Two and a half years ago I was standing on the beach at Panama City Beach letting the water of the Gulf of Mexico hit my feet as I was about to start my fifth Ironman race. Swimming 2.4 miles with 2,800 other people all at the same time - it is such an exciting time. Maybe a bit of danger - getting hit, kicked, swum over - but it is the challenge of it that excites me. Once you get out of the crowd in the swim and can get in a group of 5 or 10 people, it is so relaxing. One stroke after the other, sometimes peeking your head up to make sure you are swimming with the buoys, looking at the feet in front of you, making sure you are where you should be. The taste of salt water in your mouth - not so bad at first, but a couple miles later all you want is a sip of water to wash it out (maybe that part isn't so relaxing)!
Hopping onto the bike with a bit of chill in the air knowing you will warm up soon, trying not to go out too hard, getting in that nutrition, staying calm remembering it is going to be a long day out there. Taking in that nutrition when you planned to, heart rate in check - getting to the half way point on the bike and you are still feeling good wondering what the rest of the day is going to bring??
Mile 80 of the bike - trying to keep it steady, maybe getting a little tired but nothing big, looking forward to getting off the bike and getting those run shoes on, hoping the legs, stomach, and head are all in a good place to run well.
Come into the second transition thinking, 'lets get these shoes on and run.' Handing someone your bike, they put it on the rack for you, you go grab your run bag, head in the tent, change your shoes, grab some nutrition, and head out on the road. People cheering for you, getting excited, happy to be off the bike, back a little tight, but legs feel good, and there is still a long day ahead!
Some Ironman marathons feel so good and some feel so bad. Each one has its story, each one has its people you meet, each one leaves its mark! But it's the challenge of it all - it's the challenge that makes you sometimes say, "I don't want to do this anymore", or "I want to get back at it, I want to be challenged, I want to work hard, I want to work my hardest to achieve and overcome my goals and challenges."
That second reaction is how I feel right now. I've always enjoyed training more than I have the racing. But Ironman is that beast of a race that is almost like one big training day - one big challenging training day. Such a long build up to a race, hoping it all goes well - your nutrition, your pacing, your mental game. It doesn't seem that hard when you write on your blog or talk with people, but it is damn hard to put it all together on race day when you are the one doing it. I want to get back in, I want to be back to Ironman racing and enjoy it - enjoy the challenges and continue to meet some amazing people involved in the sport.
I've always thought your commitment to Ironman training is what you want to get out of it. How many swims, bikes, and runs will you get in? How many hours? How much rest will you take? What will your taper look like? Pacing and nutrition strategy? But maybe it's better to not over think it too much and focus on a good balance in life - fitting training and racing into your already busy life - making sure that it ADDS to the quality of life you already have, rather than taking time away. Big things in life don't bring sacrifice if you really want to do them. Make everyone happy, inspire through your actions, and remember to thank those who support your endeavors!
After a three year break, I'm looking forward to toeing the line at the Rev3 Tri - Cedar Point Ironman Race for my sixth Ironman. I have my goals for race day of course, but my bigger goals are to embrace the challenges along the way, enjoy the physical activity, figure out the balance approach to life, meet people, train with people, learn what motivates others to do such a thing, and sincerely appreciate and support the people in my life who support all my endeavors on a day to day basis - big or small! Time to get it rolling....
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Gettysburg North-South Marathon!
WOW! Well, I didn't run in this one, but I want to write my thoughts about the weekend I had volunteering at the Gettysburg North-South Marathon and what it meant to me as I saw it through my eyes! Lowell Ladd, race director of the marathon, approached me back in October time frame and asked if HCM Foundation would want to be involved with a race he is directing - The Gettysburg North-South Marathon! I thought what a wonderful thing! Lowell heard about HCM from one of his friends and HCM board member, Mike Carriglitto, and I saw this as more of an opportunity to grow newly found relationships so we may continue to add to the positive impact we have in our community. Lowell generously donated individual entries and team relay entries so runners had the option to run and fundraise for HCM programs and services.
Since Lowell has reached out to me we have done some training runs together and as I get to know him more - I'm most impressed with his attention to detail while planning and leading into the marathon and also his genuine thoughts about being involved with charity. Lowell fits the phrase, "Go big or go home" perfectly!
This happened to be the fourth weekend in a row I was out and about. The first one I was out at the Glacier Ridge Trail 50 miler crewing for my two buddies Alex Barth and Derek Schultz. Also, had the HCM Twenty9 night fundraiser that weekend (Sunday night.) The second weekend I was down in Virginia to help direct the HCM Smith Mountain Lake 4 Miler. The third weekend I was up in the Lehigh Valley to raffle of the Specialized Allez bicycle at Cutters Bike Shop. And this weekend was Gettysburg!! All GOOD STUFF!
I got into town Friday night and it was my first time in Gettysburg. A beautiful town! I love it! Saturday I got up and was going to meet Lowell for a run. As I am walking to the door of the hotel room I see an envelope with HCM Foundation (Mike Marsteller) written on the outside. Wondering what it is, I open it and it is a check from Lowell for $2,000. WOW WOW WOW! HE DONATED $2,000 OF THE RACE PROCEEDS TO HCM FOUNDATION!! I don't have words for how cool this is. Very very generous! I hope Lowell gets used to me thanking him for that every time I see him, haha! I was very touched by that kind gesture.
So Lowell and I went out for a 10 mile run and he showed me some of the roads around town. Very scenic! Came back, ate some breakfast, and it was time to get started. He put together an outstanding team of volunteers. We started setting up the packet pick up tent to get ready for that from 12-5pm! Then I headed out on the course with two other guys, Andrew and Darin, to mark the course (mile markers and turn arrows.) This is one of the most beautiful rolling courses I have ever seen. Awesome area!
Later Saturday night, Lowell hosted a special dinner in town for a few of the runners, sponsors, volunteers, and the people who were running for HCM. I felt very happy I was going to get to meet the people who were running this race and raising funds for HCM! I got to know them a little bit through email and phone, but it's always nice to meet in person. Getting to know them AND keeping in touch is VERY VERY important to me. I say it a gazillion times, but I'm confident that building relationships and a huge network of amazing people will be the driving force to make positive impact within our communities. It was very special to finally meet everyone in person because they are such amazing people!
Sunday morning race day I was up early and headed over to the race site. My first job was to instruct people where to park. That was pretty easy as I was sipping on my morning Sheetz coffee trying to get pumped up for what was about to happen!! My main job for the day was to be the lead pace bike in front of the race. I LOVE doing this!! And it was cool because I got to wear my HCM kit which I thought was appropriate since we were involved as the charity. It was such a cool feeling!
The guy who won, ran a 2:37, did an amazing job - he was cruising in and his family was out there on the course cheering him on as they drove to different spots. He is a fortunate guy to have that type of support. I would stay about 20 yards ahead of him throughout the course and every now and then I would shout some encouraging words to him. He held tough and when I pull off at the final turn, he holds his hand out and we slap hands as he is 100 yards from the finish. I turn back around and head out to find the lead female to bring her in. WOW! She is TOUGH!! She was hurting those last few miles but dug deep. In all the races I have ever done, not sure I've seen this much toughness. I did the same thing - stayed about 20 yards ahead and gave some shouts of encouragement. Both of them should be very proud of their finishes and it was nice that their families were out there to support them.
Once my pacing job was done, I'd get printed results from the finish line and ride them over to where the awards were. Then once all that was done, I got to relax a little, then we cleaned it all up and I hit the road right around dinner time!!!
So many cool things happened out of the weekend! Over 1,000 people completed a marathon, Lowell did a fabulous job directing, Gettysburg hosted their first marathon, HCM got to be a part of an awesome venue, and I was fortunate enough to meet the people who raised money for HCM. I just added up the numbers and total funds raised, including Lowell's donation, is $7,579. It is simply amazing! And to put a priceless spin on things - the relationships and friendships that were built from this weekend will forever continue to do things that will go farther than that money. And I am happy I could be out there and help Lowell out by volunteering and in a way give back to his amazing efforts the best I could!!
Since Lowell has reached out to me we have done some training runs together and as I get to know him more - I'm most impressed with his attention to detail while planning and leading into the marathon and also his genuine thoughts about being involved with charity. Lowell fits the phrase, "Go big or go home" perfectly!
This happened to be the fourth weekend in a row I was out and about. The first one I was out at the Glacier Ridge Trail 50 miler crewing for my two buddies Alex Barth and Derek Schultz. Also, had the HCM Twenty9 night fundraiser that weekend (Sunday night.) The second weekend I was down in Virginia to help direct the HCM Smith Mountain Lake 4 Miler. The third weekend I was up in the Lehigh Valley to raffle of the Specialized Allez bicycle at Cutters Bike Shop. And this weekend was Gettysburg!! All GOOD STUFF!
I got into town Friday night and it was my first time in Gettysburg. A beautiful town! I love it! Saturday I got up and was going to meet Lowell for a run. As I am walking to the door of the hotel room I see an envelope with HCM Foundation (Mike Marsteller) written on the outside. Wondering what it is, I open it and it is a check from Lowell for $2,000. WOW WOW WOW! HE DONATED $2,000 OF THE RACE PROCEEDS TO HCM FOUNDATION!! I don't have words for how cool this is. Very very generous! I hope Lowell gets used to me thanking him for that every time I see him, haha! I was very touched by that kind gesture.
So Lowell and I went out for a 10 mile run and he showed me some of the roads around town. Very scenic! Came back, ate some breakfast, and it was time to get started. He put together an outstanding team of volunteers. We started setting up the packet pick up tent to get ready for that from 12-5pm! Then I headed out on the course with two other guys, Andrew and Darin, to mark the course (mile markers and turn arrows.) This is one of the most beautiful rolling courses I have ever seen. Awesome area!
Later Saturday night, Lowell hosted a special dinner in town for a few of the runners, sponsors, volunteers, and the people who were running for HCM. I felt very happy I was going to get to meet the people who were running this race and raising funds for HCM! I got to know them a little bit through email and phone, but it's always nice to meet in person. Getting to know them AND keeping in touch is VERY VERY important to me. I say it a gazillion times, but I'm confident that building relationships and a huge network of amazing people will be the driving force to make positive impact within our communities. It was very special to finally meet everyone in person because they are such amazing people!
Sunday morning race day I was up early and headed over to the race site. My first job was to instruct people where to park. That was pretty easy as I was sipping on my morning Sheetz coffee trying to get pumped up for what was about to happen!! My main job for the day was to be the lead pace bike in front of the race. I LOVE doing this!! And it was cool because I got to wear my HCM kit which I thought was appropriate since we were involved as the charity. It was such a cool feeling!
The guy who won, ran a 2:37, did an amazing job - he was cruising in and his family was out there on the course cheering him on as they drove to different spots. He is a fortunate guy to have that type of support. I would stay about 20 yards ahead of him throughout the course and every now and then I would shout some encouraging words to him. He held tough and when I pull off at the final turn, he holds his hand out and we slap hands as he is 100 yards from the finish. I turn back around and head out to find the lead female to bring her in. WOW! She is TOUGH!! She was hurting those last few miles but dug deep. In all the races I have ever done, not sure I've seen this much toughness. I did the same thing - stayed about 20 yards ahead and gave some shouts of encouragement. Both of them should be very proud of their finishes and it was nice that their families were out there to support them.
Once my pacing job was done, I'd get printed results from the finish line and ride them over to where the awards were. Then once all that was done, I got to relax a little, then we cleaned it all up and I hit the road right around dinner time!!!
So many cool things happened out of the weekend! Over 1,000 people completed a marathon, Lowell did a fabulous job directing, Gettysburg hosted their first marathon, HCM got to be a part of an awesome venue, and I was fortunate enough to meet the people who raised money for HCM. I just added up the numbers and total funds raised, including Lowell's donation, is $7,579. It is simply amazing! And to put a priceless spin on things - the relationships and friendships that were built from this weekend will forever continue to do things that will go farther than that money. And I am happy I could be out there and help Lowell out by volunteering and in a way give back to his amazing efforts the best I could!!
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