I have to be honest. That was kind of miserable. Mixed in with the joy of completing another Ironman was a lot of suffering, pain, doubt, and negotiation with the mind. Lake Placid was a brutal race for me, not because of the challenging course, but because my body was still feeling the effects of previous injuries. Despite not achieving the race I had hoped for, I am incredibly grateful for the experience and still managed to find joy throughout and finish the race with a smile on my face.
The swim portion of the race went relatively smoothly for me. I didn't encounter any major issues, but I was a bit slower than I had anticipated, about 9 minutes off my time from 2 years ago. However, I felt confident that I could make up for lost time later in the race. Transitioning from the swim to the bike went well, and I was able to save some time compared to my performance in the previous year.
Got on the bike and was shivering down the first hill. Was cold for first 30 minutes with the occasional sprinkle. I was trying to hold back the watts knowing the second loop is always harder. About 70 minutes into the bike my hip and back began to hurt. I couldn’t really stay in one position for long before the pain overpowered my will to stay in the best position. Shortly after that, the ball of my right foot began to burn. It just got worse and worse to the point that I took my foot out of shoe a few times while still riding and pedaled with foot out of shoe. I think I bruised the ball of my foot during practice swim on a rock. I was concerned if I couldn’t figure out how to relieve some of the pain, that I wouldn’t be able to run because the pain seemed to just get worse and worse but I focused on staying present with the task at hand. In the meantime, I kept shifting and getting out of saddle to try and stretch the back with minimal short lived relief. I unfortunately was just enduring and trying to get to the next 5 mile block. Despite the absolutely stunning bike course, I couldn’t wait for it to be over. It was a good distraction though from the pain and allowed me to stay present on each pedal stroke.
I stopped at special needs and grabbed 2 extra bottles of nutrition and actually took the time to get off the bike and stretch. This helped my back immensely but the next 28 miles I was pretty miserable with my foot. I was hoping to negative split the bike loop but between the foot and back I just couldn’t push the proper power. So unfortunately the second loop was a little slower and didn’t hit my overall goal. 13 minutes slower than 2 years ago. Considering the course change and that my FTP is still 20 watts less than before getting hit by the car, it really is a win.
I was so happy to get off the bike but running barefoot into transition was painful to say the least. Another quick transition and started the run. First mile is down hill so it felt easy and fast but every step felt like stepping on a piece of hot coal. I was able to maintain my goal pace for the first 7 miles but then my energy level dropped significantly. It was a struggle. I was trying to take in all the calories but nothing was working. It became a slog and survival mode at that point. The pain in my foot never went away but I was able to block it out a few times. The back pain wasn’t as intense on the run for the most part.
Mile 17 I really hit a wall and was very tempted to give up. I was questioning my life choices that brought me here. 🤣 I felt so tired that if I closed my eyes I could fall asleep. The mind chatter was strong trying to convince me to just walk the remaining 9 miles or even better to just DNF. I started negotiating with myself mile by mile, hill to hill. While giving myself permission to quit or walk at the next, then continuing to move forward instead. I didn’t have much of an extra gear anymore but still managed to run 7 minutes faster than 2 years ago. I feel the difference in the run was weather related more than fitness. I was much fitter and without the injuries in 22 but it was hot and humid which sucked the life out of me. We really lucked out on the weather this year. Almost perfect other than the cold start.
Other than the back and foot pain, I really couldn’t ask for a better experience. I found joy in the suffering (at times). I don’t think I have smiled this much in years in a race. The crowd, community, and volunteer support was incredible the entire day. It was a lot of fun to hear the Vegan and/or beard cheers. I had tears in my eyes at the swim start and again the entire last mile of the run. All the pain, suffering and doubt melts away on that red carpet and you come out the other side a new person. Experiences like this make you stronger. Proud of myself for not quitting and kept moving forward! By the next evening, I found myself sick so possibly the lack of energy could be associated with that. Two days after and I’m full blown sick and I rarely get sick.
Life can often throw unexpected challenges our way, testing our resolve in ways we never imagined. For me, the last 2 years have left me grappling with physical and emotional hurdles. Yet, from this adversity, a new journey of resilience, determination, and rediscovered joy began.
My journey from being hit by a car to completing another Ironman taught me that true strength lies not in our ability to avoid setbacks but in our capacity to rise from them. The experiences, both painful and joyous, ultimately shaped me into a stronger, more resilient individual. If there's anything I hope my story conveys, it's that no matter the adversity, finding joy in the journey can turn obstacles into stepping stones towards our greatest achievements.
Thanks for all the kind messages pre race. Appreciate you all and used that energy to finish strong!
