|
| The miles ticked down. Seven to go, six to go, five to go. Around four miles to go, I caught up to Missy LeStrange, who was walking backwards, trying to shake some cramps and completely committed to keep moving. Her spirits were good and she was smiling through the pain. She is a shining example of the power of a positive attitude. As I arrive at three miles to go, I try to push it up further but while my effort is increasing, my speed is holding firm. Two miles to go, and I am able to get a little more speed out of my legs but at a pace that leaves me a ticking time bomb. At one mile to go, I turn the corner to head down Pay n' Save Hill. Running down a steep hill at this stage is hell on my legs. Pain grips me as a memory of Dave Scott flashes through my head. I run past Ian/Dad and mutter something. I make no sense and can barely speak. Ian shouts ten minutes to go and I think, not if I can help it! At the bottom of the hill, I turn left and start running along the flats. After about 100 meters both my hamstrings seize and I am jerked upright. Instant flashes of 10:40 vaporising pour through my head. I ease off a little bit but decide that if I am going to crash and burn then I might as well go all out. I am seriously zoned and not thinking straight. My lungs burn, my legs burn and I know that I am getting close. Just before the turn onto Alii Drive, a stranger comes out of the crowd and runs towards me. He's smiling with a crazed grin. He gives me a High Five and says, "Go Gordo!" My mind clicks back into gear. It's Rob, either he did a sub-10 or he DNF'd. Either way he's smiling for me. I turn onto Alii Drive and am pushing. I am barely aware of the people around me. Some are cheering, some are hanging out. The road weaves towards the finish and I can see the pier. I know that I am close, I can taste it. It's still light out. I have achieved my goal. I belong. I own this time. I have earned my lottery slot. I have raced to my potential. I get closer and can see the clock. I pass one more guy in order to get a clean finish photo. I wind it up a final notch. I fly across the finish line and flashes pop from all directions. My mind is completely blown, two ladies walk up to me. They hand me a towel and a garland and walk me away. They are talking to me but I am unable to speak. My heart is racing and I feel light headed. There is no place that I would rather be. |  Game...Set...Match! |
"Unless you test yourself, you stagnate. Unless you try to go way beyond what you've been able to do before, you won't develop and grow. When you go for it 100%, when you don't have the fear of 'what if I fail', that's when you learn. That's when you're really living." Mark Allen
After Canada, I did not understand Ironman. I couldn't relate to people whose eyes glassed over even thinking about the race. I thought that Ironman was overblown. Now I understand. This knowledge is extremely powerful and deeply personal. I realise the power of my mind and see that I have the strength to achieve far beyond what I thought possible. It was one of the best days of my life. Thanks for joining me. gordo |