NO MORE EXCUSES

THANK YOU TEAM TRIATTIC!!!!!!

(Jo and Al, Brian and Monica, Keith, Natalie, Karen and Philip, Morgan and Deanne, Kelly, Brad T, Brad D., Robby, John and Melissa, Heidi and Murray, Wayne and Alison, Laura, Michelle and Ron, Bob and Stacia, Tony, Marty, Leisa and Ed, Jason and Sissy, Bryan D., Michael and Charlie)

 

 

 



Quest for Kona continues, 6 weeks until Ironman Texas

My quest to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii is six weeks away from starting back up. Last year I started this journey with the first of seven US qualifying races in Madison, WI. Since starting this quest, I had my best Ironman to date at Ironman FL with a time of 11:03:58 finishing 8th out of 55 in my age group, female 25-29.

Season kicked off this year at Red Hills Triathlon on March 30, 2013. This was my 7th time competing in Red Hills. I didn't have my fastest race, but it was one of my most proud finishes. Days leading up to the race, I had doubts I even wanted to start. Race conditions were forecast to be in the low 40's with water temperate in the low 60's. For those who don't know me and my weakness, I break in cold weather. It eats right through me, defeating me both mentally and physically. I had to change my attitude and prove not only to myself but my athletes, friends and family that everyone has weaknesses and how to deal and conquer them. I went into the race knowing it was going to be cold and dealt with it. I put on a wind breaker and wool socks in transition one to help fight the cold wind on the bike. What helped me though wasn't the wind breaker or socks it was my mental strength to push through and not let it affect my race. Yes, I was cold everyone was but I kept it from my mind and pushed forward. This was a huge milestone for me and I feel more confident having races and experienced it.

 

I have one more race prior to Ironman Texas at the end of the month. These races help to get me back in the groove of racing. Obviously it is at a much higher effort than Ironman but going through the motions, mentally and physically, help to prepare me for Texas. I believe I have the physical ability to achieve my goals and I am improving mentally with every passing day. Having confidence in a sport that lasts up to 17 hours takes a lot of training. Even the fittest and fastest athletes struggle mentally in an Ironman.

 

My goal for 2013 is to improve on my mental strength. I continue to push forward, ticking of the miles and hours spent preparing for this adventure. I am constantly reminding myself how lucky I am to be able to do this. It would not be possible without all the support from my friends and family. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart!!

 

March Training Totals:

Swim: 8:54, 28,150 yards

Bike: 22:17, 353 miles

Run: 14:54, 94 miles