After a long day of travel, Steve and I arrived in Austria Thursday afternoon. Once we checked into our hotel, we walked downtown to get something to eat and do some sight-seeing in the beautiful city of Klagenfurt. We were both very hangry and stumbled upon place called King of the Doner. It was a hole in the wall, but we feasted on an amazing Doner and shared a cold beer. Feeling much better, we then walked back and called it a night.
Friday morning, we picked up my Ironman registration packet. Once we did that, we boarded a steamboat and spent the day sight-seeing. We could get off and, on the boat, to explore the different towns. We avoided a torrential down pour and ended up at a car show on one of the stops. Lambos, Rolls Royce’s, and other cars that cost ten times the value of our house. People watching was in full force in this beautiful town. We laughed and it was a marvelous day!! Saturday, we were fighting jet lag and got an early start downtown to explore. We walked into the local market that was packed with people shopping for food and other local products. We were in Heaven! Fresh fruit, cheeses, meats and everything Austria. I took advantage of the opportunity to carb load on fresh baked goods. After lunch we took my bike to be checked in and drop off my bags. We spent the afternoon at the lake, reviewing the course. That evening I took it easy however, I could not sleep (Jet lag). I fell asleep around midnight only to wake up at 2am with a migraine. I took some migraine pills and went back to sleep till my alarm went off at 4am for the 4:45am pick up to the start. When I arrived at the start, I put my sleeveless wetsuit on, gave Steve a kiss and got in line for the swim. While in line all I saw were extremely fit athletes who were all wearing a long sleeve wet suit (should have been a clue). On the public address system, I heard them say that only 13% of the athletes at the sold-out event were female. I was feeling good about myself. After about a 45-minute wait, it was my time to get in the water. I was feeling confident until I started the swim and had a panic attack. I had to doggie paddle to the kayak and take some time and get my heart rate down. After a few minutes, I tried again only to have another panic attack, so I had to doggie paddle to another kayak and take another break to get my heart rate down (this time taking a little longer). I was able to start again, only to have another panic attack. By this time the medics told me I should call it a day. I told them that I am struggling but I have completed 8 other Full Ironman’s and to please give me another chance and they did. I started very slowly. Focused on my breathing. I was moving very slow, but I was making process. I was shivering from being so cold. Unsure if I was going to make the cut off time, I was determined to keep going and give it my best. I finished the 2.4-mile swim-1:54:14 (slowest time ever but I made it). Once out of the water I was shivering so violently the medical staff took me to the side and gave me a Myler blanket, checked me out and sent me to transition. At the transition I was still shivering. The staff wrapped me in blankets and told me I could not go on until the shivering slowed down. Once the shivering calmed down, they allowed me to proceed on my bike. Transition 1-15:02. I made it to start line of the bike start only to get stopped by a volunteer. I was asked where my bib was. I told them it was in the run bag. They informed me that I should be wearing it. They hesitantly let me go…. I was still shivering but I knew I would warm up quickly because it was going to be a warm day. Because I was one of the last people out of the water, I was alone on the bike. There were no other riders in sight, and it was Glorious! The views were spectacular, and I was able to take my time and enjoy it! Along the route the locals were out cheering for ME! I was taking it all in and loving it. Halfway I stopped and took my lunch break. After eating, I took my nutter butters to snack on and went on my way. At mile 63 there was a man pulled over who looked overwhelmed. I stopped to ask if he needed any assistance. He did not speak English, so I offered him a nutter butter and smile. He hesitantly took the cookie and returned the smile. Off we went. I absolutely LOVED the bike portion of the Ironman! I took my time and savored the sights! I finished the 112-mile bike ride 7:34:01. I took my time at transition number 2, eating my sandwich prepared for my run and then I was off. Transition 2-8:39. onto the marathon. I was tired and I knew my finish time was going to be slow, so I decided to do a jog and enjoy the sights. During the first loop I saw Steve and he asked if I picked up a bracelet? I said no. He said I had to go back and pick one up (not far) and then pick up another on the second loop. So grateful my sherpa was there when I need him. He then shouted “RUN ALTER FRAU!! (OLD WOMAN in German) in front of a crowded outdoor restaurant. He gave them all a good laugh. My sherpa comes with a sense of humor. At least he thinks he is funny. I moved forward, took my time, and made some new friends! Finished the 26.2 mile run 4:51:04. The finish line was a great celebration! So Fun! Best of all Steve was waiting with open arms at the end! My training for this Ironman was very minimal due to life and sickness and I physically paid the price. This was my slowest Ironman (by almost an hour), but I have absolutely no regrets! I FINISHED! I EMBRACED the Day! It was SPECTACULAR! Finish Time 14:42: 59. It doesn’t matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop! Steve and I flew to Vienna the morning after the Ironman. Spent 3 days exploring and we had a great time. We loved the experience and the friendly people Austria.
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AuthorPollyann Keller Archives
October 2024
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