How does one sum up their first Ironman experience in 1500 words or less? Is it even possible? If you read this whole report, you'll find the answer to that question is "not a chance!"

Where do you begin? Do you start way back? Back when you signed on a dotted line that would change your life in ways you couldn't even comprehend at the time. Do you start when your alarm startles you out of a deep slumber at 5:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning for a six-hour brick months prior? Or do you start your story on a warm summer's morning, standing shoulder-to-shoulder on a beach with 2000 neoprene-clad finely tuned bodies?

Ironman is not a race, it is a journey and an experience. I've heard that more times than I can remember, but only now do I understand what that means. I have had an incredible journey full of ups and downs, amazing friendships that I will cherish for all my days, accomplishments I never could have imagined and a strength inside that I could not have reached otherwise. This is the story of how I lost my Iron Virginity...

The week leading up to the race I was a little freaked. Okay, those that spent any time with me might say that is a bit of an understatement. ;-) I was trippin'. For me, it wasn't a matter of doubting my training or finishing the race, it was more a fear of blowing my taper, not being rested enough and nerves wreaking havoc with my nutrition plan. Race week seemed much too busy. Fortunately, I had made lists ahead of time. I made lists of everything I needed for race day, then I made lists of what I needed in each individual gear bag. The night before gear drop off I had my worst freak session of the week. If I didn't have those lists already prepared, I'd probably still be trying to figure out what needed to put in my gear bags.

The day before the race I was a little more relaxed. I had a short workout, a little sit down with Gordo to calm my nerves (sort of ;-) ), and a book Lynee had given me to read before I went to sleep - "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss. That book was an outline for an Ironman race day like no other. Seriously! I highly recommend it.

On the morn of the big day, I awoke before the 4:30 a.m. alarm and instead of feeling excitement, I felt a fleeting wash of dread. First thought: "Oh-oh, its time." I got up, had a couple bagels (with apple jelly from The Bear - yumm), collected my special needs bags, turned off my brain and set off to meet my fate.

It was a gorgeous morning. We couldn't have asked for more perfect race conditions. I was running around transition keeping busy focusing on each little pre-race task to keep from thinking about the big task rapidly approaching. I was so preoccupied that I walked right past Gordo without even recognizing him. He called my name and it took a couple seconds for me to register. I think I managed to say "hey". Sorry G.