All Aboard
This Chattanooga Choo Choo is headed to the IM World Champs in Kona, HI!
The Journey to Chattanooga: More Than Just a Race
I arrived in Chattanooga Wednesday, beating Hurricane Helene to the punch. She made her entrance Thursday afternoon and decided to overstay her welcome. Due to her impact, the 2.4-mile swim was cancelled - the river was running so fast the race director said we could've clocked Olympic-worthy times! Initially, I was disappointed. I had been grinding in the pool, pushing my limits. As a strong bike/runner, I quickly realized this could play to my strengths!
We kicked off with a time trial start; athletes spaced 30 seconds apart on a 3-loop bike course. Between the rain and road spray, it felt like we got our "swim" in anyway! I came out hot, determined to catch the woman ahead of me. When I did, her pace felt unsustainable, so I kept her in sight but rode my own race. Another athlete passed, and the same story played out. That's when the negative thoughts crept in - better known as the comparison trap. I caught myself. Refocused. Raced MY race. Sure enough, by loops two and three, I was reeling them back in. Ohhh it felt so good.
What I've learned from Siri Lindley: You Are Enough! Why do we get so caught up in what others can do? All that energy spent wishing for someone else's talents - it's energy stolen from discovering our own gifts. Focus on what YOU have - stack your wins, not your doubts!
Coming off the bike in 7th, ( but I ended up 6th because of the time trial ) my run legs showed up ready to play! What happened next transcended the race entirely.
While I worked at Froedtert Hospital, I treated a patient with Cerebral Palsy for many, many years. He became my biggest fan and, honestly, one of my greatest teachers. After a terrible rehab stay, he was confined to his wheelchair. He came to me wanting to walk again. Despite his condition, his spirit was irrepressible! His energy was electric. He was so determined. Before our standing exercises, he'd always shout, "Energy, energy, energy!" Tragically, we lost him last year to cancer, but his light has never dimmed in my memory.
At mile 2's aid station, among the usual chorus of volunteers shouting, "Water! Gels! Coke!" I heard it. Clear as day: "Energy, energy, energy!" In all my races, I'd never heard those words from a volunteer. Never! Goosebumps covered my arms and my chest tightened with emotion. Without a doubt, he was there with me! This wasn't just a race anymore...
His perspective echoed in my mind: "How would you like to be lying in bed every day waiting for someone to come get you out?" I was filled with gratitude, his spirit was strong, fueling my every step. I started channeling his enthusiasm, shouting to myself and spectators, "Let's go! Keep pushing! Energy! Yes I can!" Because I was third female on course, I had a bike escort. I'm certain she probably thought, "I need to take this woman to medical" - I was flying on something stronger than fatigue!
The Result: My first PRO podium! 3rd place female with the second fastest run split. A 14-minute marathon PR with a finish time of 2:57:02.
This train has many more stops, but one is circled, in bold, and highlighted: October 11, 2025, in Kona, HI for the Ironman World Championship.
Thank you for being a passenger on this wild ride. My patient taught me that every step is a gift. Sometimes, really most of the time, the best energy comes from the spirits running alongside us. Listen. Pay attention. Be present.
Mahalo 🌺