Do you really want a full, boring blow-by-blow race report? I don't think so and I don't feel like writing one. I refer to you Trifathlete's write up about the race report template and you can fill in the blanks.
I took these pics from PinkGuruGal's site because I think I lost my digital camera this weekend. It's probably in my freezer. I have no idea what we're doing here - it looks vaguely suggestive. I'm not sure what my leg is doing.
Some reflective thoughts: It was my first half-Iron and yesterday I was too tired to take in the enormity of it. I did not mention it much prior because I feared that maybe I wouldn't finish? I am quite amazed at myself considering that 6 months ago I could not run for more than 1 minute at a time or swim for more than 25 meters.
This was actually difficult for me; it was the hardest thing that I've ever done physically. Although to paraphrase JFK: "we choose to do things... not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept." It was about the space program, but pretty fitting for this sport.
I know I harp on the mental aspect of this, but for the first time, I really had do it myself. Honestly, I never had that much difficulty in the previous races, even the Olympic distance. During the swim, I stopped myself from thinking that this was only the first third; then during the bike I had to stop myself from thinking that I had to run afterwards; and during the run, well I just had to think about one mile at a time, then 1 step at a time. At mile 6, I said out loud "I can do this." Then at mile 9, I said "fuck! I'm only at mile 9!" Then at mile 10, I think I started getting delirious. I started thinking about Chappaquiddick for some odd reason. Isn't it odd that I was thinking about that, then quoted JFK above? Maybe because Liam was at the race and he's from Boston and the whole Kennedy-Boston connection...this is how analysts think. Okay, I digress.
Quitting was never an option that entered my mind.
Anthony was very sweet and came and rode his bike the last mile with me while I ran. Well, it wasn't his bike -it was Natalie's pink Orbea Diva. So it was pretty funny to see him on that. (Not that a guy can't have a pink bike; I mean, I'm sure it's a sign of how sure he was in his masculinity...I'm not so sure about a guy on a bike called "Diva" though.)
Tri-commune stuck around and cheered me on at the finish. That was really the best feeling in the world.
My final time was 7:07:32. I think I came in last in my age group - so what? because I finished! I came in 240 in a race of 266 finishers, but I finished! It would not have mattered if I came in very last, because you know what - I finished!
It's very important that your hat looks good .
If you were thinking of me that day, thanks. I was feeling some vibes from across the country.
Some random thoughts (and b/c I love to make lists):
1. Mizuno sports bras work really well.
2. If you paint your toenails a pretty color, you feel faster. Mine were blue to match my Sugar trisuit.
3. I got some Gu on my Guru.
4. I learned from this race that there are people who help strip you out of your wetsuit.
5. Texas is beautiful in October.
6. When men pass you on the bike, at least you can look at their asses.
7. However, it's still fun to pass men, especially a 32 year old, going uphill, no less. hehe
8. Holy shit, my legs look good.
9. I did say at the end "Can I go again?" It was fun.
10. A 65 year old woman finished in 5:44. Age is irrelevant.
11. People look ridiculous in wetsuits.
12. "Gu on My Guru" would be a good name for a porno, don't you think?
Once again...you are my hero AND you kicked ASS!!!
Posted by: Paulette | October 30, 2007 at 09:47 AM
You've come a very long way in six short months!!!
Congratulations!
Posted by: Wendy | October 30, 2007 at 11:48 AM
6 months to a half ironman? WOW! That's amazing! Seriously. Congratulations!
Posted by: Heather | October 30, 2007 at 03:44 PM
"Age is irrelevant" That is so true.
"Can I go again?" Classic!
"When men pass you on the bike, at least you can look at their asses." This should be a lesson to women every where, it's okay to admit that you do it. :)
Whats next?
Posted by: blink140.6 | October 30, 2007 at 05:56 PM
Congratulations on your first ironman! You did great!
Posted by: Geek Girl | October 30, 2007 at 07:35 PM
PS: What ARE you doing in that photo??
Posted by: Geek Girl | October 30, 2007 at 07:36 PM
dddddaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
Posted by: william | October 30, 2007 at 07:37 PM
jane, that was a lot of fun. let's do it time's two in july! oh and i have your mug and medal at my house! :)
Posted by: chau | October 30, 2007 at 07:39 PM
Way to go Jane! Freakin' great! Yes! Er, can I star in the movie with you? (see # 12). :-)
Posted by: Duane | October 31, 2007 at 05:17 AM
See, this is why I've never known how come some guys get so bent if a chick passes them on the bike. Just hang back there just outside the draft zone and enjoy it, stupid. Bike shorts rock.
Posted by: Greyhound | October 31, 2007 at 06:27 AM
Totally awesome! You are on the fast track to IM and kicking some serious booty!
PS - though I don't know if I can be your tri twin anymore ( a half is way in my dreams), I do have matching knee scars like you. I love wearing mini skirts with no hose - makes me look like a bad ass.
Posted by: Phoenix | October 31, 2007 at 12:58 PM
AWESOME!
Posted by: DMac | November 01, 2007 at 06:48 AM
I know it's a week late, but congrats on the big race! I'm so proud of you and I'm totally using the JFK quote in my blog. It's perfect!
Posted by: Lisa | November 08, 2007 at 01:23 PM