Six Aurora BayCare Medical Center employees have embarked on a wellness challenge that will change their lives forever! Over the next six months, these people were coached, trained and transformed into triathlon-level athletes through the Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine Live Fit program.
Leslie Iles works in Radiology Services at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay.
I AM AN OFFICIAL TRI-ATHLETE!! It feels so good to say those words.
My day did not go as smoothly as I thought it would go. Hiccup #1. I checked and rechecked my bag before I left and when I got to transition realized my goggles were not there, thankfully Doug had another pair I could borrow.
Hiccup #2 happened when I tripped on a wooden stake and my ankle chip broke off, this was when the Tri started and they were at Wave 3 and I was in Wave 7. Thankfully Corey was able to run and get another strap and was back in time but it set me into panic mode. Lots of coaching needed from Corey to get me to calm down.
Hiccup #3 was when I was coming in from the bike and my foot got caught on the bike frame and I tipped over, hitting my knee hard, which left a little road rash. From people who saw it I popped right back up and made a mad dash for the transition area.
Hiccup #4 and my last of the day was running out of the transition zone to the run, they handed me Gatorade instead of water and my stomach does not agree with Gatorade. By the time I realized what I was drinking I had swallowed it. After my legs decided they were going to run and I got into the 5K, my stomach did the dreaded gurgling and before I knew it I thought I was going to puke. So the only way to combat that was to walk. I was able to run/walk and ran to the finish line. After the freezing cold water to the windy bike to the gurgling stomach I crossed that finish line. My time goals I did not make but crossing that finish line was the best experience ever.
The best part of the whole race was seeing my family especially my daughter holding up the big yellow sign with “GO MOM GO” written on it. When things were not going so well I just had to think of that sign and how proud she was of me. The smile on her face was priceless and when I crossed the finish line the huge hug from her was the best. She said later that day “Mom, I’m so proud of you. You were amazing during your race.” Coming from a 5 yr old that pretty much tops the cake.
Overall, the last 6 months have been an emotional rollercoaster, one I would not change for the world. The positive comments and words of wisdom from my family, friends, co-workers, trainers and my fellow 6-Pack helped me finish and without them I would have not gotten through this. They have been my motivation and strength.
So where is this going to take me…. 3 more triathlons this summer and a few other races. As I wrote in my first blog on January 14, 2012:
“Until I write again I leave you with this:
Jessica Jacobs said to us “Triathlons are addicting. This will not be your only one.” Everyone I talk to I say this to. It has become a part of me. A new way of thinking….”
And thanks to Jessica this will not be my only one, this is just the beginning.
This is only a chapter in my book there are so many more to come, so keep watching, I’m not done yet!
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, Aurora BayCare Sports Medicine’s expertswill put you on top of your game. To start your customized training program, contact us at 920-288-5400.
