Part II: Fundraiser Completes Triathlon to Combat Sudden Cardiac Death July 23, 2010

This is Part II of fundraiser Maggie Finnerty’s post detailing her experience competing in a triathlon to combat Sudden Cardiac Death.  Read Part I of Maggie’s experience.

The Run  
Honestly, there’s only one word to describe the run: HOT. Thanks to my training, my legs felt totally fine when I exited T2. I expected them to feel heavy and jelly-like but I think the bricks I used during training helped them feel pretty fresh. Pacing my run was my biggest dilemma. I’d completed several mile tempo runs at paces of 8:40, and even six mile runs after 60+ mile rides at a 9:00 pace, but it was always cold and rainy, and I just had no idea how it would feel in the heat.  I knew the first three miles were uphill so I thought I was “playing it safe” by deciding to go with a 10:30 pace. I figured, I’d take the first three miles at around a 10:30, and then once the course flattened out, I’d up the pace to a 9:30 and finish with an 8:40 for the last four or five miles. 

I stopped at every single rest area. I put ice in my hat and loaded ice up in my sports bra, and without fail, by the time I reached the next mile rest stop, the ice had all melted, and I loaded up again. I knew this run was going to take me a long time.

 Finally, I saw the 10 mile mark, and I decided this was it. I stopped, iced up, dumped water over myself, and told myself it was time to kick it up. For the next 3.1 miles, I ran hard. I was still smiling, and still thanking everyone, and still talking to everyone I passed. No one passed me. I flew by people—some were vomiting, others were crying. Many more were limping. When I felt bad about my time (I knew my pace was much slower than it was 5 years ago), I would perk up while running past  20 or 25 year old, buff-looking guys, tell them “nice job” as I ran by, hoping they would see the “40” on the back of my right leg. Suddenly, I was proud of being 40!

 Some time later, I could hear the loudspeaker at the finish line, and then I heard someone call my name—a friend from my tri group—telling me how strong I looked. I kept on going and crossed the finish line in 2:24—exactly an 11:00 pace.

 I was extremely hot at the completion of the race. Thankfully, there were freezing cold showers and I stood under one for a few minutes until I was completely soaked. Graeme, Mark and a bunch of other friends were all there to greet and congratulate me.  I remember saying, “That was so hard!” and “It’s so hot!” But I did it!

Post race 
The next day, I woke up and was surprised that my legs didn’t hurt. They were just a little tired,but no more so than they were on a long Saturday training day. I realized I’d played it safe during the race. However, 405 people started the race and only 355 finished. That’s a huge DNF rate. So, I feel good about playing it safe. As I went through the race, I kept thinking about everyone who sponsored me—even the few of you I’ve never met before. And, of course, Kevin and Timmy were with me the entire time. 

I can’t tell you for sure how many lives have been saved because of the work of the Heart Rhythm Foundation, but I can tell you that it has made much progress over the last few years. I am proud that our efforts have been even a small part of that progress. 

Thank you so much for your support and I’ll let you know what my next race will be!

–Maggie Finnerty

 Editor’s Note: Maggie Finnerty’s post is the first in a series from new guest bloggers sharing their thoughts with the EP Insights community. To date, Maggie has raised more than $20,000 for the Heart Rhythm Foundation in an effort to combat Sudden Cardiac Death. Learn more about Maggie and offer support by visiting www.firstgiving.com/maggiefinnerty.