Linsey Corbin - Ironman World Championship Race Report 2009

A big Howdy - post - Aloha - from Montana!

It has taken me a few days to gather my thoughts about the Ironman World Championships that took place last weekend. What a remarkable day (that many of you were there to witness) that took place. Last Saturday I completed my 4th Ironman World Championship crossing the finish line in 11th place. I certainly did not have the race that I dreamed of out there, but Saturday was a good reminder of how tough this sport really is. Particularly the event in Kona.

The day started with the same old song and dance... I missed the swim pack I was capable of swimming with. I remained calm and sat in with my swim pack and enjoyed the tow. Onto the bike I felt good riding with Natasha, Yvonne, and Sandra. For some reason the refs were pulling penalty cards left and right on the women's peloton and I suffered a 4 minute stand down penalty within the first 20 miles of the bike. I will comment that I would rather have penalties being delivered like crazy than cheating going on. I just so happened to be in the wrong place at the right time, I guess. Once again, I didn't really freak - as an Ironman is a long day. I took my penalty and delivered an average bike. It could have been better, could have been worse. I found myself back in the pointy end of the race and picking up steam with 10 miles to go - but by then it was time to run.

Onto the run... it was pure survival. One foot in front of the next. It was so suffering I just can't even explain it. I re-assessed my goals of racing to just finishing and having fun. I talked to people on the side of the road, thanked volunteers, gave a shout out to Gregg & Alex from Zipp/SRAM, told Chris I was going to be stubborn and run the whole thing. As the miles ticked on, it became apparent it would be a race of attrition. Girls were dropping out left and right and I was moving up - not sure how, as I barely felt I was moving forward. I went to all those dark places I had prepared for and envisioned. I was happy to make it out alive at those points. Just as fabled, around mile 18 of the run, the Energy Lab sucked all form of life and mental toughness out of me where I was reduced to a 5 minute walk period. I hung out with Michael Lovato and contemplated walking it in with him as he has a great sense of humor. At the top of the E-Lab I saw Chris' smiling face and asked for a pep talk. His talk was "get your ass moving, you are in 13th". After some CLIF gel and caffeine I was self-slapped silly and reminded of how many people would dream to be in my position. I miraculously found some legs and came back to life and was actually running at a normal pace for the last 4 miles to end on a happy note.
On paper, I failed to attain my written time and placing goals. Racing Ironman is simple though - do the best that you can do with what you are given on that day. You can't ask for much more of yourself. I feel I did just that. Finding a way to run the last 4 miles after being reduced to wanting to quit and walk it in was great - it was the epitome of never give up.

Anyone that knows me, should know I will be back to fight another day. Someone told me a week ago that Ironman is kind of like McDonalds. There is one around every corner. I really believe Ironman is about the journey - and any finish is one worth celebrating. And so, here is another notch in the Ironman belt.
I guess you could say I got bucked off the horse last weekend. In Montana, when you get bucked off, you get back on again. A fire of motivation is still burning within me, and I am not ready to lay the season to rest. I had all sorts of plans for Xterra Maui or Clearwater, but my heart ultimately lies in Ironman racing. There are so many pieces of the puzzle to figure out, and I am afraid I may only have to corner pieces at this point. Combine the chilly fall air with the allure of some place warm - and I will be toeing the line at Ironman Arizona in 5 weeks.
Thank you again for your continued support. Until next time...Linsey Corbin
Montana Made: www.linseycorbin.com