Ironman Wisconsin • September 2007
John H

Yes, I made it to the starting line.........After two years of not making it to the start (2005- Mitral valve prolapse, 2006 emergency gall bladder surgery) it was finally nice getting rid of the "jinx" this race has had on me. I was shattered when I tore my left hamstring this past April - that feeling of, you have to be kidding me kicked me in the rear end. I truly have to thank Janet for helping me keep my perspective and although I could not run/ride I was able to swim and do core work. She continued to "push" me on keeping to my workout schedule (4:25 am) so that when the time came my body would still be on that early am schedule. I started physical therapy in May and they were able to get me riding in June and then easy running in July. I scratched from all races in 2007 with my eyes just on one - yes IM Wisc. - Most of the time I was very determined that I would make it, some days were a downer and negative thoughts of, "what are you doing - you can't even run two miles - let alone an IRONMAN". I guess those are the days you decide if you are a champ or a chump - Obviously I prefer the champ side. My therapy was coming along, slowly but surely. By September 9th (yes, the big day) I had two long rides (102 and 110 miles) and ran up to 14 miles. But, I swam alot and really counted on that water conditioning to get me thru the race. Confidence up - Yes..... Realistic - yes....I knew I would finish but not set the course on fire.

Race morning.....Beautiful day, forecast is high 70's low 80's with some wind factoring into a wonderful IRONMAN day. I was in the water by 6:45 am warming up. I swam about 10 minutes and then held onto one of the buoys at the starting line. I felt good - all systems check.......I consider myself a strong swimmer and I have to tell you that the group I was in for most of the swim was earning their water line. It was tight and many elbows flying around. "Sorry, you are not pushing me around" kept floating in my head as it brought back many memories from my water polo days back in high school. Wow, 2 laps over already. As I headed for the exit I could see the clock. Since the pro's started 10 minutes before us all I could think of was, is the time representing our start time or the pro's. Anyhow, I crawled out of the water either at 51 minutes (I would suggest short) or at 61 minutes (maybe long.....) I was feeling good...........Had some volunteers peel my wetsuit off and I was running up the helix for T1.

The Bike.......I saw Janet and Jackie at the beginning of the bike leg (that was wonderful)..........I felt good for the first 40 miles and then bam..... I threw up.....Don't know why but my stomach did not feel well. OK, adjust...Plan B.... Keep your composure, continue to replenish and access yourself in 20 minutes. Twenty minutes went by and I started feeling better. Saw Pete Alfino (old racing buddy) in Verona and he gave me a high five. I was feeling better. The ride was beautiful - little wind, nice hills, fast descents, and plenty of cheers. Hit the 80 mile mark and threw up again....This time I was more concerned. I had knots in my stomach but I always remember good advice and that was to adjust your race plan. I did just that. I slowed up just to hopefully understand what was going on with my body. Was it not my day? Was the limited training kicking in? I erased these thoughts right away and focused on fuel. Get your composure......Adjust your race plan..... Easier said then done but when your body is not functioning like it should - you listen. I saw Janet and Jackie at mile 95 and I wanted to stop and chat but I was riding downhill and there was no way I was missing this nice glide - sorry ladies. I rode into town thinking, ok you only have a marathon left and the most you have run is 14 miles. Hamstring help me out one more time.......I rode into T2 after a 6 hour ride through beautiful country.........

The Run....After a nice break in T2 I headed out for the run. Right from the start I see Janet and Jackie and they could tell I was hurting. I told them it may be a long one but I am finishing this race. I felt ok for the first 5 miles, my stomach was starting to settle down but my hamstring was in alot of pain - yes, the pain never went away during the run. I saw Janet and Jackie at mile 7 and they really saw the pain on my face. Their cheers were awesome, something I will never forget. Right after this I joined another runner (Chris Ferrigno from Oak Park) and we actually ran the rest of the marathon together. We both agreed that we pushed each other on but I have to thank Chris as our running stride for stride for 19 miles helped me keep focused and "ignore" the pain in my leg. The weather was perfect on the run, the spectators were awesome. The run was two loops through campus and Janet and Jackie were able to see me at the start, end and miles 7, 14 & 20. Thank you so much.!!!!!! I also saw Pete Alfino on the run several times. He was another constant on the course cheering athletes on. I have run many marathons but I have to say that mile 23 and 24 were very hard on me. I really had to dig deep and I thank Chris for helping me keep my focus. He knew I was in pain and his phrase of "John, just 30 minutes of running left" will always stay with me. The last mile was all adrenaline, it was such a wonderful feeling - hard to explain but I truly recommend the experience!!!!!!. I ran the last 30 yards with my arms in the air and crossed the finish line with a smile. My brother and friends were able to see me finish via the live feed - you have to love technology....... My marathon run was 4:12..... Total time 11hrs 31 minutes..........Memories, new friends......Can't beat it.

The IRONMAN is a strange event, it truly defines who you are as a person. It brings out the best in you as an individual. The event becomes incredibly mental - it is an awesome test to let you know how tough you are. IRONMAN participants are very tough and I was able to spend the day with many of them. Going through that finish line was an ultimate feeling that I can not explain, the emotions and energy that bubble to the surface are unbelievable.

I could not do this with out the support of my friends and family. I especially want to thank Janet for her encouragement when I was down and keeping me focused on what I needed to do.

What is next? I am taking a year or two off from IM's and focusing on the shorter events. But you can bet that I will be back to Madison in the next couple of years.....Who is with me?????

-John