I sit here watching the trees in the backyard. No moment. No wind. That rarely happens. A calm sunny Father's day. The family is still sleeping. I had a rough night, though not as bad as the past few nights. Up before 6, popped the Advil. I sit here thinking about all the feelings I've had in the past 24 hours. From a panic attack to a surreal feeling crossing the finish line. So much going through my head. So much to tell.
I need to load the computer with pictures and I would like to wait for the professional ones to be online before I post any race reports. I plan on doing it in 3 sections. Otherwise I think I would be sitting here for hours typing all that I remember. Detail will be a good thing as I will be able to come back to this and recall how I felt and what I need to work on. As of this morning, I decided I will do this again. Next time it will be an Ironman sanctioned event. My husband asked, really what's the difference? It's the same distance. Well all I can compare it to is running a local marathon or running a big city marathon. There is a huge difference. I want to see that IM logo plastered everywhere. I want to spend money on IM 70.3 apparel and trinkets. I want my metal to say IM 70.3 finisher. Not just triathlon finisher. Yup that's what's next in my future. Not sure if it will be next year or the year after. But I'll get there.
Instead of doing any race reports today I'll take the time to thank everyone who helped me on this 6 month voyage. My husband was wonderful. Always an excellent Sherpa. He deals with my ups and downs. He knows when to offer support and when just to listen and not dare say a thing as I might bite off his head. He supports these crazy adventures I take on. This time around the training was big. It took a lot of my time. I did my best to not let it affect the schedules of my kids and husband. I really think I did a great job doing that. However, I know there were a few occasions that I needed to rely on my husband and he was there ready to take on what ever needed to be done that I just couldn't do. Thank you. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't. Thank you for understanding the stress of training. Thank you for never questioning my decisions when it comes to training and racing. Thank you for telling me never, never, never to give up. Happy Father's Day.
My kids have grown up watching me race for over 5 years now. They have been to almost every race I have ever done. They watch as I train. They listen to my story's. They see me limping and in pain on some days. They ask questions and wonder how you get from point A to point B. They understand when I go to bed before they do. Being an athlete is their definition of me. I am their Mom and an athlete. Not such a bad title! They watch, they learn and they cheer me on every time. Thanks boys!
Would I have taken on this last adventure if I was the only family member who races? Yes, I probably would have. However, over 3 years ago I made the switch from being a Marathoner to a Triathlete. I made that decision during a Thanksgiving dinner when my sister's announced that their college has a sprint triathlon. You should do it. Thought about it for a minute or two and looked at my father. Sure we'll do it. And so it began. I have been able to train, race, commiserate and celebrate all that this sport gives us. I got to do it with my Dad. My definition of him. Father and athlete. Nice. How many people get to say that? At approaching the age of 60 he has done things I'm not sure I'll be able to do. My racing days may be over by then. He was a late bloomer and only started his adventures after watching me run my first marathon. I guess I inspired him. He certainly inspires me. Congratulations Dad. Happy Father's Day.
I have such an amazing support crew. All my family. Everyone who gets up so early to see us race. The long days they put in waiting and watching for us to come around the corner to the finish. The signs, the cow bell, the yelling and cheering. The planning they go through to make sure they can see me racing through out the day. It's great to have such a supportive family. I hope one day that I'll be supporting them in races. As my sister's get older and my kids grow up. I believe someone will get the bug. Who will it be?
So thanks to everyone out there who followed me through this process and sent me their support. It truly makes a difference. Not only do I take on these races for myself, but also to inspire and show people that if I can do it so can you. I am not an elite athlete with raw talent. I have to work very very hard at getting across that line. I am not fast but I get the job done. Getting that job done becomes easier with all the support I do get. Thank you!
Hopefully I'll spend time this next week piecing all my race details together. Hopefully, I will be able to walk right in a few days. Over all I am not as sore as I would of thought. I know why. It's because I didn't run as much of the 13 miles that I hoped. I probably ran a little more than 1/2 of it. Run/walk deal thought out the whole thing. My body is tried, stiff, swollen and my knees are the worst. Stairs are painful. I am now in full recovery mode. There will be no fitness activity with the exception of a walk in my future this week. I may go for a short ride/ swim and run next week depending on how I am recovering. Then I'm off on a much needed and earned cruise! Can't wait.
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