A different kind of race report

[ktzmoh]

I raced Ironman 70.3 Santa Rosa last weekend (formerly known as Vineman) and I'll spare you all the details of my race day. I had a stressful couple of months leading into this race and got into a really negative head space for a while. I was feeling overwhelmed and, frankly, a little scared of what I've gotten myself into with Ironman Louisville. After some reflection, I've been trying hard to refocus my mind on positive things. So I figured I would write a different kind of race report.

Here are the things that were amazing about my race:

1: I raced with 9 team mates, one of whom was doing her first 70.3. I saw almost all of them at various times during the race, exchanged high fives, heard my name screamed in the chute by teammates that had already finished, celebrated at a post-race dinner together, and generally reveled in how joyous it is to be a part of a team that celebrates each other and lifts each other up.

2: I got to ride 56 miles of country roads through the Sonoma Hills and the Russian River Valley twice (once on a course preview ride, and once during the race). You guys, this area is stunningly beautiful right now. Mile after mile of scenery dotted with small vineyards, rows of grape vines climbing the little knolls and rolling green hills, California poppies blooming everywhere, blue skies and cool temps. Perfect.

3: I rode for at least 10 miles behind a woman with the number 71 marked on her left leg and a prosthetic right leg. Triathletes put their age on their left legs. So yes. A 71 year old woman with a prosthetic leg holding her own  and killing it on this race. She was not in any kind of disabled or physically challenged athlete division. Regular age grouper winning at life. That filled me with inspiration and I didn't want to pass her. I just wanted to marvel in her bad assery forever. 

4: I got dropped on the bike by a lot of women that were a lot older than me. I love when I see that. It exhilarates me to think that I have years and years and years of improvement ahead of me.

5: I lost count of the number of fellow racers that said 'great job', 'you are doing great' or some variation of that encouraging remark during the race.  I've encountered total assholes on race courses before. But not at this race. Everyone was wonderful. What a great community.

6: I had a strong strong ride. My bike splits were amazing - a huge improvement. I could feel and see the hard work and saddle time paying off.

7: I had a strong run. I knew right away that I was not going to be as fast as I was in Santa Cruz, and by mile 1 I knew I could not PR.  Actually I wanted to walk very badly. I contemplated going to a run walk interval. But I didn't. I took one mile at a time, I ran at the pace my body felt like it could sustain for at least one more mile. I focused on not forgetting to hydrate and fuel. I kept telling myself that this was mothers day weekend and this is what moms do, we do hard things and we take care of business. And I got through it. I passed a lot of people and ran continuously the entire time. Although I was slower than I know I'm capable of (with an overall pace of 8:53), I felt really proud of my grit on the run. 

8: I got my medal from Andy Potts. What a wonderful guy to hand out medals to the MOP racers after his own race was long since over. And what an honor to get my medal from him. I couldn't believe it.

9: I felt recovered almost right away. I didn't have to go down the stairs sideways or backwards a single time. My legs felt good and only a little sore the next day. I resumed training after just two days of rest. I didn't have my fastest race, but I'm pretty happy about my recovery.

10: The most amazing thing of all about my race was that I was out there doing it. I enjoyed every mile, my heart felt full, and I felt like a total goddess out there. And I don't feel anywhere near my peak as a triathlete. I can not wait for what comes next.


I did not PR. I came in at 6:03:45, so 2 minutes and 40 seconds slower than what I did last Fall, and still 3:45 over my 6 hour goal.  But it was nothing short of glorious.

If you have not tried triathlon, try it. It's fun as hell. I never want to not do this sport.

[wambam]

Love this! Congratulations on your effort. I cannot wait to watch you race in The Ville!

[chw57]

Amazing job!!

[sadlebred]

Congratulations!! It sounds like a very positive race experience!

[shauni27]

Dude. I am SO proud of you and beyond impressed. Seeing your pictures last weekend was great and I was hoping you would come in here and do a recap.

You killed it out there. Your time was fantastic but more importantly, it was a great day all around. Nice job, mama. I cannot wait to read about your Louisville experience <3

[mysticmuffin]

You are amazing. Look at all those great big positive things that happened on race day! You are killing it out there! I am psyched to follow you all the way to Louisville.

[emilyinchile]

LOVING your mindset here!

[sacattack]

I just wanted to say this is amazing and I loved your report!

[juliabug]

Congratulations! That is a really great time. Even though you didn't PR, you should be proud.

So close to a sub-6 and feeling great afterwards, you are going to destroy the full!

[labbie]

#1. Congratulations on great race! You are a badass!
#2. I love the format of this race report and the HAPPY that shines through. To me this is what all the hard work, effort, and sacrifices are for in the end- to have experiences like this and remember the amazingness. Thanks for sharing the positive things you saw out there- especially #71, what an inspiration.

[gt7301b]

YOU ARE A BAD ASS. I know it is disappointing to not hit your goals, but your attitude is inspiring.

[cinco]

This is so awesome! You did amazing! Your joy for the sport really shines through.

[Deleted]

You are my total hero. I saw your times on Strava and I was BLOWN away. Congratulations!! I can only dream of doing what you've done in triathlon!

[cole]

Congrats, you are so amazing! Love this race report, and can't wait to continue to see you kick ass!

[irene adler]

Atta girl. You are amazing. Truly.

[al320]

Youre so bad ass! I love this race report

[kams]

Gosh, sounds like an amazing day!! I would love to do that race. I also agree that I love getting rocked by women who are older than me because I love knowing that I have so many years to continue enjoying this sport and improving.

Well done!

[mrs.jacinthe]

Sounds awesome!!! Congrats!!

[bostonmichelle]

Congratulations!! You did amazing. I can't wait to see the rest of your training and your IM race!

[MrsE]

Congrats on a solid race! You are amazing!!

[jreeds]

Congratulations! You are truly inspiring!

[mrshandy]

I'm sorry you didn't hit your goal, but seriously 3 minutes over six hours is so close. You had an amazing race and you will kill the full in a few months, because that's just who are. A kick-ass woman.

[secretlyevil]

Congrats on your race. This was such a nice report to read.

[sassystace]

Great job!

[chitownbelle]

beautiful and inspirational report! i definitely want to buy a bike after baby#2 and dip a toe into this sport!

[sweetptater]

You are amazing. I can't wait to see what the future holds for you.

[cookies]

Now this is a race report! Congratulations on finishing such a strong race! It sounds like it was an awesome experience!

[thom]

Wow. Wow. Wow ktzmoh. This is such a beautiful tribute to all the amazing things you have been working on and what your body can do. Celebrating with you. Happy Mother's Day and happy training this summer! You've got it!!

[hurricanedrunk]

Amazing perspective on your race. I love this!

[taratru]

I can't even imagine doing all the things you do. Congratulations on such a great experience and on the reflection you've had!