Here is an email I received from David's Aunt Terri about the race she ran this weekend.
Dear Family and Friends,
I would first like to thank my husband Tony for being an amazing support during my Half Iron Man. I would also like to thank you for your support in preparation whether financial, prayerful, and all those who sent me well wishes before, during and after. It was all appreciated. I was very surprised to see how many e-mails I received that followed me. Thank you again; you have made a difference in my life and all those who battle Leukemia or Lymphoma. I received a e-mail from my brother and David has gained weight, he now weighs about 140 pounds. Good News!
MY RACE:
It was pouring rain setting up my transition area. I did come prepared and had plastic bags one for biking gear and the other for the run. Everything got wet but it was nice to put on dry socks and shoes for a short time.
SWIM:
Since it was pouring rain as we waited for the swim waves to start they made an announcement that instead of four minutes apart they were concerned that it could start thunder and lighting, so they pushed the swim waves three minutes apart. There were twenty five waves and I was in wave twenty (50 and older women) the last five waves were all male (40-49) behind us. Needless to say when they caught up with me the water was really rocking ;-) other than being trampled on by a lot of men on the last stretch, I couldn't have asked for better swimming conditions. Point A-B, downstream and wet suit. The current was not as strong and I thought, they kept us on the right side of the Savanah River, however every little bit helps. One more thing…First time to experience Wet suit strippers….That was fast getting my wet suit off.
BIKE:
You may have remembered last month I did Iron Girl and my chain locked up and I have to pull over and fix it. Tony and I took it in and it had a bent derailer. We also asked them for a complete tune up and new tires. Said all that to let you know what happen on the bike.
The rain was hard and each time a biker passed you by his/her Roster Tail would get you. Most of them were all the 40-49 males like bullets. In fact I was on the right and a biker passing me on the left, a biker came right in the middle and bumped me twice. I was able to maintain control
Mile 17 – 47 I could not downshift. I was in high gear all through the hills. Finally at mile 47 coming up a hill my chain locked up again, clipped out and got off my bike. Running UP HILL with my bike it was the last water station and there was a sign “Mechanic on duty” God answered my prayer! One of the guys saw me running up the hill met me and took my bike and as we ran up the hill together he asked what was wrong. I told him and suddenly two men had my bike on a rack told me to sit in their van so I would get out of the rain and rest, I told them thanks but did not want to leave my bike and wanted to know what was wrong. The other guy said I can’t believe you made it this far, it is like driving a tank. Back breaks were rubbing, and slack in the chain area. He said once you get on your bike, you will feel like riding a motorcycle. When they were done, I asked for my ticket. (if you get assistance outside the race you get a ticket and will have to serve time in the closest Penalty Box). They both looked at me, and one said “what are you talking about, we never saw you”. Wow another prayer answered. Within ten minutes I was ridingmy bike and able to shift. The last nine miles was great. At mile fifty I was on the main road with semi trucks passing me on the left and getting the back wash from their tires, but at that point, I didn't mind I was able to shift and passing as many bikers as I could. Bike was not the best conditions, however I was able to adapt and overcome!
RUN:
Well, my running shoes were dry, but not for long. It was still raining when I started the run. It started to get hot around the sixth mile. Each water stop had these ice cold sponges that I squeezed the water on me. They were wonderful. Each time I put it someplace in my tri suit. I might have looked like the Michelin Man but it kept me cool through the run. The finish line was in a different location from Transition. During my run Tony pick up my bike and all my wet gear from Transition. This was a huge relief, one less thing I had to do once my race was over. The last tenth of the mile many of my team mates were cheering me on. Tony was at the finish line waiting me.
All was a great experience and it would not have been possible without you. Thank you so much for being a part of my journey, racing to find a cure. You have made a difference. I was blessed with a good prayer time during this event. I prayed you will be blessed.
I have a marathon this coming weekend in Hagerstown MD, Freedom’s Run. It goes through four national Parks and a lot of hills. I will be listening to my body to make sure all is well. I have the Marine Corps Marathon October 31st and again the JFK Ultra Marathon November 20th…..My plan is I will take a week off training then start training for the Boston Marathon next spring. I will continue to swim twice a week during the fall and winter.
Thank you again for making a difference, ~terri~
Acts 20:24
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
"Do you not yet understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is eliminated?
But those things which proceed out of the mouth comes from the heart, and they defile a man."
Matthew 15:17-18
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