IM WI

It’s hard to believe that Ironman Wisconsin ’09 is just 1 week away! Training has gone extremely well, and I’m really looking forward to participating in this event on Sunday 9/13/09.  Below is some information on how to follow along on race day, whether you’re here in person or online.  I may make updates a day or two before the race, when we have a better idea what the weather will be like.

My race number is 2446.

If you want online updates on race-day, you have a few options.

• Dean will be posting updates and pictures throughout the day at http://www.madcitymulti.com/imwi.
• The main ironman website has a generic athlete tracker webpage at http://www.ironman.com.

If you have the opportunity be here in person on race-day, it’s an amazing event to watch. Here are some highlights:

Swim start – 7am, Monona Terrace

It’s pretty fascinating to watch a mass swim start with over 2000 athletes in the water.  It’s an early morning, but the energy at the start is really exciting with the huge crowd of spectators and the helicoptors overhead.  From the terrace, you can watch athletes come out of the water, head into the transition area, and leave on their bikes.  I should be done with the 2.4 mile swim around 8:20 – 8:30am.

Bike Course – approx 8:30am – 3:30pm, Verona, Mt Horeb, Cross Plains

The bike is the longest portion of the event (112 miles). It’s difficult to spot a particular athlete on the bike unless you know what they’re wearing and what time to expect them, but it’s also just fun to hang out and cheer as everyone goes by.  Check out the bike map for good spectator locations and estimated times that I’ll be riding by.

Run Course – approx 3:30pm ’til ?, downtown Madison, State St, UW Campus

This is best option for actually spotting a particular athlete during the race.  The course is two 13.1 mile loops, and is pretty easy to get around to watch at multiple spots. Check out the run map for my estimated times, and check in with the web updates on race day to see where I’m at on the course.

Finish Line – approx 8-9pm, MLK Blvd downtown Madison

One of the most inspiring sights you’ll ever see.  The excitement at the finish line, from 4pm to midnight, is hard to describe.  Even if you can’t stay late enough to see me finish, just stop by some time in the late afternoon or evening and take it all in.

Hope to see your smiling face out there on Sunday, Sept 13!