2003 IMUSA
(IronMan Lake Placid)
By: Elizabeth Cassano
 

Preparation for IM USA 2003 began on Monday, July 29, 2002 , after only my third triathlon and my first attempt at the Ironman distance - IM USA 2002, where I was shy of making the bike to run cutoff by 6 minutes. 16 miles into the run, my number one supporter, training partner and husband, Don, pulled out, sending us both home with a DNF. Since then, life has been filled with one solid year of perseverance, discipline, hard work and the desire to fulfill and live a dream.

 Don and I raced IM Florida 2002, crossing the finish line together, hand in hand. It was an amazing race and an incredible experience to share such a proud moment together.

 In January 2003 we signed on with Coach Terry. He planned our race, we raced the plan. His motivation, encouragement and ability to bring out the best have been a tremendous part of this year’s training. Coach, you have been a tremendous part of our success this year! Thank you.

 “Believe in yourself,” would become my mantra! I heard this repeatedly from for one solid year, every single day, including race day. And from Coach, on a regular basis. “You can do it, you have to believe in yourself!” (That was to go sub 13 hr!) By the way, I still believe!

  Mirror Lake , Whiteface Mountain and the 1980 Olympic Oval awaited the 1837 athletes that would begin IM USA 2003. I was there for redemption, so whatever it took; I would not succumb to the course or the elements. “Believe in yourself!”

 After giving hugs and “have a great day” wishes to my friends, we entered the water for a short warm up. If only the cannon would sound, the jitters would immediately subside. And, at 7:00 am sharp the cannon blasted and IM USA 2003 was underway.

 Don and I started the swim together, and five strokes later he was well on his way to a swim PR, and 19 minutes later I would exit the water 15 min quicker than last year, and a swim PR for me too! The excitement of my swim time carried me through much of the bike.

 Wow, did I need it! Mother Nature created elements that no training can prepare you for!

 My plan: be conservative and stay on top of nutrition. The first lap of the bike was somewhat windy, with intermittent rain showers and thunderstorms. Where are my training partners? How was their swim? My odometer goes out at mile 12.07, one less factor to consume my energy – my speed. I would see Don and Scott on the out back section, they both looked great! Returning to the Village of Lake Placid to end the first loop was absolutely amazing. An estimated 30,000 spectators lining the streets, my mom, Don’s mom & brother, Scott’s family, our friends from Canada , St. Louis and LA, I saw and heard them all. The excitement and motivation of my supporters, they are the reason!

 Lap 2, the elements more intense. For the next 4 hours on the bike I would experience head winds up to 35 mph, torrential downpours and chilly temps. Maneuvering the 8+ mile downhill at 45 mph in these conditions was a challenge. The devil wind was literally blowing people off of their bikes. Thank goodness I had worn the vest; however the arm warmers were soaked. Nutrition was difficult to maintain from mile 65 or so to mile 90. I managed to get back into the game as I began the last 14 mile climb home, chugging, at most, 6 mph. I would complete the bike with 1 hr and 13 min to spare! At this point, I was already 1 hr 19 min ahead of last year’s time. Stay strong. “Believe in yourself!”

 I had been looking forward to the run for several months. One, because it is my strongest of the three disciplines, but most important, because this is what it took to cross the finish line. My goal: 4 hr 30 min. I felt incredible coming of off the bike! The rain had subsided, the winds obviously not so critical on the run. I had not had the opportunity to let Don know my swim time, nor learn of his. I see Bev, running strong! Then, Don, we exchange a hug and kiss and get a brief update on each other’s status, he tells me to stay strong, I tell him to stay focused and have fun. We are on our way. Then, Scott. We exchange a hug and words of encouragement! Then, Alex, then Thomas. Okay, we are all still going strong. I reach 13.1 in 2 hr 16 min. Holy sh..t! I am ecstatic and realize that I am on pace to achieve my 4:30 goal. “Believe in yourself!”

 By the time I reach mile 17, the sky is darkening, both night time and another storm are upon us. Mother Nature once again plays her part with another torrential downpour, this time it does not let up. The rain falls, and so does the temp. By mile 18.5 I was slowed to a walk. It was 7:08 pm. Shivering, shaking, soaking wet, freezing. Volunteers, these guys are amazing, and it would not happen without them, wrapped me in two mylar blankets, I regrouped, consuming lukewarm chicken broth, and continued my pace. I estimated that at 15 min miles I would cross the finish line at 9:08 pm (15 hrs 8 mins). “Believe in yourself!”

 By this time, my training partners were on their way to the Finish line, I was so proud of them. At mile 21, I see the first athlete down, at mile 23 I see the second athlete down, lying in the middle of the road, wrapped in mylar, EMTs reporting a HR of 30 and BP extremely low! At this point, I dig deep and asked myself, “how many 5k’s have you run?,” gut it up, stay strong and get to the FINISH! I kept a steady sub 15 min pace back to the Village. At mile 26, a spectator ran along side of me, encouraging me, saying I must run as soon as I crest the hill. I dug deep, disposed of the mylar blankets, and sprinted the last .2 mile to the finish. I had not looked at my watch since 7:08 pm , I had no idea what time it was until I rounded the Olympic Oval with the finish in site at 14:53:40 ( 8:53 pm ). The roar of the crowd and the sense of accomplishment will never be forgotten. I recall the announcer, “Elizabeth Cassano from Alexandria , VA , YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” I did not care that he said VA vs LA, I wanted my medal! I broke the finish tape and there was my number one supporter, training partner and husband. Don placed my medal around my neck, we exchanged hugs and a kiss, took photos and shed happy tears. Once again, we were each crowned an IRONMAN!

The Ironman distance is never easy. Neither is life. Ironman, for us, has become a life style. If I could share a few words, I would say to always believe in yourself, know that just as in life, tough times always get better and continue to live your dreams.

You guys made my dream come true: Don, my family, Terry & Ana, Scott, OMJ, and to all of the friends I have spent time with in the pool, on the bike and at the track. THANK YOU!