Off To Do My First Ironman Race

[super-sally888]

Hi,

I am going to Malaysia on Monday. Will be there to do my first IronMan triathlon which will be held in Langkawi on 24th Feb. This is going to be hard and a huge challenge. I have been training for more than 6 months (doing triathlon since mid 2004). I will be doing my best to finish in the 17 hour cutoff.

Maybe not such a huge thing - but 7 years ago I weighed 210+ lbs and couldn't even run for 1 minute. Now I weigh just under 150lbs and am doing this - despite everything. I have thyroid failure and PCOS. It seems I have celiac, and probably some other food allergies (my new dr. will start testing / elimination diet after the event).

Preparing for this has been such a learning experience - including having to deal with some health problems that I had been ignoring (like chronic C-D - which I was previously told was IBS, but which has much improved since cutting out gluten, and chronic coughing - which was just officially diagnosed as asthma after testing and is being treated with inhaled steroids (I never realised I was having breathing problems.. ).

Joining this event is a milestone for me on how far I have come - regardless of how I do on the day. Another reason for doing this is in memory of my father who died of cancer last year and also as an example to my totally unathletic family; I want to show my nieces and nephews (all 13 of them) that adults can be active and do this sort of thing.

Please spare a thought and a prayer for all of us who will be racing on that day. There will be about 700 participants. 17 people are joining from Philippines - all of whom I know.

Take Care

Sally

[darlindeb25]

I have a wonderful friend named Tim, who is a member of this forum too, but has not posted for a few years--he ran in this triathlons before going gluten-free. He used to tell me of the dedication it takes to be an ironman runner and I am proud of you. You have come a long way to get where you are and I think it's wonderful that you are doing this.

Angels will be watching over you--best of luck to you.

[Felidae]

Wow, what a journey you have been through. Even if you don't make the 17 hours, you'll still have accomplished so much. I believe that you will finish in time. You have come so far. Best of luck and have fun.

[lonewolf]

Way to go Sally! You've won already, even before the race starts. I do small (sprint) triathlons and I KNOW how much you must have been training. Congratulations on overcoming all you've been through and being ready for this challenge! Best of luck to you and I hope you have a great experience!

[codetalker]

Impressive. Best of luck!

[GeoffCJ]

Please do let us know how it goes.

I did a 1/2 ironman a few years ago, and it kicked my ass! I certainly would not have wanted to turn around and do it again!

Have fun and good luck!

Geoff

[corinne]

Way to go!!! It IS a huge thing to go from not being able to run to being prepared for an ironman. Good luck with the race and may your preparation kick in and get you in under the cut-off.

[NarniaHope]

So how exactly does it work to do an Ironman with Celiac? I am preparing for my first in 2012 (been doing triathlons for 7 years now), and as I'm starting the more intense research and preparation, I'm realizing that other than water and uncut fruit, the aid stations offer NOTHING that is gluten free. 140.7 is a long way to go, and while I can bring all my own nutrition, how do I *get* to it without having to cart it all with me or violating outside help rules?

I've emailed Ironman directly, and I'm waiting to hear from them, but would greatly appreciate info from anyone who has been there!!!

Thanks!

~Karen