Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2010 Race Report: Post Race

After the finish, I was held onto by a volunteer, asked questions as to where I was, took a couple pictures, went to the finish area for a few bites of pizza and Sprite. My stomach was on edge, so I was very tenuous about putting a lot in. I sat down, stretched some, nibbled.

Once I felt stable, we walked about a half mile to the car. I was slow, but I think it was good for me.

We made it back to the house, I showered...got in my new PJs that my lovely sister sent, knowing I would need some "recovery" clothes after my body was broken. Trevor made delicious hamburgers, which I was able to get down. I went to bed and slept somewhat fitfully because of soreness.

I barely walked on Monday, wasn't very hungry. I am so grateful we didn't fly out that day. We didn't need to leave until Thursday.

Since the water was 83 steps from the house, I had to be very intentional about trips up and down the steps. Honestly, though, I've been much more sore after marathons than this.

I sat on the boat, didn't do much, laid on the couch, took a short nap...all in all a perfect "post race" day.

My dad is a pastor, so we had arranged for my older two children to be baptized in the Lake. We had a lovely homemade service with one brother on the guitar, the other on the flute while we sang "Amazing Grace" together on the dock. My dad said a few words, we prayed. It was wonderful and perfect in every way! There is not much better in the world, as a parent, to see your kids starting off right. We shed a few tears and had some laughs.

The boys and AC left on Tuesday. I was so sad to see them go, but they all have lives and needed to get back. The rest of us toured Riverfront Park, and my parents and I drove around Spokane to see the places we used to frequent when we lived there (I was 6-12). It's funny the things I remembered. Much of the city was unchanged. We walked through the church and the neighborhood...saw my elementary school and where we shopped and played. Lots of fun memories.

We visited friends in Priest River on Wednesday, drove around Northern Idaho, taking in the beauty. Left for home on Thursday. Said goodbye to the house, the cove, the community. It was rather bittersweet.

I can totally see now why people do this IM thing more than once. It is magical in so many ways!