Ironman 70.3 2011 Camsur – My Greatest Physical Achievement To Date
Triathlon is a life changing sport. For most people, finishing one is the ultimate dream… for others, its a chance get out there and live a new and fitter life. Here’s a story of a “almost” 40 year old Camsur virgin. This email was sent to me a couple of weeks after the 2011 Ironman 70.3 Philippines. Read on as we see the story of a mom who did the the 21k run relay. At senders request, her name was striked out.
Dear swimbikerun Admin,
Just wanted to share my experience in Ironman 70.3 in Camsur this year, please read below. I know you have an “experience story” contest, but I really just wanted to share. If you do think that my story is a good one to post, may I request that you DO NOT USE my name and I remain anonymous and it’s okay if I don’t win your prize. I just wanted an outlet to share this experience as it was one of the most fulfilling I have had to date. Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
*****
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Here’s her story.
I just read your rating of the Ironman 70.3 2011 that just happened in CamSur. I agree, it was a pretty well organized race. Being a “virgin” in these types of events I felt the adrenaline all through out the weekend and even after. I am actually still “high” from the race.
I am a mom turning 40 in a few weeks. I had a child in my late 30’s. I retired early from corporate life to be a stay-at-home mom. It was the most difficult thing I had done, as I have been a corporate girl right out of college.
I never ran (even as a kid) and was a sporadic exerciser. I danced but stopped a while back. I just decided to join the gym because I was getting depressed being at home. I turned to running one day because after my first 30 minute run – I finally understood what they meant by the “Runner’s High” – this was only 10 months ago!
I joined my first 5K in October 2010. I did my first 10K this February 2011. I got a running coach to help me improve my technique and going to the gym helped me with my endurance. I am a solo runner so I don’t join a lot of races. I was inspired by friends and family, who have turned to tri-sport, as their release. I as well got hooked.
I joined the 2011 Ironman 70,3 in Camsur as a goal before I turned 40! Being in the corporate world disciplined me to achieve targets. Now that I don’t work, I found a way to do it through physical means! I asked my cousin (a former competitive swimmer turned asthmatic) and my sister in law (a non-practicing/training tri-athlete) to join me in the Relay Event this year – and luckily for me, they agreed.
My ultimate goal was to finish 21K in one the most prestigious races in the world and I am proud to say that I did it! My team and I did it! There was no better way to finish my first 21K but there. We were not first but we finished within the time allowed, and for that I will always be proud of this achievement.
I cried when I crossed the finish line because I remember how it felt to get something done and feel good about it. It is my greatest physical achievement to date (well, next to giving birth). I am bruised, burned BUT NOT broken. It was a challenging course but the experience is something I will never trade for the world!
Congratulations to our email sender! You just won for yourself a limited edition SWIMBIKERUN.ph shirt! Please contact [email protected] as to how you can claim your prize
Cool!