I did not want those moments in the finish area to end. The music was pumping and thrill of victory had enveloped us. Our VIP guide ushered us over to two volunteer catchers and they led us through the finish area maze. It was much quieter “backstage” and the only thing I could hear was me - saying over and over again. I did it! I can’t believe I did it! I think I said I DID IT in belief and disbelief at least 100 times during that walk to the recovery area.
We headed to a big tent to gather my real medal, my finisher shirt and hat. The volunteer handed it to me and I made Neal put the medal on again. There can never really be too many medal ceremonies.
Ace and I hung out in the athlete lounge for quite a while. I got my picture taken and sat down for a bit. I tried to eat some french fries - my normal go-to - but that did not work. I was able to eat some potato chips and drink some cold water. About 15 minutes in, I noticed Elena!!!! The woman I had started with was a few tables over and I “jumped up” to go hug her. She and I spoke briefly about the race and congratulated each other. We have in touch since then are part of the 2024 Coeur Sports team.
We also ran into Kimmy and Karen - the captains of athlete food. We had met them at the Aloha Reception on Wednesday night. I think Kimmy said she had been in charge of this area for over 10 years. While we were in line, they had given Neal pointers on their favorite places to play golf. They congratulated me and pointed me to the musubi. It is my NEW go-to post-race food. Who knew that spam sushi would do the trick but the soft rice and the salty spam and drizzle of soy were just what I needed.
Eventually, we headed out of the “lounge” and headed to get my bike and meet up with Tonya and Maria. I passed Ashley on my way out and gave her arm a quick squeeze as I passed by. Congratulations! I called out as she was whisked towards the food and Neal and I gathered up my bike and bags and headed out into the real world.
This time I didn’t cry when I saw Maria and Tonya. I was too elated and too dehydrated to eek out a tear. I’m sure my I DID IT! was still on repeat when we met up with Ken and Nick to catch a ride back to the condos. T & M hung out for a bit as I tried to drink a little bubbly and tell them about my day. After they headed back to their condo, I took a shower and made it to bed by 1:00AM. I fell asleep with my legs propped up on a pillow, noise-cancelling headphones wrapped around my ears and my eye mask.
I woke up at 3:00AM crying. My eye mask was soaked. OH! MY GOD I DID IT. I whispered into the darkness. I couldn’t stop crying and Neal woke up briefly and squeezed my hand. You did it, he whispered. I can’t believe I did.
But, I also believe in my heart that I could.
My takeaway that night was that the belief in my heart endured more than my body and brain. I like to think I’m pretty smart - but my brain was certainly not working that day. It kept telling me to give up. I couldn’t even do math! My body rebelled quite a bit, too. But, my belief found a way to keep moving forward. My heart believed HOLOMUA.
After the finish!
We are so excited!!!!
I have enough energy to ham it up.
with Elena at the finish tent!
This is musubi. I ate about this much! Thank you Kona for having the best post-race meal ever.
