IRONMAN 70.3 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
MOOLOOLABA AUSTRALIA 2016
my day…. by Kristan Croom
The morning started at 4am after a decent night’s sleep. I did the usual pre-race routine of a cup of coffee and a protein bar… and added a banana! The condo was buzzing with chatter from the crew. Allen Stanfield, Amy Hunt, Andrew, and Lenard Vergunst were walking through their OWN habitual steps of chaos we all create before stepping across that start line. Although Allen was unable to race, I am almost positive he was “pre-race” processing just as he normally would. He was very supportive and positive for the rest of us… offering reminders as we were preparing to make our way to the shuttle. Andrew offered his hugs and sweet ass slaps of “we’ve got this” as I was getting all my crap together to exit the condo. I was calm. I was physically ready. I have never trained so hard for a 70.3, but knew the nagging issue of my hamstrings may play a factor. I did not let the possibility of pain interfere with my morning prep or during the 2 hour wait before my 40-44 wave began.
The shuttle ride was quiet. Amy has been going through personal turmoil and stress that I can not fathom. Her sister has been battling cancer for several years and was told just before we left that she would only have a couple of weeks left on this Earth. The agony of the decision to leave on this trip she had worked for and planned for….. has to be something I will never quite comprehend. Her sister told her…. “go, you HAVE to live!” I have chills just typing it. Her reasons for participating in the race had certainly changed. She is an immensely competitive athlete who is tiny in stature, but fierce with athleticism. She was there to participate and explore the beautiful surroundings, think of living her life, to represent her sister and actively BE THERE because so many can’t. …. NOT to hit a certain time to cross the finishing line. I am still in awe of her. We are 2 days post race and she is still smiling!
Lenard was a stranger to me until we all met Friday afternoon. He was quiet, older, quirky, and very regimented. It didn't take long to see that he had a personal agenda for this race and was going to do anything physically possible to reach it. He brought his daily personal routine straight from Mississippi and didn’t deviate from it. He was nice, polite, and very dry.
Andrew has dealt with plenty of chaos throughout the entire month of August…… personal decisions, delivering his children to college two weeks in a row, closing on a house, moving out of a condo, and moving into his own place literally with no time to spare for us to get on the first plane. I was blown away by his serenity. His composure was that of a man who should have been on sedatives……but not him. He had the time line set in his head, took each day with its coinciding event, and achieved each personal milestone with absolute grace. I didn’t ask him if he had a time goal in mind. That was his business. I just knew that he would give it his absolute best during every stroke, revolution, and step during his race day. He is truly amazing and a gift in my life.
As we stepped off the shuttle and headed to transition, there were people every where. The sounds of ocean waves were abundant, but it was still dark, so the mystery of the water conditions were still looming. There was no wind, so that was a great sign for a calm environment! This 70.3 was different in many ways in regards to rules and processes. We had to put our T1 articles in a bag so that when we exited the water, after stripping our own wetsuit, we could grab it. Then our T2 bags were in a different area… so when we completed the bike course, we had to rack and run to the second bag for the 13.1 prep. Nothing was allowed in transition unless you wanted to clip your shoes in. Everything else had to be bagged and dropped during each transition.
We were all settled and ready for our waves to begin after the Pro starts. Andrew started at 7:25, Leonard at 7:50, then Amy and I at 8:00am. We had a great spot for spectating as the Pros exited the water. One by one they filtered through. We recognized a few faces, but for the most part were just in awe of their fast swim times, efficiency of running up stairs, and taking their wetsuits off while pulling their cycling gear out of the tucked areas underneath..so cool. My nerves were good. The water was perfect. Some light surf around the beach was visible and the rest of the Pacific was very welcoming. Even a massive cruise ship had anchored just off the coast of the start. It would later become my beacon for the swim and run portions.
I walked Andrew just to the part where the sidewalk ends and the beach began.. Kissed him and told him to kick ass and have fun. Of course I cried when he was out of sight.. The excitement and emotions of where we were, and the past year.. just got the best of me. Leonard had disappeared since then, so we didn't get to say good luck. He was in his own world.
It was nearing 7:45 am and our age group was called to the beach.. we were “on deck.” Amy hugged Allen… and I snuck a side one in.. and we were on our way to drop our morning bags and get in place to get in the water to swim to the start. I have to admit… the 30-34 year old women were behind us and they looked very “into it” and fired up.. I said…. “Amy, those white capped bitches are going to swim over our asses!” Amy wasn't any more excited about the swim than I was… Mic man said for us to get in and swim to the start… I dove under the surf…eyeing Amy.. checking to see where she was.. several times. For me more than for her. It was so comforting knowing she was there. After about 200 yards, we reached the start line. I made sure I was far right and in the back.. HORN!!!!! And we were off…. Easy pace, light kicking, and reach with each arm. I repeated that in my head several times. The water was nice. Chilly, flat, but perfect after about 10 minutes. I felt random hands on my feet and calves from time to time, but nothing to aggressive that I was uncomfortable. I said my usual prayers, about not ever being alone, and he is always beside me. I wondered how Andrew was feeling on the bike, how Amy was, thought about Amy’s sister, Rickie/Ricke’s mom Wilma, Jill, mom and dad, Avery, Court…..….etc.. I knew they were all tracking along with my gang from Fairhope. It was so comforting…
As I rounded the purple buoy to the left… I noticed the wind and chop picked up. UGH!!! Salt water in the mouth. Yuck. But I didn't gag or PUKE!! I paused several times to adjust my wetsuit on my neck. I feel the sting of chaffing early on.. and knew it would be quite raw later. At one point I coughed and an Aussie on a paddle board asked me if I was ok.. I said, “yep!! perfect.. how are you? He said “G’day Mate… where are you from?” Yep, I chatted for a brief 10 seconds (thinking, or lord Andrew is gonna tease me about that) I thanked him for being there and he wished me well. The GIANT cruise ship in the harbor was my “beacon” and I used it to spot to the finish (little did I know that it would become such an amazing source of relief on my run——-ish) I love hearing the announcer/mic man.. that means I’m almost out of the water.. Although this time, this event… I was calm and soaking my reality in. IT was truly surreal. I was swimming in the Pacific, In AUSTRALIA, with my friends, and participating in an event that Never even crossed my mind to attend… until I met Andrew and was going to be his Sherpa. So, was it in my wildest dreams? No, but was now a total reality. Hard left.. and I could see a perfect view and straight line to the shore… ohhhhh the Mic man, I here ya! I pushed it that last stretch. My neck was basically exposed flesh being rubbed by salt and velcro by now, but I could touch the sand with my hands…. wahoo…. Stand up and get that wetsuit off!! In my usual KC nature, I was grinning from ear to ear. I did it. I didn’t have any moments during the swim that I doubted myself or the usual thought of “Kristan, what the hell are you doing?” It was as relaxed as I’d ever been and for such an important event, I was so happy with my mind set. While running up the beach, I heard so many cheers from spectators waiting on their loved ones. I wondered where Amy was. I knew Andrew was hauling ass at this
point on the bike and hoped he was safe. Allen was clicking pictures somewhere. Leonard was riding by now too. I grabbed a cup of water from a volunteer, thanked her.. and ran up the stairs. Now came the tricky part. I had to grab my T1 bag, dump it, strip the wetsuit off, and get it in the bag with my goggles and cap. The wind was kicking up pretty strong and there were empty bags blowing all over. I felt so bad for the girls chasing them. It was mandatory that all your gear went into that bag and had to be dropped in a bin on the way to your bike. I took my time getting my gear on. Without a chair, I was a bit unstable. Socks were a must, but my feet were wet and sandy. Lovely. DONE! I tied my bag and was on my way to Betty!
As I jogged beside my bike heading out of transition, women were sprinting past me to the mounting line. I guess they didn’t share my “soak it in and enjoy every moment” mentality. You would have thought I was standing still. Anyway, I made it to the line, thanked the volunteers, and off I went on Betty. I could feel my teeth getting hit by the winds as they picked up because my smile was huge and I was truly just in AWE of my surroundings. I was on a bike.. in AUSTRALIA!!! The first 20 plus miles, I kept a steady pace of 21-22mph and had a nice tailwind. I was passed by countless women just making me look as if I were standing still. There was some steady inclines on the way out, but nothing too terrible. I was doing my best not to imagine what the 18% grade I would encounter around mile 30 would be like. I mean, it had kept me up a couple of nights before leaving the US. I just had to say to myself.. “It is what it is and you will do what you have to when you get to that point.” Somewhere before mile 25, I saw Andrew hammering it.. He was several bike lengths back behind a huge group of dudes who all looked as if they were on the peloton. He didn’t see me, but just that split second of him in my vision gave me a boost and an even bigger smile. I kept anticipating Amy to come flying by and make me laugh. There were so many turns and back roads, I didn’t know where the hell she was or when she would pass… but I knew she would! (I thought about Evan and his text of well wishes and advice before I left. He always has a way of saying just the right thing and truly knows what it’s like to be involved in such an epic event.) I didn’t like this, but witnessed a ton of drafting. The women passing me were literally on each other’s wheels. At least every 3 miles, an IM official would pass on a motorcycle giving out penalties. I even heard some of the chicks arguing with them. Good grief.. suck it up, you got busted, and take the penalty. At mile 28ish, I saw two signs.. LAP 1 and Lap 2. A volunteer was standing in the middle. I didn’t panic, but did get confused since I felt as if I had just done a circle. Was that a lap? So, I just asked him.. “how do we know which lap we are on?” He said, “if you haven’t seen me before, then take a right for Lap 1!” SHEW!! So happy I asked. (especially since after the race, the next day we heard of over 100 DNF’s due to that confusion, but I had no issue with slowing and asking). I immediately stood up to climb. It was a steep incline, but I maneuvered it nice and easy. I was thinking… “wow, that wasn’t so bad.” Of course, soon I learned that it WAS NOT the MOTHER OF ALL INCLINES just yet. A little more climbing out of the saddle, a slight left, and HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!! There she was! I have never, in the 14 years of riding my bike, ever seen or even been near a hill/climb/WALL as I was viewing! Literally, It was a damn WALL! I slowed so much (not without a fight) that I decided to unclip… Well, that just didn’t work out. I fell over in the grass, literally laughing at myself. I stood up and with IMMENSE pride… Pushed Betty up the WALL. Honestly, I looked around me and there were 20 plus athletes doing the exact same thing. YES, it did make me feel better… MISERY LOVES COMPANY after all. At the crest.. Betty and I were so ready to be as ONE again. I threw my leg over the saddle, clipped in, and off I went. I thought about Andrew just blowing that wall away.. No way would he not make it..
The relief of reaching the top was soon over. This course was very challenging. I literally said out loud…. “this is a BIG BOY RACE!” and then, here comes the climbing that I can actually negotiate and survive. Lap 2 was fairly hilly, but I was so excited… did I mention that I was in Australia?? It seemed by mile 45 that the climbing had subsided. Unfortunately, I had a new hurdle, and again I laughed out loud. Strong head winds and a slight incline on the highway
back to transition. Headwinds…. oh just my favorite. UGH. I was taking a sip from my bottle and heard a sweet voice behind me! I was AMY!!! and she was coming in hot. It was so nice to
see her. At this very moment, I can not imagine Amy’s state of mind was then or now. God bless she and her family as the have to watch as her sister battles for peace. I will be forever in awe of Amy’s composure and strength. OH.. and her smile is always one that will make you grin right back! She is radiant! And just like that, she was out of sight. I knew I would get to see her on the run course somewhere. I had ridden against worse head winds, but by mile 45 I was ready for some relief.
I have never considered myself a stellar athlete. I am an average swimmer, strong cyclist, and a consistent runner… but nothing like most of the women that had been blowing past me and yelling, “to your right” most of the day. I had seen 20, 22, and 23 mph during the day, but these women were just the epitome of athletic champs. No matter what… I was so thrilled to be involved in this amazing event/day. Allen crossed my mind. He had traveled around the world with us but was injured from a bike accident 2 weeks before, and couldn’t compete. To this day, I can’t imagine his thought process. He is an incredible athlete with a HUGE competitive edge. It had to be painful to stand behind the barriers, watch the race, and take our pictures. His attitude was very positive and was attentive to all of us and our day. I thought about all my peeps back home following me. I know they were probably worried. I was over 3 hours now, but only had a few miles left to rack Betty and begin the run. I could hear the announcer’s voice. Nothing was clear. He basically sounded like Charlie Brown’s teacher, but nonetheless, I knew I was close to T2. The locals were standing on the sidewalks as I peddled through town. AHHH.. familiar area and the CRUISE SHIP!!! I could see it anchored in the Pacific. MY BEACON… I was back. Volunteers were quiet but motioned to slow down for the dismount. I was off my bike and ready to rest her for the day. I had written on my hand to take the inserts out of my cycling shoes (since I had left them in Alabama.. had to use my running shoe inserts) and put them into my running shoes. Thank heavens I had revered a few miles back. I racked Betty and trotted to my T2 equipment bag. Again, I was being passed by sprinting women. At this point, I was just freaking so happy to be there, so let them sprint. I had 13.1 to run and wanted to enjoy it.
Before I left Alabama, Phil had given me a new aero helmet with “Eastern Shore Cycles” in bright yellow (matching Betty) for my event. Silly me… I had not used it before, so when I tried to take it off, I was trapped. I just laughed out loud. It didn’t have the usual clasp that my previous helmets had. Nope! It was a magnet that I could not see and just didn’t know how to maneuver. So, I loosened the back knob and just pulled it off. I then noticed I had put my socks on the wrong feet, but decided not to change them in case it was a good omen since I had survived the bike route.
Inserts in running shoes, hat on, race number/belt clipped, started my Garmin, and began the run. My hamstring insertions had been quite a mess the past two months. My gluts had atrophied, my hamstrings had grown, and that just didn’t bode well for running mechanics. Ryan (chiropractor) told me it would not be a comfortable 13.1, but said he had done all he could before I left. They were literally a PAIN IN MY ASS, but little did I know how bad it would get. I saw Allen as I ran the first mile. He yelled my name and was snapping pics as I passed. Ugh, I still felt bad for him. I figured Andrew would be heading in for his finish and was hoping he was feeling his best. Amy was out there too and I couldn’t wait to see them. Around mile 3, I saw him.. He had his arms out and was running to the center of the road. I could feel my smile! My teeth were completely exposed and I just couldn’t help myself as I began to tear up. Pure JOY! Andrew stopped in the middle of the road, hugged and kissed me, and was on his way. I still can not believe he stopped! It was a huge boost for my run. After I started to run again, a fellow participant said, “I hope you know him!” I replied, “no, but he was hot, so what the hell!” We both laughed. Shortly after that fun, I felt my hams being to tug/pull. It was at this point, I knew it would be more of a challenge than running my other 13.1’s. Amy and I saw one another around mile 4… I had already began to cry. I was hurting and was angry that I was allowing it to get to me. I thought about Amy’s sister, Melissa. She was home, with her family, and struggling for life, and I was being a big damn baby. Amy stopped, we hugged, and she said.. “hurry up and catch up to me so we can walk together!” Oh how much for fun that would have been, but that scenario was just not in the cards that day. Amy also told me to stop
crying, walk, and finished her sentence with, “we’re in AUSTRALIA!” The city was beautiful and most of the run was along the Pacific. The cruise ship was visible within two miles of the half way point/finish line and I couldn’t wait to see it again. By mile 6, I knew I was going to struggle with every step if I tried to do any more than walk. But I did my absolute best to run as many steps as I could. I was MISERABLE. The pain was indescribable. It is something that I just can not put into words or compare to any pain I’d ever had. All I know is it was there… BUT DAMMIT, I was in AUSTRALIA and this chick was going to get it done. I spoke to several people. Thanking all the volunteers, waving to other runners, saying hello to observers. I received several compliments on my Zarzaur Kit. I heard “great smile” a few times too. My smile. Well, it is sometimes all I’ve got. Smiling just makes me feel better. It reminds me of how fortunate I am and I believe smiles can be contagious. As I approached the half way mark, I spotted Andrew and Allen to my left. Amy and I had seen each other again and she told me where they were. I wanted to smile and keep it together. I didn’t want him to know how bad I was hurting. Well, apparently I didn’t keep it to myself very well. I trotted across the road to hug him and literally burst into tears and sobs as soon as I buried my head into his shoulder. UGH! Well, Damn. I was not tired, my stomach was fine, no cramping, and my fitness was great. Andrew was so sweet, hugged me tight and told me to walk and just take it easy. It would all be ok. I sucked it up, and returned to the course for my second lap. I won’t go into too much more detail about the pain. Each mile was worse. Each mile brought some tears of frustration, excitement, joy, happiness, irritation.. I was an emotional basket case. At mile 10, I told myself that I would run at 11 and not stop. My run would be a shuffle, but was all I could muster. I could barely get my heels off the ground. Mile 10 brought me solace. Brought me strength and many thanks to GOD for the journey I was presently on and for the 13 months before. I could not believe how completely different my life was. I have never been so happy. Friends, family, Andrew, prayers, Augusta Kantra…. all included in my life transformation. It was a prescription I could never buy. EMOTIONS all over the place..
MILE 11 and the cruise ship!! Oh yea, and the hill. The only incline on the run. I just got on my toes and felt like I was running 7 minute miles. UMMMM, no.. The Garmin’s reality of 13:32mm made me laugh. But I was trotting. I was crying, laughing, smiling, and trotting. Mile 12…. I am
not stopping. SO many amazing people along the route were clapping and yelling supportive words to me. Even finishers were out and pushing the remainder of us to the finish line. I don’t remember seeing a mile 13 sign, but I heard Mark Allen, and could see the finish chute. My hams were completely shredded. My heels were dragging the ground, but I was almost done. And did I mention that I was in AUSTRALIA?? I spotted Amy and Allen to the right of the chute. They were smiling and clapping. TEARS streaming down my face. Then, Mark Allen decided to fuel my emotions just a bit more.. “Hey everyone, let’s welcome Kristan Croom from Fairhope, AL, USA. She looks a little emotional so let’s give her a big congrats!” The crowd was thick, hands reaching out to slap mine! It was an epic and monumental moment I will never forget. I saw Andrew just to the right of the finisher arch. He was clapping and smiling! I CROSSED!! Mark Allen hugged as I sobbed on his shirt. I thanked him for the push and for the support. As I looked up and over his shoulder, I saw myself on the jumbo screen! What a train wreck! I laughed and there was Andrew! He grabbed me and helped me walk to get my medal. It was huge and so pretty. I DID IT!
Andrew clasped me around the waist and walked me towards the beach area. UGH, there were stairs. I literally wanted to crawl. I wanted the pressure off my hams. He led me to get our finisher picture. He had not yet gotten his. He had waited for me. And more tears!!!
We meandered around to get my bags and headed back to find Amy and Allen. I think Leonard had gone back to the condo by now. We all sat at a restaurant and discussed the day… So fun. So epic. So amazing. I was hurting, but so happy. Blessed beyond words.
Our vacation would begin tomorrow!!!