Regardless of finishing time, there were so many gutsy performances at Ironman 70.3 St. George on Saturday... picking just one for a race report was not easy!
One such performance came from Amanda Milner, who both physically and mentally dismantled one of the toughest 70.3 courses on the planet.
Here is her report!
Comparison is ugly and I have battled this toxic characteristic for quite some time. One of my favorite things about Triathlon is it opens the door for you to face your demons head on. It sheds light on your insecurities and it brings out your best and your worst traits. Comparison seeps into all areas of my life – it’s just a little more obvious in triathlon. It tears me down and robs me of joy.
This past Christmas, my mom encouraged each member of my family to reflect on the last year and pick out a trait or a word that we no longer wanted to identify us. I immediately knew my word – comparison. We wrote our words on a rock and symbolized “setting it free” by throwing it into the river. I committed then to free myself of comparison...
Fast-forward 6 months, May 4th 2019, Ironman 70.3 St. George – a race I have been prepping for all winter. My last two races (World Champs in South Africa and Los Cabos 70.3) I beat myself up mentally the entire race not only costing me precious minutes, but also, leaving me unenthused for the sport, and frankly depressed. Heading into St. George 70.3 this past weekend I made a commitment to myself to choose Joy and to release the feelings that often weigh me down of comparison and negativity.
Leading into the race, I have never been more excited. The pressure was off. Knowing it to be one of the toughest and most competitive races in North America, I let go of any placing goal or time expectations. Pre-race jitters were present (as they should be) but the darkness that accompanies my demons I face throughout racing were lifted. After all, if Joy was the focus, there was no room for the darkness.
The gun went off and it was on.
"oh, it's on like Genghis Khan wearin' Sean John in Bhutan!"
The swim was cold. Like take your breath away cold. But Joy, being the focus, did not allow me to complain. Instead I took it one buoy at a time and repeated the things I have learned over the past year to correct my stroke. The sun crested the hilltops and light poured into the reservoir catching and reflecting the splashes of kicking triathletes ahead of me. Joy filled me and propelled me.
Thankfully, the swim is short. I don’t dislike it, but I do enjoy it the least of the three. Wetsuit strippers were a treat and transition went smoothly.
The bike was a blast. The course is rolly with fun, fast descents and some good climbing intermixed to keep the brain occupied. Shortly into the bike, I heard a whistle and turned just in time to see my fast fiancé, Seth Barnes, fly by me and yell “you’re in the mix!” It’s funny how a brief interaction can carry energy.
Hammering the miles away, Snow Canyon loomed ahead. I tried to focus on a mile at a time in order to distract myself from the pain that was certainly in my future. “Pain is always temporary,” I repeated as I began the ascent up Snow Canyon. I focused on one bright colored kit in front of me at a time and dare I say, I actually had fun (type 2 fun, mind you) grinding up Snow Canyon. With Joy still at the top of my mind, I crested the top of Snow Canyon and barreled to T2 down the speedy descent. Cramping hip flexors added to my excitement to get off my bike and begin the run.
In my last two races, Sh$$$ has hit the fan – quite literally as I have experienced immense GI distress and turned to walking on the run. I didn’t know what the run had in store for me on this day but I decided to take it two miles at a time. Fear of the unknown would only cause unnecessary stress and worry. So I reminded myself of the word of the day – Joy- and put my head down ready to grind and take on the notoriously challenging run course.
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| photo credit: Kenny Withrow |
In March, I was privileged to spend a week training on this course with BAM. We focused on technical running skills throughout the camp and I heard echoes of Andrew and Wes’s feedback throughout specific sections on the run. On the course, you’re either running uphill or downhill. There are little to no flats. I chunked the run out in sections in my head – when it was uphill I focused on posture and foot strike, when it turned to downhill I relaxed and engaged my hamstrings. Keeping my brain engaged made the miles fly by.
I also had the opportunity to race in the Vixxen Team Kit. For those of you who don’t know the Vixxens, they are one bada$$, feisty/fierce, and inspiring group of ladies! Repping the kit and racing for the team provided me energy when it was most needed. The team is recognized and respected and the consistent “GO VIXXENS!” from spectators gave me a much needed pep in my step.
I crossed the finish line filled with so much JOY to be finished and with a new-found enthusiasm and motivation for this sport. With no set goals before the race, I came away with a personal best and a course PR of almost 30 minutes. I don't share this to boast, but rather to encourage you and remind you that your mind is your most valuable tool, but if you’re not careful, it can also ruin you. Be aware and make the decision to be positive – it IS a decision. What do you need to write on a rock and throw into the river? Don't be afraid to set it free - you may be surprised at what you can achieve.
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| photo credit: Kenny Withrow |
Editor's Note: Amanda swam, biked and ran 32 / 2:41 / 1:39 en route to a 4:58:17 overall time and 4th in her age group... impressive stuff!
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| photo credit: Kenny Withrow |
UTAH TRIATHLON CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES 2019 DETAILS --> SEE POST HERE !
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