Runner Stories: Meagan
After several epic life challenges, Meagan set herself an inspiring goal of #8in18 – to compete in an event in every state and territory of Australia in 2018. Here she shares what she learnt from the challenge and the final event - Ironman Busselton, Western Australia - and how she’s been keeping busy this year.
The reason #8in18 came about was that I fell into a world of depression and then anxiety, following a relationship breakup, a divorce and a number of health issues. The only way I was going to climb out of that dark hole was by pulling myself out of it ... so I set the goal!!
For me, it wasn’t about PBs or podiums. I’m the athlete you find at the back of the pack... often the last.
My #8in18 challenge was about letting others struggling with their mental health know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Being a plus-size or Athena athlete doesn’t mean you can’t achieve physical goals, and that if you suffer chronic illness, you still can move forward.
I successfully completed my eight events in six states and two territories of Australia, including four half-marathons and an Ironman triathlon (3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run).
The final event was the big one, Ironman Western Australia, in December 2018.
An Ironman had been on my bucket list for five years. I had always envisioned completing one by my 45th birthday, however after a few life changes I re-negotiated with myself and completed an Ironman while I was still 45 …I managed to fit it in by 4 days! I got it done and I can now say “I Am An Ironman!”
Here’s a recap of the final stages of my Ironman:
I had so many thoughts going through my head: ‘Don’t let people down. Don't let me down. I am not going to end this by being taken off the course. There is no #8in18 if I don’t finish this. You’ve trained for this. You’ve hurt for this. Your kids are here – do it for them. How effing far do I have left.’
With 4km to go, everyone was telling me I was almost there, but it just felt like I was running on the spot.
My body was starting to do weird things. My head was dizzy. I was burping constantly. My stomach was squirming. Come on legs.
Then I started seeing those who had stayed for the final finishers. They were cheering. Yelling: ‘Come on Meagan’.
They didn’t know me, but they wanted me on that red carpet at the finish line. Then I heard well-known Ironman MC Pete Murray on the mic. I could hear the volunteers banging and clapping – shit – I knew that they came for the last finisher: I was the last finisher.
My youngest son, Owen had tears rolling down his face. They kept saying the course would be shut – 3 minutes to go, 2 minutes to go – but no mum.
My support crew ran with me for the last 300m. They were amazing. I could hear all of them – I just couldn’t respond. Then there it was….the turnoff for the red carpet, thank god.
I had to do this bit on my own.
I had less than one minute to finish.
Then I heard Pete Murray say it: “Meagan Edwards – You Are An Ironman”. I had done it, I crossed the line with 37 seconds to spare. Finish time: 16:59:23.
The rest is a bit of blur. I remember Pete giving me a hug, then giving my crew a hug, then I crashed.
I ended up in the medic tent; my oxygen levels were 87% and my body temperature at 34degrees. I was having trouble breathing, the doctor said I was having a bronchial spasm. They put me on the drip and I rested there wrapped in the space blankets for about an hour before I came good and was able to leave.
On the marathon run at Ironman Busselton
I believe in myself now.
I hope that through my events in 2018, I have been able to motivate and inspire others to give it a go, despite their inhibitions and limitations. #Anythingispossible with hard work and support around you.
I may not have broken any speed records, but I committed myself to finishing and giving it my all. One of the rewards was that I ended up finding me again.
Life after Busselton and #8in18
2019 has been a much quieter year event wise for me. My head and body took their time to sync together after all the events of 2018. I remember Chris speaking with me after my Ironman helping me to understand that everyone's recovery is different, and that each persons recovery is at their own pace.
My knees are playing up badly at the moment, so running is on hold. I’m using this year to focus on study (double diploma HR and Leadership Management), working to put parkrun Knox together (just waiting on funding), doing the Foundation Triathlon Coaching course in October and being President of Knox Tri Club. So while I’m not "training" as such, I’m keeping busy in other areas of the sport!
In 2020, I would love to continue with my study, but I would also really like to get my fitness back.
I have a few 10km events coming up, and I’ve registered for Oscar's Hut To Hut, which is a 100km hike in the Alpine area in February 2020, so hopefully my knees will allow me to do both the training and the event.
If things go well, in 2020 I might focus on another Ironman or Half Ironman, but I haven't told Coach Chris that yet!