IMSR 2017

~ I believe it's the first time in my life I've set my alarm clock in the 2 AM range, and trust me, 2:15am comes very quickly when it's Race morning! Pitch black with a chill in the air we departed the hotel and headed for downtown Santa Rosa. The buses were lined up military style for transport to Lake Sonoma. The adrenaline started to flow like we were being carted off to war, instead we were whisked off to Lake Sonoma.

The electric atmosphere raised our energy levels like Bees buzzing around the hive with bikes lined up like trays of honeycomb.

Time passes quickly in this atmosphere! Before we knew it, the water temperature was announced as wetsuit legal and we were lining up to jump in the water.

The swim course in my opinion was a little cramped at the start. Lots of contact as everyone works to find their rhythm and settle their breathing. Once everything settled down it was time to switch off the mind and get through the swim.

Coming out of the water and up the ramp to transition felt great.

The first part of the course is a fast downhill so that was enjoyable. Once into the meat of the bike ride you realize that the roads are in terrible condition with severe potholes and relentless bumps. The course was littered with bottles, cages, seat wings and other pieces of equipment – evidence that others have also suffered from the poor road surface.

It was a relief to finish the bike ride and get onto the run course.

The relief was short-lived since most of the run course is on a gravel path. The larger rocks dig into the sole of your feet, already tender from 112 miles of peddling. On a poisitive note, the streets in town are packed with cheering fans which helps keep the spirits up as the run takes its toll. Finally you hear the voice in the distance welcoming fellow athletes home and the more you hear those words 'You are an Ironman', the more it spurs you to give one last push and reach the finish line. Coming down the chute with strangers banging the siding and shouting your name is worth all the effort. Crossing the finish line is emotional for some, relief for many and marks an amazing achievement for all!

Andrew L.Destroyer