March was my first breath day month and it was full of lots of great things! One of the best things…seeing more and more daylight hours! Oh…and I’m so grateful that I got to race for the first time in 2024…racing in a swim meet and racing a 1/2 marathon! ⚡️
training highlights:
My 2nd ever swim meet is in the books! I swam the anchor 50 in a 200 free relay, the 200 free, 500 free, 100 free, and finished it off with the pool mile free. I am really proud of my effort (you know you worked hard when you can’t lift your arms the next day 😜), mental fortitude, and grit to get it done. The unexpected icing on the cake was placing 1st in all events except the 100 free where I placed 2nd. ⚡️ • I am so grateful for the Ames Masters Aquatic Club for their support, encouragement, and cheers on the journey to the meet and while racing!
What?! 70F + 5-7 mph winds + hazy sun = a perfect day to play outside and celebrate another trip around the sun (this weather is a definite anomaly in March in Iowa)! This is 47 ⚡️
I had the privilege of running the St. Paddy’s 1/2 Marathon. Always grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself, learn, and grow in the process.
•
Intentional thoughts I focused on during week 11 of 2024:
⚡️ run with heart
⚡️ I am making it happen
⚡️ I am creating an opportunity to achieve my goals and dreams
⚡️ dance with the discomfort
⚡️ progress over perfection
life highlights:
Little Miss Jersey celebrated her golden bark day in early March! We are so glad you chose us to be your furever home. You bring joy, sass, love, and 100% with all that you do. Love you so much baby girl! 🐶🥰
Over spring break, I got a rare opportunity to swim with Isabella. She pushed me, challenged me, and made me dig DEEP when she beat me by 1 second in our 50 free race off the blocks. Youth is definitely on her side…I was giving my all, but she was not. 🤣
This is 47 ⚡️ • So grateful that I got to enjoy some tasty food with amazing people to celebrate another trip around the sun!
gratitude highlights:
The sky was absolutely on fire for multiple sunrises this month…so grateful for the beautiful start to so many days!
It has been a hot minute since I have had the opportunity to run with Isabella. So grateful that she drug me out for a few birthday miles on a gorgeous day!
What is this nonsense?! While I am over seeing the white stuff flying around for the rest of this season, I am grateful for the precipitation since we are in a drought.
How was your month of March? What are you looking forward to in April?
I mentioned to one of my Coeur Sports tri sisters a while back that I feel like I’m starting over in 2024 because I took 2023 off from Ironman racing + REALLY stepped back from running. Her perspective was exactly what I needed to hear…I have a blank canvas to draw on and I am so excited to intentionally draw + create a magical 2024!
I am currently creating my new groove…figuring out what works for my schedule + this perimenopausal body. Lifting heavy sh!t has become a must and something that will continue to be a weekly priority. My focus for 2024 is to be intentional…to do things on purpose + with purpose and be deliberate in where I am putting my time, energy, and focus.
I have big, bold goals for 2024 that I am SO FREAKING PUMPED about! ⚡️ I have created one podium finish at an Ironman branded race (Ironman 70.3 Muncie in 2022). The amount of pride and joy that came with standing on that podium is something I have been dreaming about experiencing again! I am going to give my best effort day in and day out as I intentionally work toward standing on more podiums in 2024!
My race schedule for 2024 is pretty much dialed in and it has lit a massive fire inside me! 🔥 The goal is to always give my best effort and push myself to stand on as many podiums as possible. This is what’s on tap for 2024:
St. Paddy’s Day 1/2 Marathon – March 16
Drake 1/2 Marathon – April 21
Women’s 1/2 Marathon – May 5
Tri Clear Lake Olympic distance – May 25
Pigman Olympic distance Triathlon – June 2
Ironman 70.3 Des Moines – June 9
Okoboji Triathlon – July 20
Ironman 70.3 Louisville – August 18
Ironman Chattanooga – September 29 (my A race with a podium finish as my big, bold goal for 2024 ⚡️)
Hillbilly Hike 1/2 Marathon – November 2
I am dialing in my mental focus by setting intentional thoughts to focus on each week while training. Some sessions it’s really easy to keep the mental focus on those intentional thoughts and other sessions it is a bit more challenging. I write these intentional thoughts on “love notes” to myself to see while training so that they are front and center.
Writing myself “love notes” to have by my while I workout.
We had some visitors that I’m grateful to meet (the twin babies) and have dearly missed!
One of the twins…SO TINY!
Thank you for all of the love you have given us. We love and miss you so much! Run and swim free baby girl! 💕
snowshoe adventures with this amazing crew ❄️💙
snowshoeing at dusk was a great way to end the work week ❄️💙🐶
snowshoe adventures in the falling ❄️ before the temps plummeted ❄️💙🐶
February:
Grateful for: 💙 shorts weather in February in Iowa 💙 antibiotics and finally feeling healthy again 💙 sunshine + fresh air 💙 the therapy I get from pounding the pavement
I think I saw more kites in one place today at the kite festival on Clear Lake than the cumulative number of kites I’ve seen in my entire lifetime. 🪁 It was a beautiful winters day to venture out and experience something new! 💙
8 wonderful miles with my pack on a beautiful Sunday morning! 💙 #grateful
March:
Happy happy birthday baby girl! How is it that you are already 4 years old?! Love you so much! 🐶🥰
Helping the twins paint their bedrooms. Who knew using your foot to help put the outlet cover back on was a technique?! 😜🤣
“Explore your limits and get to know yourself. You’ll never feel more real than after the hardest workout, the longest run, the toughest week, or the best race of your life. Constantly make your own standards tougher.” ~Luke Watson • Saturday was my first EVER swim meet. I swam the 200 yard, 500 yard, 50 backstroke (as part of the medley relay), 100 IM, and 1650 yard. I tried something new, explored my limits, overcame challenges, and had fun in the process. I’m so grateful for the community of people I’ve met through masters swimming, the automatic personal bests I achieved in my first swim meet, and the strength my body + mind endure daily to carry me on these exciting adventures. ⚡️💙
April:
When the Van de Graaaff generator gives you a hair raising experience!
Snap peas are planted! 💙
It was hot enough for pool time! Temps were near 90F for most of the week, but don’t worry…Mother Nature blessed us with more snow on Sunday. 🤦🏻♀️
First outdoor ride of the season is in the books! It felt SO AMAZING to be riding on the open roads in the fresh air, sunshine, and spring temps with my fave by my side! 💙⚡️
First race of 2023 is in the books! • ⚡️ I achieved my goal of taking the first 10 miles easy and emptying the tank in the last 5K. ⚡️ I committed to giving my best effort. ⚡️ I am really proud of my pacing and fueling. ⚡️ I am making progress towards my goal. ⚡️ Despite the cold temps, it was a sunny day. ⚡️ I created joy while running and crossing the finish line of my 12th Drake 1/2 Marathon.
May:
Meet my new Argon girl…Moxie! We have been getting well acquainted the last few months indoors on Zwift and the Wahoo kickr, but it is FINALLY nice outdoors for us to really get a feel for each other. After spending quality time together yesterday and today on the open roads, I can tell we are going to be the best of friends! 💙 • Moxie = energy, pep, courage, determination ⚡️ • Thank you Kyles Bikes for building her for me and getting us moving and grooving together! 💚
Another 13.1 miles in the books today! So grateful for a strong body + mind, all the smiles for miles, and the amazing community of women who put the Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon together + raced at this incredible event! ⚡️💚💛
Dear Mother Nature,
Thank you for finally blessing us with a beautiful weekend day!!
💙⚡️
Diving into outdoor swimming for the summer!
So proud of this one for taking home some medals at the Special Olympics over 3 days.
Summer is here and dock jumping is back!!
Thank you Adam at Kyle’s Bikes for dialing in the bike fit on Moxie Monday. I’m excited to see how these minor changes equate to huge gains! ⚡️💚💛
June:
Time on two wheels makes my heart happy! 💙⚡️
Sunsets, fresh air, and adventures! 🐶🥰
Love me some Coeur ladies and meeting them IRL! ⚡️
Running down the red carpet is always a privilege! ⚡️
Pro numbers for these tri sistas! #LFG ⚡️
Making my way home with the Capitol building in the background!
Being on the water makes my heart happy. Jersey loves it too!! 🐶🥰
Creating new memories by taking new adventures on Independence Day. ❤️🤍💙
Teaching the twins how to jump the car…just in case.
Having all of the nieces visit us was a fun time!
Sometimes you just have to flip things around…like when you wake up thinking it’s Monday. Take that”M” and flip it around so it becomes a “W” and just like that you are winning on a Wednesday! ⚡️
Spending time on the water together was SO FUN!
We got to go out on the golf cart! 🐶🥰
Friends make the world a better place!
Bikes + watermelon + bluebird skies + open roads = pure joy ⚡️💙
These two make us laugh and always end up soaking wet when we are on the water.
August:
playing on the water at home-home
riding the golf cart
trail riding
swimming with our baby girl
riding from Iowa into Minnesota
playing on the water at Gull Point
more trail riding in Minnesota
swimming the Point to Point 3.2 mile swim from Gull Point State Park to Pikes Point State Park
September:
making memories with Michelle in Sacramento
swimming at sunrise in Folsom with Michelle
family time in South Lake Tahoe
Look at how crystal clear this water is!
feeling small next to the vastness of Lake Tahoe
Swimming in Lake Tahoe was one of my favorite swim experiences EVER!
Sisterly love
hiking at Echo Lake with new friends
morning hike with my sister and Dulce
time with family + friends 💙
love these girls 💙
let’s go zip lining! 💙
Cheering on this girl as she has gotten stronger + faster throughout her XC season.
October:
Getting to ride outside with my fav is always a highlight!
So grateful to be on the Coeur Sports team for year 10!
This is the latest we have ever been on the water and it was awesome!
Family miles brings all the smiles!
So grateful that my grant application was accepted by Newton Running providing Ironhawk Juniors with 25 free pairs of new shoes for those less fortunate girls getting into sport!
All the snuggles and squeezes at the same time!
These two always brighten my day!
November:
We did it!! Isabella’s first 1/2 marathon!! SO PROUD OF HER!!
beautiful fall running with my girls
we were the race directors for a local turkey trot (which we both did with illness). thanks Tim for doing the local television live shot since I sounded like Darth Vader.
lots of puzzling 🥰
getting acupuncture to try to help my foot…thankfully it is helping perimenopause symptoms 🥰
December:
so grateful for such an amazing team to swim with
Sometimes the best laid plans are the ones that are spontaneous! 💙💛
puzzling + holiday lights = peaceful
This is the first run in a LONG time that I felt in a flow state. There has been more ebb than flow in 2023, but I’m working to change that. Cheers to bringing more flow into 2024! ⚡️
I almost didn’t do this workout today because I had negative thoughts about not being able to successfully complete it last week, BUT I pushed those thoughts aside, got out of my own way, got on the bike, stayed present, and took it one interval at a time. Boom! Success! Don’t count yourself out before you try! ⚡️
V is for victory! • 30x100s at an average pace I didn’t know was in me. Keep showing up and consistently give yourself the chance to be better than you were yesterday.
❤️ miles with my girl 🧡 fresh air 💛 pounding the pavement 💚 seeing my girl so full of joy 💙 running with my thoughts 💜 feeling proud of my effort
Girls night out…dinner + a holiday lights display. Oh…and notice we are all outside in sweatshirts in December in Iowa.
I love looking back and thinking about all of the amazing things that I’ve accomplished and all of the challenges I’ve overcome! I’ve reflected for the last 10 years and now it’s time to reflect on 2023! You can look back at my previous posts if you’d like: the best of 2013, the best of 2014, the best of 2015, the best of 2016, the best of 2017, the best of 2018, the best of 2019, the best of 2020, the best of 2021, and the best of 2022. 2023 was full of a lot of darkness, but I am not going to focus on that. Instead, I am going to reminisce my favs from 2023.
Best adventure?
In September I visited family + friends and got to experience Lake Tahoe for the first time. What an absolutely amazing place! It is a place I will definitely go back to and one that now holds a special place in my heart!
feeling small next to the vastness of Lake Tahoe
Best swim?
OMG…did I mention I got to spend Labor Day weekend with my sister and her family in Lake Tahoe?!?! As a result, I got to swim in Lake Tahoe (more than once) and it was seriously the most amazing swim(s) EVER! The water was so crystal clear (you could see FOREVER) and was so refreshing (hint…cold). If we had the time, I would have swam here for hours at a time without getting bored!
Look at how crystal clear this water is!
Best bike?
Biking from Mom and Dad’s in Okoboji up into Minnesota with my fav. The roads up in Minnesota are so peaceful with little traffic and smooth surfaces. It is definitely one of my most favorite routes!
riding from Iowa into Minnesota
Best run?
Getting to run with Isabella for her first ever 1/2 marathon! There were highs and there were lows, but the grit and determination she displayed was so inspirational! We are all already signed up for next year!
We did it!! Isabella’s first 1/2 marathon!! SO PROUD OF HER!!
Best finish line?
I decided spur of the moment (literally 3 days before race day) to race the Okoboji Triathlon. I love racing at home-home, but getting to cross the finish line with family and friends surrounding you is the BEST! Oh…and then finding out you won your age group and were in the top 5 overall female finishers was icing on the cake!
Friends make the world a better place!
Best race-cation?
Sadly we didn’t travel far this year for races, but we did take a week off work and spent it at home-home with Mom and Dad to relax, swim, bike, play on the water, and enjoy life.
swimming with our baby girl
Best moment out of my comfort zone?
This was the first time ever racing two 70.3 races one week apart. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me in new and different ways than ever before! I raced Ironman 70.3 Des Moines on Sunday, June 11 and then followed it up with Milkman 70.3 on Sunday, June 18. You can read more about the double challenge here.
Making my way home with the Capitol building in the background!
Best enCOEURaging moment?
The Ames Triathlon was so fun!! It is always great to see people achieve their goals and do things they once thought were impossible. The absolute best part of my day was creating an opportunity for first time athletes to complete their first triathlon ever. If you want to experience the Ames Triathlon for yourself, come to Ames in June 2024! You won’t be disappointed!
Race directors having fun at the Ames Triathlon!
Best new gear?
Coeur Sports recently started producing the Merino Wool Long Sleeved Run Top which has become a clear fav for fall/winter/spring running. This shirt is super soft, light weight, warm, and has amazing moisture wicking capabilities. If you live in a cooler climate, this is a MUST HAVE!
loving the fall weather running 💙
Best help with perimenopause?
Acupuncture…this year has been rough with the symptoms of perimenopause, but I was able to finally get some relief with acupuncture. I have since been sleeping better, experiencing fewer hot flashes, and overall feeling more and more like “myself.”
getting acupuncture to try to help my foot…thankfully it is helping perimenopause symptoms 🥰
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
challenging, dark, ebb, lost…2023 was a rough year, but even in the darkest of times, there were times of light that shone through and that is something to be grateful for.
Tell me about your 2023 year!! What are your “bests” from 2023?!
I love looking back and thinking about all of the amazing things that I’ve accomplished and all of the challenges I’ve overcome! I’ve reflected for the last 9 years and now it’s time to reflect on 2022! You can look back at my previous posts if you’d like: the best of 2013, the best of 2014, the best of 2015, the best of 2016, the best of 2017, the best of 2018, the best of 2019, the best of 2020, and the best of 2021. Now it’s time to reminisce my favs from 2022! 🙂
Best race performance?
Ironman 70.3 Muncie was hands down my best race performance of 2022. The race started with a cold, choppy, foggy swim, but I was determined to not let the circumstances of the swim hijack my brain. I kept my effort high while staying focused and present on doing everything I could to make sure I would be so damn proud of myself later in the day. I raced the bike in a way I have never raced before. I intentionally planned to focus on my power output instead of going by perceived effort on the bike. In order to “bike my legs off,” I really needed to stay connected to the pedals, stay aero, and monitor my power output, so that is what I set out to do. I ran my heart out while hydrating and fueling solidly. I stayed connected to my effort, laying one brick at a time while racing for Anne. I was determined to not walk one step, I stayed focused on the mile I was in, and I reminded myself that I have everything I need to succeed. All of this allowed me to create something I’ve never had before! I had left it all out on the course…my legs were trashed more than they have ever been, my heart was so full that it was overflowing, and my soul was lit up! I had truly raced from start to finish and I was SO F’ING PROUD! I created something I’ve never had before. Icing on the cake…creating a 12 minute PR and a 4th place age group finish landing me on the podium for the FIRST TIME EVER at an IRONMAN race! ⚡️ Here is the link for my race recap.
4th place podium 📸 Tim Fencl
Best swim?
I swam my longest swim EVER this summer in the 50 m pool…6 km (3.7 miles). Some may say, “Why?! You don’t NEED to swim that far” and they would be correct…I didn’t NEED to swim that far, but I WANTED to go for it! I wanted to challenge myself in a new way. So why the hell not go for it?!?!
The last morning of outdoor long course swimming for the season I set out for the opportunity to challenge myself in a new way. I WANTED to soak it all in, so I did just that! #LFG ⚡️
Best bike?
Getting to ride a large portion (100 miles) of the Ironman Des Moines course with my dear friend + Coeur Sports sister, Michelle, was definitely a highlight of my season. So grateful for the time we got to spend together, the support of Tim chasing us around all day, and our safety on the open roads.
Any day on two wheels and the open roads is a great day! Today I had the privilege of previewing a large portion of the #IMDSM bike course with Michelle ⚡️
Best run?
Any run that I got to do with our niece was a great run!! I think running with her as she crossed the finish line of her first ever 5K race was a definite favorite this year!!
My cup runneth over! I am beyond proud of our niece for running her first road race at a local 5K and taking 1st place in her age group today, but most importantly giving her absolute best and not backing down when it got uncomfortable. ⚡️
Best finish line?
Running down the red carpet to the finish line at Ironman Des Moines in June was my first ever daylight finish for an Ironman distance race. I executed a solid race that allowed me to cross the finish line of Ironman #9 on an incredibly tough day and with a very challenging lead up (see below)! Icing on the cake…knowing I had given my best on this day while creating an 11th place age group finish (my highest AG finish placement yet in a full Ironman race)! ⚡️ Here is the link for my race recap.
As I ran down the red carpet in my first ever daylight finish with the cheers of family, friends, and random strangers surrounding me, I was full of emotions. I was SO drained, but also SO F’ING PROUD! 13:53:58⚡️
Best race-cation?
Our travels around IMAZ allowed us to experience Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff, South Mountain, Thanksgiving in Denver, and so much more. It truly was a great time!
Running at 5000+ feet in Arches National Park
Tim’s first visit to the Grand Canyon was a success!
Best moment out of my comfort zone?
Four days before Ironman Des Moines, Tim woke up with a fever, body aches, and a bad cough. He decided to stay home from work. Midday I received a text message from our 82 year old neighbor across the street (she is like family to us) that she tested positive for Covid. About a minute later, Tim texted me that he also tested positive for Covid. I had a complete meltdown and pity party (thankfully they texted me right before my therapy session). I am 4 days out from IMDSM…what am I going to do?! After about 15 minutes of feeling all the emotions, I went into problem solving mode with my therapist. After therapy, I called our neighbor and asked her if Tim could “move in with her” until after my race to keep me as healthy as possible. She was fully on board and was glad I had asked (it was either that or I get a hotel room and move out temporarily). So Tim packed up everything he needed for the next 4 days and moved across the street. After work Wednesday, I came home to an empty house (except the girls were still home), tested negative for Covid, and continued my plan for my IM race (now having to shift my plans around for race weekend because I would be doing everything solo…taking care of our girls, driving myself down to the race which was thankfully only 35 minutes away from home, getting all my gear post race, etc.). I ran some errands for each of them on Thursday and Friday, checked in to the IM race, did some race week workouts, made them meals and did literal door dashes (setting the food outside, ringing the doorbell and dashing back across the street), got all my gear together for IM, and tried to relax and reduce my anxiety as much as possible. Saturday morning I still tested negative for Covid, so I took all my gear down to transition and continued to relax and doordash. Having Tim live with our neighbor was the best worst case scenario and I am grateful to the both of them for making it work! Sunday was race day. My anxiety was a bit high going into the race as this was my first full IM race without my husband (either racing it with me or being there to support me), but I kept reminding myself that I have done this before and know what to do. Getting to run down that red carpet and cross the finish line was one I am SO DAMN PROUD of for all of the adversity I had to overcome in the lead up to the race.
Pure relief and completely drained
Best nutritional find?
Later in the year I experimented with Skratch Labs super high-carb. I used Skratch super high-carb during Ironman 70.3 Muncie with huge success, so I decided to use it for Ironman Arizona and for the first time in 10 full Ironman finish lines I did not have GI distress, hyponatremia, or dehydration. This was a HUGE win for me!
Best enCOEURaging moment?
The Ames Triathlon was so fun!! It is always great to see people achieve their goals and do things they once thought were impossible. The absolute best part of my day was creating an opportunity for our friend, Leisa, to start + finish her first triathlon ever. If you want to experience the Ames Triathlon for yourself, come to Ames in June 2023! You won’t be disappointed!
We are SO proud of our friend who completed her FIRST EVER triathlon at the Ames Triathlon. She did this 10 years post paralysis. ⚡️🔥
Best new gear?
The Coeur Sports Wind Vest isn’t new, but it is hands down the best gear for getting outside and riding + running on those chilly fall/winter/spring days! Signing up for an Ironman that took place in November meant I had to bundle up to get my 100 mile rides done outside…because let’s be honest…riding 100 miles in the basement on the trainer is definitely not as much fun as riding outside! And the wind vest definitely makes running outside in the cold + wind much more bearable!
Decide ahead of time that it won’t be so bad and it will all be fine! • Rain, wind, 27F windchill, and another finish line at the Hillbilly Hike 1/2 marathon. There weren’t enough layers (even though I was wearing all the thermal gear…4 layers on top) in those last 5 miles, but it was fine! It was all fine! • 2 weeks to #IMAZ and I hope that finish line looks MUCH different! SO MUCH mental endurance added to the bank Saturday!
Best piece of racing advice you received?
“Be calm; focus on what you are going to do. Don’t get distracted, don’t get overwhelmed, take it all as it comes. You are ready for this; you’ve prepared for years. This is it, your time to shine. Go forth with all your powers. Go forth with everything in you. Make it work.”
~Lynne Cox in her book “Swimming to Antarctica”
Most inspirational athlete?
Vanessa Faye Foerster is such an inspiration…not only as an athlete, but as a human being. Her grit, determination, resilience, strength, bravery, and relentless pursuit to be the best version of herself she can be is so admirable. If you didn’t get a chance to hear about her LONG T2 at Kona this year, set aside 1 hour + 40 minutes to listen, and be prepared to be inspired! You won’t regret it!
This amazing, beautiful human helped me transform my self belief from superficial belief to belief down to my core. THANK YOU VANESSA! ❤️
Best support crew?
I am so damn lucky to have the most amazing support of my #1! He has supported me not only on race day(s), but day in and day out throughout my entire journey. He has driven around on long rides to make sure I could ditch layers + get extra fluids + fuel, made sure I had food to refuel after long workouts, did many household chores, and so much more. I am forever grateful to have him on this journey with me. ❤️ you!
I have the BEST support crew around! Thank you for coming to pick up all the layers so I didn’t have to carry them on the bike with me.
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
PROUD + gratitude + create + fun
Tell me about your 2022 year!! What are your “bests” from 2022?!
Cliff Notes Version: I raced the Drake 1/2 marathon on Sunday! 💙💛
This was my first race of 2022
At the race start, the windchill was in the upper 30s with actual temps in the mid 40s, it was sunny, and SUPER windy (~30 mph sustained winds with higher gusts)
This is a hilly course
I felt “heavy” with pressure going into this race…pressure I was inflicting on myself
I am here for it! #LFG ⚡️
Longer Version:
After a shake out run to warm up, I made my way up to “corral A” shortly before the official race start. I barely heard the National Anthem (and I’m quite certain the people behind me had no clue it was being sung) due to the high winds and poor speaker quality/positioning. While standing there waiting for the race to start, I realized something was missing…excitement. The excitement I typically feel before the start of a race was absent. I felt “heavy.” I was carrying the weight of so much unnecessary pressure on my shoulders…pressure I was inflicting on myself. Pressure of needing to do more. Pressure of needing to be more. Pressure of needing to be somewhere I’m not yet. Pressure of thinking I should be…blah, blah, blah. I was in a state of discomfort before the race even started.
When the horn beeped to signal the start of the race, the “elite” + “corral A” runners were set loose. Having run this course multiple times in the past, I know the terrain, turns, etc. throughout the course, so I knew to take it easy out of the gate as the start is uphill with a right hand turn a few blocks into the start of the race.
I kept a comfortable (ish) pace in the beginning miles while looking for carrots…people to pick off in front of me. At around mile 3 there is a significant downhill that is about a mile long. I used this stretch to check in with myself…how is my effort? How is my fueling? How is my body temperature? What do I need in this moment? The emotional discomfort was still there…”I’m not enough.” I decided not to fight or ignore these thoughts causing me to feel insecure. Instead, I “sat” with them and tried to move through them. Why am I having these thoughts? Where are they coming from? How can I change the way these thoughts make me feel?
As I started the climb back up at mile 4, I removed my gloves and took in a gel. I was starting to heat up just a bit with the winds at my back, but decided to keep my long sleeved tech shirt on for a while longer. I kept picking off people one by one in front of me, but those thoughts of “I am not enough. I am not fast enough. I am not good enough. I am not strong enough. I should be x, y, z” were still plaguing my brain, so I continued to “sit” with them. Why am I having these thoughts? Where are they coming from? How can I change the way these thoughts make me feel?
Somewhere between miles 5 and 6, I was feeling really warm, so I took off my long sleeved tech shirt and tied it around my waist. I tried strategies I have used in the past to try to pull my brain back in the present moment and enjoy what was left of this race experience, but they just weren’t sticking.
At about mile 9, I took in my second gel. And then as I crested the last big hill at mile 10, I reminded myself that I GET to do this. Sadly that was a fleeting thought that didn’t stick and I was back to feeling the heavy weight of “I am not enough” shortly after. My legs toyed with the possibility of cramping multiple times from this point through to the finish line. As a result, I slowed my pace a bit to allow myself to continue running and avoid cramping which might cause me to walk (or worse…completely stop moving).
As I made my way back toward the stadium and the finish line, I had so many emotions…I was sad, disappointed, and humiliated with myself and my finish time. I had spent the majority of this race in a mental space that I don’t typically experience on race day; the discomfort was real.
The Drake 1/2 Marathon had loads of discomfort, burning in my legs, a pounding heart, heavy breathing, salty sweat in my eyes, exhaustion, emotional discomfort, challenges, learning, and growing, AND you know what?! I’m S O D A M N P R O U D of experiencing all of it because all of this helps me create the best version of myself! I am here for it! #LFG ⚡️
As I walked to the car, I thought about and processed the emotions I was feeling. I thought about what I had overcome during the race and found a whole list of things to celebrate:
I showed up to race despite feeling “heavy” the week before…therefore, I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH!
I was full of discomfort for the majority of the race (physically, mentally, and emotionally), but I didn’t try to fight the discomfort or put a temporary blanket over it to hide it…instead I sat with the discomfort and moved through it (and I continued to process the emotional discomfort yesterday at counseling)…therefore, I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH!
I didn’t quit…therefore, I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH!
I didn’t walk except for a few steps at aid stations to avoid spilling my water while drinking it…therefore, I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH!
I problem solved to fight off the possibility of cramps in my legs…therefore, I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH!
While this may not have been one of my best races (physically, mentally, or emotionally), it was the race I needed in this moment on my journey to my next level. And ya know what?! I’m SO DAMN PROUD that I allowed myself to experience all of it, to “sit” with it, and to move through it because I will be so much stronger for it. This experience will aid in my ability to create the best version of myself that I can be because I AM MORE THAN ENOUGH!
Finish time: 1:59:55 (9:09/mile average pace) AG: 7/30, Females: 121/360, Overall: 390/793 Gear:Coeur Sports fitted run shorts, Coeur Sports triathlon tank with shelf bra, Coeur Sports visor, Newton Kismet running shoes, Roka SL-1X sunnies
I love looking back and thinking about all of the amazing things that I’ve accomplished and all of the challenges I’ve overcome! I’ve reflected for the last 8 years and now it’s time to reflect on 2021! You can look back at my previous posts if you’d like: the Best of 2013, the Best of 2014, the Best of 2015, the Best of 2016, the Best of 2017, the Best of 2018, the Best of 2019, and the Best of 2020. Now its time to reminisce my favs from 2021! 🙂
Best race experience?
The Ironman 70.3 World Championship isn’t the “best race experience” because it was easy and everything went according to plan on race day (wait…does that ever happen?!). Nope! It was the “best race experience” because it challenged me in ways I’ve NEVER been challenged before. The challenging terrain + Mother Nature’s crazy attitude forced us to “rise to it” on race day like I’ve never had to do before. It was definitely a race to remember! If you missed the recap of this epic race, this is one you definitely want to catch up on! Here is the link. Sit back and enjoy what can only be described as crazy! ***Secretly I want to do it all again with the same conditions, on the same course. 🤪
📸 Finisher Pix
Best race performance?
I wasR E A D Y for Ironman Arizona! I wasR E A D Yto toe the start line. I wasR E A D Yto challenge myself. I wasR E A D Yto put it all together and create a performance I had never had before. And that is E X A C T L Ywhat I did! I created an experience I’ve never had and it wasA M A Z I N G! I had an overall PR of 52 minutes, finishing in 12:44:56. #LFG ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sure, this was my best Ironman performance physically, but it was also my best Ironman performance from my mental endurance performance and that is what I’m the most damn proud of! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
I was SO DAMN PROUD to have created a shiny new PR by 52 minutes! ⚡️
I’m grateful for the privilege to race, for the privilege to challenge myself in new ways, for the privilege to run down another red carpet, and for the privilege to cross another finish line! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Best run?
The Drake 1/2 Marathon was one where I completely pushed myself out of my comfort zone and RACED! I had no idea if this would be my last race of the year (hello Covid) and I was not going to leave anything out on the course just in case things went backwards. Crossing that finish line brought tears to my eyes! Full race recap here.
Squeee!! I GOT to cross a start line and a finish line of an IRL race!!
Best bike?
I had a lot of great bike rides this year, but the ones that speak to me as being the “best” from 2021 were the last two century+ bike rides that I did in preparation for IMAZ. The temps had dropped, the winds were high, and I had to bundle up in all of the gear to stay warm. I almost took these rides to the trainer, but I’m SO glad I opted to ride outside instead. These rides gave me a great mental boost (as well as physical boost) going into Ironman Arizona!
Decide…I decided 100+ miles on the bike (+ 1 hour run off the bike) was going to be AMAZING! I was determined to keep a positive attitude, be gritty, and to persevere! I wasn’t going to let Mother Nature win. She tried to push me around a bit (hello wind), but I won this round! • I GET to do this! So much gratitude for the strength of my body + mind, the support from my #1, my safety on the open roads, the beautiful fall day, and the gorgeous fall foliage.
Best swim?
We FINALLY made it home home to visit my parents last summer (it had been nearly 2 years since we were last home…hello Covid). Thank you vaccines! When we were home, Dad drove the boat beside us (on more than one occasion) so we could swim a 5K in West Okoboji Lake. Getting to swim in the open water, see the bottom of the lake while swimming (because the water is so clear), and having my #1 beside me was amazing! Having Dad’s support was icing on the cake!
Seize the opportunity!
Best finish line?
Twin Lakes Sprint Triathlon when I took the overall female win! I never imagined myself breaking the tape at any race. I’m sooo thrilled to have had such an awesome experience! Here is the link for my race recap.
GETTING to break the tape as I take 1st overall female! ⚡️⚡️⚡️
Best surprise?
Getting a roll down slot to Ironman 70.3 World Championships in St. George, Utah was the best surprise of the year! I was shocked when I got the email that I had earned a roll down slot from racing Ironman 70.3 Des Moines. I had a great race in Des Moines in spite of the nearly 3 hour weather delay + shortened bike, but my performance didn’t put me in the top 14 in my age group (which is how many slots were awarded), so I didn’t expect to get a slot. Thankfully some ladies who were faster than me had either already qualified at a different race or didn’t want to go to Worlds, so I got a slot and it was quite the epic adventure!
WUT?! I got a roll down slot to Ironman 70.3 World Championships! #soexcited
Best mental endurance compass?
I had the AMAZING opportunity and pleasure to work with Vanessa Faye Foerster for 24 weeks this year. She teaches athletes how to build mental endurance by “dropping the self doubt + fueling the self confidence.” The journey she helped me create this year was challenging, enlightening, fun, and worth every penny! What I have learned has not only boosted my racing performance, but it has also elevated my personal life. I am so grateful for her guidance to push me out of my comfort zone to level up into the zone where I cultivate the life I want to live. #LFG ⚡️
This amazing, beautiful human helped me transform my self belief from superficial belief to belief down to my core. ⚡️ THANK YOU VANESSA! ❤️
Best enCOEURaging moment?
The Ames Triathlon was back in action this year after a year off (thank you Covid). What a great race! It is so fun to see people achieve their goals and do things they once thought were impossible. If you want to experience the Ames Triathlon for yourself, come to Ames in June 2022! You won’t be disappointed!
Who’s ready to race?! We are ready to get this party started! Photo credit: Dave Mable
Best new gear?
The Coeur Sports Wind Vest has been AMAZING for getting outside and riding on those chilly fall days! Signing up for an Ironman that took place in November meant I had to bundle up to get my 100 mile rides done outside…because let’s be honest…riding 100 miles in the basement is definitely not as much fun as riding outside!
110+ miles is a long time to be in your own head. Good thing I know the words to a lot of songs or make up my own words and can sing at the top of my lungs because Mother Nature doesn’t care what I sound like! 🤣🤪 • Seriously though…this wind vest is AMAZING! It kept me warm while allowing me to carry all the nutrition, and has reflective strips on it for better visibility.
Best way to stay healthy?
Get vaccinated! The end (no comments on this necessary…I will delete them).
I’m boosted! #getvaccinated (not up for debate…I’ll delete your comments)
Best piece of racing advice you received?
“Be calm; focus on what you are going to do. Don’t get distracted, don’t get overwhelmed, take it all as it comes. You are ready for this; you’ve prepared for years. This is it, your time to shine. Go forth with all your powers. Go forth with everything in you. Make it work.”
~Lynne Cox in her book “Swimming to Antarctica”
Most inspirational athlete?
Chris Nikic crossed the Ironman Florida finish line in November of 2020 becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to become an Ironman. He believes you can achieve more by creating a habit to get 1% better than you were yesterday. He has since crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. He is gearing up for the Ironman World Championships in Kona in 2022, so let’s all cheer him on!
Best support crew?
I am so damn lucky to have the amazing support of my #1! He has supported me not only on race day(s), but day in and day out throughout my entire journey. I am forever grateful to have him on this journey with me. ❤️ you!
My #1! SO grateful for you! ❤️ you!
If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?
PROUD + gratitude + fun + joy
Tell me about your 2021 year!! What are your “bests” from 2021?!
“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.”
~PattiSue Plumer
Cliff Notes Version: I GOT to race the Hillbilly Hike 1/2 Marathon on Saturday, November 6! 💙💛
Things seemed to be back to “normal” for this race. There weren’t any Covid measures in place, but we still wore masks on the bus ride to the start line to keep ourselves as healthy as possible before IMAZ.
this is a point to point race (starting in Indianola and finishing in Carlisle)
you park near the finish line and busses transport you to the start line (we wore masks on the bus, but many did not wear them)
they transport a morning clothes bag from the start area back to the finish line for you with any gear you don’t want to run in/with
the temps were in the low 40s at race start with mostly blue skies + strong tailwinds pushing us the whole way to the Carlisle finish line
there were aid stations with volunteers handing out water (and a few stations had Gatorade) every 2ish miles, but I carried water with me to practice for IMAZ race day
I took in a Science in Sport (SIS) gel before the start and then at miles 3.5, 7, and 10.5 to keep me strong all the way to the finish line
there was quite the spread of food at the finish…biscuits and gravy, pie, chips, bananas, and many beverage options
Longer Version: We arrived in Carlisle at about 6:45 am, got our race bib (with timing chip) and race shirts from packet pick up, got all of our gear ready for our race, packed up our morning clothes bag, and boarded a bus to take us to Indianola at about 7:15 am. This was plenty of time to arrive in Indianola, use the Kybo to empty the bladder, chat with friends, do an easy warm up, strip down to racing gear, drop our morning clothes bag for transport to the finish line, and get to the start line for the 8:30 am start.
The weather was really ideal for a 1/2 marathon…42*F, mostly sunny, winds from the S at 15 mph. When it was time to start, we didn’t hear any sound to indicate the start of the race…we simply saw people starting to run in front of us, so we followed them.
We ran on a few streets before making our way to the paved trail that would take us all the way to Carlisle. I decided to take it easy for the first few miles to ease into it before kicking it up a notch (or two).
I decided I was not going to look at my Garmin to see where I was for pace or overall time for the duration of the race. I was running by feel and enjoying the opportunity to race in person. I wanted to see just how my race would unfold while monitoring my effort as that is my plan for race day at IMAZ. The first aid station was just past mile 2. This is where I kicked it up a notch. I really wanted to see what I could do on this day. I took in my first Science in Sport (SIS) gel at about mile 3.5 (there was paint on the trail every 1/2 mile with how far we were to the end of the trail), washed it down, and continued to run strong!
At mile 4 I kicked it up another notch. I stayed in the present mile I was in and tapped into my intentional thoughts to keep me focused and in control of my race. I was so happy to be racing! I continued to run strong and smile big for the duration of the race. It was fun to chase down other athletes and do what I love again!
As I turned toward the lake shortly before mile 7, I took in my second SIS gel. This is such a fun section of the race. With it being a short out and back section, you get to see other athletes, cheer them on, and enjoy the glorious fall scenery along the lake.
Feeling SO strong!
After exiting the lake area and getting back on the trail, it was time to put the head down to do work. With 5miles to the finish line, this is where I wanted to see just how fart I could take myself. I took in my final SIS gel shortly after mile 10 to keep me running strong all the way through to the finish.
As I approached the end of the trail in Carlisle (where the finish line is), I was so full of joy…the weather was perfect, I GOT to race, I got to push my limits without looking at my Garmin once, I felt the strongest physically and mentally while racing that I’ve felt in years! There was so much to be grateful for!
SO much joy for racing!
As I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, fatigue in my legs, happiness in my heart, fuel in my soul, and excitement for what is to come, all was right in the world! I had SO MUCH JOY! Oh…and the icing on the cake…I ran my second fastest 1/2 marathon EVER (my fastest was 14.5 years ago and I only missed that finish time by 2 minutes).
“Racing teaches us that we are capable of so much more than we ever imagined.”
~Unknown
Cliff Notes Version: I GOT to race IN REAL LIFE Saturday and it was SPICY HOT! 💙💛
The race directors at the Des Moines Women’s 1/2 marathon put on a very safe race with the following Covid guidelines in place:
any athlete with Covid symptoms was asked to stay home
athletes were not allowed into the starting corral until 5 minutes before the 2:00 pm start time (which actually got delayed 15 minutes because of the wind blowing everything over on course…35 mph sustained winds with gusts up to 50 mph made it interesting)
athletes were spread 6 feet apart in the starting “corral” (each athlete had to stand on one of the pink stickers on the ground to be spread apart)
3 athletes started every 10 seconds to spread athletes out for social distancing
I carried my own additional water for this race because it was SO spicy hot (87*F) that I knew I would need extra fluids
There were dixie cups with water and sports drink available for athletes to grab off of tables at the water stations
volunteers were not serving athletes at the aid stations, only filling water/sports drink cups
all volunteers were masked
when athletes crossed the finish line they were directed to pick up their own finisher medal from metal stands
there was no food distribution at the finish line (each athlete was given post race food, but I didn’t go to the table to see what was available or how it was distributed…I was ready to be in the air conditioned car)
Longer Version: With the temps at 87*F, full sun, and winds gusting up to 50 mph at the 2 pm start time, many athletes waited around in the shade before the start of the race. At 1:55 pm, we were told that athletes could start making their way into the starting corral, but then shortly after we were told there was a delay due to the strong winds blowing things over on the race course.
Waiting for them to let us in the starting corral. Photo Credit: Converging Photography
We were given the all clear to race at about 2:15 pm. I made my way toward the front of the corral and started in the 3rd wave of athletes (the sooner I started, the less time I had to stand around and wait in the heat + sun). I knew with this heat, sun, and wind that I really needed to control my pacing and hydrate well, so I intentionally started out slower than I did a few weeks ago at the Drake 1/2 marathon. My goals for this race were to pace well, hydrate well, stay on top of my nutrition, only walk through the aid stations to drink water they provided, and have fun. My walk breaks were incredibly short as the aid stations were very short. The garbage cans for the empty cups were positioned right after the last (2nd) table. With the winds as strong as they were, I didn’t want to drop my empty cup on the ground and have it blow away, so I made sure to quickly drink my water and then get my cup in the garbage. This often meant I only got to walk for about 5-10 quick steps before I was back to running again.
In the first 1/2 mile, there were many ladies who ran by me at smoking fast paces, but I reminded myself to stay in control and run my pace. At about mile 1.5, some Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corp. members were under a bridge in the shade lifting the spirits of the runners. Running past them at races is ALWAYS a highlight! This organization is doing AMAZING things to help keep kids off the streets and out of gangs. So much talent!
It wasn’t long and I was passing those same ladies that flew past me in the first 1/2 mile. I’m guessing they went out way too hot and blew up in the first 3 miles as most of them were walking. I was sticking with my plan and pacing well, while only walking through the aid stations to take in plenty of water without spilling it since it was so spicy hot. At about mile 3.5 I took in a gel and then at about mile 4.5 we ran past the first relay exchange zone where there were more spectators to cheer us on. This was a great pick me up!
At about mile 5 ish we ran past a small stage with drag queens singing, dancing, and cheering us on. “If we can dance on this stage in these shoes, you can keep going.” This brought a HUGE smile to my face and I continued with forward progress.
Heading out toward mile 6ish. Photo credit: The Iron Hippie
From mile 6ish to 7ish was on a cinder trail and was really shaded, which was a nice change. At about mile 7 I consumed another gel and a beet pill to stay on top of my nutrition.
Coming off the cinder trail. Photo credit: The Iron Hippie
Mile 9 was straight into the headwind. I was grateful for the wind as it was a great cooling mechanism, but being blown to an abrupt stop while running made me laugh out loud! All I could do was yell, “Kiss me harder Mother Nature” as I smiled big and continued forward.
Running straight into that headwind! “Kiss me harder Mother Nature!” Photo credit: The Iron Hippie
Miles 10-11 were around a pond and mostly shaded with the winds at our backs, which was a nice reprieve. I took in my last gel between miles 10 and 11 to have the energy to finish strong. By mile 12 I was ready to be done. It was so spicy hot, but I stayed strong and kept soldering on. The last 1/2 mile to the finish was a bit frustrating as we ran right by the finish line and did a small loop before we got to actually head toward the finish line. After crossing the finish line, I grabbed a water off of a table, my medal off of a hook holding all the medals, and made my way to the Iron Hippie so we could get back to the car. All I wanted was out of my sweaty nasty clothes and into the air conditioning.
This was a spicy hot finish line, but I’m so grateful to have gotten the opportunity to cross it! Photo Credit: The Iron Hippie
I am super proud of my performance and very happy to have had the opportunity to cross a spicy hot finish line. This race was a great opportunity to practice for my 70.3 race coming up next month since I swam 3000 yards and rode 87 miles on Friday before having this race at 2 pm in the heat of the day on Saturday. This big training weekend and spicy hot race added lots of confidence into the bank! 💙💛
“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.”
~PattiSue Plumer
Cliff Notes Version: Squeee! I GOT to race IN REAL LIFE Sunday! 💙💛
The race directors at the Drake 1/2 marathon put on a very safe race with the following Covid guidelines in place:
any athlete with Covid symptoms was asked to stay home
masks were required before and after the race
athletes were not allowed into the starting corral until 6:45 am (with a 7:00 am start time for the first wave)
athletes were spread 6 feet apart in the starting “corral” (each athlete had to stand on one of the 50 blue “D”s that was painted on the ground to be spread apart)
50 athletes started every 90 seconds to spread athletes out for social distancing
I carried my own water for this race so I didn’t have to interact with volunteers at the aid stations, but there were dixie cups with water and sports drink available for athletes to grab off of tables at the water stations
volunteers were not serving athletes at the aid stations, only refilling water/sports drink
all volunteers were masked
when athletes crossed the finish line in the stadium, a volunteer gave each athlete a mask and mylar blanket
volunteers guided the athletes out of the stadium preventing athletes from hanging out in the stadium after finishing
no spectators were allowed in the stadium at the finish line
there was no medal distribution at the finish line (finisher medals were placed on a table for each athlete to pick up their own medal after leaving the stadium)
there was no food distribution at the finish line (each athlete picked up a box with water, sports drink, banana, cookies, and beef jerky in it after leaving the stadium)
Yay for getting to do a #medalmonday post!
Longer Version: I was SO full of JOY because I GOT to cross a start line and a finish line of an IRL race on Sunday! We parked about 2 blocks from the start line, so after getting completely ready to run, eating my banana, and drinking some water, we walked to the start line. I used a kybo to quickly empty my bladder, stripped off my sweatpants and sweatshirt (thanks to the Iron Hippie for putting them in his backpack and lugging them around with him while he biked around the course to cheer me on), and then entered the starting corral at 6:45 am when they started to let athletes in. I was not allowed to start in the first wave of runners because I am not an elite athlete, but I positioned myself in the second wave so that I could get moving as soon as possible. After the National Anthem and a few announcements, the first wave was off and we were moved up into the starting area.
Once in the starting area, we were told to stand on a blue “D,” remove our masks, and stow them as we would need them when we crossed the finish line. I put mine in a Ziploc bag that also housed my phone, which I put in one of my pockets in my Coeur Sports fitted running shorts. It was nice to be spread far enough apart that we could remove our masks before starting instead of having to wait until after we crossed the start line to remove them and then fumble with everything while running.
The weather was perfect for a 1/2 marathon…48*F, mostly cloudy, winds from the NW at 7 mph. When it was our turn to cross the start line, a volunteer counted down, said “GO”, and we were off. While there were only 50 people in our wave, it was nice to feel like we were racing again…even if the field of athletes was much more spread out than in years past.
Squeee! I get to race today! Photo credit: Iron Hippie
We immediately started climbing right from the start line, which is a good way to kind of tame the excitement at the race start that can sometimes cause one to start way faster than planned/intended. I settled into a slightly uncomfortable Z4 heart rate within the first mile. My goals were to maintain this slightly uncomfortable heart rate for the duration of the run knowing that it would likely creep up into Z5 at various times when climbing and #BELIEVE I could maintain this slightly uncomfortable HR for the duration of the race. Within that first mile, I realized I had forgotten to take my beet pill while waiting in the starting corral, so I took in a beet pill at about mile 1 while it was still relatively flat. Speaking of terrain, the first 3 miles are generally flattish, but then there is a good sized downhill and what goes down…must go up…and up…and up…and up…
What goes down, must come up!
I decided I was not going to look at my Garmin to see where I was for pace or overall time for the duration of the race. I was running by feel and enjoying the opportunity to race in person. I wanted to see just how my race would unfold without monitoring my pace. I took in my first Science in Sport (SIS) gel at about mile 3.5 (there were big signs on the course indicating the location of each mile), washed it down, and continued to run strong!
Squeee! I get to race today! Photo credit: Iron Hippie
I was so happy to be racing again! I continued to run strong and smile big for the duration of the race. Lots of spectators commented on my big smile. Truth…I just couldn’t stop smiling! I was SO full of joy! I was SO grateful to be racing in person again! It was fun to chase down other athletes, see spectators out on the course cheering + holding up signs (“Go Stranger” was a big hit), and getting to do what I love again!
Squeee! I get to race today! Photo credit: Iron Hippie
Shortly after mile 7, I took in my second SIS gel and then took in another beet pill at mile 8 to keep the energy flowing so I could continue to run strong through all of the hills…did I mention this is a hilly course?! I didn’t even care! I just kept smiling BIG and running STRONG because I GOT TO RACE!
squeee!! I get to race today! Photo credit: Drake Road Races
With that BIG smile plastered on my face, joy in my heart, and my feet moving forward, I made my way to the top of the last BIG hill around mile 10 (there were still more rollers, but the BIG ones were behind me). This is where I took in my final SIS gel to keep me running strong all the way through to the finish.
Just keep climbing! Just keep climbing! Just keep climbing! Photo credit: Iron Hippie
As I approached Drake Stadium (where the finish line is), I was so full of joy…the weather was perfect, I got to see friends I haven’t seen in over a year, I GOT to race IRL, there were real spectators cheering, I got to push my limits without looking at my Garmin once, I felt the strongest physically and mentally while racing that I’ve felt in years!
Entering Drake Stadium and running the last 0.1 on the only flat surface of this entire race course. Photo credit: Drake Road Races
As I crossed the finish line with a smile on my face, tears in my eyes, fatigue in my legs, happiness in my heart, and fuel in my soul, all was right in the world! I had SO MUCH JOY! Oh…and the icing on the cake…I ran my second fastest 1/2 marathon EVER (my fastest was 14 years ago and I only missed that finish time by 2 minutes).
Squeee!! I GOT to cross a start line and a finish line of an IRL race on Sunday!! Photo credit: Drake Road Races
PushMyLimits 