Cycling — Gini Fellows — Carolee Walker

IRONMAN Florida, November 5, 2016

IMFL 2016 Race Report

This may be the mother of long race reports! There are so many people to thank, I tried to cover everyone in my pre-race comments, my husband Bill, my fabulous son and coach, Patrick, his wife, Jeanne, and my grandchildren Paige and Ian, and Marc, who came from Belgium, and to all of my friends who came to the race, and those who cheered and followed from afar.

Seeing familiar faces on the racecourse was absolutely the BEST! I think I was more anxious than I thought, but I really thought I felt calm. I have to admit my patience was a bit thin. My thoughts always came back to “Pat has always gotten me ready, and this is no different.” I completely trust his coaching.

Almost There

The countdown has really begun, 11 days until Ironman Florida. It is almost unbelievable that it is finally more than just a date. I have learned so much about myself throughout this journey. I think the most important thing I learned is, “you can do anything if you are willing to do whatever it takes.”

At least that is what I am hoping on Saturday, November 5. My goal is to finish within the 17-hour time limit.

Long Distance Training

This week held the longest ride and my longest training run. We headed back to Canada for their Thanksgiving, and I was able to run/walk 15 miles in three hours. The ride was the Southern Magnolia 100 last Sunday, October 2.

For the Southern Magnolia, it was a beautiful morning with comfortable temperatures. One of my friends decided to ride with me, and we headed out for the country roads where there was very little vehicle traffic. A few dogs, none of which seemed vicious, and only wanted to run, had chased us. We were riding along when two dogs were in the middle of the road. They turned and saw us, and came ambling up wagging their tails. The large chocolate lab was extremely friendly, so friendly that he walked up to me, and while I was trying to get to the side of the road he walked into my front wheel.

We both went down!

Endurance sports, Fitness, Gini Fellows, Ironman, RunningGini FellowsOctober 13, 2016Running, Cycling, Triathlon, Ironman Triathlon, Ironman FloridaComment

I am invincible?

Last week I had two rest days in my training plan. Well, if you call rest driving 1100 miles over those two days. I am back home in the real heat and humidity.

It takes a few days to switch back from the metric system. I no longer have to check to see if I am driving kilometers or miles, swimming meters vs yards. There have been some changes since I have been gone. The gym where I worked out closed due to bankruptcy. It was a great place because it had a pool, weight rooms, and exercise classes. This week I spent time looking for another place to swim and a new gym. There are only three indoor pools on the Coast but numerous gyms. I found the pool, and today signed up for another gym.

Endurance sports, Fitness, Gini Fellows, IronmanGini FellowsSeptember 4, 2016Cycling, Exercise, Ironman TriathlonComment