New PB + New run record

Hi friends and supporters,

There is much to be thankful for this week as I celebrate my second place finish at Ironman Arizona over the past weekend. Along with second place I set a new personal-best for the Ironman distance and I set a new run course record.

New Personal Best:
Earlier this year I set out a goal of finishing an Ironman in 9 hours and 15 minutes. I dreamed for this to happen in Kona, but as you know I didn't have the day I wished for in October. Not taking defeat easily, I came to Arizona as a bit of redemption, looking for a Kona slot, but ultimately to race for myself. I will admit, I am human and I made some mistakes with training and racing in 2009, but one thing I knew going into this race, was I was racing for my love of Sport. It was about getting back to the basics and reminding myself why I love Ironman. Perhaps I did things all wrong in my prep: I stayed up late, I drank a few beers, I ate lots of chocolate, I spent time with family, travelled a bit, didn't take myself so seriously. When I got to the start line on Sunday I was refreshed and excited for the effort. In the end, I crossed the line with a new personal best of 9 hours and 13 minutes. Yee-haw to that!

New run course record:
I have goals in triathlon and one of them is to run a sub-3 hour marathon. I came pretty close on Sunday. My day started with a decent swim (for me) in just under an hour. I was set up perfectly on the bike and came into the race with a tactical plan of methodically moving my way through the field all day. Onto the run in 5th place, and my refreshed spirit brought with me refreshed legs as well. I felt great on the run and my plan was working out perfect. My run training all year has led me to believe that I am capable of running a 3 hour marathon. On Sunday, I was able to put it all together as I patiently worked my way up through the field and any doubts I had in my head were silenced with each mile. In the end, I crossed the line with a new run course record of 3 hours and 4 minutes. Yee-haw to that!

I just want to congratulate everyone that raced on Sunday. I also want to let everyone who supported someone in the race let you know what a large task that is. We all are truly blessed and have so much to be thankful for this week.

This race and 2009 could not have been possible without the never-ending support of my #1 fan, Chris Corbin. Thanks snookums, I love you :).

There are a few people that helped me in particular with my result on Sunday: Carrie Bartlett & Mike Hill, Kristin Fraise, Dan Beaver & Mary Knott, Chris Lieto, Peter Reid, Matt Dixon and purplepatch fitness, William Pettis, Chris McCrary, super-dog Madison, Jen Luebke, ma, pa & sis... just to name a few.

I also want to thank my sponsors: Saucony, Scott Bicycles, Clif Bar, Base Performance, Big Sky Brewing, Cycleops + Saris, Missoula Bike Works, Oakley, SRAM, Trakkers, Vision & Full Speed Ahead, Xterra & Zipp Wheels.

That's a wrap for 2009. I look forward to seeing you in 2010.

Best wishes,

Linsey Corbin