race report: ironman wisconsin 2015

09/24/2015

Our lives are not determined by what happens to us, but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results. -anonymous

Ironman Wisconsin could be characterized as a comedy of errors so ridiculous that really all I could do was laugh and stay positive, refocus after each one and keep moving forward. In the end, I couldn’t have asked for a better day and a happier finish line! I gave it everything I had on my all-time favorite course and chased the light – and, realized a really BIG goal (and PR!). Bring on KONA 2016…!

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what carried me through a few rough patches… 

pre-race

Race mornings are all the same… a way-too-early alarm, espresso in the Bialetti with full-fat coconut milk, gluten free sunbutter toast and final bag prep. Nick and I stayed with my good friend Kate just a few miles from the terrace, which made for an easy, stress-free morning. We got to the terrace with plenty of time and after tire pumping, body marking and dropping off our T1 + T2 bags, we met friends Sarah, Kyle and Nick, who were also racing, and coach Andy at a quiet spot inside. 

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we hit the weather jackpot… ideal race conditions at 70F with minimal wind!
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about 15 minutes before go with coach Andy and good friend Sarah.

swim | 1:08:44-ish, 1:38/100 yd

Nick, Sarah and I made our way through the masses bobbing in the water to the black ROKA buoy marking the inside line. As we treaded waiting for the cannon – the race is a deep water start (my favorite!) – I made sure to soak it all up… the sea of athletes, the spectators packed on shore, sunrise. It’s a beautiful sight. 

Before I knew it, we were off. Because I swim just inside the buoy line during an ironman, it wasn’t too chaotic, but I still had to swim around plenty of people and got hit by flailing arms a few times. 

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And, then, about 10 minutes in, cue. the. panic…!

OMG. I FORGOT MY TIMING CHIP. HOLY SHIT. 

I stopped immediately, and luckily it was right by a race official with a radio. I hollered HEY!, and as he paddled my direction, I frantically told him… I didn’t have my chip, would he call it in so I could get a new one in T1, that I was bib 388. Seriously freaking out. How could I forget my chip?! Who does that?! I didn’t know what else to do. It was either hang out with the official and watch my dreams drift away or just keep swimming and figure it out once I got to T1. My only choice: keep swimming. 

Other than trying not to beat myself up too much (good positive self talk practice), the rest of my swim was uneventful. I heard everyone moooooo around the first turn buoy, was videotaped for 20-30 seconds (maybe I made the race recap video?!), coasted on some giant boat waves on the back stretch (this stretch takes forever), watched the terrace approach and then pass as I got to the third turn (I breathe to the left so had a nice view of shore), and swam a little harder (as I probably should have the entire 2.4 miles) on the homestretch in. 

Gear: ROKA Sports Maverick Pro wetsuit, ROKA Sports X1 goggles in clear mirror, Castelli T1:stealth top, Coeur Sports tri shorts, lululemon flow Y sports bra. 

Nutrition (pre-race): one pack Skratch raspberry fruit drops, Osmo Hydration preload, Imodium.  

T1 | 7-ish minutes

T1 was full-on panic mode. From the moment I exited the water until I got my chip, I was freaking out. I tore my goggles and swim cap off immediately after standing up and told myself… find the clock… you have to know your swim time (I never wear a watch during an IM swim). I remembered from 2014 that it was tucked behind the swim out arch so ran to my right to see it… 1:08:4X something, right on target.

helix 2

After wetsuit stripping, I hustled up the helix, soaking up the cheers and high-fiving friends about halfway up. Still in panic mode once inside, all I could say to the volunteers was, “I don’t have a timing chip! I need a timing chip! Where do I get a timing chip?!” Three or four volunteers tried to help before someone outside knew where to get one: right before bike out. I got my bike, put my shoes on at the end of T1 and finally got a chip from a volunteer at the line. Thank god. I didn’t think about my mistake again… until Monday morning. But, more on that later.  

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bike | 5:44:27, 19.51 mph, 5th AG (second fastest AG bike split)

The bike started out phenomenal. My legs felt strong, and I was ready to hammer. Nick and I exchanged smiles and cheers when he caught me around mile three, and I cheered on a few friends as I went by in the early miles on the stick. 

The first loop was all sorts of fun and right on target watts. Between all the technical climbs and descents (6,115 feet of climbing, per my Garmin) and seeing so many friends out there cheering, it flew by, and I couldn’t stop smiling. 

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Timber Lane Tour de France style during the first loop.
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love this pic of my dad cheering me on! Photos by Ami Kochendorfer.

But, then, at mile 49, while shifting from small chain ring to big – something I’m so careful about – I dropped my chain. No problem… I’ll soft pedal while shifting and it’ll pop back on. No such luck. It was stuck between the front chain rings and the frame, so I had to completely stop and get off to fix it. Mechanical support cruised by and asked if I needed help… nope, all good, just a dropped chain, so I shooed them away and got back on my bike… only to have the chain pop off again. I hopped off my bike again to put it back on, hand pedaling it to ensure it stayed. It did, so off I went… for about a minute until it popped off again.

Cue panic mode again! The kicker: the dropped chain knocked my Quarq magnet off, so I was powerless, and my bike was making this horrendous grinding noise. I thought for sure it was a serious mechanical and for a few seconds contemplated waiting around for support, but there wasn’t time. Again, faced with a decision that could make or break my race: wait for who knows how long for support to return – and watch my dreams disappear – or keep pedaling, despite the awful noise and not certain I’d make it another 62 miles. I chose the latter… it was moving forward and that’s all that mattered.

So many people flew by me in the 4-5 minutes I spent fighting with my chain, that I knew I had my work cut out for me to regain the lost time. So, I got to work, focusing on how my legs felt, trying to maintain steady power (at least close to where I thought I should be) and careful to not push too hard so I wouldn’t shred by legs before the marathon. Many times I told myself out loud: you do NOT get to give up… keep going… keep fighting for this. 

It worked, too, as the second loop and the stick back to Madison were steady and fun (with an 11-mile homestretch QOM!). My legs still felt great, the temp was perfect and I was so comfortable in the saddle.

A few bike highlights: seeing my entire family cheering on Timber Lane, friend Julie’s crazy awesome cheers at the aid station in Verona and friend Heidi’s athlete running me up one of the climbs. 

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a highlight of the bike: the entire crowd from the bottom to the top of the Timber Lane hill chanting my name! I felt like a total rock star, so thanks for that, Jeremy! (first three pics by Linus Pagusara; second two by Ami Kochendorfer)

So, the magnet… it turns out it stuck to the outside of my chain, so every revolution it wound through the gearing. No idea how I made it back to T2 without my rear derailleur completely breaking.

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Gear: Argon 18 E-118, Cobb Cycling Fifty Five JOF saddle, Zipp Firecrest 808s, CeramicSpeed chain, Quarq Elsa, Garneau Vorttice aero helmet, Castelli T1:stealth top, Coeur Sports tri shorts, Sidi T3 shoes, Oakley Miss Conduct sunnies.

Nutrition: 48oz Osmo Hydration active, water, one Bonk Breaker PB+J, one sunny uplift GoMacro bar, three packs Skratch raspberry fruit drops, half pack caffeinated black cherry Clif Shot Bloks. 

T2 | 3:00

T2 was a cinch thanks to Coeur Sports teammate, Kecia, who was so helpful and got me exactly what I needed at lightning speed. In and out and ready to run! 

run | 3:42:11, 8:28 pace, 2nd AG (third fastest AG run split)

I’m excited for every leg of an ironman, but I couldn’t wait to run, especially after the IMCdA inferno. I bounded out of the terrace, bottle of Osmo preload + active in hand, and surprised at how decent my legs felt – and, how quiet the course was. It seriously felt like few others were running. 

My stomach was a bit unsettled, so I popped a few Tums and an Imodium around mile six when I hit the mini biff. I felt better and kept with the positive self talk – keep moving forward, never give up – while focusing on my target pace and the mile I was in. By the time the second loop rolled around, I couldn’t believe the marathon was half done. The crowds along State Street and seeing my family, friends and niece Finley… beaming! The energy along this stretch is second to none!

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I ♥ this pic! 
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Sonia had just given me a place update around mile 19… fifth in my AG = time to hustle!
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hard to miss this sign, made by my sweet friend Julie! 

With six miles to go, I knew I had to drop the hammer and GO. That last stretch is tough… you’re on a bike/run path, and while there are some spectators, it’s just darker. Because mile 20! I grabbed a BASE amino drink around here, got a pep talk from friend Linus and began focusing on each step and counting down the final miles rather than how awful I felt.

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I vaguely remember passing a few women during those last miles, but had no idea what AG they were in. What kept me moving forward: thinking about that magical finish line and how badly I wanted to cross it. On repeat in my head: just keeping running… just keeping running… just keep running. 

Gear: Coeur Sports team kit, Hoka One One Clifton 2 and trucker hat, Feetures elite socks, lululemon flow Y sports bra. 

Nutrition: 20oz Osmo Hydration preload + active mix (carried the first five miles), four black cherry Clif shot blok chews, cola starting at mile 10-ish, BASE Performance electrolyte salt, BASE amino (last six miles).

official results | 10:45:29, 2nd AG, 8th OA

And, then, after a few turns on State Street around the capitol, there it was…! I was positively giddy, with a big smile plastered across my face, as I ran that last point-two. The joy of crossing an IM finish line is pretty amazing – soaking up everything it took to get there and feeling so incredibly grateful that I *get* to do this – especially at Wisconsin surrounded by my friends and family ♥

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post-race

There was no med tent this go-round (thank goodness)… just lots of laughs with my amazing support crew. 

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training and racing with this guy… so fun and so proud of him! 
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so much happiness! 
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auntiehood is pretty awesome ♥
family
part of my fantastic support crew… couldn’t race without them!
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the two guys who push me to be my best – my main squeeze, Nick, and coach, Andy.

And, last but not least… a huge thank you to my team, Coeur Sports, for all their incredible support this year. Kebby, Reg and Hailey… you’re the best, and I’m beyond grateful! And, to Osmo Hydration, ROKA Sports, Cobb Cycling, Sound Probiotics and Pure Clean Powder… THANK YOU! I couldn’t race happy and healthy without any of you ♥

awards + roll down

To make a long story short, awards on Monday morning were interesting. After the race, there was no question… I was 2nd AG and 8th OA. But, when they announced our age group, I wasn’t included on the list. That damn timing chip! Officials figured it out, and I kept my placement, thank goodness. WTC did, however, need to verify via Finisher Pix and the official race communications log (my conversation with the race official during the swim), so they held my Kona spot. The two-day wait was agonizing (even though the VP of ops told me it would be mine)! I’ve worked so hard the past two years and would have been crushed – there were so. many. tears. – if my dreams had been dashed. Lesson learned for sure. I will be one of the athletes wearing her timing chip immediately after race check-in! 

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35-39 AG podium.
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Minnesota women cleaned house! 
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And, two stressful days later… we celebrated my KQ with pizza 🙂 What a day! Cannot wait to toe the line on the Big Island in 2016! 

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76 Comments

  • Reply Celeste E. 09/24/2015 at 7:32 am

    I’ve been waiting for this and it was worth the wait. Exceptional blog post AND exceptional race. I am beyond happy for you. You amaze me. End of story. 🙂

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 12:49 pm

      So many thanks, Celeste! 🙂

  • Reply Sara 09/24/2015 at 8:17 am

    Erin! Congrats! Your ability to not only persevere but also whip out a kick-ass finish is inspiring. Your race is a good example of how to stay in the game mentally, control what you can control, and keep moving forward. You have worked so hard, and I’m so excited for you! Hope to bump into you on the River Road soon.

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 12:50 pm

      Thank you so much, Sara! I’m still pinching myself 🙂 Hope to see you on River Road soon, too (I start running again in November)!

  • Reply Amy 09/24/2015 at 8:44 am

    First–I think you deserved a bigger pizza 😉 I can’t believe all you went through to get your Kona spot! I’m sure that some people would have given up during the swim once they realized they forgot their chip-good for you for carrying on! The pictures were amazing and it’s wonderful that all your hard work paid off! Congratulations again!!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 12:55 pm

      Ha! There’s been PLENTY of pizza the past six weeks… #somanycarbs … Thank you so much, Amy! Super stoked, still!

  • Reply Alyssa @ Don't Look Down 09/24/2015 at 8:53 am

    Wow! First congrats! It has been awesome and inspiring to follow your journey to KQ for the past few years. I followed along for much of the day and was so happy to watch you cross the finish line in second place!

    Your race does sound like a comedy of errors! And all of that would have definitely stressed me out, but you kept your head in the game! Also how did that magnet hold on for 62 miles!?!?

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 12:59 pm

      A comedy of errors indeed! Thank you so much for your support and cheers, Alyssa! NO idea how the magnet stayed on that long or how it didn’t wreck my rear derailleur!

  • Reply Katie @ Daily Cup of Kate 09/24/2015 at 9:15 am

    I loved reading this, Erin! I live in Madison and signed up for Ironman WI 2016- first one ever! Thanks for all of your inspiration and congrats on Kona!!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 1:01 pm

      YES! That’s so exciting, Katie! Can’t wait to follow your training to IMWI 2016! I’ll be there that day cheering you on 🙂 Thank you so much for your cheers!

  • Reply LC 09/24/2015 at 10:30 am

    Fantastic! Huge congratulations on the KQ and on overcoming such obstacles during and after the race! What an inspiration!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 1:19 pm

      Thank you so much, LC!

  • Reply Steph @321delish 09/24/2015 at 10:44 am

    Oh my gosh! I had no idea you had all those issues! I was wondering why you didn’t have a swim time, and one of my SOAS teammates told me about the fiasco at awards. How terrible! But, I’m so glad it all worked out!

    You are such an inspiration, way to keep moving forward and digging deep. Can’t wait for you to race in Kona!

    Any chance you’ll be at IMWI spectating or volunteering? I’ve had my finger hovering over the register button more times than I can count since then!

    • Reply erin 09/24/2015 at 5:54 pm

      Thank you so much, Steph! It was so great to see you out there cheering and to finally meet! Hope our paths cross again soon 🙂

      YES! Click the button! Do it! No way would I miss the race next year! I’ll be there cheering you on every step of the way!

  • Reply ironamy 09/24/2015 at 10:52 am

    Erin, what a story! I’m so glad it worked out in the end. I can’t imagine how awful those couple days of waiting were! I always hook my chip onto the sports bra (flow Y!) I’m going to wear on race day as soon as I get the chip, then, unless I forget to put on my bra (not going to happen), I won’t forget my chip. Congrats on an amazing race, made even more amazing by the adversities you had to overcome! And it sounds like you’re going to spectate in Kona this year? That will be awesome inspiration and couse recon for next year! Way to go girl!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 1:21 pm

      Right?! Thanks so much, Amy! Great tip, too… will be doing that for sure going forward! #flowYFTW 🙂

  • Reply Laura 09/24/2015 at 11:42 am

    Biggest Congratulations! Your hard work and grit paid off, and I’m so excited for all this next year will bring for you as you prepare for Kona. Your physical prowess is always inspiring, but your mental fortitude is why I am such a fan. So many things to dwell on, but you don’t let is stop you! I love it! Congratulations again.

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 1:22 pm

      Aww… you’re so sweet, Laura! Thank you!

  • Reply Lauren @ Lauren Runs 09/24/2015 at 12:07 pm

    So excited for you! I saw you out on the course (I’m on team Coeur as well, about 4 hours behind you!) and you looked awesome! So glad that the timing chip stuff got worked out! Photos of you and your neice on course are SOO CUTE! And also – funny that Linus took the same photos of me! Small world!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 1:26 pm

      Congrats to YOU, Lauren! It was great seeing you out there! Thank you so much for the cheers and support! Love the internet… Linus and I met during IMWI last year and have stayed in touch since!

  • Reply FitnessFatale 09/24/2015 at 12:33 pm

    CONGRATS! What an amazing race despite a few major hiccups! Well done!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 2:44 pm

      Thank you so much! Hope you’re well! Mamahood looks good on you! 🙂

  • Reply Runner Leana 09/24/2015 at 12:35 pm

    Erin, congratulations!!! I’m so proud of you and inspired by you. You have worked so hard and it has paid off. My couch talks a lot about focusing on what is “in your box” on Ironman day and you did that in spades. Well done on digging deep and achieving your dream. You have definitely inspired me to push hard for my goal next year and to chase my own light at Ironman Boulder.

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:10 pm

      Thank you so very much, Leana! Smart coach… love that “in your box” tactic! Excited to watch you train for and chase your light at Boulder!

  • Reply Kendra Krueger 09/24/2015 at 12:37 pm

    Holy crap – the drama!! I had no idea! What a story you have……I was anxious reading the whole recap even though I knew the outcome :). And tearing up. So proud of you, Erin! You chased your dream and nailed it. Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration and keeping it real! xo

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:12 pm

      I KNOW! It was insane and so nerve-wracking! Thanks SO much, Kendra! What’s next for you?!

  • Reply Kecia 09/24/2015 at 12:45 pm

    It was SO much fun to help you in T2!! With a day as long as Ironman, so many things can go “wrong,” but you did a great job of overcoming every obstacle you faced!! I am so proud of you!! You are an inspiration and I am so happy to watch your journey and see all of your dreams come true!! Congratulations lady 🙂

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:23 pm

      Thanks so much for your help in T2 and for all the cheers all day, Kecia! So fun to have teammates out there 🙂 Looking forward to following your journey to IMWI 2016 and cheering for you!

  • Reply See Becca Try to Tri 09/24/2015 at 12:46 pm

    I am so in awe of you!!! You seriously give me hope that I will do it one day! Your amazing enthusiasm and positive attitude is infectious and incredible! I am so thrilled to watch you prepare for 2016!!!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:28 pm

      Never give up, Becca! You WILL! Hope your collarbone is healing up well! Thanks so much for your cheers! Will you be at IMAZ?!

  • Reply Kristina 09/24/2015 at 2:22 pm

    Congratulations and thanks for sharing a great read! Way to stay focused and present, and I can’t wait to read about what’s next (Kona, obviously, but before then).

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:29 pm

      Big thanks, Kristina! I have nailed down the rest of my 2016 schedule, but will share once I do 🙂 Hope you’re well!

  • Reply Allison 09/24/2015 at 4:12 pm

    I couldn’t wait to read this!! So proud of you…It’s been exciting to see your journey and I can’t wait to see the road to Kona next year! Enjoy your off season 🙂

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:45 pm

      Thank you so much, lady! Can’t wait for 2016! Hope you’re well! Off-season for you, too?!

  • Reply hyedi 09/24/2015 at 4:18 pm

    So proud of you, even though I knew that spot would be yours this time around! Way to persevere and stay tough through all of the setbacks! You SO deserve this!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:48 pm

      Aww… thank you so much for the vote of confidence, friend! Hope you’re well! We must get coffee soon! I wanna meet your little man!

  • Reply Jessie 09/24/2015 at 7:31 pm

    Congratulations Erin! What a great post to read and I am VERY excited to follow your Kona training! Does this mean no vizsla pup for a little longer though? Ha!

    You should be so proud- WOW!

    • Reply erin 10/26/2015 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks so much, Jessie! Ha! Sadly, I think it does mean no baby V yet (though I’m still trying to talk Nick into one!) 🙂

  • Reply Leslie @ TriathleteTreats 09/24/2015 at 9:05 pm

    You are so inspirational!!! That is absolutely crazy about the timing chip. When I was checking IronTrac that morning and you didn’t have a swim time I thought what could have happened?? You finally had a bike time so I knew all was well but that would be intense waiting to find out if you would get that Kona slot!! What a day and race!! It definitely wasn’t perfect but it probably wouldn’t have been that good of a story if there had not been some hiccups! Congrats on the Kona slot and PR!! You are such a bad-ass!! Hope you are recovering well!!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks so much, Leslie!

  • Reply Jen 09/24/2015 at 11:32 pm

    You are adorable, and so is that niece of yours! See you on the Big Island!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:48 pm

      Thanks much, Jen! My niece is far more adorable 🙂 Hope our paths cross at some point this year!

  • Reply Beth 09/25/2015 at 9:06 am

    Finally got over here to read and comment! Was stalking you the WHOLE race. I had no idea the crazy that you were dealing with. Your positive attitude truly paid off, not that you aren’t physically a beast, but I know that I’d have given up with the chip and then the bike issues. You are such an inspiration and I’m going to draw on this when I need something to keep me moving forward. Like, “Hey, remember when Erin swam an ironman WITHOUT A TIMING CHIP? She didn’t quit and you can’t either!” Seriously. So fantastic! I think your mental game is phenomenal. And I saw some comments on social media about how deserving you were of that KQ and I couldn’t agree more. An awesome awesome accomplishment for an awesome awesome lady. Congrats doesn’t seem to cut it, but congrats anyway! <3 you!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:50 pm

      It was an insane day! (Doing some blog updating and realized I forgot to reply to some folks on this post!) Made it even more memorable, though, that’s for sure! I think I love the mental game the most 🙂 Thanks so much for your kind words and support, Beth! 🙂

  • Reply Mom 09/25/2015 at 12:33 pm

    I’ve only read this about 10 times & I cry every time because I’m so proud & happy for you! I know how hard you’ve worked to reach your dreams & goals; so thankful that we could share it with you! Love you lots!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:51 pm

      Aw, thank you, Mom and Dad! So grateful you were there to support me and cheer… means so much! Love you, too! <3

  • Reply Leigh 09/25/2015 at 12:51 pm

    Congrats Erin! Loved reading your trip report. It reminded me of this wonderful Cheryl Strayed quote, “I considered my options. There were only two and they were essentially the same. I could go back in the direction I had come from, or I could go forward in the direction I intended to go.” Can’t wait to follow your journey in Kona!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:52 pm

      Ooo… I love that quote! Thanks for sharing and for your kind words, Leigh!

  • Reply Kristen 09/26/2015 at 9:23 am

    Erin, you are truly amazing and an inspiration to all of us! Considering the adversities you had to face (holy moly, forgetting your timing chip!!!) on a tough course, you completely crushed it. Honestly, I had no doubt. Based on your performance at CdA I just knew that this was going to be THE ONE! Congratulations on your KQ. No one deserves it more. I can’t wait to follow your journey there… maybe someday I will walk in your footsteps. 🙂

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:54 pm

      So sweet of you… thank you, Kristen! What a day! I’m still pinching myself five months later 🙂 So excited to follow your journey to CdA this year… it’s gonna be good, I just know it!

  • Reply Kathy Howe 09/26/2015 at 11:26 am

    I am so excited for you! (I feel like I am going to Kona!?) Way to crush it 🙂 I cannot wait to cheer you on next year!!! Its gonna be a great year 😉

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:54 pm

      Thank you, Kathy! It’s gonna be a GREAT year for you, too, and I can’t wait to cheer for you!

  • Reply Valerie 09/26/2015 at 12:36 pm

    Congratulations, Erin, on your KQ!! Way to push through the panic of the missing chip, the bike chain and then to have to wait two days… yikes!! So proud of you and so excited for you on reaching this goal – to race in Kona!! Let’s meet up soon…..

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:55 pm

      It was a crazy couple days…! Thanks so much, Valerie! We still need to get that coffee… 🙂

  • Reply Amanda Remlinger 09/26/2015 at 11:25 pm

    So awesome! I loved how heartfelt and inspiring this post was. Congratulations on the KQ. Only a few weeks to go and you’ll be there. Cheers to my amazing Coeur teammate!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:56 pm

      Thanks so much, Amanda! I hope our paths cross soon!

  • Reply Danielle @ Eat Primal, Run Hard 09/27/2015 at 10:55 am

    Wow! Just incredible! I loved reading this post, but more importantly, I loved your focus, determination and strength during your entire race. Talk about a series of unfortunate events! Others would’ve just stopped, bowed out, but you persevered and it seriously paid off, nail-biting two days aside. A massive hug on your Kona place, I look forward to reading about and watching how 2016 unfolds for you leading up to next autumn. You are truly an amazing triathlete, and amazing person, and such an inspiration, both on the course and off. So glad we’re ‘blog’ friends J

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:58 pm

      Thanks so much for your kind words, Danielle! I’m so glad we’re blog friends, too! I hope that we can meet IRL soon, too 🙂 xo.

  • Reply tamsynsmith 09/27/2015 at 3:47 pm

    Massive congratulations – you are such an inspiration 🙂 I hope that you have a less stressful day for your next IM!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 9:58 pm

      You and me both! 🙂 Thanks so much, Tamsyn! Hope your training is going well!

  • Reply Feisty Eats 09/27/2015 at 6:24 pm

    Great recap. Thanks for sharing. What a crazy day. I appreciate your smile & positive attitude! Congrats on the finish & KQ!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:00 pm

      Thank you so much, Sarah! 🙂

  • Reply Steena 09/28/2015 at 7:31 pm

    You are so freaking BEAUTIFUL!! Your strength, your will, your determination to stray strong throughout! All of it is so beautiful, and you have no idea how inspired I am by you. Congratulations! I can’t wait to follow your journey to Kona!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:01 pm

      And, I can’t wait to follow your journey to IMWI! Thanks so much for your kind words, Steena! Hope your training is going well!

  • Reply Next Year?! Already!! | Triathlete Treats 10/01/2015 at 12:33 am

    […] Erin’s amazing race in Wisconsin, I thought about that race for about 5 seconds!! I have heard Madison is awesome. But […]

  • Reply Jeff 10/01/2015 at 7:00 am

    Congratulations! IMWI was my first 140.6, and it was a really special day. I’m glad that yours went so well. Have fun at Kona!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:03 pm

      IMWI is a magical race, right?! Thanks so much, Jeff! Counting the days to Kona!

  • Reply Kelsey @ Happy Triathlete 10/01/2015 at 11:30 am

    Yay!! Erin, you are amazing! The pictures from the race really tell it all… that huge smile just shows how much you love this sport and how much fun you were having! Congratulations on nabbing your Kona spot!! You totally earned it 🙂 So inspiring and I think I’ve just made a mental note that when I finally do an IM, it might have to be Wisconsin!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:05 pm

      Always, always have to smile and have fun… because otherwise there’s no point! YES to doing IMWI! Keep me posted, and I’ll be there to cheer you on 🙂 Thanks so much, Kelsey! Hope your training is going well!

  • Reply Brittany 10/08/2015 at 4:54 am

    Erin! So, so happy for you. I just knew you’d do it, (you have worked so so hard) and loved getting to follow you all day through the race. I’m so inspired by your attitude also- despite all the issues on race day! It’s not at all the same, but getting back to training post pregnancy has had its challenges and i keep remembering your attitude (“I get to do this”) etc and it is really helping. Thanks for the motivation :). Enjoy some down time now!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:06 pm

      Isn’t that the best… that we *get* to do this?! Hope you’re doing well and back into the swing of things! Thanks so much for your kind works, Brittany!

      • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:07 pm

        I mean kind words! 🙂

  • Reply Luv What You Do 10/08/2015 at 7:24 pm

    I am so behind on blog reading (for good reason…ha ha!) but all caught up on your Instagram. It was awesome to read your recap and my heart was pounding thinking about you and your missing race chip. Congrats on your incredible race. You are a true inspiration!!! Can’t wait to read about Hawaii!

    • Reply erin 02/06/2016 at 10:09 pm

      Thank you so much, Jennifer! And, I can’t wait to read about your honeymoon to Bora Bora… your insta pics were amazing!

  • Reply How I (Swim, Bike &) Run: Ironman athlete Erin Klegstad | Kinetic Fix 12/02/2015 at 8:00 am

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