Linsey Corbin - 2nd - Ironman Arizona 2009 race report
There is much to be thankful for this week as I celebrate my second place finish at Ironman Arizona over the past weekend. Along with second place I set a new personal-best for the Ironman distance and I set a new run course record.
New Personal Best:
Earlier this year I set out a goal of finishing an Ironman in 9 hours and 15 minutes. I dreamed for this to happen in Kona, but as you know I didn't have the day I wished for in October. Not taking defeat easily, I came to Arizona as a bit of redemption, looking for a Kona slot, but ultimately to race for myself. I will admit, I am human and I made some mistakes with training and racing in 2009, but one thing I knew going into this race, was I was racing for my love of Sport. It was about getting back to the basics and reminding myself why I love Ironman. Perhaps I did things all wrong in my prep: I stayed up late, I drank a few beers, I ate lots of chocolate, I spent time with family, travelled a bit, didn't take myself so seriously. When I got to the start line on Sunday I was refreshed and excited for the effort. In the end, I crossed the line with a new personal best of 9 hours and 13 minutes. Yee-haw to that!
New run course record:
I have goals in triathlon and one of them is to run a sub-3 hour marathon. I came pretty close on Sunday. My day started with a decent swim (for me) in just under an hour. I was set up perfectly on the bike and came into the race with a tactical plan of methodically moving my way through the field all day. Onto the run in 5th place, and my refreshed spirit brought with me refreshed legs as well. I felt great on the run and my plan was working out perfect. My run training all year has led me to believe that I am capable of running a 3 hour marathon. On Sunday, I was able to put it all together as I patiently worked my way up through the field and any doubts I had in my head were silenced with each mile. In the end, I crossed the line with a new run course record of 3 hours and 4 minutes. Yee-haw to that!
This race and 2009 could not have been possible without the never-ending support of my #1 fan, Chris Corbin. Thanks snookums, I love you :).
There are a few people that helped me in particular with my result on Sunday: Carrie Bartlett & Mike Hill, Kristin Fraise, Dan Beaver & Mary Knott, Chris McCrary, Chris Lieto, Matt Dixon and purplepatchfitness, William Pettis, super-dog Madison, Jen Luebke, ma, pa & sis... just to name a few.
I also want to thank my sponsors: Saucony, Scott Bicycles, Clif Bar, Base Performance, Big Sky Brewing, Cycleops + Saris, Missoula Bike Works, Oakley, SRAM, Trakkers, Vision & Full Speed Ahead, Xterra & Zipp Wheels.
That's a wrap for 2009. I look forward to seeing you in 2010.
Best wishes,
Linsey Corbin
Montana Made: www.linseycorbin.com
