Unbelievably hectic weekly work travel and a recurring back injury made the thought of completing IM AZ at times seem very bleak for David, and perhaps out of reach. In prior years, injury and work travel have kept David from being able to start the IM's he was registered for. Not giving up on his goal of completing an IM, David was determined to start and more importantly, finish, 2010 IM AZ.
Meanwhile, Ursula has experienced a little bit of everything life can bring over the past year, including highs and lows: loss of a loved one in the family; recurring shin splints; an Ironman PR at 2010 IM Wisconsin in September; and a hard fall during her final pre-race training ride just 2 days before IM AZ! Not certain if she would even be able to start the race, Ursula found the courage to begin with the hope that she could overcome a deeply bruised thigh and hip that made walking alone exceptionally difficult!
With the SC Support Crew (made up of family members, friends, and training partners) there to cheer them on, David and Ursula arrived at the start line ready to conquer the IM AZ course on what was to be a cold, windy, and challenging day. With the help of her friend, TriKirk Racing teammate, and PT professional, Suzanne Hawson, Ursula was able to reduce much of the swelling and come up with a way to better support her injured leg on race day.
Water temp around 60F, gusty winds ranging from 20-40 mph, and periodic rain showers, the 2010 IM AZ was not your as-advertised, sunny, warm, relatively calm, flat, and fast race course! Regardless of the challenges they faced to get to this point, David and Ursula put everything behind them and focused on the task at hand -- swimming 2.4 miles, riding 112, and running a full 26.2 mile marathon.
Following a successful, yet challenging swim, David and Ursula began the bike with a plan of riding steadily and conservatively. Keeping up with nutrition, they executed well on the bike and overcame howling, gusting winds and periods of rain showers. Feeling the effects of her hard fall just two days prior, Ursula was forced to alter her run/walk race plan in favor of more walking. David, meanwhile, came off the bike in a good position, but was feeling the pain and fatigue of Ironman racing starting to creep into the body. Feeding off energy the SC Support Crew was radiating, these two athletes finished off the marathon in strong fashion!!!
Rarely does training or racing ever go ideally for any athlete, but these two had exceptional challenges they had to overcome just to arrive at the start, let alone going the full 140.6 miles on race day!
I am extremely proud of David for battling the back issues and work travel schedule that would have defeated the majority of us from even making it to the start line. He did not lose hope of completing his first IM when things were looking rather bleak just two-three months ago. On race day, he raced smart, within himself, and without backing down or giving in. Congrats David, you are an Ironman!
Likewise, I am very proud of Ursula for even suiting up on race day! After seeing her bruised leg, cuts, and scratches, I know I would have had a difficult time making the decision to attempt a full IM. She remained positive and hopeful following the crash which allowed her to start that race. Once in the race, she was determined to finish no matter how much pain or suffering she was experiencing. While it may not have been her fastest IM to this point, it may certainly have been her most challenging and one that she can be most proud of!
Congratulations David and Ursula!
And Congratulations to David's wife, Johanne, as she too, has overcome some very difficult challenges from a serious bike accident to get to this start line and go on to finish the race in an impressive time!
That wraps up the 2010 TriKirk Racing Season! Hope to see you out there in 2011!
Coach Kirk
0 comments:
Post a Comment