IMAZ Race report - Ellen Charnley
Eight months ago, I underwent open heart surgery. I was a dream of mine to get to the starting line of IMAZ this year, let alone the finish line. I had signed up like everyone else in Nov 2009 and certainly didn't expect to be on the operating table in March 2010. I had basically given up all hopes of competing this year so wrote to WTC to ask for a medical deferral. Being the kind soles that they are they replied "no medical deferrals" ! So even though it was a slim chance that I could get ready in time, I never really gave up hope. By September 2010, my cardiologist agreed to me competing, provided that I took it easy and didn't let my heart rate go above 160 at all in training or racing.
So Nov 21st - there I was on the starting line, almost over come with emotion before the race even started!
Swim: 1.03
I'm a swimmer, always have been so I was comfortable with lining up at the front (second row back) and just right of middle (thanks to Al Truscott's advice). Cannon fired and off we went. After jostling for position I settled down and got into a steady pace. Many folk sped past me. On the back straight I started to turn it on and slowly started picking them off one by one until before I knew it there were the steps. Job done, happy with result.
Bike: 6.27
Wind - yes we have all talked about it. I COULD have ridden much faster but I knew better than to do that. Each loop was the same split for me so pretty happy with my pacing. I had to stop 4 times for bathroom breaks - clearly didn't calculate in the fact that I wasn't sweating as much as I usually do. Sand storm got me at mile 90 and moved me two feet across the road and covered me in sand - nice! Was a tough bike but got off the bike feeling relatively ok and like I could run a marathon - so pleased all in all.
Run: 4.57
I've never run longer than 20 miles ever ever, so this was a new challenge for me. Started at a 10.30 pace and felt great (had some stomach issues for pretty much the entire way and had to stop another 4 times for bathroom breaks - won't go into them in detail but lets just say being a woman can suck sometimes!! Other than these stops, I walked my 30 paces at the aid stations but otherwise kept jogging along. My pace slowed but I never stopped, started to even over take some people on the last five miles. Hearing the crowds and seeing the lights on the other side of the lake at mile 24 was awesome. I couldn' t believe I still had to run up over the bridge and down the other side but I did. When I crossed the line and heard my name, yes I had tears....
Overall time : 12.37 - very happy.
I've written a book and it will be coming out in the spring so I hope all you ENers save a few pennies and buy a copy...
Comments
Ellen
Wow
The rest of us are in ... awe. But Ironman seems to bring that out in people - climbing up to a place you couldn't even imagine 8 months earlier.
Between you and Jordan Rapp, I've now got two 8 month wonders showing me the way to my comeback next June. I'm so glad I got a chance to meet you (and your doggie!) down in Tempe. And for sure, let us know when and where we can read more about this.
outstanding! dominant swim, then even split per lap bike(!), then a consistent first ever marathon!
congratulations on your recovery from major surgery and on an awesome race.
GH
Very happy to be a member of EN!
Hi Patrick....not sure what PM means ....sorry to be so stupid! I tried emailing you but not sure I had the correct email address.....?
PM = Personal message. Send him a message thru the message center here on the EN site.