Following
are my thoughts during the 2003 Hawaii Ironman
(stuff in parenthesis are facts I learned after the race)
Ironman is Here!
I can't
sleep after 4am. I eat 3 pcs of toast & a banana & drink water while
walking the mile to the start. Robin's volunteering in T1, the swim-to-bike
transition area. It's dark.
I Would Like Prayer, Thank
You
I see 6
students holding a sign, "Prayer", with international flags. I ask if
they're from University of the Nations. It's a nearby Youth With A
Mission (YWAM) campus that prepares people for missions throughout the
world. Enthusiastically they respond, "Yes! Would you like
prayer?" They took my number, excited to pray for me during my race.
Waiting Patiently
Nothing bothers me, even the long line for body marking. God is in
control. I'm 1508. Out of about 1800 entries
(only 1649 will start the race)
Robin
helps me get ready.
I review the transition area which is now behind the King Kamehameha hotel
instead of on the Kailua Pier. I walk the 200 yds to the swim start
and get stuck in a very slow line to enter the water.
Only
10 min until the start and there's a crowd between me & the water! I
resist the feelings of frustration & trust in God. Once to the water I
quickly swim the hundred yards to the start. Only 5min to spare.
I get positions in the middle, 4 rows back
The Swim The Race is
Underway!
I'm
squished. The extra 200 swimmers is noticeable. Great draft, though!!
Like riding rapids & getting swept along. Keep my head down. Don't get
hit (multiple swimmers came out with black eyes) I love looking down
through the clear water at the fish & formations below.
Half
Way
1.2 miles. Rounding the
sailboat. Time is 28:30. Very fast for me! I may to break an hour.
The first half seemed easy. Now I gear up to really push. The
pack has spread out. The draft is not as good. I see the hotel
towers behind the finish. I get behind a guy that swims well, but way
off from the rest of the group. I follow him anyway. Coming into
the cove. I've already hit an hour. Hurry, hurry. I scamper out
of the bay with a big pack
(swim:
1:02:14. Age Place: 88th . O/A: 455th)
Marc Herremans finishes 21 seconds behind me! He finished 6th
overall here in 2001, was paralyzed from his waste down the following year
and now is racing as a Physically Challenged athlete!
T1
The 300yd run is good for recovering,
lowering my heart rate, and being able to think again. I wave & smile
at the spectators lining the path. Grab my bag. Changing tent.
Step into race belt. Glasses on. Off to my bike. Very
exciting J
The Bike Through Town
First 10mi go back & forth in Kona. I go by pro, Jean-Anne Krizman, a
friend from Arizona. She's very fast. I'm surprised to be ahead of
her. The steep downhill of Palani. "No Passing Zone".
Jean-Anne is ahead of me again. I put the breaks on and descend
gradually behind her. Many are anxious to scream down through this
corner but it's the rules. Going slow for a short section doesn't
matter in a race like this. Still some guys can't resist and pass,
risking disqualification. Climb past our condo. There's the
Frey's! I pass Jean-Anne again and we laugh, wondering how that
happened. 5
(1st check point. Friends, David Easa, who just
did sub 10 at Canada, & Amir Bachar, who beat me by 22 min at Ralph's Half
Ironman in April, are both a minute ahead. Anthony (Tony) Pedeferri,
who finished 2 min behind me at the Keauhou-Kona Qualifier, is just seconds
behind) Push the
Pace Early
Leaving town on the Queen K Hwy. Instead of saving up, I push the pace
early.
10 I'm riding smart. Attentive to the
USAT rules. Passing people with precision; gaining a draft as I come
up on them and then swinging around to begin my next pass. On the
ascents I ease up, letting others pass. Trying to pass more than pass
me. I hear a friend, "Hey, Troy!". He comes up on my right.
I quickly warn, "Not on the right. Come around on my left". With
a big smile and lots of enthusiasm, "It's me, Tony Pedeferi!". Neat
guy, great to see someone having a lot of fun, "Good to see you, Tony!
Now keep going, don't stay alongside" I don't want him to get
penalized.
20
Lava Fields
Again I see Tony. He comes alongside for too long. He's
laughing, "I feel like I don't know what I'm doing out here". I tell
him again, "You gotta keep passing, they'll call you for drafting".
He's funny. An elite, experienced triathlete that doesn't know what
he's doing.
(I passed David and Amir)
Not This Again
My rear wheel is suddenly feeling strange. Is it a flat tire?
Looking down. Swerving all over the place. Can't tell if it's
going flat. I bounce on it. Feels soft. These new,
all-black tires… I can't see them against the black asphalt. "Dear
Lord, I'll take whatever happens. If it's a leak, please fix it, make
it better, I know You can". Feels like it's getting harder to pedal.
Need to find a nice person to help me. I pass a girl and tell her
she's doing good. She returns a friendly, "Thanks" so I ask how my
rear tire looks. "It's good!" Whew! Thank you, Lord!
30
(2nd
check point. David & Amir are 2 minutes back, Tony's 2 minutes ahead)
I'm
getting hot. I'm pouring water over my head at each station. It's
going to be a long day! I reflect on Ps 23
"He maketh me lie down in green pastures" It's only a matter of
time before I'm lying on the grass at the finish, smiling about the
awesome day of events & the fact that I'm done! I'm flying through a
station, steering with one hand. A water bottle's rolling towards my
path. I cringe. Whew, front tire misses it, rear tire hit's it,
squashes it, and I'm fine.
40
Still Waters
Great time! NO WIND!!! Amazing! I remember reciting Ps 23
"He leads me beside still waters",
knowing that only God can still the waters, and the winds. He knows
our heart's desires. Boy was THIS a desire of mine.
50
(I'm riding with Arthur Mathisen, who beat me by
22 min at Ralph's!) I'm at the hill leading to Hawi. This is my
big move. Oh, no! Left knee hurts. Inflamed suddenly under
the knee-cap. Don't panic. Take the hill slow instead…. even
though I've visualized and practiced making this section key to meeting my
time. In the past I've always lost my game plan at this hill. I've
worked a lot on my form to push grades like this faster. This
left-knee pain is a mystery. I see spectators on the side.
Normally cowered behind their cars from the wind, they now seem amazed at
the tranquility of the air. Motioning to the calm trees I say, "God
really DOES answer prayers!" They agree & laugh. My knee pain may be
from a low seat. How did that happen? I'll stop and find out.
60
(3rd
check point. Tony & Arthur are 4 and 3 min ahead. Amir & David are 5 &
9 min back) The
turn-around in Hawi
Maintenance time. Pee break #1. Get needs bag. Restock
Sustained Energy & Cytomax bottles. Add lube for more seat comfort.
Check my seat post. Fortunately the 1 allen wrench I brought was the
size for adjusting seat height. I raise it up some. Can't tell
how high because set-marks are hidden. Tape down in the frame is now
oozing out the top. I lose a few minutes but once going my knee starts
to feel better. Need to push this descent. All's going well.
No traditional peanut butter & jelly sandwich this time. Just liquid
fuel. Although tasted good, the sandwich made me feel sluggish and was
hard to hold on this dangerous descent. The extra lube isn't helping,
just melting in the heat.
Slipping Seat Post
Knee's
hurting again. I see the seatpost is slowly slipping down! The
tape I added for security is actually making it worse. The heat &
humidity cause it to slide. Nothing I can do to keep it up, but pray.
Helplessly, I watch the set-marks drop slowly into the frame. My knee
hurts more and more.
75
I stop at the top of a rise & raise it back up. Higher = more power.
Too High = hamstring pain which can really hurt running performance.
Not High Enough = power loss & knee pain.
80
I stop to raise the seat again. I crank hard to tighten the bolt but
realize if I strip it, I'm really in trouble. This could be
frustrating but I'm actually very ok with it. I know it's God's plan,
all for His glory, and His hand in this experience is already so evident.
In fact, I somehow really believe this problem will make today's finish even
better.. even more exciting.
85
(4th
check point. Brian Hasenbauer, who beat me at Buffalo Springs Half Ironman
is 16 min ahead. Tony is 13. Arhur is 11. Patrick Baldwin,
a Team-in-Training guy just out of college, who beat me at Keahou by 22 secs
has passed me and is 2 min ahead now. Amir is catching up, only 2 min
behind. David stil 9 min back)
I raise
the seat post again. A spectator in the middle of nowhere asks what
the trouble is. "My seat is slipping down and only God can keep it up
now" I smile and am on my way.
Trip
back
is more work than expected
I
thought the ride back would be great, but I'm having to work very hard.
I'm monitoring seat discomfort & knee pain while pushing to catch up after
each stop. Trying to save the left knee by using the right more.
A wind, mainly "cross" but slightly "head", has picked up.
Nothing compared to the fierce Mamuka Headwinds we were spared in Hawi!
90
I notice a guy in red near me. I quickly stop & raise my seat again.
Then sprint ahead, focussed on catching him in the next miles. I
get him! It's encouraging. And tough. Just persevere, just
persevere…..
100
I stop to raise my seat, hopefully 1 last time.
Catching Bikes
I'm actually catching some guys I saw earlier on the way out. I
figured they were long gone.
End in Sight
After the boat marina I can see the
last slope leading to the bike turn-off before town. Yay!! So anxious
to get off this bike. Ask me right now and I'll sell it to you for
$10. Pee break #2. This is agood sign. it's critical to
pee at least 2 times or risk dehydration. Less than a mile.
Back home!
There's Robin! She's excited to see
me & yells "You're flying!" which really pumps me up as I go by.
(Brian is ahead by 20. Tony by 16.
Arthur by 11. I just re-passed Patrick and finish 1 min ahead of him.
Amir is 8 back. Dave is 20 back. Bike Time:
5:19:51 Speed 21 mph -
87th
fastest in age.
Current Age Place: 81st)
T2
Transition goes great. Gordon,
volunteering, cheers me on. Spectators line the exit. I don my
hat with the Trinity Triathletes flap I made. I wear a hydration belt
with Sustained Energy, Cytomax, & E-lyte (E-Lyte is a sodium, electrolyte
replacement fluid which Robin discovered from one of her top high school
cross country athletes. It's worked well in training & also Robin's
Ironman. Before, I just ate salt straight, or sucked on pretzels,
during the run).
(I
get out 4 minutes ahead of Patrick and move up 3 places. Age Place: 78th)
The Run The Marathon Begins
I'm about 7min ahead of schedule
(actually 4min). I feel good about the 26mi
to come. I see Dale! I hear announcer, Whit Raymond, yell my
name at the new Hot Corner (corner of Palani &
Kuikini). Misting tent... ahh!! feels good! There's Robin
on her bike. Yay! I'm so glad she's going to be following me on
the run. She's very careful to never ride alongside. Pacing is
not allowed. When I go by, she tells me things like race standings,
how faithful God is & that He gives me strength, & that I look good... but
I'm smeared with sweat, water, sunscreen & black felt pen, & I didn't shave
this morning… I doubt I look good… but it helps
J
My left achilles is hurting a little. In the 2000 Ironman it
hurt bad, making me even think of quitting. But my doctor, Matt
Janzen, has helped cure it. I'm confident it won't be a problem this
time.
First Sight of the Leaders
Wow, I'm
farther ahead than I've ever been. For the first time I see the leader
finishing his loop through town before leaving for the lava fields! It's
Peter Reid.
(Mile 1:
7:09)
2
First
mile is about 7:00 pace. Wow, faster than the 8 minute average I need.
New Running Strategy
The best plan for a marathon is consistent pace throughout. But the
2nd half of the Hawaii run is extra difficult for me so I'm allowing myself
to get ahead of schedule in the first 10 miles. My achilles feels fine
now!
A
Quest to Stay Cool
I'm on the famous Alii Dr. Going by the ever-popular Lava Java coffee
shop. & the Royal Kona hotel, where I've stayed many times before.
5 weeks ago was my hardest workout. I was running 18mi in 97 degree
heat after a 100mi time-trial on the bike. I was so hot I couldn't
think straight. At one moment I was walking in circles around a pole
to keep from going on. I was overheated, dehydrated & going very slow.
But I learned from that miserable day the importance of staying cool &
hydrated. Today I've been pouring water into me, & on me, throughout
the bike. I'll continue to do so at each run station. Volunteers
offer sponges, water, Gatorade, ice, & all kinds of food. I fill my
hat with ice. Also, a trick I learned from Barb Lynquist, when she won
the Lifetime Fitness Triathlon, I fill a zip-lock bag with ice & put it on
my chest. I see John, Steph, & Bobby Frey cheering me on with handmade
signs & drawings! What a boost! (Mile 2:
7:23)
3
Alii Dr is Great!
The crowds are enthusiastic! I'm not pushing, just letting the steady
encouragement & hose-sprays from spectators lift me forward. The ocean
is alongside. Sea breeze & tree shade is wonderful. I think of
the last time I ran
Alii Dr.
during the May half-ironman qualifier & how hot & tough it was. It
doesn't seem as difficult now. I'm comfortable.
(Mile 3:
7:25)
4
I see
Chad
Hawker. Linda Selleck takes a picture of me.
(Mile 4:
7:41) 5
I must be nearing the turn-around. I'm glad we don't have to run into
"The Pit" anymore. I make the turn and head back up Alii.
I see everyone behind me. There's Amir. And Dave Easa.
Both doing their first Hawaii Ironman.
(Tony
& Brian are 15 min ahead. Arthur 10. I'm 3 min ahead of Patrick, and 8
ahead of Amir. Mile 5:
7:45)
6
I stop and stretch. My plan for every 6 miles to help keep my stride
long. (Mile 6:
8:23) 7
I see Tim Lavelle looking good in his first time at
Hawaii
(Mile 7:
7:41)
8
Preparing for the Lava
Fields
I
think of mile 10.5, where we head into the Lava Fields. It's where
I've lost critical time in the past. It's where the walking begins.
But this year, 3 days before the race, John dropped me off at the edge of
town & I ran that 3.5mi stretch fast. I will remember that strong
feeling when I face it today. I will charge into it. I'm
psyched. I tell Robin, "Bring on the Lava Fields!"
(Mile 8:
8:15)
9
I see the Frey's again! And the big crowds on Hualalai Rd and Kuikini
(Mile 9: 8:14)
10
A Doctor Sees His Good
Work
I'm on Palani Dr, the Pay-n-Save hill, the steepest part of the run.
It's lined with spectators. It's no threat compared to the mental
challenges that await in the lava fields. There's Dr. Matt
Janzen & his bride, Gretchen! I'm so glad he's here to see this day.
I thought 2000 was my last try to break 10hrs. The doctors said my
2-year foot problem was beyond help. In 2002, Matt heard about it
through the church we attend & took me on as a challenge. He took a
special interest in seeing me run fast again & sure enough I was immediately
setting PR's! But I broke my fibula mtn biking & we put the therapy, &
sub-10 Ironman quest, on hold until the next year. Resuming in 2003,
he now had to fix my achilles problem in my left foot as well as the damage
in the right foot & calf caused by the break. Throughout the season he
improved my run by mended my feet, my swim by fixing chronic shoulder pain,
& my bike by treating tightness in my upper legs. I know that it is
through God that all this was possible. Now I'm here, on my way to
realizing a 7 year dream & Dr. Matt is cheering me on. Thanks, Matt.
(Mile 10:
7:51)
11
Enter the Lava Fields
At the top of Palani, above Kona, I stare north at the expanse of black rock
& the Queen K running down the middle. (Mile
11:
8:39)
12
OK!! Let's do this
Just like Wednesday's 25 min training run. Go hard. Make up time
instead of losing it. sub 8 mile. good (Mile 12:
7:45)
13
another sub 8! Added bonus, I pass "yellow & red" guy
that I was racing with on the first half of the bike before he left me.
1 more mile.. (Mile 13:
7:50)
14
3 sub-8 miles! Doing that training run helped me make a slow section
fast. Fighting the
Heat
The
temperature is changing now. 3pm & overcast. One moment there's
a cooling breeze, tempting me to skip a dousing at the aid station.
Minutes later the air gets still & the muggy heat penetrates like a
microwave. Ice & water on my head & shoulders. But it's not too
bad overall so I'm not using the ice bag on my chest anymore.
(Mile 14:
7:59)
15
A Gentle Hand on My
Shoulder
I reward myself with a 40 sec stretching break. Spotting a volunteer
table, I ask to put my foot on it. While stretching, a girl places her
hand on my shoulder & prays for me. Wow, a volunteer bold enough to
give the best support possible, a prayer. I say thanks. She sees
my "fish" on my suit & is pleasantly surprised, "..and a Christian, at
that!", she says. I can tell she's praying for each athlete, believer
or not, that she comes in contact with. You don't have to believe in
God to receive help from prayer. (Mile 15:
8:29)
16
This mile is hard.
But it leads to the entrance of the Natural Energy Labs (NEL). I'm
looking forward to that descent to the beach road. Robin is helping by
singing worship songs when I go by. I've passed many runners on this
stretch. In previous years, it was here that so many passed me.
(Mile 16:
8:11)
17
Yay, entering the NEL! Spectators aren't allowed into this 2.5mi
stretch of the course, but they are gathered at the gates with great cheers.
Friends Eric Benson & Chris & Erin are cheering for me. Robin says,
"I'll see you in 20 min!" I grab more water & start coasting down to
the sea. Friendly
Pro
There's Gina Kehr, running out & looking very strong. She was first
American at Ironman Lake Placid! (She will be first
American here today!). She's very nice, & humble, & swims at my
pool in
Santa Clara.
A competitive swimmer first, she started triathlons at Cal Poly about when I
did. She never liked the run much. But 10 yrs later, she's now
one of the top American pros in the sport!! Another thing in common;
Matt Janzen is her doctor, too. (Tony is still
leading by 15 min. Arhur's only 10min ahead and Brian only 7.
I'm ahead of Patrick by 1 min. Mile 17:
7:54)
18
The Lowest Point
The mile
long out-n-back at the Energy Labs has bad memories for me. At the
turn-around there will be a check point to capture my time & post it on the
internet so all my friends can see my progress. We also get our
special needs (extra bottles of sports drink). However, a sudden low
comes over me. Ironically, the lowest point of the course is my lowest point
mentally. A rush from head to toe says "you're tired. You need to
walk. Wouldn't it be nice to just stop". My body agrees & starts
to shut the engines down. Then I suddenly remember what I'm doing.
I recall Ps 23 "He restores my soul".
I've wanted to break 10hrs for 7 years & this is the best position I've ever
been in. If there ever was a time to not let up, it's now!! With
revived spirit I pick up the pace again.
(Mile 18:
8:14)
19
Watching the Clock
I see the turn-around, closer than I thought. It says "8 mi to go".
Time-Clock says 8:52. Only 1hr 8min left to break 10hrs! I'll
need better than 8:30 pace the rest of the way. I've averaged 8 min
pace to this point but this last part is hard. I'm tired, there's 2
hills left, & I still need to stop for a pee break, needs bag, & more
stretching. I remember the feeling Robin got from God months ago that
a sub-10 would happen! I recall my own convictions that sub-10 is
happening and I'm just going along for the ride.
Re-Fueling
I smile
& thank the volunteers. Borrowing their table to stretch my
hamstrings. I eat a Cliff Shot gel. They pass me my needs bag.
Swap empties for full. Pee break #3. Here we go. Up the
hill back to the Queen K. I've done well on these last hills in the
past. I actually look forward to pushing them.
(Mile 19:
9:41)
20
That last mile was slow. Well over the 8:30's I need to finish in
10hrs. Cimbing out of the
Energy Labs We enter the Degree Deodorant "Highest Level of
Difficultly" section (Degree is a big sponsor of the Ironman). I catch
up to a 40-44 guy named, Haluk Sarci. We've been running together
periodically. He's a strong runner but dealing with calf issues.
He's very competitive. I start pushing the hill. He does
everything to keep up while groaning from the calf pain. I want to
ease back, make it easier on him, but I must run my own race. He still
stays with me to the top.
Have A Coke And A Smile
My
reward at the top is my first drink of Coke! The sugar & caffeine make
it a strong energy source & it tastes good! It helped me through that
hot training day 5 weeks ago. Otherwise, I never drink the stuff.
I've waited 20mi before starting cola because the extra jolt only lasts 3-5
mi, after which I get more tired & nothing else will work.
(Mile 20:
8:39)
21
My pace is still too slow. But the push up the
hill was good.
Robin
has been positive & easy going, but now I sense a little firmness in her
voice, "You're doing great,
Troy.
You may have to push a little harder now..." She's coached many
runners so those words sink in. I realize this is where the race
really begins. This is where it hurts. Haluk & I are working together.
He wants to break 10, too. He doesn't talk much. I don't either.
But I put on a smile whenever Robin or a spectator look my way. No
matter what happens, this is an incredible race & I'm glad to be able to run
in it. Life is good! But my knees & toes hurt so bad.
God's Body Can Take It
I keep
telling myself this. Part of me thinks there's no way I can maintain
this pace. But God made our bodies & his handiwork is often
underestimated. "Made By God" is better than "Made In the USA".
Robin says, "I know it hurts now, but you gotta keep pushing". So I
do, ignoring the inflamed left knee & the left toenail that seems to be
jamming out the front of my shoe. (Mile 21:
8:02)
22
Fastest Mile of the 2nd
Half
I've fallen behind a little. Quiet Haluk is cool & waves his arm in
encouragement for me to catch up. It helps. When he falls behind
I remember to do the same. It's quite hard, when you're focused on
your own personal ordeal, to think about helping someone behind you.
He has a friend on a bike charting his progress, pushing him. I think
Robin's doing a better job. She reminds Haluk & I to work together.
Haluk asks, "What pace was that?". I see "7:47", the
fastest mile of the 2nd half. Cool!!
(Mile 22:
7:47)
23
An Opportunity to Share
Hope
4 miles to go. I see others on their way out.
Tana
Jackson! Always running fast with a smile! I probably miss many
others as my eyes are closed some of the time & I'm a bit delirious, too.
I recall Ps 23 "He leads me in paths of
righteousness for His name's sake" & my understanding that it
means to give credit to Him by telling others. So, as Haluk & I
push onward, dealing with the pain, in silence except for the slapping of
our soggy feet, I tell him that he can ask God for help... even if you don't
believe... He can still help. Silence returns. They weren't very
thought-out statements but all I could think of in my fatigued state.
I chug more Coke but I think my stomach has had enough
(Mile 23:
7:56)
24
Haluk got strength from somewhere. He's running very well. I'm
not matching his stride this time. We've split. I wonder if
Robin is concerned, seeing me drop off. Now I stop to stretch my tight
hamstrings. With 2.5 miles to go, 22 minutes left, a looming hill
ahead, & me stopped on the side of the road... this could be a little
disconcerting. Remember
the Good Times
But this
mile-long hill… I'm actually excited about it. After my stretch I'm
going to charge it. I've been looking forward to this. In '98 &
2000, after bouts of walking, this was where I found strength & ran great to
the end. I've often found an advantage of doing the same course
multiple times is eventually gaining a positive memory about each section.
For instance, the Wildflower Long course has a terrible climb at mile 41
called "Nasty Hill". After almost a dozen times of racing or training
on it, I happened to have that great day where it felt easy! Now I
just remember that day & that section joins the others as one I look forward
to. (Mile 24:
8:25)
25
Here we go. Nearing the last hill. Don't look up, it's a long
way to the top. I pass the aid station at the bottom. I remember
in 2000 when I was feeling so bad I wouldn't acknowledge the volunteers that
were trying to help me. I regretted that. I believe that in any
circumstance, I have the strength, through Christ, to smile. This time
I purposely look at the volunteers & thank them for their help.
They'll be here for many hours, into the dark, helping dreams come true.
This is It!
The
hill. I ask for strength. I imagine the finish line is at the
top (because it's all down hill from there). Forget about the sore
knees & feet. Just pour it on. It's working. The legs aren't
falling off. I'm powering up the hill. Passing people.
Near the top. I hear the blaring music and see the couch of spectators
that are always at this spot. I can see the imaginary finish arch at
the top. My dream is coming true! (Mile 25:
8:20)
26
My legs are empty, I'm vanquished. Time is 9:49, 11 min to go. I
let myself coast down Palani Dr. Another cup of water. Crowd's
cheers getting louder. Whit Raymond shouts my name. Now a flat
section.. whoa! The legs feel like cement!
Robin is right there taking a picture.
Never a Sure Thing
I have enough time to make it, but I also know anything could happen.
I could cramp. A knee could go out. I've seen Paula Newby-Fraser
collapse in this last 1/2 mi. Chris Leigh collapsed & never finished
with 200yds to go. Peter Reid gave up in this section. I make
the final turn onto
Alii Dr!
There's John, Steph & Bobby. There's Dave Easa's girlfriend, Kerri.
But not until I hit the 26mi mark at 9:55:45, am I sure that it's going to
happen... my dream of breaking 10hrs at the Hawaii Ironman is going to come
true... through 7 years of injuries, set-backs, & pressure to quit... I
wouldn't change any of it... it all makes this moment more special for me.
(Tony has finished 11 min ahead of me, Arthur 7 min ahead, compared to 22
min at Ralph's in April. I have just passed Brian! I'm just
1-1/2 min ahead of Patrick)
The Finish
I see the grand World Championship finish
line. The last 100m are carpeted. I'm so tired, the softness
makes it hard to run. But I'm carried along by the excitement of
seeing 9-something at the end of
Alii Dr,
a sight I've only pictured visualizing the perfect race. A race I knew
could only happen with Christ at the center.
Wow,
Robin was a
Huge
Help
during
the run.. THANK YOU!
In the
past I've slowed across the finish, appreciative for being able to complete
the world's most famous Ironman & glad to be done with the ordeal.
This time I race across,
jumping very high.. ok, not very high, with excitement.
(Mile 26: 6:45) (Run
Time:
3:30:02 - 61st fastest in age. Final
Time:
9:57:17. Overall: 233rd. Age: 62nd out of 226.
USA
Age: 15th out of 82)
The body seems to know it's over. My legs don't want to carry me
anymore. 2 volunteers support me & help me onto the massage table.
Reflecting
I close my eyes. Smiling. I've
looked forward to this moment of lying down. I knew it would come, but
my mind often told me it was impossible. God could make it possible.
I knew the first thing I would do is thank my wife & tell her we did it.
We persevered. Some thought, & it was only fair that they did, that
training for an Ironman would be stressful on our new marriage. Let
alone trying to break 10 & Robin trying for her first Ironman. Yes, we
knew it could be tough. We planned it out: Robin's half Ironman
qualifier for Ironman
Canada,
my Half Ironman qualifier for Ironman
Hawaii;
Robin's preparatory marathon, my preparatory marathon; Robin's Ironman, & my
Ironman. All with tough goals. And then we made it harder by
committing to staying positive, smiling, and without complaint through even
bad races; and to share our hope in Christ at each event through example or
by arranging an Iron Prayer service beforehand. We made "Team Soares"
focused on "Pressing Onward". We knew if our #1 priority was
getting closer to God, and #2 was encouraging others, that our race
plans, farther down the list, could not bring us down or hurt our marriage.
Now, reflecting back, we see how our marriage & our trust in God to get us
through anything is stronger than ever. We've learned that
being disappointed in a race, or a workout, or a relationship is a choice we
make. Our worth is founded in Christ so we can never be disappointed.
Plans Don't Always Succeed
In 2000 I prayed about meeting these time goals at Hawaii and tried harder
than ever... but none were met. In 2001 I did only shorter Olympic
distance triathlons to give God my extra time at church with the kids... but
instead of having my best performances ever, I crashed, got disqualified, &
flatted in my first 3 races. In 2002, I prayed & received confirmation
about attempting Hawaii Ironman again and all was going great…. then I
crashed & broke my ankle requiring 2 surgeries and much rehab. But I
wasn't frustrated. Those around me saw that I gained more faith in God
and became happier each year. Indeed, each year was the best year of
my life! Robin & I were married in 2002!
Ironman
is Over.
The goal accomplished. I'm tempted to forget about God a little since
the challenge is past. But I must remember that any day could be my
biggest challenge yet…. making Ironman seem puny! Life, marriage may
actually be the big challenge we are to focus on. I'm reminded of this
when I think of certain sports heroes of mine. Lance Armstrong, for
instance, amazed me with his determination & success at taking on the
world's toughest challenges; cancer & the Tour de France. But I wonder
why he did not continue to use that "Never Quit" attitude during the
challenge of his own marriage? Maybe after the Tour was over, his
"Never Quit" focus eased up & marriage challenges got the best of him.
I want to be ready for these not-so-apparent contests that are Ironmans in
disguise. I will try to rely on God constantly, as if every day is a new
Ironman.
Ironman #2
2 days
later, trying to go home, we missed our flight home. It was very
confusing at the airport and the staff was short-handed & frustrated. For 4
hours we tried to get on other flights, or at least tried to get Robin on a
flight since she had students to teach the next morning. We kept our
hopes up but the possibilities faded until the last plane left. It was
critical that Robin get to her class by 7am, & now it's 5pm with 2800 miles
of ocean blocking our way. We continued to pray & have hope until the
supervisor said, "I got it! There's a plane leaving from the other
side of the island at
7:45pm!".
Ironman #2 had just started: race 150 miles, with transitions,
in 2-1/2 hrs. Robin ran to make rental car arrangements while I
confirmed the airline. We both ran (yes, even with terribly sore
legs..), meeting at the bus at the same time, & took the shuttle to our
rental. We asked about the shortcut over the mountains. The driver
sternly warned against it, "Even the locals don't take Saddle Rd. If
you get into any trouble up there, you're outa luck!" We whizzed
through the paperwork & jumped into our car… make that a minivan! Oh
no, treacherous mtn roads in a minivan! I was hoping for a
tight-cornering sports car. I love how God makes the stories so much
better. Rally Car
So we're flying down the highway, learning the map of the rest of the island
for the first time, & find the road no one wants us to take. It's
narrow, winding, & climbs up thousands of feet. Then the clouds turn
dark, the sun sets, the wind picks up, & the fog settles in. It's a
scary ride. No businesses, no guard rails, & not much visibility.
At times we doubt, we lose hope, we fear, we get mad. This is truly a
difficult test. But we feel this is a test of faith from God again, so
we trust and remain positive. We start descending into Hilo. But
then get stuck behind a car. For 10mi I fight the frustration &
continue having hope, even though the slow car is hurting our chances of
getting home. Now we weave through town, carefully following the map
to the airport. Robin runs to the desk. I return the van.
We run to the gate. Security stops us & searches everything including
our clothes and pockets. I have to agree that 2 people running through
an empty airport to catch the last plane is suspicious. But all is
good. We bolt for the gate and hear "3 minutes until doors close"
as we hand our passes to the attendant. We made it! Just as
close as Saturday's Ironman , and just as taxing to our faith & attitudes.
See, along the way, we also lost our expensive camera, forgot our cell phone
at the rental desk, and left Robin's wallet somewhere. But we made it
home! And within weeks, all the missing items were sent home to us.
Thank you, Lord! We are even more prepared now for the next challenge
to come our way. Bring it on! He is with us all.
God
Bless
Troy
Soares & Robin Soares
"Team
Soares... Press On"
