The Iron Shecky

“He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life.” ― Shannon L. Alder Chattanooga Waterfront Olympic Distance Triathlon (Aquabike) Date of Race: June 29, 2014 Total Race Time = 2h 14m 11s Overall Place = 6/10 Pre-pre-race: Mid-March, I was riding my bike at Silk Sheets when something got caught in my back wheel causing it to lock up.  I fishtailed and crashed, breaking my hand.  I had surgery to have 3 pins put in for 5 weeks.  During this recovery process, there was no training.  Any sweat could cause the pins to get infected.  Once my bike was inspected, there was 2 cracks found on the frame.  The cracks were determined by the manufacturer to have been from riding hard on the trainer.  My new frame came in about a week before the race.  It was fit to me on Wednesday, with a race on Sunday.  I was sick Thursday and Friday --this lead to the first time being back on a bike being the race itself. Pre-r...

I will never forget my first triathlon. I raced with my sister (also a first-timer) and my sister-in-law (an Ironman.) My entire family came out to support me.  I saw my sisters on the course and I received cheers from my family throughout the race and again at the finish line.  On a high from being a first time triathlete, I decided that it couldn't get any better than this. Fast forward 12 months to August 2012. I was racing my first Half Ironman with a large number of Atlanta Triathlon Club teammates, many who were first timers as well. The support from my teammates, both racers and spectators, was more than I could have imagined.  As I got out of the water, there was a huge cheer crew yelling my name and cheering louder than ever. We had a smaller cheering station midway out on the bike course and a large crowd on the run course.  Their support helped make this race spectacular. This was my day and they made sure I knew it. I was the last one from ATC on t...