1- This is a big ass goal. I once climbed 15K on the bike doing the Death Ride, 8 years ago, when I was much younger. My prep for this was 3x 11K rides this year, the first - Jan/March and Apri. Not a lot. 29,029 is an overwhelming number. And if one more finisher said, "that was the hardest thing I've done," I may have screamed.
2- "Race week" was not an ideal build-up. My schedule was light (training wise), a taper of sorts. Which I followed. My poor mom, however, needed surgery, and that was Wed/Thur/Friday of many hours helping with Dr's, pre/post, etc. So my usually "focus" on the race was shifted to focus on the most important woman in my life. Friday 4 pm is was time to prep.
3- My team of athletes each set goals big goals, and 6 of them would be on the same hill. "Racing" alongside my athletes gives me energy, strength and is my why. Another in FL chasing a big goal and another pursuing a run goal. I was excited for them to climb further, dig deeper, and feel that satisfaction of reaching a goal.
4 - This was a toe in the water for Ultraman.
The day was epic, I watched each of my athlete tick of their goals with smiles on their faces, I could see the camaraderie, encouragement, and triathlon community come together.
The first 14,500 feet was doable, was so thankful to have company for most of the climbs, I had 40 repeats to do. I rode with my athletes, then BadAss Betty Kristin Mayer and Matt for 10 repeats, my BBF, Leslie for the next 4, and then a few solos. I was dismayed to see Smashfest Queen Hillary Biscay out cheering on at 5:15 am, pure love, and appreciation for that. Becky and Erin came for a lap, so good to see them. Badass Jess Cerra poped in, and Hillary and family came back with signs.
I did a few solo,s and it was getting hard. I made the decision to stop looking at laps, watts, elevation, and take the climbs 3 at a time, 18ish min up, 5 min down. Fastest lap 21 min and slowest 28. The slowing was really due to defending late - I was tired and wobbly.
I had 2 friends join me for the final 10K. Lilias for 5 laps and then Finley for the rest. We chatted, and I tried to stay in the moment, not think how many more or how much have I done. I was uncomfortable, I hurt, I was hot, then cold, a blister on my hand, hot spots on my feet.
I was floored to see not only Leslie, but my athletes had returned for the final 3 hours, they were a band of energy. It was a pit stop; they filled bottles, offered forced me food, and insisted I eat. Vegan carrot cake made by Les, french fries and ketchup, pizza, coke, Dr. Pepper, and some I don't remember.
They cheered me on every lap! I would have cried, but that took too much energy.
The last few laps it was not about my legs, but about my body, I was dizzy, foggy, and hurting. I had one goal, fucking finish. I descended behind Finely so he could point out the same rock and pinecone, I just did not want to fall.
I had the finish line feels... nearly falling over, my catchers and the people who mean so much to me! I love you guys and am so grateful for your friendship and loyalty, thank you for giving up your evening!
I'm still on a high. I knocked through a new door, actually kicked that m'fer down. My flame is burning strong, and I am already working on the next "challenge".
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