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Discussion: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael
Subject: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-22 18:01:24 Message: Hi all, as I have finally found an available computer to use at the public library (yes, my computer is still Kaputt), my apologies for delaying my message to all of you who have been of an incredible great support for my Tri Journey...I cannot find enough words of appreciation to tell you how much seeing all your entries to sheer me on have meant to "little me". I did it in 7:45 minutes..... Here is my story... I was nervous, and a bit anxious. I drove to Orlando early morning on Saturday from Ft.Lauderdale. I kept on thinking about the swim; I had to do it. I kept on replying in my mind, that I was not going to go home empty handed this time, after the DNF at St.Anthony's. I figured, it is only water, it is a lake. "Swim to the side girl! Swim to the side" (Thank you Andy for your famous quote!). I started hydrating very well starting Friday; drinking lots of water and Gatorade Endurance formula to have some kind of "reserves" to go by; and of course, pasta, bread, pretzels... So, 4:00am Saturday morning (barely slept the night before, but was in bed by 8:30pm-yes, I was a good girl). Here it was the moment to go, everything ready and packed to go with my transition bag and my new tri suit on! (red and black, love that color!). Time went by very quickly while putting things away and getting my things ready in transition. One more trip to the "ladies room" before the swim start. I was by the beach start before I knew it....I looked at the lake...It was absolutely gorgous, what a view! The sun was rising, the lake was flat as a pancake...the first waves went ahead (I was in wave #9). I looked at the first groups going and I thought: "I cannot believe the beauty of what I am seeing. Hundreds of bodies in the water, all swimming towards the same direction..".I am sure you can all relate to this kind of sight. Then I thought: "this is just simply too amazing to pass up the opportunity to be part of something so incredible...I am not quitting on this swim..". Iwas still nervous, I breathed deeply a few times to calmed down. Then I stopped and sayed a prayer; not only for me but for everone who was going to take on this day by swimming, biking and running 70.3 miles. It was not going to be a day like any other...it was going to be a 1/2 IM Day.... I got in the water one minute before the start as they let us in to get a taste for the temp etc... Then, I thought. ..I am staying in the back, relaxing and swimming to the side...and I did. It was not easy...I think I still had some of the phobia left over from St.Anthony's but I kept swimming....I had to take a "breather" every quarter to half a mile to calmed by body down, but I kept swimming....then the half way point came, then the quarter point came and I thought...this is it..swim until you get there and do not stop...so I did. ...and finally hit land! Yeeeessssss, I had made it trough the swim....I thought about each one of you...all of your encouragements and advice...I know your thoughts were with me, and I felt it. I also remembered all of your support with my DNF; I wanted to be able to tell you a much better story this time. I thought about Brad. H. who could not make it to this race and who I know would have given a whole lot to be able to be there. So, I decided. If he cannot do it this time, we are going to do it for him...and I won't be the one to quit on him....So, Brad, this swim was for you too... I got to T1, and got to my bike....I thought, you made it through the swim. I just swam 1.2 miles. I just did!....Ok, time to go riding now.... As Megan said, Hilllllyyyyy; yes, Florida is very FLAT, but Orlando, is NOT in the area we were in. We got a run for our money with the hills...all $245.00 we paid for in registration! My gluteus maximus were sore after 3:00 hours of going up and down....but waow was it cool!!!! The good thing about the bike ride was that it was flat for the beginning and flat for the end. So, I had time to look a little more normal (meaning, like I was not working out that hard....) by the time I got back to T2. I saw three people with flat tires at the very beginning of the ride. It made me very nervous for the first hour I was on my bike; then I calmed down....I had driven the course the day before so I knew pretty much what to expect; but it is one thing to drive a course and another thing to cycle through it....Overall, it was a great ride and I had a great time. It was a very well marked and organized race! In the water, there were lifeguards or boats, or kayaks at every quarter mile. Let me tell you; that is ALOT more than I saw at St.Anthony's, and there were fewer people per wave in this race!.... The run was very flat (of course), but here is the catch: I had two cliff bars on the bike. That did not do my much justice! I had stomach pains the entire first 5 miles of the run! So, I had to run and walk ( I lost quiet a bit of time on that loop). So, if you have sensitive stomachs (like me)-Go for liquids ONLY (with carbs etc...). Got a second wind on the second loop so was able to run to each water station. On the third loop, I had a big blister on each foot, and could not run on the ball of my feet. Lesson learned: if I pour water on my head, do not let it get in my shoes. Got soaked running shoes for the first 1h30minutes of the run. Finally, I made it to the finish line after 7:45 minutes of an incredible experience! I am so ready to do it ALL OVER AGAIN! I am so very thankful that I was able to redeem myself twice over by being able to accomplish this great distance. For those of you out there who wonder if they can do it; I am here to tell you: YES YOU CAN! Thank you all again.... Leo, from the bottom of my heart; Thank You for the famous line: "Jael made it out of the swimming". Andy- "I swam to the side!". Dan.W- I remembered your words; "there will be many people rooting for you coming Sunday". Brad. H- Your congratulations phone call on Sunday evening touched me profoundly... Ryan-Thank you for stopping during your run to say hi. It was great meeting you for a minute and talking. Megan- I did not see you. I think you passed me during the bike. Lady, YOU ROCK! Awesome time! Way to go! To all the rest of you who have posted your encouragements to me: I Thank You from the bottom of my heart (Mary, John, Andrew, Leo, Steve....and everyone else). I cannot believe, people who have never seen me or met me, can be so encouraging and become such a great part of my life as a Triathlete and a person. You are all incredible people, and I feel privileged to have found you all. This could not be possible without the person who created ontri. He needs to know that he has been the catalyst to people connecting with each other at many different levels. Thank you all, my Ontri Family! Truly Yours, Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jeanette M. Written on: 2006-05-22 18:26:57 Message: Jael, I am just a lurker for now but I have been following your "story". I am so happy that you finished and that you feel so good about your experience. You are an inspiration!! Great job. I enjoyed reading your recap.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-05-22 18:29:50 Message: Congratulations Jael - what a great story...thanks for the treat! dan
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Andrew S. Written on: 2006-05-22 18:41:38 Message: You Rock Jael...you Rock! Andy
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Shelly R. Written on: 2006-05-22 18:51:33 Message: Jael, You're such an inspiration to me and I'm sure to a lot of others new to the sport. I too, have been lurking and following your story. Going from the disappoint of St. Anthony's to the triumph of the 1/2IM... Way to go! You're awesome! Shelly
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Leo d. Written on: 2006-05-22 18:51:39 Message: Thanks Jael, YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION.... Leo D.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jonny F. Written on: 2006-05-22 19:17:27 Message: Jael, I loved your story! Can I post it on www.ontri.com/news.html (where there are other great member stories)? Congratulations - stories like this make all the late nights of working on ontri worth while. I have a huge smile on my face right now. Thank you all for helping each other out! -Jon Finegold founder, ontri.com jon@ontri.com
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Andy M. Written on: 2006-05-22 19:31:34 Message: Jael, I am very proud of your accomplishment. You worked hard, had some disappointments but kept your head up and you reached your goal. I think your story exemplifies what triathlon and triathletes are all about. Take some time to reocover mentally and physically and set your next goal. Congratulations. Andy
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Tim M. Written on: 2006-05-23 08:36:26 Message: Woot !!!!! I hope the memories last forever.... Congrats, you are making me considering the same type of a goal in a year. Tim
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-05-23 08:45:49 Message: Way to go Jael. A memory for a lifetime for you and inspiration for the rest of us. Hooah!!!!!
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Bill D. Written on: 2006-05-23 08:55:08 Message: Congratulations Tri and Tri again
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Marty D. Written on: 2006-05-23 09:20:16 Message: Wow, Jael! What an incredible experience you had at the 70.3. You must be so thrilled with your finish. You Rock!! I can only imagine how nervous you must have been at the beginning of the race. I didn't realize that I could track the progress of these races from ironman.com, so I'll know better next time. As you know, I'm new at this, so I have lots to learn. Congrats to Megan O. and Ryan for their great race as well. You all are an inspiration to me to push myself to my limits! Marty D
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jamojman . Written on: 2006-05-23 09:47:31 Message: Well done Jael and Megan. I was wondering if you were in the same wave when I saw your swim times. I admit to thinking were they talking to each other while breastroking? Or were they alternating swimming on each others feet? Hmmm I thought and just sat back to watch the results come in. It was very early morning when you guys rode in to t2! I went to bed. Congrat's to everyone.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Steven R. Written on: 2006-05-23 10:01:54 Message: Congratulations Again ! I am running my first marathon on Saturday ! When the going gets tuff, I hope I can show your strength and heart ! Steve
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-05-23 10:32:11 Message: Jael- St. A's should be a distant memory. You should feel so proud of yourself. I do. Congrats. Paul.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Brad H. Written on: 2006-05-23 12:11:31 Message: Jael; Great race! We're all proud of you. Little person. Big heart. Thanks Jon. What an amazing experience this site has been. Brad
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jay A. Written on: 2006-05-23 13:54:01 Message: Congrats Jael and to all of the other members who participated! You're an inspiration to many.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: John P. Written on: 2006-05-23 14:17:35 Message: Congratulations Jael, You are an ausume young woman, Good race. Planning the next one yet?? John.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Meagen K. Written on: 2006-05-23 15:22:03 Message: Great job Jael!! That was a great accomplishment!! You should be proud of yourself!! Meagen
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Teresa S. Written on: 2006-05-23 16:09:58 Message: You go girl! Jael, you are such a great inspiration to me. I went out on my long run today (7.5) miles and I thought of you in that swim and I just kept going. I love the details of the story, thanks for that . Keep up the good work. I am working hard on it to get to your place of accomplishment.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-23 19:37:35 Message: Dear Friends, Thank you all for your congratulations. Keep Triing!... John.F, the answer is YES. I would be honored if you post my story in the News section of ontri.com. Thank you again, for putting together this incredible website! Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Ty D. Written on: 2006-05-23 19:43:34 Message: Jael, I just did my first tri on Sunday, the olympic distance in Tempe. Afterwards I was really hesitant about attempting a 1/2IM in October. But after reading your story, I am newly inspired. Sometimes I forget that this is hard for everyone, and it's a great challenge, not an obstacle. Thanks for the story, and good job on your 1/2 IM. ty
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Meagen K. Written on: 2006-05-23 20:09:55 Message: Do the half Ty!! Soma is an awesome course for your first half..very flat..If you have any questions about the race just ask!! Meagen
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Ty D. Written on: 2006-05-23 20:13:00 Message: There's actually another 1/2 IM in the beginning of October that is new this year. It is supposed to bein and around roosevelt lake. I' in a wedding the weekend of SOMA, or I would love to do that one. I've heard nothing but great things from people who have done it. ty
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-23 21:02:43 Message: Teresa, I have no doubt you can do it as well. Let us know the minute you sign up for a 1/2 IM so we can keep up with your progress. Great job on the 7.5 mile run that is great! John .P- Thank you for being so nice! My next goal is: Escape to Miami in October (Olympic Distance), MiamiMan 1/2 Ironman in November followed by my first Marathon (West Palm Beach Marathon) on December 3rd. At this point, I am considering either Ironman Florida (Panama City-November 2007) or Ironman Arizona (April 200 , I have not made my mind up yet; the ocean swim in Panama scares the hibejibees out of me! But I think that if I do plenty of ocean swims between now and November (registration time for Florida IM) I will be able to make that decision..... Marty D- Yes, I was very nervous before the swim. I did not sleep well the night before because of that. I just breathed in and out deeply before that swim. I thought, "you are just going for a swim Jael" that is all there is to it....I saw grown men, nervous about it as well as they were waiting for their wave to be called. I thought,wow, if they are nervous it is ok that I am nervous too. It is what I do with this nervousness that is going to make a difference. So, I am going to get in the water and do this swim! I am still working on doing the swim without getting too nervous. I am taking baby steps... Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-05-24 01:58:07 Message: Jael, It tickles me to see how well you and so many others are doing. Yes, taking baby steps is the way to go if you are in it for health and happiness. Baby steps and a few well chosen leaps like the one you just took. Congratulations, Ron
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Ryan P. Written on: 2006-05-24 09:19:00 Message: Jael- you should send your story to Triathlete Magazine or Inside Triathlon. It's truly amazing. Congratulations on everything you've accomplished. We have to race together again soon! Maybe I can join you if you do IMAZ?
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-05-24 11:14:56 Message: Congrats Jael, What a mental accomplishment to just finish the swim! I know it was hard, but you did it! You have inspired me to try for Miami in November. I followed your times on Sunday, and was cheering for you the whole way. Good for you! Stacey
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-24 16:23:54 Message: Stacey, SIGN UP for MiamiMan! My plan is to do it this year as well. We may not be able to train together but most likely we would be in the same wave for the swim. I saw, that you are 33 years old and I am 34. So, chances are that we will both be in the 30 to 34 years category. I have another friend who is also going to sign up for it and make it her first 1/2 IM. She is younger than us, so will not be able to do the swim with us. Let me know if you need any help.... I am going to start training officially on July 17th, I need to start way ahead of time to get ready for the Escape to Miami as well. The MiamiMan is in a Lake (as you may already know). I did the International Distance last year and loved it! Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-24 16:28:14 Message: Ryan, just saw your post. Yes, I would love to be race partners again! It was really neat to see you on the bike and the run.... But IM AZ is so close!....I think I can deal better with the idea of an IM in November 2007. We need to talk about this if we are really going to do it. I am just very excited about your IM France. Just take everything you learned in Florida and make your race is France that much better. You are going to be in one of the best places in the world! Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Glen N. Written on: 2006-05-24 16:34:52 Message: Hey Jael on my countdown to the race it's 325 days 18hrs. You have so long to train for this, you are in great shape just coming off the 70.3. You guys gid awsome on sunday and hope to see more faces on the start line at AZ ironman. Whats your next race Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Ryan P. Written on: 2006-05-24 16:35:04 Message: Awesome. Yeah, we should definitely plan it out a little more. I'm definitely down to do another IM in '07. But I told you my fear of the Gulf! I have a really weird fear of sharks. It was bad enough thinking I was going to get eaten alive by gators at Ft. Wilderness, I can't imagine getting dropped in the swim in the Gulf and having to worry about Jaws getting me. I'm excited too for France but petrified that I'm going to have similar (or even worse) results as I did on Sunday. I'm going for a run as soon as I get out of work and hitting the pool hard in the next few weeks. Hopefully it'll be enough.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-24 16:49:16 Message: Ryan, I feel the same way you do; but I figured that if I have to train in the ocean to do Escape to Miami (the swim is from an island of the shore-they drop you off from a ferry; it is a mass swim from the Island back to the shore, then you get on your bike and off you go), then I eventually would get over it. My friend Martha who went with me to Ft.Wilderness has attempted IM Panama City twice (the first time she got wrong directions from a policeman and got lost on the bike, the second time she missed the bike cut off by 7 minutes), said that IM Panama City was just fine in the ocean. Glen, My next race is not until Octobe 15th-the Escape to Miami Olympic, then the MiamiMan IM on November 12th. I was just planning on getting back to training next week in a suttle manner. I am trying to follow my budget so that I have money to register for the bigger races (that is the only reason why I am not doing anything else before that; I will just keep training and working on my speed on the bike, track workouts and ocean swims when I can). What do you think? Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: stephen t. Written on: 2006-05-25 18:26:06 Message: Hello, Sorry I don't have much time...I just wanted to tell you that it sounds like you need to check out Total Immersion!! It is the bomb. You need confidence in your swim...you need to feel like you can swim in any body of water and swim forever...effortlessly!!! That is what TI is all about. Please check it out..it will open a whole new world to you with respect to swimming.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-05-25 19:37:04 Message: Jael, I know this sounds silly, but one main thing keeping me from signing up for Miami 1/2 is the lake swim-I'd much rather swim in the ocean. I can't think of anything scarier sounding than swimming in a lake, in Miami (alligators). If I swim at the back of the pack and get munched...no one would even know i was gone! (silly I know, but still, it's a fear....you had St. A's waves, I've got alligators)... Stacey
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-05-26 17:24:46 Message: Jael, You are such an inspiration... My first sprint is next Saturday & I'm SO nervous, no doubt I'll have quotes of YOU in my head during my swim. Thanks so much for being willing to share your stories with us - especially us newbies! And speaking of the swim... Stacey -- I am right there with you... I can't stop thinking about the gators lurking through the dark water looking for some toes (or legs or arms) to munch on. I just hope my nerves about the race out-weigh the fear of snakes & gators when I get there!
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: maggie S. Written on: 2006-05-27 11:48:18 Message: Jael, I am new to this site and to tri's , but have been following your story. Congratulations to you!!! Both your experiences of not finishing and triumph are motivational and inspiring. THank you so much for sharing them. To all of those who kept tabs on Jael's progress and reported back that she finished the swim, I was truly astounded by your support and encouragement for her...it gave me a sense of what a wonderful communtiy the tri world can be.
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-27 12:21:39 Message: Stacey and Carie, this is so very funny...you two have the fear in the lake that I have in the ocean. So...this leads me to conclude that after all: it is all in our heads....therefore, we all need to learn to control it and not let it control us.... I am the opposite of you two...I feel much more comfortable in a lake than in the ocean because I always think....there is nothing in a lake other than little fish....so, maybe if you both try to think about it that way....I will try to think of the ocean as a big lake.... Carie, most likely, even if you start in the back of the pack you will not be the last because there will be other waves before and after you. If this makes you feel any better, I was told that alligators and sharks usually stay away from areas where there is alot of movement in the water and noise. When there is a Triathlon, there is alot of movement with all the people constantly going into the water and swimming. The noise of the motors of the boats usully will scare anything within three miles... Carie, all the best to you in your first Triathlon! Please let us know how you did! I am thinking of you right now, knowing that you may already be finished with your Tri. Stacey, about the lake at the Miami Man...it is a pretty lake..you do two loops in the lake. The water is extremely calm, it is like swimming in a pool (with dark water) pretty much... Stephen, thank you about the suggestion with Total Immersion. I will look at it. By the way, I looked at your stats...nice going! I am so impressed! I would love to have records like yours! Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-05-29 10:10:49 Message: Hi Jael, I think I'm ready to sign up for the Miami 1/2....going to have a good solid week of training this week and then sign up. <whew.....NOT thinking about alligators..........> Stacey
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-30 11:17:39 Message: Stacey, Way to go lady! I am signing up on Wednesday, May 31st (tomorrow). I am very excited for you. Let me know once you are in! I start training the week of July 17th ( I am starting that early if I can get in the Escape to Miami Triathlon that takes place in October). By the way, I have already reserved a room with a friend of mine at the La Quinta Inn in South Miami. It is 2 miles from Metrozoo, the closest hotel on the list of accomodations for the MiamiMan. Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jon F. Written on: 2006-05-30 17:28:23 Message: Jael - your story is now up on www.ontri.com/news.html for all to read - thanks for sharing and keep up the great stuff! -Jon
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-30 17:37:53 Message: Thanks Jon, Jael
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Stacey U. Written on: 2006-05-31 09:25:37 Message: Jael, I took the plunge...I'm all registered for the 1/2 ironman Miamiman. (don't tell the alligators). I'llbe staying at La Quinta too. Stacey
Subject: RE: My Florida 70.3 Story and Thank You from Jael By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-05-31 11:05:59 Message: Stacey, Congratulations on taking the plunge! We are now fellow 1/2 Ironwomen in training! :-) We will definitely need to get together; it is going to be great! Jael
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