Kelli Smirnoff - IRONMAN 2007
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Wow! Words can’t even come close to explaining what a surreal experience Ironman was. People had asked me why I was doing it and I would simply reply, “Because I can.” Now if I am asked my reply would be, “To relive the experience of a lifetime.” The days leading up to Ironman I had family and friends arriving helping to keep me positive and smiling. Never underestimate the power of those that believe in you. I also had the chance to meet for the first time, Jenny, one of the featured athletes in the documentary ATHLETE who is a cancer survivor and an inspiration.
As we walked around the Olympic village you could feel the excitement and nervousness of the athletes. So much went into leading up to this weekend and seeing the transition area and all the tents made the dream a reality. The evening before the race my family and friends gathered and after some spaghetti and hugs it was off to sleep.
The morning of IM came and at 3:30AM I had my oatmeal and Carrie (sister), Teagan (niece) and Dad were ready to rock n’ roll. Leaving out the fact that my Dad was stopped by a cop on the way to Lake Placid it was a smooth ride and my nerves were unusually calm. Then I saw the swim start and it was beautiful with the mountains in the background and the fog lifting off the water; very serene. But, in reality, it was the calm before the storm. After the pro woman went off at 6:25AM the age groupers stormed the swim start and then the nerves kicked in big time! I am a weak swimmer so I started in the back to avoid getting stuck in the mix of arms and legs flailing around.
The loudspeaker began to blast U2’s “It’s a Beautiful Day”, and that it was. Then the cannon went off and boy was I wrong about staying out of the masses. Let’s just say I got through the swim but I was shivering uncontrollably and some heels found my goggles a few times. BUT, when the swim was over I knew the rest of the day would be perfect.
As I exited the water I saw Cate (stepmother) and Erin and Carter (great friends) just cheering me through transition! Boy did I make them wait a long time so thanks for your patience!
As I ran out of the transition tent I heard my family cheering for me (yes, I tripped a little bit and they got it on film and kept replaying it…but comic relief is a necessity)!
Talk about God’s country! I am not kidding when I say I was enjoying the scenic Adirondacks and absorbing everything that it had to offer. I went into the bike knowing I had to be conservative to get through the run and so I did just that. Definitely a hilly course that had me in my small chain ring most the ride but man there were some great down hills that I hit 42MPH and was just laughing all the way down! The second loop brought with it some additional headwind to add a bit more of a challenge but it is an Ironman for goodness sake…bring it on!
I rode into transition with a huge smile knowing that the run was ahead…I LOVE running!
As I ran out of the transition tent I heard my family cheering for me (yes, I tripped a little bit and they got it on film and kept replaying it…but comic relief iAs I ran out of the transition tent I heard my family cheering for me (yes, I tripped a little bit and they got it on film and kept replaying it…but comic relief is a necessity)!
Talk about God’s country! I am not kidding when I say I was enjoying the scenic Adirondacks and absorbing everything that it had to offer. I went into the bike knowing I had to be conservative to get through the run and so I did just that. Definitely a hilly course that had me in my small chain ring most the ride but man there were some great down hills that I hit 42MPH and was just laughing all the way down! The second loop brought with it some additional headwind to add a bit more of a challenge but it is an Ironman for goodness s a necessity)!
As I made my way into the Olympic oval I saw my twin sister, Carrie, jumping up and down with a huge smile on her face and I knew I was almost there. She grabbed my hand and we ran towards the finish line and she was screaming, “You did it! You are an Ironman!” It took everything I had not to cry my eyes out. That was the most special moment of the entire race and I will never forget it. That was the moment I realize that all the training, early mornings and emotional ups and downs were all worth it. That split second you realize you are one of the few with the coveted title of an Ironman!
A few interesting facts/stats:
IMLP was a woman’s only Pro field ($200,000 purse)
24% of the field was woman (rock on ladies!)
904 of the 2,208 athletes were first timers
157 (41 woman) athletes unfortunately did not finish
Approx. 3,500 volunteers!!! The day does not happen without them!!!
I had the 4th fastest Female Armature run time (we will not mention my swim and bike times)!!
SWIM: 1:24:12 BIKE: 6:44:54 RUN: 3:35:05
TOTAL: 11:56:18