Giving Shawn the play-by-play immediately after the race. Look, it's still dusk behind us!!!
Running towards friends and family. I dare you to wipe that grin off my face!
After 12 hrs and 16 minutes, Team Carrie-Zona was still smiling too!
With some of the T3 coaches and team members in the Finishing tent. T3 kicked ass and had 3 athletes win their age groups!
With T3 Head Coaches Chrissie and Maurice. They brought me to the big dance and I couldn't be more grateful. Mo blasted a 10:30 and Chrissie placed 4th in her age group with an 11:17! So yeah, I trust 'em.
I'm gathering my thoughts and thanks, but both are too overwhelming to actually articulate at the moment. Needless to say, I couldn't be more ecstatic with the way my day went in the "Arizona Incinerator." I'm definitely a happy camper--literally. I'm now in Sedona with my husband and parents tooling around the state in a 31-ft RV! We stopped off for two nights at the swank L'Auberge Resort and Spa and I had a killer 1 1/2 hour massage this morning. The therapist got a kick out of my racer tan lines, odd chaffing, and chewed up toes!
I've posted a few more pics while I begin to formulate a recap of what turned out to be the perfect day for me. Others didn't fare so well. They announced at the awards that this was the 3rd largest DNF Ironman. About 18% of the people didn't finish. I'm one of the lucky few who did with some gusto and a smile on my face.
I found out that I was 12th out of 87 in my age group and had the 6th fastest marathon of women 30-34. I passed over 600 people on the run according to the results! While that seems a little unrealistic, it truly was a death march for most of the afternoon as the relentless sun blazed down.
Thanks so much for all of the great comments and encouragement! My list of thanks is endless, but it begins and ends with my husband Shawn. This wouldn't have been half the experience it was without him. He made it relaxing, luxurious, gratifying and, oh so much fun. The only race anxiety I had was whether the hot tub would be warm enough when I got home. Seriously, he did everything. Of course, my "Carrie-Zona" crew of Richard, Steph, Thon and Amy who took time out of their crazy lives to spend a weekend supporting me. Their hi-fives, hugs, photos and blog updates were simply awesome. Plus, they kept telling me how awesome I was and everyone needs a little of that in their lives. Of course, I also have to thank my Mom and Dad for being the troopers that they are. Nine months ago, I couldn't explain what an Ironman was to them. How do you fathom this race afterall?!? Two days ago, they witnessed first hand all of the good, the bad and the ugly that goes along with it. Plus, they got to see their daughter achieve a new goal that can only be reached through hard work, hard effort and a lot of heart--all of which I learned from them. So really, I only manifested what they've instilled in me from day one.
More to come (including videos of the finish and a race report), but for now I'm off to do some light hiking in the Red Rocks of Sedona. Yes, I said hiking.
I've posted a few more pics while I begin to formulate a recap of what turned out to be the perfect day for me. Others didn't fare so well. They announced at the awards that this was the 3rd largest DNF Ironman. About 18% of the people didn't finish. I'm one of the lucky few who did with some gusto and a smile on my face.
I found out that I was 12th out of 87 in my age group and had the 6th fastest marathon of women 30-34. I passed over 600 people on the run according to the results! While that seems a little unrealistic, it truly was a death march for most of the afternoon as the relentless sun blazed down.
Thanks so much for all of the great comments and encouragement! My list of thanks is endless, but it begins and ends with my husband Shawn. This wouldn't have been half the experience it was without him. He made it relaxing, luxurious, gratifying and, oh so much fun. The only race anxiety I had was whether the hot tub would be warm enough when I got home. Seriously, he did everything. Of course, my "Carrie-Zona" crew of Richard, Steph, Thon and Amy who took time out of their crazy lives to spend a weekend supporting me. Their hi-fives, hugs, photos and blog updates were simply awesome. Plus, they kept telling me how awesome I was and everyone needs a little of that in their lives. Of course, I also have to thank my Mom and Dad for being the troopers that they are. Nine months ago, I couldn't explain what an Ironman was to them. How do you fathom this race afterall?!? Two days ago, they witnessed first hand all of the good, the bad and the ugly that goes along with it. Plus, they got to see their daughter achieve a new goal that can only be reached through hard work, hard effort and a lot of heart--all of which I learned from them. So really, I only manifested what they've instilled in me from day one.
More to come (including videos of the finish and a race report), but for now I'm off to do some light hiking in the Red Rocks of Sedona. Yes, I said hiking.
After all, I am an Ironman. :-)
12 comments:
Ahhhh I cannot wait for the race report. You chewed that race up! I am so amazed by your time.
I had friends who were racing, so I've heard about the blowdryer conditions on the race course. Your time is amazing standing alone. Add in that it was your first Ironman, AND that the conditions were hellish, and you should be busting your buttons with pride.
You are quite an athlete---and I recall telling you before that you would be fine.
there you are!!!!!! can't wait for more pictures. :-) j
Congrats again Carrie on a TERRIFIC race. Look forward to hearing more. Enjoy your hike, you crazy Ironwoman.
no kidding, girl! you rock! what an awesome marathon!!
Wow...way to go, great race!! You did awesome!!!
Hope you enjoyed some relaxation in Sedona. I'd say you definitely earned it :)
Amazing time!! I was there competing as well and the run (which you slayed), was brutal. I was an hour and a half slower than expected on the run, but heck I finished. This poor Canadian kid was not up for 34 C temperatures!
Um ya. You kicked total butt. Seriously. Wow. Mrs. "I am not great at swimming or biking." Sandbagger!!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!
Great pics... Can't wait to see the rest and the detailed report.
P
carie...that is amazing about the third largest dnf for an ironman and you just rocked that sucker like no one else....congrats....enjoy the downtime and relish an amazing accomplishment....
look forward to the race report
Great photos. Have a great vacation Ironman.
I have been saving your posts until I have had the time to properly read and enjoy them.
Congratulations on a great race. You are one very fast lady!
Post a Comment