Competing in Ironman Wisconsin can be described as… challenging, empowering, enlightening, and inspiring. This year I didn’t compete but had 6 athletes out there on race day and I felt all those same emotions secondhand. I was thrilled to be a part of the journey and very proud of what everyone accomplished. Some moments left me considering getting teary-eyed. Being able to see the athletes I have trained through thick and thin for the past year reach their goals… it simply cannot be described in words, which is why I will do so in pictures…
Team PBC Ironman Wisconsin Race Report
The morning started with dropping my out of town athletes at transition then heading up to the square to get some Colectivo Coffee… everyone must have read my blog on Discover Wisconsin about spectating on race day because the line was literally out the door. In any case, a latte and a PB walnut chocolate chip muffin later I was back at the swim start herding my athletes down to the water. One thing I’ve always loved about the PBC kits is you can see the stars on the back when your wetsuit is open…
Per usual the sunrise was beautiful and made for an epic start…
Team PBC had a solid performance in the swim and athletes exited looking happy and laser focused. Off to the bike!
The weather conditions continued to be perfect for the bike with temperatures around 70* at the high and a cool breeze for the afternoon. I watched from the top of “The Hill” on Timber Lane with a crowd of enthusiastic fans, including those dressed scantily clad and a kind father daughter duo handing out free brats.
I was anxiously awaiting my athletes, checking time splits on my phone and getting race updates from friends elsewhere on the course.
They all showed up looking strong and taking no prisoners on The Hill!
After a quick fro-yo stop (guilty) it was back to the run course to cheer my athletes across the finish line. Everyone looked strong on the run. I stuck around past midnight to see the last finishers and help peel athletes off the concrete and load them into cars… and I can tell you that last hour gives me goosebumps every year.
I couldn’t be more proud of how Team PBC performed at Ironman Wisconsin. Everyone left their hearts out there. One athlete in particular was rewarded for her effort with a Kona slot. Congrats to Annie Hughes!
For those of you interested in signing up for Ironman Wisconsin for 2016, I am offering an Ironman Wisconsin Exclusive coaching deal from now through the end of September. Sign up for 1 year of comprehensive coaching and received a discounted monthly rate as well as a complimentary PBC hat, t-shirt, and a `1 piece race kit. Email patrickbradycoaching@gmail.com to inquire.
On a final note I want to thank all my athletes for the pleasure of being a part of your journey. You did it! You’re Ironmen(women)! That is something only a small percentage of people can say. It’s something no one can every take away from you. You’ll have it forever. And I’ll always be grateful that you took me along for the ride. Congratulations!
Coach PB
Cycling and Triathlon Coach, Madison, WI