The Way to Sign Up for an Ironman

1. Go On Site.

No need to nervously wait to sign-up online! Instead, we took a few days off from work to travel to the current year's site. The long road trip with training buddies led to many memorable moments and funny running jokes.

2. Check out the Bike Race Course.

Another advantage of #1 is to preview what you are in for. I was petrified of the Lake Placid bike elevations. During the IMUSA loop ride with Coach B and TRIgirls SS, SK, KB and CS, I kept anticipating the horrible climbs. As each mile progressed, I would say, that was doable - as I waited for the worst. The Mama, Baby and Papa Bear hills weren't so bad (though I think a few of other hills may deserve names if they don't already have them). Coach B coached us through the tougher climbs -and followed me with tips during the slightly scary 10K descent. I completed the ride, through rain, thunder, lightening - and even my first on route flat tire - feeling happy - and strong - and confident enough to know that while this may not be a course best suited for my riding style - I could finish without too much pain - and it was just as beautiful as promised. Our group finished with big smiles - which totally seemed to please Coach B. Even his most grumpy hill riders (OK, me) enjoyed the ride.

3. Check out the Swim Course.

The next morning, our crew woke up bright and early, to fit in a swim loop before several of us were off to pre-race day volunteer duties. Mirror Lake proved to be calm, beautiful and well marked. My only complaint is that I didn't get my act together to do the whole loop.

4. Check out the Run Course.

Well, we didn't explore the run course too much, other than to note the major hills near the transition area. Uh, yeah, there may be some major hill walking for this TRIgirl.

5. Volunteer.

From the moment I started volunteering for this year's race, I almost felt unworthy. The race officials and participants were so thankful as TRIgirls SS, KB and I worked the bike check-in. I kept thinking, "My motives are not so altruistic - I want to sign up for next year." Yeah, there were a few weirdos who spent hours (and I mean hours) setting up their bikes and transition bags), but most folks were appreciative and kind.

6. Explore the Race Venue.

Ah, one of the benefits of not racing - you can actually have a few drinks - without the worry of getting enough sleep. You can hang out with your training buddies swapping all kinds of stories. You can kick back and have some fun. You can check out restaurant ideas for pre-race meals and post-race celebrations.

7. Watch the Race.

Watching the key moments of an Ironman in person is just amazing. Even if you are doing it during a monsoon (much kudos to this year's participants for braving the torrential rain). I still tear up recalling the last few moments of the swim cut-off. Michael Reilly was yelling to the crowd about getting one of the last swimmers in. The kayakers lined up to form the straightest path possible for the swimmer. The clock was ticking down. Michael Reilly called out we just needed to get this swimmer to where he could stand. Spectators were cheering like crazy. Kayakers were narrowing the path as much as possible. And the brave swimmer was kicking his stroke into the highest gear. Just making the cut-off, he stood up, looking a bit woozy - as more volunteers grabbed him and helped him to shore. Turns out, as TRIgirl SK found out during wetsuit stripping - he was a local racer - who had recently suffered a brain injury leaving one side of his body much weaker than the other. And, yep, this guy not only ended up finishing, but with a quite respectable time in the 15 hour range.

8. Get the Golden Ticket.

While I wish I could take credit for that perfect description - it belongs to another TRIgirl, though I am not sure whom. All I can remember is showing up early the day after the race to a very long line. My team mates and I were resigning ourselves to not getting in. But the long line broke off into several smaller ones as we entered IM village. We soon had our vouchers to sign up for next year.

Hardly a moment of regret

Just twinges of excitement and maybe a little bit of nerves - for the challenging training and great experiences ahead as we prepare for IMUSA 2009.