As I was deciding on what to write for my first blog of 2018 I found myself reflecting on how amazing 2017 was for my group of Iron Fit Endurance athletes. Sure, I was injured, had to back out of Kona, but my athletes and a fantastic season and I had a blast coaching them, training with them and cheering them on! I was recently asked about the first time I qualified for Kona, How I felt about that. My respsonse was that I didn't fully appreciate it at the time. I was 24, it was my first Ironman and I went in expecting to qualify. This sounds crazy to me now! Qualifying for the big show is something that is special, very difficult and should always be respected and appreciated! Back then I had no idea. That question had me reflecting on my many years in the sport (entering #21!)... I've had some incredible races and fierce competitions like the time I passed the 2nd place girl in my age group in Kona right before the line on Alii Drive...I finished thinking I placed first! I thought I was World Champion in my age group...only to find out I was 2nd, 4th amateur overall. I crack up now, thinking of how I crossed the line with no idea that the actual first place girl beat me by 20 minutes! Then there was the competition in Ironman Florida 2004 when I raced the entire marathon for the first place spot. I was running so hard to be sure I was still in first (with my competitor not far behind) that I crossed the line, arms up in the air and tripped falling flat on my face! Great memories that make me laugh...
What I realize now is that the time goals, while super important to have and to aspire for in your racing, are not what I remember! Same with the places...as a competitor you race for first, or to qualify and that's important of course, but the memories and the people are truly what I remember when I reflect back years later...
So, with that in mind, I decided to reflect back to the people, the fun times, group workouts and comraderie that Iron Fit Endurance expressed this past season!
The Lake Placid Training Camp!
IFE Team Race: Rev 3 Williamsburg!
GROUP WORKOUTS!
More Races!
Ironman Lake Placid: One of my oldest Triathlon Friends, Nadine Pat raced in Iron Fit Endurance colors this year! After 15 years of training and racing together this was such a sweet surprise! It has been a thrill to coach and train with Nadine!
The IFE World Championships!
Fall Racing and Training!
That's just a sample of what 2017 was like...it was incredible!!!
I want to thank EVERYONE that I coach for an incredible season! I am SO fortunate to have such a wonderful group and I can't wait for the 2018 season to start!!!
Happy Training and racing!
Dee