My First 70.3 Yesterday.... (Page 2)

Read your post and then looked at your website and sat hear crying.

I made the decision to do a sprint triathlon for my 45th birthday this year after gaining 20 pounds in the last 6 months.  I am the single mother of 9 (8 living) children and 4 grandchildren who has Ankylosing Spondilitis (an auto-immune back condition).  I was to begin training at the begining of April but acquired whooping cough, then my daughter got it and became very ill.  So, here it is May and my training has just begun.

Everybody has been laughing at me because I didn't even have a bike until Mother's Day.  As a single mother on a very limited income, I prayed to find the best deal (and by best deal..... I mean, I figured I would be embarrassed by my bike - lol) and I called on a bike for sale on craigslist.  I went to look at it on Mother's Day and the lady who owned it (a complete stranger) handed me a card that said inside, "consider this your Mother's Day gift".  So, that was a huge blessing and answer to prayer.  It is not the kind of bike I need but it will get me through.  I have not even ridden a bike in 28 years and have never worked on one but figured if I was going to do this.... I would have to do it myself or I couldn't afford it.  It is a mountain bike without suspension, an aluminum frame.  I stripped it down to the frame and replaced the pedals, seat, shifters, chain, put on mountain slicks and replaced all cables.  Worked out pretty well and I hopped on and started riding like I rode yesterday.  I am just at the begining of my training and still think to myself, "what in the world are you doing?"  I have always hated running and still hate it and walk all the time when I am supposed to run but I just keep moving.

I tell everyone that my goal is to do a sprint in August because I know me and I can't stand to admit defeat so, the more people I tell, the more determined I am to come through.  I am sure many are looking at me and thinking, "yeah right".  I have two of my oldest sons talked into doing it with me and possibly a third.  We all have some kind of obstacle to overcome and none of us have the proper equipment.  My oldest son has let himself become overweight and out of shape since he got married, my second son is in fantastic shape and already runs 10 miles per day but he is truly afraid of the swimming portion - says he can't swim, my third son is working his way back from a badly broken femur in March (he may not be able to do it as his leg gives out fairly often and he falls - but he is trying and hoping to).  What a great birthday gift it will be for us all to finish.  Thank you for sharing your story on your website, it is a great inspiration to this older, overweight, crazy mom of many.

Laurie - it's often the people with the biggest obstacles to whom that finish line is so very sweet.  Although my situation is not on the same level as far as struggles go, I too am a single mom with only so many hours in a day and so many dollars in the bank.  I often get emotional on trianing runs when I think about what crossing the finish of my next race is the result of, hours of training and tons of sacrifice - the BEST of luck to you & I hope you get all the support you need here at BT! 

Wuaoooo....A  Super-Inspiring story....!!!!

Thanks you very much to share your journey with us....

Congrats to your borither and you...Excellent Race and Great RR...!!!!

Great account of your venture.  1000 congratulations.

Some people get medals or trophies or cash prizes at the end.  But in reality, the real winners are those like you who persevered and competed and completed!

Dan,

For me race day (I am Dan's Brother) was all about finishing. Spraining my ankle 3 days before the race and not running at all a month before the 1/2 because of my knee... it was all just about surviving.

The most inspirational part of that day was standing with Dan on the beach with our arms around each other, we had just heard the national anthem, the pro men and women went off and then they announced the physically challenged and Foundation Slot wave. I was in tears as I saw the men and women hobble down to the water with prosthetics, some with crutches and one boy helped his dad pull his prosthetic leg of as he entered the water. Those are the true heros of the day. To me watching that was worth the flight, training and pain to get there to enjoy that minute and a half to see the true Ironmen and women start their journey for the day.

As I got into the water for my wave, I had to clean off my goggles three times because I was so choked up over it. I thought I would be excited thinking about my journey of losing 160lbs and all my trials but I couldn't help but think of them. It totally gave me the motivation I needed to put one foot in front of the other. The sport of Triathlon is not about you having a better bike or shoes (although mine is pretty tough looking), it's about everyone starting in the same spot and finishing at the same spot.

Amped up for Louisville and a 16 hour finish!

Jeff

Dan and Jeff- what a great inspiration you both are.  Although I don't have a story that even comes close to yours, this was my first HIM as well.  It was quite a scene on the beach at 6:15am.  One of the Challenged Althletes happened to be the 1st aputee to be allowed back into active duty in Iraq after loosing a limb.  I don't think there are enough superlatives to describe these men and women.  Congrats on your past accomplishments and new lives as triathletes.

Aron,

I will tell you that if I can still bang out a 1/2 Iron at 250lbs you can definately do it! I say that because it is truly like putting on a 70lb backpack and trying to complete all of the disciplines. Because of this, my mindset is not to race in some rediculous time or have silly expectations. Rather, my training and racing has been with the mindset of surviving. During race day, I race with the intention of storing energy for every disclipine and my nutrition keeps me going. One foot in front of the other but at a pace that you can keep up for 7 or 16 hours.

You can do it. You will be surprised at how many people who don't seem to look like triathletes can complete these distances. It's all about working with what you have and keeping a pace within your capabilities. So don't let the 70.3 intimidate you. Work hard so you can enjoy race day and finish with a smile. You'll do great and I look forward to seeing your results!

Jeff

Terrific story. Inspiring. You are a triathlete, but more important a person who is on a great journey. My first 70.3 is in 3 weeks and I'll carry your words with me. Now if I only could carry your bike speed with me as well.