Monday, October 10, 2011

Hawaii Ironman 2011

I have so many stories. I have so much to write about. For now, a few photos and a few words will have to do. I am on vacation in beautiful Hawaii with my amazing family and we're packing up for a day on some tropical beach somewhere off the Queen K. 

Saturday was a day I will never forget. So many things went right. And yet, I had to dig deeper than ever before.  Ironman racing is a day that is constantly evolving. It's a day that requires extreme confidence and focus. You must prepare your body for months and months but if your mind is not prepared for the challenge, it is over for you. It's a long grueling day.  When all is said and done, I absolutely love it. 

Trying to find words to describe my WHY is tricky. Why do I do this? I will tell my story over the coming days but you might need to read between the lines to understand my why.  It's in there.  If you listen carefully, you'll get it. 

Here's how the day turned out in numbers.

Overall time:   10:26      7th in my age group, 4th American finisher in my age group.
swim 1:04, bike 5:37, run 3:34

I finished a full hour faster than when I raced here in 2009. I was only 7 min behind my time in Lake Placid a few months ago. To say I am happy and satisfied with this is an understatement. I'm absolutely ecstatic with my performance.  I finished with pride and a smile just like I promised my Dad I would. 

A few photos until I sit for more stories another time. 


4:30 a.m -heading to the race. Aren't my boys awesome!


getting close....



 Running to the finish...
watching Mom for hours and hours and hours....


13 comments:

Angela and David said...

Congrats! I saw you cross the finish line and you had a huge smile on your face. It's been fun following your journey and it's made me want to go back to Kona for a little redemption on that course. Enjoy Kona!

Kim said...

saw your results and couldnt have been more proud. what an incredible day for you ange. congratulations. well deserved.

Caratunk Girl said...

You are so amazing Ange!!

Unknown said...

You have NO CLUE what an inspiration you are to me.
Not only to me but to so many-
You are a freaking ROCK*STAR and I am so proud of your performance at Kona. It was a pleasure to follow you all day and all year too!
(does that sound "stalkerisH" ??? lol)

Amazing. Just awesome.

Congrats on a well deserved Kona finish!!

tri like mary said...

Such an impressive race. Congratulations!

Jennifer Harrison said...

LOVE IT ALL!!!! ENJOY the great accomplishment (s) and the vacation now!!!

Tri to Balance said...

You and Mary are just so impressive and inspirational! I hope I can cross a finish line someday with such a big smile! Congrats, congrats, congrats.

Meaghan said...

So so so proud of your race - and I LOVE the shot of the boys watching you during the race. Enjoy your vacation w/ your beautiful family! Happy recovery!

runningyankee said...

amazing. always amazing. hope you and your family enjoy the last bit of kona. i know you are leaving with some great memories and one hell of a race day!

kT said...

Congratulations! Wow, what a race you had.

Christi said...

The pictures say all that need to be said!

Congrats on a successful and happy day!

GoBigGreen said...

Congrats! so fun to see you do so well. Glad the cold cleared up, enjoy the downtime!

Beth said...

Wow what an amazing race, way to go. I am doing my first ironman next June and I am trying to build up my mental toughness, any suggestions?