Twenty-Six and Then Some

The CIM Approach & A New Running Coach

August 14, 2013

Fresh off of my Ironman recovery rant, I went into the next stage of the new adventure: moving from temporary housing to my new apartment, my next training cycle and working with a new running coach. All exciting and all a bit nerve-wracking!

I’ll breeze over the whole moving situation, but let’s just say that downgrading your life to a much smaller, one-bedroom apartment in a new neighborhood is a bit of a shock to the system. Plus, it was a real wake-up call of just how much crap one owns and how it all feels totally unnecessary. My closet literally can’t fit one more thing.

The moving company practically killed a rainforest packing my crap. Le sigh.

But I’ll get over my first world problem (seriously, who am I?) and get on to the exciting news.

As I transitioned from Ironman training, I knew I wanted to revisit running, build my speed and legs back up, and hopefully demolish some old running PRs. I didn’t have an intention of getting a running coach as I’ve never had one and didn’t think I would ever need a running-specific coach (it’s just one foot in front of the other, right?). Ironman? Of course…I might die if I did it wrong. Running? It didn’t seem to be worth the cost. Plus, I love, love, love my triathlon coach, and I felt like I’d be cheating or something if I went with a running-specific coach.

But as I was scanning the Internet for a plan that I could tweak, I couldn’t find anything that would leverage my Ironman base, help ease me back into running (injury free) and still prepare me for a marathon in early December. I was stuck and found myself plotting my own plan with the help of the McMillan calculator. As I was perusing the site, I noticed that McMillan offered training plans and of course, I tweeted asking if anyone had used them.

One thing led to the next and I was soon emailing back and forth with Greg McMillan himself and we developed a great little partnership as I embark on my next running goal. Full disclosure here, I paid for a training plan and Greg has generously offed to be my coach pro bono.

I’m excited to work with Greg because I’ve not only used his calculator for years, but because of his specific running focus and academic exercise physiology background; plus, being an accomplished athlete doesn’t hurt (I’m looking for a sub-3 someday, Greg. Riiiiiight).

Insert pretty Portland running photos here. Just because.

As I embarked on this new partnership, I filled out an extensive questionnaire stating my goals and what I’ve been doing thus far. Pretty simple: Run sub-3:15 for a full, break 1:30 for a half, and get my running legs back. Greg then built a custom plan for me with the following approach:

A smart, flexible plan that progressively builds into a complete runner – ready for any distance.
A plan that has a lot of variety in workouts within a certain energy system as well as across a training phase. Accordingly, we will add a variety of workout types – some that emphasize endurance, some stamina, some speed and some the finishing sprint. Greg says that these workouts will develop all the systems of the body resulting in faster times at all distances.
A very conservative start just to get things going again. Thus, it will be a base, pre-marathon training and then a 9-week marathon-specific phase. To be honest, I’m quite nervous about only having 9-weeks for marathon-specific training, but Greg assures me that it will be ok in that his philosophy is to “do the training so you can do the training so you can finally do the training.”
There are also multiple cross training sessions, which will allow me to be back on the bike or still swimming – both of which I’m thankful for.
The training plan won’t be heart rate based, but rather perceived effort in the right range.
I’ll also start incorporating trail running on easy or long run days – I am in Oregon after all!

You’re telling me I get to run here? Get outta here.

As I make my way back on the running bandwagon, I’m anxious to see how my legs, speed and heart have changed post-Ironman. I’ll be sharing my training here, but let me know if you have any burning questions…or if you want to just give an Internet high five. Love those.

Happy Running!

17 Comments | Posted in running

The Truth About Ironman Recovery

August 8, 2013

Beneath the hype that is Ironman, there’s a cold and brutal truth that will slowly chip away at your soul. It will test your patience, your fortitude and your waistline.

It won’t be during training.

It won’t come race day.

We’re talking post-race, people.

Naively smiling, not aware of what lies ahead.

It’s a sad and vicious truth that no one warned me about and now I need a therapist, or other Ironman friends, to console our achy iron hearts.

IRONMANS TAKE FREAKING FOREVER TO RECOVER FROM.

Immediately after Iroman, I did everything my coach and every article I could find said: I ate, I showered, I rested, I got in short walks, I took two weeks off COMPLETELY, I then got sick, and soon moved to a different state. Look at me, star student!

Around three weeks, I was back at it, but with no specific plan in sight other than to stay active. I started doing some boot camp classes, I went trail running, I went for shorter runs and then I completely crumbled.

WHY DO MY LEGS FEEL LIKE LEAD?

WHY DOES MY 8:30 PACE FEEL SO HARD?

WHY CAN’T I MAKE IT THREE MILES WITHOUT KEELING OVER?

WHY ARE MY JEANS TIGHTER?

WHERE HAS ANY SEMBLANCE OF SPEED I USED TO HAVE GONE?

WHY? WHY? WHY?!!!

My first world problems left me in a tizzy as I emailed my coach, texted and tweeted friends, and even asked a few pro triathlete friends if this was normal. Their responses weren’t what I wanted to hear:

YOU PROBABLY DID TOO MUCH.

YOU PROBABLY WENT OUT TOO HARD.

YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T REST ENOUGH.

And the doozy…

FOR YOUR FIRST IRONMAN, IT TAKES 6-8 WEEKS TO RECOVER*.

Six to eight weeks?! What?! (*Disclaimer: yes, yes, everybody is different. So take it for what it is). Their estimated Ironman newbie recovery time broke my anxious heart as I felt as if I had already given my body ample time to recover. Now you’re telling this adrenaline junkie that it will take upwards of two months? I already went through three months of waiting and physical therapy this year!

But if I step off my endurance-addicted soapbox and really think about what just happened, you understand why and feel ridiculous for being “that athlete.”

This Triathlete Magazine article explains it the best:

“…from an internal perspective, completing an Ironman is a bit like sitting on a sofa for 12 hours and aging two decades. In other words, the changes the body undergoes in 12 hours of extreme exertion are similar to some of those that occur in the body over the course of two decades of non-exertion, as a result of normal aging. Fortunately, though, those years are restored to you within a few weeks. Then it’s time to start thinking about tickling the reaper again.”

As I sit here, ready to “tickle the reaper” (that sounds inappropriate), I have to quell my urge to go all out, to take each run one at a time, and to not completely question my physical abilities. I need to remember, and give thanks, for what my body just went through because although it feels like a lifetime ago, it really wasn’t.

With a marathon and big goals right around the corner, I’m looking forward to sharing my training approach and new running-specific coach with you.

Happy Running!

19 Comments | Posted in IMCDA

Why Making Friends In A New City Is Like Internet Dating

July 31, 2013

Who are we kidding? I’ve never tried Internet dating. I started dating Chicken Face in college and the closest thing that people of my age were doing at that time was creeping photos of guys via MySpace or perusing the collection of questionable characters on HotorNot.com.

But, BUT, if I can leverage all of the gut-wrenching/awe-inducing stories I’ve heard from the Internet dating archives, I’m pretty sure I can make an adequate assumption (but then again, we all know what that does). Truth be told, making friends in new cities can be a seemingly daunting task.

So let’s review this Internet friend dating best-case scenario, shall we?

Step 1: Real-life friend in home state introduces you to potential new friend in new state, online. After the first introduction, the conversation either stops dead in its tracks or the lurking continues. You creep, they wink (or whatever other functionality your site may have), you both message each other enough times until you realize that they have a fully functioning brain and/or you won’t get murdered. Check.

Step 2: Exchange phone numbers. You still haven’t actually spoken in person, but default to text messaging. If they hear you talk, they might notice how completely awkward this is in your voice. Stick with text…one step at a time.

Step 3: To emoticon or not to emoticon? This is a big determining factor: are they an emoticon abuser too? If so, let the emoticons rain down in all of their emoji glory! If not, put on your big kid pants and pretend like you are a mature adult who scoffs at such child-like behavior. I’m a professional, dammit!

Step 4: Agree to meet. Ok, we’ve moved to the big leagues now, folks. What are you going to do? What are you going to wear? What if you have nothing to talk about? What if you stumble your own words and seem incapable of any form of intelligent conversation? Then you remember, “F it. This is who I am. Stupid jokes, awkward sentence structure and all.” Then let them plan what to do.

Step 5: Meet. If you’re a hugger, just go in for the hug. But after that…just try and be you. Your gut will tell you what to do.

Step 6: Evaluate. If you didn’t get the “oh we could be friends” vibe, well then this blog post is dead right here. If you did, your evaluation and over-analyzation will likely commence here. Questions will range from personality compatibility to ease of conversation. If all things are positive, you’ll get home and wonder if there will be hangout number two. Don’t laugh…remember…you know NO ONE here and could really use a gal pal.

Step 7: Confirmation. You either text immediately or await a confirmation text. BING! It’s in and you share abbreviated English and poor grammar texts about politics and religion…oh wait, no, it’s just more emoticons. You like it already. Then you plan hang out number two. Then three. Then four. Now five.

Step 8: Hope. Hope that your new friend doesn’t think you’re completely psycho for writing this blog post. See you at yoga in an hour, friend!

Thank you to everyone for being so extremely nice and welcoming as I made the move to Portland. Honestly, what would we do without Internet –> IRL friends?

Anyone else have great Internet BFF or moving to a new city stories?

Happy Running!

44 Comments | Posted in Life

What’s Next

July 26, 2013

With the realization that my body is going to need the full six weeks to recover, I put the kibosh on any further traditional form of exercising until next week…

I say “traditional” because in a few hours, I’ll be back in the great state of Nevada for my sister-in-law’s wedding, which will surely ensure an exaggerated amount of dancing and make-up melting sweat. This also means that I get to see Chicken Face for the first time since I left California – the excitement is a little overwhelming!

On the topic of “overwhelming,” I thought I would broach the subject of “what’s next.” It’s a natural question and one that I always find myself asking everyone after they’ve finished a big goal, even though I know that probably shouldn’t be the first thing out of my mouth.

Truth be told, I’ve been thinking about “what’s next” since I was in Ironman training. And if we’re being completely honest here, I’ll just go ahead and tell you: yes, I absolutely want to do another Ironman. I feel like when most people finish an Ironman, they go one of two ways:

Never. Again.
I’m an endorphin junkie (and bat shit crazy); sign me up!

I am clearly number two.

In my consideration set were Ironman Boulder (brand new) and Ironman Austria (as it’s know to be one of the easiest courses and a great vacation). But as I look out at the next year, I know that this one is far from normal. I moved to a new state, am now in a long distance relationship with my own husband and its critical that I recognize my life priorities.

This year, those priorities rest within being stellar at my brand new dream job and any time that I do have with my husband (which is once or twice a month), I need to focus on my time with him. Granted, he is insanely busy with working full time and going to grad school so I will be able to get in some training time, but I cannot commit to being gone every weekend, for six hours a day, and putting Ironman over our relationship. In fact, I practically did that for two full Ironman training cycles (IMAZ and IMCDA) and it put a fair amount of strain on the relationship.

But this doesn’t mean that I’m not going to train for something – that just wouldn’t be me. Instead, I’d like to focus on the following:

Marathon PR: My marathon PR is old, outdated, and to run with my newly-minted “I can do anything” mentality, not a reflection of what I’m capable of. When I got my current marathon PR, I was working in the city, commuting 1.5 hours each way, and was doing all of my training on a treadmill at 4:30 in the morning. The quality was shit and I’ve learned so much about the importance of intention and diligence. Plus, if I use the McMillan Calculator with my half marathon PR, I believe that I can be capable of a sub 3:15. Granted, Ironman is about endurance rather than speed, of which I’ve lost a lot, so a lot of hard work is ahead of me.

Half Marathon PR: Hitting 1:30:07 and then 1:30:20 might have been the two most frustrating races ever. Granted, I wasn’t training for a sub-1:30 in either of those races, but I was just so close! Thus, the hunt will be on to break 1:30. Now to find the perfect flat, net-downhill race.

Half Ironman: I know what you’re thinking, “Whoa, whoa, whoa, I thought you just said no Ironmans.” But hear me out, I now know what two time commitments and training volumes look like for various race types and I believe that this one is doable. I also know that I said I need to focus on my time with Chicken Face; however, I also mentioned that he is slammed at school. Whenever we see each other, there will be his “I have to do homework/group project/etc.” time and I will use it as my training time. It would be completely manageable to get in this training while we are apart and together. Plus, I’d like to see if we can break 5:15.

Trail Running: While there is no specific goal in mind for this, it’s a no brainer that not only is trail running amazing, but it makes you incredibly strong. Someday I’d like to do a 50K and a 50 miler, but I’m not quite sure when yet. I’m open to race suggestions as I work to map out the future.

So with all of these “what’s next” ideas firmly planted in my head, what ones have I actually laid out my money for? Well, I’ll be running the California International Marathon (CIM) on December 8^th and will eagerly be fighting for that new PR. I think everyone and their mother are running this race, so you probably should too. I’m also considering Ironman Lake Stevens 70.3, but wanted to ask you all: what races should I do to meet these goals?

And more importantly, what’s next for you?

Happy Running!

42 Comments | Posted in Uncategorized

Ironman Recovery

July 25, 2013

When I finished Ironman Couer d’Alene, I wasn’t in pain, I wasn’t struggling to breathe, I wasn’t completely discombobulated…I just wanted to sit down. After moving for 12 straight hours, nothing sounded better than doing nothing.

The next morning, I wasn’t really that sore either. I knew I needed to go for a 30 minute walk, but other than that, resting was my goal and I fully embraced it. Little did I know that my body would do the typical “oh I just finished a big race so go ahead immune system, let down your guard” thing.

So there you have it: I finished the race, felt solid, rested, got sick for three days, rested some more, then moved to Oregon. It was two solid weeks of doing absolutely nothing. I was right on pace with my recovery plan (sort of).

Two weeks turned into two and a half or three weeks with very minimal activity. I went hiking and did some very small runs. I heeded my coach’s advice to only run 30-40 minutes, three times a week. He also recommended swimming and cycling over running, as apparently it’s the running that really takes the most time to return to normal. But here’s the thing, my bike is still in storage, swimming is…well…swimming and if I have a choice, I will always choose running.

With Portland’s great running scene and new friends inviting me out to explore it, I couldn’t pass it up. I ran with some amazingly fast girls and kept my humbled mouth shut as we climbed their favorite routes, I got introduced to trail running and made my way through 10 miles of Forest Park, I went hiking and saw some amazing sights, and I went to new boot camps at Nike because the class offerings are amazing. When you write it all down, I think you can sum it up in four words: too much, too soon.

I met Jen yesterday for a run in her neighborhood and as we started the run, I knew that things weren’t right. My legs felt like I just ran three Ironmans back-to-back. Who filled my legs with solid concrete?!

Jen asked me if I wanted to do the 3.5 mile loop or the 6+ mile loop. I couldn’t take it and chose the 3.5 mile loop. WHAT?!?!?! I just did 112 miles and I can’t even run a 3.5 mile loop? To say I was frustrated would be an understatement.

I wrote my coach and asked him if this was normal. Thankfully, he said yes, and that I probably did too much too soon. Ugh. I also tweeted about it and some seasoned Ironman vets assured me that it takes ~6 weeks to recover from your first Ironman and as you do more, the recovery time lessens.

Needless to say, I’m anxious to get back to my normal self, to stop slogging through miles that feel much harder than they should be, and to be ready for my next round of training come August. But come on, six weeks?! Patience, grasshopper.

So here’s my PSA to any first-time Ironpeople: TAKE POST-RACE RECOVERY SERIOUSLY. You may feel fine, but your muscles are still repairing, so embrace those six weeks. Then join me for a beer so we can bitch about it.

Happy Running!

28 Comments | Posted in IMCDA

Happy 2 Years.

July 23, 2013

This post isn’t about triathlons, running, California, Oregon, or new adventures. Instead, it’s a nod in the most public, yet private, way possible to the most important topic in my life.

To my husband and the person that I’ve promised a life-long adventure to. To the one person I’m the truest version of myself with. To the man who puts up with me. To the smartest guy I know.

Happy anniversary, Chicken Face. Here’s to two years and many, many more to come. I miss and love you.

XO.

15 Comments | Posted in Life

New Adventures in Trail Running

July 21, 2013

It’s been over two weeks into this new adventure and while there are a bevy of items to highlight and plenty of missing home tears, I wanted to share a new first that I’m sure will be getting more of my time soon.

You see, Portland has a unique way to provide all of the amenities of a big city, yet the uniqueness of nature being out your back door…literally. For now, I’ll speak specifically to the 70+ miles of trails and the “Did I just step into another country?” place that is Forest Park.

The park, no, no, forest, is nothing short of enchanting. With 5,000+ acres of towering green trees that transport you to somewhere cool, shaded and foreign, it’s no wonder local runners rave about it. It’s one of the largest urban forest reserves in the country and the trails go on for days.

My once Internet friend and now IRL friend, Jen, has been nothing but amazing and instantly invited me to dinner, a birthday party and a run… all without every actually meeting me in person. She juuuuust might be the most welcoming person I’ve ever met. I’m sure you’ll be seeing her a lot more on this blog.

I confessed to Jen at dinner that I had actually never gone trail running. I know, I know, but I lived in the Bay Area?! Didn’t I do any of those amazing runs that Aron, Jojo and Jess always did? Sadly, I didn’t. After my ankle injury, I was too afraid to go trail running and risk re-injuring my ankle. It was all roads for this Ironman hopeful.

But now that Ironman is over and this epic forest was literally at my back door, I knew I had to go. So Jen picked me up, I nervously asked her how to ensure my pack was tight and she generously explained the inner-workings of Forest Park and its trails.

Without further ado, we made our way onto the popular Wildwood trail and like that, I was on my first-ever trail run. I cautiously followed behind Jen, watched how her feet navigated the trail and introduced my still recovering legs to all of these little hills (which I have a ton of work to do on). We chatted, I followed and she even taught me the rules of politely using nature as an emergency restroom.

After five miles, Jen asked if I wanted to lead. I usually prefer to let the experienced folks to go before me, but she promptly encouraged me and frankly, left me no choice. To be honest, I was just afraid that I would trip, fall, re-sprain my ankle and quickly prove that the trail and I were not meant to be.

But just like every new first I’ve ever experienced, I psyched myself out far too much. I quickly got comfortable and before you knew it, I was lost in my own little trail world talking to one of the nicest people ever and boom…10 miles done.

It was a great run (my longest post IMCDA), on new trails, in new shoes, with new friends, in my new city.

Hey random stranger, next time, let’s take photos that are in focus. Thanks!

As always – new adventures never seem to disappoint. Gone on any good ones lately?

Happy Running!

19 Comments | Posted in running

I’m Here!

July 16, 2013

I’m still alive!

I haven’t bowed out of blogging, but am rather just getting my next little adventure set-up. From moving to Portland, a weekend with Chicken Face, starting my new job, recovering from Ironman, another weekend with my Mom, finding a new place to live and trying to find new routes, new food and new friends, life has been…well…crazy. A quick recap in photos:

The big move.

Voodoo Donuts.

Forest Park amazingness.

Cannon Beach — who knew this was in Oregon?!

Beer, beer and more beer.

New beginnings.

Weekends with mom.

Hiking and waterfalls.

Family time.

It’s been crazy, but am working on my new “pattern” and should be back blogging in no time. I have a few more Ironman posts are up my sleeve, as well as a return to running for the fall and winter. I can’t wait to share what’s next and hope you’ll stick around for the ride.

Happy Running!

26 Comments | Posted in Uncategorized

The Post-Ironman Bug & The Big Move

July 2, 2013

You guys are too nice! Thank you so much for the love and I apologize I haven’t been able to respond or follow-up with my post-Ironman thoughts yet.

Ohh…my two seconds of fame in the IMCDA 2013 recap video.
I’m about 20 seconds getting my body marking. I’M FAMOUS MA!

As they warn, I’ve been hit with the post-Ironman bug. It’s like my body said, “Now that you’re done, I can finally release all of those viruses I’ve been holding back for so long and let them viciously attack you.” Doing anything productive, or putting together a coherent sentence, takes far too much energy. My sloth-like self has downing copious amount of DayQuil while sprawling lazily across the couch, wishing that network TV would make better daytime programming.

In-between blowing my nose and hawking up God knows what, I’ve been preparing for my move to Portland…which is happening TOMORROW! Another thank you is due for everyone who has emailed me their personal Portland insight and recommendations – they are valued beyond belief.

I moved to California from Nevada five years ago and have since grown to love this over-priced, yet beautiful adventure land. It’s where I fell back in love with running, grew into a triathlete, and met my best friends. This new adventure is rich with anticipation and excitement, but also sadness as I leave my friends and family.

Great rewards require great risk and I’m sticking with my 2013 resolution to live adventurously. I’ll be sure to report back on more Ironman thoughts soon and I hope you’ll stick with me as I share my next adventure…including training for my next goal.

Next time we chat, I’ll be checking in from the Pacific Northwest.

Happy Running!

20 Comments | Posted in Life

IRONMAN COEUR D’ALENE RACE RECAP – THE RUN

June 28, 2013

(Part 1 – The Swim)
(Part 2 – The Bike)

Full of gusto, I made my way out of T2 to run 26.2 miles. If you’re noticing a theme, it’s not an accident or an exaggeration. I was happy the entire day and every time I transitioned into the next sport, I got even happier (yes, it’s possible).

I was on to my favorite and strongest of the three sports, but truth be told, I haven’t run a full marathon since the 2011 Boston Marathon. I had multiple 20 mile runs in this training cycle, but 26.2 miles after 2.4 miles of swimming and 112 miles of cycling – now that was going to be a different story.

I immediately popped some salt/electrolyte pills and started my first Gu. My Gu intake isn’t like most people’s, I slowly work at it over 20 minutes or so rather than taking it in all at once. Thus, I’m usually always holding something sticky in race photos.

I ran, waved to my family, fed off of the crowd’s energy and simply put one foot in front of the other. I was running a marathon!

The IMCDA run course essentially repeats part of the cycling course, consisting of two out and backs. Wait, what’s that? It repeats part of the cycling course? Then that can only mean one thing…HILLS! It wasn’t long until we met those hills and I changed my game: short strides, pump the arms, relax the face, and don’t try charging up it as it would only waste valuable energy.

The first loop felt like long hill, a bit of flat, another long hill, a bit of flat, all repeated over and over until the turnaround at the top. It felt completely manageable as I just ran as to how I felt comfortable, stuck with my fueling plan of one Gu every 45 minutes and only stopped at a bathroom once. I made my way back downtown and once again saw Chicken Face cheering me on – he’s the best!

As I turned back around to start the second loop, that’s where it started to set in. Mentally, I knew how much climbing I had ahead of me, my body was starting to really feel the fatigue and it was time to pull both my mental and physical game together. With no choice but to buckle down and get ‘er done, I ran…or whatever you call a brisk cadence of left-right-left-right.

I stopped at the run special needs bag to get more salt pills and soon started another round of hills. When I met the first real climb, I knew that this second loop was going to be a different game. I pushed for as long as I could, but I knew I didn’t want to unnecessarily waste energy, so I walked a bit of the hill. I would take every sponge, run through every hose and smile at everyone who would give me a “woot!” I heard people say, “Nice pace!” and “Looking strong!” and whether or not they knew what they were talking about, every single positive comment fueled my mental game as you work through the final grueling climbs and miles.

As your body begins to break down, it becomes a mental game to make it to the end. I would make goals to “walk until that tree” then run. As we reached more hills, I began walking every aid station and using it as my rest, then made a deal with myself that I would run once I was out of it.

My frequency to the port-a-potties also increased later in the run, during which, I would shove my Gu into my bra while taking care of business. However, after said stops, I realized that I was getting a bit light-headed and dizzy. Why was this happening? I’m fueling…or so I thought. It took me a while to finally remember that I had shoved my Gu in bra, which also meant, I hadn’t fueled within the last 45 minutes. Crap. When you’re in this stage of the game, every calorie counts and I had missed a whole chunk of fueling due to my bathroom break.

As soon as I got to the next aid station, I looked for a Gu (not a Roctane…just a regular Gu). I opened it and shoved it down. But for some reason, ever since that mishap, I couldn’t get my fueling back on track and my dizziness increased. All I could think about was the fact that I didn’t want to pass out, get an IV, or any sort of treatment or help that would DQ me from the race. So in an attempt to forgo my dramatized outcome, I tried everything and anything at the aid stations to see what would work.

Flat soda — I haven’t had soda in 13 years, but I tried it here to see if it would be the “jet fuel” everyone raved about. Meh, I didn’t feel a difference.

Chocolate chip cookies — I don’t eat dairy but I had it here. At first, the cookies were a nice change in flavor, but soon I had to chuck it because it tasted like dirt.

Pretzels – I thought the salt would help, but when I ate them I thought I was eating chalk.

Grapes – Maybe these little gems would do the trick? Nope, tasted like warm mush.

Orange slices – YES! Sweet, sweet, orange slices! I don’t think these provided the caloric intake I needed, but I just bit into them like a five-year-old, never actually eating any of the “meat,” and just drinking the juices. Glorious orange slices.

I made my way on my “try anything and everything at the aid station to see what works” rampage, I continued to make multiple bathroom stops, walk the aid station, and make mental goals to make it to the end. I remember seeing my friend Darren on the way back into town and he shouted, “You’re almost done!” and I just cursed some random mumblings.

As I got closer to the finish, the realization that I was about to complete an Ironman began to overtake me. It’s as if every ounce of mental and physical fatigue escapes from your body and you’re suddenly running on fresh legs.

Two miles out, I became focused and just pumped my arms and got lost in my head – you’re almost there.

One mile out, I realized that this was it. I was going to do this. It’s really happening.

A half mile out, volunteers started shouting, “Your almost there! It’s all down hill right around the corner!” I got choked up and couldn’t quite run and breathe at the same time.

As I turned the corned and entered the final stretch, I could see the blue finish line waiting for me. The crowds were roaring, but I couldn’t hear anything. I saw my dad and my sister screaming, “GO PAGE!” My face bounced back and forth between tears and smiles. My leg turnover increased as pure adrenaline and emotion overwhelmed me.

I saw my husband right near the finish.

I couldn’t believe it.

I pumped my fists in the air.

Page Williams. YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

FINAL RUN RESULTS: 4:04:23

FINAL IMCDA RESULTS: 12:14:21
19th AG / 109th F / 664 OA

It was pure happiness unlike anything that I’ve ever felt as I achieved a lifetime dream. I put my head in my hands and cried.

A volunteer congratulated me and escorted me to get my medal, finisher’s gear and photo. He then handed me off to another medical volunteer to see how I was feeling. I told him I felt fine, just tired. Still able to walk, I grabbed the highly coveted pizza and walked out of the gates, sat on the grass and waited for my family. When they arrived, I couldn’t be happier to see them. It was a combination of Ironman joy and being with my family (who were there every step of the way), that emphasized that this was one of the best days ever.

It was a long journey to that finish line, and perhaps my honeymoon high is shading the tough parts right now, but I can confidently say that the Ironman changed my life. I’ll share more about why in a later post along with my post-race thoughts, but I can tell you this, if there’s something you want to do, do it. Don’t be afraid to take those risks, challenge yourself and make sacrifices for your goals.

On Sunday, I fell in love with a sport that tested every ounce of who I was and because of it, I see my future in a whole new light.

Thank you to my amazing husband, my parents, my sisters, my nephew, my entire family, my coach, my friends, and all of you for your support. This truly has been a journey that I will never forget.

Happy Running!