Losing control: Cannonman Half-Iron Triathlon Race Report

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I am neurotic about being prepared and having my gear organized. Perhaps you remember the pictures of my gear for Lake Placid, all carefully laid out and prepared. Or, maybe, you remember me writing about the packing lists I check and re-check to keep track of all of my gear. Apparently, I took a break from that approach for the Cannonman half-iron distance triathlon, which was held on August 22, 2010 at the Shawnee State Park, in Schellsburg, PA. I assure you, this break from the uber-Type A approach to racing was not freely chosen. There were several forces at …

My secret trail

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I cross the street, tuck into a partially hidden trail that snakes behind the neighborhood houses, and vanish from the asphalt running world. Fallen tree branches criss-cross the first few meters of this particular trail, which starts just a few tenths of a mile down the street from my house. I hop-skip over some of the limbs, while others require more careful navigation. The branches snap under my feet. Sometimes, when I land in just the right way, they ricochet upwards, and smack my legs. I relish the feeling. My legs are alive, moving, feeling part of the natural world. …

Regular life

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After months and months of preparation for my first Ironman in Lake Placid, it seems that I failed to prepare for one thing: the post-Ironman blues. I had read about feeling depressed or sad after completing endurance events, such as an Ironman, but I was in denial that such a state of mind would creep into my consciousness. Pre-race, I thought: Depressed?! Are you kidding? I’ll be so pumped to have my “regular” life back. Guess what? Turns out that “regular life” has changed, and I am sad, irritable, edgy, unfocused, and  listless. I find myself recalling fondly, nostalgically even, …

Moments of perfection

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My grandfather died last Thursday, just a day before his 89th birthday. A kind, caring family man, my grandfather lived his almost-89 years to their fullest. His life and actions serve as a model for the life well-lived. At his memorial service on Monday, my cousin Deb told a story about my grandfather’s craftsmanship. My grandfather, Buddy as everyone called him, was installing an air conditioning unit, with the help of his brother. Buddy measured and measured, and then cut a hole in the wall for the unit. Despite his brother’s doubt that the appliance would fit, my grandfather was …

Ironman Lake Placid: Running to the Finish

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The run course begins along Main Street, among thousands of people, cheering, ringing cow bells, shouting words of encouragement, and drinking lots of beer, which I could smell on the breath of some of the spectators. That is how close they get to you on the run course. A group of spectators held up a sign that read, “Free Beer!” I wonder if anyone took them up on that. One woman commented to me, “You are looking strong! Have some beer!” I replied, laughing, “Not sure I’ll keep looking strong if I drink that!” During the first three miles, I …

Ironman Lake Placid 2010: The Bike & T2

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Once clipped in, I had no choice but to go down… …the hill, that is. As you come out of the transition area on the bike, there is a sharp almost 180-degree turn that takes you down a hill. After that, you head down a sharp but short descent on a street that is in motion, with hundreds and hundreds of people, screaming their heads off. I tried my best to enjoy this part, but I was nervous. It was raining, I was surrounded by hundreds of other athletes, and it all seemed just a bit chaotic. As with the …

Ironman Lake Placid 2010: The Swim & T1

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At precisely 7:00 a.m., the cannon went off to signal the start of Ironman Lake Placid for over 2,700 age group athletes. I looked at Carrie, one of the athletes I was talking with prior to the start, and said, “Oh, is that us?” She laughed and said, “Yup, that’s us!”   I was in no hurry to start. My plan was to wait one minute before starting. So, I walked along the banks to the start line of the swim. (I had been standing about 50 yards from the official start line.) I looked ahead as the washing machine …

Ironman Lake Placid: The Morning of the Race

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Basking in the post-first Ironman glow, just a mere two days after the race, it is hard for me to remember any other day in my life that was more amazing, more inspirational, more powerful than the day I had on Sunday. It started at 4:00 a.m., to the sounds of the Rocky theme (what else?) as the alarm clock on my cell phone went off. I looked out of our hotel window. The sun wasn’t up yet, and the sky was dark. John asked, “Is it raining?” I smiled. “Nope.” Morning showers were forecasted, but they hadn’t started yet. …

Ironman Eve

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A few days ago, John, his parents and I sat by Mirror Lake, relaxing and soaking up the vibe. It was a beautiful day, cool, partly cloudy, light winds. Swimmers dotted the course. Dogs frolicked along the lake shore. I sucked up the relaxed vibe, and realized that on Sunday morning (tomorrow morning!) it will be quite a different scene. Despite our relaxation, I am seriously excited. I mean really ants-in-my-pants excited. The actions of the last several days have made this experience very real—we are going to do this. Okay, yes, I knew we were doing the Ironman before. …

Defining moments

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Yesterday, my husband John and I attended a funeral for a close friend’s mother. I did not know Bill’s mother Gloria personally, but in listening to all that was said during and after the service, it is clear that her presence on this earth touched many people, and their lives are the better for it. I am sad for my friend’s loss; having lost my father 11 years ago, I know how deeply that pain cuts. The wound never heals. Just as people were about to leave the service, Bill approached the podium. “I’d like to ask everyone to hold …