Bio:
I’ve been doing triathlons since 2008, when our dear friend Mark Webb introduced us to the sport. I started with an Olympic distance and a half Ironman my first year, and in 2009 I completed my first full Ironman. So far Ironman Arizona has been my biggest achievement. I trained for and completed this triathlon in conjunction with my husband Jeff training
for Ironman Canada, raising 2 great and active kids, working full-time and commuting from Vashon to Seattle. There were times when I questioned my sanity, but then I realized that anyone taking on Ironman training should already question their sanity. It was a busy and fulfilling year!
In the end, I’m proof that the Ironman is a goal that can be accomplished by anyone who sets their mind and body towards the finish line. It was a long day, but through each component of the race, I realized that it’s feasible and not as hard as it sounds. I’d do it again with the help of Teresa — she’s a great athlete and a wonderful mentor/coach in all three aspects of triathlon.
I thought I’d share some Ironman lessons I learned while training:
- Stand up for yourself in the swim — fight back!
- Learn how to change a flat. I still don’t know how — I had a flat at mile 3 and a magic man arrived (i.e., support crew) from “thin air” to change it for me
- Don’t draft — 4 minutes in the penalty tent isn’t as nice of a rest as it appears to be
- Never, ever, ever underestimate the power and pain of a marathon!
- All the pain goes away once Mike Reilly says “(insert your first and
last name here), YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!” - Make sure the champagne is chilled!