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| Age Group Achievements |
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| Nov 25, 2009 |
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Age Group Achievements
Liles Qualifies for Kona
Stephanie Liles joined LifeSport last winter after signing up for her first Ironman, her home state race IM Florida. She has been in the sport for just over 5 years and has worked her way up to being one of the top age group women in Florida. Like many triathletes, works her day job off as a medical office manager, is the best mom she can be to her three wonderful children, as well as coaching the local girls soccer team. Here is her report.
Had an amazing time at IMFL. Wanted to do a quick blog with some pictures on pre race through post race. For anyone that has done an ironman, the day you arrive to get ready for your race, you feel the energy. Nervous energy? Probably. On race morning, I was scared to death about the mass swim. Hey, I can hold my own, but I didn't really want to fight people the whole 2.4 miles. I started waaay right, knowing that I'd have to swim a bit farther than other people. Saw lots of jellyfish and some stingrays during the swim. The bike was what I expected. Headwind going out and tailwind coming back in. I have never stopped during a race for anything, but found that I had to stop for a porta-potty break and for my special needs bag. Quite the change from my sprints or even my 70.3's.Felt good on the bike. Hard to go that slow at times, but I kept thinking that I needed to, so I could do well in the run. Once I got out on the run, I felt great. I was running comfortably, then looked at my Garmin. 7:00 min. miles?!? I don't think so! So, I slowed it down to 8:00-8:30. Felt like I was in slow motion, but I had to make sure that I'd make it to the finish. Thank goodness I did, because by mile 18, I was sticking with my 8:30's and no faster. I stopped at every stinkin' water stop. This is also something I'd never do in any other race. By the last 4 miles, I'd grab a Gatorade and a couple of waters. Finishing was just amazing! Seeing that beautiful finish line all lit up and hearing," Stephanie Liles, you are an ironman," was something I'll never forget. So, not only did I have a great experience for my 1st ironman, I get to do it all again in Kona. Thanks for everyone who was cheering me on!
To follow her races visit her blog at http://stephanieliles.blogspot.com/
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