Ironman Coeur d’Alene 2021

For me- I’ll start by saying it ended well. I podiumed with 2nd in my age group and earned a spot to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Kona. I’m so beyond thrilled.

To say it was a surprise is an understatement. I had so many things go wrong.

 

As I was lined up for the start I jumped in for a quick warm-up. The goggles I’ve been using all year leaked profusely. I tried at least 10 times- different positions, different tightnesses- and all bad. I flipped and thought my day was over. A volunteer at the starting mat had a box of goggles and I grabbed a random pair- something no one would ever do. By some miracle, they got me through.

 

 

The course, with that heat, so tough. My hydration unit broke at mile 85. My chain dropped. I bonked and sat on the bed of a truck for almost 20 minutes at mile 90 trying to stop the cramps and collect myself. As soon as 

I started I had to stop again because my hands and quads kept seizing. The last 22 miles in were very cautious because I just had to finish.

 

Both transition times were terrible. I made dumb mistakes.

 

Started slow…because why push myself at that point; my “race” was over and I was in “finish” mode. Then I went into Nancy autopilot and ran the marathon portion in 3:51. I’m still not sure how.

 

That old adage of never, ever give up is so very true. I’ve missed out on Kona a few times after having good races. In this case, I think I got it by gutting through a bad race.

 

I’m so very thankful to have an awesome support crew here with me (Chip, Natasha, Ben) and at home (Stuart Coaching and Team Stellafly). I’ve been blown away by the encouragement and cheer I’ve received, and I plan to carry that through with me to compete finally on the Big Island in October.