#64: Ironman World Championship

It always seems impossible until it’s Done.  – Nelson Mandela 

I quickly became overwhelmed when I arrived in Kona. Here I was with over 2000 of the best ultra-athlete females in the WORLD… and they looked the part. These women were strong, healthy, and fierce. I felt as though I did not fit in. I soon remembered the words from my friend Charlie, who told me while training for my first Ironman, “there will be 2000 people there and 2000 different ways of getting there (and across the finish line).” I knew in my heart, I worked my whole life to put my feet at THIS start line; all my past abuse, pain, struggles, determination and hard work formed the puzzle pieces that made my journey unique to me. And I was ready to embrace it. 

My two greatest obstacles ahead of Ironman World Championship were the swim and my inability to sleep. To help me navigate the former, I completed two practice swims with my friend Brandy prior to the Ironman. Brandy was helpful and supportive; however, I still struggled to shake the anxiety. As for sleep, I settled with 3-4 hours of rest per night and believe it was married to time change and nerves. 

On the morning of Ironman, I woke early to eat breakfast and head to the transition with Brandy to ready my bike. I received a supportive message from Charlie, who reminded me that I have the opportunity to participate in the Kona World Championship, and that was a dream held by many and I ought to embrace it. This was the energy I needed, and I felt ready to go and experience it all! 

The Swim: 1:43:26
The swim is a 2.4-mile out-and-back in Kailua Bay, where you swim 100 yards out to buoys that mark an “imaginary start line” in the water, tread water for a couple minutes with your group, and then begin swimming at the gun start. My plan was to take the swim slow, stay calm, and survive. As I swam, I heard Brandy’s words of encouragement, “slow is smooth and smooth is fast.” These words and my attention on just getting to the next buoy aided me in keeping calm as I progressed in the water. When I stood up to exit the swim, I had a massive cramp in my calf muscle. Fortunately, a kind volunteer held me up and reminded me to relax until it passed (ever grateful for the support of amazing volunteers). 

T1: 7:56
I stopped at the hoses to rinse off the salt water and then headed to the change tent, which was very chaotic. I grabbed my bike bag and got my socks, shoes, helmet, and glasses on. Then I was off to get my bike and hit the road.

The Bike: 7:00:06
The course takes you through town on a short loop, then up Palani Hill and onto the “Queen K” highway, where you bike out to mile 60 at Hawi and then back to town for a total of 112 miles.   At mile 59, I stopped for my lunch break. Unfortunately, my lunch was hot from sitting on the black cement in the heat all day. I ate my warm sandwich and enjoyed my nutter butters. I also took some time to say thank you to the volunteers.  After lunch, I headed to the transition. I truly enjoyed the scenic ride with my new friends.

T2: 11:18
I took my time in T2 to make sure I was comfortable. I changed my socks and put on shoes, my race belt, and hat. I stopped by the porta potties before heading out of the tent and began my run. 

The Run: 4:42:06
As I headed out on the run, I stopped to ask my friend Steve what my swim time was; I don’t use a watch and was unsure if I had made the cut off. He assured me that I had plenty of time, so off I went! I was very tired from not sleeping all week, so my goal was to take it easy and Finish.

I really enjoyed the first 7 miles in town; the views were scenic, and the crowd enthusiastic and a provided a great boost. At mile 8, there is a climb up Palani Hill and onto the Queen K where there was no crowd support, and it was less scenic. Around 6pm it became very dark and desolate. I turned on my head lamp and tried to stay focused on the white lines on the road. I felt very warm on the run and sweated throughout the 26.2 miles which is rare for me. I did not feel like eating so I just stayed hydrated and moved towards the finish.

When I finally came back down Palani at mile 25, I could hear the roaring of the crowds, and I started to get excited because I knew that I was going to cross the finish line. I picked up the pace for a smiling sprint down the finish chute. The crowd was roaring, the lights were bright, and as I crossed the finish line. I heard those magic words: “Pollyann Keller, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!”  Then found a private spot for a quick prayer of gratitude. 
Finish: 13:44:51

The 2023 IRONMAN World Championship was not my fastest or best Ironman experience, but it represented the potential I had inside me that I hadn’t realized: I, Pollyann Keller, am an athlete that DESERVED to be at the world championship. With God, hard work, and determination ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!

I want to close with gratitude. Gratitude for this day, everyone who helped me along the way, race organizers & volunteers. A special thanks to my friend and supporter, Ron Gurley who told me 6 years ago that he believed in me and that I could be an Ironman (well before I knew I could myself). And thanks to my friends Stacy, Charlie, and Kelly who helped push me along the way with their words of inspiration. I couldn’t forget my amazing teammates Brandy, Emilia, and Carey, who made this trip so special. Brandy was by my side until the end and even put my bike together and aired my tires. And Steve, who I give my biggest thanks and all my love (I ever appreciate his cheerleading and the financial support to make experiences like this possible)! 

"There is nothing impossible to him who will try." -Alexander the Great