IRONMAN Coeur d'Alene
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Age Group Start time: 6:40 a.m. (PST)
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| Team swim practice: Lake Coeur d'Alene |
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Left to Right - Top to Bottom
426 - Natalie Radford
156 - Sandy Holt
790 - Melissa Thompson (First timer)
1745 - John Thompson (First timer)
279 - Charlie Johnson
1853 - Morgan Garcia (First timer)
2528 - Robby Turner (First timer)
1743 - Brad Taylor (First timer)
342 - Ed Eastman
401 - Leisa Eastman
1014 - Jo Curry (First timer)
2341 - Al Curry (First timer)
1616 - Michael Holt (Not pictured)
We want to take this moment to speak to all of the Triattic athletes about to compete in the big race tomorrow. We could not be more proud of each and every one of you. You have worked so hard to reach this point. Think of all the long days when you dealt with the sun, the heat, the humidity, the bugs, the hills, the wind and much more. You fought through sore muscles, drank more sports drink than you ever thought possible. Felt stings on your body when showering that you never thought could exist at that intensity in that location. Woke at hours unthinkable to most people to put your body through exercises also thought unthinkable to most people.
And why? Because through all of it, you are aiming for a goal that while once thought unreachable is now at your fingertips. And because, even though we all ask ourselves what the hell are we doing at times, in the end you find so much enjoyment out of the successes AND failures you’ve had along the journey to this point. The whole journey to race day is a process. We experiment and try various approaches constantly honing the most efficient ways of crossing a finish line successfully.
You now consider it to be normal banter when someone asks, “What zones are you aiming for? You think you’ll hold the goal wattage coach has you aiming for? Oh, and you better load up on electrolytes and carbs so you don’t bonk after the 112 miles before you run the 26.2.” Most people not in triathlon would be looking at us with a blank stare at this point, but we are all full of responses to answer those questions.
You have taken on a lifestyle that is very abnormal. And that means abnormal in a very special way. We are so proud of all of you for the way you have prepared for one of the most memorable days of your lives tomorrow. And this will be memorable, because it will be 140.6 miles of celebration. It will be you seeing your friends along the race course and knowing you are all moving towards a moment individual to each of us but the same in so many ways, too.
Yes, there will be down moments. But that is simply what it is – a moment. It then passes and the good times start rolling again. So when a negative thought passes through your mind, let it do its thing and let it fade on away, because that thought means nothing compared to the grit and determination each and every one of you have.
In the moments as you lie falling asleep, let your mind visualize what you are about to do tomorrow. You can “see” exactly what you will do in the race. You can see yourself entering the water and feeling the shock of cold. You see yourself further into the swim, having swallowed some water and bumped with some people, but steadied out and into a nice groove. You are now already in the second loop feeling good. Now you sight and see the shore. You’ve glided up to T1, changed and now have your bike in your hands running towards the mount line. The legs feel good. HR a bit high, but you ease it back. Time to get the legs spinning and ready. You have made it through over thirty miles and are at the turnaround south of town. The wind was a bit in the face and the hills worked you slightly, but now it is time to soak in a solid tail wind and some downhill. Now, you are onto your second loop working up the steep hill you know you’ll see soon on the run. The following miles drift by and you feel stronger as you move deeper into the ride. Look, there is the dismount line and 112 miles are beyond you! T2 just happens effortlessly and you are out on the run course surrounded by a mass of screams and cheers. You remember that many people back home are anxiously watching the Ironman website looking for updates and on the edges of their seats cheering for you. Keep that pace in check! Next thing you know you’ve made it up the steep hill and are down at the turnaround marking one quarter complete. Back in town, you reach 13.1 miles of the run and the music is pumping, the Triattic tent is just beyond the turnaround at halfway and you are invigorated knowing you can smell the finish line. Again, you get to the turnaround of 19.65 miles and realize the energy you conserved has you set up to soak in this last 6.55 miles. Yes, you are hurting. That is totally normal and no one “feels great” at this point. But the feeling you have is one of excitement knowing every step you take will bring you closer to THE moment. You are seeing other Triattics and smiles are on their faces. Life is good. Right now is why you did all this training. You have put in the work and earned your place here. Now you’ve worked through the neighborhoods and broken out onto Sherman Avenue. You can see the finish line in the distance. It is simply you and destiny. It is your moment……
