I'm beginning to think that 12 is my lucky number. I've done two full Ironman triathlons and placed 12th in my age group in both of them. With both Ironman Arizona in April, 2008 and Ironman Coeur d'Alene in June, 2009, I was less than 5 minutes away from being in the Top 10...in my age group...in a freakin' Ironman...pretty cool and inconceivable.
I hate to admit it publicly, but it really does have me wondering just what it would take to place in the Top 2 or 3 at a race and qualify for Kona. Of course, a girl can dream and while most women dream of Prince Charming and fancy cars, I've been dreaming a lot lately about that monumental event that still seems unreal, but not totally out of the realm of possibility. I'm a firm believer in the fact that you can achieve anything if you believe and then take the actions to make it happen. The key phrase is "taking action."
In Coeur d'Alene, I was excited and humbled to meet several of my Erin Baker's Tri Teammates who were there from all over the country including Boulder, LA, San Diego, Missoula, Portland and Austin...not a bad mix from the country's fittest cities. We all have varied backgrounds...working Moms, firefighters, students, etc., but we all share a passion for being the best we can be mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Damn, I'm short! But that's what you get when you stand next to Super Humans!
I'm not going to lie, I was so self-conscious standing next to these people and having my photo taken. I literally felt like a "poser." I could hear echos of my former self telling me that I didn't belong and had no business trying to fit in with such an elite group of athletes. Damn--I hate that little voice. But you know what? (from left) Kevin, Julie, Geoff, Tim, and Kerrie were some of the coolest people I've ever met. We scooped samples for people at the EXPO, traded race stories and wished genuine success for each other.
Believe me, success is what happened because THREE of my Erin Baker's Teammates qualified for KONA that day and we all finished in sub 12:30! So yeah, while 12 might be my mark right now, I have no doubt that the coaching, contacts, sponsors and friends I'm making will only make me a better, faster, stronger and more positive athlete. ...Or fatter if I keep eating their granola all day long!!!
Julie, Geoff and Kerrie all qualified for the World Championships in Kona
5 comments:
No need to hide it - you're a cookie-powered stud! You'll crack that top 10 soon enough. Hmm. I wonder if there's an Ironman coming up that might be a little sparser than usual for people focussing on the Kona prize... something hard, perhaps, maybe without a good track record...
The Magic 8 Ball says, "Lots of hill work ahead."
The fortune in the cookie says, "Riding with people faster than you will make you faster."
St. George was remembered for slaying a dragon, what will you go out and slay on your next IM?
You can do it Carrie! Top 10!!!
It has been great watching your transformation to this point. I wouldn't say this to just anybody, but I think you can do whatever you set your mind to. If you want it, I know you can make it happen.
I believe that you can qualify for Kona. I always have. I hope I will be there when you do!
The finishing clock does not lie: you belong with that group.
The picture, however, is sort of like that Sesame Street song: "One of these things is not like the others"
But then, that's why I keep you on my short list of friends. You make me feel long and lanky.
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