IronWoman

Signing off as guest blogger

mghazimo — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 04:24:53 +0000

I wanted to sign off as guest blogger for now (thanks Sara!), but not before acknowledging a few things about the sport. Last night as I blogged Sara’s finish, I was a little too dazed to do so properly.

Triathlon is an intruiguing sport – to many who don’t compete, the idea of a spring seems difficult; and Ironman seems impossible. Crazy, even. “Wait, she’s swimming how far? Biking… 112 miles? And then a MARATHON??? All in the same day?”

Yes.

I clearly remember the first time Sara mentioned she was considering doing IMLP in 2008. Though I’m not a triathlete, somehow the idea didn’t seem far fetched. Maybe it was what I know about Sara’s own drive that made me feel that way, and before long I could see just how seamlessly her training fit into her life. The commitment a triathlete puts towards every aspect of their life is impressive to me. You have to train properly to avoid injury and to prepare, while at the same time balancing that with other aspects of your life that may not be tied to tris.

What you are all capable of is inspiring and incredible. I know the months that go towards training, and the intense dedication you all exhibit. When I think of Sara racing, I can still see the big smile on her face each time she came through town in 2008′s IMLP. That genuine commitment and love for the sport is even more clear when you see how many Ironman finishers sign on for other Ironman races. Ultimately, I’m trying to express what a humbling experience it is to be part of this sport, even as a supporter. You all make it look effortless, and fun.

Signing off here now. Again, congratulations to Sara and all the other Ironman competitors and finishers from IM Canada! I look forward to hearing and reading Sara’s account of race day!

DONE!!!

mghazimo — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 04:40:10 +0000

Congratulations, Sara, you are a TRIronman!!!

Final time for the finish 14:02:00 (I forgot to mention this last night when I initially posted). Awesome!!!!!

Many thanks again to her parents who were updating live as I was from a distance. Congratulations to Sara and all the other Ironman athletes today!

13.1 down, 13.1 to go!

mghazimo — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 02:03:40 +0000

Sara is in the homestretch now! About 20 minutes ago she passed the midway mark on the marathon run at 2:52:18. Go Sara go!!!

Bike Sum Up

mghazimo — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 23:05:18 +0000

The weather may be a bit tricky out there. When I checked the temperature in Penticton a few hours ago it was in the high 70s (the high was forecasted for 93). A few hours later, it read 82 degrees. Not ideal weather for IM!

At last post, the weather currently in Penticton was 84.

I hope all the athletes are staying well hydrated and strong!

Back to the bike – she’s now completed the bike portion and is already well on her way running! Her time for the 69.5mi of the remainder of the bike course was 4:37:03 at a pace of 15.05mph. Overall, the bike total is 7:03:11. Making great time!

I’ve also heard from her parents in Penticton who have managed to see her and sent this text: “Just saw Sara transition from bike to run – she is strong”

We’re still cheering over here in NYC!! Wearing my red jersey proudly! Go Sara go!!!
I’ll update everyone again midway thru the run!

Bike, part 1

mghazimo — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 18:26:07 +0000

The first bike split marks 42.5 miles along the route. Sara has finished this portion now, time 2:26:08, pacing 17.45mph.

The next update I’ll have for you all will be at 112 miles, at the end of the bike portion of her IM. 69.5 miles to go for the bike, she’s well on her way!