| Date/Location: | September 22nd, 2013 – Lake Tahoe, CA |
| Distances: | Swim 2.4m – Bike 112m – Run 26.2m |
| Time: | 12:29:29 (1:08:05-12:55-6:51:33-3:45–4:13:11) |
| Place: | 10th / 71 |
| Teammates: | FRIENDS - Caryn Galeckas, Daniel Perkins, Dave Campbell, Dave Leroy, David Tarkington, Faron Reed, Jami Min, Kevin Magna, Lee McKinley, Leslie Bull, Marco Campagna, Nikki Losee, Paulo Medina, Sara McKinley, Sherwick Min, Suzanne Hartley, and Tana Jackson
FCA TEAMMATES – Alex Hamlow, Aaron Osborne, Bryan Botma, Daniel Perkins, Darryl Dabbs, Doug Wilson, Gary Brasher, Jason Ford, Jeff Finch, John Wilson,
Katy Rosane, Kenny Lane, Missy Shepherd, Roy Payne, Todd Arjes |
Wow, it’s a cold morning! I try not to think much about it. I pull my Special needs bags (for the bike and run) from the freezer. Special needs are items you can pick up along the way during the race. I’ve got bottles of frozen Sustained Energy in both. Surely it will warm up today. Pastor Dan Perkins meets up with Dave Campbell and I at our cabin. We all walk to the start and drop off our special needs bags. Next I go to my T1 bag. It rained yesterday and the strings of the bag are frozen and hard to undo. I put some toe warmers under the toe covers of my bike shoes and leave an extra pair of running gloves in the bag.
Next I head to my bike. There is ice on the bag covering my seat so I shake it off. I fill my aero bottle with Hammer Perpetuem and put another on the back. I turn on my Garmin and head to body marking where I have to shed my warm layers to have my numbers put on…burrr! I run into Tana, and Troy takes our picture. Her smiles always remind me to smile. I tell Troy, “I don’t think I have enough layers for the bike”. As I open a bag of gear, he spots my plastic rain coat. “Add that to your bag. It will be easy to put over your other layers”. I agree and head back to my T1 bag. I put on my wetsuit and try to get warm.
30 minutes before my start. I head off to use a porta-potty. Standing in line, I realize it will be better to run to the cabin. I start thinking about how cold I’ll be riding the bike with a wet jog-bra and bike shorts after the swim in freezing temperatures. Totally dry clothes might help me stay warm. At the cabin, I decide to wear a swim suit instead and put the jog-bra and shorts in my T1 bag. There’s not much time left and I have to take a wetsuit off and put it back on.
I run back to T1, find my bag, add my shorts and jog-bra, and hear the canon go off which means the pros have started. Got to get to the swim corral! Before entering, I pray with Troy and the girls. This is comforting!
I’m so glad to be wearing socks and old running shoes as I find my group of “1:01 – 1:10” swimmers. There is ice in places on the sand and others are dealing with frozen feet. I look up and see the snow capped hills around the lake…very intimidating! I start to tear up from fear. I see Troy standing on the sidelines and I run to him and hug him tight. “I’m scared!” He reminds me that my main goal for today is to give God my 100% effort.
THE SWIM
The cannon goes off and the first “sub 1:00” group enters the water. As my group starts moving through the starting chute, I’m confused. I thought we were starting separately but a volunteer tells me the swimmers are continuously entering the water. It’s surreal to be calmly walking with 100 racers through the shallow water into the fog. It’s 100 meters before it’s deep enough to swim.
Finally I start swimming and , wow, the water is cold on my face! As the water deepens, it feels warmer. I cannot see ahead of me but I trust the main flow of swimmers and follow them. Soon, I see a yellow buoy, I’m on track. The fear of being swum over creeps up as more swimmers close in around me. I immediately pray and ask the Lord for a calm and clear path. Just when it looks like I’m stuck, He opens a path and I move forward. The buoys just keep appearing one by one, too [this was an answer to Troy’s prayer because, from the beach, it appeared it was impossible to see the buoys]. There is no struggle to get through! Wow, Lord, this is crazy! You are sooo good! The first loop of the swim continues this way. The Lord opens a path and I swim through. I get hit on the head and kicked a few times but it’s very minor.
I wonder how Desiree Swift and her dad Bob are doing out there in the kayaks assisting swimmers! I hope it’s going smoothly!
I head out for loop 2 and feel more confident. I think about stopping briefly to check the time on my watch but I feel the Lord just telling me to press on. I begin to push harder and focus on keeping good technique with my stroke. I’m amazed at how I continue to pass people and feel comfortable. The sun comes out and it’s bright! Now, I’m glad to have my tinted goggles!
Soon enough I can actually see the swim finish! Yeah! I swim until my hands scrape the sand and then walk/run as fast as I can to shore. I pull down my wetsuit and check y time. 1:06! I don’t remember if I started it as I crossed the chip timing mat, but I know it’s close enough. Yeah!
I run into transition, grab my bag and a volunteer helps me get my wetsuit off. Into the women’s changing tent. It’s dark in here, and busy. Lots of layers are being put on around me! I start trying to get myself ready. There is no volunteer available to help me. I struggle to open my frozen bag with my frozen fingers. I got it! As I attempt to put on the first jacket using Troy’s tape trick, I mess it up and find my arms stuck. A volunteer helping a woman next to me sees the problem and gets it on me. I do better with the 2nd jacket.
As I leave the tent, making the long run to my bike, I am so grateful that all of my clothes are dry! Getting my bike, I hear Michelle Ridder’s voice. She’s volunteering. I give her a big hug and she tells me she wiped the ice off my seat. Amazing that ice formed again while I was swimming!
THE BIKE
Exiting, I see Troy and the girls smiling big! Okay, here we go! I’m so glad to have bundled up.
Mile 10. Getting passed by some guys. Clearly some have prepared well for the cold and others have not. I almost shiver every time I see a guy with bare arms and/or legs! It’s sunny but still darn cold!
I pass the Special needs station and see Michelle Restani and Stephanie Holloway from our weekly track workout. I know they have a long day ahead! I’ll see them when I stop the next time I go by.
As we head towards Squaw the sun disappears…burr! I pass the Squaw turn off and see Rich and Leonie Alesci cheering! Leonie is wearing her orange Dutch wig…love it!
Mile 20. Jami Min flies by. I tell her good job but no response. I then notice that she’s got bare arms and legs. She must be freezing! I catch up to her as we make the turn to Truckee. I can tell she’s in trouble. “I’ll give you my jacket at the next aid station”. I take off and hope the next aid station is soon!
The sun is out again as I pass through downtown Truckee. What a great crowd here! They are really excited to see all of us!
In a few miles I reach the aid station and stop to wait for Jami. A few minutes later I see her and shout for her to pull over but she doesn’t see me…bummer! I take a quick potty break and sprint to catch up to her. I pull up alongside. “Pull over and let me give you my jacket.” She stops and I help it on her. “Hang in there! I’ll be praying for you!” I take off and pray that the plastic will create needed warmth!
Mile 30. Soon we turn off into the very “private” Martis Camp area. This is a real mystery to us because we weren’t able to preview it in training. The climb starts off gradual and increasingly gets steeper. I’m still feeling chilled surprisingly!
I arrive at the FCA Endurance Aid Station run by Reno FCA Huddle Leader Marci Zavala. I also see Phoenix huddle leaders Debbie and John Foster! Awesome seeing them!
I know that Troy and the girls are up ahead! It keeps me occupied as the climbing continues!
Dan Perkins passes me. “Go Dan!” He’s already shed his layers and looks really comfortable climbing.
There is Troy at the top of Martis! Yeah! I wave and he is excited! Once he can hear me, I say “Pray for Jami! She’s really cold. I gave her my jacket.” Anna and Dylan, Michael Cook’s son, chase me to the top.
Mile 40. Surprisingly, I’m not far from Dan as we complete the climb up to the Ritz. I have fun descending this part and trying to keep up with Dan! A year or more ago, this would have terrified me but now it’s fun. I’m surprised that I’m passing a lot of riders!
Finally, turning back onto Hwy 267, it’s time to grind! Dan takes off and I decide to let him go. I need to save something for the 2nd time around! This is much harder than I remember! I also didn’t have Martis in my legs when I trained up here last month! I’m actually feeling a little hot! It’s nice for a change!
I should be at the top by now! Finally, I see more spectators and they are telling me I’m almost there. Yeah! I see the top! Thank you Lord! Now I can fly! What fun this is!
Back to Kings and out for one more loop! Still a lot of miles to cover but feeling like I’m going to finish this thing!
Mile 50. Back to the flat! My goal of averaging 18mph is shot. I’m close to 15mph. I’m getting passed up by some riders I’m sure I passed on the climb. It’s not bothering me because I’m meeting my goal of giving God my 100%.
Tana goes by as we go through Tahoe City. I ask her how Jami is doing and she says she didn’t look good. I say goodbye and she takes off with a smile.
I make it to Special needs and get my bottles. Drat, they are still frozen! Lord, please help work this out. I decide to take a potty break and remove my leg warmers while I’m here. As I take off, I see Michelle and Stephanie and they cheer for me. Michelle is wearing a huge curly, black wig. It makes me smile!
Mile 60. I pray that my bottles will thaw out enough soon for me to get some nutrition.
I see Leonie and Rich again jumping up and down as I pass Squaw. Love it! I grab a water as I pass the aid station. I take the opportunity to eat my Coconut Larabar.
Mile 70. Back to Truckee! Another fun moment passing through downtown! It’s getting warmer and I think about Jami. I hope her day is going better!
One water bottle has thawed a bit and I am able to get some Sustained Energy but not much. I will have to get a bottle of Perform at the next aid station.
Mile 80. Back in Martis! I’m really warm this time. Time to ditch my 2nd jacket and a frozen Sustained Energy bottle at the FCA tent – that will lighten the load! First, I grab a bottle of Perform, then I look for Marci and the Fosters, but I don’t see them. I stop and ask a gal with an FCA visor if she could give my stuff to Marci. Her name is Estelle. We have a nice chat and it’s hard to leave without feeling like I’m being rude…I am in a race and I must go! I thank her and I’m off!
As I pass a rider, I hear “hey Robin, it’s Kevin”. Kevin Magna! He’s in the zone pushing this hill. "Good job Kevin! You have your kiddos waiting for you!”
The Perform is really sweet and I sip it so I don’t get a stomach ache. Lord, please guide me in my nutrition!
I make it to Troy and the girls who give me big smiles. Michelle Ridder and John K are here, too! Another boost! I ask about Jami. Troy tells me race tracker says she’s moving well again! Thank you Lord! They tell me Tana is just ahead and I figure they mean far ahead.
Again up to the Ritz and a really fun downhill! And, again, I find myself passing riders even on corners! Wow, God, I cannot believe it’s really me flying like this!
Time to climb Brockway one last time! I remember Troy’s note that this hill is my friend…ha, ha! Yes, like an old painful friend! I actually feel like I’m moving a bit better this time. I catch some folks that passed me on the flats.
Mile 90. The top seems to come sooner than the last time. Yeah! I start the fun, fast descent. This time I’m passed by a woman! Wow, she’s flying! I haven’t been passed by a girl on the descents yet. I’m impressed!
Kings Beach one last time! I won’t see this until I come home to sleep hours from now. I daydream about what that will be like. I come up on the girl that flew by me and I realize it’s Tana! I should have known! I tell her good job and that I’ll see her soon…I know she’ll pass me back somewhere!
At the aid station I grab another 1/2 banana. I got about 1/2 the Sustained from the frozen bottle. The rest is still frozen, which means the temps haven’t warmed up much!
Mile 100. Is it true?! I made it to 100?! This feels good and lifts my spirits again!
I pass Special Needs and see Stephanie one last time…yes! I continue on and look for the pros on the run course. I see some women almost to the end of the first and longest loop. Wow, do they look good!
Finally, I make the turn to Squaw! Looking forward to the run! I see Dan going out. “Alright Dan, you’re running!” He wasn’t sure if he could run at all because of chronic heal pain.
Mile 110. Boy the last few miles always seem to take forever! I want to run! I see Leonie and Rich stationed on the first part of the run. I wave and they wave back.
T2, yeah! I dismount and I’m very stiff. I hobble to the changing tent with my T2 bag and find Debbie Foster waiting. I’m the only girl here and I get the VIP treatment…nice!
THE RUN
Going out I take a potty break and get lathered with sunscreen. Ready to go! My legs are feeling a little better. I get big cheers at the Tri Club Zone from Karen Messersmith and Liz Kollar (Ironman TriClub coordinator). It takes a mile to feel good. I run past Leonie and Rich and give them big smiles and high 5s!
Then I head out on the out-n-back. I ran this a month ago but didn’t know where the turn around was. The course circles the ritzy hotel and I’m surprised to find a hill back here! That’s going to hurt the second time around!
5k. Despite the first mile, I’ve been able to run around 8:30pace. I feel great but I know so much can happen 
from here on out. I realize that I forgot to pull out my “Praises” bookmark that I made! Every mile I wanted to praise Jesus for His blessings! Time to get started!
Troy and the girls are waiting for me at 89 and Squaw. Anna grabs my hand and we run together for a moment. Troy asks me what to pray for. “Pray that my hamstrings and stomach hold up.” What a great guy! He tells me that Dan is up ahead and running…yeah! Now it’s onto the Truckee River Bike Trail. I see Lee McKinley already heading back from his first loop. Wow! “Great job man!” He’s got to be in contention for a Kona slot!
10k. I continue to feel good and my miles are under 9 min. I’m not too interested in the Heed I’m carrying. Instead, I’m preferring the Sustained Energy which I usually don’t care for as much. I take some pretzels along the way, too.
15k. I’m still running strong but I feel a little queasy and I am also a bit hungry. I decide that potato chips sound good. I ask for some at the next aid station but the girl holding them isn’t paying attention…bummer. I hear her say I can get them when I come back…how long will that be? But then I hear someone say “do you still want those chips?” Yes, I say! A older guy sprints to catch me. “Wow, thanks so much!” Yum, these are good!
I realize that I had dropped my Praise bookmark. Maybe I’ll find it on the way back. I do remember some of them so no worries!
Dan Perkins is coming back from the turn. I tell him good job. He’s still running and pushing through!
I eat more chips at the next aid station and ask for broth but it’s not ready yet. I know the turn around is just ahead so I tell the guy I’ll get it on my way back. I make the turn and head back to the broth. It doesn’t taste as good as I expected but it will do.
I see Dan ahead. He’s taking turns running and walking…all I can think is I need to pray for him. At the same time, Dave Campbell flies by going the other way. I slow down to pray with Dan for his run.
A little further I see Paulo Medina running strong. He tells me he’s going to catch me and I tell him that he better.
20k. I feel like my energy is dropping. I continue to try to eat what seems appealing like chips, grapes and broth. I just need to hang on! Soon I look down and see my Praises bookmark on the ground. Wow, I pick it up and it lifts my spirits!
I make it to the run special needs and decide to pass it up. But someone holding my bag stops me and I reluctantly grab some more Sustained Energy. I probably won’t drink this but 
maybe it’s good to have it. I wish I put some arm warmers in there!
Okay, feeling worse and worse. I walk the short climb from the trail to 89. By the time I reach the Squaw entrance, I sit down at the aid station and try to eat some more chips. I get up and start walking and see Troy. He asks me what I’ve been eating and drinking. He sees I’m in trouble and tells me I have to eat. I defiantly say “I don’t feel like eating!” “You have to force it down. Drink Sustained and eat a gel.” I continue to walk in a daze and almost walk off the path. He urges me to start running again. I remember “100% for God” and I start to shuffle.
Lee McKinley comes alongside on his finishing stretch and asks if he can run with me. I tell him yes and he takes a moment to encourage me. I wish I had more energy to express my gratitude. What a guy!
25k. I begin to run again and force down a gel and Sustained. I’m still running slow by the time I get back Leonie and Rich. They do their best to encourage me.
Going into the Squaw Village I begin to feel the fuel kick in. Thank you Lord! I hear people shouting my name but I don’t know if they know me or are just reading my name off of my race number. It’s hard to look into the crowd when I’m just trying to move ahead.
30k. I’m finally bringing my pace under 10min per mile. Wow, God, back from the dead! I continue to force calories down and start drinking Coke. Usually I’m excited for Coke but it’s not pleasant. The climb on the out and back is tough but I run all the way up! I’m getting more and more cold but I know I’m almost done!
Here comes Dave Campbell and Paulo Medina. Both look tired but they continue to run strong.
35k. Troy is happy to see me running and smiling some again. Anna is there too cheering me on with a big smile. She’s still supporting me after all these long hours! Troy says Tana is not too far ahead. He encourages me to ask for a trash bag at the next aid station for warmth. I try to get one but no luck. I just need to deal with the cold…at the moment finishing is the more important matter!
I notice a girl ahead with an orange tank top is in my age group. She has a good pace going so I try to keep her in my sights. I see Tana coming back. I hope to catch up to her.
The 2nd turn around is much closer! Going from the trail to 89 this time I actually run! Yeah! Thanks God! I’m closer to the gal in orange.
I slow down at the aid station at the Squaw and 89 intersection to get some more Coke and broth. That gal is pulling further ahead but I need to keep on fueling. I see Troy in the van and tell him he better get to the finish. I hope they don’t get stuck in traffic trying to drive up to see me!
40k. I can almost taste the finish! Wow, how good that is going to feel to be done! I am so close to that girl and I can see Tana! Entering the main parking lot of Squaw Valley, I come alongside Tana and tell her to join me. Karen and Liz cheer me on again as I pass through the TriClub Zone.
I’m right on that girl’s shoulder now and sprint ahead going into the Village. Then she sprints back past me. I wait and just before the last turn give it all I have and pass her. There is the finish! I look 
up to God and smile. I hear Mike Reilly say “Robin Soares, you are an Ironman!” Thank you Jesus for this moment!
I see Anna and Ariel crying for me and I run over and we embrace for a long time. What a special moment!
FRIENDS
| Name | Age Group | Age Group Place | Overall Place | Swim | T1 | Bike | T2 | Run | Overall Time |
| Lee McKinley | M50-54 | 2 KONA! | 78 | 1:09:41 | 0:12:26 | 6:03:18 | 0:03:49 | 3:34:28 | 11:03:42 |
| Michael Cook | M40-44 | 14 | 117 | 1:14:43 | 0:13:55 | 6:06:38 | 0:04:46 | 3:42:00 | 11:22:02 |
| Sherwick Min | M45-49 | 24 | 180 | 1:07:15 | 0:07:18 | 6:25:02 | 0:02:57 | 4:03:38 | 11:46:10 |
| Dave Leroy | M50-54 | 8 | 182 | 1:06:52 | 0:10:40 | 6:13:33 | 0:04:42 | 4:12:16 | 11:48:03 |
| David Tarkington | M45-49 | 45 | 276 | 1:13:23 | 0:25:17 | 6:37:02 | 0:05:46 | 3:54:29 | 12:15:57 |
| Tana Jackson | F40-44 | 6 | 337 | 1:20:01 | 0:11:50 | 6:42:51 | 0:05:23 | 4:08:43 | 12:28:48 |
| Robin Soares | F35-39 | 10 | 339 | 1:08:05 | 0:12:55 | 6:51:33 | 0:03:45 | 4:13:11 | 12:29:29 |
| Faron Reed | M60-64 | 1 | 341 | 1:08:45 | 0:09:24 | 6:36:57 | 0:04:22 | 4:30:18 | 12:29:46 |
| Paulo Medina | M25-29 | 21 | 367 | 1:30:30 | 0:15:11 | 6:45:46 | 0:04:12 | 4:00:53 | 12:36:32 |
| Marco Campagna | M40-44 | 80 | 378 | 1:02:53 | 0:15:12 | 7:05:54 | 0:09:58 | 4:05:24 | 12:39:21 |
| Dave Campbell | M55-59 | 6 | 387 | 1:17:15 | 0:13:53 | 7:12:06 | 0:05:34 | 3:52:17 | 12:41:05 |
| Jami Min | F40-44 | 10 | 462 | 1:17:14 | 0:08:42 | 7:01:00 | 0:03:58 | 4:23:22 | 12:54:16 |
| Daniel Perkins | M50-54 | 30 | 511 | 1:09:18 | 0:20:50 | 6:20:43 | 0:05:05 | 5:07:33 | 13:03:29 |
| Kevin Magna | M35-39 | 144 | 1002 | 1:00:10 | 0:13:02 | 7:21:58 | 0:12:24 | 5:53:40 | 14:41:14 |
| Nikki Losee | F30-34 | 66 | 1429 | 1:34:12 | 16:36 | 8:04:24 | 8:10 | 5:53:41 | 15:57:03 |
| Leslie Bull | F50-54 | 36 | 1582 | 1:18:40 | 0:24:32 | 8:12:09 | 0:18:56 | 6:16:25 | 16:30:42 |
| Sara McKinley | F50-54 | 44 | 1691 | 1:11:02 | 0:22:27 | 8:32:44 | 0:08:03 | 6:37:19 | 16:51:35 |
| Caryn Galeckas | F50-54 | | | 1:12:41 | 14:19 | 8:52:13 | 8:17 | | |
| Suzanne Hartley | F45-49 | | | 1:37:33 | 17:20 | | | | |
FCA TEAMMATES
| Name | Age Group | Age Place | Overall Place | Swim | T1 | Bike | T2 | Run | Home State | Overall |
| Bryan Botma | M25-29 | 17 | 222 | 1:02:02 | 0:11:48 | 6:42:03 | 0:05:19 | 3:58:46 | San Clemente CA | 11:59:58 |
| Todd Arjes | M45-49 | 43 | 271 | 1:17:17 | 0:11:11 | 6:44:15 | 0:05:48 | 3:56:02 | Gilbert AZ | 12:14:33 |
| Roy Payne | M45-49 | 46 | 302 | 1:13:01 | 0:10:38 | 6:17:09 | 0:04:17 | 4:36:28 | Sugarloaf Key FL | 12:21:33 |
| Doug Wilson | M45-49 | 52 | 342 | 1:14:30 | 0:11:56 | 6:32:06 | 0:03:30 | 4:28:13 | Healdsburg CA | 12:30:15 |
| Alex Hamlow | M45-49 | 53 | 350 | 1:25:44 | 0:16:09 | 6:11:49 | 0:08:48 | 4:28:55 | Oceanside CA | 12:31:25 |
| Gary Brasher | M55-59 | 7 | 481 | 1:19:27 | 0:19:00 | 6:42:03 | 0:08:11 | 4:28:25 | Tubac, Az AZ | 12:57:06 |
| John Wilson | M45-49 | 79 | 539 | 1:11:16 | 0:30:37 | 6:50:45 | 0:09:37 | 4:25:09 | Sonora CA | 13:07:24 |
| Jason Ford | M40-44 | 119 | 568 | 1:40:43 | 0:32:39 | 6:45:21 | 0:10:36 | 4:05:32 | Gilbert AZ | 13:14:51 |
| Katy Rosane | F50-54 | 3 | 617 | 1:15:33 | 0:09:00 | 7:16:24 | 0:05:08 | 4:42:00 | Anchorage AK | 13:28:05 |
| Missy Shepherd | F40-44 | 34 | 896 | 1:15:13 | 0:17:21 | 7:01:55 | 0:10:42 | 5:35:19 | Hermosa Beach CA | 14:20:30 |
| Darryl Dabbs | M45-49 | 133 | 990 | 1:32:05 | 0:18:49 | 7:20:24 | 0:15:34 | 5:12:07 | Clinton MS | 14:38:59 |
| Kenny Lane | M45-49 | 224 | 1661 | 1:26:53 | 0:16:48 | 8:08:02 | 0:11:05 | 6:42:51 | Everett WA | 16:45:39 |
| Jeff Finch | M50-54 | | | 1:28:45 | 0:24:59 | 7:51:08 | 0:07:30 | | Clinton MS | |
| Aaron Osborne | M35-39 | | | 1:27:15 | 0:19:49 | 8:16:30 | 0:07:25 | | Kansas City Missouri MO | |
