TriKirk Athletes, Ursula Bowling and Suzanne Hawson, raced and completed IM Wisconsin, 9/12/10.
Training partners and friends, the two have been training together the past few years. Up until this season, however, Suzanne had only accompanied Ursula during Urs' full IM training without ever actually attempting the distance herself. Suzanne chose IM Wisconsin as her first full distance event, a very hilly and challenging bike course with a moderately rolling run course.
In Suzanne's first full IM distance event, she was not sure what to expect, but had a very solid day and never slowed as she broke the tape in 13:58.
Ursula, on the other hand, was racing her 4th full IM distance and came into the race with a previous IM PR of 15:00 at 2009 IM Canada. She improved greatly upon that time, coming in at 14:24.
Ursula, a slightly better swimmer than Suzanne, exited the water with about a 7-minute lead over her BFF and training partner.
Once on the bike, Suzanne, caught up with Urs about mid-way through the bike. The two rode together (within sight of one another, not side-by-side) for a portion of the ride, until Ursula encouraged Suzanne to ride off ahead.
Onto the run course the two saw one another a few times during the out-and-back sections. Both in good spirits, they cheered one another and encouraged one another each time they passed by.
Not wearing a watch, Suzanne was unaware of the fact that she was very close to breaking the 14-hour barrier! Ursula told her she was close and Suzanne kept pace and managed to break 14 hours.
Way to go Ladies!!
Coach Kirk
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