30pm is a mandatory athlete meeting, then it's off to bed.

Saturday- Get a great nights sleep, eat some french toast in the room thanks to the handy dandy electric griddle that Helena let us borrow then off to the open water swim (still debating) then a quick ride of the run course and back for lunch. Before dropping the bike off at the transition area, we will check the bike over, put the race wheels one and head it down by the mandatory 5pm check-in time. After that is dinner, epson salt bath then bed.

Sunday- 12am midnight snack of Ensure then back to bed. 4am wake-up followed by a french toast breakfast. Head down to transition area, get my body numbered 232, check the tire pressure on the bike, attach computer to bike, put bottles on then head a mile down to the swim start. Since the start is first come first serve, I want a good spot, close to the front.

7am- Race begins!

A number of people have asked if they can track me on the course and the anwser is yes. You can track it through the Ironman website, the link for the tracking is not up yet, you would put my race number in 232 and I'm also registered still in my maiden name ESMONDE.

ALSO, I did rent a gps tracking device that I will wear that you can track the whole time online. here is the link.

http://www.myathletegps.com/  When you get to the home page at the top you will see TRACK ATHLETE , select that.

The next page will have a list of events, Under LOUISVILLE IRONMAN you will see a list of athletes, select my name MEGAN HOWE, it will then open a window that looks like this.

On the right side will be names of other athletes, to view me, select my name and you will see me blinking on the screen. The MyAthleteTracking only tracks me, it will not give you race times, that you will still need from the Ironman site, and I will post when I find more.

ps. I am bringing my computer and will be writing my next post along the way talking about the course.


I will have email so please don't hesitate to email with words of encouragement!!! See you in Kentucky!

9 Days, 5 more taining days, 1 big event!!

It's really happening. Next weekend I will be competing in my first Ironman, this is more exciting than words can even describe, I can't stop smiling and getting massive butterflies in my stomach!

My training has been great the past weeks and I am feeling really happy with where I am and what I will have to show in 9 days! Just a handful of days left to train and take in calories and get as much sleep as I can. No late nights, alcohol, cut down on the coffee and consume lots more water. The coffee thing is going to be tough!

Out of all the the 3 components of the Ironman, I find swimming to be the time in my training that I have most reflection on the past 36 weeks. Maybe it's because the lake where I swim at 5:30am in the dark is scary and I don't want to think about the possible creatures or dead bodies that could be lurking in the water, waiting for the right moment to attack me.... OR it's because it's so peaceful in the middle of the lake watching the sunrise, just me and the water. Regardless, it's a good time for reflection and I am so lucky to have so many AWESOME people to train with during my IM experience. The group of athletes I swim with at the lake have been some of the most supportive and motivational people I have come across in my time as an athlete. They have invited this sassy little girl into there circle, giving me advice, guidance and a great draft to swim behind! I know they will be with me in the water next Sunday swimming beside me every stroke, every breath until I reach that 2.4mile mark.

I have been really fortunate to meet people who have done Louisville in the past and one person in particular, Larry even took the time to take me out to lunch, bring all of his race materials from last year and share every piece of knowledge and advice with me so I have the BEST possible day ever. That lunch was one of the best things that happened with my training, and it tasted really good to... thanks Larry!

With 9 days to go, my training is slowing down. Last night I had a double brick, swam this morning, run tomorrow and swim on sunday. The intensity is lessing and same with the mileage.

Next week I will do even less. Off on Monday, easy bike on Tuesday, easy run on Wednesday and easy swim on Thursday. John and I will hit the sack super early on Thursday so we can be on the road by 2am Friday morning getting us to Kentucky around 1-2pm. The plan is to stop every 3-4 hours to get out an walk to keep the legs loose. I will also where the compression socks to help with the blood circulation. I won't do any working out on Friday besides the walking. Sat I will go for a easy spin on the bike before retiring it to the transition tent by 5pm which is mandatory. And Sunday is the big day of course!

I will break down all of the details in my next post... But I'm so Excited!!!!!

Holy training, only 20 days to go

 Me holding Davis for the first time!

Izzy, Davis and Caroline in the clothes I made them!

drinking pickle juice! helps prevent dehydration!

WOW! It seems like yesterday I started my training in the cold month of December. Now it is 100 degrees out and only weeks away from the big event. The question I get now is... are you ready instead of before "why are you doing it." To answer both, Yes I feel ready and because I love to push and challenge myself to the fullest.

With 20 days to go what is my training like?

I have started my taper. For those who don't know what that means in terms of training, it means to ease down in the volume of training without loosing the fitness that you have worked so hard at getting. Everybody is different in terms of tapering. I know for myself I can't taper of to much. I tend to lose my "pop" as I call it pretty fast, so I still need to be pushing the legs. I won't be doing 100 mile rides and 20 mile runs, but I will still be putting in some fair distances.

This past week was really hard, it was the first week of my taper and also the first week back from my recovery week. The week back from a recovery week is always hard, and luckily I have some really supportive people around me who keep pushing me through the pain. John and I were down in DC this weekend visting our new nephew and my godson Davis. Sat morning I ran 14 miles with the DC Road Runners and Sun did a group ride first then met up with Travis after to get more miles in. I really wanted to stop after the group ride and call it a day, but Travis helped me realize I just needed to push through it. I am happy I did and got 4 hours in on the bike. Thanks Travis!

I am pretty sore today. Had John massage my legs last night, and plan on taking an epson salt bath tonight. I am looking forward to this weeks training, I just hope this tickle in my throat goes away and doesn't turn into a cold. Lot's of sleep and vitamin C for me.

Training this week:

MON - OFF
TUE - Run - Track workout
WED - 2.5mile open water swim
THUR - Bike - Intervals
FRI - Swim -pool or lake
SAT - 10 mile run
SUN - 60 mile ride followed by 6 mile run

I know an event is getting close when I start having crazy dreams. They have already started for the Ironman... crazy is all I can say!

have an awesome week!

Sew much going on

My beautiful Godson Davis, 1 day after he was born!

 

 Michele (mom), Davis and Cara

I have been MIA for a bit. I swear life never slows down, and I don't do anything to help slow it down either. Here is where I'm at without boring everyone to death.

2 weeks ago I finished off on the Penultimate training phase of the program. That was a really intense week, rounding it out with a 112 mile ride in 100+ degree weather, 2 10 mile runs, long swims and some more riding and running.... it was awesome. 

This past week was a much deserved and much anticipated active recovery. This meant, I only had to work out 3 days instead of 6! During the week off I caught up with some sleep, hung out with my husband and had an awesome weekend with my family up at my Godmothers house. My stepson Jordan is a little ball of energy, John and I are used to it, but it's fun to see others who aren't and are amazed at how he just keeps on going. It's awesome!

I also did a lot of sewing. I don't want to show what I made or say what I made just yet since the receiving parties follow my blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise, but I will say I impressed myself being a self taught sewer, and I plan to have an Etsy site up soon for people to buy my things! (Etsy is an online site for crafters to post there crafts to sell)

Current Standings:

Week 34 of 37 and 25 days to go!!!

I have just started my tappering. It's a pretty long taper but the way the program is set up, it makes sense. The next 2.5 weeks I will still be putting in the miles and hours, I just won't be doing 2-a-day workouts and doing the intensity. 

I am getting really excited for the race. I have been putting together my binder that has everything  could possibly need in it. List of grocery stores with detailed maps and directions to get there. My favorite restaurants, running stores, cycling stores, pharmacy... etc. As much as I would love to taste the local fare, I really want to eat what I know my body likes before the race and then after the race I will eat all of what Louisville has to offer!

I am also really excited to announce that my Godson Davis Jackson Coleman is finally here. He was born yesterday at 5:55pm in Maryland. He is so handsome and fully healthy. My sister Michele is also doing well and from what I heard, she rocked the delivery! John and I are leaving Friday to go see the little guy and I can't wait. Congrats to both Michele and Travis!!

I am looking for some good ideas to kill the time during our 12 hour drive to Louisville... please leave me suggestions.

Thanks everyone and a BIG THANK YOU to AW for an awesome care package I just got, with yummy oatmeal, dried fruit and nuts. Halfway through the sunflower seeds already!

later guys!