Donna Phelan

Well, I’m still in daze, after traveling last Tuesday from S.Korea to Kona, racing Ironman on Saturday, and here it is Tuesday again and I’m back “home” in San Diego. In the span of a week, I feel like I entered a magical world on the Big Island - so much energy, so many people from around the world, and the experience of racing the Hawaii Ironman, which I’ve watched on tv for so many years and only dreamed of one day doing, was completely unbelievable.

I can’t even begin to describe the energy at the start of the swim. This was my fifth ironman, my third this year, and nothing I’ve ever experienced comes close to the energy that was in the air with helicopters flying overhead, over 200 pro men and women inching forward at the start line while kayakers did what they could to hold us back, thousands of spectators lining the shore, and then finally, the cannon going off to start the race. My plan was to start next to some pro men in hopes of stealing their draft, but 30 seconds into the swim, I felt like I was taking part in a boxing match. Eventually, things settled down, and although not in the pack I wanted to be in, I came out of the water in 13th place for the pro women.

About 20km into the bike, I felt like something wasn’t right as I felt a searing pain on the inside of my left quad. I kept pushing on the best I could until about 90k when I knew something just wasn’t right with my bike. I looked down and saw that my seat post had slipped down, and the tape used to mark my seat height was now only party visible. I stopped on the side of the road to fix my seat, and this time really tightened it down. Although my quad still wasn’t the happiest of campers, the second half of the bike was much better for me, as I re-passed some of the speedy age group men and a couple of pro women that had passed me on the way to Hawi. It was another 12 bottle bike ride, but I remembered the heat in China earlier in the year, and I knew that being a camel now would pay off later in the marathon.

I started the run feeling pretty good, but knew I had to pace myself because of the heat and the limited run training I had done the couple of months prior due to a groin injury. The crowd support in town and heading up to the Queen K highway was unbelievable - thousands of people from around the world yelling and screaming. It was especially motivating to see my fellow TeamTBB ironchicks (and Stephen, the ironchicken:) at the turn-around on Ali’i Drive and heading out of the energy lab. I knew how hard they had worked all year and how much they deserved to have the great races they were having. Coming back into town was like a huge party - I was spent but somehow felt like I was being carried along to the finish line with the energy from the crowd. So many people screaming and yelling, and I was so happy to cross the finish line, knowing I had done my best, but having learned from the race and knowing that I could do better.

I have to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Chrissie, Erika, Bella, Belinda, Hillary, Stephen and Steve for great races, and for giving their best out there. They have all been a huge inspiration to me this year, and have become more than just team mates, but also close friends. I also have to thank doc for being the best coach in the world, and for giving me this opportunity that I could only have dreamed of. I often questioned whether I could come back to ironman after 5 years off with injuries, and last year, frustrated with the sport, watched the Hawaii Ironman on tv, and wished that perhaps one day I could be there. 12 months and 3 ironmans later, a thank you does not seem nearly enough. And of course to Alex, a huge thanks because without you, none of this would be possible.

See you all next year! Mahalo!

Tonight, I leave for camp in Korea after almost 3 weeks back “home” in San Diego. It’s been an amazing year so far, having spent all but 5 weeks of it in training camps in the Phillipines and Switzerland.

The last 3 wks have given me a chance to take care of a few things before I take off again. My bike underwent a much needed visit to the bike shop for new cables, chain and cassette (the guys at the shop were NOT impressed with my neglect nor my riding in the rain!). I also had a chance to unpack my cold weather Swiss clothes in exchange for warm weather attire (good bye arm warmers, hello tank tops!:)). And of course, I had a chance to catch up with some old training partners and explore some of my favorite training rides. I really was amazed the first few days back to see that the hills here had gotten smaller and the descents less technical since I was here last…it’s funny how training in Switzerland can have that effect.:)

So, it’s time to head off again and accumulate some more air miles. I’m excited to catch up with the rest of the iron chicks, and have another great month of training ahead. Pickled cabbage, here I come.;)

On Sunday, I raced IM Switzerland in Zurich. I woke up race morning to pouring rain and 10 degree Celsius temperatures. I had wished for cooler temperatures at IM China a few months ago - I guess my wish was just a bit delayed and not very welcome at this race!

The swim went as about expected. I had a little battle on my hands in the first hundred meters with a couple of the pro guys, but eventually things settled down and I came out of the water in 3rd place for the pro women.

I headed out of transition area wearing an extra bike jersey and vest as the rain continued to pour down. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so cold on a bike. My feet went numb after a few kms, and I continued to shiver for most of the ride. The descents on the course were tricky in the best of conditions - with a couple of sections where penalties were given out for using aerobars - so I decided not to take any chances in the rain. Braking became even more of a challenge with fingers that were not cooperating in the cold! Despite the weather, it was nice to see so many spectators on the course ringing cowbells, and yelling, “Hup, hup, hup, go Doh-na, go!” as I went by.

The first half of the marathon went well as I started to warm up, and I made up some of the time that I had lost on the bike. I was on target for a good run split, feeling like I could continue the pace and finish in the top 5. Unfortunately, somewhere around 25km, my legs decided to start complaining. I knew the other girls were suffering too, so I continued to push on while my legs were having an outright battle with my head. At 40km, I moved into 9th place, past the girl who had the fastest bike split of the day. I held onto this position for the last 2km, very happy to cross the finish line! It wasn’t the placing that I had hoped for, but like China, another battle against the elements that I was happy to overcome. What’s that saying about “What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger”…

So, now that this race is over, I’m really excited to do my next Ironman…..in normal conditions.:)

 So, let’s see, where did I leave off? Oh yeah, I was in China for IM, then back to the Phillipines for a few days. I then spent an unexpected few days in Manilla with green card difficulties (who knew it was so hard to get back in the US with a Canadian passport…lesson learned!), finally arrived back “home” in San Diego for 2 weeks, then flew to Zurich on Sunday, followed by a 3hr train ride, and a mountain tram to my new home in the Alps.

Despite having some jetlag the first few days (asleep at 8pm, then wide awake from 1am-4am surfing the net, and having my second dinner:), I’m happy to call this beautiful little mountain village my home for the next two months. The weather has been a little cooler than I expected (yes, I know I was warned;), but coming from the Philippines, a sauna might feel a little on the cool side.

The training here, especially on the bike, is incredible and breath taking. As it’s my first camp in this part of Switzerland, I was a little naive when coach told me to have an easy flat ride at the bottom of the mountain my first day here. I cruised down the hillside, wind in my hair, enjoying my scenic little ride to Montreaux. Unfortunately, the “down” side, or should I say “up” side, to any flat riding around here is the climb back up the mountain. “What goes down must come up”, and I had conveniently blocked this from my mind on my scenic little excursion…there will now be a damper on any of my future flat riding adventures in Switzerland.:-[

Due to the jetlag or perhaps the altitude, I thought I was going crazy when I first arrived, hearing bells ringing on/off throughout the day. I was at Rebecca’s place the other day when she solved the mystery for me. “Rebecca”, I asked, “is that the fire alarm? Do we need to evacuate?” “No mate, just the cow bells, they’re moving pasteurs at the end of the day”. Oh, ok. I headed out the door on my bike, only to see a parade of cows blocking the narrow road in front of me. I tried to go around them, then realized I was in jeopardy of getting splashed by the remnants of whatever the cows had for dinner the evening before. I tucked in at the back, only to realize they were turning off in the same direction I was headed, straight past my place. It was a nice average pace of 5km/hr for my ride home.:)

Despite my initial jetlag and cow confusion, I’m very happy to be back at camp, in this very beautiful little part of the world. Until next time…

Donna

It’s hard to believe it’s been 5 yrs since my last ironman (although my legs today are reminding me).  There were many bumps (and potholes) along the way, but as they say, everything happens for a reason. I now have a new love for triathlon, and I couldn’t have been happier to be on the start line at Ironman China on Sunday.

The swim for me went as about expected. I did do some extra swimming around the course as the turning buoys were one of many fishing boats about 1000m out from shore…luckily I wasn’t too far off with my first pick.:) I came out of the water in 3rd place, fumbled a bit in the change tent as the Chinese volunteers  stuffed my wetsuit in my transition bag on top of my bike helmet and bike gear. Uhhh…I might be needing those?

After a few km’s into the bike, I was passed by Belinda who was riding really strong and looking like a demon. I reminded myself I wasn’t doing sprint tri’s anymore, and put my blinders back on. Just about the halfway point of the bike, I could feel the temperature starting to soar and continued to drink as often as I could…13 bottles in total! I was beginning to think I was maybe a camel in a former lifetime.

I came into run transiton in 3rd place, 8min down on Ute Meukle, 16min down on Belinda with Abigail Bailey 2min back, and Jo King and Belinda Harrison chasing from behind. After about 12km, I passed Ute, but shortly after the effects of running a marathon on concrete started to become evident. Both of my quads were screaming at the top of their lungs for me to stop. I knew I still had 30km to go, but I also knew there were some strong runners behind me and I couldn’t let up. At this point, it really was a mind game. I thought to myself that everyone else was suffering as much as I was, and if I could keep shuffling along and not walk then I had a chance of making it to the podium. I also came armed to the race with some motivating words from my team mates and coach….my secret weapon when the going got tough. I had Bella in my head “wretching with effort” in South Africa, Chrissie in Australia saying, “Oh and my hammy did hurt. I ignored it”, Erika telling me “The race is in your legs already”, and the words from doc, “Endure what can’t be cured”.

The last 2 hrs of the race were the most painful of my life. But, as I said, everything happens for a reason. Not being able to race ironman for the last 5 years due to injury and many starts/stops has given me a whole new appreciation for triathlon. I never take for granted being able to train and race, and when the going gets tough, I know it’s never as tough as where I’ve been.

In the end, I did hang on to second place, and crossed the finish line in 10:37, Abigail 7min back, and Belinda probably already having coffee and her nails done. I was beyond happy coming across the finish line, but the one thought I had in my head was how lucky I am to be a part of this team, training with the best athletes and the best coach in the world.:) The wait was well worth it.:)))

Well, it’s my day off (yeah!:), and I’m getting ready for my daily trip to the grocery store (when the training increases, the eating increases.:) Unfortunately, that means the spending increases too, but fortunately for us, the US $/Peso conversion works in our favor : 40 pesos is equivalent to 1 US dollar. When I first arrived, I was shocked to spend 2000 pesos at the grocery store, but by doing the math, I realized it’s actually pretty cheap. These are some other examples of the wonderful peso conversion :

- coke light 20 pesos = 50 cents

- papaya 30 pesos = 75 cents

- 1 hr massage 400-500 pesos = $10-$12

- pool fee 50 pesos = $1.25

- track fee 10 pesos = 25 cents

- oatmeal, milk, toast 60 pesos = $1.50

- abercrombie and fitch tank top (I think it’s a fake:) = $2.50

So…I’ve convinced myself that I’m actually saving money by being in the Philippines. Some imported items are of course more expensive. I’m still griping about the $5 cost of my beloved box of Kelloggs, but hey, I’m saving money so it all works out.:))

Well, after a 2 hr drive to LA, a 5 hr flight to Hawaii, a 3 hr stop-over, a 7 hr flight to Guam, a 2hr stop-over, a 3 hr flight to Manila, and a 3 hr drive from the airport, I finally arrived in Subic Bay 10 days ago. They say, “It’s the journey, not the destination”, but I couldn’t have been happier to get off the plane and arrive at training camp.

The set up here has been great. I’m sharing a house with Hillary and Chrissie, and we think we may have a fourth house guest that scurries around the kitchen at night. We’re not sure what it is, and in this case, ignorance is bliss! We’ve also seen a ton of monkeys on the side of the road and sitting on telephone wires. I keep expecting to wake up in the middle of the night with one in bed with me!

The weather has also been great for training. Warm, humid and breezy. The locals seem very happy to have us here as well. They honk their horns and wave as we ride by, and a little boy about 2 ft tall tried to race me as I ran past yesterday. Pretty quick for his height….a possible team tbb’er perhaps?:)

I am very happy and feeling at home here (minus Jay and my 2 cats of course:(. It’s been a long journey to get here, and I couldn’t be happier.Â

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