Ironman Season: Why I went MIA

I didn't realize how long it had been since my last post. On July 5th, my husband and I left California for Ironman Switzerland. To keep it concise I'm going to borrow a fabulous habit from one of my girlfriends and just list the lessons I learned from the trip:

1. Wasser = German for "WATER!"
2. Not all Ironmans are created equal; I knew this in the 'course' sense, but note that these races are also organized by different organizations (the international ones in particular). Ironman Switzerland didn't even ask me for my photo ID at registration; while the 70.3 in Hawaii had to take my pre-race weight in addition to the 5 liability waivers.
3. HOPP HOPP HOPP! = German for {cheering}
4. Plan for the unexpected: all my friends' races this year had temperatures 20+ degrees over the norm; but Zurich was a cool 16 degrees and POURED down rain. This was a blessing for my hubby who usually suffers from rapid salt loss and leg cramps; but was not that fun when riding the downhill part of the course.
5. EVERYBODY's buff. Hubby told me that I'd see all these super-fit, buff people walking around at Ironman and it may be intimidating. But then he told me what a friend had told him {relax - they're likely thinking the same thing about you!}
6. Save your legs! Save your legs! Save your legs! I passed dozens of people in the marathon; all of whom mashed uphill past me during the bike leg of the race. I think this pearl of wisdom is one everybody knows yet so many fail to follow it.
7. Even though IM Switzerland didn't body mark, it was still thrilling to pass 'ageless' people during the race!
8. Sometimes you have good race days, sometimes, not. I had a GREAT race day; no equipment issues, no muscle issues, no nutrition issues. I'm certain it's because I stuck to what I did during training and didn't try anything new. [well, except maybe for the chicken broth during the chilly marathon!]
9. I know the announcer didn't say it in English, but I could still hear "You are an Ironman!" as I crossed the finish. Video looked less heroic than I felt it was at the time.
10. Completing an Ironman race is difficult enough - I wouldn't have been able to have the phenomenal day I had without huge support from my husband, parents, colleagues, friends and fellow athletes at The Olympic Club throughout the year!

Thanks for all the well wishes and glad to be back. /JK

PS - If you did Ironman Switzerland, Austria, or IM Lake Placid this month share your comments on your favorite part of the race!