Ad Astra Per Aspera-Through Hardship To The Stars

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Ad Astra Per Aspera-Through Hardship To The Stars

Ad Astra Per Aspera, the Latin phrase meaning “through hardship to the stars,” has been my motto for the past couple of years, as I have faced much adversity in my endeavor of competing as a professional in the sport of triathlon. Of course I anticipated challenges, but certainly not the challenges I have faced. And while the stars were not the stars that I had dreamed of, as I had dreamed of athletic achievements and being a fixture on the podium at professional races,  those stars have turned out to be even better than I could have imagined.

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Timberman 70.3-Perhaps There is Pride in Just Finishing

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Timberman 70.3-Perhaps There is Pride in Just Finishing

I really wish I could be writing something positive, upbeat, and exciting about Timberman, but unfortunately the day did turn out to be what I was hoping for. Perhaps my expectations set me up for failure, maybe I did too much hoping and not enough physical and mental preparation. Honestly my anxiety levels in the weeks leading up to the race were through the roof, and I really did not think that I would do well based on my training, which had been a great struggle. Each workout was a battle, draining me physically, mentally, and emotionally. My motivation tanked, but I still got my butt out of bed to go to the pool in the predawn hours, and I dragged myself out the door for rides and runs. I tested my mental fortitude and did long rides in the pouring rain, and long runs in 100 degree heat.

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2014 Season in Review

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2014 Season in Review

My quest began Thanksgiving 2013, when I decided I would take one shot to qualify for Kona by winning my age group at Eagleman 70.3. I was in the midst of my surgery rotation as a third year medical student and with residency fast approaching this would likely be my last chance to make the trip to the Big Island for an indefinite period of time. I signed-up for the race, but put training on hold for several more months of demanding rotations on the hospital wards.

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2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championships-Racing for Myself

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2014 Ironman 70.3 World Championships-Racing for Myself

I was right on target, feeling great, and having the race of my life. Adrenaline was pumping through my body and I was excited to get off of the bike in T2 and throw down an awesome run. Then, with less than seven miles to go on the bike, I shifted down going up a short steep roller and felt my chain jump and kept pedaling, only to watch it fall off between my crank and my frame. I jump of off my bike and ran to the side of the road and tried to put my chain back on, but I could not get it out. The chain was stuck and I could not pull it out.

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Syracuse 70.3-Back for Redemption in 2014

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Syracuse 70.3-Back for Redemption in 2014

After last year’s disaster race at Syracuse, I felt like I had some unfinished business on the course. And to briefly summarize what happened in 2013, I failed to adequately fuel and hydrate while on the bike, started the run feeling terrible, and succumbed to the 95 degree heat and 100% humidity. The tough run course slowed me to a walk and quite literally brought me to my knees, as I ended up in the medical tent getting two bags of IV fluids. I still earned a roll down spot to the World Championships, which I debated accepting and in hindsight am glad that I did. I also learned the hard way the importance of nutrition and hydration in long course triathlon. Flash forward one year, I was coming fresh off my win at Eagleman 70.3 two weeks earlier which had earned me the coveted Kona slot, my main goal for the season.

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Eagleman 70.3-The Quest for a Kona Slot

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Eagleman 70.3-The Quest for a Kona Slot

I woke up minutes before my 5:10 alarm feeling rested and as if I had actually gotten a solid night of sleep. Because we were staying so close to the race, thanks to the generosity of a stranger who offered her second house for us to stay in, and my wave being the very last one was not set to go off until 8:35, I did not feel like I needed to get there super early. This was not my first rodeo so setting up my spot in transition was not of great concern to me. My nerves were far from calm and I tried to relax to enjoy some breakfast, but it was a struggle to eat through the waves of nausea. My anticipation and nausea continued to grow on the drive over. Kiley dropped me off as close as he could and I made my way to transition.

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