Race Report: IM Grapeful 2010

 "Anyone who reaches the start line of an Ironman has already won. The dedication, determination and insanity it takes to train and sacrifice to get to the start line makes you a winner. When the cannon goes off, it's just a 140.6-mile victory lap." – Unknown

I reached the start line on July 31, 2010 in Guernville, CA at 6:45AM with challenges mounted against me, prayer chains started in the Midwest and connected to the West coast, and an enthusiastic (mostly remote) Team IronMel who helped raise $12,274.25 for my LLS campaign to find a cure for blood-related cancers. 140.6 miles were in front of me; a daunting task to accomplish at best in 81 degrees weather. How on earth was I going to take the ‘IM’ out of IMPOSSIBLE in 16 hours or less with a low-grade fever?  Fortunately, my steadfast determination to complete an Ironman before I turned 40 years old, my declared lifelong passion to race until a cure is found, and the courage to face my fears enabled me to endure this life changing victory lap. While this has been a big self-journey - it's also been for a greater and higher purpose.  And that's in support of our loved ones and friends battling blood cancers. I can't tell you what it meant to have one of our Honorees, Laura Warren, for example -- waiting at the top of Chalk Hill on race day, with the warmest smile on her face ringing the cowbell and cheering me forward thanking me for being on my bike and raising dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  It should be me thanking her and our Honored Patients for giving us hope and reminding us to live each day to the best of our abilities. I race to find a cure for blood-related cancers one day. Until then, I’ll cut to the chase…This is my Full Vineman story.

Team Iron Mel raised $12,274.25 for cancer research
“Michael Jordan’s 38-point performance with a 103 degree fever, which helped give the Chicago Bulls a 3-2 lead in the 1997 NBA Finals.” Remember this event, sports fans? NBA fans? Casual onlookers?
If not, then let me remind you…it was the second most memorable NBA storied event of 1997. It was epic. My Vineman race was relatively epic too. When I recounted my Vineman story to a new acquaintance of mine he referenced this historical, NBA story and it finally hit me and I audibly gasped and yelled “Wow! This SO resembles my 140.6 mile journey. At the TNT kickoff I wasn’t feeling 100% well and on race day,  I was sick.” Chris Furbee graciously reminded me that “not only did you go 140.6-miles - you did it with a low-grade fever. That’s amazing! “
Given the fact that two weeks prior I was in bed with general malaise, body aches, sinus pressure, headache, and a fever, I performed as best as I could do with the circumstances my body gave me on race day. As Coach Dave often said, “Life happens.” When my teammates tapered the workouts from 9 hours session to 1-hour intense workouts, I pushed fluids and rested in bed. I knew the race was still mine to do, despite my MD recommendation to “see if you can reschedule your event.”  Really?
I reassured everyone (and myself),“if Louie Bonpua finished Ironman Canada with leukemia, then I will complete this race with a low grade fever. I will race for a cure!” While in bed I mentally prepared myself. I visualized myself on the course: strong, tall, and focused. Thankfully, my German-Swedish-English-with-a-dash-of-Irish heritage offered me the guts to take the ‘IM’ out of IMPOSSIBLE and experience the glory of crossing the finish line 16 hours and 15 minutes later in the dark of a Sonoma County night with Margaret Mackey's bike escort (God love you, girl!) What a memorable moment!

 July 31, 2010
The Continental United States Oldest "Iron Distance" Event
2010 marks the 21st Annual Full Vineman Triathlon, making it the oldest independant Ironman distance triathlon held in the continental United States. The experience which Vineman athletes have will be unmatched, as they swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.2 miles through beautiful Sonoma County's wine country.

In 1990 the Vineman was designed to be “the people’s ironman distance event” with an emphasis on making the average athlete’s experience of completing the classic distance the most enjoyable and personalized as possible. While the sport of triathlon has changed drastically over the past decade and a half, the soul of the Vineman remains the same.

Whether you are an athlete hoping to complete your first ironman distance race, you’ve been closed out of the Ironman franchise events, or you just want to be part of a great ironman distance triathlon, the Vineman is for you. With beautiful wine country scenery, typically cool mornings and warm days, and a relatively small field of athletes that doesn’t make you feel like part of a “cattle call”, you’ll find the Vineman to be an “athlete friendly” race. For eighteen years the Vineman has been a favorite of many athletes because of the individual attention they receive at the event. Whatever your reason or motivation for competing, the Full Vineman and its friendly staff of more than 800 volunteers look forward to making your experience a great one.

The Vineman course is a tour of Sonoma County vineyards & wineries, which passes through five distinct regions. The swim takes place at Johnson’s Beach in the Russian River, one of the most rustic swim venues you’ll see in the sport. The bike course is a mix of terrain, and travels through the Russian River, Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, and Chalk Hill grape growing regions. With slightly less than 4000 feet of climbing for the entire bike course athletes find the course to be challenging but not overwhelming. The three loop, out-and-back, run course takes the athletes from the finish area through the back roads of Sonoma County. This will allow athletes to see their fellow competitors, family, and friends more often and keep everyone closer to “home”.

If you want to complete an Ironman distance triathlon in an established and well respected event, here is your chance to do so with a relatively small field. In 2010 there were approximately 700 entrants.

"Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it's all about." PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian

Hotel to Transition Area               

2:45AM on Saturday, July 31, 2010 and I awoke before my 3AM hotel wake up call. The night before I got in bed by 9:30PM, but merely slept on top of sleep and woke up every hour on the hour. My race preoccupied my mind. Morning of my race arrived and I was thrilled the day was finally here. I arranged with my mentor, Margaret, to be picked up at 4:30am and driven to the transition area in Guerneville, CA. We arrived early, secured a parking spot 150 yards from the transition area. Athletes scampered about in the dark towards the river; the air filled with anticipation of a long day. I schlepped my triathlon bag and bike down the hill in the dark of the day. My journey was soon to begin. I got quieter and more focused on the task at hand as each minute passed. My tasks at hand: 1) find a place to rack my bike, 2) set up my transition area. Michelle Carter calmly led me to my numbered transition area. Lucky, I ran into another teammate, Carolyn. She is an amazing athlete, a wife, and a mom of twins, who asked me if she could set up transition next to mine. I readily accepted and thought, “It is time to tap into her race ju ju, so I can race like the champion that she is.” Little did I know she was really nervous and relied on me to keep her focused on task; team work at its best. My game face was on; body calm and feeling strong; mind quiet and focused. Wetsuit, orange cap, goggles (albeit smudged already), and emergency race contact donned. I am ready…God willing!

Transition area: Carolyn, me, Kristie, and Haakon

6:45AM

Full Vineman TNT Ladies ready to IRON UP!

Full Vineman ladies start of 2.4 mile swim!!

All the ladies got in the water to warm up our strokes and awaited the race horn. The Full Vineman race horn went off and I stood in the waist deep waters with 80 other ladies and thought for a few seconds, “Oh! Guess it’s time for me to swim. ” My race strategy was activated immediately, i.e., avoid the slower swimmers and find my space and pace in the water. Presto! Moments later, I relaxed and felt warmed up, and celebrated the virginal moment. The swim was surreal until I noticed a magical sensation overcome my upper body. Around mile 1.2, I began to feel a tingling sensation slowly drape my body. It started with my head, shoulders, and then stopped at my breastbone. What the heck was happening? My endorphins were flowing; arms felt strong, breathing was rhythmic, and I was one with the water. I stopped worrying. Change was guaranteed along this journey; one stroke at a time I was turning Iron.

My challenges continued however. The depth of the river became very shallow at parts underneath the bridge, so I went from doing my first Ironman swim to being a gold miner panning for gold. Another not so golden moment, seconds later, my smudged goggles blinded my sight. They fogged up to the point where could not sight my line in the water. I felt like one of my 90-year residents with glaucoma and cataracts. It wasn’t the ideal race situation; I laughed at my inner dialogue and kept on swimming. Luckily, the river was shallow enough to stand intermittently to spit into them; my sight returned thankfully. Moral of the story: I valued my ability to roll with the unexpected.

Swim Buoys on the Left: ‘Remain the Course’

fuck?! I DID IT. 2.4 mile swim

Long, lean and strong on the BBQ skewer and ‘remain the course’ was my visual mantra when my left leg cramp began and my right foot cramped up too. I told myself, “I don’t need my feet for swimming. My arms are strong enough to get me to the finish line. Don’t worry. Remain long, lean, and strong.” I returned to my mantra and sang ‘Swing Low, Sweet Chariot…’ to support my rhythmic swim (thank you, J'MammaWhaleWayne for the song.) When I got to be 300 yards from the finish line, I engaged my legs and used a stronger kick to get me to the finish line faster. I was proud. I was nearly done with my 2.4 miles swim. It was bittersweet. Moments later after my strong surge, I was done with my Ironman swim. As I scurried on land, I reminded myself ‘Smile for the camera!” Instead, I made a Michael Jordan tongue expression; hung my tongue out like a tired but determined bitch. GIDDY UP!
Time to take a bike ride.
Swim time: 1hour 39:24.6
Transition time: 9 minutes, 13 seconds (swim to bike)

Full Vineman 2010 Transition area

112 miles Bike
I mounted my new triathlon bike, aka Frenchie, with great intention of riding like a wind. My goal: to finish in or under 7 hours. The day offered me a different plan. Priority number one, dial in my nutrition. I had cramped in the water, so I knew my body craved electrolytes and food. I sipped on my water for twenty minutes and then changed to my Carbo pro concoction. I listened to my body and it told me to “Ride smart. Ride your own race.”

Frenchie took me the distance: 112 miles (with brakes on. shit

I met up with Kathryn, aka Iron Roving Jukebox teammate, who encouraged me to ‘Come on, Mel! Let’s go!!’ She passed me and disappeared quickly. My voice in my head repeated itself, “Ride your own ride, Melissa.” I wished her luck before she zoomed off.

10-12 miles into my ride, I heard a noise from my brand new bike that wasn’t normal. Uh oh?! I asked myself, ‘Do I keep going and risk losing my brakes or should I stop? Shit. I have 100 miles to go. STOP.’ The issue became louder and louder, so I pulled over to brainstorm the issue. Internal thoughts: What the devil is going on?? Please God help me figure out the issue. It turned out my left brake pad was rubbing on my brakes, so I adjusted it and returned to my ride. 100 miles to go and I need to keep my pace to at least 14 miles per hour to finish before the bike cutoff. Steady and strong I pedaled. Got passed by a lot of guys and girls who clearly didn’t have a low grade fever and felt strong. I did not feel 100%. I ‘faked it to make it.’ Along my journey, I thanked God for my god given abilities to endure such an event; thanked Team IronMel for helping me raise $12,150 dollars for LLS; appreciated and thanked Mother Nature for giving us a beautiful day that wasn’t too hot, 81 degrees. I was grapeful. Still my demons and Negative Ned screamed in my ears..."you don't really need to finish, do you? Just stop. No big deal. Just stop." I told my demons to BUG OFF!

Mile 60 offered me a chance to see a good friend of mine, Iron Moddie, who cheered me along. Thank you! It helped fuel my fire to put the pedal to the medal and make up some lost time.  Miles 75-90, Negative Ned entered the picture. My demons were loud in my head; bantered back and forth with my partially Iron self. The Iron sensation had moved past my torso to my legs. Feet needed attention though. My feet agonized with pain; throbbed every time I completed my pedal stroke. I stopped.
Thank God for my teammate Jane and Andie, a fellow TNT’er from L.A. chapter who kept me accountable and moving forward. Frankly, we helped each other. It was sweet! When I finally crossed the bike finish line I was ready and full of gratitude that all I had left to do was run a marathon. Off and running!
Bike time: 8:30:09.8
T2: didn’t catch my transition. Must have been too fast. Not!

26.2 miles Run

Suddenly, I had a perma-grin on my face. I awaited ALL DAY to get to the run. My plan: run as much as I could and then walk as fast as my dad walks if not faster (trust me, he is Mr. fast Strider man). It worked. I walked faster than the runners who were on their third and last loop of 3, hilly loops. Thank GOD! Meanwhile, I disregarded the blisters that I knew I was producing on both heels. Nothing mattered except finishing this distance in a respectable time (under 16 hours.)
I ran for the cause. I ran for Tyler, my honoree; I ran for Luke Kaspari; I ran for Laura; I ran for Steve, my coworker who recently passed away. I ran for Team IronMel. Most importantly, I ran for myself. I went the distance to give the gift of life to myself before I turned 40 years old and for my active years to come. Time passed too quickly on the run and my mileage remained...one lap to go at 9:05PM and cut off time for the third lap was 9:00PM. Yep, that's right...a crossroads presented me: stop or continue. Did I stop when the young guy said, “Sorry” and asked for my timing chip back after missing the last lap cut off time by 5 minutes? HELL NO. Did Louie Bonpua stop when he was diagnosed with leukemia years ago? HELL NO. He went on to complete Ironman Canada with less than 30 seconds on the finishers clock; followed up his Ironman Canada finish and carried the Olympic torch before his cancer got the best of him. FUCK CANCER! Does anyone stop when they are told they have cancer? HELL NO. 
And so, my Vineman journey continued chip free; time was on my side and I was determined to continue for the cure.

My journey ended in the pitch dark of the wine country roads with my extraordinary Mentor, Margaret, flanked at my side on a borrowed bike. I proudly ran down the finish line shoot and knew that I was an Iron(wo)man. I was a Vine(wo)man. I went the distance, 140.6 miles. Officially, I took the ‘IM’ out of IMPOSSIBLE. It was a 16 hours, 15 minutes journey I will cherish forever.  I love ya, 2009/2010 IronTeamers, Coaches and Staff.  THANK YOU!

Individual fundraising total: $12, 247.25
My initial fundraising goal: $5800-
Team total: over $200,000 and counting for cancer research.

Honorable Mentions/Top Donors:
Gaspare and the exceptional Golf Tournament Committee Members – THANK YOU!
The Guinasso Family – raced in memory of my former client.
John Glass – thanks for always supporting my causes. Appreciate it!
Bob and Karen Groos – my parents who taught me never to give up; their generous donation.
Christa and Gary Annes – love and hugs to my remote Team IronMel family members. Thank you for believing in me; very generous donation to the cause.
Jennifer Rankins – owner of my left running shoe. Da-do-run-run-run…Love you tons! Iron hugs for your love and support.
Elsa Heinemann – proudly raced in memory of her family member Carl Roeschlein who lost his battle to blood-related cancer.
Eric Bezar – Iron parka kept me warm throughout the season and the Double Rainbow trips kept my Iron stomach happy. Thanks for everything!
Aunt Bonnie -  appreciate your tenacious belief in me and your kind donation.
Lisanne Aguilar – donation brought me to reach my $5800.00 mark. Yay!
Brian and Lisa for all your gear support, cheers, donation, and coaching tips. Thanks neighbors!!!
Johnnie Jean Daniel – house party fundraisers, monetary donations, and she endured my early mornings for 10 months of training. Love ya to pieces, woman!
Margaret and Bob for hosting my first fundraiser at their house; being the greatest mentor and friend for life. love ya forever!
Janice - gave me Motrin for my throbbing feet at mile 75. God bless you.
J'MamaWhaleWayne - endless rides, belly laughs until I cry, good faith runs, spins, rides, and overall friendship and love. you are the best of the best!

Iron Team Family 2010

Long Live The 2010 Iron Team Family! GO TEAM! 

Iron Team Family 2010
Coaches Dave, Mike, Sedonia and Simon – SERIOUSLY the cream of the crop. Your knowledge, patience and commitment was unyielding and abundant. Thank you for giving your heart and soul to TNT. Captains Tony, Les, Nick, Kristie, Helen, Jennifer and Liz – return season after season and each time you give it 200%.  Mentors Arlene, Margaret, Erin, Janice and Michelle – Thank you for taking care of us Iron peeps. You did a great job keeping everyone on track. Our Team Honorees – Christophe, Frankie, Matt, Tyler, Michelle and our heart, Laura – Thank you for your inspiring the team; your perseverance is a gift that keeps on giving us hope to reach for a cure for the cause. One day. THANK YOU Merla for encouraging us to raise the fundraising bar for LLS - you are the best of the best. Much love to everyone.  Go TEAM! Iron Team!

Most importantly, THANK YOU from the bottom of my Iron heart, each and every member of Team Iron Mel, for your unconditional support and monetary donations to help make cancer obsolete one day. Perhaps I inspired you to give back to yourself and others by doing something you never thought you could do. I dare YOU to take the ‘IM’ out of IMPOSSIBLE of your life.  TRI for the cause.
It is a gift that keeps on giving.

In these tough economic times, charity could not be more important. Your determined fundraising will allow us to invest in our critical mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

Thank you again to each and everyone for accelerating our lifesaving efforts.