La Isla de Cozumel

Here I am 10 days after my first Ironman. It already seems like it was months ago and yet not really. The excitement is there when I think about it or talk to someone about my experience. And what an experience it was!!!

Sunday morning I woke up at 4:00 am. The first thing I did was open the curtain to see if it was windy. Not a hint of wind was present! The ocean was calm as the moon reflected off  it. I knew right then it was going to be a good day!

I made my tea and oatmeal with a little protein powder and attempted to begin eating. My stomach was full of butterflies and there was not much room for food, but I got my oatmeal down. As I was eating I put on my bathing suit and gathered everything I would need before the race began….bike water bottles-check; pre-race nutrition- check; swim skin-check…..I had everything I needed and before I new it Janet and I were headed downstairs to our cab.

When we arrived at  Chankanaab Park it was just beginning to get light. You could FEEL the excitement all around!  I enter through the athletes entrance where they checked your bracelet, remarked your body, then took a photo of you.  From there I walked past the “PROS” area.  They had special bike racks with their names on them.  Next it was off to be rejoined with Betty (my beautiful Orbea Ordu).

I got to Betty and proceeded to put all the water bottles on her.  After doing that, I was pretty much done with her and she was ready.  I walked back out of the Transition area (T1) and found Janet.  We walked over to the bathrooms, and I got into my speed suit. I then meandered over to a waterfall and relaxed and breathed in some of the wonderful negative ions!  I began to relax while all around me the excitement was popping!!

I looked at my watch and realized it was time for me to head over to the swim start and drop off my clothes.  I took one more deep breath and headed out onto the dock with all the other athletes to await the start of the PROS.  The pros got off….then it was our turn.

We all slowly made our way to the end of the docks and got ourselves into the water.  1600 athletes making their way down two docks took awhile.  Once I got into the water under the pier I began to tread water to wait for the start.   I looked over to my right and I saw two guys standing on something that was under the water….I made my way over to them and they helped me stand on this piece of dock.  Yeah!  I found the best place to wait for the start!  I didn’t have to expend energy treading water and could just relax until the gun went off…..

And THEN- the Gun Went OFF…..and WE were OFF!!!!  I was beginning the adventure of my first IRONMAN!!!!!

THE SWIM 

The Swim

I made my way out from under the dock and joined the masses.  I was swimming somewhere in the front 1/3 of the pack.  For me this was the perfect place to be.  Once we got to the first buoy I was able to find plenty of room to swim.  I had heard stories that in an IM swim you will just be swamped by people.  I’m happy to say that was not my experience. 

The swim was amazing.  The first bit going north was into the current.  It didn’t feel too tough to me.  The whole time you’re looking down on the ocean floor.  Visibility is 100% and the water is warm, buoyant and spectacular.  As we rounded the first buoy it got to be a bit of a cluster “f” with everyone swimming on top of each other.  I looked down and spotted a diver underneath us.  I had not realized how deep the water was!  The diver look small compared to how far down I thought the ocean floor was…..

After we rounded the first two buoys we were headed back south with the current.  This was sooo much fun!  Swimming in salt water, with the current, looking at incredible sea life!!!  I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to be out there!

The swim eventually came to an end and as I climbed up the stairs to the dock I checked my watch and it read  1:08!!  I thought WTF???  1 hour 8 minutes….that can’t be!???  As I ran down the dock toward my bike gear and the changing tents I was asking spectators what time it was because I couldn’t believe I had just swam 2.4 miles in 1:08….But I did!!!!!

I took a moment to rinse the salt water off in the showers they had for us.  I then made my way down the isle were my Bike Gear bag was and headed for the Women’s Changing Tent was. 

Now this is where it gets incredible!  I went into the tent, was handed an open bottle of water and found a corner.  I said “podria tener ayuda?” and with in seconds there was a volunteer helping me get all my gear out of my bag and helping me get undressed and dressed into my race outfit.  She then proceeded to open my shoes, pull out my food and then began slathering me with sunscreen!  I have never experienced anything like that… and I tell you I could sure get use to it  . 

I then ran out of the tent and headed toward Betty.  I was reunited with Betty within one minute, I pulled her off the rack and we were headed out of Transition 1 and on our way to 112 miles of bike riding!

THE BIKE

The Bike- East Side of the Island

I crossed the mats out of T1 and jumped on Betty.  I began the ride with crowds lining the road cheering us on.  Once I made my way out onto the main road around the island it became quiet. No one was around….except for all the athletes who came screaming by me.  This is one area I feel I have developed well as an athlete with the help from my coach.  I am able to “race within myself”.  I no longer feel the need to speed up because everyone is passing me.  I have learned from my past races that I will usually end up passing many of these people later on, after they’ve burned themselves out and I am still going strong.  And this is exactly what happened on this 3 lap bike course.  I quess I probably passed a minimum of 30 people on the last lap.

About 30 minutes into the ride another athlete came riding by with his heart rate monitoring beeping.  shortly after that I looked down at my bike computer and realized it had frozen.  A few minutes after that it simply went blank.  So here is the cool thing.  I didn’t even panic!  I immediately said to myself  “you have ridden 5 centuries, self -supported on Betty- You know exactly what you need to feel like!  You know what your cadence feels like, you know what your speed feels like, you know what your pace feels like.  You don’t need your computer.”  And with that I was freed from my computer!  How cool is that!  To completely trust your ability and your self……

To continue….the bike course was fantastic!  The course starts heading south to the tip of the island and then east for a bit and then……I was riding on the east side of the island headed north!  This for me was my most favorite part of the bike ride!  I was literary yards away from the ocean.  The water was so blue and clear, the surf was enchanting, and the beaches were inviting! 

Now many people who rode this course would probably disagree with me about riding on the east side.  Yes there was wind, and as the day got longer the wind got stronger.  But the view was absolutely breathtaking every time I got to the east side.  I was in awe of the beauty.  I took the time to look to my right and be grateful for the beauty I was able to witness! 

I also believe the reason I was able to enjoy the east side so much was the wind did not bother me.  I never felt like I was struggling while riding in the wind.  I stayed in my aerobars the whole time (except when there were small hills then I would stand).  I also know that the 5 centuries I rode on my own were in a very windy valley and this absolutely helped me!  I was not fazed one bit by the wind on the course (see previous blog entry).

Eventually we came to the end of the road on the east side and headed west.  This was the easiest section to ride as there was no wind. This also signaled I was headed into town and into the hundreds of people who lined the streets to cheer us on!  As I rode through the crowds I noticed most athletes kept their heads down and kept quiet.  Well not ME!!  I was screamin, and a hollerin and a hootin- right back at the spectators!  And as I did this, they would in turn scream and cheer even harder!  Many women would yell “Hagalo por las mujeres!” “Do it for the women!”  and the crowd would chant over and over “Si se puede” “You can do it!”  I found I had to watch my pace as I rode through town because the energy of the crowds would get me so charged up!  I would have this surge of excitement and if I wasn’t mindful would find myself pedalling harder than I should…..

And that ‘s how the bike went for 3 laps!  Fantastic Beautiful FUN!  I couldn’t believe it when I rolled back into town on my last lap.  I felt strong and not one bit spent.  The ride for me had been easy and so enjoyable.  My last lap on the east side I thanked the Island for the beauty I was able to witness that day…and was slightly sad I would not be passing by there on a 4th lap….

Oh one more thing I forgot to mention….my rear brake was engaged for at least the second lap if not the first also!  I had the bike mechanic at the expo check  Betty to make sure she shifted correctly.  As I was talking to some friends he said the back brake was loose and was going to tighten it.  Well he tightened it too much and on the 2nd lap when I went to stand on some of the small hills I notice the wheel was rubbing. When I stopped for my Special Foods Bag I checked it out and sure enough…..my brake was fully engaged on the tire…So I opened the brake up the whole way and continued on!

So here’s another cool thing about doing an Ironman….they actually have people to “catch” your bike when you arrive at Transition 2 (T2)!  I rode up to the dismount and here was this guy ready to grab my bike and hold it as I got off and then take Betty and bring her somewhere until the end!  How cool is that!

Next it was down a row of Run Gear Bags to pick mine up, then into the women’s changing tent again!  First thing when I entered I was given a bottle of water and then someone came right over to me and assisted me.  She began opening my bag and taking everything out and handing it to me…and as I took things off she put them back into the bag.  It was remarkable the support and kindness the volunteers showed!

THE RUN

The Run and Finish

I got my run gear on…and off I went!  As I got out of the tent and began to run I was amazed how I did not feel tired!  I remember a clear thought of “I’m not stiff!???  I am running fine….I’m not running like a clod…I feel like I’m running on fresh legs!!!”  This completely surprised me! 

I rounded the corner and got onto the main street where the marathon would take place.  Immediately I was greeted with cheers and words of encouragement.  I broke out in the biggest smile I’ve ever had.  I smiled sooooo much on the marathon that my jaws were actually sore the next day.  What I remember about the marathon was that I could look into the eyes of the spectator and see that they were really glad we were there!  They really wanted each of us to do well and to finish!

The run was 3 laps of 8.7 miles.  As I began the run I wasn’t thinking of the fact that I was going to run a marathon, but that I had to run 3 laps of 9 miles…..and that I can run 9 miles no matter what.  I believe having this philosophy about the run took some of the pressure off….I only had to run 3 laps of 9 miles.  Easy!

I loved the marathon!  By the time I got to mile 4 I was really hungry and spotted some Ritz Crackers at the aide station.  I grabbed a couple as I ran by…took a bit…and turned right around and grabbed about 10 more crackers and a bottle of water.  I walked until I finished all the crackers…tossed the water and continued to run for 22.6 miles!  That was the only walking break I took during the whole marathon! 

The run for me felt somewhat easy…I didn’t struggle at all.  The aide stations where every 1km.  Every time I passed one I would grab a water, take a sip, pour some water on each of my legs, pour some over my head, and then take another sip.  I repeated this at every aide station.  I feel this may have helped in my staying hydrated and cool.  Plus it felt great on my legs every time!

I ended up negative splitting the run.  I got faster on each lap.  I was able to enjoy the company of fellow athletes and would chat with someone for awhile….then I would run ahead or they would.  Every time I came back into town I was greeted by the crowd…..Cheering me on!  One spectator told me that I was smiling every time he saw me and couldn’t understand how I could be.  The reason I could be smiling all the time was because I was enjoying myself soooooo much!  That sounds like an oxymoron….how could someone actually enjoy doing an Ironman….I can’t speak for anyone else except that I know I sure Did!

As daylight turned into dusk turned into night, I continued to run enjoying the whole experience and soaking it all in.  Eventually I reached the 20 then the 23 mile markers.  When I reached the 23 mile marker I realized that my race was almost over.  I was just getting back into sight of the town. At that point I threw my arms open and lifted my head to the starry sky and hugged the universe.  I hugged the day, I hugged the other athletes, I hugged every spectator, I hugged Cozumel and I hugged the World.  I was filled with so much joy at that moment that it just welled up from my feet to my head.  I was overcome with love and joy at the same time.

I also realized that my first Ironman was almost over.  I thought about what a friend had told me….”You will only have one First Ironman……soak it up and enjoy it….it will be over before you know it”.  Boy was she right.  At this point I actually slowed down. I didn’t want the day to be over.  As I ran back through town I took in ever spectator that cheered my on, and soon I was at the 26 mile marker….knowing the end of my day was only 2/10th of a mile away. 

As I ran back into town I had passed many athletes who were walking….and as I rounded the final corner and into the finish chute I was completely overwhelmed with the fact that I was finishing my first Ironman!  As I was running down the chute I noticed someone in pink coming up on my right and I thought….”Oh HELL NO!  You ain’t going to pass me 30 feet from the finish!” and with that I SPRINTED to the finish! 

I crossed the finish line with my arms raised and the biggest smile I could ever imagine!  I heard the announcer say “Doreen DeRoss…..YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!”   To hear those words yelled over the speaker was amazing!  I was an IRONMAN!  I had done it!  I had swam 2.4 miles; I had biked 112 miles; I had run 26.2 miles!!!!!  I was a freakin IRONMAN!!!!!

I am an IRONMAN!

I can not explain what it feels like to cross the finish line of an Ironman your first time.  I knew I could do it….but I didn’t know how much I would enjoy doing it!  I absolutely loved the experience of racing an IRONMAN!  The feeling of doing something this big and having such a good time in the process was a bonus!

As soon as I crossed the finish line a  finishers medal was put over my head along with a shell necklace.  Then two volunteers came up to me to check and make sure I was ok.  I was feeling fine! I had just finished an IRONMAN and I was feeling FINE!  Janet found me right away and I drank some Gatorade and walked around a bit.  All I could think was ” I just did a friggin Ironman!” 

We hung out for awhile; I scarfed 4 pieces of pizza, got my finisher’s t-shirt and towel…..talk to some other athletes….and SMILED a lot!

When I was ready to leave we went and retrieved my run and bike gear bags and then we retrieved Betty!  Dear ol Betty- I was sooo happy to see her again.  She had treated me so good on the ride.  Once we had all my gear we headed back to the hotel for a shower and then an ice bath.

Sleep was scarce that night, but I didn’t mind a bit….I had just done a friggin IRONMAN!!!! 

The whole experience of doing my first Ironman was  intimidating, daunting, and at times was downright overwhelming  in the months leading up to it…..but once the gun goes off and it’s  time to start swimming- there is NOTHING in my lifetime that I have ever experienced that can match racing in an IRONMAN.  Especially, Cozumel Style 

My Finishers Medal