This has been quite a year! Last September I got the call from "the line" in Madison. "LP? Are you in?" How could I turn it down? I was to move into a new age group?! I had the girls sign me up, but did not reveal my intentions to my husband, parents, family (or to myself) for 6 months. Thanks to a great group of friends, who covered my carpools, filled in for work obligations, took care of my children and constantly kept me in the loop....I did follow through. I did not throw in the towel. My training partners saved me emotionally and physically. My husband, children and extended family continually encouraged me and put up with my routine. It was not easy. My race number said it all - 2407 - to be read 24-7....was the definition of my life! Saturday morning, September 8, as I registered, I felt a bit sick. What could I do? Probably nerves....I tried to rest and relax. Sunday morning, race day, bright and early, I arrive to my transition space only to find....a flat tire! After being mauled by 2200 people in Lake Menona, I ran up the helix and tried to quickly change my clothes, stop at the portapotty and off on the bike, back down the other helix. I did not lose a water bottle on the bike, even over the bumps. Perfect weather except for the wind - the wind being my only complaint all day. As rode, I tried to "hold on" to moments...to remember. How about the very pregnant woman cheering with "GO DAD!" written in bold black letters across her round, bare belly. Another woman on the bike course cheering while holding a huge poster reading: "I'D STILL BE SWIMMING" It hurt me to laugh! My friends on the bike course put the smile on my face. They moved from spot to spot to see me as much as they could. I was thrilled to be out there. I must admit I could not wait to be on terra firma - a land lover - and I hit the road running. More of my friends covered the run course as well as my parents, hubby and kids - that kept the smile on my face. I was able to hug my children, husband, parents and high five my training buddies. My kids and friends even ran along side me - is that cool or what? As I ran, many thoughts went through my head and many electrolytes through my body. I focused on my core, tried to maintain good form, watched for the mile markers and counted minutes left. I tried to remember how to "feel good". I ran through a side stitch and through a stadium. I trotted along in the street, in a fog. I looked at faces and heard strangers urge me on. About mile 24.5 Bob Mitera spotted me (thanks to my Polar gear) while he bike patrolled. This was a gift. He talked, encouraged, urged and eventually rode on ahead - but what a lucky person I was to have a familiar and inspiring voice at that moment. As I rounded the capital at the end of loop 2, I saw my middle child playing. I yelled to him to run to the finish - I was almost done. Then I saw the finish line...I lifted my leg and did my signature "cartwheel at the finish" in tribute to my humble beginnings as a collegiate gymnast, alumni of Madsion.... WOW! What a thrill!!! On campus at age almost-46 and still going strong. 4th Ironman and the fastest yet - by 23 minutes. As one of my training pals said...like a good wine, better with age. My mantra was "my pain has a purpose" as this year I raced for Lungevity - a lung cancer organization. I never forget how lucky I am to be able to do what I do...my mind is free to dream and my body dreams to follow.... Cheers to a great season...onto the next!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Perez Finishes Fifth at IMMoo
This has been quite a year! Last September I got the call from "the line" in Madison. "LP? Are you in?" How could I turn it down? I was to move into a new age group?! I had the girls sign me up, but did not reveal my intentions to my husband, parents, family (or to myself) for 6 months. Thanks to a great group of friends, who covered my carpools, filled in for work obligations, took care of my children and constantly kept me in the loop....I did follow through. I did not throw in the towel. My training partners saved me emotionally and physically. My husband, children and extended family continually encouraged me and put up with my routine. It was not easy. My race number said it all - 2407 - to be read 24-7....was the definition of my life! Saturday morning, September 8, as I registered, I felt a bit sick. What could I do? Probably nerves....I tried to rest and relax. Sunday morning, race day, bright and early, I arrive to my transition space only to find....a flat tire! After being mauled by 2200 people in Lake Menona, I ran up the helix and tried to quickly change my clothes, stop at the portapotty and off on the bike, back down the other helix. I did not lose a water bottle on the bike, even over the bumps. Perfect weather except for the wind - the wind being my only complaint all day. As rode, I tried to "hold on" to moments...to remember. How about the very pregnant woman cheering with "GO DAD!" written in bold black letters across her round, bare belly. Another woman on the bike course cheering while holding a huge poster reading: "I'D STILL BE SWIMMING" It hurt me to laugh! My friends on the bike course put the smile on my face. They moved from spot to spot to see me as much as they could. I was thrilled to be out there. I must admit I could not wait to be on terra firma - a land lover - and I hit the road running. More of my friends covered the run course as well as my parents, hubby and kids - that kept the smile on my face. I was able to hug my children, husband, parents and high five my training buddies. My kids and friends even ran along side me - is that cool or what? As I ran, many thoughts went through my head and many electrolytes through my body. I focused on my core, tried to maintain good form, watched for the mile markers and counted minutes left. I tried to remember how to "feel good". I ran through a side stitch and through a stadium. I trotted along in the street, in a fog. I looked at faces and heard strangers urge me on. About mile 24.5 Bob Mitera spotted me (thanks to my Polar gear) while he bike patrolled. This was a gift. He talked, encouraged, urged and eventually rode on ahead - but what a lucky person I was to have a familiar and inspiring voice at that moment. As I rounded the capital at the end of loop 2, I saw my middle child playing. I yelled to him to run to the finish - I was almost done. Then I saw the finish line...I lifted my leg and did my signature "cartwheel at the finish" in tribute to my humble beginnings as a collegiate gymnast, alumni of Madsion.... WOW! What a thrill!!! On campus at age almost-46 and still going strong. 4th Ironman and the fastest yet - by 23 minutes. As one of my training pals said...like a good wine, better with age. My mantra was "my pain has a purpose" as this year I raced for Lungevity - a lung cancer organization. I never forget how lucky I am to be able to do what I do...my mind is free to dream and my body dreams to follow.... Cheers to a great season...onto the next!
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