My Journey to the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i

Saying Yes

Where do I start? My journey to the Ironman World Championships in Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a full-circle moment, returning to the place where I had once watched my dad complete his lifelong goal. This was where the Ironman flame was first lit in me.

It began when I came in 3rd place in my age group (18–24) at Ironman Tremblant 2022. My dad and I both knew that my chances of saying “yes” when Mike Reilly called my name for Kona were slim to none. There was only one slot for my age group. But halfway through the rolldown ceremony, Mike announced that there were “Women for Tri” slots to encourage more women in the sport. We waited, from the oldest age group down, to see if I might have a chance.

Mike called the 2nd place girl, not once, but twice. My support crew and I knew in that moment there was a real shot. Mike didn’t even finish saying my name before we were already yelling “YES!” to claim the spot.

Signing the papers

Getting There

We quickly learned that saying yes to Kona was going to be the easiest part. We had less than a month and a half to prepare. As soon as we got back to the hotel, my dad started looking for accommodations, flights, and a rental car. Being 19 at the time, the costs were far beyond my budget. A part-time area manager at McDonald’s doesn’t exactly have a “Kona fund” set aside. My stepsister Rebecca came up with a great idea to set up a GoFundMe. Thanks to the incredible triathlon community in the Durham region, plus family and friends, I was able to go to Kona without financial stress.

Since we booked the flights so close to the race, we ended up with two layovers and three separate planes, making travel 24 hours straight. Once we landed in Hawai‘i, we still had a two-hour drive to Hilo for our accommodations. It was a long, exhausting day, and everyone went straight to bed.

The next morning, we were up at 4 a.m. to drive back to the Kona Pier for a 6 a.m. swim with Lisa Bentley. That first swim in the salt water was exactly what I needed. If you ever qualify for Kona, do a training swim before race day; it makes a huge difference.

After the training swim

The days in Hawai‘i flew by. My family and I packed in plenty of tourist activities and drove around the island. We loved immersing ourselves in Hawaiian culture and exploring the landscapes. We also spent a lot of time at the Kona Pier, soaking in the atmosphere.

A picture along Ali'i drive

Race Day

Race day started at 2:30 a.m. I ate my oatmeal and banana, put on my number tattoos, and got into the car for the two-hour drive to Kona. The nerves were definitely there, but I managed a short nap before my dad woke me up by blasting our “get pumped” playlist. It started with Firework by Katy Perry and ended with Tootsie Roll by the 69 Boyz. That definitely lifted my confidence and helped me control my nerves. While race day in Kona is often a somber, reflective moment for many athletes, for my family, it was a celebration.

Since my dad wasn’t racing, I had to go through transition alone. After a few hugs and some tears, I made my way to my bike for a final check. Now, I’m no bike mechanic, but I was confident I could pump my own tires until I remembered I had one ZIPP 808 on my back wheel. That tire was a challenge to get to the right pressure. I asked the girls around me, and they all laughed, saying, “I’m not sure; my dad is my bike mechanic too.” We all laughed together and hoped our tires would hold.

The Swim

The swim start is organized by pros first, then age groups from youngest to oldest. I spotted the 18–24 sign and realized I’d be going right behind the pros, with the rest of the age groupers behind me. No pressure! My nerves built, but so did my happiness. I had made it here. When the cannon went off for the pros, my nerves melted away. I waved goodbye to my family one last time before stepping into the water.

Game face on. I was ready. My dad had given me all the tips to survive Kona’s “washing machine” start. Starting in an age-group wave instead of a rolling start meant everyone had a different pace, so my goal was simple: don’t panic. I stayed to the outside, found my space, and held it.

The Kona swim is a straight out-and-back. On the way out, faster athletes from later age groups started passing me. I took two kicks to the stomach along the way. Once I reached the turn-around boat, I headed back. This was my first Ironman swim without a wetsuit, and I could feel it. But I was happy to make it back to shore and onto my bike.

Swim cap was a little salty LOL

The Bike

Getting into transition for the bike, I knew I wouldn’t make the same mistake of skipping sunscreen. Tremblant had already taught me the consequences of that. So, after slathering myself in sunscreen and getting my gear on, I was ready for the ride.

The Kona bike course starts with a 5K out-and-back to showcase the athletes to the spectators, then heads onto the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway toward Hawi. On the way out to Hawi, you get a tailwind before the climb. I felt like I was flying, but I knew not to push too hard, as a tailwind can give you very false confidence. It felt like no time at all before I reached Hawi.

After the turnaround, everything changed. I quickly realized I wasn’t going to enjoy the descent thanks to the headwind. Around the 100K mark, I began to feel fatigued and started blocking out the world around me to get into my mental headspace. Between 110–120K, my front wheel was clipped by another athlete passing me, and I went down in the middle of the road. Luckily, I only had to deal with a slightly torn kit and a derailed chain. After picking myself up, the adrenaline rush gave me the push I needed to get back to transition and start the run.

Before my crash, pushing hard.

The Run

Finally, I made it to transition. A volunteer commented that it was awesome I was wearing makeup; little did she know, I was just sunburnt from the ride. As I racked my bike, I saw my dad at the end of my row. I immediately told him that I had crashed and felt gutted. But there was no time to dwell; I got my run gear on and headed out.

The run felt like a blur, but also like moving in slow motion. Just like the bike, it began with a 5K out-and-back to showcase the athletes one more time. I was fatigued but still able to run. At every aid station, I grabbed ice and stuffed it into my kit to keep from overheating.

On the way back, my dad walked alongside me for a bit to check in. He told me to keep going and reminded me, “All you have to do is run another 35 kilometers.” No biggie, right? LOL.

Before I knew it, I was at the Energy Lab. My energy lifted, and I was ready to tackle the rest of the marathon. I missed my family and desperately wanted to get back to them. One step at a time—every step bringing me closer to the finish line.

Tired but ready

The Finish

Getting close to Palani, I started to hear the finish line. The roar of the spectators grew louder, and my excitement built. I was ready for the day to be done. I was exhausted, but I knew I only needed one final push. All I could think was, “One more push, and I will be an Ironman.”

As I came down Palani, I heard the announcer say that I was motivated by my father and that I was the youngest athlete that year. That moment fueled me even more.

The next thing I knew, I was running down Ali‘i Drive. Just before the red carpet, I spotted my boyfriend. He handed me the Canadian flag. For a split second, I thought I saw my Nana standing with him, but later I found out she hadn’t been there.

Finish Line

Finally, I saw the arch. My eyes immediately searched for my dad; he had a VIP spot so he could be the one to place the lei around my neck. I spotted him, and as soon as I crossed the line, we embraced in an instant hug. It was the perfect full-circle moment.

After the race

Reflection on My Day

My race day in Kona was an extraordinary experience. My only goal was to finish, and I did. Looking back with more experience now, I know I gave it everything I had. The day was hot, windy, humid, and long, but I was simply grateful to be there. I was incredibly lucky to have the support of the triathlon community, my friends, and my family throughout this journey. That support carried me to the finish line and fueled my passion for this sport even more.

Embracing the Journey

Every triathlete knows that the journey is just as important as the destination. The training, the setbacks, and the victories all shape who we are. I learned that embracing every moment, whether good or bad, is essential. It’s about pushing through the tough days and celebrating the small wins along the way.

Building a Supportive Community

One of the most beautiful aspects of triathlon is the community. We cheer for each other, share tips, and lift each other up. I felt that support in every step of my journey to Kona. It reminded me that we are all in this together, striving for our goals, and cheering each other on.

Finding Your True Potential

Triathlon is not just a sport; it’s a way to discover your true potential. It challenges you physically and mentally. Each race teaches you something new about yourself. In Kona, I found not just my limits but also the strength to push beyond them.

Conclusion

So, if you ever find yourself at a crossroads, remember to say yes. You never know where that decision might lead you. For me, it led to the Ironman World Championships and a deeper understanding of who I am as an athlete and a person. Embrace the journey, build your community, and discover your true potential.