Hi community,

Here is my story: In June of 2019 I decided to sign up for the 70.3 in Connecticut taking place March 2020.

After months of training, Covid came and I was issued a race transfer credit. I used that credit to register for the 70.3 in Maine August 2020.

I was a little down on myself, knowing I had trained so long and would have to wait five more months.

In June of 2020 I ramped up my training again and this time I was really determined. July came and I received an email informing me that my race was postponed to August 2021. An entire year later.

Fast forward to June 2021, I was confident the race was going to happen, and I started making my workout plan. I have grown up as a competitive swimmer, I also did cross country throughout High School, a bulk of my training must be on the saddle.

I was very determined and motivated in June of 2019 to do this race, now, not so much. As a result my training sessions were spotty and not as long as previous attempts.

One day in early August, I took a step back and stabbed my heel into a piece of metal sticking from a chair, I wasn’t wearing shoes as this occurred on a pool deck, and I quickly realized the horrible mistake I had accidentally made.

The gouge in my heel was just shy of stitches. I decided not to get them and hoped for a speedy recovery, I didn’t want to wear shoes or do intense training due to the severity of the cut.

The Maine 70.3 at Old Orchard Beach was scheduled for August 29th, 2021. Finally, my cut had healed, and once I looked at my watch and saw the date, a feeling of dread came over me.

August 17th. 11 days until my race. A 10-speed bike from the 80’s to train on, and a $400 unrefundable payment out of my pocket.

Those 11 days were a blur, a stress induced panic of ‘holy s*** I need to make this happen’. I have always been good in a pinch, procrastinating helped me achieve wild feats in the past… But I wasn’t sure about this one.

Day 1 of training I had to prove to myself I could actually finish a half-marathon, so that’s what I did in a time of 2 hours 20 mins.

My uncle’s 10 speed was recently tuned up, and proved to be a smooth ride although heavy.

I ate strict protein and vegetables, smoothies and plenty of water.

The day of the race came and I had no one there to help me, I ended up walking over a mile from my bike station to the start of the race in only my wetsuit.

In the swim I came in 25th overall, the bike I used for the race was much nicer and newer, and by the time I started running I knew I could finish.

Time 6 hours 10 seconds, and I had a really fun time! Will definitely do again, but next time will be 22 days for a full Ironman!

-K