A YEAR TO REMEMBER

My journey for 2010 actually began in October 2009. One day, I was on the internet looking up information for one of the athletes I coach and it popped up on my computer- IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, OCTOBER 9, 2010- my heart stopped- “that is my 50^th birthday.” Wow- how cool would that be?…… For the next two days, I found myself crying on my way to work and thinking about how cool it would be to race Kona again on my 50th birthday . I don’t typically cry about anything, but for some reason I was emotional about the thought. Pete, my husband was in Hawaii with one of his athletes who had qualified for the 2009 race so getting a final approval would have to wait. I finally decided to talk to him about the possibility when he returned.

When Pete got back, I couldn’t wait to ask him. I think I waited about two hours before asking to talk. We had decided before that I would “temporarily retire” from Ironman racing until the kids were in college, so I was nervous to ask, but I had to ask. He was great. Pete was so supportive, knowing the sacrifices we would each have to make in the coming month, he still said yes. We worked together and put together a plan that we felt would be our best chance of qualifying. First enter Ironman Coeur d’Alene. This was the best choice to try to qualify since I had done this race before and qualified in 2006. The timing of the race was perfect and would allow me a little recovery time before making another push. Additionally, Pete’s athlete who had just done Kona, Julia, was racing and would be a great  training partner.  Julia is young (23 years old) who swam at the same master’s swim program, our run speed seemed similar- perfect, a running partner. My second training partner was Kelly Lear-Kaul and she also swam in the same master’s program. She is a great athlete and has won her age group in Kona in the past. She just had a baby in August and was in need of a biking partner- perfect. I loved biking with Kelly, or should I say behind her. Kelly is super strong so I knew I would spend the coming months drafting behind her. I didn’t mind as long as she didn’t. With my training partners set IMCDA was the race to enter. I went to the computer to register for a community slot but found out general entry was still open. The race had been filled for months. I was all set to put out the extra $550 dollars ( $550 for entry fee and $550 for a community slot). Pete told me to “ just do it and see what happens”. So I did- I completed the form and hit submit. It went through!!! Oh no, I got nervous, was I really in???? What if it really did not go through because I did not pay the extra money? I wrote Ironman and got back a response. “Your name should appear on the participants list in the next few days”. So I waited. Then, there it was. Kathy Alfino. I was in!

Our next step was to come up with a plan. Pete and I worked together and put together a good base training plan for December, January and February. I continued to swim was masters at 5 AM Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Matt Beck was my master’s swim coach and I’ve been swimming with him for 10 years. 10 Years!!!, I can’t believe it has been that long. He is a great coach and I owe my swimming success to his coaching. I couldn’t tell you what it is about him that is so great but I have swam at other places in the past and for some reason Matt’s practices are the best at getting the most out of me in the shortest amount of time. Biking was inside most of the time (boring). Julia and I ran on the weekends together for our long runs. We ran in the wind (OK one day we went inside), and the snow but it was great having someone to get me out the door.

Pete had me sign up for a half Ironman in April- 8 weeks from IMCDA. Now I had a goal before the big day in Idaho. March 1^st rolled around. Kelly called, we needed to start biking outside. Ok, I was ready, I think we biked outside on most Saturday’s and we occasionally would see other cyclists, but mostly we saw people with ski’s on the top of their vehicles heading up the mountain . The weather remained cold but we rode. We rode in the wind. We rode in the rain. We road in the snow.

April came and I felt ready for the half IM. I headed to Galveston, TX by myself. It was my 17 year old son Nick’s Prom. I was sad sad I would miss it. He had gone to his girl friends prom 2 weeks prior so I got to see him all dressed up but it was still sad. Nevertheless I had to move on. I had a mission, I had a big goal ahead in June. I knew I would have to win my age group in Idaho based on past history. I knew I would need to go 11:15-11:30. My best time in an IM had been in 2004 – IM Canada 11:19 and that was such a great race- I would even say perfect. Pete and I crossed the finish line together, unplanned and I qualified for the first time for Kona. Could it get any better than that? I would have to be perfect again but this time, 7 years later. But for now, Galveston would be a good gage on where I was in my Ironman preparation training. Pete and I would use this race to map out the final blocks of my Ironman training plan. Race day turned out great. I was second out of the water for all women. I took the lead on the bike by mile 3 and kept the lead through the remainder of the bike. It was really cool coming into T2 and hearing them announce my name as the lead women. But I also knew I was not the fastest runner and that the young women would be on my heels soon. I got out of transition as fast as I could and started the run. The run was good, not great, but good. I finished in 5:11, a litter slower than I had hoped but I won my age group. I knew I still had plenty of work ahead of me.

The next 8 weeks were focused. Pete wrote me a great plan- we moved my long run days to Thursdays which was new for me, but he thought it would be better on my (old) legs. I followed what he suggested. Again the weather was not great for biking but the three of us kept biking. The weeks passed by quickly. I remained consistent with my workouts and it paid dividends. Pete always says “consistency is the key to success”. for those of you have trained for an endurance event you know that the road to the start line usually has some obstacles to over come. I got some sort of weird calf pain that would bother me on the run. As IMCDA approached, Pete had me stop running so I would not hurt my calf further. Wow no running for 5weeks……. Running is my leak link, are you crazy? I wanted to sneak out for a run but I knew he was watching. Living with your coach does have it’s benefits and drawbacks.

Soon the time had come to head to Idaho for the big day. I was focused and ready to go. Pete coaches Julia as well and I’m confident we both put a few gray hairs on his head those last few weeks. Julia had already qualified for Kona in May but wanted to win her age group in Idaho. I had a few last minute bike issues but that is a whole other report. Julia and I drove the 15 hours to Idaho. It was fun, her listening to rap music and me to Whitney Houston. I was ready to race and like everyone else just want race day to come. Our first night there I woke up at 1 AM with severe pain shooting down my left arm. I couldn’t even move my arm. OMG you have to be kidding? I tried to make myself comfortable until the sun came up as not to waken Julia. Something had to be done. We headed straight to the Active Release Therapy ( ART) people. I knew they could fix me and the work began. The pinched nerve pain subsided, but I was still unable to raise my arm- how was I going to swim??? I was told my shoulder had slipped out and was pinching the nerve and tissue. Ok I thought- fix it. He said it should get better in 2-3 days- come back tomorrow. Ok 2-3 days – it was Thursday- I only had 2 more days……….. So I was unable to swimming (that was OK the water temp had only warmed up to 55 degrees- burrrrrrrr) I was able to bike a bit without too much pain but was starting to get a little nervous about the race. I returned to the ART tent the next day. My arm was better but I still could not swim. Saturday, the day before the race, I went again to the ART tent. They worked on me for some time and finally, I had enough range of motion that I knew I could at least make it through the swim. Back to positive thinking.

Race day came- the water temperature was up to 58- good no booties needed. I was race ready. Julia and I chose our starting spot. It was a beach start- so 2,500 of my closest friends and I were going to run into the cold water all at the same time- fun…… The gun went off- we were in the front row- arms and legs flying every where. A few minutes into the swim I looked to my right. Sweet it was Julia. Out of all these people I couldn’t believe we were swimming together. I had spent the past 6 months drafting behind her in the swim during masters so why not now- good idea- I would save some energy. We hit the turn. Congestion…….. I have never been with so many people trying to make the turn. I got through it and continued on. I made it out of the water in 1:04- not great but at least safe. I had the lead (in my age group) and as I got on the bike I felt energized. My legs just kept turning. I was closing in on the first out and back and there was Kelly, she didn’t seem too far ahead. That motivated me to stay close. We headed out of town. The course was beautiful but I tried to stay focused and calm and trust my training. I had no computer on my bike so I had no idea how fast I was going. Again, another out and back. I saw Kelly. I was still pretty close-cool. The first lap was complete- I glanced at my time- yikes I thought, Pete is going to be mad, the last thing he told me was to pace myself and not leave my race on the bike. I was out fast but I felt good so I just powered on. I hit the out and back section again, there was Kelly so I knew I was having a good ride. The bike felt great. I just kept going, staying in control and following my nutrition plan as I had planned and practiced. Then came “the hill”…… Oh my, maybe I had gone out too fast. I thought I would have to walk this time around. Somehow I made it up, but it hurt. I kept my legs turning. The last out and back. There was Kelly again- maybe I was going too fast…… or maybe biking with her had made me faster. Don’t think, just ride!! I later found out as I was thinking “there’s Kelly –cool…..” She was thinking “oh my god, there’s Kathy what’s she doing so close?”. We definitely weren’t looking at the situation through the same eyes!!

The bike ended- 5:37, my fastest Ironman bike split, now could I run? I felt great! I jumped off the bike and started toward my transition bag, oh no, my calf. This couldn’t be happening. It was back whatever “it” was. I headed out on the run. Pete had called Kelly’s husband and let him know at the 90 mile mark of the bike I was in the lead by 30 minutes. Pete was at a youth swim meet watching our daughter swim but he was following the race on line. OK 30 minutes- I can do this. But suddenly I was walking. My calf was killing me, I just couldn’t push off. I walked the majority of the first 4 miles- up the hill out of town. I heard someone say “well at least you had a hell of a bike”. That made me mad. Was I doomed? I tried to run down the hill- I was OK. I continued on the flats. My calf had loosened up and wasn’t too bad. “One slot!! focus, run, let’s do this!!” But every time I came to a hill my calf would kill me. So I was left to walking up all the hills. 30 minutes- I couldn’t blow that lead, could I? I was determined to finish what I started. Women passed me left and right but no one in my age group. I kept focusing on getting through the next mile. “26 1 mile repeats: I finally hit the last ½ mile down hill to the finish. Oh, I think I did it. I hadn’t seen anyone pass me. I was headed back to Kona. My hard work had paid off. Tears began to roll down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe it! Pete’s plan had worked. I had my 2^nd fastest Ironman time despite a bad run. 11:29……… I was first. It would end up being a course record and I won my age group by 22 minutes. Kelly got second and another Kona slot. Julia took third in her age group. All of us would be on our way to the Ironman world Championships.

Time for a short rest and then we were back to work. One half Ironman race and 12 weeks of hard work were left. I continued to be consistent and got my miles in. I found out my bike cleat was just a hair off and that was the culprit for my calf pain (or at least I thought). Once that was taken care of I was good. The Half Ironman went well. Although I failed to break 5 hours, it was my second fastest half and I felt great. 8 weeks and counting.

Labor Day weekend arrived and the family headed to Chicago for Pete’s parent’s 50^th wedding anniversary. Not the best of timing for my training but I had known ahead that this would be the case and we adjusted my schedule accordingly. I left my bike with my mechanic and asked him to take everything apart and have it ready for Kona. Saturday morning we got a call from Chris. Pete saw his name on the caller id and said “this can’t be good”. My bike had 3 cracks in the frame- it was not safe to ride. Oh great, I am out of town, it is a holiday weekend, 5 weeks to Kona and I need a bike. Pete told me he would take care of things and we went about celebrating Pete’s parents anniversary. In the back of my mind, I kept thinking about my 110 mile bike ride the following weekend. But when we got home, Pete went to work. My bike would be warrantied but would not be back in time for Kona. He found a bike that would fit me in Atlanta or somewhere and had it flown in. The bike guys put it together and Todd Carver from Retul stayed late on a Friday night to fit me. A lot of people and a lot of expense was put into getting me ready in a short period of time. Saturday morning I had a 110 mile bike ride. Nothing like doing a 100+ mile bike ride on a bike that has never been ridden (something I would never endorse) But it turned out AWESOME. I had no issues during or post ride. I was trying to see the positives in the big bucks we had just shelled out for a new tribike.

The next few weeks flew by. I was called out of town for business, more kids activities and just life in general. It was October 1^st– One week and one day away. I had been dreaming of that day for months now and it was almost here. We had our annual “Kona” party that night and as usual had a great time. We had 7 local athletes who would be making the trip to Kona (5 Mile High Multisport athletes) with me including Julia and Kelly. It was terrific to be surrounded by fellow triathletes and friends. So much support and I felt the local community support.

Oct 5^th was here. Travel day. I won’t go into the horrors of watching TSA take apart my bike box and pull everything out and then asking me the best way to put it back in without allowing me to touch anything…(How about putting it back just like you found it!!)…….. I just prayed the bike, wheels and helmet would be unharmed. My flight to San Francisco was uneventful. In San Fran, I got bumped up to first class for my flight to Kona. A great way start off a great trip. I hadn’t been nervous or at least I didn’t feel nervous about the race. I had positive thoughts. For the first time I truly believe I had fully developed the mental part of triathlons. I had practiced positive thinking and visualization until it was almost nauseating. I was never so ready, so prepared for a race. Bring it on. Then I saw the Big Island. I got a lump in my throat. I was really heading back to the Ironman World Championships- the race that so many dream about competing in. I was about to have my third shot at this physically and mentally challenging course. Was I dreaming? As we flew in over Hawi (which is the turn around for the bike) I got teary again. I seem to have a lot of tears for the girl who doesn’t cry. I took a deep breath and told my self “you can do this”.

As we got off the plane, I noticed the humidity was not as terrible as it had been in years past. Or was I just trying to make it that way? Either way I was good. Julia and I settled into our Condo and race week countdown began. The next day we went for a swim at “dig me“ beach. I never have asked how it got that name, I just assume it is because the fittest triathletes in the world are all there hanging out before heading out to train on the swim course. Talk about intimidating! I hate looking in the water but the water in Hawaii is so pretty. This year I was determined to face my fear of seeing the fish. I kept my eyes open most of the swim- that was progress. The following day we went back for an early morning swim. I was determined to relax and enjoy. As I headed out to the “coffee boat” (how funny is that to have a boat serving Kona Coffee in the ocean….). I noticed one of the safety kayak guys pointing at something so I stopped. He told me to be careful of a turtle that was hanging out on the rope that lined the course. I stopped to take a peek. He was so cute eating the moss off the rope. I “chatted” with him awhile. Ok I did most of the talking but I asked him for safe travels in the ocean in Saturday’s race. As I said my good- bys he seemed to tip himself up and his little fin came out of the water as if to wave good- by. That was cool. If you know me at all, you know I will talk to any animal and I am sure they are talking back to me. I made my turn around at the coffee boat and headed back in. I stopped to check on my new best friend. He was still there. We chatted again and I had never felt so relaxed and ready for a big race to begin.

Later that morning, we went for a bike ride. Julia had some mechanical problems so we didn’t get much of a ride in, but that was OK- all the hard work was done. On our way back to Kona, we stopped and each built a temple to the Gods of the Island. I had never taken the time to do this ritual and decided this year I needed to ask the Gods of the Island, mainly Goddess Pele, for safe travels on the bike as we crossed through her land of volcanic lava. I started with 3 pillars to represent my 3 trips to Kona. Then I decided I wanted to make an arch or bridge them together. I placed a large round piece of white coral on the top of the middle pillar. I said my prayers and the stepped back to take a picture. Wow- I had made the “M dot” the sign of Ironman that we all get tattooed on our body. How cool was that. I was having a good feeling about the race.

My family arrived later that day, Nick age 17 and Lauren age 14 had taken off school to join us on the Big Island (boy that must have been a tough decision to make, school? Kona? School? Kona?). Pete, my husband and coach had arrived. I am sure he has no idea of how important it was for me to have him there. I wanted more than anything to do well for him as he had sacrificed a lot for me over the past 10 months. Everything was falling into place and going smoothly. The weather was perfect. It was hot of course but the humidity seemed so much less than years past. I watched the news- 60% humidity on race day, I knew I could handle that.

Friday flew by. I went and racked my bike and left my bags at the transition. I walked in this time with a lot of confidence. “Third times a charm”. All the people lined up watching and marking down what type of bike you ride, race wheels, helmet? They didn’t make me nervous this time. The rest of the night was good and it was time for bed. I slept well.

4:15 AM came before I knew it. Pete wished me a happy birthday and said “I hope whatever you are looking for out there today you find?” What did that mean? A breakfast of left over chicken and some fruit, then a kiss for good luck from Pete and the kids and I was off. The pre race numbering and pumping of tires was uneventful. I made my way down the steps to the water. You have to enter early because only 2 people can get down the steps at one time. So out to the water I went. I warmed up a bit then found a place to tread water until the start. I kept looking around- something didn’t feel right. Too many people all vertical soon to be horizontal and kick for their lives. OK I needed to move. I went wide and went around the Ford car that was floating on an Island. I no sooner did I get there and the cannon fired. We were off. No time for me to think, I just started swimming. My start was great. I was not getting swum over or hit in the head as usual. The entire swim was that way. I wasn’t drafting much but I was safe. That was my plan. Get out of the water safely. My turtle friend must have been watching over me (those turtles are so mystical to this Island). I got out of the water and through transition and on to my bike. As I got on, Julia was right beside me. How funny. We took off together. Pete yelled to me that I was first in my age group out of the water- cool. That was perfect. I hadn’t been sure where 1:06 would put me, but I was in a good place to keep an eye on my competition now.

The bike was AWESOME ,well at leas the first 35 miles or so. I was having so much fun. The wind was nothing compared to years past. Then the turn for the 18 mile climb up to Hawi and the turn around. The winds started. Oh my……. I was out of my aerobars in a snap. The winds had to be 20-30 MPH. I thought I was going to fall over- I saw some people who had. Tears rolled down my eyes but I kept saying “don’t stop pedaling” over and over again. I made it to the turn around. I had seen Kelly not too far ahead. I was feeling good. The decent down the hill was worse than the climb. I was afraid to go too fast as the cross winds continued. I finally made it down and made the turn south toward Kona. The winds continued some- I even skipped some aid stations because I was afraid to let go of my handlebars to grab water. I saw my little temple. It gave me some type of calmness. I continued pedaling hard toward the finish knowing I needed to save some energy for the run. I finally reached T2 (transition 2). It had been a “fun” bike, not as hard as 2004 but better than 2006.. I finished in 5:39- my second fastest bike in any Ironman (5:37 had been my fastest in Coeur d’ Alene just months before) I got off and could barely run but that was OK, it was a long transition. I took the time to put on my compression socks on and put on more sunscreen. I was able to run which was good news.  I headed out Alii drive, knowing Pete and the kids would be near the second mile marker. I stopped at each aid station – walked as I planned, just enough to get what I needed. Ice in the cap was most important to keep my body temperature down. Heading up the first hill on Alii drive and there they were. Suddenly “Happy Birthday” filled the air.  I waved and blew kisses. It was a light moment in a long day. Pete had gotten about 20 people to sing to me on my 50^th birthday- oh my…. what a day it was turning out to be.

I saw my family again on the way back to town, about the 8 Mile mark. Pete yelled “they are coming …..they are coming fast”. I knew exactly what he meant. My toughest competition……. Ellen Hart, also from Denver- a world class runner still running strong in her 50’s- to think I had talked her into doing Ironman just 4 years ago- never thinking I would be doing it again. And behind her, Teresa Rider- originally from Australia- who moved to Boulder, CO in 2007. She won my age group in Kona the last time I was here in 2006. I was hoping there was no one else, but I also knew I was on my weakest event, the run. Ellen soon passed my around the 10 mile mark. She was looking stronger than ever. I cheered her on. I took a port-o-potty break around mile 14 and I think that is were Teresa passed me. My run was holding up. I didn’t have any real issues. It was just a LONG day. The energy lab was not as hot as usual. That was great. About mile 20, I was feeling so good I tried to pick up the pace but my back started to seize up on me so I slowed back down. I thought to myself “OK be happy where you are”. I had stuck to my plan to only walk the aid stations and that is exactly what I intended to do for the rest of the race.

Finally, mile 25…… 1.2 miles to go. You can hear the finish line buzz and Mike Reilly announcing …… YOU ARE AN IRONMAN! as people ahead of me finished. I ran through the last aid station and down Palani hill. As I made the left hand turn I could hear people yelling my name…… I was so excited. I had done it! I was going to have my best time ever in an Ironman and I was in 3 rd place (I was pretty sure but I didn’t know for sure until I saw Pete a short time later). Oh my, what a great birthday present. I knew Pete would be so happy….. all the hard work had paid off. I thought about the past training days…… running and biking in the wind, rain and snow, asking to do something I had promised I wouldn’t do again, the sacrifice of my family and friends.………. It was now all worth it. I made the right hand turn on to Alii Drive- the grandest stage of them all. This was so cool, my third time here and I get goose bumps just typing about making that turn for home. When I came around the corner, my shoe slid and oh no….. excruciating pain from my toe- oh I thought I lost a toe nail. Not now…. I need to run….. The pain was so bad so I ran on the outside of my foot,  but I kept running. This was what I trained for…… running down the finishers chute in Hawaii  is the best of all Ironman finishes. I saw my family. I grabbed my Mile High Multisport cap and headed for the finish. 11:08.57 I had a personal best time by 11 minutes ( from Canada in 2004! ) and a best Kona finish by 45 minutes, How sweet is that!!!??

I found Pete and the kids afterwards- hugs and kisses all around. They had been so supportive. I was so grateful. I know Ironman can be a very selfish sport. I hope they know who much it meant to me. We met up with the other athletes from the Denver area. I got a great photo with Ellen. She had finished first 10:38- with a 3:24 marathon- she rocks.

The award ceremony was the following day. I got to get up on stage – the worlds biggest triathlon stage. I had done it. I proudly received my bowl. My Umekee. Words can’t describe. It all happened so fast.  What a great weekend. What a great year.

Now- people ask- what’s next? Are you going to try and go back? I have the green light but we’ll see. I have no Ironman races in the near future…………………………I just have to wait to see what moves me. This was the perfect year. It will be hard to top. Thanks for all your love and support. I know this was long and I know I missed thanking a lot of people. Obvious thanks to my family and training partners as well as all of those who have wished me well this year.