Boulder 70.3

I have had the dream for years and years to compete in a full Ironman, or 70.3, but I never thought it would become a reality. I thought mountain biking was my sport, and my biggest fear is water so the thought of swimming over a mile was just plain ridiculous, and I was never going to be able to do that. I pretty much accepted the fact that this would just remain a dream that would never come true.

Last year I had a rough season mountain biking, and by the end I was completely burnt out. I met Coach Patty while teaching Spin class where she works, and complained to her about my woes. She told me all about CWW and that they were thinking to have a Long Course group this season, and thought it might be a good change for me. So I thought about it for what turned into a few months, and in April I decided to go for it. I joined CWW and signed up for Boulder 70.3. I had no idea what to expect from either joining CWW or training for the race. What I gained and learned from all of it is something that will stick with me for a lifetime. CWW is an amazing group, and I am glad this is where my path led. I met some wonderful women along the way, and learned so much about myself. I was in awe on Sunday to see everyone accomplish their goals, and loved the fact that we were all in it together. I have grown so much as a person by being a part of this group.

It was wonderful to see everyone on the Friday pre-race dinner. My nerves were high and it helped settle me down. I have done quite a few races in my life, but none compared to this. I was so nervous, yet excited at the same time. I have never actually trained for anything before. Months of getting myself in the pool, at first barely able to swim 500 yards without stopping, then moving to the pond where I had to over come my fear of the water, to being able to swim across and back without a panic attack. Learning how to adjust my body to riding a road bike instead of a mountain bike, which was a lot harder than it seems! Running started out well, doing the half marathon in March put me ahead, since I had a good base. Running has never been my strong suit, but I felt I had the miles, now I wanted to work on picking up my pace. And then on May 22nd I suffered my set back with a stress fracture that decided to never completely heal, leaving running almost completely out for the 11 weeks until the race. Only 24 total miles of running in those 11 weeks, 12 of them being in races. I had a few moments where I considered backing out of the race. How could I survive the 13.1 miles with an injured foot, and with not many miles under me? I hated the thought of walking the whole way.

I never backed out, and soon race day was upon me. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I was as ready as I was able to be. I was up at 3:30am, my boyfriend, Chip, up with me. We loaded the car and headed to Boulder Res, munching on my pre- race breakfast on the way. I got there early, and was one of the first in transition, so I got a good spot on the rack. The transition area really gets my nerves going for some reason, so I quickly set up my area, which I had already had down pat, got body marked got the heck out of there. I munched more, drank lots of water, and  stood in line at the porta potties quite a few times. The atmosphere was different than any other race this year. Lots of people around, but it was so quiet. Everyone seemed to be in their own zone, and I am sure were just as nervous as I was. Fortunately I saw Neale and Dawn before they took off, wishing them luck. I briefly saw Sara and we gave each other good luck hugs. Lesley and I were in the same age group, so it was nice to line up in the water with someone I knew.

We were soon down in the water, the next heat to go off. Lesley and I gave each other one last good luck high five, and they sent us off! I got into my groove pretty quickly, and sailed through the swim. I was grateful for the amount of buoys they had set up. I took it one at a time, and before I knew it I was rounding the last red one, headed back to shore. It was the best (not fastest) swim I have had in a race. It felt like I had a bubble around me that no one entered. I am not sure if I was touched at all! I had a comfortable pace, and was out of the water right on my mark at 44:24.

Transition 1 went smoothly (2:18), and soon I was on the bike.  I love being on the bike. It is one of the best places in the world to me, and this year I have really learned to enjoy the road. Things went perfect on the bike. I wrote out my nutrition plan and taped it to my handlebars. I never really feel thirsty or hungry when I ride, so it really helped discipline me to hydrate and fuel. About 80 calories every 20 minutes or so, and I switched between water and Gatorade as I hydrated.  The aid stations were awesome, and I found it was pretty easy to grab a water on the go. The volunteers worked really hard to make it easy. First lap was great, and I was well ready for the second. It was nice to see Terry and Neale out there. They both looked strong and happy! I stared to fatigue on the last section on Diagonal Highway, but knowing I was almost done, and well ahead of my goal time, kept me going and soon I was cruising back into T2 with a time of 2:47, bringing me up 30 spots in my age group.

Transition 2 went well (1:35), but felt a little wobbly putting on my running shoes. It was only then that I could tell how hot it had gotten. I jogged out of transition, grabbed some water and smiled at Chip who was taking pictures. Final leg! I was nervous from the start. It usually takes me about 5 minutes to get my running legs under me. Once they came, I settled into my pace, just in time for the first hill. It was rough, but I made it. And then there was another one. It was harder, but I could see the first aid station ahead, so I trudged along. The aid stations were awesome. The volunteers were so upbeat, dancing and singing to the loud music as they cheered the runners on. They made me smile every time. And the wet sponges were a life saver! I trudged along, thinking only to get to the next aid station. The sun was brutal, and I enjoyed the breeze that came every now and then. Eventually the wind really started picking up, making it more of a challenge than a relief. I made the first lap feeling ok, but passing right by the finish line where they were calling peoples names as they passed by was torture! And knowing what I still had to go through to get there was mentally hard. Chip was there again to cheer me on, looking happy and proud as ever. Right before I headed out of the res to start lap 2 my dad showed up and ran along side me for a short while. It was so nice to see him and boosted my energy. I felt pretty good until the first hill, again. I had to walk part of it. Fortunately my foot was surviving, but the lack of running in the last 11 weeks was taking its toll on my body. I was starting to struggle to keep my legs running

A few days before the race I was talking to my dad, expressing my doubts and concerns about this race, especially the run. He is the best listener and gives the best advice. Friday before the race he sent me an email with well wishes and a note that I took with me on the run:

I want you to wail till mile 6 of your run to remember why Melissa is your best friend, at mile 7 that Hannah is following in your footsteps and has just completed her race, at mile 8 that your goofy brothers are probably still asleep, but are the best brothers you could ever ask for, that Samantha is one of the most independent people you know beyond yourself, at mile 9 that Chip is a good man and why you need him in your life, at mile 10 that Carol loves, cares for and admires you very much, at mile 11 remember that I’M VERY PROUD OF YOU! And finally, at mile 12 Mom will be running the last mile with you!

This kept me going, and I ran mile 6 with my older sister, Melissa, and we chatted about the wonderful memories of being kids, and about her 3 daughters. At mile 7, my sister left and my younger sister, Hannah joined me where she told me about her experience racing in the Tri for the Cure that morning. At mile 8 my two goofy brothers and sister Samantha were waiting for me. They seemed to slow me down a bit, as this was my toughest mile, but they made me laugh and kept my spirit up. My wonderful boyfriend, Chip, was there for mile 9, and we talked about where we were going to go on vacation after this, and how he is the best thing that has ever happened to me. My step-mom, Carol, was there at mile 10, and we chatted about how to decorate the house and how I should get my hair done. It was a chatty mile. My dad was proudly waiting at mile 11, and we talked about life, and he continued to tell me how proud he was. He gladly stepped down at mile 12, where my Mom was waiting. But this time, I knew she was really there, not just in my head. I felt her presence every step of the way, and she showered me with her love and told me how proud she was. We talked about how we did the Tri for the Cure together the first 2 years, back in 2004 and 2005, and how hard that seemed to be back then. She gave me the strength I needed to run that last mile. We ran side by side down the hill, where Dad, Carol, Chip and my goofy brother Tyler ( who was waving a foam finger and ringing a cowbell) were screaming for me. I crossed the finish line, with my mom by my side, both of us with huge smiles. The hugs from my family were the best ever. I was an Ironman! The run took me 2:31, and I crossed the finish in 6:07.

It was so great to see Neale cross the finish line, then Lesley coming down the final stretch, and then Sara cross. All with smiles on. I am so proud of all of them, and loved being a part of it all. It was so nice to see Coach Barb and Coach Karen there, who we couldn’t have done this without.

I felt some fatigue in my legs from the run, but I got a massage on Monday and that helped tremendously! I fortunately have not dealt with post race woes. I think I have found my nitch, and I know this is just the beginning. I am so fortunate to have the amazing people that I do in my life, and I feel so lucky that I was introduced to CWW months ago. I am excited to see what the next season brings!