Panama 70.3 (pictures below)
First of all...what an awesome venue! The Panama Ironman 70.3 is definitely a race that I'd love to do again. The incredible support from the community was something I've never experienced before. In the US it seems the races are a distraction for those not involved; in Panama it's party time for everyone! A sincere thank you goes to my new Panamanian friends: Gaby, Martin, Michelle, Javier, Melissa, Cristina and Kareen and those I've yet to meet! I can't wait until you guys visit Arizona!
Here's the recap...
Arriving in Panama City, Panama well past sunset (after a relatively short flight with a brief stopover in Houston), I was greeted by Gaby, Martin and Michelle, three local triathletes. We soon met up with Javier, another local triathlete, and the one who provided me with lodging that night. As soon as I met these four, my worries about being in a foreign land had vanished. Panamanians are exceedingly generous, caring people and I was quickly taken in with open arms. They made sure I was taken care of and then some!
After a small dinner and good laughs, the first night in Panama disappeared. Before I knew it, morning had arrived. (I guess the journey had taken more out of me than I realized.) My Panamanian 'crew' helped me get situated by providing me with a turbo trainer, travel to/from the race site, and transporting me to all the pre-race dinners and obligatory gatherings. I really can't thank them enough. I honestly was overwhelmed with their generosity and only hope I can return the favor one day!
By that afternoon, the jet-lag hit hard and I really had to focus on getting some rest for the race. It's easy to travel and forget why! We had just driven part of the bike course and the drive took more out of me still. And, after seeing the course, I knew I had to bring my A-game. With nonstop rolling hills, wind, extreme heat and humidity--all conditions I've learned to love--I was more than happy about my chances in the race, in spite of the stellar field of women competing. Heck, there was even a current for the swim portion of the race in our favor! I was stoked.
Like everyone, I wanted to see about getting my picture with Lance Armstrong and meeting him. The chance was slim, I realized, because everyone in Panama apparently had this very idea. Even with the pro meeting and the race together, it was hard to get the chance to say hi. Being shy didn't help either. Back to race focus!
Race day started early. We had two different transition areas (pros only) due to the nature of how the bikes were setup in T1 (along the seawall). I liked this format a lot, as it greatly simplified things. Maybe having an international celebrity in the race made for the change, or maybe it was how they do it in Panama, I don't know.
All racers had to walk to the swim start that was roughly a mile away from transition. It was a great way to get rid of pre-race jitters and to warm-up. Kareen accompanied me and again, it was like I had a close friend nearby keeping me relaxed and smiling.
Lance followed suit but arrived as any famous person would--just on time! He seemed to do this the entire weekend. He surprised you with his quick entry and his even quicker disappearing act! You knew though that he was there because people surrounded him like bees.
The swim start was relatively composed. We were told to warm-up away from the direction of the current so that we'd not drift away from the swim start. There was a rope for us to hold. I held on tight.
The countdown came and failing arms, feet and bubbles surrounded me. After finding some rhythm, I managed to use the girl beside me for sighting. I missed the first pack and exited three minutes back from the expected swim leader, Leanda Cave. A long ways back but well within striking distance!
I knew as soon as I was in transition that in order to do well at this race I had to work hard on the bike. Adrenaline took over and I told myself to not think and just go.
Around mile 8 or 9, Natascha Badmann passed me with a big smile yelling, "Great job! Keep it up!"
I was amazed. I knew how strong she was on a bike but to race beside her and see it with your own two eyes put it into perspective. She's very aero and arrow-like, en route to its target! Her enthusiasm is not seen much at this level and it fired me up, helping me to dig deep.
Using Natascha as a carrot, I kept my distance as I maintained a solid bike effort. We caught up with Leanda Cave at the 2nd turn-around (around mile 30 or so). The wind and rolling hills were relentless and starting to take their toll, but then the course made its way back to the flatter landscape of the city, where we did a short out-and-back. With a few miles remaining, Natascha was out in front when suddenly, without warning, fell to the ground. Hard. Her front wheel hit a crevice in the road and down she went. Leanda and I slowed down and saw that she was OK, but in pain. We pedaled slowly forward, guilty for leaving her there. I was unsure what to do. I knew I was racing but to leave a competitor on the ground wasn't--isn't--fun. Leanda and I reached T2 together. I saw/heard an ambulance heading out and knew help was on the way. I just hoped Natascha was OK.
Leanda blew by me in transition and established a 10-second gap right away. The course was a 2-lap ordeal, with a strong headwind in both directions (or so it seemed!). Once I settled into a good tempo, the thoughts starting flowing in my head. After a slew of 2nd place finishes and a lonely win at Boulder 70.3 last year, I was determined not to get second again. More pain meant I was working harder and I began to yearn for it. With Leanda ahead, I kept all attention on the bull's eye I had painted on her back.
In the middle of each lap there was a corridor surrounded by locals that screamed and cheered. It was very uplifting and made me smile every time I ran past. I've never experienced such cheering before.
Because of the out-and-backs and turn-around, it was easy to see where the competition was (I love courses like this because you're not racing blind). Magali was on the sidelines cheering (she unfortunately flatted in T1). I also saw Kelly Williamson, who was flying and coming up fast. I was closing the gap to Leanda and managed to make the pass around mile 4.
After the first turn, I saw Natascha not only running, but also cheering me on once again, this time with the biggest smile yet! Amazing. Simply amazing. There's a true champion; not just someone who wins races. Seeing her running after such mishap (and what had to have been a lot of pain!) enabled me to push even harder. I was determined to get to the finish line as fast as I could, no matter of result.
On the final 4 miles of the run I caught up with an age-group male who was on his first lap. At that point it seemed he didn't care about his own race and cheered me on. He stayed with me and yelled, "Vamos! Vamos! FIGHT! FIGHT!" I was so grateful and thanked him at least five times while we ran together.
After the last turn, I headed into the final stretch and was greeted again with a huge group of Panamanians cheering wildly. I was on top of the moon grabbing the finisher's ribbon! It was very humbling and exciting at the same time.
Oh, and I did get my chance to meet Lance! As we were running, I put out my hand while we were both leading the race at the time. He was on his final lap while I was heading out. We gave each other a high-five. I think I stole some of his energy!
Now, as I type this on the plane heading back to the States, I've been able to reflect a little. I didn't feel prepared for this race mentally, physically or emotionally. I had some rough patches leading up to this race. Mark Allen told me I needed a good race in my legs (and, more importantly, in my head!). It seems that perhaps your best races are when you least expect them.
A special thanks goes out to my sponsors: Pearl Izumi, BH Bikes, Shimano, Tri-Sports, Nineteen Wetsuits, Rudy Project, MarkAllenOnline, GU Energy, Xlab, ISM and Standard Process. Also, a hug thank-you to all of my supporters that make all the difference!
And last but not least, I want to thank Ramon Serrano for initially hooking me up with Cristina and friends, and providing me with the great pictures! I'm truly honored to have been able to race in such an incredible country and blessed with now having new friends and acquaintances. If the race is a go, I'm definitely coming back next year, not only for it, but to spend time with everyone again! I just hope they want me back!
Next up, Abu Dhabi! Bring it!
First of all...what an awesome venue! The Panama Ironman 70.3 is definitely a race that I'd love to do again. The incredible support from the community was something I've never experienced before. In the US it seems the races are a distraction for those not involved; in Panama it's party time for everyone! A sincere thank you goes to my new Panamanian friends: Gaby, Martin, Michelle, Javier, Melissa, Cristina and Kareen and those I've yet to meet! I can't wait until you guys visit Arizona!
Here's the recap...
Arriving in Panama City, Panama well past sunset (after a relatively short flight with a brief stopover in Houston), I was greeted by Gaby, Martin and Michelle, three local triathletes. We soon met up with Javier, another local triathlete, and the one who provided me with lodging that night. As soon as I met these four, my worries about being in a foreign land had vanished. Panamanians are exceedingly generous, caring people and I was quickly taken in with open arms. They made sure I was taken care of and then some!
After a small dinner and good laughs, the first night in Panama disappeared. Before I knew it, morning had arrived. (I guess the journey had taken more out of me than I realized.) My Panamanian 'crew' helped me get situated by providing me with a turbo trainer, travel to/from the race site, and transporting me to all the pre-race dinners and obligatory gatherings. I really can't thank them enough. I honestly was overwhelmed with their generosity and only hope I can return the favor one day!
By that afternoon, the jet-lag hit hard and I really had to focus on getting some rest for the race. It's easy to travel and forget why! We had just driven part of the bike course and the drive took more out of me still. And, after seeing the course, I knew I had to bring my A-game. With nonstop rolling hills, wind, extreme heat and humidity--all conditions I've learned to love--I was more than happy about my chances in the race, in spite of the stellar field of women competing. Heck, there was even a current for the swim portion of the race in our favor! I was stoked.
Like everyone, I wanted to see about getting my picture with Lance Armstrong and meeting him. The chance was slim, I realized, because everyone in Panama apparently had this very idea. Even with the pro meeting and the race together, it was hard to get the chance to say hi. Being shy didn't help either. Back to race focus!
Race day started early. We had two different transition areas (pros only) due to the nature of how the bikes were setup in T1 (along the seawall). I liked this format a lot, as it greatly simplified things. Maybe having an international celebrity in the race made for the change, or maybe it was how they do it in Panama, I don't know.
All racers had to walk to the swim start that was roughly a mile away from transition. It was a great way to get rid of pre-race jitters and to warm-up. Kareen accompanied me and again, it was like I had a close friend nearby keeping me relaxed and smiling.
Lance followed suit but arrived as any famous person would--just on time! He seemed to do this the entire weekend. He surprised you with his quick entry and his even quicker disappearing act! You knew though that he was there because people surrounded him like bees.
The swim start was relatively composed. We were told to warm-up away from the direction of the current so that we'd not drift away from the swim start. There was a rope for us to hold. I held on tight.
The countdown came and failing arms, feet and bubbles surrounded me. After finding some rhythm, I managed to use the girl beside me for sighting. I missed the first pack and exited three minutes back from the expected swim leader, Leanda Cave. A long ways back but well within striking distance!
I knew as soon as I was in transition that in order to do well at this race I had to work hard on the bike. Adrenaline took over and I told myself to not think and just go.
Around mile 8 or 9, Natascha Badmann passed me with a big smile yelling, "Great job! Keep it up!"
I was amazed. I knew how strong she was on a bike but to race beside her and see it with your own two eyes put it into perspective. She's very aero and arrow-like, en route to its target! Her enthusiasm is not seen much at this level and it fired me up, helping me to dig deep.
Using Natascha as a carrot, I kept my distance as I maintained a solid bike effort. We caught up with Leanda Cave at the 2nd turn-around (around mile 30 or so). The wind and rolling hills were relentless and starting to take their toll, but then the course made its way back to the flatter landscape of the city, where we did a short out-and-back. With a few miles remaining, Natascha was out in front when suddenly, without warning, fell to the ground. Hard. Her front wheel hit a crevice in the road and down she went. Leanda and I slowed down and saw that she was OK, but in pain. We pedaled slowly forward, guilty for leaving her there. I was unsure what to do. I knew I was racing but to leave a competitor on the ground wasn't--isn't--fun. Leanda and I reached T2 together. I saw/heard an ambulance heading out and knew help was on the way. I just hoped Natascha was OK.
Leanda blew by me in transition and established a 10-second gap right away. The course was a 2-lap ordeal, with a strong headwind in both directions (or so it seemed!). Once I settled into a good tempo, the thoughts starting flowing in my head. After a slew of 2nd place finishes and a lonely win at Boulder 70.3 last year, I was determined not to get second again. More pain meant I was working harder and I began to yearn for it. With Leanda ahead, I kept all attention on the bull's eye I had painted on her back.
In the middle of each lap there was a corridor surrounded by locals that screamed and cheered. It was very uplifting and made me smile every time I ran past. I've never experienced such cheering before.
Because of the out-and-backs and turn-around, it was easy to see where the competition was (I love courses like this because you're not racing blind). Magali was on the sidelines cheering (she unfortunately flatted in T1). I also saw Kelly Williamson, who was flying and coming up fast. I was closing the gap to Leanda and managed to make the pass around mile 4.
After the first turn, I saw Natascha not only running, but also cheering me on once again, this time with the biggest smile yet! Amazing. Simply amazing. There's a true champion; not just someone who wins races. Seeing her running after such mishap (and what had to have been a lot of pain!) enabled me to push even harder. I was determined to get to the finish line as fast as I could, no matter of result.
On the final 4 miles of the run I caught up with an age-group male who was on his first lap. At that point it seemed he didn't care about his own race and cheered me on. He stayed with me and yelled, "Vamos! Vamos! FIGHT! FIGHT!" I was so grateful and thanked him at least five times while we ran together.
After the last turn, I headed into the final stretch and was greeted again with a huge group of Panamanians cheering wildly. I was on top of the moon grabbing the finisher's ribbon! It was very humbling and exciting at the same time.
Oh, and I did get my chance to meet Lance! As we were running, I put out my hand while we were both leading the race at the time. He was on his final lap while I was heading out. We gave each other a high-five. I think I stole some of his energy!
Now, as I type this on the plane heading back to the States, I've been able to reflect a little. I didn't feel prepared for this race mentally, physically or emotionally. I had some rough patches leading up to this race. Mark Allen told me I needed a good race in my legs (and, more importantly, in my head!). It seems that perhaps your best races are when you least expect them.
A special thanks goes out to my sponsors: Pearl Izumi, BH Bikes, Shimano, Tri-Sports, Nineteen Wetsuits, Rudy Project, MarkAllenOnline, GU Energy, Xlab, ISM and Standard Process. Also, a hug thank-you to all of my supporters that make all the difference!
And last but not least, I want to thank Ramon Serrano for initially hooking me up with Cristina and friends, and providing me with the great pictures! I'm truly honored to have been able to race in such an incredible country and blessed with now having new friends and acquaintances. If the race is a go, I'm definitely coming back next year, not only for it, but to spend time with everyone again! I just hope they want me back!
Next up, Abu Dhabi! Bring it!
