Jenifer Maggio You are an Ironman - Again!

First of all, my sincerest apologies to those that followed Jen's progress throughout the day only to be left hanging until now for the outcome. It was a late night after the race and a long (and rainy) day following...

Joined by just over 2200 athletes, Jen completed her second Ironman Sunday in Madison, WI. Despite a personal record breaking pace on the swim and bike legs, shortly after the start of the run, her stomach suddenly cramped up causing her to make frequent stops to use the facilities. (I'll spare you the graphic description.)

Physically and emotionally drained, for a split second she wondered if she could go on. Determined to beat her time last year, and if nothing else finish as strong as she could, she picked up her pace to reach her friends, family and finish line at 14:47:14.

Coach Carla says that not every race can be a great race, but Jen cherishes the fact that the journey is the reward, not a PR. Despite her time she is truly thankful that she has the opportunity to compete at all.


Full Race Day Recap

Under mostly sunny skies, a welcome change in what was expected just a day earlier, Jen showed a promising performance at this year's Ironman Wisconsin. With a much improved skill set in the water, she was comfortable in the mix of aggressive swimmers. The downside however was the beating she would take--getting kicked hard, once in the shoulder and in her ribs. Still she pulled out a swim time of 1:23:42.

Following an improved swim and T1 over last year, Jen tore off on the bike confidently. Having trained on the course she was prepared for the hills. Though it was significantly more windy than she had experienced. And the cool temps made the decents pretty chilly. She found it refreshing not to be riding with the kidney stone that she had last year! She was pleased with her 7:18:26 performance, feeling she balanced her energy on the bike, leaving enough for the run.

With the stronger of [her] three disciplines behind her, Jen started the marathon visibly winded. She passed us, not speaking a word. Shortly thereafter, the cramping started knocking her way off her pace. Numerous stops at the porta-potty's would continue over the first 13 miles causing her fans concern. At mile 12, I walked with Jen to get an update. She was near devastated at what had happened. She was doing so well, and on track to reach her sub-14 hour goal. Her body, nearly dehydrated, made her search deep for the motivation to continue. Not accepting the possibility of a DNF after her name, she started the run once again! Picking up her pace in the second segment, she managed to squeak out a 5:48:03 run to finish at 14:47:14. (Just over her total time at last year's Ironman 14:33:03)

After crossing the finish line, Jen was helped to the medical tent where she sat for nearly an hour drinking fluids and eating chicken broth under observation. She was released under her own power, where she joined her crew and (finally) got to eat something.

There wasn't the fanfare that she experienced at her first Ironman, but she appreciated everything that she had accomplished throughout the day and the tremendous support that she received from all of you!

RACE DAY PHOTOS will be posted soon in the Gallery. An email will be sen to all IRONJEN Subscribers when it is ready. Thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement!