IRONMAN WISCONSIN 2018

IM MOO SEPTEMBER 9th, 2018

Swim(2.4 miles)-1:12:47     Bike(112 miles)-6:43:29     Run(26.2 miles)-4:18:24

My first Ironman!!!

Where do I even start? I'm not sure.

I keep catching myself avoiding writing this. Maybe it's because of the expanse of everything I feel compelled to write about. I mean, this is more than just a race report. This is a love letter to my people. To my support crew, my cheerleaders, my tribe. But I'll talk about the race too, of course, so untwist them panties.

If you've been following my Ironman journey you know that I've had some ups…and well…some major downs. It was hard. The whole fucking process was so damn hard. Mentally. Physically. All of it. 

Then in one 12 and a half hour span…it was all done!

Before I get too mushy, let's go back to September 5th- four days before Ironman numero uno. My nerves were pretty well intact until the night before our flight to Madison. Once I started laying out what needed to be packed, rearranging it in my suitcase, checking my list for the 800th time, and obsessively repeating "swim,bike,run" while listing all the items necessary for said events in my head- that's when the nerves kicked in. That's when reality hit. I was doing my first full Ironman in a matter of days. Holy shit. There was no backing out now!

The following morning my amazing crew ( whom I deemed the Golden Girls - consisting of my Mom, my Grandmother, and my Aunt) arrived bright and early for our flight to Madison. I was giddy with delight to be traveling with these ladies. The three women who have influenced me most in my life - all here to support me through another insane physical challenge, while most likely laughing their asses off because they rule. 

We arrived in Madison around 10:30 in the morning and were blown away by the town's beauty. It was a bustling little town full of students, restaurants, and lakeside splendor. I had zero expectations for Madison so I was stoked to see such a lively and lovely city! We meandered around and took in the sites before heading to our Air Bnb for a bit. Then, my mom and I went to the race expo to get me all checked in. After that, we all straight chilled for the rest of the evening. Snacking on Whole Foods samplings and sipping wine. 

The following day my amazing coach arrived with her big ol' smile in tow. I love my Golden Girls with all my heart, but it was nice to have another athlete with me who understood what needed to be done and the anxieties that were coursing through my veins. *Just your average pre-race jitters kind of anxiety. Otherwise, I was actually a happy little bee buzzing around, excited for the race.

Once again, like I've done with all my races this year, I went into my first Ironman with absolutely zero expectations. I didn't have time goals set. I didn't have any big dreams in mind. I was focussed on enjoying the day and being grateful for my body and my mind's cooperation in getting me to the start line…and hopefully to the finish line with a smile. I was surprisingly calm, for the most part, and just happy to have so many of my amazing people around me. 

Saturday, the day before the big dance, coach and I met up so I could knock out my pre race brick and get all my stuff dropped off nice and early. My brick was uhhhh interesting to say the least. The wind was BANANAS. The lake looked like someone had put it on the spin cycle as waves crashed up and over the banks onto the bike path I was cruising down. I white knuckled the whole 20 minute spin and maybe got in aero for a total of 30 seconds. I couldn’t help but laugh at how hilariously awful the wind was. If you can’t laugh at a shitty situation that is completely out of your control, you’re just gonna stress out for no reason. I knocked out my little 10 minute run and grabbed my gear bags.

The whole run bag/bike bag thing was new to me, so thankfully Carrie helped me pack those while also calming my nerves as I checked for the 50th time to make sure my helmet was still, in fact, in the bike bag and had not been abducted by aliens or spontaneously combusted. Once my bike was in her place on her rack and my race day goodies had been dropped off, we made our way to the rental car. As we were walking out of Monona Terrace (the big, beautiful building that transition lies atop- seriously, google it. It’s a cool ass buildling designed by Frank Lloyd Wright!) coach mentioned needing to run an errand and asked if I would mind joining before lunch. Naturally, I said sure and didn't think twice about it. 

My boo thang, Jason, my best friend, Becca, and my other best friend, Matt Tanner, had all just landed so I was texting Jason to keep him updated on our new air bnb (had to get a bigger one for the last 2 nights because we had so many people!) and mine and Carrie's whereabouts. Madison is a small town, so when I looked up and started noticing that Carrie seemed to be following lots of the signs with arrows pointing towards "airport", I started getting suspicious...but I was mostly just confused! 

Jason and my besties were renting a car, so why would we need to pick them up? I kept asking Carrie what this "errand" was while listing the potential (and elaborate) outcomes I believed could be unfolding:

-she was taking me to a field to murder me. *She said no.

-she was taking me out to a fancy lunch at the Subway we were driving past. *No again.

-she was actually taking me to the airport to throw me on a plane and be like, "Siiiike biiiiitch this ain't gonna be your first full!!! Enjoy your flight back to Atlanta!" *Negative.

-we were going to a fancy lunch at the Subway INSIDE the airport. WHOA. *No? Damn. Could have sworn that was it.

----Don't ask me why I was so fixated on Subway…I have no idea. I do not eat at Subway.  

Then as we were pulling up to the passenger pick up area of the airport I saw Jason. "Why doesn't he have a rental car? This is so confusing!"

When we got to Jason, I hopped out of the car to hug and kiss him/ exclaim with confusion, "Why are you still here? Where are Becca and Matt? What the fuck is going on?"

Becca and Matt come through the doors, moments later, smiling and waving. But no one was actually saying words or explaining what the hell was going on and I definitely didn't notice that Matt was filming with a cellphone that had an adorable flowery phone case- not his style.

THAT'S WHEN I HEAR IT. 

THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE AND PIERCING SCREAMS IN ALL THE LAND.

MY GIRLS. Sarah and Amy come sprinting out of the terminal with their warrior-like screams hitting a pitch that some may consider "ear splitting" (probably scaring the shit out of every person in the entire (tiny ass) airport while also getting security's attention…) My first reaction was to run…naturally (the screaming)…my second reaction was to start sobbing like a huge baby while hugging them so tight that their heads could have popped off. 

If you haven't seen the video, do yourself a favor and go to my Instagram @colorful_tri_cori. Watch it, and just TRY not to get at least the tiniest bit teary eyed. I dare you.

Those two tiny little angels surprised the ever living shit out of me and that is a moment I will cherish for THE REST OF MY LIFE. I AM BEYOND LUCKY TO BE LOVED BY MY PEOPLE. And I'm also pretty damn hard to surprise so kudos to them!!

The rest of the day was spent laughing at fart jokes, quoting Parks and Rec with Becca, and enjoying my amazing support crew.

RACE DAY!

I woke up dark and early (y'all know the sun wasn't up) and immediately noticed a hardcore amount of nausea pulsing through my gut. Nerves? The crappy take out from last night? Fear? Anxiety?

A couple of years ago, I'd wake up every race morning and feel such intense nausea that I'd have to lay down. It was super fun because the nausea coincided with waves of dizziness. This encouraged laying horizontally. It had been a long time since I'd felt that way so waking up to it only hours before my first Ironman wasn't ideal- to say the least. I always wake up a solid hour and a half before I need to leave for transition- so I have time for coffee…pooping…and as much meditation and centering as I can get. I sipped on coffee and put in my ear buds so I could meditate and hopefully get my stomach to settle. The meditation was nice and my mantras got me feeling fired up, but the nausea stuck around. I slowly force fed my self 3 bites of peanut butter toast before giving up and putting on my race suit in an attempt to get the ball rolling.

Carrie, Amy, and Sarah arrived around 4:45 to pick Jason and I up so we could head to transition. Jason joined because he's the sweetest man on the entire planet and didn't want to worry about trying to find me later in all the hubbub. Our drive was short and sweet and we all laughed as I fake dry heaved in an attempt to make a joke out of how awful I felt. We arrived at Monona Terrace with plenty of time to make sure my bike was all set and ready to go and to get a few more potty visits in before go time. Sarah and Amy took off to snag Gatorade (because I forgot to get Gatorade…) while Carrie dropped my special needs bags a few blocks away. My people, y'all, they take sherpa'ing to a whole new level.

**I continued fake dry heaving every time someone asked me how I was feeling about the race and decided deflecting with humor…like I always do when I'm freaking the fuck out inside…was the best medicine at the moment.

The weather in Madison had been pretty terrible the last couple of weeks leading up to the race (like real shitty, record breaking flooding all over the city), but they redirected the course where necessary and were able to keep all 140.6 miles clear for racing. Though flooding super sucks- heavy rain over the previous weeks meant the temperature for this race was going to be freakin' perfect. The skies were crystal clear and the high was a whopping 70 degrees! DAAAAAMN that ain't bad. That did mean, however, that race morning was a bit chilly. It wasn't a big deal, though, because Monona Terrace is huge and most of the athletes were able to hang out inside and even use REAL BATHROOMS the morning of the race! Yeah, you read that right. REAL. BATHROOMS. (I mean that's enough for me to recommend this race to anyone and everyone. Am I right?)

I digress.  Jason, Carrie, Amy, and I (Sarah was parking and the Golden Girls, with Becca and Matt, were walking over) headed down to the swim start. The pro's started at 6:45, I believe, and the self seeded time trial start for the age groupers would start 5 minutes later.

On our way down, I ran into my fellow ATC'er and friend, Celia, who was also racing and we decided we'd start together. She and I are always neck and neck at races so if things went to plan we'd probably spend the majority of the race together. I was totally game for a familiar face out on the bike course and loved the idea of starting my first full next to a homie. We got our wetsuits all zipped up and started heading towards the corral for the swim start. 

Things were already HELLA crowded. Ruh roh. We should have gotten down there a solid 10-15 minutes earlier because we could barely squeeze our way into the 1:40 - 1:45 section, when we were aiming for the 1:10 - 1:15 slot….Oh well. That didn't bother me for a second. So what? We'd have to dodge some more people. Who cares. A little thing like that wasn't going to stress me out. I had 140.6 miles to worry about. A few extra bodies in my way on the swim wasn’t a big deal. #perspective.

Though my stomach was in knots, my heart and soul were happy to be there and happy to start. 

I was ecstatic when I looked over and saw Jason, my besties, and my loving matriarchs waving and smiling. I blew them teary eyed kisses and pushed my way to hug each one of them before getting pulled into the flow of athletes heading to the water. I spotted Sarah and Amy on the other side of the corral and once again pushed my way through the crowd *’scuse me. ‘scuse me. I have people to hug. Get the fuck up out my way. * to give them quick hugs before sliding my goggles on and heading to the arch of doom…I mean the swim start.

***Holy shit. It was time to start my first Ironman.***

SWIM

I waded into the water and immediately felt my stomach settle and my nerves fade. This was my jam. This was a triathlon. I know how to triathlon and I just had to swim, bike, and run. Simplified-that is the truth of an Ironman. 

Luckily, that wind from the day before had taken a slight break and was waaaay more chill. It was still choppy, but not half as bad as I had expected. I knew once we hit the turn around and headed back towards the start, that would change, but I'm a solid swimmer and felt pretty comfortable early on.

This is where I need to take a moment to thank Orca for making such a bad ass wetsuit. I have the Orca Alpha suit and , y'all, that shit is so amazing. At no point in the solid hour and 12 minutes that I was swimming did I feel pressure on my shoulders. Ugh, such a kick ass wetsuuuuiiittt.

I struggled to get in close to the buoys pretty early on, since I started way far to the right and the turns were to the left, but I really like staying in open water and just didn't want to fight the crowd. Like I mentioned before, I didn't get to start in the wave I was planning on, so I knew I'd be dodging all kinds of folks. Staying out by the canoes felt better than battling the flailing arms of fellow athletes. All in all, the swim went by really fast. The chop on the way back in wasn't super fun, but it wasn't terrible either. I took my time and made sure to stay focused on my form while trying to utilize my pull as much as possible without too much effort. I mean I only had a 112 mile bike ride and a marathon after...

Overall, I'd say I had a pretty kick ass swim. I only swallowed one (huge) mouthful of lake water within the last 200 yards because some dude suddenly b-lined right in front of me, out of nowhere, splashing water directly into my open/ inhaling mouth. I sucked down the water so fast I didn't even have a second to recognize what had happened. The sputtering, coughing breast stroke that ensued for a few seconds after was quite the classy way to finish off my first 2.4 mile swim. #classy

BIKE

Out of the water and a happy camper! Exiting the swim and getting to T1 for Ironman Wisconsin is a pretty interesting journey. Thanks to all the flooding the swim exit was an extra 100 yards from T1- which, I remind you, sat at the top of the Monona Terrace parking garage. Soooo adding that to the run UP A SPIRAL PARKING GARAGE RAMP was pretty hilarious. I ran my happy ass up that spiral like I was heading in to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory and followed the line of athletes back inside the big, warm building to grab my bike bag and head to the ladies' changing area. Pretty crazy T1 is inside, right?? Yeah, I thought so too….especially because it's all carpeted…and I can only imagine how much pee is all over everything by the time the race is over. I mean, I can't be the only one who immediately thinks about all the pee in that situation right? Right?

Anyway, I took my sweet ass time getting my bike stuff together (because, why not? I wasn't in a hurry…I had 112 miles to look forward to) and made my way out to my b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l Orbea waiting for me on the AWA rack right near the Bike Out arch.

I'm not used to that level of volunteer involvement since I'm more of a 70.3 gal, but I loved how helpful and lovely all the volunteers were. From the lady helping with my bike bag, handing me my socks and nutrition, to the gal who grabbed my bike off the rack and handed it to me, ready to go. THANKS VOLUNTEERS!

Fun fact: I immediately hit a huge (and very well labeled with bright orange tape) crack in the pavement as I was running with my bike towards the bike exit and lost a water bottle. Duh. Luckily, another volunteer was there to grab it for me, but didn't want to get in the way of the stream of athletes that were coming from behind...so I had to wait for a bit before she could hand it to me. That felt like an eternity but was also pretty hilarious and true to my clumsy nature.

I hopped on my bike and coasted down the adjacent spiral ramp to the start of the bike course. Within 2 minutes the war cries of my girls was heard far and wide. I waved and smiled and screamed right back, ready to get down to it.

In case you don't know, this bike course is considered one of the most challenging courses Ironman has to offer. (I did not know that prior to signing up…thanks coach.) Since this was my first, I didn't have any other course to compare it to. At the end of the day, I honestly didn't think it was all that bad! Maybe it's because I was mentally prepared for hell and when the fire and brimstone kept at bay, it really wasn't that awful.

There are lots and lots of punchy hills, I’m not gonna lie, but I think the wind and road conditions were far more challenging. I prepared with lots of training in the North Georgia mountains so the hills weren't all that bad. Plus zone 2 hills are like a leisurely walk in the park, right? Or am I doing that wrong? Shit.

The wind had returned with a vengeance and was keeping me from descending in aero out of fear of losing control. I loooooove descending fast and consider it a strength of mine, but I definitely didn't like the idea of ending my day early with a crash. So I took things slow and just held on tight. Safety was my priority. 

The road had a bit of chip to it and lots of jolt inducing cracks in the road. You know, like every few feet there's another big, unavoidable crack from one side of the road to the other that causes your head to jerk like whip lash every single time? Yeah, like that.

I think that was my least favorite part of the ride. My downstairs was surprisingly comfortable (don't even act like that's not a concern during a nearly 7 hour bike ride…), but my neck was hating all the cracks. Every jolt from a crack felt like a slap to the back of the head and that just fucking sucks when you're also holding on for dear life with winds trying to tip you over. Luckily, there were plenty of stretches of smoother, crack free road to give my neck a break, so I can’t complain thaaaaaaat much.

I mostly went by feel for this little spin around the country side * sarcastically said with pinky in the air * I'd check my power and heart rate every now and then, but I really just wanted my legs to feel comfortable. I was focussed on staying hydrated, even though it wasn't that hot, and getting my nutrition in at the right times. I've been getting nauseous after long workouts, so I was pleasantly surprised when my stomach obliged. Clif Gels, lots and lots of water, only one gatorade (the potential nausea culprit), salt every hour, a Larabar, and the secret weapon- a mini PayDay. These are the sugary supplements that got me through the course feeling fueled and happy. 

Fun fact: lots of water minus the Georgia heat and humidity = peeing on my bike like 6 times. That's right! Ya girl learned how to pee on her bike! (Oh the things we triathletes celebrate!)

Overall, I feel really good about my time spent on bikey that day. My lower back wasn’t super pleased, but since there were plenty of hills to go around, I was able to get out of aero regularly and have mini stretch sessions on my way up. I kept my power where I wanted it and my heart rate nice and cozy in zone 2. I may have been a bit conservative, but seeing how it was my first full and I had the reality of a marathon in my * relatively * near future…I was ok with it.

Sidenote: The bike course was absolutely beautiful. The landscape surrounding Madison consists of rolling farm lands, big red barns, and more silos than you can count. But I can't mention this bike course without mentioning the craaaazy amount of crowd support on course! Especially on the more challenging hills. There were HUNDREDS of people lining the road, screaming, and running beside you to keep you moving. It was incredible. I couldn't help smiling so big on both laps. The number of people only increased by the second lap! It really was really incredible, unexpected, and so awesome. 

I was shocked at how fast the bike went by. Before I knew it I was singing the little diddy I reserve for the last 15 miles of any bike course, "I get to get off my bike sooooon. I get to get off my bike sooooon!" I pushed myself up that spiral back to the top of the parking garage and was greeted once again by my crew of smiling faces! I hopped off bikey, handed her to a volunteer, and waved to my loved ones as I headed back into Monona Terrace one last time. This transition was hella slow, but once again, I was taking my time, enjoying each moment as I prepared to start the part of this triathlon I had been looking forward to most. The marathon.

I had run 2 other marathons a number of years prior to my Ironman. Both times I was either in the midst of or on the tail end of an eating disorder. Both times I wasn’t training or fueling properly and I was constantly plagued with all sorts of injuries. This marathon meant a lot to me. This was going to be my redemption. Marathons were my first taste of endurance sport and the reason I gave triathlon a chance. I was giddy with excitement to run 26.2 miles as the final stage of the hardest thing I had ever done and to prove to myself that I truly am capable of fucking anything and my body is worth more than a number on a dumb scale.

RUN

I started the run and was shocked and exhilarated to feel so much energy and lightness in my legs. I felt fucking awesome! I was so so happy. I spotted my good friend, Jerome, within the first couple of miles and ran up to high five (and receive the patented Jerome butt slap) while screaming, "I'm fucking doing this shit! This is incredible!" My eyes filled with tears every time I saw my people and I even did a little dance as I ran up to hug, high five, or kiss each one of them. I was more than happy to waste precious time loving on my people, because I was so overwhelmed with gratitude every time I saw them.

Now, I'm not going to even act like I felt like a happy little gazelle frolicking through the whole run. No no no. The proof is in my splits! Little Miss 70.3 over here was throwing down 8 minute miles and having a blast when she hit mile 6 like a brick wall because…well because she realized…she had 20 FUCKING MILES LEFT. *I'M A NEWBIE OK??!!* 

I slowed things down not only because I had to, but because my body was forcing me to. Ohhh how I longed for that light, airy feeling I had at mile 1!

This run course kicks ass, though. It's a beautiful 2 loop course through downtown Madison that includes running through a stadium and on a lake side trail. It's mostly flat with only a few punchy little hills. I felt so great through the first lap. Smiling and soaking in the joy of endurance racing…then good ol’ reality bitch slapped me. I still had a half marathon left and could feel my knees swelling and aching and they were mad mad mad.

My pace was slowing like I had been dipped in a tub of molasses, but I was determined to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. 

Deep down, I really wanted to have a bomb ass marathon. I know I'm capable of a sub 4 hour marathon, (though I never actually reached that goal back in my first 2 marathons…cuz ya know…not taking in nutrition is DUMB AF) but I was desperately trying not to put that pressure on myself. However, subconsciously I had totally slapped that sub 4 hour pressure right on my chest like a big ol' target for an arrow of disappointment. 

It started getting in my head as girls I had passed earlier started catching me. I started getting bummed out and disappointed in myself, but I knew I couldn't let the negative thoughts win. Everything was hurting at this point. My lower back, my knees, everything. My heart rate was in the right spot, but my legs felt like concrete. Craaaaaaaaaaaap! By mile 20 I had tears in my eyes as I started walking the aid stations and up some of the steeper hills.

I was determined, though. Determined to appreciate the discomfort and smile the biggest smile when I saw the love of my life, Jason, or my mother, aunt, grandma, best friends, teammates, coach, tribe- any of them. The pain I was feeling was nothing compared to the love and gratitude I held for each one of them. NOTHING.

This is a blurry picture, but it’s such a sweet moment! High fiving my mom, my grandma, and my aunt! So many generations in one photo!

I knew that they would never be disappointed in me. I knew that my first Ironman wasn't going to be some Kona qualifying badassery (I mean that would have been cool, but it took me 11 half Ironman's to get on the podium).

I also knew that I was going to make it to the finish line- my one true goal. I knew I was going to be an Ironman the moment I had stepped in the water so many hours prior. There was no way I was going to give up.

The sun was beginning to set as I continued to shuffle my body forward. What a crazy feeling that is…to realize you started your race as the sun was rising and here you are still trudging it out as the sun heads back to her resting place beyond the horizon. 

I feel like the last 4 miles went by in an instant, though. The next thing I knew, I was weaving back through the heavily populated downtown roads heading towards the finish. It was so surreal. I couldn't stop the tears welling up in my eyes. This moment. This one moment out of years of training and sacrificing. The hours upon hours of swimming, biking, and running had all led to this moment.

I did my best to take it all in. To soak up the finish line. Funny enough, when I start crying at the end of a triathlon…my throat has a tendency to close…so I wheezed my way towards the finish chute smiling from ear to ear. I saw Sarah and Amy bawling their eyes out screaming their heads off to my left. I blew them love filled kisses and mouthed "I love you so much" with my wheezy little voice keeping me from screaming. To my right I saw the rest of my crew. My FAMILY - and that includes Jason, Becca, and Matt. They were all there. I knew I couldn't stop to hug them because I wouldn't be able to let go, so I sobbed my way over to them for the biggest smiles and high five/mid run hugs and love before taking the final steps toward the Ironman arch.

Mike Reilly's voice ringing in my ear. "Cori James from Atlanta, Georgia YOU! ARE! AN IRONMAN!"

I had done it. I had completed 140.6 miles and had smiled as often as I possibly could. I quickly saw Jason and waddled my way to him. I cried and cried as he hugged me and told me he was proud of me. Wheezing and wheezing. Crying and crying. Smiling and smiling. Across the way were the tear soaked faces of Sarah and Amy. I let go of Jason and waddled in their direction for more hugs and congratulations. Of course, moments later, the rest of my amazing crew arrived all screaming and smiling! Even the fact that they all hugged my stinky, pee soaked, ass is enough to make a gal feel loved.

What an experience, y’all. More than anything, I think this journey has helped me appreciate not only my body and what it’s capable of, but the people I have by my side day in and day out. I’m an Ironman and I have a lot of people who love the shit out of me. That fucking rules.