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I am happy to announce that I am officially back racing! As you know, I did not run a single step for all of
April, May and half of June. After countless hours of lying motionless in the hyperbaric chamber, having
physiotherapy, active release therapy, acupuncture and injections right into my tendon and surrounding heel
area, I finally took my first run in June. It was only one kilometer and it was broken into a walk/run and
it hurt like crazy but we gradually built it up over time and the pain is lessening as I get stronger. I
have made some modifications to my equipment and to my training routine hoping that these modifications will
allow me to return to racing and not re-aggravate the issue. Gone are my double run days and my 7 run sessions
per week. Instead, I will run a solid 3 runs per week all with a purpose all with 24-48 hours of
recovery built in. Eighteen years of triathlon experience and 30 Ironman races will make up for those
sessions as well as a bigger focus on swimming and cycling. In fact, last week I was hosting a training camp
in Penticton, B.C. and I managed to ride 215 km twice within 4 days. Not only have I never ridden that far
in my life, but I was so pleased to have done it twice! The goal is to have the swim and ride of my life in
Hawaii followed by my usual run.
The big test (and reward) was to race at the Racine 1ž2 Ironman on July 22nd in Wisconsin. I wanted to see
where all my swimming, biking and water running had gotten me and I wanted to see if I could race happy
despite still having some lingering heel pain. Keep in mind that I had not raced since April 1st and so
regardless of the injury, I knew that I was not as race sharp as my competitors but I was likely hungrier.
I had a fantastic race. I had a strong swim and a very solid ride to catch Heather Gollnick who led out of
the swim. The unknown was the run. I had been running for 5 weeks at this point three days per week
always off the bike to maximize my strength and endurance gains. Off onto the run, I felt like my normal
self I was aggressive and running fast and it was as if I had not missed a beat. I wasn’t quite as fast
as my 1:19 half marathon split last year, but I was pleased to run 1:22 on a slightly more difficult course
and only a few seconds slower than Mirinda Carfrae from Australia. The best part was that I was happy the
whole day, I recovered quickly from the event and my heel was no worse off. It feels better every run that I
do and I feel confident that with my continued routine of physiotherapy, acupuncture and ART, that I will be
able to maintain my good heel health. At the end of the day, I finished 2nd to Mirinda.
After speaking with my support crew, I have decided to race at Subaru Ironman Canada. This is a personal
decision a decision for my soul. I want to race. I want to reward myself for preserving through all of
my recovery months. Racing in Racine showed me that I have so much joy in my heart when I am racing and
that joy over-rides any discomfort. The goal is to race at Subaru Ironman Canada and take that fitness into
Ironman Hawaii. No doubt many will question whether or not this is a smart move for success in Kona. I can
only answer that I go where my heart leads me and this is the path I have chosen. I will race at home at
Subaru Ironman Canada on August 26th and then venture off to the lava to battle Ironman Hawaii on October
13th.
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