Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman (Page 2)

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2008-10-19 5:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
Where is your blog?

2008-10-20 12:59 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
Kathy,
You made me cry at work. The good kind of crying.
thanks and I look so much forward to sharing my journey with you and your husband.
Rhonda
2008-10-22 8:37 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman

I know that "look".  Most people did not think I would finish an IM and infact even as I was doing it I got a couple of "Pamela, is that YOU??"s.  The joys of doing on in your own hometown. 

A lot of people said straight to my face that I would never finish it, but finish I did - and LOVED every second of it all 16hours36 minutes to be precise!

I spoke to somebody after and they said they were so confident that I would NOT have finished they would have bet their house.  I wish I had known that, as I could have done with a big house at the beachfront.  I never doubtedt that I would finish it.

However that "look" is not soley reserved for larger athletes.  My sister is skinny and she received exactly the same comments.  I think people are more incredulous that anyone would want to do it regardless of your size.  I think the perception is that it is reserved for elite athletes only.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

2008-10-22 12:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
One thing I have noticed is that the more races I do, the less I care what people think of me, since I know they are not thinking of me!  I might be a passing thought, but they sure aren't running the entire triathlon thinking, "wow, that big girl sure looks incapable of finishing."  They are as inward focused as the rest of us, hoping for a good swim, easy transition, fast ride with no flats and comfortable run.  
2008-10-22 2:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
pga_mike - 2008-10-12 1:53 PM

trihardathena - 2008-10-12 1:17 PM Im not sure if I am looking for encouragement, a place to rant or just hoping for general information but here goes: In 19 days, I am going to do my first Ironman at Ironman Florida. When I tell people that *I* am planning on swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 and then running a marathon, I get that "look". Do you know the "look" I mean? The one that says "Did someone forget to tell you that your 4'11" and 180lbs?" "Did someone neglect to inform you that you DON'T have the body for triathlon." This morning I was suppose to complete a 20 mile run: my last long run before taper. My head was so screwed up, I got to 12 miles and I was done. My trainer is not pleased. Instead of having the next couple of days with light workouts, I have to try to do this one last long run one more time before Ironman. The body image thing is really getting to me. Ive been running triathlon for 9 years. I have done 3 half ironmans and 50 triathlons. How do I get my head right?

"F" them!

What he ^^^^ said.
2008-10-29 8:55 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
I sadly missed the beginning of this thread, but wanted to add this thought.

Sometimes I wish I could walk around with a sign that says how much I used to weigh or an image of what I used to look like. People who meet me today for the first time will see a bigger girl, but not a huge girl. They won't know how far I've come. Only I can know.

2008-10-29 12:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman

If it's just looks, ignore it and prove them wrong.

If it's words, invite them to go for a training s/b/r with you and run them into the F*CKing ground....

Good luck at IMFL.

2008-10-29 1:42 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
Great post, Aikidoman!!
2008-10-31 2:22 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
I know how you feel. I just did a Quarterman and I hate the run form the water to the bike. I am shirtless and have to run past all the people. I know that look I feel that look. They seem to burn into you and you feel like you should just pack up and go home. Then when they see that you are going to finish and you are not going to die they start to cheer. But the looks never go away.

Those looks are my fuel. The fact that I can not even fit into my clubs jersey is fuel. My race pictures are fuel.

I dream of IM. My goal is IMAZ 2010. Take there looks and make them fuel your dreams.
2008-10-31 3:05 PM
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2008-10-31 5:07 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
DrLeah - 2008-10-31 4:05 PM

Please don't flame me for what I'm about to say.

Yes, I am an athena.  And yes, I finished Ironman Canada this year.  

I feel that same look.  I was convinced that look is real, and the voices that go along with it.  Hurtful, degrading, "what do you think you're doing" "OMG, look at that tub" etc.... but now I'm not so sure that it really exists outside my head.

I have horrible body image issues.  I am convinced that I am that 200+lb person still.  I'm by no means thin but I am very strong, and mentally I get the job done.  But I hear those voices....and they won't stop.

So I don't think telling someone to F-them all is the true answer.  And I think that maybe the look is more admiration but it's how you're interpreting it.

Believe in yourself.  You've done the training (I think, but there's no logs so can't tell!) and stick with YOUR plan and remember to ENJOY THE DAY.

Remember to write a RR so we can all share in the end of this journey.

From someone who finished IMKY this year x2 ^^^^

2008-11-10 10:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
Enjoy the time and the race.

I know the look and agree it may be in your head but I feel it too.

But I can say there is nothing better than blowing by the skinny folks even at 215-220lbs.

Bottom line is don't forget why you do this sport...it is fun and it helps us stay healthy.
2008-11-11 12:33 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman

Oxofthedessert - 2008-10-31 2:22 AM I know how you feel. I just did a Quarterman and I hate the run form the water to the bike. I am shirtless and have to run past all the people. I know that look I feel that look. They seem to burn into you and you feel like you should just pack up and go home. Then when they see that you are going to finish and you are not going to die they start to cheer. But the looks never go away. Those looks are my fuel. The fact that I can not even fit into my clubs jersey is fuel. My race pictures are fuel. I dream of IM. My goal is IMAZ 2010. Take there looks and make them fuel your dreams.

The thing you may be missing here is that you are doing the race, and the people who are watching you don't have the either the fitness, or the ability to.  You've already beaten them.  I felt very conscious for the 1st year I raced, and this year at IMAZ I really didn't get "the look" as much as I was expecting.  I also find that when I look for people who are looking at me funny, I can find them.  When I don't look for them, everyone is cheering for me.

2008-11-20 7:27 PM
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Subject: RE: Athena/Clydesdales and Ironman
Hi guys..

You know, I went back and read my original post here and I have learned so much in the last few weeks that I just have to share with you!

First off: you're ALL right!! When I went to IM FL, I did get a few of those "looks" but I got alot more highfives . It was an awesome experience .. but not the one I had hoped for. I did DNF...but I learned so much!!

I think this thread really has gotten a very good discussion going and I do think DNF'ing this Ironman might have gotten my head right and I am on my way to an amazing 2009

Thank you so much for all this amazing advice!!!
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