The crazy people in green!

I don't even know where to begin about those crazy people in green.  I know that Hallie and I wouldn't have been able to do what we did without those crazy people.

Not only do I want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for showing your support by getting a shirt.    I never in my wildest dreams thought we would need so many shirts- but it was definitely easy to spot everyone.

First I want to thank those that were not able to come but wore their shirts in support of us the day of the race.  We know that you were with us in spirit.

Now- for those that made the hall over to Louisville- whether you came for the entire duration of the race or just portions THANK YOU.  Knowing that you guys were waiting at La Grange made me bike faster because I wanted to see you all.  And, knowing that you guys were around mile 7 on the run- kept me going because i just kept saying - if i can just get to mile 7 I will see my friends and family-
You definitely kept me going on mile 18 as well- I knew that shortly I would see you all again and i would get the extra bust to finish!!!
I could say thank you for now until I die- and it still wouldn't be enough.  You all hold a special place in my heart.  and I truly love each of you!!

In case you missed it...

You can watch Hallie and I finish again....

click on the link...

http://www.livestream.com/ironmanlive

or if the link doesn't work- copy and paste it in your URL.

you can fast forward to 13:13- I finished at 13:13:40something

and Hallie finished at 15:54 something. 

DNS & DNF's

Around 3000 people registered for IM Louisville. 

18% DNS (Did not start)

Which is around 540 people that did not start the swim.

And of the remaining participants 

15% DNF (Did not finish-whether they had to drop out or did not meet the cut off times.)

That is an additional 369 people. 

So Hallie and I should be proud - that not only did we FINISH IM Louisville, but with plenty of time to spear. 

Final Numbers

Final miles for the month of Aug.
Hallie

Swim 10.5 miles

Bike:  404 miles

Run:  46.2 miles

Walk: 2 miles

Total:  462.7 miles

Here are her overall Totals:

Swim:  81.21 miles

Bike:  2,929 miles

Run: 393.9 miles

Walk: 41.8 miles

Total: 3,445.91 miles

Jenna
Swim 13.9 miles
Bike: 388.82 miles
Run 64.35 miles
Total: 467.07 miles 

Totals from March 1st until IRONMAN
Swim: 114.77 miles
Bike: 3707.64 miles
Run: 638.36 miles
Total: 4460.53 miles

I did what I set out to do...

All along- I said all I wanted to do was finish- but not just that- I wanted to be at the finish line when Hallie crossed- 

I knew after I finished- my race wasn't over- my race wasn't complete until I was able to put Hallie's medal on her and tell her- Hallie you are an ironman!!!!

HALLIE DENSTORFF YOU ARE AN IRONMAN

Hallie's results
Swim: 1 hr 25 minutes
Bike: 7 hrs & 14 minutes
Run: 6 hrs & 58 minutes
Final time: 15 hrs & 54 minutes

 

JENNA DENSTORFF YOU ARE AN IRONMAN

My race results
Swim: 1hr & 14 minutes
Bike 6hr & 07 minutes
Run: 5 hrs & 24 minutes
Final time: 13 hr and 13 minutes

I'm not the only one that loves her...

I know Hallie wanted to post this...
but she was very busy yesterday & as soon as school was over-her and mom hit the road to Louisville so the Duo could finally reunite!!

Yesterday- I arranged for Hallie to receive an envelope each class period from a different student.  Each envelope had a Letter, and a description for each letter spelling out HALLIE.

H is for Heart

Hallie- you have a bigger heart than anyone I know.  It’s hard to believe that when you were born, your heart wasn’t complete-I think when they operated on you-God filled your heart with something extra special.  You will never realize how many people your heart has touched, and you will never realize how big of a place you hold in my heart.  It is your big heart that has led you to this point, and it is your big heart that is going to keep you going to complete your goal.  I love you with all my heart. 

A is for Admiration

Hallie – it is no secret that I have admired you ever since I was little.  Even though we may not act alike (but actually we do ;-) ) I try hard to be more like you.  God has blessed me with an amazing role model to look up to, and I thank Him every day for you.  I have the upmost admiration for you, and it brings me great joy watching you accomplish your goals.  I know this journey has been long, but soon you will be an ironman and another thing I can add to the list of why I admire you.  I love you.

 L is for Leader. 

Hallie, first of all you had to know that was coming.  Ever since I was born you have been my fearless leader.  When dad died, you took it upon yourself to become an even bigger leader in my life.  I wish all people had a leader like you to follow.  I know sometimes I get frustrated following you, because I keep waiting for you to stop (you promised NO MORE IRONMANS!) but you just keep going.  You keep pushing me to be better, to do better, and I love you for that.  I know I will be safe because I have a leader who is following Gods plan.  I love you for leading me. 

L is for Love

Hallie- with such a big heart it is no wonder you are full of such great love.  I know sometime people say “I love you” so much that it no longer has such a powerful meaning.  But you will never understand how much I love you. I love you for being you.  I love that you are confident in who you are.  I love that you are determined to do things most people don’t even dream of.  I love that you are driven to accomplish what you set out to do.  I love that you go out of your way to help others. And I love that you encouraged me and allowed me to join you in your ironman journey. 

I is for Inspiration

Hallie- you are an inspiration to so many.  Anyone that has ever met you, has so many amazing things to say about you.  All the little kids you taught to swim, all the high school kids you have mentored at youth group or during swim team, and all your students view you as an inspiration.  You inspire people by the things you do, the things you say, and the prayers you send.  I know you have inspired me this year and all the years before.  You are my inspiration for doing this ironman. 

E is for EVERYTHING

Hallie-this past year has been amazing.  You said that I may hate you along the way, but when I cross the finish line I will be so happy.  Well I can honestly say that I have never hated you along the way.  If anything I should thank you over and over again.  This past year, I have enjoyed spending the extra time with you. And there isn’t anyone else I would do this with but you.  You are an amazing sister, but more than that you are an amazing friend.  I know I can come to you with anything and everything, and some how you make it better.  Soon you will swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles to cross the finish line where I will be standing with your medal that you have earned! It will mean EVERYTHING to me. I LOVE YOU  

So it is clear that I kind of sort of like my sister :-)   but I'm not the only one.  Yesterday Hallie arrived at school to find her classroom completely decorated from top to bottom with signs and streamers! She received countless cards from students, parents, and random strangers.  And last but not least, she received a lot of "hardware" for all her hard work.  Each teacher presented Hallie with a medal throughout the day so she left school with a neck full of medals!!!

Hallie is truly one of a kind- and everyone would agree!! 

You know you're a hardcore athlete when...

You know you're a hardcore athlete when....
you plan your taper ride around when you can get your nails done!!! :-)   That is why I love my sister- for that and so many other reasons!   I do know one thing- she will have the best looking toes at the race!!

A special tribute

I have been waiting until we got closer to the race to do our special tribute...

We have talked about how Hallie and I came to this point in our ironman journey - but Hallie and I couldn't have gotten to where we are without our MOM

Talk about a WOMAN! Our mom is one special lady (I mean she put up with raising Hallie and I!)

Our mom has sacrificed a lot for my sister and I.  I don't care what she says, she devoted her entire life to making sure Hallie and I were able to do everything under the sun.  She never missed a beat.  She was in the front row at all of our dance recitals, and even sit through our dance practices - which lets be honest - were not that exciting especially since i would yawn every 5 minutes! hahahah

She wouldn't be able to count how many t-ball games, soccer games, volleyball games, basketball games, swim meets, and track meets she has sat through.

When Hallie and I started doing triathlons - Mom was right there at the transition area writing down our times from each leg of the race- cheering us on.

I know she wasn't thrilled when Hallie said she wanted to do a half IM last year, but she took off work and went along with Hallie.  She supported her and cheered her on the entire way.   So you can imagine how excited she was when we informed her that we would both be participating in the IM Louisville.  But, like everything else- she has supported us through our entire journey.  And whether or not she says it- she is excited about it!! :-)

Mom - you have been an amazing cheerleader and we couldn't do this without you.
We love you more than the whole world and back again!

Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 
13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

We are in the home stretch now....
counting our blessings for 

• the wonderful training God has allowed us to have...
• all the amazing people we have met along the way...
• all the amazing people who have stuck by our side through this journey...
• all those who are making the trip over to cheer us on...
• for all those who got shirts to support us either in Louisville or in spirit..
• for all the volunteers who will be there to help us before, during, and after the race...
• for all those who have accepted a 30 minute time slot to pray for Hallie and I throughout the day on Aug 26th..
• AN AMAZING MOM who has been there to support us in every race - or every game from tball, to soccer, to volleyball, basketball, swim meets, track meets, the list goes on and on.  
• An indescribable sister- words can't be put together to thank God for my sister- but I thank Him EVERY DAY for her!! 

God is going to give us the strength to be IRONMEN in 6 days!!!

Denstorff Duo Supporters Survival Guide

I know this is long- but many people wanted more details!!

Supporters Survival Guide

Where: Louisville, KY

When: Aug 26^th 7am-?

THANK YOU ALL SOOOOOOOOO MUCH – we couldn’t do this race without you!! Having you there means the world to us – and seeing you all is going to give us that extra spark to keep going!!

I have put together some information about the race

Thursday: Hallie & Mom arrive to Louisville, KY (we have packet pick up and we are meeting up with a group of ironman participants that evening) We are staying at the Courtyard Marriot on the corner of 2^nd and Main.

Friday: Jenna is working a half day-Hallie and Mom relaxing.  Joyce is coming to keep mom company.  We will be going to the Ironman expo, going to the IAMTRI social, and attending the welcome dinner.

Saturday: Hallie and I will be participating in the practice swim that morning, then we plan to be off our feet the REST of the day.  We will be going to mass at 5:30pm at Cathedral of the Assumption at 433 S. 5^th Street downtown.  

Sunday: Arrive at transition area at 4:45am, head to body marking 5am, then to get in line for the swim.

Next:

I have given you the IRONMAN website- along with a brief on each leg of the race and a map of that portion. 

Ironman website:

http://ironmanlouisville.com/

Driving Directions: If you are coming from Evansville-Stay on I-64.  Take I-65 south. You will take the first exit for downtown Louisville.  It will say Jefferson-it splits to Brooks on the left and Jefferson on the right. Go towards Brooks.  It will loop around and you will be heading towards the river.  This will allow you to get close to both the transition area and the finish- just find a nice cheap place to park- and start walking! J Please make sure that you take a look at the road closures because there are a lot of them.

Swim course: 2.4 mile swim – The start is at the docks at Tumbleweed.  We finish at Joe’s Crab Shack.  The professionals will jump in at 6:50 & the line for the athletes will start at 7.  They hope to have everyone in the water by 7:45am.  Hallie and I will be getting to the swim when it opens at 5am.  We will have to stand in line for 2+ hours, but this will allow us to be closer to the start to allow for as much of the 17 hours as possible.   Neither one of us know how much of the swim start you can actually see-but to be honest it would be hard to watch/cheer during the swim because we all look the same with swim caps on.  We hope to be out of the water  an hour and 15 minutes after jumping in.  Again I am not sure how close you can get to where we exit the water and run to the transition. 

After swimming- we will run to the transition tent to grab our bike bag with our bike gear/food in it.  Then grab our bike and head out!

Bike Course: 112 miles – A lot of the ride course is closed off to traffic, so at the end I have attached the link for all the road closures.  The best place for spectators is to jump on to I-71 N and head east to La Grange.  You can take the second La Grange exit and it will lead you to downtown La Grange (this took us about 30-35 minutes from downtown Louisville).  We will bike through La Grange twice – from the swim it should take about 2.5 hrs for us to get to La Grange the first time around. (It is a 30 mile loop-so after passing the first time, we should be back in 1 hour and 45 minutes- give or time 20 minutes J).  They have tents and stuff set up there for spectators.  Again- you will only see us for a couple seconds as we pass through.

When returning from a awesome 112 miles on the bike- we will drop our bikes and grab our run bag.  Change and set out for 26.2 miles. 

Run: 26.2 miles – this will be where WE NEED YOU!!! You can see a ton of the run portion-at various parts. 

If you are going to go out on the run course to watch we recommend going to this church:

Beechmont Baptist Church
4574 S. 3rd St., Louisville, Kentucky 40214, United States

This is a church that the Schroeder family went to last year to watch parts of the run.  Here you can park in the parking lot and then set up camp next to the run course.  At this location you can see us 4 times on the run and have plenty of time to drive back downtown to watch the finish.  We finish on 4^th street LIVE!

Road Closure

http://louisvilleic.namnori.com/files/2012/08/12_LOU_TrafficImpact_online_8.1.12.pdf

Things to remember!
·        This is a VERY LONG day!! Probably longer for you, because you spend a lot of the time waiting.
·        It is usually VERY hot!!
·        Wear comfortable shoes- because it is a lot of walking
·        We don’t expect you to sit around and wait for us- enjoy Louisville!! Sleep in, go shopping, go out to eat, take a nap, etc.  We want this to be a good experience for you as well as for us, so enjoy the 17 hours!! I know Hallie and I will.
·        You can track us online at different check points- but I have been informed it is not the most reliable http://ironmanlive.com/tracking.php
·        LOUISVILLE IS AN HOUR AHEAD of Evansville!
·        WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!

Expected Times:  Keep in mind- these are just estimations.  If all goes well….

Hallie:                                                  Jenna:

·        Swim 1 hr 20 minutes                           Swim: 1hr 15minutes

·        Bike: 7.5 hours                                     Bike: 6.5-7 hours

·        Run: 6 hours                                         Run: 5-5.5 hours

·        Finish 15 hrs                                          Finish 14 hrs

Contacts:

Linda Denstorff 812-455-9518

Joyce Macke (will be mom’s support!) 317-508-8624 – only in emergencies

Laura Schroeder: (Familiar with the area) 270-293-6597

               

I'm sorry I wasn't able to help!

The shirts are in!! I think we ended up ordering btwn 90-95 shirts!! Thank you all so much-a big thanks goes to Imagination for making the shirts!
To Hallie for rushing in another order
To Mom for picking up the shirts
To Hallie and Mom for sorting the shirts
To Hallie, Mom, Cliff, Norwanda, Mater Dei students, and anyone else who has helped pass the shirts out - we couldn't do this without you all!! Can't wait to see those green shirts as we fly by on the bike and CRAWL by on the run! :-) 

It doesn't seem real...

Everything is all happening so fast, it just doesn't seem real.

We are not longer talking about our LONG workouts- now we are talking about short and sweet workouts.
I'm liking this taper thing!!

We are no longer talking about what we need to do aka get shirts made, get hotel, ask off, etc....
WE HAVE THE SHIRTS
WE HAVE THE HOTEL
WE HAVE THE WELCOME DINNER TICKETS
WE HAVE THE DAYS OFF
WE HAVE OUR NUTRITION PLAN
WE HAVE THE EQUIPMENT

WE HAVE PUT IN THE TIME
WE HAVE PUT IN THE MILES

WE ARE READY FOR THE IRONMAN! BRING IT ON!

Local Support

Through this entire journey, Jenna and I have met some amazing, motivated, and inspirational people.  About 11 months ago when Jenna and I signed up for this race we told our family and friends the only way they would see us, was if they swam, biked, or ran.  Some of our friends have taken us up on the offer but most did not, so we branched out and found some more friends.  These friends are crazy like us, all they do is swim, bike, and run.  Like Jenna has mentioned the Southern Indiana Tri team has been amazing.  They have put on numerous events to help us train for the big race.  Over the past couple of weeks our friend, Jeff Williams, put together open water swims in the river.  The first week I was there I was a kayaker, but last week I got to swim the 4 miles in the river.  What a great experience! This is a picture of Michele, myself, and Mount after our nice 4 miler.

This past weekend I participated in the Evansville YMCA Olympic triathlon.  I was excited to do a race with no pressure, just for fun.  It was a little different to do a local race without Jenna here but I pushed on.  I lost count as to how many people asked where my partner in crime was.  It was a beautiful day and I had a good race.  I finished strong and had a great time!  I have attached two pictures from the race this weekend.


This picture is of me finishing the race!

This picture is of me and my sister (in spirit) at the tri!

One last thing there are multiple people from the Evansville area doing the race.  Here is a list of our new friends who will be competing in 11 days!

Bib Name
1615 Phillip Abell
920 Drew Brewer
1711 Chris Cannon
2731 Scott Culliver
2979 Mount Davis, Sr.
113 Hallie Denstorff
99 Jenna Denstorff
2110 Mount Davis, Jr.

2627 Mason Flake
1211 Jared Hamlin
2564 Marshall Howell
2716 Dennis Kiesel
2402 Wayne Ricketts
683 Suzanne Stetter
2209 Phil Van Allen
2509 Matt Wandtke
2562 Tom Whitehurst
542 Mary Jo Yates

Good Luck Everyone! Just a little longer!



























We r so close...I can taste the Ohio ,,,literally!

Hahaha...hard to believe that in two weeks...we will be doing a race that most ppl don't dream of.

We were so lucky to have such beautiful weather this weekend to get the last big miles I before taper. Hallie did the Olympic distance y tri this past Saturday at scales lake. Sheiks going to post her soon of the race.

I had a great ride on the IM course with the IAMTRI group. Followed by a good run. Today ( Sunday) I had the pleasure of riding with some of my new training partners..members oftheLouisville landsharks. Then I got to relax by Emily and Drews pool!!!

It's definitely not like a pool party at Hallies house..but I'll take what I can get.

Monday will be the last time I get to taste the Ohio until the IM practice swim the day before the final event!!!

We r now entering our taper...and it couldn't come at a better time. I know hallie and I r both busy with. School starting!! I have only been at my new school for three days....but I have some amazing students and such supportive faculty and staff!!

This race is getting soooooooooooo real....I can't wait till the race 1. Bc I'll get to here Jenna Denstorff ...you r an ironman...but more importantly 2. I'll get to see my best friend!!! And hopefully place a medal around her neck after they say.. Hallie Denstorff you r an ironman!!

The clock is ticking...

The countdown to the ironman says 18 days 16 hours and 25 minutes!!!!! This is so real it is scary!!!! The good thing is...I know everyone else doing the IM for the first time is feeling the same way....

So many questions...
How much should I taper..
Will I be ready...
Should I have done more..
What time do I need to line up for the swim...
Will I have enough fluid on the bike...
How will I feel after swimming and biking...then trying to run a marathon for the first time!!!

So many variables that are out of our control...
Will it be miserably hot..
Will it rain..
Or worse...constant wind...
Will I get a flat (I sure hope not)
Will anything else break on my bike..
Will they run out of water at the aid stations...

One thing I do know...with all the questions and variables...this day will be one that I will always remember...and I will cherish...bc I get to do something most ppl don't even dream of...and I get to do it with my best friend! My sister!

Such a warm welcome!!

Well, I have been in the Louisville/jeffersonville area for almost two weeks- and I must say- I am truly blessed.

My big concern with moving was finding someone to train with. Now, I see how silly it was to worry about that, because I have not only found someone- I found an entire group. I can't thank the Louisville landskarks enough for such a warm welcome. I have met some amazing people who have made me feel right at home.  I also must thank Bob and the IAMTri group for recommending this group. I am truly blessed.

Beyond trainging, I was praying that I would have a couple of nice teachers that I would connect with- I not only got one teacher, I have entire faculty and staff at Providence who have made me feel so welcomed. I can see that this is going to be a good fit for me. I''m excited to meet the kids!!

With all the wonderful people I have met, and the wonderful welcome I have received it has given me little time to be home sick, but I will be honest - I miss Hallie sooooooooo much. I know it's only been a week and a half but I feel like it has been a month.  I won't see her until the weekend of the race...which as we all know is approaching quickly!!!

Shirts have been ordered, bike has been tuned, mom has seen the course, getting our banquet tickets, we received our bib numbers. Look for me -99 and hallie 113 on the course...and cheer loud!!! We r now in the home stretch!!

July numbers

I for one am glad we are getting close to tapper...my body can't take much more hard training!! I am posting our ridiculous miles from July and our total miles from March-July!
My miles

July

Swim 20.34 miles

Bike 646.94 miles

Run 138.31 miles

Overall

Swim  100.29 miles

Bike 3,286.28 miles

Run 574.01 miles

Total 3,960.58 miles

Hallies miles!!!

July

Swim 14.8 miles

Bike 609 miles

Run 82.1 miles

Walk 3 miles

Overall

Swim  70.71 miles

Bike 2,525 miles

Run 347.7 miles

Walk 39.8 miles

Total 2,983.21 miles

July

Swim 20.34 miles

Bike 646.94 miles

Run 138.31 miles

Overall

Swim  100.29 miles

Bike 3,286.28 miles

Run 574.01 miles

Total 3,960.58 miles

Hallies miles!!!

July

Swim 14.8 miles

Bike 609 miles

Run 82.1 miles

Walk 3 miles

Overall

Swim  70.71 miles

Bike 2,525 miles

Run 347.7 miles

Walk 39.8 miles

Total 2,983.21 miles

4 weeks!!!

It's hard to believe we only have 4 weeks until the ironman. It's been an interesting week training with moving thrown in. Hallie mom and my favorite aunt Sarah helped me move in to my roommates house on Tuesday. So I've been trying to adjust to a new place. I haven't had much luck with my bike rides since I have been here. On my first ride out I took Katie's (my roommate) garage door opener with me. It fell out of my back pocket on my bike and was run over!!! So I had to get that replaced. Thursday when I went out for another ride...I had a pretty bad wreck 9 miles in!! I was lucky I didn't break nethin and my bike is still rideable...I'm just pretty cut up!! So it has to get better!!! And it did- hallie came over on Friday so we could train this weekend. I know it's only been a couple days since I've seen her....but it was great to get to spend sometime with her this weekend. I won't see her again until race weekend!! But hallie and i both rode the full 112 Saturday for the last time before the race. Neither one of us had an awesome ride...but thats okay because I know WE CAN DO THIS!! And WE WILL...in 4 weeks!!

Goodbye Evansville!

I just wanted to take a second and thank everyone who came out on Saturday evening to wish me farwell and good luck in my next adventure!! I move today-packing up the car as we speak.  I hope for a quick and smooth move.

I want to especially thank my mom, my sister, and my aunt sarah for taking the time out of their week to move me today.  And my cousins for helping me pack up last night.  And everyone else for being so supportive in this transition.  I can't wait to see what the next chapter of my life holds!

I hope Jeffersonville/Clarksville/Louisville is ready for me! :-)

Newburgh 70.3

Hallie and I participated in the first Newburgh 70.3 sponsored by the Southern Indiana Triathlon team yesterday.  This is Hallie's 2nd 70.3 - which she improved her time by 18 minutes!!! Way to go Hallie- she looked strong swimming, biking, and running- and she feels great today!!!

This was my first 70.3 - and i must say I did better than I ever expected I would.  I finished first out of everyone in the swim! I think I was third overall in the bike- and obviously slower in the run..but I finished 3rd overall with a finishing time of 5:26:27!!! Take that 70.3. 
Below are the results with splits.

https://docs.google.com/open?id=1OUldn2nIRiNA_OELonBE92Z8KX3rOnjkMK46ddeFLmmjPNXxP3Uio_1YJKWB

The Southern Indiana Triathlon Team ROCKS!!!

We can't thank the SITT enough for putting a 70.3 this morning for us!!! I know it was a lot of work and a lot of money spent for not a lot of participants!! They had more volunteers than participants- but i know just speaking for Hallie and I we can't say thank you enough to the team- to Jeff and Anna and Mike - and ALL the volunteers.  You guys helped us in our training- and we are so honored to be a part of such an amazing team!!!! Without you all- Hallie and I definitely wouldn't be where we are in our training!!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!

TEAM SHIRTS!!!

With the IM being 41 days away and the fact that I will be moving in 7 days - we have decided to start asking who is interested in shirts! 

Again- this is going to be free (Hallie and I are going to pay for all the shirts) but if you would like to donate a couple dollars to help us with the cost that would be great.  BUT it is NOT required.  This is a small token of appreciation for all those that have/are supporting us.  I am going to attach the shirt design.  It is Irish green...if you plan on making the trip over to Lousiville we strongly encourage you to get a shirt-so it is easy to identify everyone! Even if you aren't making the trip, but you would like a shirt to show your support-that's perfect!! Take a look at the design, and if you want one let Hallie or I know what size!
Hallie: text or call 455-3579, or email hdenstorff@gmail.com
Jenna: text or call 455-4674 or email jdenstorff@gmail.com 

The back is going to be plain- so if you want to add your own saying to the back - more power to you!!  I think we are going to paint "Proud Mom" or "THE MOM" on the back of mom's shirt!!

What do you look like after you bike 112 miles?

During our training journey Hallie and I have both biked 100+ miles on multiple occassions.  But the first time biking 112 miles on the Lousiville IM course is not only a huge accomplishment but it is a daughting task.

I biked 112 miles for the first time back at the end of May when we went over to Louisville to train for the second time.  Hallie ran up and down the sidewalk outside the parking lot waiting for me to come back.  She was able to capture my first words/expressions after finishing my first 112.  However, she forgot to press record- so my video is actually a second take! ahhahahha - you gotta love her!! Her is my video - I felt great and ran for an hour after!!

Hallie bike the full 112 Louisville IM course at the end of June when we went back over for another training session.  This training session we were able to swim in the river for the first time, and then bike.  Keep in mind this was the day it was 108 degress!!  So i pulled a Hallie and ran up and down the sidewalk waiting for her to get back so I could capture her first words.  Hallie felt good after her ride and we ran for a bit- but it was HOT! I have a picture of Hallie fist pumping and then of video of her in the parking lot! ENJOY!

If you haven't figured out we are awesome!!!

What songs motivate you!??!

As I was biking today - I was trying to think of songs that motivate me.  I needed some motivation on this ride- after running 16+ miles on Wednesday and trying to bike 80+ today (Thursday) - my legs were TIRED!!!

So I thought of "the Worlds Greatest" by R Kelly (maybe) and the song "Heart of a Champion" by Nelly ( I think)  I'm horrible when it comes to songs/artists. 

So what songs inspire you?  What songs motivate you?  Help us compile a list - so we can have some motivation when the going gets tough!!

Happy Training!

You know its bad when...

You know it's bad when not only Hallie and I contantly talk about the ironman but when our friends and family constantly talk about the ironman too!!!

We are now 49 days away from the ironman!! Again - we are long overdue for thanking those that have been there every step of the way.  Our friends and family have been amazing!!  I know for me- my friends are tired of hearing
Well, I can't tonight because i have to get up early to train.
and let's be honest- when  I do make it out- i am the first one to leave because 1. i'm exhausted or 2. I know i have to get up early to train.

I know my friends and family are tired of hearing
When the ironman is over i will...
or I can't wait for this race so I can have a life again

but again-everyone has been nothing but supportive- and we know we haven't been easy to put up with!!  We even have friends and family who have gone far enough as to train with us when its 108 degrees out!! Laura - Hallie wants to thank you so much for joining her on the course last weekend in Louisville!! Pretty impressive- you should be super proud of yourself!

I want to send a shoutout to my friends- even though i constantly tell them I can't do anything they still invite me places! This past weekend Marie and Greg had us all over to swim.  That evening my friends started doing different jumps/dives into the pull - and of course the ironman got brought in.

This is their production of ironman 2012!
Featuring Michelle Farney (swimming), Allison Mesker Garrard (biking), and Casie Williams (running).  Video recorded by Beth Cardin.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=966454460823

Okay - i'm not sure if you will be able to access this video or not! I hope you can!

Also - Hallie and I are going to finalize our shirt design for the denstorff duo.  We haven't settled on a color- but soon we will be asking who is interested in a shirt.  These shirts are going to be a gift from Hallie and I as being such an amazing support team for us - we would appreciate any donation to help cover the cost- but it is not required by any means.  We both know that you guys are all sacraficing a lot by coming over to support us on a SUNDAY!

Another Shout out!

I think we are going to start doing weekly shoutouts - or more often depending on what comes to me...

but as I was swimming today - I was thinking that Hallie and I need to  thank Holly Will (well the whole Will family) for letting us use their lake anytime we want.  So a big shoutout to the Will family.

We also need to give a shoutout to Coomes for making us an awesome IRONMAN mix! Can't wait to jam out on our next road trip!

CITY CHAMPS!

 

Today was the city swim meet!! and Howell WON!!!! Hallie and I both competed in three individual events and a relay.

I got:
3rd in Individual Medly
1st in Backstroke
2nd in Butterfly
(p.s. this was all after running 15 miles this morning!!)

Hallie got:
4th in Individual Medly
3rd in Breaststroke
3rd in Butterfly

and we did a freestyle relay together- and our relay team got 1st!!!  So we brought home some nice hardware today!! Way to go Howell!!!

Our shirts are in!!

I'm so excited!! I had shirts made for Hallie and I - and I picked them up today!! She doesn't even know I have them!!! I guess there is no turning back now! (Well actually i think it was no turning back after we paid the entry fee! hahahah)

50 days!!!!! I can't wait! Now- it's time to getting working on team shirts for all of you!!!

June Numbers!

It's hard to believe I am posting our totals from June- I feel like I just posted totals from May. 
For June:
Swim: 27,395 yds
Bike: 968.85 miles
Run: 124.23 miles
Total miles for June: 1,108.04
Now- if I go back and look at March 1st until June 30th
swim: 140606yds
Bike: 2,671.88 miles
Run: 435.70 miles
For a total distance of  3,187.39miles!!

Hallies numbers
for June:

Swim: 23,300 yds
Bike:  724.5 miles
Run: 69.5 miles

   Walk:  3 miles

Total miles for June:  811.47

Now- if she goes back and looks at all of her numbers from March 1st to June 30th

swim:  97,877 yds
Bike: 1,916 miles
Run: 265.6 miles

   Walk: 36.8 miles

For a total distance of 2274 miles

Spectator Info

Okay- so i'm going to do my best to give you as much information as possible....

but please remember- this is Hallie and I's first ironman- so there are definitely things that we don't know!!

Things I do know...
Hallie and Mom are coming over to Louisville Thursday evening after mom gets done with work.  I plan on working a 1/2 day on Friday since I'll only be 15 minutes from Lousiville!!! :-)
Thursday evening Hallie and I have plans to meet up with people from IAMTRI for a bit.

I'm assuming mom and Hallie will spend quality time together on Friday morning before I meet up with them.  Friday evening as well as saturday Louisville IM have events planned for those racing- so i'm sure we will attend some if not all of the events to really take in the IM experience.

We have rooms at the Courtyard Marriott on second street downtown.  As far as I know- we have one room Thursday and Friday nights.  Saturday night we each have our own room- because mom and Halllie snore! Not that I will be able to sleep anyways- but hopefully we can all get a little sleep because sunday will be LONG day for everyone!!!

Sunday - Hallie and I will be up by 3am to eat and hopefully lay back down for an hour.  The transition area opens at 4:45- so knowing Hallie she is going to make sure we are there at 4:40! hahahaha.  We have to stand in line for the swim- so the earlier we get there the earlier we get to jump in the water.  We hope to be in line by 5:30 -6  not sure yet.  The professionals will jump in the river at 6:50-and everyone else will follow.  Last year everyone was in the water by 7:45.  So we are hoping to be in the water by 7:30.  The swim should take both of us about 1hr and 30 minutes.  So that would be running out of the river at 9am.  Which would be starting the bike by 9:30am.  The bike should take me between 6 hrs and 20 minutes - 7 hours if all goes well.  Hallie should be between 7 and 7hrs and 30minutes.  That would mean- if all goes well I could be back at the transition area at 4pm -5pm, and if all goes well Hallie will be back betwn 5-6pm. Then we will start the marathon!! I honestly have no idea how long it will take myself or Hallie to do the complete marathon.  I can't tell you how my body will feel after swimming 2.4 and biking 112- in a perfect world- I would feel great - and run a 10 minute pace which would be around 5 hrs- putting me at the finish line at 9-10pm....and Hallie around 10-11.  But again - this is all just guesstimating!! For those of you that hvae done races in the past - you know how funny the body is- some days you feel great and could go all day long- and some days your body is just saying NO!  So that is just some times.  

Things to keep in mind:  They are an hour ahead if you are coming from Evansville.
It is going to be HOT!!   There is a lot of walking because streets will be closed - so wear comfortable shoes!

I am going to attach the swim course, bike course, and run course.  We start at Tumbleweed on the Ohio River- the transition area is about .5 miles from there.
 We bike out river road to lagrande.  We bike around Lagrande twice.  I was told this past weekend that there is a trolle that goes back and forth-but again I don't know how often it comes and goes.  I do know that river road will be closed so you would have to take 71 to get out there.  As far as the run route- we do the loop twice and finish on 4th street!!!

I really don't have any good information about where to stay- i would just say stay somewhere that is cheep!!!!  Jeffersonville is right accross the river, and new albany is right there.  However I will tell you they were working on the bridge this past weekend when we went over and traffic was awful.  THey are supposed t obe done at the end of July- but you know how construnction can be.

I am attaching the louisville ironman website.
http://ironmanlouisville.com/

swim course: http://ironmanlouisville.com/course/swim
bike course: http://ironmanlouisville.com/course/bike
run course: http://ironmanlouisville.com/course/run/

They haven't posted the road closures yet - but it is to come.  This is just some basic information - hopefully that helps.

soooo much to talk about...

We really do have soooo much to talk about- so expect more blogs to come!

Can you believe it's July!?!?!  So expect a blog on the numbers we have calculated for June and then since the beginning of march until now!!

This past weekend- Hallie and I went to Louisville to train on Saturday.  We went over on Friday so we could drive and prepared detailed directions on where you can go and what roads will be closed and specific information pertaining to race day...however - I'm not sure if you heard but they are doing construction on the bridge!  TALK ABOUT A NIGHTMARE!!

We attempted to get on HWY 71 to head to La Grange-however- that exit was closed- so we ended up in Jeffersonville- (now keep in mind - this i while sitting in a traffic jam not moving an inch  FOREVER!)  While we were in Jeffersonville we headed to my future house (or Katie's house!)  I got to see my room again- and she gave me a key - so we are getting closer to moving!! I'm not sure why i said we- I am getting closer to moving!!

So when we left Katie's we attempted to get back to Lousiville- but what should have taken 15 minutes - ended up taking us a good 2-3 hours to finally get back to louisville- so we decided just to head to Laura's. 

Saturday we were up early - to get in our training.
We had a chance to swim in the river for the first time.  I thought it was hilarious that they were talking about how people usually decide not to do IM Lousiville because they don't wnat to swim in the river.  But it really isn't bad- and it's all in people's heads- and as they were saying this - somone on the dock pointed out one of the BIGGEST HAIRIEST spiders i have ever seen.  As I looked aroud the dock- there were spiders everywhere!!!!

But that didn't stop us- after they gave us a speech and talked about safety-they said we were free to jump in.  Hallie and I were one of the first to drive in and get started.  We only swam 500m just to get a feel for the current.  We wanted to get in and out and get on the bike because we knew it was going to be HOT!!

We both got in 112! We did the full course- but I will be honest- IT WAS ROUGH!! The heat/humity was intense!!!  I just hope that it isn't that hot the day of the race!!! But if it is- we both know that we can do it!!! I am attaching some pictures from the day.  We want to thank Bob and his crew for putting these training sessions on and providing fuel! we wouldn't have been able to do it without them!!

The other crazy ppl registaring for all the fun!!

Hallie and Ami after their 112 ride!

The temp in the car!

I prefer this reading rather than the above!!

Next blog will provide more information about race day!!

 

What do you do when biking 100+ miles alone?!?!

So you are all aware that Hallie and I are putting in crazy miles swimming, biking, and running!!!  Probably more so than we actually should be doing- but that's what happens when you have a sister who is different than any other athlete!!!

Can you believe we are 9 weeks away from the IRONMAN!!!!

So today - I decided i would enlighten you with what Hallie and I do while biking 100+ miles alone.  ( I wish we could bike together or with other ppl- but our schedules are so weird and our speeds are so different depending on the day that we end up biking a majority if not all of it alone!)
So- things I do while biking- (or we)
first and probably the most common thing is creating songs...
this past saturday i started singing
"99 days till the ironman race, 99 days to train.  One day down, training is done-98 days till the ironman race...."  hahahah that kept me pretty busy for awhile
Hallie made the song "I will bike 112 miles, and I will run 26.2, just to be the ..... I can't remember the rest but it went to the tune of I will walk 500 miles..
If you are interested in all the songs we have created let me know- and i'll be glad to compile a list for you :-)  otherwise i could be typing all day!!!

day dream
imagine finishing the ironman
read mailboxes and Hallie reads them aloud!
count the hours completed/left
count the miles completed/left
estimate race times
think of a shirt design
seek out places to stop for bathroom breaks/fuel
talk to yourself
cuss at cars that don't move!
plan ww mtg
make animal songs when passing them!
text (not something I recommand)
think
and obviously hallucinate!!

this is just things that were done on saturday - the list is never ending!! hahaha trust me you have plenty of time for all of this and more!!!

I plan on compiling infromation about race day for all you that plan to make the trip to Louisville.  As far as times, location, and general information is to come!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Today- I want to wish my sister a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Today Hallie turns 27 years old!!

Who would have thought one individual could accomplish so much in 27 years, I can't even imagine what she will do with the next 27 years!!

For those of you that do not know Hallie personally, you are missing out.  She is by far one of the most amazing people I have ever met, and without a doubt the best sister anyone could ever ask for!! 

Hallie talked me into this ironman, but I can say that there isn't anyone else I would rather do this with.  She is my best friend, my training partner, my advisor, my mentor, my role model, she means so much to me.  I honestly don't think she will ever know how much I look up to her, and respect her for the strong woman she is today!!

Hallie I hope you have a wonderful birthday.  I hope you do something nice for yourself, and I hope you realize how special you are.  I love you more than the whole world and back again!

Family Vacation

This past weekend was interesting not just training - but an all together new experience for our entire family.

The Macke Family (my mom's side) have been taking a family vacation ever since they (her brothers and sisters) were kids.  Usually each immediate family rents their own condo on some beach, but this year was different.  Mom found a cabin that would sleep ALL of us! We stayed at a cabin in Dale Hallow in Tennessee.  Most of the family went down on Thursday and stayed until Sunday, however due to training Hallie and I went down on Friday morning and came back Sunday morning.  Mom warned us that it was hilly, but we were determined to get in some training.

Friday, we truly enjoyed our rest day! We got to spend quality time with our family and had a chance to catch up with all of our cousins.  We managed to have almost all the "older" cousins on the boat while the kids were resting.  Talk about old people acting like kids, but it sure was fun!  We even had an opportunity to provide entertainment to a table of 15 people eating dinner at the Marina while we sang karokee!! Sleeping was interesting- having so many people and so many different sleep schedules.  Hallie and I are the only ones on the ironman sleep schedule!

Saturday, Hallie and I got up early, but we knew we couldn't bike where we were.  Not because of the hills, but because of the curves!!! So we went into Livingston, and biked on hwy 111.  We went 15 out and 15 back for a short loop.  Then we drove back to the cabin to run.  We found a nice HILLY 2 mile loop that we ran.  Managed to get in about nine miles, before heading back to the cabin.  We again had an opportunity to go out on the boat while the children came in for lunch.  Again, I can't say enough about the great quality time we had with our cousins!!! When we came back, Hallie and I were in charge of the baked potatoes for Saturday's dinner.  Mom grilled pork stakes and Joyce made salad.  I must say it was a lovely meal.  However, Saturday evening we ran into the same issue with so many ppl, it was definitely hard to sleep. 

Even though we didn't get as much training in as we would have liked- it was well worth the trip.  We can definitely say that we have one amazing family!!!!  Love you all!!!

BIG DAY!

Today was a big day!! Hallie biked 102 miles today-the first time she has biked 100+ miles.  She did great!!!

Most people would think that our training schedule would be easier to get in now that school is out- but it seems that we are still so busy.  Last weekened we had the St. Agnes Summer social- which made training difficult to sqeeze in (not to mention-all the extra work we did on our feet for the social.)  This week- I had teenpower, which i'm sad to say that I didn't get to go to much. Monday, Mom, Halllie and I went over to Clarksville so I could show them my new home! So again another bump in the training schedule. And tomorrow (Friday) Hallie and I are leaving to meet up with the rest of our family for family vacation.  We are packing our bikes/running gear/swimming gear to make sure our training doesn't miss a beat.

Some things we hope to accomplish on our drive down is coming up with a shirt idea for the ironman.  We want to get shirts made for those people who plan on coming over to Lousiville to support us!! 

If anyone has an good ideas for a shirt- feel free to pass any suggestions our way.

Good luck to all those competing in races this weekend & thanks again to all those who have helped us in our training- we can't thank you all enough.

The miles we have traveled...

Well- it's hard to believe that June 1st is tomorrow & that the ironman is in 86 days. 

I can honestly say that Hallie and I have put in a lot of hours training thus far- and I'm sure the next 86 days will be just the same. For the month of May I:
Swam: 44,619 yds
Biked: 822.08 miles
Ran: 121.10 miles
Which makes a total starting from March 1st until now
Swam: 113,211 yds
Biked 1,703.03 miles
Ran: 311.47 miles
For a total distance traveled thus far of 2,078.82 miles!!!

For the month of May Hallie:
Swam:  23,075 yds
Biked:   560.5 miles
Ran:   69.93 miles
Walked 7 miles
 Which makes a total starting from March 1st until now
Swam:  72,396 yds
Biked: 1,191.5 miles
Ran: 196.1 miles
Walked 33.8 miles
For a total distance traveled thus far of 1,462.53miles!!!

The past three months have been some of the most challanging yet rewarding days. I can't wait to see what hte next three months bring!!!

BRING ON THE HEAT!

Man, it has been a very long time since we have posted! Since our last post we have put in some crazy miles swimming, biking, and running! Over the past two weeks we have traveled over to Louisville where Jenna completed the WHOLE bide course (112 miles) portion in 6 hours and 26 minutes!!! Talk about being super proud of my sister!!! I took video of her after completing the first 112 mile ride but I can't figure out how to upload it.  I on the other hand only did 80 miles of the course.  After we completed biking we ran for an hour.  Jenna felt great, considering it was 90 degrees outside. Another thing to be proud of my sister for was that she will be moving in July to Clarksville, IN to teach at Our Lady of Providence. I have attached some pictures of our first open water swim out at Blue Lake.  We want to give another shot out to all of our new friends that we have met through the IAMTRI website.  They have helped us get through the vigorous course in Louisville.  We also need to give a shout out to the Southern Indiana Triathlon team because they have been just wonderful in helping us prepare.  Another big shout out goes to our friend and family who have helped set out water and stuff for our long rides and runs.  Thanks again to everyone who is helping us on this IRONMAN JOURNEY!!!

Another first....

This weekend Hallie and I went to Lousiville to ride the course the first time!!!!

We both had great rides! - the best we have had all training long! Hallie did 60 miles - not the 60 she was SUPPOSED to do - she kind of missed the turn at 393 :-)   Luckily Bob the guy who is in charge of these training rides (which we can't thank him enough!) He informed her that she missed the turn - so like usual - Hallie made up her own route!  When she got back from riding she ran up and down river road just waiting for me to come in off the bike - I HAVE THE BEST SISTER! 

I road 80 - so I was able to see the entire course! and I owe a huge thank you to the two guys that I road with for one not getting me lost and two for pushing me! I finished the 80 miles with a 18.1 mph!!! Far better than what i do when i ride on my own.

So a little about the course - you head out River road - which was pretty rough.  Some guy got a flat tire within the first 5 miles.  But - it was pretty flat - I kept thinking - wonder why people say this course is so hilly.  Even when i turned for a little 4.5 mile out and 4.5 mile back- i thought this isn't bad - THEN i approach a huge hill that i started down...and it kept going ..and going and going - and all i could do was laugh because i knew this was out and BACK - so I would be climbing this hill.  As I was riding back I past Hallie and we both just laugh because we were thinking the same thing!!

The HUGE hill turned out to not be that bad climbing - but the rest of the course is just constant hills. I asked the guy that I was riding with, "when does it get flat" and he said when we start running! haahahha 

But this ride - just gave me the confidence I needed to help me prepare for this race. 

Without a doubt in my mind - Hallie and I WILL be IRONMEN! :-)