Another Lavaman Waikoloa Olympic Distance Triathlon race is done and in the history books.
Sunday’s 21st edition of the popular 1.5K swim, 40K bike, and 10K run was my seventh time competing as an individual since 2009 and will probably go down as one of my most memorable Lavaman finishes.
No, it wasn’t because I had to engage in an epic sprint down the final stretch of sandy beach of Anaehoomalu Bay, nor was I a part of a dramatic beach dive over the finish line to claim a podium spot.
Sunday’s race was memorable because I didn’t think it was possible for me to be at the start line, ready to give it my all in the “Open Division,” alongside the best female triathletes in the state.
Let me begin by stating that I have never considered myself as an “elite triathlete.”
Years ago, I swore that I would never do a triathlon. Coming from a non-swimming background like the ever-smiling John Barnett, I too, could not swim freestyle – ultimately preventing me from competing in the multisport event until later in life.
So when race director, Gerry Rott, advised that I register in the women’s Open Division after years competing amongst age-groupers, I knew it would be tough, yet a humbling and new experience all together.
And, there were other facts that just could not be ignored. I’m now considered an “older athlete,” put more kindly, a Masters athlete. No longer in my 20s or 30s, I’m now rocking the 40-44 age group. And on Sunday, I was the oldest competitor in the female Open Division, so I wasn’t quite sure if I belonged with the elites.
But as the famous American three-time Olympic gold medalist in track and field, Jackie Joyner-Kersee said, “Age is no barrier. It’s a limitation you put on your mind.”
She was right.
Over the years, as the numbers on my age calendar slowly mature, my physical, emotional and mental health feels stronger than ever. It was at the end of January when I received an invitation through Team BioAstin prompting me to finally sign up for Lavaman. I would have eight weeks to prepare for the Olympic Distance Triathlon, and I held high hopes that I could make it happen.
However, as most Masters athletes and parents understand, sticking to any type of workout schedule is virtually impossible.
Those who follow my column know that I have two young sons, ages 4 and 2. And at the same time, my husband was also trying to squeeze in training time for his bike segment on the Team BioAstin men’s relay. So balancing the active lifestyle and ever-changing schedules amongst my family always came first.
Fortunately, I was actually able to get in some good workouts, but the real hard part were having to get them done in the early dark mornings — like Masters swim practices — while the rest of the family was still asleep. As any mom will tell you, sleep deprivation and early mornings do not mix well!
In addition, who on this island wasn’t struck with a severe cold or flu during the past month? Seemed like it hit everyone and my family was not spared. As if training for a triathlon wasn’t hard enough already, let’s go ahead and get sick while we’re at it. Not fun.
But, I would constantly remind myself that to be a mom training for a triathlon, having to navigate through so many variables in preparation for a race is just part of the deal.
And there were many other bumps in the road along way but I’ll spare you the details. While it may have felt like I was jumping over hurdles on a few occasions, I kept my thoughts positive on having a fun day at Lavaman and that provided just the motivation I needed along the way.
Then on race morning, it finally hit me. Everyone has their own unique story. Everyone has had to overcome challenges, obstacles, and variables in their lead-up to reaching the start line. Looking around and seeing all the other competitors from parents, first-timers, students, the physically challenged, and Masters athletes, made me realize that we are all in this together.
The energy at the start line was incredible. Standing side by side at the ocean’s edge, feeling a connection and a sense of camaraderie with other athletes who endured all that it took to be here, was the perfect inspiration to fuel my day.
Racing among
the elites and relays
Sunday’s Lavaman Waikoloa race had the Open Division starting off first from a total of nine swim waves. It was new and exciting and I was truly looking forward to it.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be one of my slowest swims for this distance. Despite all the good vibes at the start and Brad Kurtz advising everyone to “swim with Aloha,” I ended up battling it out with another competitor who clawed, kicked, head slapped, body slammed and arm locked her way about me the entire way.
Onto the bike, it was nice not having to navigate through the mass field of cyclists that is typical when one starts in a later swim wave. It felt like being in a time trial race as there was no one nearby for me to judge on how I was doing. All things considered, the bike segment turned out better than I thought as of the three disciplines, my cycling was probably the most neglected in my training.
One of the highlights occurred when the high schoolers blew by me near the end of the bike course. It was exciting to see Josiah Randerson, Gabriel Low and Caleb Barville all jostling for position.
Another highlight was entering T2, or the bike-to-run transition area, and hearing Edgar “Eddie-O” Ombac on the mic bringing down the house and keeping the spectators highly entertained. He has become a perfect addition to the Lavaman family as he made everyone feel like a rock star!
Once onto the run, I felt right at home. Running is the sport that I started with many moons ago and it was exciting to end my race with what makes me the happiest.
And it wasn’t long before I was running on the beach toward my seventh Lavaman Waikoloa finish, third overall in the women’s Open Division in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 57 seconds.
While I didn’t cross the finish line in first, I considered it a victory for all of us.
It was a victory for all the moms and dads out there putting out their best effort – both on the racecourse and at home raising their families – and who maybe like me, were told that once you have kids your racing days are over.
My third place finish in the Women’s Open Division only proved that no matter what they say, what may seem impossible, is possible, if you just believe it to be.