At 3:45 a.m. on Sunday I woke up to Eye of the Tiger blasting on Justin’s cell phone. It was the perfect alarm tone, and I cracked a smile and rolled out of bed. I could immediately feel the adrenaline kick in as I made my way downstairs to pour a massive cup of coffee. Justin prepared my favorite pre-race meal and smeared a bunch of avocado on toast, topping it with salt. The atmosphere in the house seemed a little tense but fairly tranquil as we all gathered our gear and made our way out the door by 4:45 a.m.
It was still dark when we arrived to the Athlete’s Village. Participants, supporters, and volunteers were bustling about on a mission and you could sense the nerves in the air. It was electrifying. I made my way to my bike to fill the front Torhans hydration bottle and to place another bottle in the cage. The plan was to carry two bottles instead of four to avoid the extra weight, take advantage of the aid stations, and switch out bottles at special needs. I dropped off my special needs bag and then reconnected with Justin near the swim start.
As I put on my wetsuit and munched on a Luna bar, Justin gave me a little pep talk and we shared some tears. I was extremely nervous… actually, downright scared… about getting into the water. He said a few choice words that helped calm me and then brought up the memory of my father, who had lost a hard battle with cancer. He reminded me of my dad’s strength during some of the most difficult days of his life, and told me that when things got hard out there – and they would get hard – to fight through and tough it out just as my dad had done. That was all I needed to step forward and begin my race.
THE SWIM
Lake Coeur d’Alene is known for chop and whitecaps, but thankfully today it only had a few ripples and I never thought twice about the conditions. Don’t think about what you can’t control. As soon as 5:50 rolled around, I kissed Justin goodbye and shook out the nerves as I made my way to the sandy beach to join the other athletes. One of my favorite things about the swim was the self-seeded rolling start, as it allowed athletes to trickle in to the water and provided a lot of space out on the course.
Everyone who knows me or reads my blog knows that swimming is my Kryptonite. I struggle in the water, partially because I just don’t enjoy swimming all that much and I have poor technique. I am one of those people who tends to work harder on the things I am good at (cycling and running, for example), at the expense of the things I should be working to improve (mainly swimming). My goal this next year is to work one on one with a coach and master good technique in the water. For this race, I knew I’d be fine once I survived the swim.
The course in Coeur d’Alene is two loops and requires athletes to exit the water, run across the timing mat, and then re-enter the water to begin the second loop. Initially I thought I would like the two loop set-up, but I actually found getting out of the water and back in to be a challenge, mostly because it triggered some cramping.
By the second loop the water was fairly choppy and the sun was directly in my eyes during the home stretch back to land. Surprisingly, I wasn’t cramping as much as I had in previous races (WIN!) and was able to maintain a steady pace during the entire swim. As soon as I heard the music roaring around me and exited the water, I felt a sense of joy. It’s over. The hard part is over! That was “high” moment #1 for me that day.
Swim Time: 1:26:08
TRANSITION 1
As soon as I entered transition I made eye contact with two energetic wetsuit strippers and fell to the ground, having my wetsuit stripped from my body in seconds. I cramped a little while getting back up, but proceeded to grab my suit, thank the volunteers, pick up my bag, and head into the changing tent.
I can’t believe how different the Ironman transitions are compared to the shorter distance races. I felt like the volunteers were almost pampering me as they emptied my bag and helped me get organized. “Is this some sort of spa for triathletes,” I thought to myself.
I will say that having the tent, chairs, and volunteers almost worked against me because I got a little too comfortable. As soon as I sat down in the chair my calves started cramping and I took some time to work them out before exiting the tent. In the future, I might avoid sitting altogether and just blast through transition like I do during the shorter distance races.
T1 Time: 5:07
THE BIKE
Ah, my happy place. As soon as I got on my bike it felt like all was right in the world. I immediately settled in and started chasing down the swimmers, picking them off one by one. It was hard not letting my adrenaline and excitement push me during the first 50 miles, and I really had to make an effort to stay within my designated power zones. Because this was my first “solo” 112-mile ride, I wasn’t sure what to expect from my body and mind later in the race.
The bike course is two loops that starts in town, does a little out and back near the lake, and then exits away from town for a 40-mile out and back on the highway. This is where the climbing begins and wind starts to roar.
According to my Garmin there was roughly 5,700ft of climbing, which seemed more accurate than the noted 7,000ft on the Ironman website. The climbing was fairly gradual throughout the course and was never steep or overbearing. I love my hills, so I used them to my advantage.
My one frustration with the bike course at CdA was the no pass zone on the biggest downhill descent. I understand this is for the safety of the athletes, but it was discouraging getting stuck behind riders who were braking hard and going slow on the downhill. This is where I wanted to make up valuable time (fearless), not lose it. Oh, well.
After the first loop was complete I felt surprisingly good. I was nailing my nutrition and my power was staying within the range my coach and I had discussed. My stop at special needs was a success and I refueled with two bottles of Tailwind, a Snickers, and Lenny & Larry’s double chocolate cookie. On the second loop, the notorious Coeur d’Alene wind picked up hard (20mph +) and it was a battle from miles 70-90. This was the only time I struggled on the bike and it was more of a mental resistance than anything. It was incredibly defeating pedaling into a wall of wind, expending extra energy, and feeling as though you are going nowhere. Plus, these were the miles with the uphill climbing, so it was double trouble.
As soon as I reached the turnaround point at mile 90 I knew it was time to fly. And so I did – all the way back to Coeur d’Alene feeling strong and determined, ready to start the run. I had exited the water in 36th place in my age group, 220th female, and 928th overall. I came off of the bike and into T2 in 4th place in my age group, 21st female, and 217th overall. I passed over 700 people during the 112 miles on my bike and had the second fastest overall bike split among women (the woman who finished ahead of me only beat me by 24 seconds!). All of my hard work on the bike paid off. Not to mention, I have one of the best cycling coaches around.
Bike Time: 5:38:48
TRANSITION 2
As I dismounted my bike and passed it to one of the volunteers, I began to think about the 26.2-mile journey ahead. I ran through transition, picked up my T2 bag, and headed back into the changing tent ready to get all geared up for the run. As I sat down in the chair (those dang chairs) to switch out my bike shoes for running shoes, the muscles in my legs started to twinge and cramp. No. No. No. I took a deep breath, swallowed a handful of endurolytes, and made my way to a porta-potty for a quick bathroom break. Once I was finished “readying” myself for the run, I made my way through the run out, shot my family a quick wave and smile, and settled in for the long voyage to the finish line.
T2 Time: 6:04
THE RUN
I’ll admit, I had a lot of confidence going into the run. Probably too much. Before triathlon, I had logged thousands of miles running various distances including eight marathons. Although I had never done a marathon after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112, I felt as though I could handle the grueling demands it would require to get me through a marathon under 3:45. Let’s just say the experience was humbling.
It took me about 2 miles to realize just how HARD the steps ahead would be. I started the run feeling strong, but the little aches and pains gradually started getting worse and I watched my 8min/mile pace slowly drop after each mile. I tried to take in calories and drink something other than water, but I could not stomach Gatorade and the Coke was too warm. I could NOT do warm in the heat of the day. I ended up eating four GUs throughout the run, taking in a mere 400 calories during the entire marathon. This only provided another learning experience of what I would do differently next time → eat MORE calories!!!
During the first lap I could feel the sun pounding away my energy. It was 91 degrees and hot. I questioned whether I would be able to handle the sun for 18 more miles, as my body grew more and more fatigued. During the second loop I noticed an eerie orange hue in the air. All of a sudden the sun’s impact was not penetrating my skin like it had the lap before. I turned my head and saw a huge plume of smoke from a forest fire rising from the distant hills and trees, covering the sun, casting shade onto the run course, and creating a bright orange ball in the sky.
I found myself getting choked up, nearly falling to tears as I instantly thought of my dad and felt his presence in a momentous way. See, my dad was an accomplished smoke jumper for many years before managing the fire cache (where they store, maintain, and deliver all the equipment necessary to fight forest fires) for the remainder of his career. He spent his life fighting forest fires. Watching the smoke rise in the distance and creating a shade from the sun made me feel as though in some weird way, my dad was sending me a message, watching over me, and providing much needed shade for me. That shade empowered me and dissolved any thoughts I had of walking.
Once I got to the half marathon point, I had been running for 1 hour and 50 minutes, my goal pace. But I knew that pace wasn’t sustainable for another 13 miles. The reality and harshness of the day began to set in and my mind started to wander. I questioned my ability to finish more than 100 times. I wanted to stop. I wanted to fall in front of my family and quit. I remember seeing my friends Kayla and Brandon out on the course and telling them how “stupid” this was. Seriously, who thought this was a good idea?
Your mind plays games during those 26.2 miles. Ugly games. But there are beautiful moments as well. I witnessed kids of all ages cheering and smiling with looks of amazement on their faces. I watched volunteers pour their hearts into each and every athlete out there, making sure we were all taken care of and able to go on. Thousands of spectators lined the course and cheered for hours and hours as athletes wisped by in a matter of moments. I heard my name over and over and over again, and every time I did it gave me a little more fuel to take another step. And then the most beautiful, unforgettable moments – those of my family and coach – being there for me every step of the way. I could not have done it without them.
At some point late in the afternoon, I came upon a Y in the road for the third time, and for the first time, veered left on a path that would lead me to the finish. As soon as I entered the home stretch and saw the large finish chute in the distance, with the plume of smoke rising directly behind it, I felt a flood of emotion overtake my body. There are no words to describe the feeling of seeing “the end” and for some reason part of me did not want it to end. I wanted to live in that moment and breathe it all in – so I did. I looked around to find there was no one behind me, so I took my time, soaked up the cheers from the crowd, and celebrated with each step to the finish.
As I approached the chute I saw my husband taking pictures and capturing video (best Sherpa ever). I wanted to stop and give him a big kiss, but spared him the sweaty PDA moment and decided to wait until I saw him after.
Another familiar face quickly appeared along with an arm that was reaching out as far as it would stretch. It was my coach. As I reached out my arm and gave him a high five, the joy was too much and my eyes swelled up with tears.
And then, I heard those infamous words explode from the loud speaker. The words I had dreamed of since watching the world championship so many years ago. “Kristen Yax. YOU ARE AN IRONMAN.”
I had run the marathon in a time of 3:56:36 and finished the race in 11:12:43.
What a moment…


I am so proud of you!! You are an amazing strong woman!! I’m so glad to have met you as you’ve inspired me along the way. Way to go Kristen!!
Thank you so much, Kayla. I’m excited for you to take on the AZ course!
Oh my gosh! What a story…what a journey (physical, mental, emotional)! I love the smoke portion of your story and am moved to tears at how your Dad still motivates and encourages you, Kristen!!! You are motivating me to lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement! Well Done!!!
I wish he could physically be here with me, Jenni. I’m sure he’d be racing right next to me. 🙂 Thanks for all the encouragement!
The plume of smoke! I too believe it was your father, and I am happy for you that in a very symbolic way, he was with you during the way. Congratulations on accomplishing such a unique feat. And holy queen of the road, you kicked butt on the bike!!!
Thank you so much, Luisa.
Kristen I am so happy for you. I’m sobbing tears of joy for your accomplishment. I’m glad you soaked in the moment and I’m sure it is something you will never forget. Can you post the finish video sometime? I’d love to watch it and ugly cry!!! 😉
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Haha, yes I will try and post a video of my finish. Thank you so much for all the support. You are right…. I will never forget that day. 🙂
I LOVE THIS POST. I loved every single word that captured all your emotions and hard work and amazing, incredible journey. CONGRATS, lady!! You must be flying high and I hope you can ride this feeling for months. You’re truly a champion!!
The moments have definitely been high and low since the race. Thank you!!
CONGRATULATIONS!!! You are such a bad-a**!!! I am so proud of you and I know the rest of the virtual community is too! I am in awe of your accomplishments. Hearing about how you pushed through the mental demons is such an inspiration. Congratulations a million times over, dear!
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Thank you, Kate. It is so wonderful having the support of people near and far. It makes me feel connected and adds fuel to the fire. 🙂 It’s amazing how mental the race is…
AMAZING job girl! This was so touching to read, especially the part about your dad, he would be so proud I’m sure. Congrats on a very well run race!!!!!!
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Thank you so much!
Pure awesomeness!!! Way to go, Kristen!! I have loved following your journey to becoming an Iron(wo)man!!! So….what’s next?! 🙂
That is such a good question, Aimee. I’m working on a blog post and hopefully will have some ideas sorted through…
So very awesome. Congrats on such a great accomplishment. No doubt a KQ is yours to be had very soon!!!
I sure hope so Erin. Thank you!!
BIG congratulations Kristen. Love reading this recap and hearing about your experiences. There may be an IM in my future, and I’m sure I will definitely be coming back to read your recaps and training posts for inspiration. Your Dad was definitely with you on your day. I’m excited to continue to follow you on your Ironman journey. Congrats again!
Incredible!!! Congratulations on a great Ironman debut! I LOVE the photo of you at the finish line.
You are inspiring me to think about doing a full marathon. I would love to do a <4.
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I’ve been obsessively Che king your blog for over a week now waiting for this race report!!! AMAZING! Simply amazing and all the photos are fantastic, and your Dad’s presence being there – I’m sure hat was beyond special for you!! You look SO happy and really good in your finish line pictures! Enjoy this Kristen! You are an Ironman! Congratulations!!
Congratulations!! An amazing accomplishment!!! I’ve been following your journey on your blog and get overcome with genuine happiness over your finish. You’ve endured so much through training to crossing the finish line, you are amazing and inspiring!!
Kristen, I am sitting at my desk at work crying because I am so happy for you! If any of my coworkers come by they are going to think Cecil is in trouble the way I am carrying on. The story of your dad, your triumph at the end of such a special training cycle that started well before Axel was born, your athletic ability … it all combines together to create such a perfect story. I’m so happy for you!
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Amazing, just amazing! Well done. You really are an inspiration and just the best example of talent AND hard work I hope you enjoy your recovery time with your beautiful little family.
Rache
How amazing! Congratulations! I would love to do an Ironman someday–I’m currently training for my first marathon and will keep slowing building myself as an endurance athlete. You’re an inspiration! 🙂
I’m so happy for you!!! You truly are amazing!
I cried reading this and imaging all that you went through!!
Loved the story about your dad!
Loved reading all about your big day!! So real, honest, inspiring and touching. Congratulations on a job well done!!
Kelsey @ Happy Triathlete recently posted…Race Report: Timberman 70.3 2016
What an AMAZING race!! I LOVED reading about your race through your eyes!! The part about your father watching over you as the smoke provided shade from the sun made me tear up. What an incredible day you had!! I’m so glad that your first Ironman race was so momentous and fulfilling!! Now that you’ve crossed this finish line, what is next?!
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Incredible!!! I don’t know how you do it. Congratulations.
CHILLS! You are amazing!!! You have so much to be proud of and I know your dad is proud of you too.
Ps amazing bike split – that course is so hard and you dominated it!
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Oh my gosh- I am just so impressed by you! Congrats on such a strong race- I’m glad you were able to take a few moments to celebrate in the finishing chute as well.
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Awesome!! What a day!! Congrats!!!
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Congratulations!! You are such a rock star! 🙂 what an amazing accomplishment, and I truly believe that was a sign from your father that he was with you! I have loved reading all your posts during your training. I would love to see a post about your daily nutrition throughout training and if it will differ any now that you’re not training. I think that is one of my biggest struggles is finding a happy medium between eating enough and eating too much!
Congrats again!!
Amazing job!! Gosh you’re inspiring. Seriously. And you look like a total badass in 100% of your pics..
You are an inspiration!!!! I’m so glad you enjoyed the end of the race. Congrats!!!
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*CHILLS* Kristen I can’t get over how STRONG you look in all those pictures! What a freakin amazing accomplishment. Thanks for taking us along this journey! I see a very exciting triathlon journey in your future 🙂
Literally so many tears. Loved allow it but especially the parts about your dad. You are on bad ass chick, well done becoming an Ironman in such an impressive way =)
I got a little emotional reading this. I’m at a loss for words to congratulate you on such a huge accomplishment. Congraulations!!!
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That’s amazing!! What an incredible race… congrats!!!