Saturday, October 18, 2008

FINALLY .. 20 MILES COMPLETED .. And a big "Thank You"

Finally...I got my longest run in of my IM Training.  I am so relieved and happy!! Of the 20 miles, 18 of them were under the required time for Ironman.  My hope is that I will have the energy after 112 mile bike to push through and keep that pace.

Finally...taper sweet taper.  Time to rest, eat well....and rest some more.  My body is tired and I have been looking forward to this portion of the training.  It will be strange taking my training hours down by half but I am ready.

Hmmm....I am ready...Ready for some rest.  Ready for the race.  I'm ready to be an Ironman.

About mile 9 in today's workout, I started to cry.  I started thinking "Oh my God, I think I'm gonna really be able to do this!"  Am I kidding myself??  What keeps you motivated through 140.6 miles when your body hurts and your mind is screaming for rest?  I'm hoping that my friends that are joining me in Panama City will be a huge help.  They always are.  I have the most incredible support team that could ever be assembled for a race.  They get up at the crack of dawn, they cook, they haul ice, they meet me on training rides and runs and have put up with the insanity that is Ironman for almost a year.  So...before my life slips into travel mode for Ironman, I want to thank ALL the people who have helped me in the last year:

Beth Crepeau: my training partner, my "Coach Beth" who trained me to do my first marathon.  Beth was suppose to do this race with me but broke her shoulder during the Virginia Beach Half Marathon.  She is signing up for 2009 and I will be her crew chief at that race.  Thank you for all the great advice and the shoulder to cry on ( no pun intended there) when I was just too tired to train. Without you, I don't believe I would even have made it to this point!

Sandi Fuller: Our "Speed Racer" marathon runner who constantly offered to run with me during my training.  My fear was that she couldn't go slow enough to train with me..  She's also a great hairdresser.  Thanks for making me look Maaaaavaluous when I'm not sweating!!!

Joy Flack: Thank you for making my Ironman 70.3 Florida race one great party and making Beth's first Half Ironman a race to remember.  You are the t shirt queen and I want you to know I appreciate everything you have done at every race.  You're an amazing cheerleader.

Mike and Vi Auld: Some of my oldest friends who actually attended my first triathlon 9 years ago at Danskin.  Mike: if I'm too tired on the run course to acknowledge your advice, I hope you know it is appreciated.  Vi: Thank you for being such an inspiration to me.  Vi ran her first half marathon and full marathon in the same weekend by completing the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World.  She is incredible and I aspire!!

Debbie Lewis: Debbie is the finest bike training coordinator anyone could ever hope for.  On two occasions, she traveled to Panama City Beach and ran drinks and gels to us on the course during our 112 mile bike workouts.  She is a pro at finding free ice at hotels after races and generally gives everyone around her an upbeat feeling.  She is a great cheerleader and if you ever get the chance to meet her, ask her how her "bootilicious booty" is doing that she likes to display on Highway 20 in Panama City Beach :) (Trust me, the story is worth a giggle or two)

Laura Stiles:  The protector.  If you ever wanted someone to fight for your cause, this is the woman you want on your side.  Laura has always watched out for me and spoken up when I have been too afraid to say a word.  Thank you Laura for always having my back!!

Rick Stafford: My ORIGINAL triathlon trainer, my business partner and dearest friend.  Who would have ever thought that the 3 mile runs we use to do around Deltona for the Danskin would lead to an Ironman 9 years later.  Thank you for riding with me, for running with me, for taking my &*^%$ when I'm tired and pissed on a long workout.  Thank you for calming my fears about finishing and thank you for kicking my ass when I needed it!!!

Hector Torres: Ironman Trainer extraordinaire.  Thank you for riding along side me during the Tri America Triathlon and caring enough to lend a hand.  Thank you for constantly believing in my ability to complete an Ironman.  Thank you for holding my hand during the rough parts of training and not taking "no" for an answer when I tried to get out of a workout.  You are a blessing to so many people and an inspiration to me.  Words can not express what your time and talent has meant in my life.

And finally and most importantly: My husband, Steve who has put up with so much in the last year.  He has done so much that it is literally impossible for me to make a list.  After 23 years of marriage, he puts up with my crazy ideas and I adore and love him more today than I ever have before.  Thank you my darling for allowing me to follow my dream.

You will notice that my family isn't on this list.  My brothers and parents really do not understand this sport nor do they care to.  They will not be attending the race (its Georgia Florida football weekend) but I know that they will be proud of me *IF* I finish.  IF I don't, all Ill hear is :I told you so.  Well...I love them but I don't agree with them.  I believe that I will do this race.  I believe I will finish and I believe in the power of my dreams.  

To all my friends...to all those that have left me messages on my blog: my warmest and most heartfelt thank you.  You have made my year.  From your words I have gained alot of strength. Hopefully, I will draw on that strength on race day.

Hoping to complete the journey from Obesity to Ironman in 14 more days........

4 comments:

Irene Odell said...

you WILL finish!! I believe in you.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Irene - you WILL finish.

be careful of taper - it can do mean things to you.... lol

Enjoy your last few days before becoming IRON - you will never be the same again.

Sara Cox Landolt said...

Hey there,
I am new to your blog and enjoyed your post. I am so excited for your upcoming race. I finished my Ironman at IMFL, after first failing at IMWI (didn't make bike cutoff).

I did "mental math" the WHOLE race at IMFL. What a day! While my swim was under 2 hours, I got off the bike at 4:55 p.m. and finished the whole thing with less than 4 minutes before the midnight cutoff!

Your finish will mean more because of the hard work and experiences you've had so far.

Best to you! Go get it.

Elizabeth said...

You are welcome! Thank you my friend. It is time to rest and get ready. You will finish. You are an amazing woman and I am honored to be your friend.