Ironman Conversation, continued Darcy: I have only done 4 Ironmans. The first 2 were IM Canada, a phenomenal venue. My first Canada IM, 2005, I wanted to have a good experience, so I would want to go back and do the distance again. I wasn't racing, and I certainly was not thinking Kona. I was not at that level. I participated and finished in 12:55, placing 47th. (Here I am again placing in the 40’s, around 50%.) I enjoyed it so much and knew I had much room to improve. I went back in 2006. After hard work, and dedication, I improved my time to 12:00:40. I know. I didn't break the 12 hour mark. I really thought I would break 12 hours as I was coming upon the finish. I started my watch a minute before the gun went off, and forgot I had IM Cour d’Alene done so. As soon as I could see the finishing clock, I realized, I blew it. Rookie mistake. It was at that moment, however, that I realized IM is a good distance for me, and I wanted to focus on improving my time, and start think-
ing top 5. I knew I would have to train harder, and dedicate more. It wasn't until I got home, recovered, and went out for my easy run along the coast that I said to myself, “Kona is my goal”. From that moment on, I stayed confident, and focused. I worked on strength, endurance, power, and speed through the rest of 2006, 2007 and the beginning of 2008. At IM CDA 2008, my training was paying off, and I placed 6th in my division with a time of 11:30. I was that much closer!! Between CDA in June, and IM Arizona in November, I worked really hard, especially on my swim. IM Arizona 2009, everything 2008. came together and I had the race of my life. A rough start, but a great finish to cross the finish line in 10:29, placing second in my age group, and getting my slot to Kona, the slot I had been working so hard continued on page 20
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