Ironman USA, Lake Placid 22 July 2007

Hello everyone,

It's now a few days post Ironman USA, Lake Placid.
Let me share with you my highlights, low points, my goals, what I achieved and the lessons learnt.

Hard goals require hard work. I’d done the work, but it still wasn’t going to be easy.

My race goals were:

1. To qualify for the World Champs in Hawaii.
2. To Win.
3. To race at my full potential and to enjoy every minute.

The first 2 aren’t totally in my control, but I could achieve no.3 no matter what.

So lets start with the good stuff- the highlights!
I had the ride of my career so far. I rode 5 hours 29, on a tough course, solo, and it was the third fastest female bike split of the day. For my “weakest” discipline this is fantastic. The 2 girls who rode faster than me are known for their strength on the bike; Belinda Granger and Tyler Stewart.

I felt strong and in control and was moving well. I was on my brand new Kestrel Airfoil and felt a million dollars. I started the bike in about 10th, and got off in 4th.

Starting the run I was 20 mins down on Belinda, 5 on Tyler, and just over 2 on Karen Holloway. None of them are known runners, so I was confident that 2nd was mine for sure, and I was going to try and catch Belinda- I was in it to win it.

Onto another highlight…I was tapping along at 7-minute mile pace, moving well and being patient. I had a cameraman following me for ages- he was waiting for “the pass”- what a great feeling. He was expecting me to move through the field too. - I must be looking good. I passed Karen Holloway and was now in 3rd.

However…I was painfully aware that my stomach was not good. After my Malaysian experience earlier in the year I was worried that it could be a showstopper. My worries did not do me any good, and I believe only brought my stomach to my attention and focus.

So here became my low point. I started to feel terrible and my race was slipping away from me. It was like someone was taking a track pump to my stomach and blowing it up to 160psi! Another trip to the loo, and a re-pass by Karen was devastating. Worse still, she had gained energy and determination from seeing my problems. I went from an “attack- this race is mine” attitude, into survival mode.

So I ended up in 6th place, in 10 hours and 9 minutes with a 57.58 swim, a 5.29 bike and a 3.34 run. I qualified for Hawaii and I believe on the bike I raced to my full current potential and did indeed love every minute.

I am happy that it is just 12 weeks now to Hawaii, and the opportunity for redemption.
I am happy that the bike is now a strength.
I am flattered that Paula Newby Fraser paid me some great compliments on Ironmanlive.com- before she saw me again and said I looked like I was in my third trimester!:)

"Paul flies out of T2" RACETIME: 06:35
"She looks like Heather," says Paula Newby-Fraser, referring to the fast-running five-time champion here at Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid, Heather Fuhr."

I am happy that the positive spin on the race is that I’ve had the opportunity to test my race nutrition before the big one in Hawaii. I will get past this hurdle and I will be mentally stronger for it. I have proved to everyone that I can ride, but most importantly I silenced the demons in my own head. I most definitely can!

I am not going to let myself dwell on disappointment- life is too short.
“Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be.”
Charles Jones.

Thank you all.
Charlotte