This is Happening!
August, 2014
What goes through one’s mind as he/she plunges into the waters of an Ironman triathlon? A first Ironman triathlon. For me, as the cannon went off and I herded towards that fate of plunging into the chilly waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene for what I knew would be an endless day, my mind was overtaken by one and only one thought.
This IS happening! I am doing an Ironman!
That line played through my mind over and over again on the first, then the second loops of the swim. Even as my temper raged as my feet were tapped and elbows thrown closer than comfort to my head and perhaps a few f-bombs were dropped, quickly I went back to the default thought that yup, the Ironman WAS HAPPENING! As I came out of the water and got on the bike, still on repeat, there it was: THIS IS HAPPENING! I AM DOING AN IRONMAN! Sure the excitement and novelty of the day died down a little as the miles passed by, the wind picked up, and the Gu Shot Blocks lost their luster, but even as I ran past mile 7 on the run, when let’s face it, I was READY to be done.... I saw a good friend, Susannah, who quoted me as saying “this IS HAPPENING!” It had been happening for 10+ hours...
As much as I wanted the day to fly by as quickly and painlesly as possible, I savored each moment of it. From the volunteer who graciously gave me a new timing chip at the swim start (yup, forgot to bring that along....) to my overwhelm at how well organized the Special Needs bags were on the bike (I was certain I would never see my prized Coke again) to the house parties that lined the run course (yes, on my final loop the cops had shown up) and friends I made along the route, who endlessly lifted me up from miles 18-26 when ALL I wanted was to walk, it was a day I will never ever forget. This was it. I was doing an Ironman. The day only got more special as I heard my mom and dad, not exactly renowned for their athletic cheering abilities, hollering my name with SO MUCH enthusiasm along the route! There they were at the finish line as the words were proclaimed to me: “Claire Diepenbrock, YOU are an Ironman”
I heard THOSE words. I ran through them, danced through them, surrendered to them, and rose above them. I am an Ironman.
This event meant more to me than crossing that finish line and clutching the finisher medal, shirt, and hat with both hands that I can wear as bragging rights until the threads wear out. It meant more to me than knowing I am capable of such feats and have the mental ability to endure 13.5 hours of working out, in a row. By choice. Crossing that finish line was something I have dreamed of for the past 5 years, a victory not over 140.6 miles, but a victory over self doubt that has often plagued my mind and spirit since my world came crashing down five years, 1 month, and 3 days prior to Ironman CdA. Being an Ironman has nothing to do with being an excellent athlete, or even an athlete at all, but everything to do with having that will, that drive, that stamina to keep going when the inevitable doubt sets in. To overcome, to achieve. A lot was overcome and achieved at that moment for me as I heard those words, as I am sure it was for every Ironman out there who has their own story and reason for racing.
To the CdA folks I trained with (virtually through Facebook and in person!), Trifiniti, M2, and of course, the amazing friends in the Golden Gate Tri Club who kept it all FUN, thank you all for making this day happen and for making the journey there so incredibly PERFECT. Thanks everybody for the amazing messages before and after the race as you tracked my slow but srue progress! I could feel the good energy pouring in! Thanks mom & dad for coming to Idaho (and to Meg & Laura for helping them with athlete tracker abilities!), it meant more than I can say to see you out there!
Looking forward to Ironman ________ in 2015. Suggestions gladly welcomed!