Dream and Do: May 2016

After 4 months of getting up between 4-5am 6 days a week to complete 9 workouts a week, we finally arrived in Danang for the Ironman 70.3. But with an unexpected turn of events, I would not be on the starting line. On Monday, May 2nd I found out that I had a bloot clot in my left calf (also known as DVT) and as a result I was sidelined from racing in Danang. During the last few days of training my legs started swelling and I felt extremely fatigued, I decided to go for a check up - always go with your gut feeling. .. I knew something wasn't right. To say I am disappointed is an understatement, but it is what it is. On race day, I was there to support my incredible husband, Stepan, and friend Jordan , who got us into this business in the first place (he went to Taiwan with Stepan in December to purchase the bikes)! I had a great time with my kids, cheering for all the incredible athletes that tested their limits. Thank you to all my friends who offered me support and advice over the last few months, it was so much appreciated, and I really hope I will get to swim, bike , run sometime in the future

Written by Stepan:

It was always my dream to try a long distance triathlon race. I had a chance this weekend in Danang, Vietnam, where I completed an IronMan 70.3 triathlon.

The Danang 70.3 is a fast and scenic course that begins with a 1.9-km ocean swim in front of the beautiful Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa. From there, it continues in a scenic two-loop 90-km bike course along Danang’s pristine coastline and by some of the city’s key landmarks. The final 21-km out-and-back run course is flat and passed by many of Danang’s famous beach resorts before finishing on the beach at the foot of the legendary Marble Mountains.

For me, this race was really difficult, because it was simply too hot and I sweat more than anyone can imagine, losing a lot of electrolytes and salt. I cramped up during the run and had to walk a couple kilometers, which really impacted my time, but taught me some valuable lessons about fueling and pacing in extreme heat. I was happy to finish in 5:47:25 and I will try other triathlon race in the future. I would like to accomplish a full iron-man race and I would like to qualify for the Boston marathon someday.