IMC 2008

Nope, I didn't just do Ironman...don't worry. Not THAT crazy, though as that cannon signaled the start of the race...I really wanted to be there. But, that day will come, in fact, I can now circle August 30th, 2009 on my calendar. The countdown has begun...
I volunteered at the race this past weekend to get a feel for what's going to happen. Wow, it's incredible. It's mecca for triathletes. The city is bursting at the seams with triathletes; seasoned and first-timers alike, and everywhere you look you're reminded of why everyone is here. The city is electrified with all their energy and it's incredibly infectious.
I helped out in the bike lot. On Saturday it was to meet and greet the athletes. We had to rack the bikes and get them oriented as to where they'd exit the lake, pick up their swim-to-bike transition bag, get changed, pick up their bike, and start the bike portion of the race. The pros were all about business; no help required. Then there were the "newbies" with the deer-in-the-headlights look going on and you couldn't help but reassure them and tell them that it's going to be great! I got so many hugs from complete strangers thanking me for their support. It was a pleasure to be there and to get caught up in their enthusiasm.
Race day started early (6am) and back to the bike lot to check on the bikes (make sure there weren't any flats). If we find a bike that needs repairing, we let one of the techs know and they change tires, tubes and tweak anything else that the athlete needs...sometime without the athlete ever knowing. How cool is that? It was amazing to see how many people had photos of family members taped to their handlebars for motivation...made me cry just looking at it. There was so much emotion on that morning...when the cannon went off to signal the start of the race there was no holding back the tears...and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Yahoo!
The swim was incredible! The "blender" of arms and legs and just the sheer number of 2000 bodies doing the same thing was captivating.
Once the racers started coming in it was fun to see the "strippers" wrestle people out of their suits and send them on their way to get changed into their bike clothing (if necessary)...then they grabbed their bikes and they were off! I got to see a few friends off on their bikes...and whoosh, they were gone!
When the pros started coming back it was "get the hell out of the way" time. These guys/gals mean business! I can honestly say I would never throw Lucifer like that, but then again...I'm not sponsored! :) There was a steady stream of athletes from that point on, until 17:30 when the cut-off time signaled the closing of the bike lot entrance. By the time the bike lot was closed the first pro was finished his race. Amazing to see them stride across the line looking fresh. I'd look that way too if I was paid to do that...still, it's pretty cool to see.
This is where the race really began to hit home. It was time for my friends to be finishing. It's pretty amazing to see someone you've ridden with or swam with cross the finish line. Wow...incredible! Everyone looked fantastic! What inspiration!!!
To that end, I am sitting beside my registration number that will enable me to sign up for IMC 2009. I will sign up first thing on September 1, and then it's "game on".
As cheesy as this sounds, I can already hear the announcer saying "Allyson Bower, today you ARE an Ironman" as I cross the finish line next year. It gives me goosebumps. I can't wait!
But, the focus is now back to Grand Coulee...BRING IT ON!