Ironwoman At 65

First Place Half Ironman Tri Kineret

When my teammates and I registered a year ago for Ironman Hamburg, we were quite sure the Israel-Hamas War would be over and all the hostages would be home. I have been a member of the training staff for Pipman Triathlon Team since day one. My girlfriend Tami Shoham, the team manager, found Shai Pipman to be a very talented coach who prepared her for the four-day Wheels of Love Ride on behalf of the children of Alyn Hospital in 2011. Together they created two incredible teams ((both an adult team and a youth team) whose members have been participating in triathlons for the last 14 years. All 20 Pipman triathletes who registered for Ironman Hamburg, completed the race.

It was a challenging year for my lower back. I had a series of injuries caused by running too fast and my body said: stop running! I listened to my body. My healing process included a mix of yoga and alternative therapies. I became a yoga teacher due to past injuries and believe in self-healing. I also benefitted from Tuina (Chinese therapeutic massage technique), and excellent osteopathic treatment.

The preparation for my Ironman included 3,260 kilometers in the 18 weeks before the race, approximately 150-200 kilometers a week on my bike. I swam 3-5 kilometers every week and ran as little as possible. All year long, in addition to our daily training, our team participated from time to time in triathlons. The most common distances are: a Sprint: 750 meters swim, 20 km bike and 5 km run or Olympic: 1.5km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run and Half Ironman: 1.9 km swim, 90 km bike, half marathon (21.1 km run) and then of course the full Ironman: 3.8 km swim, 180 km bike, full marathon (42.2 km run).

I did it! I knew I would have competition. The day before the race I met with other Silver Ironladies (ages 55-68) from several European countries at the bike check-in for the race, organized by a Swiss woman who is writing a book about women our age doing the Ironman. Honestly, for most of us, we compete with ourselves. We race together with men and women of all ages and our focus is always on doing each portion to the best of our ability. I came both prepared and undertrained. I came with 20 years of triathlon experience. But I believe most importantly I came with a great deal of motivation.

We flew to Hamburg on day 600 of the October 7th war and each one of us took a poster of one of the hostages to race on their behalf. I chose Alon Ohel, the 24-year-old piano player, since I had met his family and I was able to spread his story to the Silver Ironladies with whom I spoke. More importantly, I was able to hold up his poster on the podium, at the award ceremony for the European Championship. One of the members of the audience came over to me after I stepped off the stage and asked me if Alon is a relative. I told him I know the family; it's hard to begin to explain what the hostages mean to all Israelis.

My daughter asked me not to run with the Israeli flag; she was worried for my safety and I listened to her. These are unusual times and I believe I made the correct choice. The event was sponsored by Qatar Airways and I refused to purchase any souvenirs with their logo. However, running through the streets of Hamburg I did not feel any anti-Semitism. I have an Israeli flag on my triathlete uniform and I felt the crowd with me at all times. The cheering was spectacular, supportive, overwhelming and rewarding.

When you participate with athletes from all over the world there is a sense of comradery, a shared effort and understanding. No politics involved; simply mutual respect and incredible energy. One of the inspirational moments at the award ceremony was when they invited an 80-year-old man to the podium to accept his award. He received a standing ovation from every participant. I was honored to represent Israel having been awarded second place in my age category: 65.

My husband Hezie, who accompanied me on my first two full Ironman races in 2020 and 2022, is my number one supporter. I am grateful for his love and understanding for my crazy passion for triathlon racing, biking for the children of Alyn Hospital and the many other sport activities that keep me empowered and healthy both physically and mentally.