Today I placed third in suffering at Ironman Korea. This race is known for being a sufferfest and it definitely did not disappoint.
I stole this off of ironmanlive.com because this finish photo pretty much says it all. I had just pounded down the last steep downhill before the finish chute and I felt like my toes were about to explode because my blisters were so out of control. There wasn’t much that didn’t hurt at that point—or now, for that matter.
The Ironman Korea finish is definitely not one to take for granted, and to end up on the podium is icing on the cake. It was not a brilliant performance, but in combination with 4th at Ironman Brasil 5 weeks ago, it’s a better few weeks than I have had in about 2.5 years. Progress.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
Good for you my friend! You are so positive about it and yeah, getting up this AM looking at the photos & times, did not seem easy by any stretch. Proud of you. Rest up & be good to yourself… REST REST REST!!
Great work!!
You are amazing!! I know I say this a lot but it is because it is the truest and most accurate statement that I can come up with. Rest and get home so the GCM and baby you a bit. Well done (again) Hil!!!
PS
Congrats on finding the dress, you will be stunning no doubt
Great job on a podium finish! Keep the momentum up for the rest of the season. Also, congrats on your engagement!
Ugh, yeah, I’d been following on the live updates and read that it was just ugly out there, especially for the IM athletes that were out there when the sun really came out to hurt you.
Congrats! You know how you do interviews of the GCM post-IM from a set of Qs that you or your readers post… how about we get the GCM to interview you for this race???
Just for what it’s worth, you are first best at suffering, in my book!
I concur with IB – plus, it was rather disconcerting that we couldn’t track the athletes during the race, either – I felt like a worried Mom trying to track your progress via the “update” section! NICE JOB HILLARY!!!
We all know thatit’s the results that count. Sp far the results indicate that you will have a really great year. Keep that moooo building. XOXOXO
Congrats Hillary! 2 top 5 finishes in less than 5 weeks is exceptional! I witnessed your IM MOO win and have been following your blog ever since! Thanks so much for responding to my IM CDA swim cap inquiry… I was totally stoked to see your response. I did indeed rock 2 swim caps on race day and it was absolutely perfect. It was a great start to a Ironman PR day! Keep Smashing!
Now, anyone who knows or follows you had to laugh at the “third-best at suffering” comment. Please don’t sell yourself short; you are a warrior unlike any pro out there. Thank goodness for you! There are so many DNFs now among the pro field when it gets rough, and it seems like you would have to be pulled off on a stretcher! Love it–and, it inspires me. Good luck the rest of the season.
Now, anyone who knows or follows you had to laugh at the “third-best at suffering” comment. Please don’t sell yourself short; you are a warrior unlike any pro out there. Thank goodness for you! There are so many DNFs now among the pro field when it gets rough, and it seems like you would have to be pulled off on a stretcher! Love it–and, it inspires me. Good luck the rest of the season.
Don’t ever forget that you are such an inspiration to everyone, pros and ag alike. A true WARRIOR indeed. First/last slowest fast you put it out there and I thank you for that! xoxox
CONGRATS! In the beginning, the “jitters”, so much that your stomach feels outta control, make you wonder what you’re doing … in the middle, when you’re almost delusional, you wonder what made you wanna do it … and in the end, when your toes are doing that “exploding” thing, you ask yourself again … but when you cross the finish line, it’s all worth it – every. last. second. of it!!
Thanks for making us girls be proud in this sport. You’re a great inspiration to all women who want to go there or have been there (and even those who have been there that want to go again!)
YOU ROCK!!!
so happy for your podium H. So frustrating trying to follow the race on line! Love the finish photo with you & your “Smash it 4 Sally braclet”!!
Enjoy Hawaii, you deserve it chica xox
OMG you are a ROCKSTAR !!!!! Congrats superstar
So so proud of you – you embody the spirit of the warrior that I admire and aspire too – such a roll model !
Esther