I’m still completely wiped out from my race and my cough has returned with a vengeance. I can’t blame my body for rebelling to what I put it through the other day.
Here are all the pictures from my race. Most of them were from my friend Ginger. A few were from my family and a random blog reader! I can’t thank Ginger enough for her support. She had to leave at mile 8 of the run, so that’s kind of where the pictures end. My family didn’t get many shots because my camera didn’t work! Oh well, maybe that’s a good thing, because I got emotional and cried every time I saw them.
Action shots:
Scenery:
Awards Cruise:
Here’s a funny anecdote. I talked to the USAT head official on the cruise. I think his name was Bill and he was a nice guy. He asked how my race went. I said I did great and got first place in my age group, despite my first ever penalty. He had his official clipboard and asked for my bib number. I said it was not necessary to look it up, that I knew the exact moment when I got the drafting penalty: it was just a moment of inattention not dropping back quickly enough after being passed. He asked for my bib anyway…he seemed to really want to look it up. So he looked up bib #81. The notes said “female, green shirt, black shorts, white helmet, within 1 bike length for 25 seconds”. I said, yup, that’s me. Can’t miss my green Trakkers colors, lol! I explained how I always pass guys, and they can’t take a chick hit and so they pass me back and then slow down. I was tired of playing leapfrog with this one guy. Just as the motorcycle was coming along, I forgot to drop back while I was considering whether to hammer to drop the guy for good, or what should I do. That’s how I screwed up. The USAT guy said I was the first athlete he ever talked to who did not try to argue myself out of the penalty. I laughed at that. I mean, in every sport, except maybe the televised sports with instant replay, the referees are always right, and there is no arguing. Right?
I have the rough draft of my race report done. I always write that over on the BT site, then transfer it here and clean it up. If you are dying for the nitty gritty details, here it is.
Carol, Thanks so much for sharing. This was my first year doing triathlons (at the age of 51). Stories like yours are what keep me inspired. I too was at the Traingle this year, although way behind you. I stopped to help a female competitor who had gotten her chain stuck big time. After we both got back on the road, she passed me and never looked back. Not only was I not bothered by the “chick hit”, but I was proud of her and cheered her on. I hope to do the B2B half in 2 years and maybe the full a couple more after that. Please keep sharing your stories as they help keep others pumped up. Whatever is next for you, I wish you the best!!
Carol: So enjoyed the BT report and photos. I felt like I was there. You really inspired me. The day you did Ironman I had a 42 mile bike race through the mountains of North Georgia which was much more hilly than I hoped. When times got tough I thought of you having to do more than twice that amount then running a marathon to boot. It helped me to stop moaning and to focus and actually enjoy the race. When I crossed the finish line, my legs were toast and I could not have run 1 mile much less 26. I am amazed at your strengths. You have truly earned the title “Ironman”. So happy for you!
Great pics!
It is like the official was on the immediate defensive before you even had the chance to own up to your mistake. Too funny. Bad habit for him I guess.
Great pictures! A lot of nice shots on the bike too! You look strong and happy on the run too – although since the pics ended at mile 8 that might have changed 🙂 I’m looking forward to the full recap!
Awesome !! love the photos 🙂 I think you should change your “About me” to “my journey from coach potato to IRONMAN” !!
Congratulations on a fine performance! I was a bit worried as you were writing about the week or so before the event. Glad to see you pulled a full Ironman off in fine form!
Just read your race report on BT. 🙂
Everyone that I know that raced on Sat had some sort of stomach issues on the bike or somewhere. I wonder if it was the salt water in the swim… just a thought.
You rocked it!!!