Sunday, October 18, 2009

True Inspiration...

As many of you already know, Ironman Hawaii was last weekend. I've had the good fortune to race kona 5 times and every single race contains memories, both good and bad, that I will never forget. Picture: YOUNG Dee in Kona 2005.

My first Hawaii, in 2002, was TERRIFYING, "Will I finish? Will I be crawling to the finish line like Julie Moss?". There were 11 of us from long Island doing the race that year and it was a BLAST!

My last race in Kona was actually my first year racing as a Pro. I felt like it was my first time there all over again! While I wasn't nervous about my ability to finish, I was unsure of myself and insecure racing in my new category.

My 3rd time there was by far my best finish. Second place in my age-group (behind phenom Tyler Stewart), 4th amateur overall. It was after this finish that the idea of racing Pro seemed somewhat in my realm of possibility.

My 4th Ironman Hawaii was memorable because I was VERY lucky to spend 5 weeks in Kona training! The time I spent in Kona that year was especially memorable due to my roommate, training partner and friend, Simon Butterworth. It was that trip that made my friendship with Simon such a close one. Funny...I recall that I turned 30 that November after the race, and Simon turned 60 a week earlier! Of my 5 Kona finishes, that one was the toughest. I had problems handling my nutrition on the bike and cramps that made me walk on the run. At one point I thought I was finished, but I rallied and got through it holding onto 5th place in my age-group. Running down Alli Drive that day was my most emotional finish as I had overcome many obstacles that year as well as in that race...funny how the toughest finishes can be the most memorable!

Speaking of the toughest races being the most memorable...

When you get a chance, read Simon's latest blog (http://sbrhigh.blogspot.com/) entitled, "My Lucky Day-Angels in Kona". While it's a long post (that's Simon for you!) it is a FANTASTIC READ and a GREAT source of inspiration to me. I think it will inspire anyone who reads it.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

What's Next?

I've held off on writing my latest blog update until I knew for sure which race I would be doing next...as if you have all been waiting, on the very edge of your seats, in anticipation of finding out which Ironman I, Danielle Sullivan, will be competing in in the Fall of 2009! Come on Danielle...it's not that exciting! But I have waited nonetheless. Gripping stuff, I know...

So, here it is: I will be competing in...Ironman Cozumel November 29th! Picture give it away?! After speaking with Armando, the race director, it seems that I will indeed be racing on November 29th and I am psyched! Here's all the great news and why I am so psyched: Positive #1) The ribs, while not 100%, are MUCH better! As a result I have been able to train hard and was able to swim with my team at CW Post again for the first time this past Saturday. In the meantime, I have taken advantage of my "easy swim time" by meeting up with Joe Petrush of Bayshore Swimming (http://www.bayshoreswim.com/) to work on my stroke technique. While I have a long way to go, I am already seeing huge improvements! I've been swimming for 20+ years now and have NEVER concentrated on stroke technique! After doing a video analysis I realize just how much I can improve my stroke... I find that I have been getting slower and slower in open water, so I feel like it's is a perfect time to work on my stroke!

Positive #2) There will be a group from Long Island that will be racing in Cozumel...most importantly one of my best friend's Nancy Cattabiani and Bill Romas, accompanied by Nancy's whole family and friends Mary Francis and Tom Horan who will be cheering us on! Also Lorraine from my swim team will be racing as well as Humberto who swims with us as well. Positive #3) It's Cozumel! ...supposed to be beautiful, Positive #4) I've convinced George to come with me to Cozumel as it's Thanksgiving break! It will be EXCELLENT to have him on the sidelines cheering us on and just hanging in Cozumel. The pressure is on too...he's only seen one other Ironman and it was not a good day for me! I really want this to be a great one..., Positive #5) Love hot races, no wetsuit swims... :-)

So, I am back in the swing of things and training very hard. We are 2 months out now (my "no ice cream zone") and I know that the time will fly by! In the meantime, It's an easy day for me and I have been catching up on some of my friends blogs (check out the links on my blog)... I want to wish Jen Gatz luck in her upcoming marathon this weekend as well Good luck to Simon Butterworth and Haley Cooper in Kona! Also if you have been reading Jacquie Gordon's's blog I wish her a speedy recovery (seems like she's well on her way) as well as RockStar Tri (on his way as well). Also, I want say Congrats to all of those that I coached this past season. EVERYONE had a fantastic season and PR'd and/or accomplished a huge goal, like completing their first Ironman. It's been really fun coaching everyone and making great connections with a variety of athletes! Also, I want to thank everyone for their lovely e-mails and responses after my last blog! They were overwhelming and unbelievable, so Thanks... :-)