For the WIN!

2015 has been a physically challenging year and an emotional roller coaster. I don't think I expected the ups and downs that come with training for an IM. But the high that I experience at Augusta, I still feel 2.5 weeks later.

It Feels A Little Like This

Augusta 2014 was a great race for me. It was my first ever 70.3 and I got to cross the finish line with both my parents (they are my biggest fans). But prior to the race I struggled with some minor health issues that I felt set me back and initially defeated me. Still, I pushed through to finish the race and became even more determined to return. Back in November, I made the decision to run a IronMan race and registered for the race ready package that included IMFL and Augusta 70.3 six weeks prior. Although IMFL is the longest race and requires the most work, Augusta was my 'A' race; and I wanted some course revenge.

Over the past few weeks, I've experience those ups and downs, I've gotten up far too early too many days a week, I've put in the miles, I've not stop eaten food, I've toned up everywhere, and I've really found a deeper routed passion for the sport. Yes, I have those days where sleep seems to be the only thing I want to do, but I also have so many great workouts and accomplishments that they seem to be the part I remember.

Heading up to Augusta I was all butterflies. I was focused and driven, but scared and anxious. I knew that once I arrived, I'd be greeted by my parents yet again, and even cooler, my uncle decided to join us for the race.

We arrived the Friday before the Sunday race: got banded, swam the swim course, and ate dinner - easy night to keep the butterflies at bay.

Getting Banded Together.

Bike Check Day.

Pre-race beer with the cutest athlete to calm our nerves.

Morning of the race and we are all smiles (except mom, she felt awful and had to sit this one out). I felt like I actually got a little sleep that night. I think the beer helped. So, when the alarm went off, I was up and ready to get things going. Of course, it takes a bit of time to get through all the waves, which gave my dad, uncle, and I plenty of time for a pre-race cry fest. I don't know what kind of screwed up gene I got from them, but it became apparent that my happy cry was indeed genetic.

I spent a lot of preparation time on my transitions and moving from the swim to T1, so I love that you can tell I'm running out of the water here.

When we swam the course the Friday prior, it was obvious that the flow of the water was far less than the prior year, so I wasn't expecting a faster swim time, but when I got out of the water and saw that I did indeed swim faster, I was ecstatic. With a solid 37:38 on the swim, I was in line with the goals I set for myself.

The weather was perfect for a nice 56 mile ride. It was high 70's, overcast, and mild mist the entire ride. I definitely felt way more comfortable out there this year and felt like I was cruising along. But when I crossed the 50 mile mark, I noticed I was 14 minute behind schedule and that really fueled my fire. Somehow, I powered through the last 6 miles and made it through T2 and was then only 3 minutes behind where I wanted to be.

On to the run and I was feeling good and cruising along. I was surprised by my first 5 K and the pace I was keeping. In fact, in the first 3 miles, I had already made up those 3 minutes, so I just focused on having fun and keeping that pace steady. Here I am trying to catch my 'in the air' run pose. Not perfect, but I was doing what I set out to do...have fun.

Crazed run look. Just missed that jump. This is about half way through the run and I was already calculating that I could indeed have a PR and smash my 6:30 goal.

Before I turned the corner to the finish, I saw my father and Josh (who both had already finished and PR'd the race) and I just couldn't hold back the tears. They of course thought I was injured, but I made sure they knew I was well on my way to a really great PR. And then the tears couldn't stop, they kept flowing and the ugly cry came out.

Still crying coming down the chute.

There is nothing more exciting than seeing a year of dedication paying off. In one year of training I cut my finish time by 1 hour and 2 minutes. Hard work pays off!

Post-race photo with the cutest athlete.

A 6:22 finish time. I long doubted that I could ever break 6:30. Thanks Justin Bieber for believing in me. ‪#‎NeverSayNever‬. I'm so grateful for the support and encouragement of my friends and family. It truly has been an awesome journey...and I'm not done. And did I mention the Josh, dad, and my uncle all had PRs too. FOR THE WIN!