Goosebumps - You are an Ironman
We all know triathletes are a special bunch. It takes a dedicated and determined person to train for three different disciplines and put it all together on race day. Every triathlete makes sacrifices and overcomes all sorts of challenges. In our new column, TMSM will bring you inspirational tales from your fellow triathletes that will leave you tingling with goosebumps.
Jeanette Linehan you are an Ironman. It seems funny to type these words as I never thought I would be an Ironman. But, it was awesome to hear the words out loud as I crossed the finish line at Ironman Western Australia in 2009.
It was three years earlier where I was blown away while watching an Ironman race. Large crowds lined the course supporting the athletes of all sorts competing. I dared to think that one day it would be great to be one of those Ironman competitors. But, considering I’d only competed (I wouldn’t say raced) in sprint distance events til then, I put it out of my mind. However, I hesitantly considered aiming for a half Ironman event.
So, without even an Olympic distance tri to my name, I started training for my first half Ironman – Shepparton 2007. November rolled around and I was toeing the line for a crack at the long stuff. It wasn’t a brilliant race time-wise and the weather wasn’t much better with lightening and hail. Despite a flat tyre, I finished and felt like the king of the world – I was hooked!
The next year kicked off with another half Ironman in Geelong and my sights were set on the Busselton half in May, 2008. However, you know what they say about the best-laid plan? Well, it was April, 2008 when I developed pain in my hands and shoulders. For some unknown reason my shoulder would be so sore I couldn’t lift my arm up. Washing my hair was so painful I would keep my arm in the air during the shampoo/rinse/condition cycles as it was too painful to put up and down.
Then it was my hands. They blew up to twice their original size. Swelling and pain reached a level where I couldn’t turn the tap or open a soft drink bottle. For a couple of days my hands were so bad I couldn’t move a finger to type.
