Photo: Sydney Cornell and Brent Morris on the bike lap 1, Ruben Diaz and Sydney Cornell finish line photos, Coaches Pete and Scoty with Suzy and Mary post race

Ironman Arizona Race Update:

And with the finish of Ironman Arizona, another triathlon race season comes to an end. This past weekend I traveled to Arizona with coach Scoty and Coach Julia to watch 7 MHM athletes and Coach Sydney compete in IMAZ. And Compete they did!!! Congratulations to all of you on your accomplishments.

With 6 of the 8 participating in their first Ironman, the weekend proved to be emotional on many different levels for both athletes and families. Coach Sydney had boldly predicted she would redeem herself from Kona and was gong for a top three age group finish and a return trip to the big Island. Katey, Mary, Suzy, Austin, Brandy and Ruben were all tackling the distance for the first time. Brent Morris set out to improve his overall Ironman time.

I skipped the swim start this year (honestly, I’ve seen enough and thought I would sleep in and conserve some energy for later). I should up as most of the MHM athletes were about to start loop three of the bike. I saw Brent, Austin, Katey and Mary. I then positioned myself where I could see both the bike finish and the run 3.5 mile mark. After everyone was in I focused on getting to a good spectating spot for the run. When ever I spectate an Ironman race, I try to go as far away from the crowds as possible. I’m not being anti social. I just don’t believe I provide any motivation if I’m one of hundreds. Being further out on the course gives me an opportunity to evaluate the athletes easier and have a chance to have uninterrupted conversation as they run by. I walked out with a group to the 9.5 mile mark and begun the process of trying to pick the MHM athletes out of the crowd. Sydney was engaged in a great race with Wendy Mader who was the overall amateur winner in Kona two years ago and we were giving her time gap splits all day long. She was running strong and confident but couldn’t make up the gap Wendy had earned in the water (almost 9 minutes) and ended up taking 2nd in her age group and was the 5th overall amateur female to cross the line. With a time of 10:05 she easily earned her Kona slot for 2010. Congratulations Coach Sydney!!

The rest of the Mile High athletes all finished and with faster than anticipated times. Brent Morris had a 1 hour personal best. Katey Morris ended up 13th in her age group, Austin broke 11:30 and Suzy, Mary, Brandy and Ruben all enjoyed the wonderful thrill of crossing the Ironman finish line and joined the brother/sister hood of Ironman finishers.

I’ve seen my fare share of Ironman races as both a participant and a spectator. I love sitting in the stands at the finish line and watching the jubilation on the athletes faces as they are announced “Ironman finishers” and enjoy accolades from the fans as they run down the carpet and thrust their arms in the air as they cross under the finishers arch.

The Ironman defines who you are as a person. There are many parallels between the Ironman preparation and how you handle life. As with life, Ironman training presents many different trials and tribulations. Will you quit when things get difficult or will you forge ahead? The easy thing to do in life is to quit and look for a different adventure? We see it happen all the time in work, in relationships and with training. The journey to the start line is the most difficult part. The race itself is the celebration of the perseverance and dedication that you have shown during your training. As a coach, I hold myself accountable to getting the athlete to the start line and then I let go. It is up to the athlete to execute what they have learned during the long hours of training. It is my hope that everyone learned a little more about themselves during this journey and that they realize that the Ironman is more than about just crossing the finishing line.

Without hesitation, my favorite part of an Ironman race occurs after the race is over. When the athlete and family come together for the first time. Although all the focus and attention is on the person racing, this journey would have never been accomplished without a strong support group behind the scenes. It may be a spouse, parent, employer or significant other but some where there is a support system. The real sacrifice comes from this group of people, yet the glory and accolades go to the athlete.

Earlier this year, I spoke to the Parker Triathlon Club about balancing hobby and sport. Two ladies (Mary Kasal, Suzy Pendergraft) sat attentively in the front row and I later found out they were athletes of Coach Scoty who were scheduled to compete in Ironman Arizona. Post presentation they both thanked me and shared with me that there concern about taking on the Ironman wasn’t about going the distance or the training but their husbands and families. They both wanted to make sure that this race wouldn’t impact what was going on at home. We spoke a little more about how to balance work/hobby/home and I told them to follow Scoty’s plan and they would be just fine.

Post race this year I was fortunate enough to be standing in close proximity to Mary’s husband after she finished. There is always a throng of followers as well as fence that separates family form competitors. I watched as his eyes darted back and forth trying to get a view of Mary. He held his camera over head and snapped picture after picture and I’m not even sure he was taking photos of Mary. His face BEAMED with joy and excitement and he started hugging people, anyone who was around received a hug. Suzy finished and the same scene took place with her family and that scenario repeated itself throughout the night. To me, those moments are more precious than anything I’ve ever witnessed at a race.

Amongst all the confusion post race (Ironman Arizona is hands down the worst venue for finding athletes post race) we managed to find th
e majority of our athletes and snapped some photos and talked about the days events. The coaches and a few athletes headed over to Monti’s for a quick night cap and then headed home knowing our missions had been accomplished.

Mile high Multisport is currently accepting athletes for the 2010 season. Please contact Pete Alfino if you would like to learn more about Mile High Mulstiport and how we can assist you in accomplishing your triathlon goals.

Ironman Arizona Results for MHM athletes and Coaches:

Sydney Cornell: 10:05.24 2nd age group, 5th amateur O.A.(KONA Qualifier)
Brent Morris: 10:48.29 1 hour Personal Best
Katey Morris: 11:07.08 1st Ironman 13th age group
Austin Parker: 11:26.00 1st Ironman
Mary Kasal: 13.29.27 1st Ironman
Ruben Diaz: 13.55.22 1st Ironman
Brandy Cohen: 14.25.35 1st Ironman
Suzy Pendergraft: 14.31.26 1st Ironman