This weekend at IRONMAN Mont Tremblant marked the culmination of a journey that I personally and professionally had the privilege to be a part of. Two amazing guys, Bill Lodi and Russ Lepage, provided me the opportunity to coach them through their IRONMAN journey. Taking 2 very different individuals and training them for the same race presents unique challenges. I had to consider their own goals and personal obligations, training experience, and quirks. Yes, quirks, because endurance athletes are full of them. Challenging still, was that I was training for the same race with my own set of goals, obligations, and quirks. The similarity that ran through each of us was our determination and that of our support team to go “All In”.

No one takes on an IRONMAN alone. The support from friends and family is pivotal in making it across the finish line. You may be the one doing the work and putting one foot in front of the other, but the without your crew literally, and figuratively, behind you, the journey isn’t as sweet. For my clients Bill Lodi and Russ Lepage their journeys were uniquely their own but equally as impressive. Let me tell you why.

As a coach, I had to acknowledge his fears and anxiety with a balanced training plan that allowed him room to be human and go with what “felt” right. Bill learned to lean on his support crew more than ever when moments were dark and when the “All In” approach seemed to drift. He allowed them to bring him back. As his coach and friend, I was so proud to be able to help him through a challenging and lengthy journey. Watching him cross his finish line and hearing “William Lodi, You Are An IRONMAN!” brought me to tears. You did it Bill and I am so proud and honored have been a part of your journey. (To read more on Bill’s story in his own words follow this link. https://lodicut.blogspot.com/2017/08/immt-2017-william-lodiyou-are-ironman.html )

Training was a priority, but only after his wife and kids were taken care of. Early morning trainer rides. Late night long runs. He got it in. And, if he wasn’t able to, we found a way to get the most critical work done. The milestones that Russ was able to meet throughout his journey were finish lines in and of themselves. With a support crew of 13 strong, Russ made it to the finish line hearing “Russ Lepage, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” for the third time. His family was beaming and so was I.

Starting an endurance coaching business as an IRONMAN Certified Coach with only 1 IRONMAN under my belt meant I needed this race more than ever. The mental journey had begun. The physical journey wouldn’t start until winter.

There were countless miles of cold long runs. Hours and hours spent in the darkened corner at CPC on the Kickr going nowhere but in my head, getting closer and closer to achieving a goal I so desperately wanted to make happen. Oh and the swimming. My least favorite of the three somehow became a welcomed change of environment from the cold dreariness that the winter and late spring months seemed to hold onto. These were the most pivotal months for me as an athlete, as a coach, and as someone who was finally launching their own brand.

I truly mean it when I say no one takes on an IRONMAN alone. My journey to IMMT was far different than that of my last IRONMAN. Three years removed and life is very different. I would not have been able to successfully cross the finish line without my crew, and because this is my part of the blog, I’ll call them my Cowbell Crew. Dorky as it may sound, my Cowbell Crew is my inner circle. They know what makes me tick. They nudge me forward when I’m afraid to take another step. They literally ring a damn cowbell and send me SNL More Cowbells .gifs when I’m stuck on the kickr for hours in July because of rain. My inner circle has grown since my last IRONMAN with trusted friends and people that mean the world to me. Just as Bill and Russ had their support crew getting them through the dark days, I had mine. Every IRONMAN...or WOMAN does. It is what gets us to the finish line. It’s what makes the every stroke, pedal, and step worth it.

What I never imagined happening was clearing my previous time of 11:23 in 2014 with a crushing 10:38 finish to win my age group and find myself Kona Bound. Pain, elation, relief...basically all the feels...coursed through me. I’d done what I had set out so long ago to do. As I continue to write the reality of what happened has started to sink in. This part of the journey maybe over but there is an even bigger one ahead.

I am beyond grateful for all of the support and congratulations I received over the last 7 days and months. The banner and dry erase board brought me to tears. Thank you doesn’t seem like enough, but it’s all I have and it is heartfelt. Before concluding, there are several more Thank you’s that are necessary are in order.

My client, Frank Stellato, and his company Charter Oak Financial, came forward this year and asked if they could sponsor me. I was floored and honored that they would want to have me represent them. After a brief conversation learning about their platform and that they believe “There’s More Than One Way To The Top!” I knew this was meant to be. Their sponsorship helped cover costly race entry fees, hotel stays, and car rentals. I am beyond grateful for your sponsorship and hope I was able to represent the brand proud.

To the gang at Family Bike who made sure my two wheeled racing machine was always properly tuned and ready to roll for each long training ride and race - Thank you! To, Ray Plouffe, the owner of Family Bike, you are an amazing friend that has provided me more support than I feel deserving of. And not to exclude anyone, a big shout out goes to store manager and lead mechanic, Anthony Disabito, for being so patient and treating all of the quirky 18 Maple triathletes with exceptional service.

To the amazing and exceptional women of SWEAT Power Yoga, Krystal Say & Shannon Rolston. You believed in me and my mission with 18 Maple Endurance Training enough to join forces and share the practice of Power Yoga with endurance athletes. Krystal, we started my IRONMAN journey together three years ago and to see how both of our lives have changed in that time is beyond inspiring. The belief that both of you have in your students and the power you give each of them, including myself to be “UNAPOLOGETICALLY YOU” is priceless. Every practice with you makes me a stronger, more confident, and more rooted woman. Thank you for being such incredible role models.

Besides my parents, I’m not sure there was anyone more proud of what I accomplished last Sunday than Geoff Sullivan, a friend, a lover of sports, and my boss. Geoff, you are the the one that made 18 Maple Endurance Training become “a thing.” You provided me with the creative push, the financial backing, and the kick in the ass when I was trying to be perfect instead of just good. You, CPC, and all of my incredibly talented co-workers changed my life three years ago when all seemed so uncertain. I will forever be indebted to you for taking a chance on me.