Sunburned, happy, exhausted and still in shock, last night I crossed the finish line of my second Ironman-distance triathlon, the Great Floridian. It was an entirely different experience than the first. This year I was a competitor rather than just trying to make it though the course. The swim and the bike (well, most of the bike!) legs were awesome. I jumped off my bike, transitioned and started my 26.2 miles running. I kept a solid, strong pace for about seven miles and then I was done. My stomach had had enough and I dreaded each mile left to complete in the dark. Still, I crossed the finish line in 16 hours 2 minutes (unofficial) and beat my first Great Floridian by 80 minutes! Even with giving up at the end, I PRed in the swim, T1, bike, T2, run– everything!
Also, if you ever want to feel unbelievably spoiled and loved, do an Ironman. I can’t begin to fully thank everyone who cheered for me at the race, through texts and online! <3
Recap coming soon.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
YOU, Ashley, are flippin’ amazing. I am so inspired! Congratulations
XO
Bria recently posted..Race Reports: Long Lost Edition (Summer 2012)
You are seriously amazing…I am beyond impressed!
AWESOME!! Love that pre-swim smile!!
Wendy recently posted..Galveston 5150 -Part II of II
Go Ashley!! So proud of you! You’re such a kick-ass rockstar!!
Congratulations! Something to be very proud of for sure.
You rock, girl! Enjoy your after-race glow! Congratulations!
Congrats!!! You are AMAZING.
Brittany @Berries and Barbells recently posted..Saturday Recap
You’re an absolute inspiration. I can’t imagine doing a marathon (yet), but running one after swimming AND biking? I can’t wait for the recap!
Amanda recently posted..Honesty Time
Way to go!!
Amber Ellison Walker recently posted..Playground Workout Routine (or non-routine) to Make you Feel Like a Kid Again!
You did it! Epic PR!
Sana recently posted..Howard County Striders Jeffers Hill Two Mile Race
You. Are. AWESOME! I just finished my first sprint triathlon last Sunday and I have SOOO much more respect for those who do Ironmans!! You rock!!
WAY to go Ashley! Hardcore inspiration!
Gwen recently posted..Pitch Slapped
I want splits woman! Make with the recap and times.
Oh yea, good job.
Carolina John recently posted..Camping with Princesses
WOW!! Way to go Ashley ~ great job!!