Post by marydaly on Sept 28, 2008 15:09:39 GMT
Well i finally decided id better start to summarise my feelings and thoughts on my recent "experience" in Sherbourne, so here goes!!
Well, its three weeks ago today since i became AN IRONWOMAN!! and the very thought of it has my stomach doing somersaults. Everyone that knows me or met me in the days leading up to the start line will know what state i was in. no matter how many times folk tried to reassure me that i would "be grand", i was just panicstricken. I knew i trained hard but honestly doubted :the type of training i did, the length of cycles i did, the amount of time i spent paddling in the lake etc.,etc.I was aware that Nikki,Doug adn Gerry had done great training and had myself tormented comparing what i had or hadnt done. But i have to say my most massive fear was - what if my bike lets me down and i cant fix it? I had hubby John driven mad with all sorts of negitive senarios - and still not any more confident about the challenge ahead. (i will say that Doug did pass comment the morning before the race that "he wouldnt leave me on the side of the road if i was in bother" and my god that was the only thing that was a bit reassuring --- Doug i hope you werent just trying to shut me up!!). I could write a book on the days leading up to the event but thats for another day.
Sun morning we arrived at the castle grounds in darkness and after quick "see you later" to John, Roisin,Aideen, Maura-Triona,Pauline,Garry and Barry (yea we all stayed in the one bed to calm me nerves!!), i went to find my bike to put drinks etc on it (and to check it again, and again). The 3 muscateers -Doug,Gerry and Nikki rambled over with big grins on their faces. Ah fek, how were they so relaxed? I was a bundle of nerves (and tears bursting to get out).
Anyway once i got to the water and cautiously strutted my stuff among the 1500 i felt much better. The lake was lovely and i did as i was told - stayed out of the way. The other 1499 yokes were drafting but i was doing this "my way!!"
Got on the bike and was encouraged by shouts of "go on mammy", "go Mary go" as i left the castle grounds. Well this is when "me nerves" went on overdrive. That first lap of the cycle felt like a lifetime, i stopped and started checking and double checking my bike. there was that much stuff -food, spares etc it seem to make more noise than normal and i was absolutely paranoid it would let me down. Anytime i passed someone in trouble i felt i should stop and help - cos maybe he would help me later on (like hell they would). I can laugh about it now but my god i cant explain how terrified i was. At the aid stations i stopped to accept the drinks etc that were on offer, not even trying to do that on the move. it was as if the more cautious if was, the less likely i would run into problems.
By the end of lap one i was greeted by "the offaly jerseys"!!. I copped them before they saw me and it was like switching on a button - gentle cheering turned onto ectatic, unbelievable, encouragement. Barrry Lambe has the best pair of lungs of all time - boy can he roar!!!. Seeing my crew was exactly what was needed. It was such a fantastic boost and made me relax so much. Around the corner i saw and heard the almost-as-loud, mullingar supporters. Another boost! I was smiling at this stage and decided that it was time to think in a more positive mode. Im sure reading this i must sound a real fruitcake(yes i am!!), but i promise im not usually this bad. And then i dont USUALLY do an IRONMAN!!!.
The remainder of the cycle went well and so looked forward to greeting the best people in the world - my supporters. I passed Doug at one point and we had a little chat. His poor knee was giving him bother but not a moan or groan outa him -cool,calm and collected was our Doug!!!
Got back to Sherbourne and on way to the castle i saw my mam, sister and cousin who flew over that morning. Oh it was brill to see them.
My final trek was ahead of me now - THE MARATHON!!. I felt just fantastic to be able to hand over my bike and get into my running gear. I was free now and wasnt relying on anything only myself to get me home! I felt really grand on the run - well the early part of it anyway and here again, the noise and encouragement of those on the sideline can never be acknowledged enough. each time i passed they shouted such encouragement, told me i was doing well, made me laugh, made me shed a tear or two, made me so proud to have them near me. john o connell constantly reminded me to "relax your arms" and Maura triona told me i looked fantaaaastic!
The last 5 miles of the run and my body was beginning to wilt a bit. I couldnt take any more gels (oh god, i think they should be banned!!), i tried the coke but made me very nauseated, so it was sips of water and pretzels. At this point I was talking aloud to myself. My god its true what they say -mind over matter! I kept telling myself "mary you are not going to be an ironwoman unless you keep going" and there were another few things i told myself too but i wont print those!!
Anyway, anyway, the finish line was getting nearer and nearer and my day in Sherbourne was nearly over and while those last few little miles were tough, i knew i was going to do it. All i could think of as i approached the finishing shute was -it was a mighty challenge but i suceeded, all those doubts i had didnt matter now because no can take this from me. My times didnt matter or even register. I trained to get across that line - no fancy stuff, no records, and guess what - I did it I am an IRONWOMAN!!!!
I will finish with what i want to report on most - ITS NOT ABOUT THE RACE-----------its about those who got me through it, be it those who encouraged me with good luck wishes and txts before the event while i had no faith in myself whatsoever, or those who made the trip over to Sherbourne to give me such immense help and support. John and my family, and my best friends from the harriers. I thank everyone who shouted my name, Dougs family, Gerry!s dad and brother, Brigie, Paul, Dor and Enda, Marie louise and anyone i havent mentioned. I wil never forget it for as long as i live. It is all of you who should have the medal!!
THANK YOU
ps. i didnt mention it earlier cos its not really important - i did "VISIT" the medical tent after the finish. Ah shur i just went in for a little lie down cos the blood sugar wasnt too hectic (1.4mmols). (I should have eaten more grub on the bike im told), but what harm, a little bit of intravenous dextrose and i was grand!!
MARY
Well, its three weeks ago today since i became AN IRONWOMAN!! and the very thought of it has my stomach doing somersaults. Everyone that knows me or met me in the days leading up to the start line will know what state i was in. no matter how many times folk tried to reassure me that i would "be grand", i was just panicstricken. I knew i trained hard but honestly doubted :the type of training i did, the length of cycles i did, the amount of time i spent paddling in the lake etc.,etc.I was aware that Nikki,Doug adn Gerry had done great training and had myself tormented comparing what i had or hadnt done. But i have to say my most massive fear was - what if my bike lets me down and i cant fix it? I had hubby John driven mad with all sorts of negitive senarios - and still not any more confident about the challenge ahead. (i will say that Doug did pass comment the morning before the race that "he wouldnt leave me on the side of the road if i was in bother" and my god that was the only thing that was a bit reassuring --- Doug i hope you werent just trying to shut me up!!). I could write a book on the days leading up to the event but thats for another day.
Sun morning we arrived at the castle grounds in darkness and after quick "see you later" to John, Roisin,Aideen, Maura-Triona,Pauline,Garry and Barry (yea we all stayed in the one bed to calm me nerves!!), i went to find my bike to put drinks etc on it (and to check it again, and again). The 3 muscateers -Doug,Gerry and Nikki rambled over with big grins on their faces. Ah fek, how were they so relaxed? I was a bundle of nerves (and tears bursting to get out).
Anyway once i got to the water and cautiously strutted my stuff among the 1500 i felt much better. The lake was lovely and i did as i was told - stayed out of the way. The other 1499 yokes were drafting but i was doing this "my way!!"
Got on the bike and was encouraged by shouts of "go on mammy", "go Mary go" as i left the castle grounds. Well this is when "me nerves" went on overdrive. That first lap of the cycle felt like a lifetime, i stopped and started checking and double checking my bike. there was that much stuff -food, spares etc it seem to make more noise than normal and i was absolutely paranoid it would let me down. Anytime i passed someone in trouble i felt i should stop and help - cos maybe he would help me later on (like hell they would). I can laugh about it now but my god i cant explain how terrified i was. At the aid stations i stopped to accept the drinks etc that were on offer, not even trying to do that on the move. it was as if the more cautious if was, the less likely i would run into problems.
By the end of lap one i was greeted by "the offaly jerseys"!!. I copped them before they saw me and it was like switching on a button - gentle cheering turned onto ectatic, unbelievable, encouragement. Barrry Lambe has the best pair of lungs of all time - boy can he roar!!!. Seeing my crew was exactly what was needed. It was such a fantastic boost and made me relax so much. Around the corner i saw and heard the almost-as-loud, mullingar supporters. Another boost! I was smiling at this stage and decided that it was time to think in a more positive mode. Im sure reading this i must sound a real fruitcake(yes i am!!), but i promise im not usually this bad. And then i dont USUALLY do an IRONMAN!!!.
The remainder of the cycle went well and so looked forward to greeting the best people in the world - my supporters. I passed Doug at one point and we had a little chat. His poor knee was giving him bother but not a moan or groan outa him -cool,calm and collected was our Doug!!!
Got back to Sherbourne and on way to the castle i saw my mam, sister and cousin who flew over that morning. Oh it was brill to see them.
My final trek was ahead of me now - THE MARATHON!!. I felt just fantastic to be able to hand over my bike and get into my running gear. I was free now and wasnt relying on anything only myself to get me home! I felt really grand on the run - well the early part of it anyway and here again, the noise and encouragement of those on the sideline can never be acknowledged enough. each time i passed they shouted such encouragement, told me i was doing well, made me laugh, made me shed a tear or two, made me so proud to have them near me. john o connell constantly reminded me to "relax your arms" and Maura triona told me i looked fantaaaastic!
The last 5 miles of the run and my body was beginning to wilt a bit. I couldnt take any more gels (oh god, i think they should be banned!!), i tried the coke but made me very nauseated, so it was sips of water and pretzels. At this point I was talking aloud to myself. My god its true what they say -mind over matter! I kept telling myself "mary you are not going to be an ironwoman unless you keep going" and there were another few things i told myself too but i wont print those!!
Anyway, anyway, the finish line was getting nearer and nearer and my day in Sherbourne was nearly over and while those last few little miles were tough, i knew i was going to do it. All i could think of as i approached the finishing shute was -it was a mighty challenge but i suceeded, all those doubts i had didnt matter now because no can take this from me. My times didnt matter or even register. I trained to get across that line - no fancy stuff, no records, and guess what - I did it I am an IRONWOMAN!!!!
I will finish with what i want to report on most - ITS NOT ABOUT THE RACE-----------its about those who got me through it, be it those who encouraged me with good luck wishes and txts before the event while i had no faith in myself whatsoever, or those who made the trip over to Sherbourne to give me such immense help and support. John and my family, and my best friends from the harriers. I thank everyone who shouted my name, Dougs family, Gerry!s dad and brother, Brigie, Paul, Dor and Enda, Marie louise and anyone i havent mentioned. I wil never forget it for as long as i live. It is all of you who should have the medal!!
THANK YOU
ps. i didnt mention it earlier cos its not really important - i did "VISIT" the medical tent after the finish. Ah shur i just went in for a little lie down cos the blood sugar wasnt too hectic (1.4mmols). (I should have eaten more grub on the bike im told), but what harm, a little bit of intravenous dextrose and i was grand!!
MARY
? I FORGOT ABOUT THAT PART OF THE CHALLENGE! AH I THINK I WILL LEAVE THAT TO THE ironMEN!! BIG STRONG, BRAVE, FIT IRONMEN WOULDNT MIND A tiny NEEDLE BEING DRILLED THROUGH THEIR SKIN WOULD THEY?!!!! 
