From Spectator to Participant in 5 Weeks

A Beginner’s Story of her 1st Half Ironman

Here’s something new on LiveMultiSport. This is the first, of hopefully many, stories from some of the LiveMultiSport crew.  We hope to give an idea of what can be accomplished by stepping outside your comfort zone and inspire others to push their own personal boundaries.  This race report is from an athlete who had only done a few sprint triathlons (and none in 4 years) when she decided to sign up for a half-ironman.  Thanks Jenn. -Chris

It had been 4 years since my feet had been clipped into a bike and 4 years since I did anything in a pool other than splash around. But, over the past 4 years, I had watched Chris grow as an athlete in this crazy sport called Triathlon.

The funny thing about watching year after year and cheering people on race after race is you catch the bug.  I have been talking about getting back into tri’s for the past couple years however I kept neglecting to sign up or train.  I finally decided this would be the year, so with Chris’s help, I choose Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island….and the training was suppose to begin.

Suppose to begin….funny how nothing ever works the way you want it too.  Work gets crazy, days seem to short, it is continuously snowing….I could go on but these are all just excuses.  So with 20 weeks of training planned and 5 weeks of training left I decided I had to step it up a notch. 

Biking was my weakest sport, mostly because I was scared to get on it and actually ride with cars anywhere near me.  After a few long rides and a lot of me yelling at Chris for taking me on these long rides, I was finally starting to get comfortable. 

Now for the swimming….ahhhh swimming….used to be a fun way to cool off in the summer, now it was exercise.  Although I never really did any big workouts my goal was always just to get in the water and get used to swimming straight for 45 minutes. 

Running was supposed to be the easiest. I had done a number of running races over the past 4 years including the L.A. Marathon, a bunch of half-marathons, and even won a provincial 10K championship, so I figured with a few runs I would be fine.

July 13, 2008….Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island….not at all what I expected.  I knew it would be hard, it would hurt, and it would be tiring but I was not expecting this.  Chris and all those other people out there racing these events make it look much easier, kudos to you guys.  The swim tossed me around but I made it through and the bike was surprisingly OK!  However, it was the terrible run that through me for a loop.  I got off the bike feeling like someone had a strong grip on my guts as I took off for my run. It was a combination of a lot of walking, some grumpy murmurs under my breath and the final attempt…positive self talk (thanks Ryan J) that got me to the finish line.  It took me longer then I wanted but I will be back to try again. 

I will be sure to let you know all about my next attempt at the Ironman 70.3J

Jenn