Around the beginning of October, 2007, I came to the conclusion that my body had enough of triathlons. All because I raced the Ironman World Championships w/ an undiagnosed muscular injury in my right hip that left me on crutches after the race and the inability to bear weight on my leg for almost 2 months. I've had many MRI's, x-rays and doctor visits over the past 5 years and thankfully no stress fractures in my lifetime (or broken bones) but a lot of wasted time and money that came from a poor decision that showed that I did not respect my body.
The pain I went through to finish the race is something that I never want to relive again. It was a hard decision to compete in the race and a big part of me wishes that I could have a do-over moment to approach the situation differently. With a flawless season leading up to my first Ironman (IMFL 2006), I figured if it worked the first time around, I don't need to change anything but instead, do more to be more competitive.
A lesson learned the hard way.
I guess at the age of 24, when you win your age group at your first Ironman by 50 minutes and nearly break 11 hours, life seems perfect.
Over the past 5 years I have had a chronic lingering injury that constantly reminds me of my inability to address my weaknesses and to learn from my mistakes. To make matters worse, despite finishing 2 more Ironman's and several running races and triathlons since then, my body gave me one more wake up call in Feb 2011, just 8 months before I was to head on a plane for Hawaii, for my 5th Ironman, the Ironman World Championships. Three months of absolutely no running, thanks to a body that could not manage training, a dietetic internship and lots of stress.
I am reflecting on all of this because I have learned a lot in my racing career as a triathlete. At the young age of 30, I have put my body through a lot and I want to ensure 50+ more years of crossing finishing line. I love having goals and having my only limiter in a race, be my mind. I hate being in pain and wasting my days on earth when I am injured, thinking to myself "if only I would have....."
This year there was not one "would have".
There were also no: I shouldn't, this is bad/not good, oops or this sucks.
This was the year of training smarter to train harder. I picked my races very carefully so that I could taper and recover properly in order to race strong and keep my body healthy for consistent training. I did not take chances with my training, if it didn't feel right, I didn't do it. And because of all this, I trained super hard but knew that with the right structure and emphasis on recovery, I could handle it.
This was the year to show Karel that I can race stronger, smarter and faster than the athlete who was neive at 24, who thought that training for endurance races meant lots of weekly miles and that triathlons was my life, the only reason why I was put on this earth.
This was the year to show others that quality training works when you dedicate your energy to other areas in your life (daily diet, sleep, sport nutrition, stretching, massage, strength training, recovery methods, positive attitude, mental strength) besides just focusing on the miles.
This was the year to give my body a break from the Ironman distance and to focus on my weaknesses and build off my strengths. Above all, I wanted to prove to myself that I can balance triathlons with life and find success, positivity and life lessons after every training session and after every race.
This was a great year. Thanks Body. It wasn't easy and it required a lot of patience, time and trust but I really enjoyed the journey.
2013 Ironman Lake Placid.
I can't wait until next year.
Personal Best Times and accomplishments:
5K: Spa Me 5K, St. Johns County, FL 19:52 (2012) - Overall female winner
10K: Rotary 10K, Trinity, FL 40.09 (2011), Overall female winner
15K: Gate River Run, Jacksonville, FL 1:05.2 (2010)
Half marathon: Subaru Half, Jacksonville, FL 1:31.51 (2011)
Half marathon: Iron Girl Clearwater 1:33.25 (2012) - Overall winner
Marathon: Miami Marathon, Miami, FL 3:38.28 (2005)*, first marathon
Olympic Distance: Jacksonville Tri Series #3, Fernandina Beach, FL 2:15.21 (2012)
Half Ironman: Rock n' Rollman Macon, GA 5:04.56 (2010)
Half Ironman: Branson 70.3: 5:19.02 (2012)***, Overall amateur female winner, age group course record.
Ironman #1 (IMFL): 11:00.47 (2006) **, 1st age group, first Ironman
Ironman #2 (Ironman World Championships): 12.26.58 (2007)
Ironman #3 (IMKY): 10:54.45 (2009), 7th age group
Ironman #4 (Wisconsin): 10:57.53 (2010)**, 4th age group
Ironman #5 (Ironman World Championships): 11:02.14 (2011)
5K: Spa Me 5K, St. Johns County, FL 19:52 (2012) - Overall female winner
10K: Rotary 10K, Trinity, FL 40.09 (2011), Overall female winner
15K: Gate River Run, Jacksonville, FL 1:05.2 (2010)
Half marathon: Subaru Half, Jacksonville, FL 1:31.51 (2011)
Half marathon: Iron Girl Clearwater 1:33.25 (2012) - Overall winner
Marathon: Miami Marathon, Miami, FL 3:38.28 (2005)*, first marathon
Olympic Distance: Jacksonville Tri Series #3, Fernandina Beach, FL 2:15.21 (2012)
Half Ironman: Rock n' Rollman Macon, GA 5:04.56 (2010)
Half Ironman: Branson 70.3: 5:19.02 (2012)***, Overall amateur female winner, age group course record.
Ironman #1 (IMFL): 11:00.47 (2006) **, 1st age group, first Ironman
Ironman #2 (Ironman World Championships): 12.26.58 (2007)
Ironman #3 (IMKY): 10:54.45 (2009), 7th age group
Ironman #4 (Wisconsin): 10:57.53 (2010)**, 4th age group
Ironman #5 (Ironman World Championships): 11:02.14 (2011)
2011-2012 Race Results10/11 Ironman World Championships, Kona Hawaii – 11:02.14
Race Report
Race Report
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| Lessons learned: Do not swallow ocean water, keep your mouth closed. Get to the outside of a mass swim start. Prepare your mind for the "what if" moments, don't go out too hard on the bike, IM medals aren't just given away, you earn it. |
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| Lessons learned: 10Ks hurt really, especially around mile 4, you can use your fitness from recovering from a long distance race and not worry about training in the 3 weeks after an IM, a 10K race is a great accomplishment, especially if at one time you would give anything to run 1 mile. |
11/11: Subaru Half Marathon – 1:31.51 – 4th 25-29 age group PRRace Report
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| Lessons learned: hold back the first 3 miles and don't go out too fast, don't overlook the importance of consistent fuel in a long distance running race, race warm-ups are essential, local races are a lot of fun, Karel is not normal |
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| Lessons learned: make sure your gel flask is closed at all times, be grateful for every finish and run for those who can't, to avoid making excuses or complaining about race day conditions, race alone, your worst day may be someone's best day |
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| Lessonds learned: it's good to step outside the comfort zone, don't race an olympic tri w/ the same power as an Ironman, always warm upbefore a triathlon, no matter how many times you set up a transition area, it takes so long and you always feel like you forget something |
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| Lessons learned: the mind can be stronger than the body, running behind the lead vehicle doesn't make the effort any easier, being chased is scary, crossing the line in first doesn't hit you until the pain goes away, running races take the body a while to recover from compared to triathlons |
5/12 Spa Me 5K - 19:52, 1st overall female, 4th overall
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| Lessons learned: 5Ks hurt, you don't need to "train" after a race, for short distance races be sure to stretch more, speed work pays off with endurance training, do a long warm-up for a running race 5/12: Coliseum Rock n’ Rollman – 5:08, 5th overall female, 4thElite female Race Report |
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| Lessons learned: no matter how many times you do a course it never gets easier, it's not about the race times but what happens within a race, never stop working on your mental strength, speed work helps w/ endurance training, cold water on your head while running is the best feeling in the world, it's so much fun to have friends cheering for you on a course |
8/12: Jax Tri Series #3: 2:15.21- 1st 30-34 age group, 4th overall female PR
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| Lessons learned: Training w/ someone faster than you makes you push harder,running strong off the bike is a great feeling but it still hurts around mile 4, don't be afraid to take risks when racing, Karel is not normal |
8/12: Hammerhead 2.5 mile Open water swim - 1:13 - 1st age group 30-34
Lessons learned: put a lot of bag blam on your neck or you will hurt BAD after a race w/ a speed suit/wetsuit, 2.5 miles in the ocean is a long way to go, every experience gives you confidence
9/12: Branson 70.3: 5:19.02- 1st overall amateur female, 1st 30-34 age group, course record
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| Lessons learned: the mind and body can be trained to be strong, racing a half ironman comes down to the run, hold back on the bike, stay positive, mantra's work, fuel consistently, recovering two weeks before a race makes the body feel "off" but it works, massage on the Tues before a race is a blessing, don't be afraid to step outside the comfort zone, hard work pays off, Annie Anne's Pretzels taste great after a half ironman, dreams do come true |