My 70.3 mile Journey From Beach2Battleship





Iron Woman



     Only a few days have passed since my first Half Ironman and, although my muscle soreness is diminishing, my thoughts of the day are far from leaving; that beautiful memory will be with me a lifetime. Each time I race I learn something about myself and others and this past Saturday was no exception.

     What I am most proud of is not really the distance I was able to cover in 6 hours and 7 minutes( a time I was also proud of), but the fact that I made a goal and was able to achieve it.  I don't have a personal trainer or a fancy tri-coach to formulate my workouts and training plans. Mostly I train alone, in between my kids' soccer practices, my husband's busy work schedule and my own part time job. This last six months was no different except that my training program was much more rigorous in order to finish the 70.3.

     After crossing the finish line Saturday I realized that I learned how truly grateful I am to be competing in triathlon. As a forty something mother of two boys, I am grateful to be breaking some stereotypes. I can be something other than someone's mom or someone's wife. Christine H.B. Grant, University of Iowa's Director of Athletics said it best, "One of the reasons some people don't support women in sport is that through sport we shatter into a million pieces the stereotypes portraying women as weak, helpless, dependent and passive. Through sport we produce exactly the opposite type of woman: strong, independent, assertive, competent and confident, with strong self- esteem." I continue to break barriers through triathlon.
     My boys will grow up to be men and I want them to see that women can be strong too. I want them to realize that all I put myself through to get to the finish line isn't that different from what we go through in everyday life. Life, like triathlon, is challenging ,but if we face our fears we can solve anything.

     As I was on part of the bike course last Saturday I heard one of the volunteers say, " Hey get ready, there is a man with his blind son coming towards our aid station, we need to be ready for them." I got to see this inspiring man and his son out on the bike course. They were a special team sponsored by PPD who also sponsored the race. The young man, named Garrett Miller, had lost his sight as a result of a brain tumor, and he and his dad Eric, were competing in the Half Iron man together. I heard this father giving his son directions and letting him know where there were bumps and debris in the road. The father was his son's eyes. Witnessing this dynamic duo, I realized that I too would do anything to help my own sons. The two of them were also breaking barriers.

     The venue for B2B was amazing and as I made my way through the swim, bike and run, I learned how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful world. Wilmington, North Carolina is truly a beautiful place. The swim in the ocean channel was cold, but friends caught pictures of the dolphins in for a swim with the folks doing the Iron Man before we started.  On the bike course, I was surrounded by clear blue skies and the tall pines and a flat course that  I was thankful for. The November air was perfect for a long ride. The run through Greenfield Lake Park was shaded and well equipped with aid stations and many spectators cheering. I have never witnessed such a wonderful group of volunteers; they were always right there asking you what you needed.

     I always meet exceptional people at triathlon events and at B2B there were two people that I wanted to mention. First,a guy named Doug Turner, who rode the shuttle with me to the first transition area where  we started the race. He was doing his first half  and we shared many commonalities. He was there with his wife and kids and was feeling just as nervous as I was on race morning. He shared a heartwarming story about his friend who had recently tried to make the iron distance just a few short weeks ago in Kentucky and got overheated and had to come in. This was probably not what I needed to hear on race morning, but the moral of the story was that Doug had stayed with his friend and supported his friend's effort. While he was telling the story it was obvious that this stranger was a good person. That's another reason that brings me back for more; the decency people show towards one another and the sport.

     Another exceptional girl I met, named Laura, was my biggest cheerleader during the run. We started out running together but she soon passed me. She asked," Have you been out here all day?" Yes, I told her as we started out for the 13.1 mile run. "That's amazing," she said. I learned that she was a part of a relay team and I shared with her that my friends and I had done a relay last year. She continued to tell me how I was going to make it and how much she respected me for what I was doing.  A total stranger encouraging me to make it to the end, another example of human kindness in a world where sometimes we forget those things still exist.

     Many times, during the six hours on the course, I got choked up. I fought back tears and emotion for the people I love who are not able to do the things they love. I thought of  a teacher I am substituting for who is fighting cancer, my step mom who is unable to swim anymore because of her disease, and my aunt battling cancer. I fought back tears of pride that I was outside feeling the elements and the pain of the day. I was tearful at the finish line and so happy to see my friends and family, who I am truly thankful for.

     Hug your kids, kiss your significant other, tell everyone who is important to you how much they mean to you. Appreciate the earth and all that it has to offer and remember that human beings are capable of kindness and strength. These are the things that I was reminded of during my 70.3 mile journey, last Saturday, from Wrightsville Beach to the US. North Carolina Battleship.

Tri-on!

Kelly, Your Iron Woman :)



HydroWorx Woman



Tri- Taper

     Taper-a gradual diminution of thickness, diameter or width of an elongated object. b. a gradual decrease, refers to the gradual practice of reducing before an endurance event.

     Perhaps the hardest part of training for me is the taper period. The taper is the gradual backing off and rest time before the big day. After months of following a training regimen and building to long runs, bikes, and swims, suddenly it is time to cut back. The two weeks before the event it is important to rest; easier said than done.
     This post is about how I deal with the taper part of triathlon. First, I remember all of the time and training I have put in. There have been some weeks that I didn't quite get in everything that was on my plan but I know from previous races that this will not effect race day. Last year I got sick with a cold before an event and my training during the course of the cold was not up to par. Once I felt better I got right back into my routine and my event went well. A mistake to avoid is to train when you are sick. I have done that before and it has taken me twice as long to recover from an illness like a cold or flu. Listen to your body; don't train if you are sick.
     I continue to do some light workouts two weeks before and I rest, almost completely one week before. This weekend I did a light run for an hour on Saturday then on Sunday I'll cycle for around two hours. Monday is a swim day (I have just five days before the race) this is a low impact workout and since the bulk of my training has been running and biking I feel I need a swim to build confidence.The rest of the week will probably be complete rest; if anything a light run Tuesday and then positively nothing else regarding training.
     The rest of the week will be dedicated to organizing what I will need for the race; all the gear as well as nutritional items. I make lists and check them twice. I check my bike to make sure it is in good working order as well. I had a bike tune-up a few weeks ago at a local bike shop where they checked my tires, gears, handle bars etc. The bike shop took apart my gears and re-oiled the parts to insure a good working machine come race day. I would highly recommend a bike tune up at least once a year.
     I also try to keep my mind positive the week prior to an event. I think positively about what is coming. I practice in my mind how I will transition from one sport to another. I also don't talk to people that might come up with negative things to say about race day. Although people don't often realize what they are doing I've had many negative comments before my events. My own father can say things that would freak a new person to the sport out. To give you an  example he has said things like,"Better you than me," and, "Why would you want to swim in the ocean?  It is going to be so cold in November."Negative talk can send anyone into panic mode, especially if it is a first time racer. I surround myself with positive thoughts and positive people.
     Finally, I try to eat properly. Everyone is different but I do try to eat a fair amount of carbohydrates and protein for muscle recovery the week before an event. The night before an event I like to eat pasta and maybe a grilled chicken breast, salad with oil and vinegar and bread. Hydration is also important the week before as well as the day of; get your eight glasses a day if possible.I don't like to eat a lot of meat prior to an event because it is harder to digest. Avoid anything new to your diet and avoid spicy or fatty foods; the last thing  you want on race day is an upset stomach. If you are anything like me, I always have a nervous stomach so you don't want to add other digestive problems.
     I pray too. I have a very spiritual side and believe in the power of prayer. God always gets me through an endurance event. He is by my side when I really need him. Along with God, my family almost always comes out to support me , and I can't tell you how much that helps get me through the difficulty. I know at some point I'll see them, and their smiles and cheers help get me to the finish line.Again it goes back to keeping positive. Without the support of my family and friends and of course HydroWorx,  I would never make it to the starting line.
     My mantra during every event I have ever participated in is," I'm probably not going to first, but I definitely won't be last and I'm a better athlete than half the people on this course( who knows if any of that is true but...) I repeat this over and over to instill peace and confidence in myself. The rest will take care of itself.

Wish me luck!

My first Half Iron Man(solo)is this Saturday,

Stay tuned for details about Beach2Battleship Tri ...

Kelly