Athlete Spotlight: Kim Schwabenbauer Talks Kona

Kona.  Some think of it as the holy grail of triathlon.  I like to think of it as the highest compression sock wearing tri group per capita.  I don’t mean to joke.  Having the chance to race on October 8^th at the Ironman World Championships is an honor and something I don’t take lightly.  In addition, I’m sure I’m not the first athlete to say it hasn’t been a smooth road to the starting line. 

I raced in Kona in 2008 for my very first Ironman, after qualifying in St. Croix at the 70.3 distance.  No pressure.  Back then, I was just there to finish and I think I was able to take it all in and really enjoy myself.  In 2009, I had the delusion that it would be no sweat to punch my ticket again.  I’d just been there right?!  I ended the year with a series of bad races, a broken collarbone and a broken heart.  As I rode my bike in a sling all winter, I knew what it was going to take, and it would be everything that I had.  After a slower than I wanted comeback, I raced Ironman Cozumel in November of 2010 to a first place amateur victory and a huge PR.  I cried.  Not just because I was going to Kona, but because I had overcome the persistent negativity and many doubts that sometimes follow a devastating injury.  With the help and support of my husband, coach, family and friends, I would be going back to the big show in 2011. 

Starting off the year knowing that the focus would ultimately culminate at Kona was a different feeling.  Shouldn’t I just ride the wave?  Where should I race?  Should I take it easy at the beginning of the year so I was prepared to hit it hard come summer?  After some soul searching I knew the answer.  It came down to four simple words.  I love to race.  Of course, it’s about the journey too, the 4:00am morning workouts, seeing progress when I upload the training peaks files from my Garmin, learning how to suffer, recover and become a better athlete.  However, racing is the reward for all of that.  So my coach and I built the year slowly, over time, starting with New Orleans 70.3 and Eagleman 70.3 and then finally peaking for Ironman Lake Placid, and in a few weeks, Kona.  I’ve never raced two Ironmans in one year, but I took some time to recover from Lake Placid, recharge the physical and mental batteries, and I feel  strong and ready to take on the challenge on October 8^th. 

I’m constantly reminded that this race is special and that the opportunity to stand on the starting line healthy and thankful will be a huge blessing.  Pressing the issue in 2009 didn’t get me there.  Wishing didn’t get me there.  The combination of hard work, support from my loved ones and my faith in a higher plan are the reasons I will be swimming in Kailua Bay, biking the Queen K and running down Alii Drive with my hands held high and my heart spilling over with joy.  Even though you spend the whole day out there by yourself, we all know that we are never really alone.  I feel those tracking me, praying for me and encouraging me to push harder even when my mind says I’ve reached my limit. 

Am I nervous?  Yes.  Am I scared? No.  No matter what happens out there, I know I will give it everything I have and squeeze out every last drop until I cross that line.  If I do that, I will never be dissatisfied.  Please feel free to send a prayer my way ( #1702) and thanks for the opportunity to share my story! 

Kim Schwabenbauer, RD, LDN is an elite triathlete, Registered Dietitian, Certified USA Triathlon Coach, speaker, writer, wife, lover of all things triathlon and member of the Ballou Skies Triathlon Team that raises money for research to help boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  As the owner of Fuel Your Passion, Sports Nutrition Counseling and Endurance Coaching, she helps athletes all over the world fulfill their athletic goals and lead healthier lifestyles.  You can find her blog at www.fuelyourpassiononline.blogspot.com She is a two-time amateur Ironman Champion with a 10:03 Ironman PR. She resides in Pittsburgh, PA.  

Comments

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