We’re back!
Don’t worry. Despite a mostly silent Tri for Les, you better believe the dedicated (read: obsessive) and constantly evolving discussion over our latest goals, workouts and diets has continued offline; much to the chagrin of our loved ones who can’t seem to keep up.
I often reflect on how Ironman Arizona changed my life. At the start of 2012, I was moving back home in the midst of a very early quarter life crisis. I had up-and-quit a great first job in PR after what seemed like just one day realizing how unhappy I was. I couldn’t quite explain it to anyone back then. I blamed it on disliking the city I was in and a series of bad break-ups/dating experiences. But really, I just needed a change, to be in the safety net of home with my family close by, and to figure things out. I had also gained 30-40lbs over the course of 2.5yrs, and had little confidence or direction.
I had started to develop an interest in healthcare and exercise at that point, so I picked up a part-time job at a Physical Therapy office and enrolled in basic Biology courses at a community college. I also hit the gym hard (CrossFit at the time), started hiking 3-4 times each week, and started following a strict paleo diet.
Despite my “up-in-the-air” “when-is-she-going-to-figure-her-shit-out” place in life, I was following a structured routine, prioritizing my mental and physical health, and for the first time in my life not caring about any of the outside noise or what others had to say/think.
Adam and I had both completed an Olympic distance triathlon at this point. I’m not sure who brought up the idea of a full Ironman first, but I’m fairly certain the conversation lasted about 30 seconds and the research started immediately. I have since learned that we have a way of amping each other up and I’m pretty sure could convince each other to run a marathon through Death Valley in July without any shoes or water.
Training for Ironman Arizona was a year-long process. First, I had to train to get in shape to train. Sometime around January of that year I remember realizing that I kept telling people “I’m going to try to do an Ironman” and would tend to lead the conversation with a “yeah, we’ll see if it happens” attitude. I was already doubting myself, falling back to old habits of low confidence and negative self talk. I decided to make the conscious effort to live and talk the life of an Ironman. “I am training for an Ironman” and “I am going to race in an Ironman” started rolling off of my tongue more and more easily. I learned and followed helpful meditation tips from the book Ten Minute Toughness, and the confidence continued to build.
Six months into training, I was ready to leave the nest again and decided to move to Denver. My priorities and interests had changed over the last year, and the Rocky Mountains, cooler weather and outdoor, active lifestyle were drawing me in.
I spent my first six months living in Denver focused on training. I got to know Colorado on foot and bike. My Google Calendar was filled each day with training, work, study, and certainly no room for intruders. Crossing the Ironman Arizona finish line in November 2013 was so bittersweet. I had accomplished the hardest thing I had ever set out to do. As a result, I had transformed myself in a way that I could never have anticipated. I had become a version of myself that the 2011 Cecily would not recognize. I was confident, proud and strong both mentally and physically. I feared that this was the end of the journey. Suddenly, I was left with an empty Google Calendar, a huge check off of my bucket list, and a feeling of stagnicity.
So, where did I go from there? Well, stagnant wouldn’t be the adjective I’d use.
- June 2014: Ran my first solo marathon (San Diego Rock n’ Roll)
- October 2014: Ran the Marine Corps Marathon with my mom
- April 2015: Ran the Country Music Marathon in Nashville with a new guy I started dating (my now husband, Mike!) who actually gave me a marathon race registration as a birthday present.
- July 2015: Started Nursing school. Continued to prioritize exercise and healthy habits in my busy school schedule. It was my outlet and form of sanity.
- January-December 2016 (still in Nursing school): Accomplished a goal of running 1 half marathon every month for 12 months. Fastest time: 1:56:47.
- June 2016: Threw in a FULL marathon at Seattle’s Rock n’ Roll Marathon. Bulk training took place in the midst of the toughest quarter of school, naturally.
- January(ish) 2017: Mike and I decided to register for Ironman Chattanooga (his first Ironman). He’d never done a triathlon, but had enough of all my Ironman talk and wanted a part of the fun.
- March 2017: Graduated Nursing school. Went to Paris with Mike where we both ran a very casual and fun 11k race. Oh yeah, he also proposed during this race!
- July 2017: Started my first job as an RN! Also made a second attempt at Boulder Peak Triathlon. Didn’t lock my keys in the car this time, but I did walk that dreaded hill with my bike.
- August 2017: A second attempt at Ironman Boulder 70.3. Got myself a 29 minute race PR.
- September 2017: Ironman Chattanooga. Race time: 15:42:56. Underestimated the bike’s “rolling hills,” but killed it on the run. Ended with a 4minute+ PR
- October 2017-present: Focused my efforts on exploring new exercise routines. Pilates, Yoga, Cycling, hiking, Orange Theory Fitness, Kettlebell work, etc.
- August 2018: Got hitched!
- August 2019: Epic Maroon Bells Four Pass Loop backpacking trip with Adam and Mike.
How did Ironman Arizona change me? It focused me, helped me find myself and realize my priorities. Healthy habits and exercise have become cornerstones in my life and I’m energized by people who prioritize the same. As a result, I am now living more happily than ever, working my dream job, going to bed early most nights, sharing beers and runs with my husband, and still constantly seeking out the next challenge.
-Live Every Day-
Cecily