Every trip to Kona is special and this year was no exception. The big difference was lining up with the pros. A more subtle difference was getting to race with my friend Betty, who had been my original inspiration to do an Ironman back in 2009.
Betty at pre-race registration. We play paparazzi for each other!
I’ll have a full race recap posted soon, but in the meantime, here are a few highlights!
1. I won the swim!
As Herbert pointed out in my Slowtwitch interview, it’s ok to celebrate the small victories! The swim was a little crazy with what felt like the entire women’s pro field hanging right on my feet.
I knew they were there, but I felt good and confident with my pace, so I just tried to keep the train chugging along! The tight group made for an interesting T1 and crowded first few miles of the bike, and getting to be a part of that definitely got me thinking about future race strategies. But for now, I will just enjoy knowing I led the women’s race at the Ironman World Championship for more than 53 minutes!
2. The Cheers!
I was seriously overwhelmed by the on-course support this year. The GREEN Dynamo shirts were EVERYWHERE. Not to mention Coach Matthew sharing some words of wisdom on the run course that seemed to magically make my legs start working again. (How do good coaches always know just what to say?!) Hillary and her most fashionably dressed SMASH crew were all over the course and I even a few cheers from Ironman CEO, Andrew Messick! (He knew my name?! What?!?!) The “Go Haley” cheers coupled with some seriously powerful vibes coming from the mainland got me across the finish line. Thank you to everyone who cheered, tweeted, facebooked, texted, and called. Hopefully I get the opportunity to thank you in person because you mean SO much to me!
3. I Finished!
Finishing is never something to be taken for granted in Ironman. There’s a lot that can go wrong in a 10 hour race day, and while last Saturday definitely had it’s down moments, it ended with me running down Ali’i Drive, high fiving, and crossing the greatest finish line in sports for the fifth time. And for that experience, I am extremely grateful. Madam Pele never fails to teach me a lesson, and you can be sure I’ll be using the knowledge I picked up on this year’s journey when I return! Mahalo and Aloha Hawaii!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I saw you win the swim on the webcast and cheered. I’m sure you heard me!
Seriously, how awesome is that, less than a year as a pro and you WIN the swim at Kona!
Thanks so much Victoria! I could DEFINITELY hear you!
You ROCK! An amazing swim and a great race overall – well done! Can’t wait to read the full race recap.
There was definitely a fist pump and a loud cheer from my trainer as you lead the ladies out of the water. How cool is it to see your name with an American flag at the top of that list?! Congratulations on a making it to Kona your first year as a pro triathlete and rounding out a spectacular season!!
Thanks Cathleen! It is a little surreal!! Representing my country?!? What??! Thanks for all the support and can’t wait to see you in 2014!!!!
Terrific race – I’ve got the DVR set for Nov 16 on NBC so I can hear Al Trautwig tell us who was first out of the water!
Thanks Ryan!! Fingers crossed on the TV time!!! If it happens, my old boss owes me lunch!!