Hilton woman recalls race of a lifetime

Hilton woman recalls race of a lifetime

"Dear Santa: Please bring more sneakers. I have a feeling I'll be using them again this year."

That might top the list for Patricia Pirnie, the Hilton mother of four, who competed with the world's toughest athletes at the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Not only did Pirnie live her dream (in impressive fashion by finishing the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile run under 12 hours), she has a good idea of her future. "I told Alex (her husband) 'No matter what I say to you don't let me try another one,' " she said, acknowledging that she will more than likely go against her own decree. "It's my natural drug."

She's already starting to prepare for some local half marathons and intends on competing in the Boston Marathon. There will be other races, but nothing can diminish her time in Kona.

Two days before leaving for Hawaii, news broke that there was an earthquake on the island. Pirnie, who sees merit in heeding signs from above, questioned whether this unusual occurrence was trying to tell her something. However, when she got word that everything was continuing as planned, Pirnie and her husband, Alex, began their adventure. On her first morning in Hawaii, Pirnie went to the ocean for an early morning swim. She soon realized that she was not alone. There was already hundreds of athletes in the water. But, Pirnie felt almost at home as the earthquake had clouded the water to the point where she couldn't see to the bottom, just like her many swims in Lake Ontario.

On race day that ocean felt like a "water treadmill" as the strong current played a role in slowing down even the most proficient swimmers. But Pirnie felt good in the water, much better than she would feel out of it.

"The bike was everything that they said it was going to be," Pirnie said. After riding through a town, the majority of the 112-mile trip is in isolation traveling across black lava rocks. "It is almost like you're on the moon." Her only companion on the trip was strong winds and unbearable humidity. While biking was her most dreaded part of the competition, the running turned out to be the hardest. But heading down the finish on Ali'i Drive, Pirnie saved her best running for last.

"Just knowing that I've seen this on television before and it was actually me," Pirnie said. "It was amazing." The excitement propelled her across the line where she went for a quick massage and then gladly took on the role of spectator cheering on many more competitors.

Now Pirnie hopes to train with friends who want to do what she has done. And she'll get ready for some more local races, but there is always a chance that something bigger might just be too good to pass up.

But now it's on to indoor soccer, the preferred winter sport of her husband, Alex, and their children. And Patricia will enjoy cheering on her family who have always been her biggest fans. After returning from Hawaii, Patricia decided to write about her experience to keep a record of the trip. To read her first-person perspective go to our website at www.westsidenewsonline.com.

Are you made of Iron?
Pirnie said throughout her most recent experience she was humbled by the many cards and well wishes she received. Her favorite thing to hear was that she had inspired someone to begin running. Here's her advice for the newly inspired:

1) You're got to start with little steps. Pirnie began as a runner and blossomed from there.

2) Find a group. There are many running groups in the Rochester area. You'll need to be with people of the same mindset.