by Maggie Fournier
After my 1st triathlon, I was officially hooked. There was no
turning back. My first triathlon was all I needed to spur this new
excitement and challenge in me. I really enjoyed the experience and
couldn't wait for another one. That's when a good friend of mine
suggested we sign up for a half-ironman the following spring
in...St-Croix, Virgin Island. A triathlon, with girlfriends, on a
tropical island? I'm in! My then boyfriend, the one who I had beaten at
the previous tri, cautioned me against it. He plainly said that he
didn't think I could do it, that it would be too difficult of a race. I
don't remember was came first: breaking up with him or signing up for
the race? To this day, Ironman 70.3 St-Croix, dubbed the Beauty and the
Beast (because of a hill on the bike leg, averaging 25% grade) is still
one of my favorite race. It has the best post race party hands down!!!
But that's beside the point.
The race was fabulous and I had an absolute blast, despite finding
the course quite challenging. My 3rd place finish in my age-group
qualified me for a entry at Ironman Lake Placid, a mere 10 weeks away.
It was back then, when races didn't fill up and slots were distributed
at other races. Again: a race close to home in a new venue? Why not?
Ignorance is bliss I suppose. For sure, I didn't quite realized what I
was getting myself into. Going from half-IM training to a full in 2
months. But I did it!
Race day weather was absolutely miserable. It rained all day and it
was fairly cool as well. Knowing my family and childhood friend were
there motivated me although I felt guilty dragging them around for an
all day event. Lake Placid is absolutely beautiful. It is a quaint,
small town, with a very athletic feel to it. I was happy to be
participating in such an event and again, ignorance is bliss! I had
self-trained, hoping I was going to be ready. My sister and mother made
me some "care packages" for me to open in transitions!!! It was filled
with little notes, gummy bears and almonds. I still have those notes to
this day. It was a good incentive for me to get my butt back in
transition to read them!
The marathon part was quite challenging and I resolved
myself to the "Ironman shuffle". The marathon portion was quite hilly
for being my first official full marathon run. Spectators made it easier
for us to go through the two loop course. The finishing chute was the
best part: you finish the last 200m on the oval track, right in front of
the Olympic Center. What a sight! Even through the rain and the loud
cheers from the spectators, I could hear my heart pounding. Not from the
effort (your heart rate is quite low when you "run" a 12min/mile pace)
but from the excitement of crossing the finish line and be called an
Ironman. Here I am! Crossing the line, seeing the crowd, getting my
medal and...no one! Absolutely nobody's arm to jump into? Self pat on
the back I guess. My family missed my finish by about 15 min.To this
day, my sister is still upset about missing my first IM finish. I wasn't
upset myself, just ready for a large slice of pizza and a nap!
That was it. The seed was planted. I was hooked.
Ecstatic. My body made it through...But how much faster could it go? I
guess that's what keeps me going back for more. I am still trying to
figure that one out. Pushing yourself to the physical and mental limit,
breaking down barriers...More please!
Thanks for reading,
Stay healthy,
Maggie
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