Congratulations to Jen Schoenberg for
an excellent race at the Ironman World Championships on October 13, 2012. As she was reflecting on the race she
explained, "I had a good swim despite the European men trying to take me
out, elbowing me in the ribs, and clawing at my legs- I still exited the water
out ahead of a lot of the guys. Once I
got on the bike it was demoralizing watching all the bikers pass me. After about 40 miles of this I had to finally
wake up and say to myself it's the world championships and these are the best
in the WORLD. Hello? I hadn't really thought about it up until
that point." She went on to explain
that after the bike, she realized (in hindsight) that she faltered a little on
her nutrition plan and started the run low on the fluids. She went on to explain, "The first 10
miles of the run was great- 8:30 pace and similar to Tremblant- it was great to
see the crew out there cheering me on!
But about mile 11-12, I felt the stomach start to churn and by 13 I was
in search of porta potties for many miles.
But for the last 3 miles - just after a gorgeous sunset-I had gotten it
all out of my system and I was able to run again and get to the finish line
feeling great."
In summary she added, "I achieved
my goal which was at the top of my bucket list. However, I must say that all I
could think was that I'd rather give birth again than to ever come back to
Kona-- but at least I can say I conquered the massive contusions throughout the
entire swim, third degree sun torching burns, 40 mph head winds for 112 miles,
a visit to 4 over-flowing port-potties, and the slowest 26 miles I've ever run
on scorching pavement-- who ever said that lava is beautiful anyway?? In the
end it was all worth it to cross the finish line and hear Mike Reilly say
"Jennifer Schoenberg- You. Are. An. Ironman!" What an amazing
experience and having my family there to support me made it all worth while!
PCG Coach: Karen Mackin
