posted by Lee@Tri*Inspired*Life on Ironman

After all our hugs and celebrations at the finish line, the original plan was to shower, eat and head back down to watch the finishers during the last hour. We had done this in Kona and it was a really amazing experience (well, everything is amazing in Hawaii!!).

Tim and Nicole volunteered to get my bike and bags from transition using the friends’ pass that all athletes are given. I was so thankful they were willing to do this, so Tony and I could start our (slow) walk back to the place. As we were walking back, while I was still full of excitement and chatter, I realized that my stomach was obviously not too happy with all that I had done that day. Once we got back to the apartment, I took a very nice hot bath to relax a bit and I felt a lot better…all except my stomach. While the crew was rightfully hungry, after a long day for them as well, the thought of food did not appeal to me. I knew I had to eat, but nothing sounded the least bit appetizing.

I rested, laying down on the couch with my feet up, while Tim SMARTLY encouraged me to take in fluids. He concluded I was dehydrated. The group decided to grab a dinner order from a good restaurant across the street and I opted for soup.

I sipped on some broth and just felt better when I was lying down. So, unfortunately, it was decided that we would not be headed back to the finish line for spectating.  It was more important to take care of myself.  We all had a long, emotional day, so hitting the sack was not a bad plan.

On Monday morning, Tony and I got up early in order to head down to the merchandise tent for finisher gear.  For those that may be unfamiliar, you can purchase all kinds of Ironman merchandise prior to the race (even though I am superstitious and did not).  However, the “finisher” gear becomes available on the morning after race day at 7:00am.  There is always a line, so we were there around 6:15.  There were plenty ahead of us, but we had a decent spot.  After about 10 minutes in line though……it started to rain.  UGH!!  Thank goodness there was an umbrella in the 4Runner!!

After over an hour in line, we finally gained entry in the tent (they only allow a few people in at a time).  We headed straight to the finisher jackets.  That was the one thing I knew I wanted.  Before we checked out, I also grabbed a visor and hitch cover.  I was happy with my selections.

Next up…BREAKFAST!  I was ready to eat at this point.  Nicole located a restaurant online that we decided to try after my pre-race announcement of desiring “pancakes as big as my head” on the morning after the race!!   She read about the Lake Placid Inn that serves some of America’s best pancakes (according to Travel + Leisure).  Breakfast was served outside (it was a chilly, rainy morning) on the terrace next to a cozy, stone fireplace.  They also provided us comfy blankets.

Nicole and I both had the WORLD FAMOUS BUTTERMILK GRIDDLE CAKES.  They were fluffy and delicious!

Tony and Tim had the HOUSE BAKED BRIOCHE FRENCH TOAST.  All and all, the group gave breakfast “two thumbs up”!!

We headed back to the room and decided it would be a lazy day.  The rain was set in and it was very chilly.  No one really wanted to be out in the elements.  I spent the rest of the morning and into the afternoon reading and responding to notes on Facebook/text from friends and family.  I was quite overwhelmed with the words of encouragement and celebration I received.  It was truly fantastic and heart-warming!!

Lunch time rolled around.  After breakfast, I did not think lunch would be required.   Tony mentioned pizza and that sounded tasty!  One slice of pizza really hit the spot!

While we all continued to laze around and chit-chat, the rain outside continued.  All I could continue to think about is that thank goodness the rain did not last all day on race day!!

For a long time, the one thing that I like to treat myself with after a race is a milkshake.  It has become a tradition.  So late afternoon, Tim, Nicole and I decided to continue the tradition (Tony was napping). Even though the weather was not “milkshake – drinking weather”, we all enjoyed our choices!

Early in the day, I had decided that dinner for me would consist of a BURGER!  We wanted something close by, so we would not have to walk too far in the nasty weather, and we decided to check out Smoke Signals.  There was a short wait, but it was not unexpected with all the athletes still lingering around town.  I ordered the Flatliner burger…it was crazy with all the toppings!

I was only able to polish off half my burger.  With all the eating I had done that day, I did a fantastic job (plus SOME) of replacing the calories I had burned on race day!

Despite the icky weather, it was a fun day of hanging out and relaxing with Tony, Tim and Nicole.  The day consisted of LOTS OF EATING and re-living race day details.  It was a fine way to spend our last day in Lake Placid.

Tuesday morning, we all woke early in order to head out of town.  Tony and I were hitting the road with a very long drive to Raleigh while Tim and Nicole were continuing their travels by flying to Niagara Falls.

The town of Lake Placid will always hold fond memories for me.  It is a charming place, that I would like to visit again, but it was also the site of a truly special day for me.  I highly recommend this destination for anyone considering an Ironman or a nice place to visit/vacation.

Tags: Ironman, Lake Placid