Spirit and Smile

Melia Resort- an amazing home for race week!

After a rough go-around at Ironman Chattanooga I was extremely excited to close out my 2015 season enjoying every second of race day.  Everyone raves about the atmosphere in Cozumel, so I decided that was the perfect choice for one last shot at my beloved hot & humid combo (something Chattanooga did not live up to).  From the moment I arrived in Cozumel I was greeted with smiles, welcomes and adornment. As I travel the globe, from race to race, I am continually captivated by the communities' embrace of our sport.

  My smile says it all! Racing is what makes me feel alive, and in the days leading up to Ironman #4 of the year I felt a mix of contentment and jubilation. I just wanted to get out there and have fun every....single....step of the way.  2015 was a challenging year in many ways, but triathlon provided me the outlet I needed to keep persevering. Through the ups (seeing new areas of the world) and downs (bike crash, digestive health issues, injury 3 days prior to race day, work loss) I kept my head up and fought to win every day...in everything I tackled from the moment my feet hit the floor. For me, triathlon offers far more than race results and finishers medals. These experiences truly will live a lifetime, and for that I have the utmost gratitude for the sport and those that share this passion with me.

Race morning, as I stood at the waters edge, I had zero doubt that I'd make it to this finish line.  A young 5 year old boy and his amazing family have inspired me all season long. Chad (Tough) Carr lost his battle with DIPG (terminal form of childhood brain cancer) a few days before I left for Cozumel. I carried this precious boy in my heart, and committed myself to help spread knowledge and awareness for this awful disease.


My swim volume coming into this race was far less than I'd like. This has been a large point of "contention" between my coach and I the past two years. I know what I am capable of, and exiting the water 3 minutess down from the leaders (in 10th) simply was not it. Although, if you are going to swim solo, this isn't a bad place to do it. One large group ahead of me, and another behind. Majestic scenery for 2.4 miles!

Last few strokes before exiting the water

I rode the full course in the days prior to the race, and knew to expect wicked winds on the back side of the course. The conditions were tough, but consistency was the name of the game for 112 miles. While I wasn't overjoyed with my power output, my splits through each section of the course were consistent from mile 1 to 112. During the 3rd lap, as my legs and knee began to throb, I reminded myself that it was time to have a little fun. I planted a smile on my face and held on until reaching T2. While I race as a professional, I still do so out of love and enjoyment for the sport.

The run course is also three loops. I felt absolutely amazing over the opening miles. I made a conscious (and very wrong) decision to hold back and remain conservative through the first 1/3 of the marathon. As I started the second loop I began to build momentum and pace. I was moving through the field, and sincerely felt confident that I could put together a sub 3:10 marathon. Silly me- this course is deceivingly difficult and the final 10k chewed me up and spit me out! I knew I had moved up 5 positions since getting off the bike, but had no idea what place I was running in.  I estimated that I was 8th, but upon crossing the line was told I finished 10th.  This was one of the most competitive fields I've raced on the Ironman circuit, on one of the most difficult courses I've raced. Flat is not easy folks! Especially when you add in heat and unrelenting wind. Ultimately my goal was top 10 and I just squeaked in for a paycheck. 

When I look back at my triathlon career I am reminded of times when I failed to stand tall and be proud of the days when I gave it my all and accomplished more than I ever thought I might (i.e.: Ironman Louisville 2013).  I made a conscious decision to applaud the fact that I gave everything I had time and time again this season. I've dedicated a tremendous amount of guts, tears, sweat, time and sacrifice to this sport. They say we're our own worst critic...always wanting more...never satisfied.  While I didn't take home the champions crown, I was indeed satisfied! I spent the following few days basking in the sun embracing and enjoying THIS phase of THIS journey.

Celebrating with (from right to left) 10th, 11th, 12th. Cheers

 Huge thanks to the Melia Cozumel resort for taking such great care of all of the athletes who stayed with them! Service with a smile is a complete understatement when it comes to their hospitality. I can't wait to see you again in 2016. Cheers to Ironman #20 and another season in the books.
Enjoy the journey!!!