“Each day of the journey is precious. We must strive to make it a masterpiece.” -John Wooden

Ironman Florida was my fourth race of the season. After having to pull-out of two Ironman races earlier this year due to illnesses, I figured I would just be grateful to make it to the starting line healthy. The one goal I had for this race was to run a sub 3:30 marathon, but in order for me to accomplish this, I knew I had to manage my nutrition and race smart on the bike. I felt if I could accomplish this one goal for the season, I would be happy and could enter the off-season with some confidence that I was finally regaining my running form since knee surgery.

Since my husband and girls would be traveling with me, we decided to drive to PCB. As usual when traveling with family, the trip is never uneventful. Mistake #1: we departed on Halloween day. Halloween is a big ‘holiday’ for my 6-year old. By the time it started getting dark, and after being stuck in traffic for an EXTREMELY long time while driving through Baton Rouge, my daughter began to cry and tug at my heart for ‘ruining her Halloween.’

For some reason, bribing her with offers of all the candy she wanted did not put a dent in her desire to go ‘trick-or-treating.’ Scrambling for ideas, my husband and I pulled off an exit and went on a hunt searching for a place to take her to ‘trick-or-treat.’ Dressed in her Supergirl costume and carrying a Starbucks paper bag to collect her goods, we took a break from driving and my youngest daughter was able to go ‘trick-or-treating.’ A delay…yes…but the peace and quiet it brought to the vehicle was well worth every minute.

The first day in Florida greeted us with typical weather conditions. There was some breeze along the waterway, but the temperatures were mild and the water was fairly calm with only a mild current. By the evening, there was talk of some wind-advisories for the next few days and (ugh) a cold front. Things got down-right chilly the day before the race and many athletes were busy searching for arm-warmers and toe-booties at the expo.

Race day arrived and without a doubt, this was the coolest weather I have ever encountered in an Ironman. Typically I worry about staying hydrated, but for this race day, I was most concerned about staying warm. Thankfully the water temperature was fairly mild, at least with a wetsuit, and I could not wait to enter the water just to keep my feet warm. The wind had stirred up the ocean quite a bit and the chop was wild. Furthermore, things did not get any calmer the further we swam out. Instead of fighting each other in the water, we found ourselves fighting the elements.

I was so glad to exit the water but my elation was soon met with a cold slap of wind in the face and a long jog to transition. By the time I entered the change tent I could not feel my fingers or toes. I had made the decision to change out of my wet clothes in an attempt to stay warm on the bike. However, trying to change into clothes with fingers that were not functioning was quite a task I was not prepared for, but thankfully the volunteers provided some much needed assistance. After a slow transition, I was off onto my 112 mile bike.

Earlier that morning the race officials told us that after seven miles into the bike, that there was virtually no wind. Things must have changed because the wind was very prominent and steady all day. My plan for the bike was to stay in a certain heart rate zone, and with help from my awesome new mid-size Timex Bodylink monitor, I had no problems keeping track of my heart rate.

I only had a little stomach distress on the bike, but it never got real bad and I was able to stick closely to what I had planned for my nutrition. I felt in-control for the entire bike ride…I knew I was not going as fast as I had hoped, but for this race, the run was my focus and I kept that in mind. Oddly enough, the bike seemed to pass by relatively quickly and was basically painless (with the exception of my left ankle which had some pain). I was just glad to be out there racing, which is something I did not get to do much of this year.

As I came back into town I anxiously awaited for my favorite part of the day…the run. I was glad to hand my bike off to another wonderful volunteer as I slowly hobbled to the transition tent. I wish I could say I had a quick change, but I had another slow transition. I took some time to get my legs back, stretch my ankle, and mentally prepare to embrace the run, which I think was time well-spent.

It is always fun to start the run because there are so many fans cheering (the bike can get a bit lonely) and the energy moves you along…it is like the previous 112 miles on the bike just disappear from your body, even if it is for a brief, fleeting moment during that first mile. I was relieved to not have any side-stitch at the beginning of the run nor did I ever encounter one and my ankle did not bother me on the run.

I ran the first several miles with a guy and we seemed to have a steady pace. We did not share any words but there is an indescribable comfort one has when pacing with another individual. My run was interesting, as I felt good and then I felt not-so-good for awhile, but I found that if I just kept plugging away even when I felt like I stopping, that eventually I would feel better again.

When I completed my first lap of the run I realized that I was on pace for a run PR and I only hoped I could keep things going. I saw my husband and girls at the turn-around, blew them a kiss, and I was off for 13 more miles. There is nothing that motivates me more than hearing my girls yell, “Go Mommy” so I always look forward to seeing them out on the race course. Miles 15-20 were definitely uncomfortable for me.

With ten miles to go on the run, I was reminded of my friends back home that had recently completed the “10 for Texas” running race and all the hard work and effort they put into completing that race, and again, I was motivated to push through the discomfort. A well-placed and vocal Kevin Grogan, another Timex teammate, was cheering loudly around mile 18, encouraging me to “race tough.”

He was right, I had to stay tough and his words were just what I needed to hear. I wanted to make this run goal more than anything. I kept telling myself that my body and legs know what to do so just trust them. At the 20 mile mark I had this unexplained (but welcomed) energy take over me and I knew I would make my goal. I savored the remaining miles and that glorious finish line.

What a wonderful opportunity it is to be able to participate in such an event and a big thank you to the awesome volunteers who make it possible for us athletes to race. I am truly fortunate to have such a supportive family, coach (Dana Lyons with Finish Strong Coaching) and wonderful sponsors such as Timex and Bike Lane of Houston.

I am also blessed to have so many friends, an awesome training partner, and a great group of runners from Luke’s Locker and The Woodlands TNT program whose words of encouragement and well-wishes truly motivated me while out on the course.

Happy Training.