Just Keep Moving Forward

With the new year upon us, I figured it was about time for me to put the finishing touches on my recap of my 2010 resolution before I start my next challenge for 2K11. It is 3 months and 2 days later, and I still remember every detail like it was yesterday. I realize this sounds ridiculous and a bit trite, but it is definitely true. In the midst of my excitement and apprehension, I tried my best to take in every second of my time in Louisville, from the expo to the welcome dinner to the race itself. In as much or little detail as I think is necessary, I will try to recap one of the greatest weekends of my life.

After a full day of work and a quick packing of the car, Neil and I were on our way to Louisville...after a pit stop in Maryland to drop Stella off with my parents for the week. Neil drove all night to get us in on Friday morning. As we pulled into the parking lot of the hotel, it was bike racks and in-shape people as far as the eye could see. It is so refreshing to be in the company of like-minded human beings who don't think you are completely insane for attempting the Ironman. After we got all checked in, we headed to the expo. Checking in was quite a process...waivers to be signed, swim caps to be marked, numbers and 42 gear bags to be picked up. Part of me missed the simpler times of rolling into a marathon expo, getting and bag and t-shirt, and being on your way. Nevertheless, after a quick trip ti the Ironman store for some commemorative stuff, we headed back to the hotel to try and make sens of all of the numbers and bags.

I was exaggerating when I said 42, but making sure everything was marked and set up right was quite an undertaking. This was not the time to rush or miss something. There was the number to be stuck on the bike, the one for the helmet, the one for me on the bike, the extra one for the run. My bike didn't have to be dropped off until Saturday, but I wanted to make sure I had everything situated a day ahead. I had the swim-to-bike transition bag, the bike-to-run transition bag, the special needs bags, and all I had to do was make sure everything was in the right bag and then check it another 18 times to make sure I wasn't messing anything up. Friday night was the welcome dinner, hosted by Mike Reilly, the voice of Ironman. The guy who is at the end of every race calling out the names of finishers and who hopefully would call my name 48 hours later told stories and recognized athletes. After a good meal and good conversation with other first-time IMers we headed back to the hotel for the night.

Saturday morning was the practice swim. Neil was bummed that it was only for participants, and I was a bit too. It would have been nice to have a friendly face in the Ohio River with me. Apart from some goggle trials at Rehoboth over the summer, the entirety of my swim training had been in the pool. When I got in the river, I had a moment of pure panic. My heart was racing, my breathing was irregular, and I was briefly convinced that there was no way I could possibly do this. Thankfully, I had the wherewithal to stop and tread water for a moment. I realized that I had worked too hard to let some jitters get the better of me. I got a good 10-15 minutes in the water, got my stroke back, and headed back to meet Neil who was waiting on the shore for me. We headed back to the hotel quickly to get our bikes and head for a spin on the course. Neil could come along this time, and I was thankful for that. We left from the hotel and headed to the course to get a quick ride in. Neil, with camera in hand, rode with me for about 30 minutes before it was time to get back to the room and get the bike and transition bags ready to be dropped off. We headed to the transition area where I was greeted by volunteers who made the drop-off process seamless.

This is a good time to comment on how incredible the volunteers were. The thank yous that I said to each and every volunteer with whom I came into contact seemed to be far less than appropriate as not one of the athletes could have even started the race without them. I wish I could remember every name, but I hope they all know just how much I appreciated their efforts, smiles, and hugs.

After dropping off my trusty if not fancy road bike with all of the other space-ship bikes, we headed back to the hotel to rest before heading to dinner. The place we randomly picked was delicious with a pasta buffet complete with delicious dessert options. On the way back to the hotel from dinner, I called Jank, my Ironman expert on call for my training. He was always positive and full of helpful tips throughout my training, and this phone call was no different. Among the many things he said, the one that stuck with me that night and throughout the next day was the best piece of advice anyone could have when attempting an Ironman, a marathon, or even a 5K..."Just keep moving forward." That would become my mantra for the next 24 hours. Just keep moving forward. After speaking to Jank, I talked to Jenn, my high school friend who would be driving in the next day with her husband Dave, their 3 girls, and her parents to cheer me on. We set up a few meeting details, and then I was off to bed. I say bed and not sleep because there was not a lot of sleeping involved.

What seemed like 10 minutes after I went to "sleep" my alarm went off, and it was time to hit the road...and water. Neil came with me to the transition to carry the pump so I could make sure my tires were all set and the water bottles were filled appropriately. I also had a few good luck charms to get situated so that I could maintain things exactly as I had during training. These included a necklace from Murph which I have worn for every race and long run since she gave it to me in 2009 and a bracelet from Carla containing an inspirational quote from our childhood. I never swim with my wedding ring on, but i never bike or run without it, so I slipped it over the straw of my aerobottle so I could slip it on before I headed out of T1. I was ready!

I walked from the transition to get in line for the swim start and get my number marked on my arms and legs. Fortunately, my number was everywhere else on my body and bike and cap, so the fact that I totally sweat off the permanent marker later in the day didn't matter. Neil met me and waited with me at the start until it was time to get it on. The sun was barely up when the Churchill Downs buglers played "My Old Kentucky Home" and the national anthem was performed and the professionals were off. Shortly after, the rest of us age groupers were herded towards the docks to enter the Ohio River.

Much like last summer when I went sky diving, there was no time to freak out on the dock because when the person before you jumped, you were ushered in next with hundreds of people on your heels. Once I was in the water, I had a flashback to the morning before and had a millisecond of panic before Jank's mantra got me centered and heading in the right direction. The swim went well, although I had no idea how fast I was moving. I had planned on 90 minutes for the 2.4 mile swim, so I was pleased when, after swimming around the small island and under the bridges and got to the stairs out of the water, my watch read 1:16 and change. I was off to the transition and 112 quick miles on the bike. Neil was just outside of the transition area cheering me on. he got a few pictures, I gave a quick wave, and away I went. I had told myself that if I could just get off the bike, I knew I could finish...here goed it.

Once out of the water, the predicted heat of the day made itself known quickly. I had long ago decided that I was not going to push it too hard on the bike. The weather was going to make sure that didn't happen. Once on the road, what would become a very familiar thing started happening. I was being passed. I just kept moving forward. Through the out-and-back with the ginormous hill, I just kept moving forward. I may have mentioned previously that there are no hills in Delaware, a small source of concern for me. Once I got out of the city, I became very well acquainted with how to go up and down hills. Big ones, smaller ones, bigger ones...they just kept on coming. Fortunately, as I rode through Lagrange where Neil, Jenn, Dave, and the rest of the Hoffman-Bastos clan were cheering me on, it was relatively flat, and I could pretend that I was killing it. There was no indication on my face as I cruised through that, on this first of two passes through Lagrange, I was nervous about my ability to handle the hills ahead. I told myself that, whatever happened, I would not get off my bike and walk it up any hill, no matter how daunting. Just after Lagrange, there would be an aid station, and I was getting low on water. Much to my and everyone else's chagrin, the next aid station had no water. You read correctly friends, no water. Fortunately, there were some kind people living nearby that were letting volunteers fill old water bottles with their hose. Also, there was ice in a bucket which I put in my water bottle. With the ninety-something degree heat, that melted in no time. After a few more hills, another pass through Lagrange complete with Neil, Jenn, and Dave (hereinafter referred to as NJD) a few more hills and another unexpected NJD sighting with about 10 miles to go, I had completed the bike! I glanced at my watch as the sun was beginning to get lower in the sky, and it was 4:10 PM. I had been passed by about 1000 riders since I got in the saddle, but I had made it to T2 before the cutoff. The bike had taken just over seven-and-a-half hours which left me with just under 8 hours to complete the marathon.

After a brief stop in transition to change socks and shoes, strap on my new number, and get slathered with more sunscreen, I was on the run. NJD were at the exit of T2 with some more kind words, and I got into my rhythm, prepared to see them again in about 7 miles. The marathon was a double out and back...my least favorite kind of running. I had plenty of time though, and I was hellbent on enjoying this marathon. There was an aid station every mile, and I told myself that I had to run between the stations and then walk through. I was feeling good, but I didn't want to get overzealous and burn out 15 miles in. So I just moved right along, saying hello to and chatting with volunteers and other runners. A few miles later, I had a surprise sighting of NJD! It was a great and unexpected pick-me-up, although I can say that at that point, I felt great! There was a nice guy in bright pink socks who had some kind words for me as he passed me on the bike. I approached him on he run, and tried to return the favor. He was taking a walk break as were many on the course. It was a hot day in Louisville...96 was the high I think. The hills and heat on the bike had taken their toll on everyone. However, a new trend was developing. As much as I had gotten passed on the bike, I was running past walkers on the run. My run a mile, walk 20 meters technique was working. NJD appeared again a few miles later, and I finally had to ask how they were doing it! They were worried that it was annoying, and I assured them that nothing could be further from the truth. Neil, Jenn, and Dave were truly the #1 Ironman cheerers that day. I know I told them more than once, but it made what was an unforgettable day even more enjoyable. Around mile 12, one of the volunteers asked me if I was finished. I told her that I would see her in about an hour and a half. As I finished the first half of the double out and back, a 68 year-old man passed me. He asked if I was almost finished. I told him that I had another trip around the block. He, on the other hand, was heading into the finisher chute. I wished him well, and he wished me the same. I just kept moving forward, and as I approached the aid station, I saw my lady, and told her I had come back for more of her chicken broth. I took a cup, gave her a wet thank-you hug, and headed to the finish. With 1 mile to go, I could hardly contain my emotions. I thought about my family and friends and how supportive they had all been. I didn't have to think about all of the people who didn't think I could do it. Instead I was thankful for everyone who encouraged me because they knew I could! With a quarter mile to go, I could hear the noise at the finish. When I reached the fork where I had to choose between heading on another out and back (no, thank you) and "Finish Line," I almost lost it. I was able to maintain, however, and I headed into the bright lights of the finish chute. On either side of me there were throngs of people cheering. I slapped a few high fives, but I can't totally remember what I did at the end of the 4:15 marathon when I crossed the line. There was definitely jumping up and down. What I do remember, very clearly, is what I heard as I finally stopped moving forward and paused:

"Gina Senkowski, from Dover , Delaware, for the first time in your life, you can call yourself and Ironman!"

Thirteen hours, twenty-one minutes, and fifty-seven seconds after I started, I had done it! Mike Reilly was calling me an Ironman! A nice volunteer named Judd clutched my arm as though he was worried that I might run off. He ushered me to get my finisher photo taken, where he briefly had to let go of me. He then gave me water and asked who I was meeting. I told him my husband was waiting outside the corral, thinking he would let me go. Instead, he escorted me with the same iron grip, until I was clearly in the company of a loved-one. I insisted that Judd and I have our picture taken together, gave him a hug, and bid him farewell. It was great to see Neil and to thank him for all of his support during the day and the months leading up to the Ironman. We met up with Jenn and Dave, and they were forced into sweaty hugs and a picture as well. They headed to pick up my bike for me and Neil and I headed back to the hotel. I grabbed a quick shower (best/most-needed shower ever!), and then we all met up again and headed to dinner. After all that exercise, surprisingly, I could barely eat. We headed back to the hotel, and I can honestly say that a bed has never felt so good. I didn't get much sleep that night, and I woke up the next morning smiling. I still couldn't (and still kind of don't) believe that I had actually done finished the 140.4 miles and that I was an Ironman!

It has been quite a year, 2010. I spent most of it training, but I made time for some other good fun as well. The week after the race, Neil and I traveled throughout the Midwest and visited some friends we hadn't seen in years as well as his family in Chicago. I ran the Marine Corps Marathon on Halloween, and I am taking a race hiatus for a while. Now I have a longer and somewhat scarier event to train for. The Marine Corps Marathon was the first marathon for Jermajesty Senkowski (working title/name for baby Senkowski). Yes, that's right, Neil and I are expecting our first baby at the end of May. I still plan to run as it keeps me sane, although I'm sure my patients will think I'm even more insane than they normally do. We may be moving back to the left coast sometime next year, so apparently 2K11 will be the year of change. Just keep moving forward, right?

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

As I sit here in my hotel room in Louisville, having completed my last "training" swim/bike/run, my outward exterior is cool and collected. I have trained for this. I am ready for this...or as ready as I can be. The title of this post is how I feel inside. I am freaking out! Everyone else's bike looks like it is from outer space! How can I compete with them?!?! Deep breath, and I'm back.

This morning was the practice swim in the bathtub that is the Ohio River. Water temperatures are between 83 and 86 degrees which makes me feel like the swimming I did over the past two weeks in the small super-heated pool at the Y worth something. As I stood in line with everyone else waiting to get in, I couldn't keep from smiling. Who gets to do things like this? This is such an incredible opportunity. As I began to swim, I felt pretty good. I was taking it easy, warming up, and the water didn't instantly kill me. Then, out of the murk, there was a foot, and it totally threw me off. I had a mini panic attack and could not get my rhythm back. So I treaded water for about 10 seconds, took two deep breaths, and carried on. I got about 15-20 minutes in, and I feel confident that tomorrow I will leave the water (slightly later than I did at 8:32 this morning) and head to T!.

After the swim, Neil and I headed back to the hotel to grab our bikes and do a quick bike warm-up. My baby got some new shoes at Performance Bike in Rockville on Thursday, and they needed a little breaking in. Performance Bike in general has been so amazing throughout this process. They have answered questions and been so accommodating to a newbie biker. We headed out to River Road which is where the bike will start and finish tomorrow. It was amazing! The ride along the river will be a great start to the bike portion of the race. The more amazing this was to see all of the bikers! I wasn't worried about being seen by cars or being alone. There was definitely strength in numbers. I headed back to the hotel to go run, and Neil headed back out to bike train a bit more for his Olympic-distance tri in September.

I did a quick change and headed to the streets on foot. Armed with some serious pump-up music, I started out towards the waterfront. My random playlist provided me with great motivation. The best was "Burning Heart" from the Rocky IV soundtrack. The lyrics are totally appropriate. "It's you against you...In the warrior's code, there's no surrender. Though his body says stop, his spirit cries NEVER!" There were people out walking back from the practice swim, biking, and running. It is no incredible to be around this many people who are healthy and motivated. Tomorrow, we will all take to the river and roads for 140.6 miles of swimming/biking/running. Each person has a different motivation. Some are here to qualify for Kona, some are racing for charities, some because doctors once told them they couldn't do this. I am racing like 1347 other first-timers tomorrow. I am racing for three amazing charities. I am racing to know for myself that I can do this. Most importantly, I am racing for all of my family and friends who have supported me throughout this and many other endeavors. I may never be able to repay them for all they have done, but I will certainly try.

A'ight folks, this is it. It is 11:47 AM, and tomorrow I will be on the bike. 36 hours from now (give or take 00:12:59) I will be an Ironman.

I'm So Excited!

Brett Favre is about to begin his first drive of the pre-season! Yes! (By "Yes!" I mean that in a few short weeks we will see if my prediction for BF is true...7 INTs last season will turn into 7 in the first 7 games of the season this year...used to love you man, but you broke my heart by being a raging narcissist), but I digress...

So I flipped to the last page of my Ironman training schedule, and I really can hardly believe that I am here! I think I actually have to do this now. One week to go...in fact, one week from now, I should be well into my marathon (and BF gets sacked...so sad). As of 8:25 pm, I am feeling excited and as ready as I think one can feel a week ahead of one's first Ironman. By the time I finish typing this, that excitement will have turned into massive anxiety. That has been the pattern of the past week or so. For example, I found out my bib number is 305 (excited), but then I read a thread on the iamtri.com Louisville group page and plunged into the deep fear that I need to set up camp Saturday morning to get a good place in line to start the swim (anxiety). I am, of course, exaggerating (or am I), but the earlier I start, the more time I have to finish. This time trial start is interesting, and as I see it, the sooner I get on the bike, the better. I am least comfortable with my biking ability, and any little cushion will help my mental state. I think if I just settle in on the swim, I will be fine, and I at least know what to expect from the marathon. The bike is my nemesis, and I will defeat it (just like BF got defeated on his first drive and is finished for the game).

I felt pretty good on my last 3-hour ride yesterday. My legs feel fresh-ish after a week of tapering, and I am fairly comfortable in the saddle. I know I am physically capable of riding the 112 miles, and I think the mental game is going to be the key. I talked with another Ironman finisher earlier this week, and he admitted to yawning at one point on the bike out of pure boredom. It is a long haul, and keeping a fresh head is going to be key! I have found on my long rides here that singing helps. I don't want to make my fellow participants suffer more than they have to, and I think the ears may be one of the few body parts that won't be sore after the IM. However, I have found that a playlist of church songs, Journey, Kanye West, Boston, the Rocky IV soundtrack, and Jay-Z keep me pretty keyed in to the task at hand. Apologies in advance to any age-groupers in the middle-ish of the pack who I may inadvertently serenade.

The hotel reservation is confirmed. My race-day clothes are folded and packed in the green Gap shopping bag that has been my race-day clothes bag since the Chicago Marathon in 2007. Dinner reservations are set for the night before the race. My obsessive 10-day forecast weather-checking has commenced. The Vikings have kicked a field goal...like they should have in the NFC championship last year if Favre hadn't thrown an interception. A'ight, enough railing on poor Brett Favre. I have an Ironman to finish!

I'm Getting Better! (click on this for a timely video)

Ford Ironman Louisville is 4 weeks from today. At this point on August 29, 2010, I will hopefully be running. Actually, I had better be running 2 minutes from now at the latest or my day will be over!

Well, I have officially survived the longest of my Ironman training workouts, and I'm not dead yet! I did a 20-mile run on Thursday, and yesterday I did a 6-hour bike ride! I covered 105 miles which has me feeling semi-competent. I do not expect to be able to maintain that kind of pace in Louisville given that there hills are rather hard to come by in The First State. I have been trying to tell myself that while I don't get the practice I need on the uphills, I also don't get the relief of the downhills. This thinking is flawed, and I will probably be cursing every uphill on the course...and maybe some of the downhills.

This week is a recovery week and then it is 3 weeks of tapering. I am a bit relieved because I will have a bit more time on my hands to do things like sleep and not be super irritable. At the same time, I know I will start to get nervous as I do every time I run a marathon. My endurance base has been built, for better or worse. Did I do enough? I am not sure. I think I have done enough to finish, which truthfully is my goal. I sure hope I did because I really don't know if I will ever do this again. People tend to roll their eyes when I say this, but Ironman training is no marathon training. This has been an all-consuming process, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to go beyond the limits of what I thought I could do, both physically and mentally...but I digress.

I feel pretty good about the swim, if only I could decide what to wear. I am thinking swimsuit, but I am debating wearing tri-shorts and a tri-top to minimize changing. I am hopeful that I can relax in the water and not go too hard...it will be the beginning of a long day. The run will be what it will be. I will certainly not be trying to break any land speed records. If I have to run/walk, I will. I plan to treat the marathon of the IM as I treat the International Friendship run...minus the costume, of course.

I feel happy! I feel happy! Four weeks to go. I almost can't believe it.