wow...my triathlon will be televised two months after my race. however, don't feel compelled to watch. my goal is to get through this thing somewhere in the middle of the pack and come out alive. just in case i look like a monkey clamoring for water in the desert, you may want to find other things to do that afternoon. :-)
although, i have no idea how i will perform during the race, i do feel good about the discipline i've developed while training. i'm a better swimmer, cyclist, runner and overall athlete. actually, i've never been much of a cyclist prior to this training and outside of leisure bike rides in the park. at any rate, i'm probably in the best shape of my life and i believe i'm stronger mentally & spiritually too. there are days- like last week- where i have not had the interest, will or mindset to train but i did. i rode over 14 miles on monday (with the encouragement from latoya) despite feeling a bit sluggish. i swam 50 laps on tuesday despite not really feeling like having my head under water. wednesday at 7pm(thanks to melissa texting me), i awoke from a half an hour nap to go to my 7:15 spin class, despite feeling "over" this whole thing. and thursday, i put in a 3.5 mile run even though i was anxious to get out in the city. my point is this, i've learned that it's not always about what you "feel" like doing, it's about commitment, having perserverance and dedication to a goal and continuously working toward it even though it may seem too daunting or feel like an inconvenience. i also was reminded to push beyond my comfort zone and seeing progressive strides i've made during this process. in the end, i know i'm a better person for it.
i've also learned through family, friends, co-workers and my extended network that what i'm doing offers inspiration to others to work on their own goals. that makes me feel good too. thank you all for your support and encouragement along the way. special thanks to my training buddies latoya and melissa, the atlanta tri club, ureka (my swim coach) and ron, my manager, who has been a great support in providing loads of information.
i know my tone in this is note is as if i'm done with the race, but what i really wanted to accomplish has been achieved- proof to myself that i have the discipline, commitment and dedication to train for something challenging. i know what i've learned during this process has and will continue to help me in other areas of my life. so, completing the race will be gravy or for you ice cream lovers- chocolate sprinkles.
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Press Release
For Immediate Release
June 9, 2009 (Tampa, Fla.) - Today, Iron Girl, the premiere all-women's event-based brand, announces that the third annual Aflac Iron Girl Atlanta Triathlon will be televised nationally on NBC Sports. The broadcast will air on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. ET. The telecast will showcase a highly competitive professional field as well as a diverse group of athletes varying in age and fitness level.
"The partnership with NBC will highlight tremendous athleticism alongside stories of incredible personal achievement," said Jeff Charney, Aflac senior vice president and chief marketing officer. "Viewers will be inspired by these amazing women and will find their own motivation to live healthier lives."
The broadcast will be shot on location on June 28, 2009, 45 minutes northeast of Atlanta, Ga., at Lake Lanier Islands Resort, situated on the shores of Lake Sidney Lanier. Featuring a 1/3-mile swim, 18-mile bike and 3-mile run, the sold-out event will take more than 1,200 women into pristine Lake Sidney Lanier, transitioning them on to a scenic, yet challenging bike course of rolling hills through Buford County. The run will lead athletes along the natural beauty of Lake Lanier Islands Resort, one of Georgia's most visited resort destinations. "
The team at NBC is excited to televise the Aflac Iron Girl Atlanta Triathlon and is happy to continue growing its relationship with World Triathlon Corporation and Ironman Productions," said Jon Miller, NBC Sports' executive vice president. "We are pleased to add this exciting event to our telecasts that also include the Emmy-award winning Ford Ironman World Championship and the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3."
Viewers will watch stories of athletes who have overcome adversity, as well as gain inspiration from women who have adopted healthy, active lifestyles, served in the military, survived debilitating conditions and more. In addition, the following world-renowned professional athletes will be vying for the first place title:
Michellie Jones: An Olympic silver medalist, Jones has mastered a variety of distances. Boasting top Ironman and 70.3 finishes, she placed second in her debut at the Ford Ironman World Championship in 2005 and returned the following year to win the title. In 2007, Jones won the title at the inaugural Iron Girl Atlanta Triathlon.
Kate Major: Major's talent at both the Ironman and 70.3 disciplines, coupled with her natural athletic ability, make her a formidable opponent. With multiple Ironman and 70.3 titles, and three Ironman World Championship podium finishes on her race resume, Major is often deemed part of "triathlon's next generation."
Samantha McGlone: The 2006 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3 titleholder, McGlone has earned multiple Ironman 70.3 victories, as well as a second place finish at the world's most challenging endurance event, the Ford Ironman World Championship.
Mirinda Carfrae: Carfrae is a multiple Ironman 70.3 champion, as well as the winner of the 2007 Ford Ironman World Championship 70.3. In 2008, Carfrae won the inaugural Aflac Iron Girl Las Vegas Triathlon.
Pip Taylor: With a swimming background, Taylor has earned top placements at well-known events such as the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon, Eagleman Ironman 70.3 and the Aflac Iron Girl Las Vegas Triathlon.
The broadcast will also feature participants racing in support of pediatric cancer research, the Aflac Iron Girl National Event Series charitable cause for 2009. Participants are raising funds to be donated to the Aflac Cancer Center, located in Atlanta, Ga. "Iron Girl is an example of ordinary women accomplishing extraordinary things through events," said Judy Molnar, the vice president of Iron Girl. "Our athletes include not only those whose livelihood depends on performance, but also those women who may be your mom, neighbor or sister. Their passion and dedication exemplifies the mission of Iron Girl."
