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Foster Kid
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 “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela
When I was preparing for Ironman Louisville, I spoke to a man who shared that he has completed TEN full Ironman's. I remember walking away, amazed and thinking "Whoa, that doesn’t even seem possible…" Now here I am in 2023 one week after completing my own 10th Ironman. It is amazing to realize that not only is completing ten Ironman’s possible. But it is possible for me, Pollyann, a 50-year-old woman! No coaches, no nutritionist… just God, hard work, and determination. Two weeks ahead of my 10th Ironman, I had severe tooth pain. My tooth was infected, and I was given antibiotics and sent to a specialist to try to save the tooth. Unfortunately, the tooth needed to be extracted. My appointment is scheduled for later this month. I was given another prescription of antibiotics in case the tooth pain returned while I was in Canada. Off I went along with Glenn, Stacy, Brandy and our Sherpa Marty. I felt Great Thursday and Friday, however early Saturday I started to feel tooth pain and by Saturday night it was worse. I hoped to avoid the antibiotics (and the diarrhea that accompanies taking them) and took ibuprofen with me the day of the Ironman. Overall, I am beyond happy and satisfied for this extraordinary experience at this magical race venue in Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada. The race didn’t go exactly as I wanted; but life rarely ever does. I am proud that I did something not many people can say they’ve done, and I am grateful for every moment of the experience I had! RACE DAY!!: My alarm went off at 3:30am. I filled up on coffee and breakfast before heading to the swim start at 6:10am. We walked to the transition to drop our bags and prepare our bikes and then off to the swim start. Stacy and I got in line for the swim start on the Lac Tremblant beachfront then we nervously awaited our swim to start. I had three panic attacks at my last Full Ironman in June so I was a bit nervous. Swim — 2.4 miles, 1:41:49 After a 30-minute wait it was my turn to jump ( ok walk) into the water. With a quick prayer for the strength to perform to my physical capabilities, I was in the water with 1400 other swimmers. The swim was a single loop, 1+ miles out, small swim crossways, then 1+ miles back. I quickly had a panic attack and found a kayak to rest on to get my heart rate down. I spent 5 minutes allowing the swimmers to pass and then made another attempt. I was slow and steady, but making progress nonetheless. I stayed to the outside to avoid the clutter. There was a long shallow cold stretch leading to the exit, which left me shivering as I exited the swim. I had the “stripper” help me with taking off the wetsuit and took a short walk to T1. T1–12:02 I entered the transition tent and I was still shivering. The volunteer asked me to go to medical, but I declined. I agreed to sit for a few minutes and to try and warm my body before heading out to the bike. I put on cleats, helmet and a jacket and off I went. Bike — 112 miles; 7:28:21 The course is two hilly, scenic loops. I was having a rough start. I was still shivering; my tooth was hurting and I was not mentally in a good place. I stopped at the first water stop. I refueled, used the restroom, and gave myself a pep talk. “Embrace the day and enjoy the views” I told myself. “Just keep moving…. Pain is temporary, Quitting is forever!” I got back on my bike and made the conscious choice to take it all in. I thoroughly enjoyed the hilly bike route. I stopped at 56 to have lunch (sandwich, pretzels and of course nutter butters) and talked with volunteers for about 15 minutes and then I was off to finish the second half. The second half was hotter and had more wind. My bike bag broke off my bike about mile 60. I stopped and tried to get it back on, but the strap was broken, so I gave it to a volunteer and told them there was a tube inside if they saw someone in need. I finished the 112 miles however; my tooth was really hurting now, so I knew I needed to take it easy on the run. T2–7:48 As I was leaving T2, I saw Marty. I told him I was not feeling well, and I was going to take it easy on the run. He said, “take your time I AM HERE FOR YOU and will be here until you finish”. Those words brought tears to my eyes. When you don’t feel well and you’re struggling nothing feels greater than knowing you have a support person cheering you on until the end! ·Run — 26.2 miles, 4:39:59 The run is two S-loops with a couple small hills, and thick forest scenery the whole way. Portions of the run even had beautiful lakefront views.I took it slow and easy as I told Marty I would. My only goal was to finish strong. I enjoyed the scenic 26.2 miles while meeting some new friends along the way. I ran the final uphill, and took off toward the finish. Adrenaline from the crowd was SURGING. As I began the final downhill, I was able to get a high five from the team, Brandy, Glenn, Marty and Stacy. Just meters from the finish chute now, I extended my arms wide, as if embracing the finish line and heard “Pollyann Keller, you are an IRONMAN.” In celebration, I found a private spot to say a quick prayer of gratitude. Finish time 14:09: In closing I want to express how grateful I am for this day, and everyone who helped me along the way. Thank you to the race organizers & volunteers. Thank you to my friends & fellow triathletes who got me into the sport and helped push me throughout the experience. Thanks to my amazing teammates: Stacy, Glenn and Brandy. A special thanks to my Sherpa Marty for being by my side until the end. And biggest thanks to my husband, Steve, for being my biggest supporter and cheerleader, I love you! The next day I went to the awards ceremony because our Friend Brandy had qualified for Kona and we wanted to be there to cheer her on. Not only did Brandy qualify… but I also qualified for Kona (turning 50 pushed me into a new age bracket). When I first heard of someone finishing ten Ironman races, I thought it was impossible. But I tried, persisted even with challenges (an infected tooth), and now I am reminding you too that, “There is nothing impossible to him who will try.” -Alexander the Great
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 I was a little anxious about going on RAGBRAI because I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was also very excited for a new adventure. While I have done back-to-back rides such as the MS150--which is 100 miles on the first day and 50 on the second-- I have never done 7 days of back-to-back rides. I didn't know what that timeline looked or felt like, but I was ready to embrace it.
Day 1 I woke up early and was ready to GO! Four of us got ready, loaded the trailer for our driver and then set out on our adventure. We split up early due to the mass amount of people. I embraced the day, took it all in, made new friends and thoroughly enjoyed the 77 miles. After the ride and lunch, I made it to the RV only to find out one of our riders had wrecked and was in the hospital. Fortunately, he would be okay but unfortunately, he could not go on. We spent the evening finding his bike so we could return it to him before moving on to the next town. Day 2 Lacy and I set out early. I had an absolute blast with all my new friends. I finished 62 miles feeling strong. After the ride, we met up at the RV, had a nice sit-down dinner and explored the convention. It was a fun day! Day 3 Lacy, Ken and I set out early. Another great day of riding. You could choose the 80-mile route or the 100 mile. Of course, I chose the 100! I did stop at mile 80 for a brisket sandwich and some live music before I headed back to the RV. We had a nice dinner and called it a night. Day 4 Lacy and I were up early and ready for our easiest day of the week. This day I took it easy, spun my legs out and enjoyed talking with my new friends I met along the way. We got done early so we went and ate while we were waiting for the RV to arrive. This night was the big concert we had been waiting for, Lynyrd Skynyrd. We went and it was an EPIC night. Day 5 I was up early and feeling strong. I knew it would be a hot & hilly day, and it was. I took my time, enjoyed my new friends and finished 90 miles. That evening, we went to a nice a restaurant in town where you cooked your own meat and it hit the spot. I enjoyed the company and had a lot of laughs that night--fun time had by all. Day 6 I was on my own this morning. I knew it would be hot and hilly, so I wanted to get an early start. I was still feeling strong and blissful. This was my favorite ride of the week. I spent a lot of time in Amana. Around mile 60 I took a break to have a brat & beer while listening to some good German music with my new friends. 85 more miles done. This evening the storms rolled in, so we hung out in the RV and just enjoyed each other’s company. Day 7 I was on my own again this morning. It was a hot day and I had to conquer the last 75 miles, which I did!!! Mission Accomplished. I received my award, put my tire in the river and then went to hang out with the gang to celebrate our achievement. The activity of pedaling a bicycle wasn’t the main attraction of this event for me. I’ve always maintained that the act of cycling many miles is only exercise, no different than jogging on a treadmill or swimming laps in a pool. But what makes it so special--and so addicting--are the bonds that are formed with the people while participating. RAGBRAI gave me that opportunity and I am so grateful for this EPIC experience. Thank you, Lacy, Ken, Amanda, Terry for taking such good care of me and letting me be part of the team. So many great conversations, laughs, good music, food and 539 miles of riding. I HAD A BLAST. "THE PURPOSE OF LIFE, AFTER ALL, IS TO LIVE IT. TO TASTE EXPERIENCE TO THE UTMOST. TO REACH OUT EAGERLY AND WITHOUT FEAR FOR A NEW AND RICHER EXPERIENCE." -Eleanor Roosevelt |
AuthorPollyann Keller Archives
October 2024
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