It has been a couple of weeks, now, since Jeanne Mogauro finished the Ironman Triathlon in Lake Placid. This was her first Ironman distance triathlon. One thing you notice right away about Jeanne is her smile. She is always smiling, but since her Ironman accomplishment the smile is even more contagious. You can’t help but to wonder what she is thinking, so I asked her a couple of questions…
What was race day like? “I was so relieved the morning of the race. The day I had prepared for was finally here and I was ready.”
What was the hardest part of the Ironman? “During the race, the last 6 miles was the hardest. Up to that point the fear of the unknown was the hardest part.” The year before she watched the start of the Ironman (2,500 people jumping into the lake all at the same time to start the swim) and sat terrified; so terrified that she started crying! In reflecting back she realized that if she had not signed up right away she may have never signed up at all and would have missed a great part of life.
What kept you going through the training and the race? “Encouragement from my friends, especially Debbie Iovoli was very motivating to me. On race day my friends and family were out on the course and I just kept going to see my next friend. It was great.”
What would you like to tell people? “When people secretly dream of doing something, they should just go for it, believing it is possible - because it is! I hope people can find the courage to chase their dreams.”
Jeanne - what an accomplishment. We are all very proud of you!
