 | | Successful first-time Ironman finisher Cole Braun [click image to enlarge] |
Ironman Wisconsin a Success!
• Finish Time 12:26:04
• $184,000 Raised
• RACC Launched
September 15th, 2007
I want to say thanks to ALL of the people who have supported this effort over the last year. The prayers, cards, donated money, notes, and incredible support in Madison for Ironman Wisconsin made this day an incredible experience.
 | | The day begins with a swim [click image to enlarge] |
The Athletic Competition part of this journey that was over A YEAR long was a fantastic and euphoric experience. I was hoping to swim the 2.4 miles in 1:20:00, and after some bumping and banging from the other 2,399 competitors I was able to get out of the two-lap swim in 1:13:06.
After the long run up the Helix at Monona Terrace and through the Transition Room and the Changing Room, I saddled the bike after a 10-minute transition. A beautiful day awaited me for the 112 mile ride. After the first 56 miles I was averaging 18+ mph, and with another round of very difficult climbs awaiting I made the decision to ease off the bike to make sure that I had strong legs for the Marathon run. I finished the bike in 6:24:08 [pacing 17.5 mph] and was ready — I thought — for the biggest athletic challenge of my life.
 | | Strong pacing for the 1st half-marathon [click image to enlarge] |
I have run 6 marathons, but never have I embarked on a marathon after an Ironman Swim and Bike. The goal to run 11-minute miles for the marathon sounded reasonable in my months leading up to the event. Now the challenge of 11-minute miles seemed much more challenging. The run started out well, and after sticking to my Nutrition plan and a one-mile-run, one-minute-walk program, I was able to complete the first half-marathon in 2:13:24 — approximately 10:13 per mile pacing. At this point I felt great and thought "OK, let's just go run a half-marathon."
In the next few miles everything started to hurt/shut down on my body. My body became very fragile and I felt that if I just stepped wrong or had a misstep I could Cramp up and my race could be over. I also had the unique feeling of both my arms going numb. The support of over 20 friends and family members chasing me to different spots on the course kept me going and feeling strong every time I would see them. Slowly and methodically, I stayed on the plan and made it closer and closer to the Capital for the second time.  | | A strong, successful finish! [click image to enlarge] |
The last half-mile was incredibly thrilling. I high-fived everyone on the side of the streets and pumped my fists in the air in great jubilation, trying to take in the feeling of the entire day. As I turned the last corner I could see my family and friends, and the climax of 54 weeks of work and discipline. As I crossed the finish line at 12:26:04, I did my 360° spin for my family and completed all 140.6 miles!
Long-time announcer Mike Riley boomed "Cole Braun — a First-time finisher — YOU ARE AN IRONMAN."
You learn a lot about yourself in this journey called preparing for an Ironman, but the one thing that everyone takes away from this is IF it is something you are passionate about — and you make the choice to make the commitment — You CAN do anything.
The best part of the day for me was the final push and conclusion of two separate year-long fundraising efforts and the incredible launch of the organization for which I have a burning passion — the organization that I will commit to for the rest of my racing days.
- Through many dedicated donors and supporters we were able to raise $43,430 for the Challenged Athletes Foundation [CAF] Operation Rebound. This program was established to support injured War Vets who are interested in continuing a healthy lifestyle. The money is used to purchase wheelchairs, running limbs, and other enabling equipment for war veterans.
- This summer I also started a local challenge to raise $1,000 per mile for the development of athletic facilities for Lake Country Lutheran High School. I want to help make sure that the high school students have the opportunity to participate in athletics if they want. Through a matching program, as of the race date, over $120,000 was raised or pledged; and the Lutheran High School Association hopes to see the full $140,600 pledged before the end of September. Both these fundraising efforts came to completion on September 9th, 2007.
- I am proud to announce that Racers Against Childhood Cancer [RACC] was founded on September 9th, 2007 to coincide with the running of Ironman Wisconsin. RACC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that will accept donations to help fight Childhood Cancer through research. Our website was launched with the founding of RACC, providing interested parties with information about RACC and its programs. For more detailed information on RACC and the programs that will be forming throughout 2007 and 2008 please visit www.racersagainstchildhoodcancer.org or www.raccfund.org.
I cannot thank all the people who prayed and talked to me before, during, and after the Ironman. Your support made a huge difference. I still can't believe all the support of family and friends who spent the day in Madison to help me finish: Jenny Braun, Craig Braun, Andrew Braun, Ross Braun, Jeff Braun, Diane Braun, Colin Braun, Maggie Voigt, Katie Bahr, Mark Bahr, Mark Newman, Amy Newman, Hank Hoffman, Kevin Abraham, Sandy Abraham, Diane Demman, Brad Kleba, Brad Schneider, Nikki, Christine, Kelsey, Megan, Sara, Conor, Travis, Matt, Drew, Kyle, Alyssa, and others I am sure I am missing.
It was an incredible day and thanks sharing it with me.
AN IRONMAN,
Cole |
