A on-site discussion on the trials, tribulations and triumphs of some Oakville endurance runners. Use the "comments" box below the blog to add your feedback.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Cheer on Megan Hanna at Ironman Canada!
It's Ironman Canada - Megan's first Ironman, (she said she would do one before she hit 50 - what an inspiration!). Send her a note of support, and follow her online at http://www.ironmanlive.com/ this Sunday August 26! Megan is bib #2687
Hi Megan - well, you said you were flying down on Tuesday so I guess you have arrived! The 4 days before the event are always the most nerve wracking - it does get better by Saturday. Just stay in the moment, enjoy the events around town, go for a nice swim in the lake and make sure you (as B'Ann would say) "buy out the expo!"
You trained really hard over the last year and you are going to have a GREAT day on Sunday! Barbara and I are cheering for you - Go Megan go!
All the training is behind you and your big day is coming! Congratulations on all your hard work - you're an inspiration. I loved some of our runs together, loved that you were one of my guinea pigs and love that I know another soon-to-be Ironman!! Have a great race - I hope it is all you hope for and more. Best wishes, Stephanie Babbitt
The day is almost here! It seems like forever ago that you told us you had signed up for IM Canada and now there are just a few days to go! Allan and I have talked many times about your training and what an inspiration you are to all of us. Every time anyone asked how your training was going your answers were always upbeat and I don't think I ever heard you complain; you just seemed to be enjoying yourself so much despite the incredibly long hours you were putting in. I hope you have a fantastic day on Sunday and that the challenge of the Ironman proves to be everything that you hoped that it would. You have trained for thousands of miles so be sure to enjoy the last 140.6!!! We will be thinking of you all day Sunday.
Good luck on Sunday Megan, I look forward to tracking your progress! We miss you at swimming (especially Mette :-)). Good luck on what I'm sure will be one of the most fantastic experiences of your life!
Have a fabulous day on Sunday. Know that we are all with you and we will be tracking you and sending you many many positive vibes. You have trained very hard and have inspired us all along the way. Buy something great at the expo so that everyone will know that by Sunday night you will be an Ironman!!!!! B'Ann
It's hard to believe your big day is just around the corner. It seemed so far away when we were freezing our way through those long runs last February.
I hope you get perfect weather on Sunday and that you have a fantastic race. I'll be sending positive vibes your way and I'm looking forward to catching your finish live over the 'net - I'm sure it will be inspiring!
It seems like a long time ago when we saw you out running and you said you had signed up for Ironman Canada...wow, it's here already!! I know you would have trained long and hard and prepared well; the time has now come to put it all together and make it happen!!!! You are a wonderful example to all of us about setting a goal and working hard to make it happen!! May the running / swimming / biking gods be with you all day and night, and may you completely enjoy the sweet taste of a huge achievement when you cross that finish line!
Wish you all the best and keep your focus , remember all the sacrafice taken to get to this point. the start can be very emotional, remeber to get their early and enjoy the morning sunrise Dave Ormsby
Congratulations on making it to the start of this big adventure. I can't imagine all the training that goes into accomplishing an Ironman. Hats off to you - you're an inspiration to us all! I'll be thinking of you on Sunday - enjoy the day ... especially crossing that finish line!
Megan is "untethered" up in Penticton (i.e. no access to email...aaaahhhh...I dream of such a day!) I'm printing off the blog and having the kids take it up with them when they head to Pentiction tomorrow. I'll print off any late breaking blog updates on Friday and take them with me Friday night. I'll take my laptop along so that Megan can post some "pre-race" thoughts back on the blog.
... many thanks to all of our friends and Megan's Ironman Canada supporters. It is great that you have used the power of your blog to help encourage, motivate and acknowledge Megan's Ironman journey!
I'll never forget the day I saw you running during a cold windy rainstorm. It was blowing sideways and there you were. Talk about commitment!!! It's going to be one incredibly awesome day for you and your family. I will be thinking of you Sunday and wishing you all the best.
Hey Megan - too many trains, planes and automobiles this weekend. Barbara decided to stay in Oakville and I'm flyng out Sunday for Vancouver. Have a GREAT day on Sunday - both of us are so proud of you for all your efforts in training over the last year. Remember that bike with us last summer? You've come a long way baby! We'll be routing for you and no doubt the Chipster will be looking down on you and barking you on as well!
I can't believe it's finally here - I feel really anxious for you so God knows how you feel! Mark and I have everything crossed for perfect weather and a perfect experience on Sunday.Dave Ormsby has some great advice - stay calm throughout and enjoy it!
I also wish your supporters well for a long hard day of cheering and clapping. Don't forget the Strepsils Blake ,Brooke and Braden!
7:30 am - just checked your results - fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!( negative split on the run!)Huge congratulations - You are an Ironman!!!!!!!!!! Get out and get that tatoo!
I hope that you had a great sleep, ate well and that Blake and the kids are looking after you.
Looking forward to hearing your post race thoughts.
Congratulations, Megan. We're so proud of you! So... what was the best experience - swim, bike, run? I hope Blake has lots of pictures to share with us.
I hope that you have a great KDS session this evening in Vancouver...I wish I could have attended!
Megan had a fabulous day yesterday! She crossed the finish line around 14hr 57min ...win a smile and a grin from ear to ear! She was in tremendous spirits and really enjoyed herself throughout the whole day (or at least as much of it that you can enjoy while doing an Ironman!)
Brooke, Braden and I were joined throughout the day by Megan's brother and her niece as we cheered for her along the route. It was quite something to be driving down one of the steep mountain grades and to look out the passenger side window only to see Megan going flying past us with a cookie in her mouth and a smile on her face (have I mentioned that Ironman seems to agree with her appetite!)
A great day all round for Megan. The boost that she got from all the support on your blog, combined with well-wishing emails and post-race emails has her absolutely floating! Talk about a great sense of community! A huge, heart-felt thanks to you, Barbara and all of the rest of the HHB's for their kind thoughts and support throughout Megan's Ironman journey. It means a lot to Megan and to my family.
As always, whenever you or any of the HHB's find themselves out West, please give us a call or drop us an email...we'd love to see you.
All the best...
Megan and Blake
ps. We're planning on being in Toronto on Sep 16...we hope to run the Terry Fox run in Oakville.
My race week began on Monday, August 20 with the arrival in Vancouver of Denise Short. Denise and I, with several others, had trained together over the past year and a half in Oakville. It was great to see her after a summer of solo training.
Tuesday we drove to Penticton, a five hour drive through some truly beautiful BC scenery. The idea was to get there and get settled into the hotel and be relaxed before Sunday. The excitement grew daily as more athletes arrived and Penticton was transformed into race city. We unwound with some short lake swims, a nice bike ride and a very slow run.
Denise’s family arrived on Thursday, and Blake, Brooke and Braden arrived on Friday. By this time we had registered and received all of the race gear. The welcome dinner on Friday was inspiring and exciting, yet we both were still feeling pretty calm, in spite of being surrounded by 2600 other Ironman hopefuls. My good friend, Barbara, had cautioned me not to be intimidated by the super-fit athletes and their ultra-fast looking race gear. This was great advice as there were hundreds of obviously seasoned triathletes in Penticton.
We all watched the forecast throughout the week, wondering what Sunday would be like. Penticton can be extremely hot at this time of the year, and a lot of the ride goes through the Osoyoos/Oliver area – Canada’s only true desert. During race week the temperatures remained in the mid 20’s, with cool, pleasant evenings.
Denise and I left the hotel at 5 on Sunday morning to walk to the race area. It was still dark and only about 12 degrees. All of our gear, including bikes, had been checked in the day before, so we only had to carry our wetsuits and last minute stuff with us. I was surprised at how calm I felt. We joined the large line of other triathletes and got marked. This is where the volunteers put your race number and age on your arms and legs. From there, into the transition area, where we put on our wetsuits, before heading to the beach.
What a sight! The sun was now up and all of the athletes were lined up, either on the beach or in the water behind the start line. There were thousands of spectators and the announcer was getting everybody all revved up. I was still unbelievably calm, but so excited. At 6:50am a lone bagpiper was escorted down the beach by an RCMP Colour Guard. My emotions finally got the better of me with the singing of “Oh Canada”, and I’ll admit to shedding a few tears!
At 7am, with no warning, the cannon went off and the race had begun. I remained on the beach for about one minute, waiting for the crowd to get moving. Then I got into the water, walked to chest depth and began to swim. The swim route went straight out into Lake Okanagan for 1600 meters, turned right for 400 meters and then straight back into the beach for 1800 meters. I stayed tight to the buoy markers, not wanting to swim any further than necessary. Aside from a few kicks and elbows it was quite enjoyable. I was very pleased to be out of the water in under (just) 80 minutes.
Onto the bike and off for a 180 km ride. By now the crowds had moved onto the sidewalks leading out of Penticton, and they were still yelling and cheering. The first 65 km of this course is fairly flat, with only one significant climb. It follows the east side of Lake Skaha and then Vaseaux Lake. After that, the route goes through the vineyards and farms of Oliver and Osoyoos. It is very beautiful, and fast. I was honestly having a blast on this part. Outside of Osoyoos, the ride turns north at Richter Pass. Richter is a 12 km climb over a mountain. I had done it in July in a shorter race, so knew what I was in for. It’s pretty much slow and steady climbing, just tough it out. About one-half way up, I looked across the road and was so surprised to see my brother Loch and my niece Lindsay. It was completely unplanned and a huge boost. I smiled for a couple of km after that! What goes up must come down, and the descent down Richter is very fast. I’m still a bit of a chicken on the steep downhills and lots of people flew by me.
The ride is now into the wind and hot. Everyone’s average speed fell off and it became quite hard. Lots of rolling hills, a few sharp turns and it really felt like work. At about 140 km into the ride there is another long climb up to Yellow Lake. I found this difficult because it followed a really tiring section. But again, it was just a matter of finding a rhythm and carrying on. From the top of Yellow Lake it was all downhill for 30 km into Penticton. Fast and fun, a great way to recover a bit before beginning the run.
The cut-off for the swim/bike segments is 10 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re not running by that time you’re unable to continue the race. I was delighted to be off my bike in under 9 hours and by that point was pretty confident that I would be able to finish the race before the 17 hour deadline, even if I had to walk the whole marathon.
It took me a couple of km to get my legs switched over from pedaling to running. I was able to keep a fairly steady pace (slow) for several km, then began to feel pretty rough at about 12 km. I think it was just the fatigue setting in, along with the Gatorade, PowerBars and other race-type food. For about 3 km I had some doubts about being able to finish, but then had a little talk with myself and decided that I really wanted to complete this race, and that I wasn’t prepared to throw away over a year of training for a slightly upset stomach.
I was doing more walking than running, but managed to keep moving forward. Loch and Lindsay were near the half-way point, so I saw them on my way out and again ten minutes later as I was heading back. I gave Loch an estimated finish time, based on the pace that I was keeping, and said that I’d see him at the finish line. Not sure what happened next, whether it was adrenaline or what, but I started to feel great. I was now doing more running than walking. I got into a rhythm of running 200 steps and walking 50 steps. The counting kept my mind occupied and I was really enjoying myself. Each step towards Penticton was a step towards achieving my goal and I knew that I was going to cross that finish line.
About 5 km from the finish the run begins to go downhill. It was dark but I could see the lights of the host hotel and hear the announcer. It’s a straight shot down the main road and there were people lining the sidewalks. Whole families came out, wrapped in sleeping bags, to cheer on the runners. The downtown area was packed with spectators, who formed an arch that we ran through. Our race bibs had our first names on them and everyone cheered us on.
With about 2 km remaining, the course takes a left turn and actually runs away from the finish for about 1 km. This is kind of rough because you’re so close, but running the wrong way! By this point I was power walking, as I was pretty tired and wanted enough gas in the tank to run across the finish line. With 500 m to go, I started to run. It was amazing. There were thousands of people along the road and in the bleachers. The noise was deafening. And then, there it was, the finish archway and the clock. I heard the announcer say “Megan Hanna, you are an Ironman”, and I crossed the finish line, in 14:56:52, with a huge smile.
During training I didn’t really have a time goal for this race. I knew that I would be very happy to complete it within 17 hours and delighted to be under 16 hours. Finishing sub-15 was not something that I had even thought about. Unfortunately, because of that, my brother and niece were just setting up their chairs at the finish line, about 10 minutes after I finished. Whoops!
Three days later, I’m still smiling. This was a goal I set over 18 months ago, something that I wanted to do to celebrate turning 50 in July. I loved the training and the different groups of people who I swam, rode and ran with.
I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family, and for that I am extremely thankful. It’s now time to switch focus for a while, unpack some boxes, hang some pictures and pull some weeds. You’ll notice I said “switch focus for a while”… I think I’ve been bitten by the Ironman bug!
What a great race report....thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Megan. It made me tear up as well. Everyone back in Oakville is so proud of you and completely impressed by what you have accomplished through a whole lot of hard work and determination. Congratulations!
Megan, Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. It made me feel like I was there cheering you on. Thank you especially for sharing your moments of exhiliration and also your moments of trial. I will remember you when I'm faced with doubt and fatigue during the marathon. This will be my new mantra, "What are you whining about, Megan did this after a 5K swim and 180km bike ride up mountains!" Hope to see you in Sept. Marci
What a great race at the end of all your hard long training. There aren't many 50 year olds that can say they accomplished what you did. Your description of your experience brought tears to my eyes too. Thanks for sharing it with us.
28 comments:
Hi Megan - well, you said you were flying down on Tuesday so I guess you have arrived! The 4 days before the event are always the most nerve wracking - it does get better by Saturday. Just stay in the moment, enjoy the events around town, go for a nice swim in the lake and make sure you (as B'Ann would say) "buy out the expo!"
You trained really hard over the last year and you are going to have a GREAT day on Sunday! Barbara and I are cheering for you - Go Megan go!
All the training is behind you and your big day is coming! Congratulations on all your hard work - you're an inspiration. I loved some of our runs together, loved that you were one of my guinea pigs and love that I know another soon-to-be Ironman!! Have a great race - I hope it is all you hope for and more. Best wishes, Stephanie Babbitt
Hi Megan,
The day is almost here! It seems like forever ago that you told us you had signed up for IM Canada and now there are just a few days to go! Allan and I have talked many times about your training and what an inspiration you are to all of us. Every time anyone asked how your training was going your answers were always upbeat and I don't think I ever heard you complain; you just seemed to be enjoying yourself so much despite the incredibly long hours you were putting in. I hope you have a fantastic day on Sunday and that the challenge of the Ironman proves to be everything that you hoped that it would. You have trained for thousands of miles so be sure to enjoy the last 140.6!!! We will be thinking of you all day Sunday.
Best wishes for a safe and happy race!!
Kathy and Allan
Good luck on Sunday Megan, I look forward to tracking your progress! We miss you at swimming (especially Mette :-)). Good luck on what I'm sure will be one of the most fantastic experiences of your life!
Heather Sibley
Megan,
Have a fabulous day on Sunday. Know that we are all with you and we will be tracking you and sending you many many positive vibes. You have trained very hard and have inspired us all along the way. Buy something great at the expo so that everyone will know that by Sunday night you will be an Ironman!!!!!
B'Ann
Hey Megan,
It's hard to believe your big day is just around the corner. It seemed so far away when we were freezing our way through those long runs last February.
I hope you get perfect weather on Sunday and that you have a fantastic race. I'll be sending positive vibes your way and I'm looking forward to catching your finish live over the 'net - I'm sure it will be inspiring!
Dave
Hi Megan
It seems like a long time ago when we saw you out running and you said you had signed up for Ironman Canada...wow, it's here already!! I know you would have trained long and hard and prepared well; the time has now come to put it all together and make it happen!!!! You are a wonderful example to all of us about setting a goal and working hard to make it happen!! May the running / swimming / biking gods be with you all day and night, and may you completely enjoy the sweet taste of a huge achievement when you cross that finish line!
Take care
Margaret Davey
Wish you all the best and keep your focus , remember all the sacrafice taken to get to this point.
the start can be very emotional, remeber to get their early and enjoy the morning sunrise
Dave Ormsby
Hey Megan,
Congratulations on making it to the start of this big adventure. I can't imagine all the training that goes into accomplishing an Ironman. Hats off to you - you're an inspiration to us all! I'll be thinking of you on Sunday - enjoy the day ... especially crossing that finish line!
Norma
Hi Megan;
You have worked long and hard for this. Enjoy the whle experience YOU have definatley earned it. HAVE A GREAT RACE!
(from Blake - Megan's husband)
Megan is "untethered" up in Penticton (i.e. no access to email...aaaahhhh...I dream of such a day!) I'm printing off the blog and having the kids take it up with them when they head to Pentiction tomorrow. I'll print off any late breaking blog updates on Friday and take them with me Friday night. I'll take my laptop along so that Megan can post some "pre-race" thoughts back on the blog.
... many thanks to all of our friends and Megan's Ironman Canada supporters. It is great that you have used the power of your blog to help encourage, motivate and acknowledge Megan's Ironman journey!
Hi Megan
I'll never forget the day I saw you running during a cold windy rainstorm. It was blowing sideways and there you were. Talk about commitment!!!
It's going to be one incredibly awesome day for you and your family.
I will be thinking of you Sunday and wishing you all the best.
D.I.B.
aka....Francie
Hey Megan - too many trains, planes and automobiles this weekend. Barbara decided to stay in Oakville and I'm flyng out Sunday for Vancouver. Have a GREAT day on Sunday - both of us are so proud of you for all your efforts in training over the last year. Remember that bike with us last summer? You've come a long way baby! We'll be routing for you and no doubt the Chipster will be looking down on you and barking you on as well!
Hi Megan, all the hard training has paid off. Good luck on your Ironman.
Joe
Hi Megan
I can't believe it's finally here - I feel really anxious for you so God knows how you feel! Mark and I have everything crossed for perfect weather and a perfect experience on Sunday.Dave Ormsby has some great advice - stay calm throughout and enjoy it!
I also wish your supporters well for a long hard day of cheering and clapping. Don't forget the Strepsils Blake ,Brooke and Braden!
Thinking of you all
Jo
Hi Megan
7:30 am - just checked your results - fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!( negative split on the run!)Huge congratulations - You are an Ironman!!!!!!!!!! Get out and get that tatoo!
I hope that you had a great sleep, ate well and that Blake and the kids are looking after you.
Looking forward to hearing your post race thoughts.
Jo
Hi IronMegan,
I just checked your result - under 15 hours, way to go!
Congratulations on a fantastic achievement.
Dave
Hey Megan,
What an amazing feat. You are a SUPERSTAR!!!!
When is the next one?
Gord
Way to go Megan! Congrats on an amazing accomplishment (I can only imagine doing something so incredible). Can't wait to hear the whole story...
Heather
Congratulations, Megan. We're so proud of you! So... what was the best experience - swim, bike, run? I hope Blake has lots of pictures to share with us.
Well done.
Norma
Wow! What a feat! Congratulations, Megan. You trained so hard for this, and what an incredible time. What an inspiration you are to all of us!
Marci
(from Blake - Magan's husband)
Hi Dave,
I hope that you have a great KDS session this evening in Vancouver...I wish I could have attended!
Megan had a fabulous day yesterday! She crossed the finish line around 14hr 57min ...win a smile and a grin from ear to ear! She was in tremendous spirits and really enjoyed herself throughout the whole day (or at least as much of it that you can enjoy while doing an Ironman!)
Brooke, Braden and I were joined throughout the day by Megan's brother and her niece as we cheered for her along the route. It was quite something to be driving down one of the steep mountain grades and to look out the passenger side window only to see Megan going flying past us with a cookie in her mouth and a smile on her face (have I mentioned that Ironman seems to agree with her appetite!)
A great day all round for Megan. The boost that she got from all the support on your blog, combined with well-wishing emails and post-race emails has her absolutely floating! Talk about a great sense of community! A huge, heart-felt thanks to you, Barbara and all of the rest of the HHB's for their kind thoughts and support throughout Megan's Ironman journey. It means a lot to Megan and to my family.
As always, whenever you or any of the HHB's find themselves out West, please give us a call or drop us an email...we'd love to see you.
All the best...
Megan and Blake
ps. We're planning on being in Toronto on Sep 16...we hope to run the Terry Fox run in Oakville.
Subaru Ironman Canada 2007
My race week began on Monday, August 20 with the arrival in Vancouver of Denise Short. Denise and I, with several others, had trained together over the past year and a half in Oakville. It was great to see her after a summer of solo training.
Tuesday we drove to Penticton, a five hour drive through some truly beautiful BC scenery. The idea was to get there and get settled into the hotel and be relaxed before Sunday. The excitement grew daily as more athletes arrived and Penticton was transformed into race city. We unwound with some short lake swims, a nice bike ride and a very slow run.
Denise’s family arrived on Thursday, and Blake, Brooke and Braden arrived on Friday. By this time we had registered and received all of the race gear. The welcome dinner on Friday was inspiring and exciting, yet we both were still feeling pretty calm, in spite of being surrounded by 2600 other Ironman hopefuls. My good friend, Barbara, had cautioned me not to be intimidated by the super-fit athletes and their ultra-fast looking race gear. This was great advice as there were hundreds of obviously seasoned triathletes in Penticton.
We all watched the forecast throughout the week, wondering what Sunday would be like. Penticton can be extremely hot at this time of the year, and a lot of the ride goes through the Osoyoos/Oliver area – Canada’s only true desert. During race week the temperatures remained in the mid 20’s, with cool, pleasant evenings.
Denise and I left the hotel at 5 on Sunday morning to walk to the race area. It was still dark and only about 12 degrees. All of our gear, including bikes, had been checked in the day before, so we only had to carry our wetsuits and last minute stuff with us. I was surprised at how calm I felt. We joined the large line of other triathletes and got marked. This is where the volunteers put your race number and age on your arms and legs. From there, into the transition area, where we put on our wetsuits, before heading to the beach.
What a sight! The sun was now up and all of the athletes were lined up, either on the beach or in the water behind the start line. There were thousands of spectators and the announcer was getting everybody all revved up. I was still unbelievably calm, but so excited. At 6:50am a lone bagpiper was escorted down the beach by an RCMP Colour Guard. My emotions finally got the better of me with the singing of “Oh Canada”, and I’ll admit to shedding a few tears!
At 7am, with no warning, the cannon went off and the race had begun. I remained on the beach for about one minute, waiting for the crowd to get moving. Then I got into the water, walked to chest depth and began to swim. The swim route went straight out into Lake Okanagan for 1600 meters, turned right for 400 meters and then straight back into the beach for 1800 meters. I stayed tight to the buoy markers, not wanting to swim any further than necessary. Aside from a few kicks and elbows it was quite enjoyable. I was very pleased to be out of the water in under (just) 80 minutes.
Onto the bike and off for a 180 km ride. By now the crowds had moved onto the sidewalks leading out of Penticton, and they were still yelling and cheering. The first 65 km of this course is fairly flat, with only one significant climb. It follows the east side of Lake Skaha and then Vaseaux Lake. After that, the route goes through the vineyards and farms of Oliver and Osoyoos. It is very beautiful, and fast. I was honestly having a blast on this part. Outside of Osoyoos, the ride turns north at Richter Pass. Richter is a 12 km climb over a mountain. I had done it in July in a shorter race, so knew what I was in for. It’s pretty much slow and steady climbing, just tough it out. About one-half way up, I looked across the road and was so surprised to see my brother Loch and my niece Lindsay. It was completely unplanned and a huge boost. I smiled for a couple of km after that! What goes up must come down, and the descent down Richter is very fast. I’m still a bit of a chicken on the steep downhills and lots of people flew by me.
The ride is now into the wind and hot. Everyone’s average speed fell off and it became quite hard. Lots of rolling hills, a few sharp turns and it really felt like work. At about 140 km into the ride there is another long climb up to Yellow Lake. I found this difficult because it followed a really tiring section. But again, it was just a matter of finding a rhythm and carrying on. From the top of Yellow Lake it was all downhill for 30 km into Penticton. Fast and fun, a great way to recover a bit before beginning the run.
The cut-off for the swim/bike segments is 10 hours and 30 minutes. If you’re not running by that time you’re unable to continue the race. I was delighted to be off my bike in under 9 hours and by that point was pretty confident that I would be able to finish the race before the 17 hour deadline, even if I had to walk the whole marathon.
It took me a couple of km to get my legs switched over from pedaling to running. I was able to keep a fairly steady pace (slow) for several km, then began to feel pretty rough at about 12 km. I think it was just the fatigue setting in, along with the Gatorade, PowerBars and other race-type food. For about 3 km I had some doubts about being able to finish, but then had a little talk with myself and decided that I really wanted to complete this race, and that I wasn’t prepared to throw away over a year of training for a slightly upset stomach.
I was doing more walking than running, but managed to keep moving forward. Loch and Lindsay were near the half-way point, so I saw them on my way out and again ten minutes later as I was heading back. I gave Loch an estimated finish time, based on the pace that I was keeping, and said that I’d see him at the finish line. Not sure what happened next, whether it was adrenaline or what, but I started to feel great. I was now doing more running than walking. I got into a rhythm of running 200 steps and walking 50 steps. The counting kept my mind occupied and I was really enjoying myself. Each step towards Penticton was a step towards achieving my goal and I knew that I was going to cross that finish line.
About 5 km from the finish the run begins to go downhill. It was dark but I could see the lights of the host hotel and hear the announcer. It’s a straight shot down the main road and there were people lining the sidewalks. Whole families came out, wrapped in sleeping bags, to cheer on the runners. The downtown area was packed with spectators, who formed an arch that we ran through. Our race bibs had our first names on them and everyone cheered us on.
With about 2 km remaining, the course takes a left turn and actually runs away from the finish for about 1 km. This is kind of rough because you’re so close, but running the wrong way! By this point I was power walking, as I was pretty tired and wanted enough gas in the tank to run across the finish line. With 500 m to go, I started to run. It was amazing. There were thousands of people along the road and in the bleachers. The noise was deafening. And then, there it was, the finish archway and the clock. I heard the announcer say “Megan Hanna, you are an Ironman”, and I crossed the finish line, in 14:56:52, with a huge smile.
During training I didn’t really have a time goal for this race. I knew that I would be very happy to complete it within 17 hours and delighted to be under 16 hours. Finishing sub-15 was not something that I had even thought about. Unfortunately, because of that, my brother and niece were just setting up their chairs at the finish line, about 10 minutes after I finished. Whoops!
Three days later, I’m still smiling. This was a goal I set over 18 months ago, something that I wanted to do to celebrate turning 50 in July. I loved the training and the different groups of people who I swam, rode and ran with.
I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family, and for that I am extremely thankful. It’s now time to switch focus for a while, unpack some boxes, hang some pictures and pull some weeds. You’ll notice I said “switch focus for a while”… I think I’ve been bitten by the Ironman bug!
- Megan
WOW!!! Megan I read this with tears in my eyes. We are all so proud of you. We look forward to seeing you in Sept and be sure to bring the hardware.
B'Ann
What a great race report....thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Megan. It made me tear up as well. Everyone back in Oakville is so proud of you and completely impressed by what you have accomplished through a whole lot of hard work and determination. Congratulations!
Kathy
Megan,
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. It made me feel like I was there cheering you on. Thank you especially for sharing your moments of exhiliration and also your moments of trial. I will remember you when I'm faced with doubt and fatigue during the marathon. This will be my new mantra, "What are you whining about, Megan did this after a 5K swim and 180km bike ride up mountains!"
Hope to see you in Sept.
Marci
I have to admit to getting teary-eyed reading your race report too, Megan, AND I'm sitting at my desk at work. Hard to explain!
Wonderful report, wonderful job you did of hanging in there when the going got tough. You're a true inspiration for all of us.
I hope to see you in September, Megan, and again BIG congratulations to you!
Norma
P.S. - Still hoping for some photos from Blake....
Megan,
What a great race at the end of all your hard long training. There aren't many 50 year olds that can say they accomplished what you did. Your description of your experience brought tears to my eyes too. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Lynn
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