Photo Copyright John Kelly

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Becoming an "Ironwoman," again: A very belated race report

As of 7:05 p.m. in St. George Utah on May 7, I could officially call myself an "Ironman," or as I prefer it, "Ironwoman" -- for the second time. In many ways, re-earning the title felt no less significant than the first time. But this experience was absolutely distinct. And that's why, when it was all said and done, I am really pretty thrilled about my performance.

Let me preface by saying point-blank that I did NOT accomplish my primary "tangible" goals for St. George. Going down the list: I did not qualify for Kona -- my hefty, but still most highly desired goal; I did not break 11 hours -- in fact, I did not even break 12; I DID, however, turn in a "PR" (personal record) time, and that alone is something that I am extremely proud of... That, and everything I experienced on the way to that PR, which is, when it comes down to it, what really counts.

To say the least, my personal best time of 12 hours and 5 minutes, was hard-earned. And, to (mostly) shamelessly toot my own horn here, well deserved. The course was hard -- really hard (St. George is one of the most challenging Ironman qualifying races in the world)! And the day was hot (temperatures pushed the upper 90s during the run).

But overall, I felt much less like I was "struggling through" the race then I did last time, when I raced Vineman in July 2010. Of course I still had some moments of feeling sorry for myself, and came pretty close to one utter meltdown on the run, but I also had moments of feeling really great, and generally bounced back after each moment of struggle. The question still popped in my head, specifically at about mile 16 in the run in the blistering heat, of "Why in the hell am I doing this to myself? I swear I never want to do an Ironman again!" But alas, I found a second wind, had a super strong finish, and felt absolutely amazing when I was done. And, yes, I will be doing another Ironman this year.

Ultimately, I felt like I was able to push myself like I hadn't been able to do last time. My times for each leg were nearly identical, but on a much tougher course and day, so I felt like my performance was clearly much stronger. And generally, I feel like I am definitely reaching a new level this year. I am excited to see what is yet to come! I know I still have a lot to learn, a lot of improvement to be made, and a long ways to go to get to where I want to be. But I will be trying again next year for Kona 2012, and the road starts now. I am confident in my goal and my purpose, and will make sure I do everything I can to get there.

Friday, May 6, 2011

Go Time!!

I can’t believe it’s been four months since I updated my blog... Seriously? It's a good thing ski season was lackluster I guess! :) (Though I did learn some important tidbits that I will share at some point down the road.) I don’t really make New Year’s “resolutions,” and didn’t this year, but said that, unofficially, if I WAS going to make one, it would be to do more things for myself. That would include writing more on my blog, because I enjoy writing about topics I am passionate about. But, alas, life has been getting in the way yet again. Or, more specifically work -- and writing about topics that I don’t have much choice about.

Anyhow, here I am laying down an update on the “eve” of my biggest race of this year, Ironman St. George. Maybe I chose to write tonight because, honestly, I’m kinda freaking out, so to speak, and hey, why not document that...?!

My mind is sort of a jumble of thoughts and hyper-intense emotions, from angst to nervousness to total excitement. It’s a little overwhelming! While my nerves have been going up and down all day today, they have definitely been intersected by moments of feeling totally pumped up and like I cannot wait for tomorrow!

Right now, as I write this, it is just nerves. But I’m sure once that alarm goes off bright and early in the 3 o’clock hour, I will be ready to do it big!

I have high expectations for tomorrow. I’ll go ahead and throw it out there. I will even say, for the first time in writing, that my goal is to qualify for Kona. Yep, writing it out definitely seals the deal. That is what I want, what I will be gunning for tomorrow, and what I have been setting my sights on – and pushing myself for – since last triathlon season ended.

This is my “A” race -- go time; no holding back.

I will also be honest and say, though, that qualifying for Kona is a lofty goal. Since I turn 25 in December, before the “race age” cutoff of Dec. 31, I have to race up in the 25-29 age group, which is arguably the toughest one. And seeing some of the girls here has admittedly made me a little bit intimidated. They look super strong!

But, I know I am strong too. And I am ready. And I want it, and I will race that way tomorrow. And in the end – and what I keep telling myself is – all I can do is go out there and lay EVERYTHING out on the course. And if I race with passion and race with guts, I don’t see how there’s any way I won’t do that. And if that gets me a PR, or my goal time of sub-11 hours, or a qualifying spot in Kona, then all the better.

Right now all I can do is tell myself that I am prepared. My season has started off great. I am in better shape than ever. And I am driven for this day.

And tomorrow, what I WILL do is go out there and give everything I can to prove that.

Number 67 woop woop!


I am READY!