Where do I beginning in telling my REDMAN story? I slept OK the night before. For the previous to days, I woke up naturally at 4:00, so Redman morning – again, I woke up before my alarm. Still calm, no nervousness. That’s either because today would be my tenth marathon, but first marathon immediately following a 2.4 mile swim and 112 mile bike ride. Or was it because I never considered the REDMAN as a race. To me it was a Victory Parade. The hard part was the training. September 23rd was to be a celebration of the past 36 weeks of training.
I had my coffee and bagel, one side with cream cheese, the other with crunchy peanut butter. I gathered my swim gear, and post-race clothing bag. Dave showed up right at 4:30. We headed for the Starting Line. Dave volunteered that morning as a kayaker to provided safety for all of us swimmers out there.
OK, so we got to the lake at 4:45am. Transition doesn’t even open until 5:00. Tanya and I arranged to meet there at 5:15. So, we’re a little early. Dave and I stayed in his car, where I sipped more coffee and he chatted to keep me distracted.
Just after 5:00 we headed over to Transition. Only athletes are allowed into transition and you have to show your accreditation bracelet or race number. I met up with Tanya in line to get our timing chips and get our race numbers written on our arms and legs. Dave photographed this ritual of triathlon.
Tanya and I headed to where we had racked our bikes before. It was nicely set up where all the Full Distance women were together. Now you’re probably thinking, “Why would you need to get to a triathlon 2 hours early.” “Well baby, this ain’t no triathlon, It’s the IRONMAN.” OK, we can’t call it an Ironman because the name is trademarked, but “It’s the REDMAN” doesn’t have the same effect, yet.
Since rain was predicted overnight (and it did – howling winds, too) we had covered our bike seats and bars with plastic. We cleared the protective plastic, checked our tires, filled our water bottles and chatted with everyone around us. Since the REDMAN venue is 5 miles from my house, and less than one from Tanya’s, there were many people at this event that we know, plus many we wanted to meet. Of the four women in my age group, Becky was the only other one form Oklahoma. I first met Yvonne, who traveled here from Switzerland. This was here first Iron Distance, but she was an experienced Ultra runner. The other woman, Pam, was from Missouri. She said here training partner and done Couer d’leine Ironman in 14:45, and she figured she could do about the same. OK, all along I figured I would take 4th in my age group. Yes, out of 4. I knew Becky would be ahead of me – the other two, previously unknown, now assured me of my 4th place finish. In my eyes, 14:45 would win our age group. And who would travel to Oklahoma from Switzerland unless they were good. I was a peace with this because I wasn’t racing. I was here for the parade.
Some other women were nervously chatting. The kept saying how stressed and scared they were. Tanya and I explained our “Parade Plan.” “How can you be afraid of a parade?” They liked that philosophy and said they too would focus on that.
Now it was time to put on the wetsuit. That’s a workout in itself. For a good time, watch women try to get a wetsuit up over their butts! I think Melissa got a few photos of that.
Suddenly it was 6:30. Time to close Transition and to head down to the water. Did I mention that OKC is about 20 inches below the average rainfall this year? Did I mention that The City of OKC forgot to put the order in to get water released from Lake Canton to fill Lake Hefner. So it was a beach start. After the gun, we’d have to wade out about 75-100 yards before we could start swimming.
I did a prayer circle with other women from OKC prior to the start. The national anthem was sung, and we assembled ourselves for the mass start. Then I heard that Lisa and Laura were there and wanted to wish me off. I ran up the beach to find them. They were wearing Team Cranwell T-shirts, with the Team crossed out, and Just Katharine over it. A few pictures, then back to the beach. Tanya and I hugged, said another mini prayer – wished each other well, then without warning, BOOM!
I started my watch, and it was one full minute until a reached a place where I could swim. Tanya and I immediately lost each other, but that was to be expected.
I got into my rhythm right away. Stroke, stroke, stoke, breathe left. Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe right. Over and over again. It was 7:15 – sunrise was at 7:19. There was light, but it was difficult to see the buoys, even though they were HUGE and ORANGE and spaced 150 yards apart. Oh, I forgot to mention the wind. I don’t know how strong it was, but the waves were pretty big, coming from the north. So between all the bodies and the wind – it was challenging. I didn’t get hit or kicked much. Where I was, it was just gently bumping. I pretended everyone around me was Tanya, so I wouldn’t freak out. It was 900+ yards to the first turn buoy, then a sharp left turn. Some 400+ yards for the second leg of the triangle, then some 600+ to the final buoy, totaling 2112 yards. Yep, and as FULLERS had to, I mean, get to do it twice.
Things got a bit congested at the first turn buoy. More arms and legs all trying to get the best position. I came out on the other side safely. Again, sighting the buoys on the second leg was a challenge. Since the angle was so tight, I wasn’t sure if I was swimming straight, or heading back towards the first side. They kayakers were extremely helpful. The rest of the first lap was uneventful. I said a few ‘Our Fathers’ and ‘Hail Mary’s’ as I had in training. This helped me as I knew about how many yards it took to swim through each prayer.
When we reached the buoy near the beach, it marked the end of the first and beginning of the second laps. The water was only about 2 feet deep, so we walked around it. Imagine my surprise when I heard Becky call my name. We were side-by-side. Then we were off again. I lost her at this point. Since pretty much everyone was wearing a black wetsuit, and the official white swim cap with the REDMAN logo – we all looked the same. On Friday night, I decorated my cap with two red racing stripes down the middle. Later, Dave said that was how he recognized me at the end of my swim.
The start of lap 2 was easier as more the ½ the participants were out of the water as they were doing the HALF, RELAY or AQUABIKE. I did my best to stay relaxed. I thought about the great manatee – gliding through the water. I tried not to think about how close I was to Becky. That would get all kinds of competitive emotions going and I didn’t want that to happen. I thought about Tanya, and hoped she was having a good swim. I hoped her hands were staying relaxed as she has a problem of them going numb when she swims. I took a moment to eat a GU which I a had discretely hidden in my wetsuit. I looked around and smiled, “This is my IRONMAN! I’m swimming in Lake Hefner.” Oh yeah, swimming is prohibited in Lake Hefner as it is a water resource form most of the city. OK, back to work. I started to think about where Becky was and it messed with my head. Instead of “Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe,” it became “Stay, within, yourself, breathe.” I have that written on a sticker on my bike aerobars.
Rounding the buoy to begin the 5th leg of the triangle, I was blinded by the glare of the sun. Quite a few of the athletes around me were treading water, looking around, trying to figure out where to go. One of the kayakers said the buoys were in exact alignment with the sun. So I followed the sun’s reflection on the water. Perfect.
Did I mention the winds were picking up? I no longer had to worry about the other swimmers, as I was worried about the waves blowing me off course. If I went more than 6-7 stokes without sighting, I could be anywhere.
Rounding the last buoy and heading for the beach was great. I no longer had to watch buoys, just head for the big tents on the shoreline. Oh, but now the waves were crashing into me hard. A wave hit me squarely in the face, knocking my goggles loose. I said loose – not off. As Tanya had suggested, I tucked the strap under my swim caps. But, the wave pulled the strap out of the side of the goggles. I briefly debated trying to thread it back through. God knows how long that would take. So, I tucked them into my wetsuit. Luckily, I had forgotten my goggles for a couple swim workouts and had practiced swimming with my eyes closed, and opening them when I breathe. If I opened them under water - well, bye-bye contacts. As I made it closer to shore, I heard Jeffrey Kragh’s voice announcing the name of swimmers as they exited the water. I approached the final buoy, and Dave was there! He shouted I was ahead of my projected time of 1:45. I check my watched – 1:34! I shouted for joy! I made my way up the beach. Rocky took a picture, then I headed for the wetsuit strippers. They are about as hard to take off as they are to put on, so the assistance was appreciated. Then I was off to the Transition tent.
Kari Danemiller was my Transition assistance. She unloaded all the gear, which I had packed and turned in the day before. Shorts, jersey, shoes and socks. She helped me get into my arm warmers (so glad Carol lent me hers), and covered me with sunscreen. Melissa was in there cheering me on. I know she had here camera, but I hope she didn’t take any inappropriate photos! She told me I was second in my Age Group out of the water. “Becky?” I asked. She smiled as she shook her head. Right as I was heading out of the tent, Becky came in. I decided not to say, “Hi,” as I didn’t know if it would mess with her head.
I jogged out of the tent, grabbed my bike, and jogged to the Mount/Dismount Line. I head someone scream my name, and looked over to see Tyler, whom I call Traveler, in the Mechanics Tent. I would later find out that he and Holly had just become engaged!
Jerianne was at the Mount/Dismount Line and joked about my flying mount, which I didn’t even attempt. There were a lot of screams of encouragement, but my head was spinning with “I beat Becky out of the water.” I couldn’t stop smiling. I have to back up a moment hear. Becky is a highly competitive person and a great athlete. At the Route 66 Triathlon, when Tanya got to the strippers mat, Becky was just leaving. Tanya was right on her tail. Tanya and I were both stunned. The Buffalo Springs Half Ironman, I was stunned to hear that Holly beat Becky out of the water. That became a mantra – Holly beat Becky out of the water. Mind you, I love Becky. But it was nice to have Holly do so well. And now I did the same! As I rode the 3 miles across the north part of the lake, to get to the main part of the bike course, I almost cried. I thanked God, loudly for my accomplishment thus far. I thought about how Jerianne, now seeing Becky get on her bike would be stunned. I thought about how excited Tanya would be when I told her I beat Becky out of the water. Uh-oh, I’m in second place. That was never expected. I hadn’t prepared for that. This was a parade, not a race. It never, ever occurred to me that I would be ahead of Becky. I pedaled on.
Turning north onto MacArthur, I realized my HR monitor wasn’t working. It was fluxuating between 77-84. I don’t think so. Should I double it? Man, that would require me to do math all day. Not gonna happen, so I turned it off. Did I mention the winds were coming from the north?
I’m getting older and my vision is getting worse. Riding up MacArthur, I thought I saw a woman running down with her bike. Wow, a mechanical failure and she’s going to run it in? OK, I got closer and she was running with a big dog. She yelled out, “Hey Katharine, it’s me, Lisa” as I blew by. I waved and called back. Normally, I’d stop and chat, but this was a race, I mean a parade. I met Lisa a few years ago. We somehow connected through emails looking for running partners. When we met for our first run, we both talked about what marathons we had done. We both did the Inaugural Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. When we shared our times, we realized we ran together towards the very end. She beat me by about a minute. Crazy. We ran together a few times after that, but life gets in the way. I saw her last year and the Redman Awards Banquet. She was with a friend from Texas who had done the REDMAN. I told her I was considering doing the HALF and she should train with me. She ended up having back surgery the following month so nothing came of that. On a whim, I emailed her this week to tell her I was doing the FULL. She replied with an email of strength and encouragement. What a surprise to actually see her out running during the parade.
I was still smiling, so grateful to God. I’m in second place! Wow, my stomach feels funny. Was it because of the unwanted gulps of the water I took in Lake Hefner? Was it gas? Did I need a bathroom? I know the next aid station was at Deer Creek. Definetly a benefit to know the course inside and out.
I made it to the Aid Station and was surrounded by Boy Scouts, offering me water, Gatorade, Hammer Gel and the like. I said that all I needed was the porta-pottie and they fought over who would get to hold my bike. Maybe TMI here, but I had farts so powerful, I was afraid the Boy Scouts would hear me!
As I came out to claim my bike, I wondered if Becky had passed by. I considered asking Sara Heiki – aid station captain and REDMAN Planning Committee member. I mentioned, “Wow, I get to do this course twice, and then get to run a marathon.” – referring to my comment at the previous OKC-TRI Club meeting where in Holly’s presentation she said to “Remember, when you get off your bike, you have to run a marathon. I corrected her in saying, “You GET to run a marathon! So Sara sent me on my way, and I told here I’d be back in a few hours.
I continued up MacArthur towards Waterloo. I saw Philip Vanlandingham heading down MacArthur back to transition. He was doing the HALF. Not sure, but I think he might have been in 4th place. It seemed the wind was coming from the north, so I was looking forward to a crosswind as we turned on to Waterloo. Don Hart (Ironman Hawaii Finisher) was there for traffic control. Again, it was great to see a Planning Committee member. I made the turn, started up the hill, into STILL a headwind. Gees, 14 more miles of this?
I passed the farms, fields and cows. Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain. By now, quite a few of the HALFERS were passing me in the other direction. Soon, I was getting passed by plenty of men (no women) in my event. Rob (I-can’t-remember- his- middle- name) Bell passed and we cheered each other on. I smiled as I realized I beat all of these men out of the water! Did I mention I just started swimming in January?
The miles ticked by. No Becky. I really didn’t think she passed while I was in the bathroom. I looked up the street when I remounted my bike and there was no one in sight. OK, it’s been 17 miles, and I’m still in second place. This wasn’t at all in my race plan. I referred to my handle bar sticker “Stay Within Yourself.” Kind of hard to ‘Stay Within Yourself’ when your HR monitor isn’t working.
Around this time I sang, “Happy Birthday,” out loud. The first of three times I planned to sing it while on this long bike ride. My niece and namesake, Katie, turned 18.
It was such a friendly event. As cyclists passed, there was always a nod, a raised finger, or a word of acknowledgement – on either side of the street.
I approached the turnaround at Cimarron Road – Chester’s Party Barn, whatever you want to call it. It was a sharp hairpin turn over the timing mat, then about 30 seconds to the next aid station which happens to coincide with the Chisholm Trail Landmark. I stopped to freshen up on fluids. Mike Peterson (Multiple Ironman Finisher and REDMAN Planning Committee Member) gave me words of encouragement and sent me off. Now was my chance to see the other athletes. I estimate that Becky was about 1.5 minutes behind me. Sarah wasn’t far behind her. I was glad to see Tanya before I got to Piedmont. We screamed each others names and kept going. It’s about 4 miles to Piedmont Road where we would turn right and get a tailwind. Almost every training ride we did had a headwind on Piedmont. In the summer, the wind comes from the south. Cooler months it’s from the north. Oh yeah, September 23rd was the first full day of Autumn. The tailwind didn’t seem to give as much pleasure as the headwind caused work.
By now, I was still passing many more people from the HALF event. Covell is littered with potholes. I hit one so hard that it dislodged my right aerobar! If my arms were any longer, it would have slipped all the way out. I briefly debated stopping to tightening, but decided to wait until I got to the Bike Special Needs area where I planned to really take a break.
I turned north, ah, back into the wind, up County Line. I bypassed the Aid Station there, but slowed down enough to say hi to Bike Course Director, Ken Heike. What a huge smile he had as he cheered me on. Yes, I was still smiling too. I was at Mile 34 and still ahead of Becky. Somewhere around here I remembered I was carrying Rolaids in my Bento Box. This helped with the pressure in my gut. I didn’t want to trust farting unless I was in the porta-pottie. Berry flavored Rolaids are a good thing! I continued into the wind, and up County Line, past the Horses For Sale sign and some oil rigs. I knew these roads well. A right turn took back onto Waterloo and I knew it was 3 short miles and back to MacArthur. Uh oh, why are my hamstrings cramping? This had never happened before. I had been taking my salt tablets on schedule. I decided to take another. I pulled my film case container of pills from my cleavage, or lack thereof. Of course as I opened it, I hit a pothole. I don’t know how many or what pills came out, but I just smiled. That was my frame of mind. If a loose aerobar and losing a few salt tablets or Tylenol was the worst thing that happened today, I’m OK with that.
Heading down MacArthur, but before Deer Creek, I saw Justin Wolfe going up the street, his second lap on the course. That put him about 30 miles ahead of me! I thought, “At least he’s not in my age, nor is he my gender, but he is in my TRI club and he’s earning us points!”
For the rest of the ride back to the lake I was still smiling. About 2 miles from turning onto Britton, I saw Shay from Team In Training. We ran together a few times in training for the Disneyworld Marathon, before I broke my foot. When I saw her and bawled/sobbed hard. ‘I’m doing an Ironman! I’m in second place at Mile 51. Becky still hasn’t caught me.’
Turning onto Britton for a brief climb up to the dam, I saw Dave and Rian. I can’t remember if this is the first place I saw them. Things are beginning to run together. But they howled and took pictures and video. This boosted my spirits even more. I gazed out over the lake. The wind had strengthened, and there were white caps. I started thinking about what others in the TRI club might be thinking when they saw I was still ahead of Becky. I was just sure Tanya would be smiling for me. I hoped her day was going as smoothly as mine. Oh, except for the loose aerobar.
I got to the turnaround at the Transition. I didn’t really see anyone from the club. But there was Pascal. He yelled, “Hey Katharine, is Becky behind you?” “Yes, about a minute and a half,” I guessed. I thought it was an odd comment for him to make. Where was my, “Good Job!”? Yes, it’s all about me.
At the Special Needs area, I felt like I was a NASCAR driver! I pulled up, called for a wrench. The mechanic was immediately there to fix the bar. A gal brought my bag. She helped my find my supplements, and I was out of there in less than a minute. I checked my cyclometer: AVS 16.2 for Lap One.
I saw Becky head to the turnaround. Then, Yvonne from Switzerland, right behind her. Or was it the other way around? Ah, the memory is fading already. I knew they were on my tail. Anyway, Yvonne passed me before I was off the dam. That’s OK, I still had third place, but I knew it wouldn’t be long before Becky caught me.
Off the dam, down Britton I saw The Guys who still cheered me on. I was still smiling, having the time of my life. I passed Shay again and Shawna from Team In Training as I headed back up MacArthur for lap 2.. I was feeling strong, uphill into the wind.
At Mile 62.2 I got hit by a strong wind gust that moved the sensor of my computer. No more readings. On previous rides and this happened I’d reach down and try to adjust it. Not today. Not gonna chance getting my fingers caught in the spokes. Not going to stop and adjust it either. So now, no HR monitor or cyclometer. “ Staying within myself” was gonna happen on internal feelings.
I don’t remember where it was that I was Justin Wolfe, but he was hours ahead of me.
Time for another round of “Happy Birthday.” This time to a co-worker and great friend, Jennifer.
I tried the HR monitor one more time. 134! Excellent! It’s back , and I could judge my pace and effort a little better. I could tell the wind had picked up since the first lap. That’s fine. I don’t mind the wind. Long ago I became a Goddess of the Wind. “The wind is my friend, it will make me strong. If you curse the wind, it will curse you.”
This lap I stopped at Sara’s aid station for a break. Yes, I had stopped at the Special Needs area, but now I was tired. And I told her so. The boy scouts changed out my bottles. Sara got me a peanut butter sandwich. I took one bite and handed it back. “Sorry, it’s not very good.” I know she didn’t take it personally. I think I stayed there about a minute and a half. I needed the break. I told her I’d love to stay and chat, but she encouraged me to get back on my bike. That short break did wonders for me. Looking back, would my time have been better had I not chatted? Probably not, because I needed the mental distraction. Back up to Waterloo – Don Hart cheering for me as I made the turn. The wind had shifted. Now it was coming from the west. 12 more miles of headwinds. I was at mile 76 when Becky caught me. All she said was, “This wind sucks.” Um, OK, I told her she was looking great. At that point, the pressure was off. I was 4th out of 4 in my age group, and truly I was relived. I didn’t have to work to stay in contention for a trophy. Because, truthfully my goal was to finish. To finish upright and by 11:30pm.
I played leap frog with a man in a bright colored jersey. He’d pass me, I’d catch him. This went on for quite a while. The hairpin turn at Chester’s Party Barn, over the timing mat, back to Mike Peterson’s aid station. The volunteers took my bike as I stretched. He offered me a chair, but I told him if I sat down, I may never get up. I headed for the porta-pottie. I felt a little dizzy so I asked Mike to stand by the door incase I fell. The wind was howling. I feared it might fall over. I survived. Grabbed a few Clif Bars and was off. Sarah was just behind. She looked like she was struggling, but then she was still riding into the wind. I was still smiling.
I didn’t see Tanya this time before I turned onto Piedmont. I figured she was about an hour back. The wind sometimes made her struggle. She’s trying to become a Goddess of the Wind, but sometimes you just gotta curse it.
I saw ”The Guys” at Piedmont Road. They rode alongside for a couple minutes, chatting and videoing. I asked about Tanya, and Rian said she was about an hour behind me, as I had thought.. They told me that she was having a great day.
Trying to predict my project finish time for the ride was challenging. My brain wasn’t functioning right, and math was not coming easy. Prior to REDMAN Day, I figured I would start my marathon about 4:30 or 5:00. It seemed I was about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. I had 3 more miles into the wind up County Line. OK, I can do that. They guy I had been Leap Frogging with, bypassed Mike Petersons’ aid station, but I passed him when he stopped at Ken Heike’s station. I didn’t see him this time At this point, heading into the wind, I sang “Happy Birthday for the 3rd time today. This time for Deborah Reed. Back onto Waterloo and the signs on the telephone poles about the electric company, and it was back to MacArthur. A final wave to Don Hart and I was on my way home!
I really was feeling good. The belly pain was gone. No more cramps in the hamstrings. Somewhere along MacArthur, Sarah passed me. I wished her well, and she came back with a comment like, “I can’t wait to get off this bike.”
At the intersection of 164th and MacArthur, the police officer that was suppose to be directing traffic, waved a red truck through the intersection, without even looking in my direction. The truck started through, but saw me and slammed on the brakes at the same time I was screaming, “NO!.” There was a look of terror in the officers’ eyes.
Upon crossing Memorial, we had to cross over to the opposite side of the street. We had 2 lanes, one going north and one for going south. Cars were using the western 2 lanes, one in each direction. So what was I to do when a Fire Engine and another Emergency Vehicle were coming up hot behind me? I know you’re supposed to pull over to the right, but that would put me going 23 mph into oncoming car traffic. So I pulled to the left. Seriously, I was concerned that I might get some kind of penalty if the Race Official saw me riding ‘Left of Center.’ I figured I had a pretty good excuse. I told him about it at the Awards Banquet and he just laughed.
It’s amazing how emotions just sneak up on you. I was about to finish the Bike Leg of an Ironman. I’d never ridden 112 miles before, especially after swimming that far. I had never swum 2.4 miles for that matter. Now it was time to start thinking about my marathon. Up on the dam, the wind was even stronger as I looked over Lake Hefner. It was a beautiful clear sky. It was warm but not hot. I’m glad I kept the arm warmers on. I had enough of a clear head to turn off the Timer that had been beeping every 15 minutes to remind me to eat and drink. I pulled into transition and dismounted the bike, thankfully, and was aware a lot of people were cheering for me, but I didn’t take the time to really take note of whom. I racked my bike and headed for the Women’s Changing Tent.
They already had my gear laid out. Sarah was still in there and Martha was attending to her. A gal named Lisa was my assistant. When I realized I was about to pull my bike shorts off right inform of the open door, we scooted down. Sarah and I didn’t talk, but only because we were so focused and so tired. Oh it felt good to get those bike shoes off. I changed standing up as I feared if I sat down I wouldn’t be able to get up. Sarah left the tent about 2 minutes before me. As I made the exit, Martha said, “Have fun, and go get Becky.” I vaguely remember hearing Jeffrey Kragh announce the start of my marathon. The place was screaming! I swear, everyone was cheering for me! Now I could see faces, Melissa, Lisa, Laura, tons of people from the TRI club. Philip V. who had finished the HALF course by now High 5’d me and said, “This is where the fun begins!” Was he being serious – because he knows that I’m a runner? Or was he joking because he knows that I know he DNF’d last year with 3 miles to go, and ended up in my medical tent. Mark Bravo was out there. Jill from Team In Training. My gosh, I can’t explain how powerful that was.
Sharon Barrows told me I was looking great. I told her I knew she was lying, but to keep it up. She did!
Lisa and Laura ran with me until my next walk break, then held back because they know I couldn’t have anyone pace me. Oh my gosh, I’m one mile into it and I needed the bathroom. I knew it was another half mile. I could make it. It was the Chesapeake Energy aid station, right by the porta-potties south of the restaurants. I’ve used them a thousand times. How come I couldn’t find them? I approached the aid station. “Where is the porta-pottie?” They pointed behind them. Duh! Once in there I realized Kelsey Swindler, who had completed the HALF, had said “Good job,” and didn’t even respond. I made a mental note to apologize. And I did when I saw her at the Awards Banquet. She said she completely understood.
About a half mile later, I saw Justin. He was really moving. Dang, he’s miles ahead of me. Wow!
I had switched my watch mode to timer, so I didn’t know clock time or actual time since I left Transition. I think I start the run before 4:30, as my transition surely couldn’t have taken more than 15 minutes. In training I was running 4 minutes, then walking 45 seconds. The plan was to get so used to that, that 1 minute of walking would seem long. It worked. I was ready to start running again with about 15 seconds left.
Oh my gosh, what was happening. I suddenly got hit with waves of nausea. I moved to the side of the path and gagged hard. I started to panic. This is what caused Philip to DNF. Vomiting. Shit! and I’m only at Mile 2. I’ll never be able to make it 24 more miles. Then I remember I had Tigan with me. I got nauseated once after a particularly long, hot ride at Lake Overholser. I got a prescription and shared a few tablets with Tanya. Yes, I know you’re not suppose to share prescriptions, but that’s mainly for narcotics and antibiotics. This is to keep an Ironman hopeful on track. I took the Tigan and kept moving forward. I told myself that it would be alright if I had to walk. I was going to finish this thing. I was last in my age group already. I would go as slow as a needed to. The brain is a crazy thing. I don’t remember starting to run again. I guess the watch beeped, and like one of Pavlov’s dogs, I responded.
Yes, I used the bathroom at the next aid station too. My butt hurt. Grabbed some Vaseline, moved out of direct line of anyone’s vision and fixed it. Some bleeding but not as bad as it has before.
It was great seeing all the athletes coming the other direction. Everyone was so supportive, nodding, encouraging words. I held up my end too. Randy told us how during the REDMAN last year, he felt better by trying to help others feel better. I rounded Stars and Stripes Park and could hear Jeffrey’s voice carry across the lake. Nausea gone, I was feeling fine. Except my feet! No one told me that my feet would hurt this much. Sure, they hurt on the bike. But wait, they didn’t hurt on the bike today. Or did they, and I just didn’t notice. Now they hurt. I moved off the pavement and onto the grass and dirt. That hurt worse! Wow, this is going to be a long marathon. I pushed the negative thought out of my head and kept moving forward. I will finish this. I’ll walk as much as I have to.
The Tailgate Aid station was run by the OKC Running Club. They were very supportive, especially since I was wearing a TRI-OKC jersey. They knew I was a ‘local.’ Thank you, thank you!
I had made banners to honor the 4 of us REDWOMEN doing the event. The storm left the first one crumpled. I didn’t take the time to fix it. I hoped the others were still in place. I rounded the corner by the Fire Station, ‘Hey, who put this hill here.’ I hadn’t noticed the incline before. Around the next curve, I saw it ‘TRI-OKC REDWOMEN, KATHARINE, SARAH, TANYA, BECKY.’ It made me smile. I’m sure it made them smile as well.
There I was at the next aid station. This one was run by kids from Cassidy High School. They were great! The filled my bottle, offered my food… We’re excellent and entertaining. As I pulled away, I heard one say, ”I can’t believe women do this.” That boy has a lot to learn.
So next, Rob Bell was approaching me. Ever smiling, we sent each other positive energy and continued. Not five minutes later, I needed a bathroom. Home field advantage, I knew exactly where.
Just past that, I saw my 3rd of 4 posters. This was a long one that stretched out and listed our names. Cool. Still smiling. I hoped Tanya was off her bike and running by now. My brain hurt too much to try to calculate times.
I walked up the hill toward the crosswalk at the Golf Club House. The kids there were screaming really loud. Channel that energy and do the REDMAN next year, “I said to the girl. “Yeah, right’” she replied. I continued around the golf course, towards the Lisa and Laura Pole (2.5 miles from Stars and Stripes). I thought about touching the pole as they would have, but I wanted to save my steps. This is about where I saw Travis. He was running well. Gosh I hope he was having a great day. I had met him at the OKC Memorial Marathon while working at the REDMAN booth. He was looking for a massage therapist, and I’ve worked with him almost every week since then. Even though we didn’t train together, I considered him one of my training partners as every week we would share details of our training.
Down the hill I ran, towards my final banner, which again says TRI-OKC REDMAN WOMEN and lists our name, I felt uplifted. A volunteer stopped traffic as I crossed the street and passed where they put in a new water fountain. Hmm, that never felt like a hill before. It was about there that I caught up to a woman. As I passed her, I noticed she had a 42 written on her right calf. Oh my gosh! She’s in my age group. It was Pam, who had predicted she would finish at 14:45. We exchanged greetings and I moved on. Holy smokes! I just passed the woman I thought would win our age group. It sunk in that I was now in 3rd. We were less than half a mile from the turnaround. Becky had already made the turn and was heading towards me. We exchanged a brief hug, wished each other well and were off again.
I was in my zone. Felt like I was moving at a pretty good pace. My feet weren’t bothering me. I was taking strength from all those around me, as I headed for the turnaround at 6.6. Sarah was running towards me now. A quick greeting as we passed. Damn if I didn’t need the bathroom again. I hit the bathroom before running over the timing mat. While inside, I hear the beep of Pam crossing it. No worries. If I caught her once, I could catch her again. And I did, as she hit the porta-pottie right after she made the circled turnaround.
I continued on my merry way. I greeted every athlete I saw. Most responded in a similar fashion. Really, I was smiling. I was having a good time. I tried to enjoy every minute as I know there will never be another First Ironman, and probably no more. It seemed I was passing a lot more runners than were passing me. I guess this is where my ultra-running came in. My body was used to running far. Not fast, but far. I used every aid station along the course. I was happy, and in no hurry. Still I just wanted to finish and beat my goal time of 1615-1630. On the Monday before the race I had a dream that I finished at 11:30pm and Tanya came it at 11:35pm. We both thought that would be great! I didn’t look at my watch. Trying to calculate times in my head was impossible.
Heading up the slight incline where I put the box for Get Fit Oklahoma, I passed a guy walking. “How are you?” I smiled. He shook his head. I don’t feel good.” The nurse in me came out and I inquired if he was nauseated? Dizzy? Feet hurt?” His reply was “Yes.” I noticed he was wearing a visor with the trademark IRONMAN logo. He was walking at the far edges of the curse. I suggested he cut to the inside, shorter run. I didn’t know what else I could do.
Shortly after passing the Fire Station, I saw Dave and Rian. I stopped and gave Dave a quick kiss. I tried to ask him to find out how far ‘the women in the turquoise shirt’ was behind me. I don’t think the words came out in the right order, but he understood. I most cases, when you pass someone in a marathon and you’re feeling that strong, and they are looking that weak, you’ve got it made. But this was new territory. Triathlons weren’t my thing.
Around here was where the only 2 women passed me during the run. It was the twins. They were amazing athlete!. Perfectly sculpted bodies. They ran in unison. Step for step. ‘Hey, that means I’ve been ahead of them all this time.’
Now I saw Tanya. This would be the first time we would get to chat all day. We were both smiling. We hugged. We both were doing well. We both shouted, “I love you!” over our shoulders as we took off again.
Starting the loop around Stars and Stripes, I caught up to Sarah. “Hey, can I buy you a Gatorade? I know a little bar just up the way.” I joked. She said, “No.” She was walking at this point. She said she didn’t feel good and regretted drinking the Coke at the last aid station. I walked with her for a short bit, then went on my way. I was feeling too good. At the north end of Stars and Stripes, I could hear Jeffrey’s voice again. I smiled. Less than 3 miles, and I’d be at Transition for my Special Needs bag. That meant 16 more miles of running. I tried not to think about that. It sounded really far.
TRI-OKC members and Planning Committee members were roaming the run course on golf carts. How uplifting is that? David Flesher, MD was in a cart, asked me if I needed anything medically. I beamed, shook my head, “I’m doing great.” Jane, who had done the HALF, was in a golf cart with Jerianne, screaming wildly – and driving wildly. I almost cried – bawled.
I stopped where there used to be a water fountain at ½ mile from Stars and Stripes because it felt like there was a rock in my shoe. A couple women and a little girl were there. I asked if the were volunteers – because you can’t accept aid from anyone not affiliated with the race. They were cheerleaders for another athlete. So, I asked one of them to stand by me so I wouldn’t fall down while I checked my shoe. No pebble, but it felt better once I put it back on. I thanked them and moved on. They yelled “Go Cranwell,” as our names were on our Bib Numbers. I took the time and shouted back, “And tell your athlete I wish them well.
Just before the restaurants, and the Chesapeake aid station, a golf cart with Holly and Randy pulled up. Randy lifted his shirt to ‘flash’ me. I had done the same for him when he finished the FULL last year. I pointed and screamed. Both he and Holly had done the AQUABIKE. Randy won it.
Having no idea what my time was, I continued toward Transition. At Louis’s, a group of spectators were sitting at the tables outside. As I approached, they started bowing as if to say, “We’re not worthy. We’re not worthy.” I shouted to them. “I love you.” Somewhere around the northern-most point of the Louis’ Parking lot, I saw Becky. I spread my arms for a hug. “Can’t hug, gotta keep going.” Umm, OK. At the awards banquet the next day, she told me she was afraid to stop and hug because it would make her start crying all over again.
The sun was still out. I figured I’d get here about 8:30. I had previously researched that sunset was at 7:26 on REDMAN Day. I was about an hour ahead of schedule. I think Jeffrey announced my arrival at the turnaround. I heard cheering, but don’t remember faces, other than Sharon Barrow. She was cheering wildly. The assistant helped me get my long sleeved shirt and a couple bags of sport beans from my Special Needs Bag. I passed about 3 men at this point. My running was good. I hadn’t really taken any extra walk breaks, except for the aid stations or when my lower abdomen cramped.
Somewhere after the turnaround, I saw Melissa. She ran with me and told me that Justin was in the Medical Tent, getting IV fluids and puking his guts out. I realized, I never saw him on his second run lap. Concerned, I asked, “Did he finish?” Melissa shouted, “HE WON!” Shivers all over. Moments after that, I saw Chris, his wife, who had done the HALF, and a per-race favorite. I called to her, “Did you win?” She gave me the thumbs up. She cheered me on and my thumb went up to her, too! Wow, husband and wife, both with victories on the same day. How great is that?
The sun was getting lower, but not yet time to take off the sunglasses. I was really doing this! I was on the last half of the last part of the REDMAN. I was still running well. As I made the turn west towards Stars and Stripes Park, I took off the sunglasses. I perched them on the top of my head, but it felt a little tight. I tucked them in my sports bra, and was concerned about chafing. I told myself to get Vaseline at the next aid station. I had about 10 miles left when the sun went down. Trying to do the math in my head, ’It’s about 7:30. I have to run 20 minute miles in order to finish by 11:30pm. Like I said before, I struggle with math, even when I’m not depleted. I knew I was running faster than 20 minute miles. I realized my math error, and that I might actually finish closer to 10:30! Holy Shit!
Running up the circle, David Pollard passed. He looked good. It wasn’t possible for him to not look good, if you know what I mean. Wow, he had only 3 miles to go. It was his goal to beat his time from last year by an hour. I think he was the only person from the Tri club to repeat the FULL.
Yay! Here was Tanya, running towards me. She said she felt nauseated and had taken both her Tigan. I didn’t have another, so I offered her a peppermint. I told her about the Wolfe’s victories. She was elated. After glancing at her watch, with amazement in her eyes, she said, “Are you looking at a 15 hour time frame?” I only shook my head and said, “I’m not looking at my watch. My goal is 16:30.” Again, we took off. I would see her one more time before my finish.
I cheered on everyone that passed me. Some going the other direction, and it didn’t seem any passing in my direction. Wow. I was passing people going my way, but no one was passing me!
I don’t remember where I as when I saw Dave and Rian again, but Dave told me I was about 8 minutes behind Becky and the other woman was about 8 minutes behind me.
At the Tailgate aid station, I asked the score of the OU game. 44-0 OU. Good.
At the high school aid station, I now noted it was a Hawaiian theme. A girl in a lei filled my bottle, I was offered a range of foods. I tried to eat a pretzel and it dried out my mouth. These kids were so encouraging. A girl wrapped a glow-light necklace around me wrist. I had heard not to wear them around your neck because the light attracts mosquitoes. The constant movement of my arm would keep them away. After passing two aid stations, I remembed to get Vaseline at this one to lube where my sports bra and sunglasses were rubbing. And I was off once again.
Lake Hefner gets really dark after the sun sets. It was a little difficult for me to see that path. But I knew it well enough and wasn’t worried. My abdomen cramped very sharply and I needed the bathroom immediately. I knew there was one less than 5 minutes away. I was halfway between the High school aid station and the porta-pottie . I moved forward carefully, and made it in time. I know, TMI, but it was part of my event.
The same kids were manning the crosswalk by the Golf Club house. They were happily playing. I’m glad they were having a good time. I was too. I thanked them and kept moving. I was passing more people. My stride was getting longer. I saw Beth McCombs at the aid station. She was one of the Run Coordinators. I gave her my sunglasses. I had thought about hiding them behind a tree, but could get penalized for “abandoning equipment.’ Paschal was there. He told me Becky was about 10 minutes ahead. I replied, “Oh, I’m not racing this.” And I meant it. When Dave told me that Becky was 8 minutes ahead, I didn’t care. I was much more concerned about Pam, behind me. I felt good as I continued towards the Lisa and Laura Pole. Down the little hill, damn, it hit me again. It was pitch black out, so I stepped off the path and went right there. And I was off again, feeling as good as new! I thanked the volunteer who had a flashlight on his orange flag which he used to stop the traffic for me.
Towards the bridge, less that half a mile from the turning point, in the dark I saw a runner. The glow –lights were the only way to see people unless you were right on them. .I called out in the dark, ”Is that Becky?” It was. I had gained on her from the previous lap. We exchange greetings and kept going. I headed for the lights of the turnaround. I saw a glow-light lying on the side of the path and realized it was an athlete. The nurse in my kicked in. “Are you alright?” “No, I got misdirected. I’m lost.” Immediately I recognized the accent. It was Yvonne from Switzerland. She asked where the Finish Line was. I explained that it was on the other side of the lake. We had just over 6 miles to go. She said she had already been there, and had finished her marathon. I didn’t know what to say, other than the Finish Line was on the other side of the lake. She said she couldn’t go any further. She accepted my offer to call for a SAG Wagon. I ran up to the next aid station and reported it. They said a call had already been made. This is where I had planned to start drinking Coke. I had a bit before as my stomach felt queasy. But this was where I really enjoyed it. On the bike I thought that Rolaids were my new best friend. But, I’ll always be true to Coke. I think I grabbed an orange. They had tasted great all day and this was no exception. I chatted briefly with the volunteer. Thanked him profusely as I knew I wouldn’t see him again tonight. When I passed Yvonne, a volunteer was sitting with her. I told her that a vehicle was on the way. Then it hit me, I was second in my age group and Becky was first! Oh my gosh!
I tried to do the math again, to calculate my new projected time, but it wasn’t happening. I saw Holly at the Aid station just beyond the Lisa and Laura pole. I gave her my long sleeved shirt that was tied around my waist. It was windy, but not cold. I knew I wouldn’t need it. She was so happy for me when I told her I was about an hour ahead of schedule!
As I crossed the street by the Golf Club, I told the cheering gal that she’s gonna do it next year. “That would be great!” she shouted to my back. Down the hill, even though it was a walk break, I ran. It was so dark and I couldn’t see my watch. Since I ran through a walk break, I got my times mixed up. Rather than walking during a possible run segment, I just kept running until I could figure it out again. I hoped Tanya was having as great a day as I was.
High school kids ran out to greet me as I approached their station. I accepted their offer of chicken broth. It was lukewarm, but I drank about half. I asked a girl in a lei to fill my bottle about halfway with ice and Gatorade. A kid dressed as a pirate laughed when I mentioned the bottle was too heavy when it was full! I teased him, “If you were a women, I’d be your idol about now.” He said, in his pirate accent, “I’ll be writing a song about you, and after that, a book about you.” Their music was great. I believe it was Green Day, “Time of Your Life.” How appropriate! Tanya and I planned to use this song in our slideshow/video of our Finish.
It was very dark between the High School Aid station and the Tailgate one. I don’t remember much of that mile. But what a joy I felt when I got to the Tailgate Aid Station and heard Tanya announce my arrival. More hugs and supportive, encouraging words, and off we went in our separate directions.
I went around Stars and Stripes Park, heard Jeffrey’s voice and tried to make mental note to tell him how his voice carried across the lake and inspired me. The volunteers had their attention focused on an athlete coming the other direction and didn’t even see my arrival until I was there. They offered me everything. I looked around but nothing looked good. I knew that a this point nothing would really fuel me. I had a Coke and grabbed an orange slice on my way out. Did I see Jerianne and Jane again? It’s beginning to blur. The Medical Golf Cart with David Flescher stopped again. Did I need anything? Salt tablets? Ibuprofen? I smiled, shook my head, “Nope. I’m good!” I’m on my way home. Less than 2.5 miles! I could see the lights of the restaurants. For some reason, I never liked running this stretch. Probably because there was always so much traffic, but it this point, only REDMAN participants. Many were walking, I was still running. I skipped quite a few walk breaks by now. I just didn’t need them! I was running on Coke and adrenaline!
I passed another guy. I was truly feeling great. We could see the lights of the Finish Area. I joked,”Run towards the Light!” He chuckled and started running again.
When I got to the Chesapeake water station I asked for a cell phone. I wanted them to call Dave, who had been holding my cell phone all day. I gave the man my number, “820-2273.” Wait, that’s not my number. The 7 wasn’t right. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember my phone number. I thanked him and continued on.
I took the walk break just before Louis’. I didn’t need it, but I was concerned that if I pushed to hard something might happen. At this point wasn’t taking any risks. Another athlete was ahead of me. I thought it might be Becky. Should I run her down and take this victory? I didn’t want to steal her glory, but if it was possible, I wanted the glory. I could tell that if I kept a steady pass I would catch that person. As I got closer I was somewhat relieved that it wasn’t her. I made the pass.
I switched my watch mode from Timer to Chrono without looking at it. I was pretty sure I was under 15:30. I was going to beat my goal by over an hour!
The Finish Line area was going crazy! I hit the red carpet and finisher’s shoot. I could see the inflatable red arch. The timing clock said 14:34. People were screaming! I’m sure Jeffrey announced me, but I didn’t’ hear it! It was amazing. The TRI-club was out in full support. There were so many out- stretched arms to hit. I ran under the arch with my arms up in Victory! I’m crying as I type this. EVERYONE was there. I think it was Jane that put the medal around my neck. Someone handed me a t-shirt. Cameras were flashing. Hugs all around. I felt someone remove my timing ship. I saw Dave with a bouquet of flowers. We hugged. There was Laurent! And Laura! Lisa and Chris! Melissa! And so many members from the club! Anthony and Angela! They had left the football game after the 3rd quarter to see my finish. I clung to Dave, hugged Rian. It was surreal! I’ll never be able to explain how this feels! Dave Wood the Race Director hugged me. “We sure didn’t expect this!” I had been teasing him for months to extend the trophies to 4 deep in my age group. Pictures, pictures and more pictures. I finished almost 2 hours ahead of my goal! I was offered Medical attention, but I didn’t think I needed it. Melissa walked with me a bit to assess me. I was a little dizzy, probably could have used an IV, but really didn’t want one. I wanted to bask in the glory – and I did.
I had had the time of my life! All I had to do now was pray and wait for Tanya. I couldn’t wait to see her.
Katharine Cranwell, you are on IRONMAN!
“IRONMAN is not a distance or race. It’s a state of mind.” This was written on a plate left at the high school aid station. They had to close up while there was still one athlete on the course. They left him some food, drink and a plate with that message written on it
I had my coffee and bagel, one side with cream cheese, the other with crunchy peanut butter. I gathered my swim gear, and post-race clothing bag. Dave showed up right at 4:30. We headed for the Starting Line. Dave volunteered that morning as a kayaker to provided safety for all of us swimmers out there.
OK, so we got to the lake at 4:45am. Transition doesn’t even open until 5:00. Tanya and I arranged to meet there at 5:15. So, we’re a little early. Dave and I stayed in his car, where I sipped more coffee and he chatted to keep me distracted.
Just after 5:00 we headed over to Transition. Only athletes are allowed into transition and you have to show your accreditation bracelet or race number. I met up with Tanya in line to get our timing chips and get our race numbers written on our arms and legs. Dave photographed this ritual of triathlon.
Tanya and I headed to where we had racked our bikes before. It was nicely set up where all the Full Distance women were together. Now you’re probably thinking, “Why would you need to get to a triathlon 2 hours early.” “Well baby, this ain’t no triathlon, It’s the IRONMAN.” OK, we can’t call it an Ironman because the name is trademarked, but “It’s the REDMAN” doesn’t have the same effect, yet.
Since rain was predicted overnight (and it did – howling winds, too) we had covered our bike seats and bars with plastic. We cleared the protective plastic, checked our tires, filled our water bottles and chatted with everyone around us. Since the REDMAN venue is 5 miles from my house, and less than one from Tanya’s, there were many people at this event that we know, plus many we wanted to meet. Of the four women in my age group, Becky was the only other one form Oklahoma. I first met Yvonne, who traveled here from Switzerland. This was here first Iron Distance, but she was an experienced Ultra runner. The other woman, Pam, was from Missouri. She said here training partner and done Couer d’leine Ironman in 14:45, and she figured she could do about the same. OK, all along I figured I would take 4th in my age group. Yes, out of 4. I knew Becky would be ahead of me – the other two, previously unknown, now assured me of my 4th place finish. In my eyes, 14:45 would win our age group. And who would travel to Oklahoma from Switzerland unless they were good. I was a peace with this because I wasn’t racing. I was here for the parade.
Some other women were nervously chatting. The kept saying how stressed and scared they were. Tanya and I explained our “Parade Plan.” “How can you be afraid of a parade?” They liked that philosophy and said they too would focus on that.
Now it was time to put on the wetsuit. That’s a workout in itself. For a good time, watch women try to get a wetsuit up over their butts! I think Melissa got a few photos of that.
Suddenly it was 6:30. Time to close Transition and to head down to the water. Did I mention that OKC is about 20 inches below the average rainfall this year? Did I mention that The City of OKC forgot to put the order in to get water released from Lake Canton to fill Lake Hefner. So it was a beach start. After the gun, we’d have to wade out about 75-100 yards before we could start swimming.
I did a prayer circle with other women from OKC prior to the start. The national anthem was sung, and we assembled ourselves for the mass start. Then I heard that Lisa and Laura were there and wanted to wish me off. I ran up the beach to find them. They were wearing Team Cranwell T-shirts, with the Team crossed out, and Just Katharine over it. A few pictures, then back to the beach. Tanya and I hugged, said another mini prayer – wished each other well, then without warning, BOOM!
I started my watch, and it was one full minute until a reached a place where I could swim. Tanya and I immediately lost each other, but that was to be expected.
I got into my rhythm right away. Stroke, stroke, stoke, breathe left. Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe right. Over and over again. It was 7:15 – sunrise was at 7:19. There was light, but it was difficult to see the buoys, even though they were HUGE and ORANGE and spaced 150 yards apart. Oh, I forgot to mention the wind. I don’t know how strong it was, but the waves were pretty big, coming from the north. So between all the bodies and the wind – it was challenging. I didn’t get hit or kicked much. Where I was, it was just gently bumping. I pretended everyone around me was Tanya, so I wouldn’t freak out. It was 900+ yards to the first turn buoy, then a sharp left turn. Some 400+ yards for the second leg of the triangle, then some 600+ to the final buoy, totaling 2112 yards. Yep, and as FULLERS had to, I mean, get to do it twice.
Things got a bit congested at the first turn buoy. More arms and legs all trying to get the best position. I came out on the other side safely. Again, sighting the buoys on the second leg was a challenge. Since the angle was so tight, I wasn’t sure if I was swimming straight, or heading back towards the first side. They kayakers were extremely helpful. The rest of the first lap was uneventful. I said a few ‘Our Fathers’ and ‘Hail Mary’s’ as I had in training. This helped me as I knew about how many yards it took to swim through each prayer.
When we reached the buoy near the beach, it marked the end of the first and beginning of the second laps. The water was only about 2 feet deep, so we walked around it. Imagine my surprise when I heard Becky call my name. We were side-by-side. Then we were off again. I lost her at this point. Since pretty much everyone was wearing a black wetsuit, and the official white swim cap with the REDMAN logo – we all looked the same. On Friday night, I decorated my cap with two red racing stripes down the middle. Later, Dave said that was how he recognized me at the end of my swim.
The start of lap 2 was easier as more the ½ the participants were out of the water as they were doing the HALF, RELAY or AQUABIKE. I did my best to stay relaxed. I thought about the great manatee – gliding through the water. I tried not to think about how close I was to Becky. That would get all kinds of competitive emotions going and I didn’t want that to happen. I thought about Tanya, and hoped she was having a good swim. I hoped her hands were staying relaxed as she has a problem of them going numb when she swims. I took a moment to eat a GU which I a had discretely hidden in my wetsuit. I looked around and smiled, “This is my IRONMAN! I’m swimming in Lake Hefner.” Oh yeah, swimming is prohibited in Lake Hefner as it is a water resource form most of the city. OK, back to work. I started to think about where Becky was and it messed with my head. Instead of “Stroke, stroke, stroke, breathe,” it became “Stay, within, yourself, breathe.” I have that written on a sticker on my bike aerobars.
Rounding the buoy to begin the 5th leg of the triangle, I was blinded by the glare of the sun. Quite a few of the athletes around me were treading water, looking around, trying to figure out where to go. One of the kayakers said the buoys were in exact alignment with the sun. So I followed the sun’s reflection on the water. Perfect.
Did I mention the winds were picking up? I no longer had to worry about the other swimmers, as I was worried about the waves blowing me off course. If I went more than 6-7 stokes without sighting, I could be anywhere.
Rounding the last buoy and heading for the beach was great. I no longer had to watch buoys, just head for the big tents on the shoreline. Oh, but now the waves were crashing into me hard. A wave hit me squarely in the face, knocking my goggles loose. I said loose – not off. As Tanya had suggested, I tucked the strap under my swim caps. But, the wave pulled the strap out of the side of the goggles. I briefly debated trying to thread it back through. God knows how long that would take. So, I tucked them into my wetsuit. Luckily, I had forgotten my goggles for a couple swim workouts and had practiced swimming with my eyes closed, and opening them when I breathe. If I opened them under water - well, bye-bye contacts. As I made it closer to shore, I heard Jeffrey Kragh’s voice announcing the name of swimmers as they exited the water. I approached the final buoy, and Dave was there! He shouted I was ahead of my projected time of 1:45. I check my watched – 1:34! I shouted for joy! I made my way up the beach. Rocky took a picture, then I headed for the wetsuit strippers. They are about as hard to take off as they are to put on, so the assistance was appreciated. Then I was off to the Transition tent.
Kari Danemiller was my Transition assistance. She unloaded all the gear, which I had packed and turned in the day before. Shorts, jersey, shoes and socks. She helped me get into my arm warmers (so glad Carol lent me hers), and covered me with sunscreen. Melissa was in there cheering me on. I know she had here camera, but I hope she didn’t take any inappropriate photos! She told me I was second in my Age Group out of the water. “Becky?” I asked. She smiled as she shook her head. Right as I was heading out of the tent, Becky came in. I decided not to say, “Hi,” as I didn’t know if it would mess with her head.
I jogged out of the tent, grabbed my bike, and jogged to the Mount/Dismount Line. I head someone scream my name, and looked over to see Tyler, whom I call Traveler, in the Mechanics Tent. I would later find out that he and Holly had just become engaged!
Jerianne was at the Mount/Dismount Line and joked about my flying mount, which I didn’t even attempt. There were a lot of screams of encouragement, but my head was spinning with “I beat Becky out of the water.” I couldn’t stop smiling. I have to back up a moment hear. Becky is a highly competitive person and a great athlete. At the Route 66 Triathlon, when Tanya got to the strippers mat, Becky was just leaving. Tanya was right on her tail. Tanya and I were both stunned. The Buffalo Springs Half Ironman, I was stunned to hear that Holly beat Becky out of the water. That became a mantra – Holly beat Becky out of the water. Mind you, I love Becky. But it was nice to have Holly do so well. And now I did the same! As I rode the 3 miles across the north part of the lake, to get to the main part of the bike course, I almost cried. I thanked God, loudly for my accomplishment thus far. I thought about how Jerianne, now seeing Becky get on her bike would be stunned. I thought about how excited Tanya would be when I told her I beat Becky out of the water. Uh-oh, I’m in second place. That was never expected. I hadn’t prepared for that. This was a parade, not a race. It never, ever occurred to me that I would be ahead of Becky. I pedaled on.
Turning north onto MacArthur, I realized my HR monitor wasn’t working. It was fluxuating between 77-84. I don’t think so. Should I double it? Man, that would require me to do math all day. Not gonna happen, so I turned it off. Did I mention the winds were coming from the north?
I’m getting older and my vision is getting worse. Riding up MacArthur, I thought I saw a woman running down with her bike. Wow, a mechanical failure and she’s going to run it in? OK, I got closer and she was running with a big dog. She yelled out, “Hey Katharine, it’s me, Lisa” as I blew by. I waved and called back. Normally, I’d stop and chat, but this was a race, I mean a parade. I met Lisa a few years ago. We somehow connected through emails looking for running partners. When we met for our first run, we both talked about what marathons we had done. We both did the Inaugural Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. When we shared our times, we realized we ran together towards the very end. She beat me by about a minute. Crazy. We ran together a few times after that, but life gets in the way. I saw her last year and the Redman Awards Banquet. She was with a friend from Texas who had done the REDMAN. I told her I was considering doing the HALF and she should train with me. She ended up having back surgery the following month so nothing came of that. On a whim, I emailed her this week to tell her I was doing the FULL. She replied with an email of strength and encouragement. What a surprise to actually see her out running during the parade.
I was still smiling, so grateful to God. I’m in second place! Wow, my stomach feels funny. Was it because of the unwanted gulps of the water I took in Lake Hefner? Was it gas? Did I need a bathroom? I know the next aid station was at Deer Creek. Definetly a benefit to know the course inside and out.
I made it to the Aid Station and was surrounded by Boy Scouts, offering me water, Gatorade, Hammer Gel and the like. I said that all I needed was the porta-pottie and they fought over who would get to hold my bike. Maybe TMI here, but I had farts so powerful, I was afraid the Boy Scouts would hear me!
As I came out to claim my bike, I wondered if Becky had passed by. I considered asking Sara Heiki – aid station captain and REDMAN Planning Committee member. I mentioned, “Wow, I get to do this course twice, and then get to run a marathon.” – referring to my comment at the previous OKC-TRI Club meeting where in Holly’s presentation she said to “Remember, when you get off your bike, you have to run a marathon. I corrected her in saying, “You GET to run a marathon! So Sara sent me on my way, and I told here I’d be back in a few hours.
I continued up MacArthur towards Waterloo. I saw Philip Vanlandingham heading down MacArthur back to transition. He was doing the HALF. Not sure, but I think he might have been in 4th place. It seemed the wind was coming from the north, so I was looking forward to a crosswind as we turned on to Waterloo. Don Hart (Ironman Hawaii Finisher) was there for traffic control. Again, it was great to see a Planning Committee member. I made the turn, started up the hill, into STILL a headwind. Gees, 14 more miles of this?
I passed the farms, fields and cows. Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweeping down the plain. By now, quite a few of the HALFERS were passing me in the other direction. Soon, I was getting passed by plenty of men (no women) in my event. Rob (I-can’t-remember- his- middle- name) Bell passed and we cheered each other on. I smiled as I realized I beat all of these men out of the water! Did I mention I just started swimming in January?
The miles ticked by. No Becky. I really didn’t think she passed while I was in the bathroom. I looked up the street when I remounted my bike and there was no one in sight. OK, it’s been 17 miles, and I’m still in second place. This wasn’t at all in my race plan. I referred to my handle bar sticker “Stay Within Yourself.” Kind of hard to ‘Stay Within Yourself’ when your HR monitor isn’t working.
Around this time I sang, “Happy Birthday,” out loud. The first of three times I planned to sing it while on this long bike ride. My niece and namesake, Katie, turned 18.
It was such a friendly event. As cyclists passed, there was always a nod, a raised finger, or a word of acknowledgement – on either side of the street.
I approached the turnaround at Cimarron Road – Chester’s Party Barn, whatever you want to call it. It was a sharp hairpin turn over the timing mat, then about 30 seconds to the next aid station which happens to coincide with the Chisholm Trail Landmark. I stopped to freshen up on fluids. Mike Peterson (Multiple Ironman Finisher and REDMAN Planning Committee Member) gave me words of encouragement and sent me off. Now was my chance to see the other athletes. I estimate that Becky was about 1.5 minutes behind me. Sarah wasn’t far behind her. I was glad to see Tanya before I got to Piedmont. We screamed each others names and kept going. It’s about 4 miles to Piedmont Road where we would turn right and get a tailwind. Almost every training ride we did had a headwind on Piedmont. In the summer, the wind comes from the south. Cooler months it’s from the north. Oh yeah, September 23rd was the first full day of Autumn. The tailwind didn’t seem to give as much pleasure as the headwind caused work.
By now, I was still passing many more people from the HALF event. Covell is littered with potholes. I hit one so hard that it dislodged my right aerobar! If my arms were any longer, it would have slipped all the way out. I briefly debated stopping to tightening, but decided to wait until I got to the Bike Special Needs area where I planned to really take a break.
I turned north, ah, back into the wind, up County Line. I bypassed the Aid Station there, but slowed down enough to say hi to Bike Course Director, Ken Heike. What a huge smile he had as he cheered me on. Yes, I was still smiling too. I was at Mile 34 and still ahead of Becky. Somewhere around here I remembered I was carrying Rolaids in my Bento Box. This helped with the pressure in my gut. I didn’t want to trust farting unless I was in the porta-pottie. Berry flavored Rolaids are a good thing! I continued into the wind, and up County Line, past the Horses For Sale sign and some oil rigs. I knew these roads well. A right turn took back onto Waterloo and I knew it was 3 short miles and back to MacArthur. Uh oh, why are my hamstrings cramping? This had never happened before. I had been taking my salt tablets on schedule. I decided to take another. I pulled my film case container of pills from my cleavage, or lack thereof. Of course as I opened it, I hit a pothole. I don’t know how many or what pills came out, but I just smiled. That was my frame of mind. If a loose aerobar and losing a few salt tablets or Tylenol was the worst thing that happened today, I’m OK with that.
Heading down MacArthur, but before Deer Creek, I saw Justin Wolfe going up the street, his second lap on the course. That put him about 30 miles ahead of me! I thought, “At least he’s not in my age, nor is he my gender, but he is in my TRI club and he’s earning us points!”
For the rest of the ride back to the lake I was still smiling. About 2 miles from turning onto Britton, I saw Shay from Team In Training. We ran together a few times in training for the Disneyworld Marathon, before I broke my foot. When I saw her and bawled/sobbed hard. ‘I’m doing an Ironman! I’m in second place at Mile 51. Becky still hasn’t caught me.’
Turning onto Britton for a brief climb up to the dam, I saw Dave and Rian. I can’t remember if this is the first place I saw them. Things are beginning to run together. But they howled and took pictures and video. This boosted my spirits even more. I gazed out over the lake. The wind had strengthened, and there were white caps. I started thinking about what others in the TRI club might be thinking when they saw I was still ahead of Becky. I was just sure Tanya would be smiling for me. I hoped her day was going as smoothly as mine. Oh, except for the loose aerobar.
I got to the turnaround at the Transition. I didn’t really see anyone from the club. But there was Pascal. He yelled, “Hey Katharine, is Becky behind you?” “Yes, about a minute and a half,” I guessed. I thought it was an odd comment for him to make. Where was my, “Good Job!”? Yes, it’s all about me.
At the Special Needs area, I felt like I was a NASCAR driver! I pulled up, called for a wrench. The mechanic was immediately there to fix the bar. A gal brought my bag. She helped my find my supplements, and I was out of there in less than a minute. I checked my cyclometer: AVS 16.2 for Lap One.
I saw Becky head to the turnaround. Then, Yvonne from Switzerland, right behind her. Or was it the other way around? Ah, the memory is fading already. I knew they were on my tail. Anyway, Yvonne passed me before I was off the dam. That’s OK, I still had third place, but I knew it wouldn’t be long before Becky caught me.
Off the dam, down Britton I saw The Guys who still cheered me on. I was still smiling, having the time of my life. I passed Shay again and Shawna from Team In Training as I headed back up MacArthur for lap 2.. I was feeling strong, uphill into the wind.
At Mile 62.2 I got hit by a strong wind gust that moved the sensor of my computer. No more readings. On previous rides and this happened I’d reach down and try to adjust it. Not today. Not gonna chance getting my fingers caught in the spokes. Not going to stop and adjust it either. So now, no HR monitor or cyclometer. “ Staying within myself” was gonna happen on internal feelings.
I don’t remember where it was that I was Justin Wolfe, but he was hours ahead of me.
Time for another round of “Happy Birthday.” This time to a co-worker and great friend, Jennifer.
I tried the HR monitor one more time. 134! Excellent! It’s back , and I could judge my pace and effort a little better. I could tell the wind had picked up since the first lap. That’s fine. I don’t mind the wind. Long ago I became a Goddess of the Wind. “The wind is my friend, it will make me strong. If you curse the wind, it will curse you.”
This lap I stopped at Sara’s aid station for a break. Yes, I had stopped at the Special Needs area, but now I was tired. And I told her so. The boy scouts changed out my bottles. Sara got me a peanut butter sandwich. I took one bite and handed it back. “Sorry, it’s not very good.” I know she didn’t take it personally. I think I stayed there about a minute and a half. I needed the break. I told her I’d love to stay and chat, but she encouraged me to get back on my bike. That short break did wonders for me. Looking back, would my time have been better had I not chatted? Probably not, because I needed the mental distraction. Back up to Waterloo – Don Hart cheering for me as I made the turn. The wind had shifted. Now it was coming from the west. 12 more miles of headwinds. I was at mile 76 when Becky caught me. All she said was, “This wind sucks.” Um, OK, I told her she was looking great. At that point, the pressure was off. I was 4th out of 4 in my age group, and truly I was relived. I didn’t have to work to stay in contention for a trophy. Because, truthfully my goal was to finish. To finish upright and by 11:30pm.
I played leap frog with a man in a bright colored jersey. He’d pass me, I’d catch him. This went on for quite a while. The hairpin turn at Chester’s Party Barn, over the timing mat, back to Mike Peterson’s aid station. The volunteers took my bike as I stretched. He offered me a chair, but I told him if I sat down, I may never get up. I headed for the porta-pottie. I felt a little dizzy so I asked Mike to stand by the door incase I fell. The wind was howling. I feared it might fall over. I survived. Grabbed a few Clif Bars and was off. Sarah was just behind. She looked like she was struggling, but then she was still riding into the wind. I was still smiling.
I didn’t see Tanya this time before I turned onto Piedmont. I figured she was about an hour back. The wind sometimes made her struggle. She’s trying to become a Goddess of the Wind, but sometimes you just gotta curse it.
I saw ”The Guys” at Piedmont Road. They rode alongside for a couple minutes, chatting and videoing. I asked about Tanya, and Rian said she was about an hour behind me, as I had thought.. They told me that she was having a great day.
Trying to predict my project finish time for the ride was challenging. My brain wasn’t functioning right, and math was not coming easy. Prior to REDMAN Day, I figured I would start my marathon about 4:30 or 5:00. It seemed I was about 15 minutes ahead of schedule. I had 3 more miles into the wind up County Line. OK, I can do that. They guy I had been Leap Frogging with, bypassed Mike Petersons’ aid station, but I passed him when he stopped at Ken Heike’s station. I didn’t see him this time At this point, heading into the wind, I sang “Happy Birthday for the 3rd time today. This time for Deborah Reed. Back onto Waterloo and the signs on the telephone poles about the electric company, and it was back to MacArthur. A final wave to Don Hart and I was on my way home!
I really was feeling good. The belly pain was gone. No more cramps in the hamstrings. Somewhere along MacArthur, Sarah passed me. I wished her well, and she came back with a comment like, “I can’t wait to get off this bike.”
At the intersection of 164th and MacArthur, the police officer that was suppose to be directing traffic, waved a red truck through the intersection, without even looking in my direction. The truck started through, but saw me and slammed on the brakes at the same time I was screaming, “NO!.” There was a look of terror in the officers’ eyes.
Upon crossing Memorial, we had to cross over to the opposite side of the street. We had 2 lanes, one going north and one for going south. Cars were using the western 2 lanes, one in each direction. So what was I to do when a Fire Engine and another Emergency Vehicle were coming up hot behind me? I know you’re supposed to pull over to the right, but that would put me going 23 mph into oncoming car traffic. So I pulled to the left. Seriously, I was concerned that I might get some kind of penalty if the Race Official saw me riding ‘Left of Center.’ I figured I had a pretty good excuse. I told him about it at the Awards Banquet and he just laughed.
It’s amazing how emotions just sneak up on you. I was about to finish the Bike Leg of an Ironman. I’d never ridden 112 miles before, especially after swimming that far. I had never swum 2.4 miles for that matter. Now it was time to start thinking about my marathon. Up on the dam, the wind was even stronger as I looked over Lake Hefner. It was a beautiful clear sky. It was warm but not hot. I’m glad I kept the arm warmers on. I had enough of a clear head to turn off the Timer that had been beeping every 15 minutes to remind me to eat and drink. I pulled into transition and dismounted the bike, thankfully, and was aware a lot of people were cheering for me, but I didn’t take the time to really take note of whom. I racked my bike and headed for the Women’s Changing Tent.
They already had my gear laid out. Sarah was still in there and Martha was attending to her. A gal named Lisa was my assistant. When I realized I was about to pull my bike shorts off right inform of the open door, we scooted down. Sarah and I didn’t talk, but only because we were so focused and so tired. Oh it felt good to get those bike shoes off. I changed standing up as I feared if I sat down I wouldn’t be able to get up. Sarah left the tent about 2 minutes before me. As I made the exit, Martha said, “Have fun, and go get Becky.” I vaguely remember hearing Jeffrey Kragh announce the start of my marathon. The place was screaming! I swear, everyone was cheering for me! Now I could see faces, Melissa, Lisa, Laura, tons of people from the TRI club. Philip V. who had finished the HALF course by now High 5’d me and said, “This is where the fun begins!” Was he being serious – because he knows that I’m a runner? Or was he joking because he knows that I know he DNF’d last year with 3 miles to go, and ended up in my medical tent. Mark Bravo was out there. Jill from Team In Training. My gosh, I can’t explain how powerful that was.
Sharon Barrows told me I was looking great. I told her I knew she was lying, but to keep it up. She did!
Lisa and Laura ran with me until my next walk break, then held back because they know I couldn’t have anyone pace me. Oh my gosh, I’m one mile into it and I needed the bathroom. I knew it was another half mile. I could make it. It was the Chesapeake Energy aid station, right by the porta-potties south of the restaurants. I’ve used them a thousand times. How come I couldn’t find them? I approached the aid station. “Where is the porta-pottie?” They pointed behind them. Duh! Once in there I realized Kelsey Swindler, who had completed the HALF, had said “Good job,” and didn’t even respond. I made a mental note to apologize. And I did when I saw her at the Awards Banquet. She said she completely understood.
About a half mile later, I saw Justin. He was really moving. Dang, he’s miles ahead of me. Wow!
I had switched my watch mode to timer, so I didn’t know clock time or actual time since I left Transition. I think I start the run before 4:30, as my transition surely couldn’t have taken more than 15 minutes. In training I was running 4 minutes, then walking 45 seconds. The plan was to get so used to that, that 1 minute of walking would seem long. It worked. I was ready to start running again with about 15 seconds left.
Oh my gosh, what was happening. I suddenly got hit with waves of nausea. I moved to the side of the path and gagged hard. I started to panic. This is what caused Philip to DNF. Vomiting. Shit! and I’m only at Mile 2. I’ll never be able to make it 24 more miles. Then I remember I had Tigan with me. I got nauseated once after a particularly long, hot ride at Lake Overholser. I got a prescription and shared a few tablets with Tanya. Yes, I know you’re not suppose to share prescriptions, but that’s mainly for narcotics and antibiotics. This is to keep an Ironman hopeful on track. I took the Tigan and kept moving forward. I told myself that it would be alright if I had to walk. I was going to finish this thing. I was last in my age group already. I would go as slow as a needed to. The brain is a crazy thing. I don’t remember starting to run again. I guess the watch beeped, and like one of Pavlov’s dogs, I responded.
Yes, I used the bathroom at the next aid station too. My butt hurt. Grabbed some Vaseline, moved out of direct line of anyone’s vision and fixed it. Some bleeding but not as bad as it has before.
It was great seeing all the athletes coming the other direction. Everyone was so supportive, nodding, encouraging words. I held up my end too. Randy told us how during the REDMAN last year, he felt better by trying to help others feel better. I rounded Stars and Stripes Park and could hear Jeffrey’s voice carry across the lake. Nausea gone, I was feeling fine. Except my feet! No one told me that my feet would hurt this much. Sure, they hurt on the bike. But wait, they didn’t hurt on the bike today. Or did they, and I just didn’t notice. Now they hurt. I moved off the pavement and onto the grass and dirt. That hurt worse! Wow, this is going to be a long marathon. I pushed the negative thought out of my head and kept moving forward. I will finish this. I’ll walk as much as I have to.
The Tailgate Aid station was run by the OKC Running Club. They were very supportive, especially since I was wearing a TRI-OKC jersey. They knew I was a ‘local.’ Thank you, thank you!
I had made banners to honor the 4 of us REDWOMEN doing the event. The storm left the first one crumpled. I didn’t take the time to fix it. I hoped the others were still in place. I rounded the corner by the Fire Station, ‘Hey, who put this hill here.’ I hadn’t noticed the incline before. Around the next curve, I saw it ‘TRI-OKC REDWOMEN, KATHARINE, SARAH, TANYA, BECKY.’ It made me smile. I’m sure it made them smile as well.
There I was at the next aid station. This one was run by kids from Cassidy High School. They were great! The filled my bottle, offered my food… We’re excellent and entertaining. As I pulled away, I heard one say, ”I can’t believe women do this.” That boy has a lot to learn.
So next, Rob Bell was approaching me. Ever smiling, we sent each other positive energy and continued. Not five minutes later, I needed a bathroom. Home field advantage, I knew exactly where.
Just past that, I saw my 3rd of 4 posters. This was a long one that stretched out and listed our names. Cool. Still smiling. I hoped Tanya was off her bike and running by now. My brain hurt too much to try to calculate times.
I walked up the hill toward the crosswalk at the Golf Club House. The kids there were screaming really loud. Channel that energy and do the REDMAN next year, “I said to the girl. “Yeah, right’” she replied. I continued around the golf course, towards the Lisa and Laura Pole (2.5 miles from Stars and Stripes). I thought about touching the pole as they would have, but I wanted to save my steps. This is about where I saw Travis. He was running well. Gosh I hope he was having a great day. I had met him at the OKC Memorial Marathon while working at the REDMAN booth. He was looking for a massage therapist, and I’ve worked with him almost every week since then. Even though we didn’t train together, I considered him one of my training partners as every week we would share details of our training.
Down the hill I ran, towards my final banner, which again says TRI-OKC REDMAN WOMEN and lists our name, I felt uplifted. A volunteer stopped traffic as I crossed the street and passed where they put in a new water fountain. Hmm, that never felt like a hill before. It was about there that I caught up to a woman. As I passed her, I noticed she had a 42 written on her right calf. Oh my gosh! She’s in my age group. It was Pam, who had predicted she would finish at 14:45. We exchanged greetings and I moved on. Holy smokes! I just passed the woman I thought would win our age group. It sunk in that I was now in 3rd. We were less than half a mile from the turnaround. Becky had already made the turn and was heading towards me. We exchanged a brief hug, wished each other well and were off again.
I was in my zone. Felt like I was moving at a pretty good pace. My feet weren’t bothering me. I was taking strength from all those around me, as I headed for the turnaround at 6.6. Sarah was running towards me now. A quick greeting as we passed. Damn if I didn’t need the bathroom again. I hit the bathroom before running over the timing mat. While inside, I hear the beep of Pam crossing it. No worries. If I caught her once, I could catch her again. And I did, as she hit the porta-pottie right after she made the circled turnaround.
I continued on my merry way. I greeted every athlete I saw. Most responded in a similar fashion. Really, I was smiling. I was having a good time. I tried to enjoy every minute as I know there will never be another First Ironman, and probably no more. It seemed I was passing a lot more runners than were passing me. I guess this is where my ultra-running came in. My body was used to running far. Not fast, but far. I used every aid station along the course. I was happy, and in no hurry. Still I just wanted to finish and beat my goal time of 1615-1630. On the Monday before the race I had a dream that I finished at 11:30pm and Tanya came it at 11:35pm. We both thought that would be great! I didn’t look at my watch. Trying to calculate times in my head was impossible.
Heading up the slight incline where I put the box for Get Fit Oklahoma, I passed a guy walking. “How are you?” I smiled. He shook his head. I don’t feel good.” The nurse in me came out and I inquired if he was nauseated? Dizzy? Feet hurt?” His reply was “Yes.” I noticed he was wearing a visor with the trademark IRONMAN logo. He was walking at the far edges of the curse. I suggested he cut to the inside, shorter run. I didn’t know what else I could do.
Shortly after passing the Fire Station, I saw Dave and Rian. I stopped and gave Dave a quick kiss. I tried to ask him to find out how far ‘the women in the turquoise shirt’ was behind me. I don’t think the words came out in the right order, but he understood. I most cases, when you pass someone in a marathon and you’re feeling that strong, and they are looking that weak, you’ve got it made. But this was new territory. Triathlons weren’t my thing.
Around here was where the only 2 women passed me during the run. It was the twins. They were amazing athlete!. Perfectly sculpted bodies. They ran in unison. Step for step. ‘Hey, that means I’ve been ahead of them all this time.’
Now I saw Tanya. This would be the first time we would get to chat all day. We were both smiling. We hugged. We both were doing well. We both shouted, “I love you!” over our shoulders as we took off again.
Starting the loop around Stars and Stripes, I caught up to Sarah. “Hey, can I buy you a Gatorade? I know a little bar just up the way.” I joked. She said, “No.” She was walking at this point. She said she didn’t feel good and regretted drinking the Coke at the last aid station. I walked with her for a short bit, then went on my way. I was feeling too good. At the north end of Stars and Stripes, I could hear Jeffrey’s voice again. I smiled. Less than 3 miles, and I’d be at Transition for my Special Needs bag. That meant 16 more miles of running. I tried not to think about that. It sounded really far.
TRI-OKC members and Planning Committee members were roaming the run course on golf carts. How uplifting is that? David Flesher, MD was in a cart, asked me if I needed anything medically. I beamed, shook my head, “I’m doing great.” Jane, who had done the HALF, was in a golf cart with Jerianne, screaming wildly – and driving wildly. I almost cried – bawled.
I stopped where there used to be a water fountain at ½ mile from Stars and Stripes because it felt like there was a rock in my shoe. A couple women and a little girl were there. I asked if the were volunteers – because you can’t accept aid from anyone not affiliated with the race. They were cheerleaders for another athlete. So, I asked one of them to stand by me so I wouldn’t fall down while I checked my shoe. No pebble, but it felt better once I put it back on. I thanked them and moved on. They yelled “Go Cranwell,” as our names were on our Bib Numbers. I took the time and shouted back, “And tell your athlete I wish them well.
Just before the restaurants, and the Chesapeake aid station, a golf cart with Holly and Randy pulled up. Randy lifted his shirt to ‘flash’ me. I had done the same for him when he finished the FULL last year. I pointed and screamed. Both he and Holly had done the AQUABIKE. Randy won it.
Having no idea what my time was, I continued toward Transition. At Louis’s, a group of spectators were sitting at the tables outside. As I approached, they started bowing as if to say, “We’re not worthy. We’re not worthy.” I shouted to them. “I love you.” Somewhere around the northern-most point of the Louis’ Parking lot, I saw Becky. I spread my arms for a hug. “Can’t hug, gotta keep going.” Umm, OK. At the awards banquet the next day, she told me she was afraid to stop and hug because it would make her start crying all over again.
The sun was still out. I figured I’d get here about 8:30. I had previously researched that sunset was at 7:26 on REDMAN Day. I was about an hour ahead of schedule. I think Jeffrey announced my arrival at the turnaround. I heard cheering, but don’t remember faces, other than Sharon Barrow. She was cheering wildly. The assistant helped me get my long sleeved shirt and a couple bags of sport beans from my Special Needs Bag. I passed about 3 men at this point. My running was good. I hadn’t really taken any extra walk breaks, except for the aid stations or when my lower abdomen cramped.
Somewhere after the turnaround, I saw Melissa. She ran with me and told me that Justin was in the Medical Tent, getting IV fluids and puking his guts out. I realized, I never saw him on his second run lap. Concerned, I asked, “Did he finish?” Melissa shouted, “HE WON!” Shivers all over. Moments after that, I saw Chris, his wife, who had done the HALF, and a per-race favorite. I called to her, “Did you win?” She gave me the thumbs up. She cheered me on and my thumb went up to her, too! Wow, husband and wife, both with victories on the same day. How great is that?
The sun was getting lower, but not yet time to take off the sunglasses. I was really doing this! I was on the last half of the last part of the REDMAN. I was still running well. As I made the turn west towards Stars and Stripes Park, I took off the sunglasses. I perched them on the top of my head, but it felt a little tight. I tucked them in my sports bra, and was concerned about chafing. I told myself to get Vaseline at the next aid station. I had about 10 miles left when the sun went down. Trying to do the math in my head, ’It’s about 7:30. I have to run 20 minute miles in order to finish by 11:30pm. Like I said before, I struggle with math, even when I’m not depleted. I knew I was running faster than 20 minute miles. I realized my math error, and that I might actually finish closer to 10:30! Holy Shit!
Running up the circle, David Pollard passed. He looked good. It wasn’t possible for him to not look good, if you know what I mean. Wow, he had only 3 miles to go. It was his goal to beat his time from last year by an hour. I think he was the only person from the Tri club to repeat the FULL.
Yay! Here was Tanya, running towards me. She said she felt nauseated and had taken both her Tigan. I didn’t have another, so I offered her a peppermint. I told her about the Wolfe’s victories. She was elated. After glancing at her watch, with amazement in her eyes, she said, “Are you looking at a 15 hour time frame?” I only shook my head and said, “I’m not looking at my watch. My goal is 16:30.” Again, we took off. I would see her one more time before my finish.
I cheered on everyone that passed me. Some going the other direction, and it didn’t seem any passing in my direction. Wow. I was passing people going my way, but no one was passing me!
I don’t remember where I as when I saw Dave and Rian again, but Dave told me I was about 8 minutes behind Becky and the other woman was about 8 minutes behind me.
At the Tailgate aid station, I asked the score of the OU game. 44-0 OU. Good.
At the high school aid station, I now noted it was a Hawaiian theme. A girl in a lei filled my bottle, I was offered a range of foods. I tried to eat a pretzel and it dried out my mouth. These kids were so encouraging. A girl wrapped a glow-light necklace around me wrist. I had heard not to wear them around your neck because the light attracts mosquitoes. The constant movement of my arm would keep them away. After passing two aid stations, I remembed to get Vaseline at this one to lube where my sports bra and sunglasses were rubbing. And I was off once again.
Lake Hefner gets really dark after the sun sets. It was a little difficult for me to see that path. But I knew it well enough and wasn’t worried. My abdomen cramped very sharply and I needed the bathroom immediately. I knew there was one less than 5 minutes away. I was halfway between the High school aid station and the porta-pottie . I moved forward carefully, and made it in time. I know, TMI, but it was part of my event.
The same kids were manning the crosswalk by the Golf Club house. They were happily playing. I’m glad they were having a good time. I was too. I thanked them and kept moving. I was passing more people. My stride was getting longer. I saw Beth McCombs at the aid station. She was one of the Run Coordinators. I gave her my sunglasses. I had thought about hiding them behind a tree, but could get penalized for “abandoning equipment.’ Paschal was there. He told me Becky was about 10 minutes ahead. I replied, “Oh, I’m not racing this.” And I meant it. When Dave told me that Becky was 8 minutes ahead, I didn’t care. I was much more concerned about Pam, behind me. I felt good as I continued towards the Lisa and Laura Pole. Down the little hill, damn, it hit me again. It was pitch black out, so I stepped off the path and went right there. And I was off again, feeling as good as new! I thanked the volunteer who had a flashlight on his orange flag which he used to stop the traffic for me.
Towards the bridge, less that half a mile from the turning point, in the dark I saw a runner. The glow –lights were the only way to see people unless you were right on them. .I called out in the dark, ”Is that Becky?” It was. I had gained on her from the previous lap. We exchange greetings and kept going. I headed for the lights of the turnaround. I saw a glow-light lying on the side of the path and realized it was an athlete. The nurse in my kicked in. “Are you alright?” “No, I got misdirected. I’m lost.” Immediately I recognized the accent. It was Yvonne from Switzerland. She asked where the Finish Line was. I explained that it was on the other side of the lake. We had just over 6 miles to go. She said she had already been there, and had finished her marathon. I didn’t know what to say, other than the Finish Line was on the other side of the lake. She said she couldn’t go any further. She accepted my offer to call for a SAG Wagon. I ran up to the next aid station and reported it. They said a call had already been made. This is where I had planned to start drinking Coke. I had a bit before as my stomach felt queasy. But this was where I really enjoyed it. On the bike I thought that Rolaids were my new best friend. But, I’ll always be true to Coke. I think I grabbed an orange. They had tasted great all day and this was no exception. I chatted briefly with the volunteer. Thanked him profusely as I knew I wouldn’t see him again tonight. When I passed Yvonne, a volunteer was sitting with her. I told her that a vehicle was on the way. Then it hit me, I was second in my age group and Becky was first! Oh my gosh!
I tried to do the math again, to calculate my new projected time, but it wasn’t happening. I saw Holly at the Aid station just beyond the Lisa and Laura pole. I gave her my long sleeved shirt that was tied around my waist. It was windy, but not cold. I knew I wouldn’t need it. She was so happy for me when I told her I was about an hour ahead of schedule!
As I crossed the street by the Golf Club, I told the cheering gal that she’s gonna do it next year. “That would be great!” she shouted to my back. Down the hill, even though it was a walk break, I ran. It was so dark and I couldn’t see my watch. Since I ran through a walk break, I got my times mixed up. Rather than walking during a possible run segment, I just kept running until I could figure it out again. I hoped Tanya was having as great a day as I was.
High school kids ran out to greet me as I approached their station. I accepted their offer of chicken broth. It was lukewarm, but I drank about half. I asked a girl in a lei to fill my bottle about halfway with ice and Gatorade. A kid dressed as a pirate laughed when I mentioned the bottle was too heavy when it was full! I teased him, “If you were a women, I’d be your idol about now.” He said, in his pirate accent, “I’ll be writing a song about you, and after that, a book about you.” Their music was great. I believe it was Green Day, “Time of Your Life.” How appropriate! Tanya and I planned to use this song in our slideshow/video of our Finish.
It was very dark between the High School Aid station and the Tailgate one. I don’t remember much of that mile. But what a joy I felt when I got to the Tailgate Aid Station and heard Tanya announce my arrival. More hugs and supportive, encouraging words, and off we went in our separate directions.
I went around Stars and Stripes Park, heard Jeffrey’s voice and tried to make mental note to tell him how his voice carried across the lake and inspired me. The volunteers had their attention focused on an athlete coming the other direction and didn’t even see my arrival until I was there. They offered me everything. I looked around but nothing looked good. I knew that a this point nothing would really fuel me. I had a Coke and grabbed an orange slice on my way out. Did I see Jerianne and Jane again? It’s beginning to blur. The Medical Golf Cart with David Flescher stopped again. Did I need anything? Salt tablets? Ibuprofen? I smiled, shook my head, “Nope. I’m good!” I’m on my way home. Less than 2.5 miles! I could see the lights of the restaurants. For some reason, I never liked running this stretch. Probably because there was always so much traffic, but it this point, only REDMAN participants. Many were walking, I was still running. I skipped quite a few walk breaks by now. I just didn’t need them! I was running on Coke and adrenaline!
I passed another guy. I was truly feeling great. We could see the lights of the Finish Area. I joked,”Run towards the Light!” He chuckled and started running again.
When I got to the Chesapeake water station I asked for a cell phone. I wanted them to call Dave, who had been holding my cell phone all day. I gave the man my number, “820-2273.” Wait, that’s not my number. The 7 wasn’t right. For the life of me, I couldn’t remember my phone number. I thanked him and continued on.
I took the walk break just before Louis’. I didn’t need it, but I was concerned that if I pushed to hard something might happen. At this point wasn’t taking any risks. Another athlete was ahead of me. I thought it might be Becky. Should I run her down and take this victory? I didn’t want to steal her glory, but if it was possible, I wanted the glory. I could tell that if I kept a steady pass I would catch that person. As I got closer I was somewhat relieved that it wasn’t her. I made the pass.
I switched my watch mode from Timer to Chrono without looking at it. I was pretty sure I was under 15:30. I was going to beat my goal by over an hour!
The Finish Line area was going crazy! I hit the red carpet and finisher’s shoot. I could see the inflatable red arch. The timing clock said 14:34. People were screaming! I’m sure Jeffrey announced me, but I didn’t’ hear it! It was amazing. The TRI-club was out in full support. There were so many out- stretched arms to hit. I ran under the arch with my arms up in Victory! I’m crying as I type this. EVERYONE was there. I think it was Jane that put the medal around my neck. Someone handed me a t-shirt. Cameras were flashing. Hugs all around. I felt someone remove my timing ship. I saw Dave with a bouquet of flowers. We hugged. There was Laurent! And Laura! Lisa and Chris! Melissa! And so many members from the club! Anthony and Angela! They had left the football game after the 3rd quarter to see my finish. I clung to Dave, hugged Rian. It was surreal! I’ll never be able to explain how this feels! Dave Wood the Race Director hugged me. “We sure didn’t expect this!” I had been teasing him for months to extend the trophies to 4 deep in my age group. Pictures, pictures and more pictures. I finished almost 2 hours ahead of my goal! I was offered Medical attention, but I didn’t think I needed it. Melissa walked with me a bit to assess me. I was a little dizzy, probably could have used an IV, but really didn’t want one. I wanted to bask in the glory – and I did.
I had had the time of my life! All I had to do now was pray and wait for Tanya. I couldn’t wait to see her.
Katharine Cranwell, you are on IRONMAN!
“IRONMAN is not a distance or race. It’s a state of mind.” This was written on a plate left at the high school aid station. They had to close up while there was still one athlete on the course. They left him some food, drink and a plate with that message written on it
