From Triathlon Newbie to Ironwoman in Just 5-Months!
Written by Audrey Schmalz - 2024 Ironman Wisconsin Finisher
I tend to overcommit myself to enormous challenges and announce them to everyone I know before figuring out how to complete them. That’s how I found myself signed up for a 140.6-mile Ironman in Madison, WI, without even owning goggles or a road bike.
With an extremely limited background in endurance sports—my only experience being a marathon I signed up for just 27 days in advance and never trained for—I knew I needed serious help for my upcoming Ironman. I needed guidance not only in developing a training plan as a novice swimmer and biker but also in consistent motivation. Enter Coach Jim! He was instrumental in guiding me through the basics (“Yes, you need to do at least one triathlon before attempting a full Ironman,” “Yes, you do need to learn how to change a tire,” and “Have you tried any gels yet?”) while balancing a beginner-friendly yet rigorous training schedule. He even helped me manage training alongside my travel-heavy work commitments.
Throughout the past five months working with Coach Jim, my commitment and motivation ebbed and flowed. There were weeks I felt so burnt out and tired, and the last thing I wanted to do was spend all Sunday riding my bike to Indiana and back. Despite that, he had an incredibly positive attitude and helped me adapt my training plan whenever needed. He pushed me to complete essential workouts, reminding me, “Yes, you need to ride the hills in Madison at least once before the race,” and supported my back of the pack participation in group rides, which helped me meet my weekly mileage goals. Three weeks out from the big race I had an 8-day work trip, and I don't think I really got in a full workout after that. As Jim put it, I can taper better than anyone he’s ever met! Regardless, when I got to the start line, I felt ready and prepared. That is fully due to the training plan Jim created and the knowledge he passed along throughout.
One of the most unexpected blessings of joining Grit Endurance was the community aspect. I actually started to look forward to the group rides and track sessions because I had found a community of fellow enthusiasts committed to not one, but three sports! Despite being the youngest and by far the least experienced member of the team, they welcomed me with open arms. The team aspect was a huge motivator on mornings I wanted to sleep in or nights I felt tempted to go out with friends. Don’t underestimate the power of Strava Kudos from someone who knows and has experienced the pain you’re going through!
Although Ironman Wisconsin was one of the longest days of my life, it was also one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. I was constantly smiling in photos and felt well-prepared to accomplish my goal of completing the race. Coach Jim was there on course, alongside my friends and family, cheering me on during each leg. The most unexpected perk was seeing my teammates during the race! Passing someone in a Grit kit was something I looked forward to; we were all in this together, starting from that very first group ride of the season. About halfway through the marathon, Jim encouraged me to pick up my pace to pass a fellow teammate. Let’s just say my next three miles were the fastest of the race. Take that, Todd!
In the months leading up to Ironman Wisconsin, I swore I would never do another triathlon—I was convinced I was a one-and-done type of athlete. Now, I’m considering a race in 2025. Who knows what the future holds, but I’m incredibly thankful for the Grit Endurance community and the positive race day experience I had, all thanks to Jim’s patience and guidance to a total newbie. Here’s to a successful first Ironman and never biking that long again!