continuing to recover… and, what’s next.

09/14/2013

In the two-plus weeks since Ironman Canada I’ve continued to eat like I’m still training – coconut macaroons for breakfast? Yes, please! – and occasionally have to remind myself that I did, in fact, race 140.6. It seems like eons ago and at times almost like it didn’t happen. Weird.

My body, however, tells me otherwise. I’ve ran just once since the race and while it wasn’t nearly as painful as I anticipated, I definitely could feel my legs. On the tired scale, three miles felt like 11.

There’s been quite a few miles put on the Madone since we’ve been home… 103 the second week after IM and another 110 this week. And, as much as I miss my Argon, it’s been enjoyable to hop on my bike and just ride, for fun and to explore some new routes around MSP.

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Since we can’t get enough of ironman, we spent last weekend in Madison, volunteering and spectating at Ironman Wisconsin. As fantastic as Ironman Canada was, there’s nothing quite like the energy at IMWI.  After volunteering bright and early at bike special needs, we spent the afternoon, Tour de France style, at the huge hill on Timber Lane. So awesome to see Beth, Jared and Katie crushing the course – and, smiling the entire time (below, clockwise from top right). Congrats on fantastic races! Beth took 2nd pro woman, Katie 6th AG and Jared 26th AG with an hour PR… all amazing!

Also, I’m still inspired by the Pease brothers, Kyle and Brent, who rocked the race (below, top left). So much heart and determination! For more info about these incredible guys, check out the Kyle Pease Foundation.

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With spectators like this, how can you not want to bike up this hill?!

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It was so great to cheer for Katie the entire day – and, to finally meet her in real life! She’s awesome 🙂

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And, then, on Monday morning, this happened. Bring on Ironman Wisconsin 2014!

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Happy swimbikerunning, friends!

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30 Comments

  • Reply ktfit 09/14/2013 at 11:47 am

    Love this!!! You were such a light of positive energy out there!!! Loved meeting you! You are amazing! Wish we lived closer so we could train together!!! Pumped for you to experience IMWI!!!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 6:54 pm

      It was SO fun to cheer you on, dear! You rocked it, and I can’t wait to see what you do at IMAZ! I agree… wish we lived closer so we could train together! I may have to make a trip to Cali next year 🙂

  • Reply Amy 09/14/2013 at 11:52 am

    That looked like so much fun. If you want to see the coolest hill in a race, go to youtube and search Solar Hill Roth. My friend did that race and had people pushing her rear up to the top!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 6:56 pm

      That is incredible! I get goosebumps just watching that! So cool!

  • Reply Beth 09/14/2013 at 12:55 pm

    So jealous you got to spectate an Ironman! I can’t wait to be a fan when IM comes to Boulder next summer. SO excited that you are doing IMooo, addictive isn’t it 😉

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 6:56 pm

      It was a blast! Spectating IM Boulder will be awesome… you’ll love it! They are SO addicting! 🙂

  • Reply vardotrichic 09/14/2013 at 2:08 pm

    I’m so excited you signed up for IMWI 2014!! Can’t wait to meet you in person and hopefully train with you some this coming year in preparation for our big day!!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 6:57 pm

      I’m excited you’re racing, too! We will definitely have to meet up and get some training in together 🙂

  • Reply hornishs 09/14/2013 at 8:44 pm

    Thanks for sharing and awesome pictures. We were there at IMWI last week too, the energy was amazing!! I was in awe watching the swim start, and very intimidated. That was my first time volunteering and watching an Ironman race. Next year will be my 5th year doing tris and my very first full IM in Madison. So excited to begin this journey!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:03 pm

      So excited for you! You’re gonna love it! The swim terrified me, too, but getting in the water prior to race start calmed my fears. Excited to follow your journey!

  • Reply Candice 09/15/2013 at 7:07 pm

    woooo hooooo #2!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:03 pm

      🙂 so excited!

  • Reply Luv What You Do 09/15/2013 at 9:30 pm

    So fun! I need to come watch IM Madison next year for sure!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:04 pm

      That would be so cool if you did!!

  • Reply Change of Pace 09/15/2013 at 9:31 pm

    Ooh- so excited you signed up for another one! I can’t wait to read about your journey to the start!
    And wow am I impressed with your post- IM biking! Good for you for going out and cruising around for enjoyment.
    I’ve never spectated an IM, but it is on my list!
    I’ve also been eating like I’m still training for something. Yikes!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:26 pm

      I’m hooked 🙂 Had to get in as much biking as I could before the snow flies! Definitely spectate an IM! It’s fun to see from the other side and to give back all the cheers from race day 🙂

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 09/15/2013 at 11:01 pm

    Sounds like you are recovering well! I love biking for fun cause that’s what I am doing now! Not worried about pace or time!!
    Yes!! Congrats!! IMWI is on my list too!! Awesome you could go and watch! I’m going to volunteer and spectate at IMLT next weekend! Excited!!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:27 pm

      How was IMLT?! Did you sign up for next year?! 🙂

  • Reply swimmykimy 09/16/2013 at 9:17 pm

    Wooooo Hooo! Awesome! I can’t wait to watch your journey 🙂 LOVED the photos from #IMWI, can you come be my cheer squad someday?!?!?! Seriously awesome

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:27 pm

      Would love to! When’s your next race? 🙂

      Thank you, lady!

  • Reply De 09/16/2013 at 10:41 pm

    Cheering can sometimes be just as fun as racing 🙂 I can’t wait to follow your journey to IMWI!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:28 pm

      You are so right! It is fun to spectate and cheer athletes on! So inspiring. Thanks, De!

  • Reply Alyssa @ Don't Look Down 09/17/2013 at 9:46 am

    Yippee! Another one! I’m also signed up for IMWI 2014!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:29 pm

      Yay! That’s awesome you’re signed up, too! It’s gonna be a fun year 🙂

  • Reply Rob Moses Photography 09/18/2013 at 8:30 pm

    Looks awesome there!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:29 pm

      It is, thanks!

  • Reply zoeforman 09/19/2013 at 4:17 pm

    I only did a half distance and have pigged out for two weeks. Maybe will allow 4 for ironmanUK recovery next year. Nice report 🙂

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:30 pm

      I feel like I’m still eating like I’m training for IM 🙂 Good luck with your training!

      Thank you!

  • Reply Kelly @ Kelly the Culinarian 09/25/2013 at 4:18 pm

    See you at IMWI!

    • Reply erin 10/21/2013 at 7:31 pm

      Yes! See you there, Kelly!

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