My experience was a bit different after finishing Ironman. After my first race, I was in a fog after finishing. I only wore my finisher medal until I got back to my hotel room, and took it off to shower. I never wore it again. I actually don’t even know where it is now. I didn’t wear the medal after my second finish either. It’s not about the medal.
I didn’t feel particularly special when I finished Ironman Coeur d'Alene because like the TSA agent said in Lacke’s story, thousands finished the race. Ironman isn’t my identity. My identity comes from my family and my friends. I’d rather be identified as a writer, sister, daughter, athlete.
I love Lacke’s story because while being a triathlete makes me fit, it also introduces me to so many new people, every day. I think it’s this way for many of us. Yes, I want to do more Ironman triathlons because it gives me purpose and a direction to my life; and it makes me fit. Yes, it’s a conversation piece and I have the stickers on my car.
But primarily, I like the conversations it creates because I have finished an Ironman. I like telling stories about Ironman and love hearing stories about my friend's first 70.3. I love seeing the fire in their eyes about a future event; and I want to see the doubt disappear when we talk about long course racing. I love talking about motivation and inspiration, and learn what drives people to do the things they do whether it is Ironman, CrossFit, a 100 mile run, or a sprint distance triathlon.
I firmly believe, it's about the people you meet along the way. I like how Lanke ends her article,
"Don’t get me wrong—I still relish in the accomplishments that come with running and triathlon. And when I spot others like me out and about, we exchange knowing glances. (Endurance athletes can spot each other easily. Maybe it’s the fierce look in their eyes. OK, it’s probably their calves.) Either way, that brief smile and nod says it all: You’re an Ironman. You stud, you."
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