Last Saturday I had the big challenge of this year, maybe one of the biggest challenges ive ever accomplished. Ironman done and mission accomplished :)
Here are the highlights:
The race took place in one of the most beautiful Salvadoran beaches, Costa del Sol. My mum, brother, cousin and aunt wanted to be there and cheer me up so we headed to the beach a day before the race. I remember being so nervous and skeptical towards the race since i knew this whole thing was going to be a total different story, different from a sprint triathlon.
We went to the briefing on Friday night and we were told what the race was going to be like on Saturday morning. I got super scared when the speaker said that T1 was going to open at 330am because of the stuary stream, so I realised i had to hit the bed ASAP.
On Saturday Morning I got up at 3 am!! I know it sounds crazy but I didnt want to have any issues with my bike nor forget my tri stuff.. I placed my bike on a good spot and my friends and me were ready to warm up. A bus took us to the start pontoon and we were off!!
I placed myself in a good position and swam in the first pack, I think I exited the water on the 6th position overall and the 1st female, which I feel so proud about. However, i knew the bike was going to be a whole different story. I jumped on my bike and set a slow pace since I knew I had not done any proper bike training at all, maybe just one bike ride a week before the ironman!!!..Besides, i started to suffer back pain from the second lap (of six to complete 90k) due to the bike size, It was obviously bigger and I was forced to ride just with one hand so i could rest my back. Needless to say, I managed to finish the whole cycling course no matter what.
When I arrived to T2, I was super relieved i got out of that bike, hence i realised i still had a half marathon ahead. At that point, i was holding the 3rd spot but I managed to catch one of my race mates and crossed the line on the second slot... yaaaaaaaaayy. On the run it was a matter of hanging in there and not forgetting dumping myself as much water as I could , I really loved those soaky sponges !!!jejejejeje
Crossing the finish line was a unique feeling though i was in pain for the following 3 days! I was urged to visit the medical tent and get some liquids right after finishing the race, i felt recovered after that, though :).
Some people have asked me why the organisers gave me the 3rd place during the award ceremony when I legally was 2nd ; the fact is, one of the foreign girls from behind did not complete her bike course and unfortunately, nobody was aware counting each of the athletes`laps. I appealed but it was denied; I believe there was a lack of organisation/ logistics and everyone knows this was very unfair for me, yet, at the end of the day, those are the things i have no control of.
Huge thanks to God, my family & friends who supported me during this crazy long journey!!
Cheers!! :)
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