MY WONDERFUL TRIP TO LAS VEGAS APRIL 2008
I am a triathlete from Auckland, New Zealand having raced for New Zealand for approximately 23 years. I have competed in 28 ironman, around 60 half ironman and have lost count of the standard/shorter distance events that I have done. As well I have competed in many endurance events, marathons and cycling races. My other love is dancing; all styles and I have previously competed in Australia winning gold and silver medals/trophies.
Back in March I emailed the Las Vegas Triathlon Club asking for information on renting a bike during my two weeks stop over in Las Vegas and local training rides, group rides etc. “Fortunately’ for me I hit the wrong key and said I was looking for a 58cm bike frame – rather than the 48cm that I ride!! Fortunately because Dave Carlson (president of LV Triathlon Club) forwarded my email to the tallest local triathlete David Wignall.
I received an email back from David and from that initial contact I was invited to stay at David’s home in Summerlin.
I had previously been to Las Vegas on three separate occasions some years previously. Twice just to ‘do the shows’ and once heading through to Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas in a motorhome.
Approximately three weeks prior to my departure from New Zealand I received an email from the Las Vegas Triathlon Club informing me of the Aflac Iron Girl triathlon to be held at Lake Las Vegas on 12 April. I changed my flight details to make sure I would be in Las Vegas for this event.
Unfortunately back in December 2006 I was clipped by a concrete truck while out cycling in Auckland. Thankfully no broken bones but severe bruising/injuries. I continued training and racing through the New Zealand season, finishing off with the Taupo Ironman in March 2007, before heading back to my second base, Gold Coast of Australia. I remained there for training and racing until November 2007.
At this time I returned to Auckland. During all this time I was still having niggly knee problems. I visited my GP and was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who organized an MRI scan and then decided on arthroscopy surgery just to tidy up some cartilage. After all the years of racing I have been extremely fortunate that I have never had knee problems, and have had very few injuries throughout. Other than when cars/trucks have decided to try and ‘shorten my lifespan’! Oh to be a 6’ bulky, tattooed, angry male when I come up against these aggressive motorists who have an unhealthy attitude towards cyclists – instead of a 5’ 2” tiny female!!! My fist wouldn’t do too much damage to anything. Day after surgery I was feeling great. With five days things seemed to be going pear-shape. To cut a long story short – surgery has caused serious damage to my knee/leg. During the next five months I did not realize how serious things were. I was backwards and forward to Doctors and Specialists. None seemed to take me seriously. After three MRI scans seemed to show ‘nothing outstanding’ I was even told it might be psychosomatic. Finally one surgeon said to ‘head off on my trip to the States and to contact him when I got back’.
Arrived in Las Vegas airport on 2 April after the 12 hr flight to Los Angeles and the short flight on to Las Vegas.
David kindly offered to pick me up from the airport. Unfortunately he was at one end and I was at the other end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After an hour standing out in the cold wind with just a t-shirt and short skirt on, looking for any very tall male, I took off to find a phone box, some coins and David’s number. Spoke to him and we finally met up.
The drive from the airport down through Las Vegas Strip was so exciting. All lights were on and the atmosphere was just so alive. The tiredness that I had been experiencing just disappeared. For those of you living in Las Vegas, like with everything, you become blasé to the nightlife. But for me arriving back after 10 years it was such a buzz.
Stopped for a meal before heading to Summerlin.
David had kindly spoken to a friend of his who loaned me their small bike. Perfect little bike set up for a female. Very different from my own but having anything to ride was just wonderful.
My next few days was spent cycling to the local 24 Fitness Centre on S Rainbow where I worked out each morning and did a little swimming. Chris Escamillia (membership management) was very supportive and extremely professional. As was all the staff at the centre. I would strongly recommend this facility to anyone as the atmosphere and friendliness of all the staff as well as all the members that I came in contact with. I loved chatting to so many elderly – and I mean ELDERLY – members who go to the centre every single day. I found that truly inspiring. I have travelled extensively for many years and I would have to honestly say that this was the best centre I have ever had the pleasure to visit and work out in. I was still not running other than a gentle walk/jog for 20mins or so every second or third day. Other than that I had not really run since December 2007.
After training each morning I would catch a local bus from Summerlin through to a pretty ‘dubious’ area where I did a change-over of buses to head to downtown Las Vegas. There was times I was the only white person on the bus!! You can imagine the attention I received. 90% was just great. 10% a little scary….. I would walk the streets and wander through the many casinos throughout the day just loving the vibrance. Not being a gambler I did not make my fortune while there!
I would head back to Summerlin late into the afternoon in time to catch David as he arrived in from work before he headed out training. And I would get myself showered, dressed and head out again (kindly being offered David’s car since he did not think it was too safe to be bussing around late at night) to check out bands, music and dancing each night. One particular evening I was quite late leaving downtown Vegas on the bus. It had just got dark and when I got off the first bus to do my change over I had to wait quite some time for the next bus. I seemed to be the only white persona round! While waiting at the particular bus stop three very large black males came over and started talking to me. Asked me where I was from etc….. I was a little ‘concerned’ at this time with my safety so looked around to see where I would ‘run’ if I had to. I then said to these three males: “Oh I am from New Zealand, I am here representing New Zealand in the world self defense championships which are being held in Vegas”. One of the guys said ‘oh you don’t look like you do that stuff’. My answer: “and that’s why I win all the time’! Shortly after this the bus arrived and all three wished me all the best and said goodbye to me.
I was fortunate to see three shows with David which were brilliant. I also had the pleasure of heading out on the back of David’s motorcycle through wonderful areas of Hoover Dam, and out through the Lake Mead areas. It was just fantastic.
Also had the pleasure of meeting Randy McGhie from McGhie’s bike shop. THANK YOU Randy for your help and information. Sadly you were not able to sell me a bike which is what I needed! The store is one of the best I have been in for a long time. And all staff were so friendly and helpful. Especially compared to other bike shops that I visited while there… I did not find any of them helpful at all!!! Keep up the good work Randy.
Had entered the Aflac Iron Girl Triathlon just prior to leaving New Zealand. Had decided that I could swim and I could cycle. And if necessary I would just walk the run.
Approximately 1,200 women competed in this event. And this was the first time I had ever competed in a women’s only race. I have always had the attitude that I would never be impressed if they had just all male races so refused to do an all women’s race! Until now… The atmosphere, enthusiasm, comradery I experienced during this race was something that will stay with me forever. The start of this race was delayed for a very long time due to ‘traffic issues’ I think. There was no ‘riot’, there was no anger, there was no screaming or yelling. Everyone just took it in their stride. Organisers no doubt were working hard behind the scenes to get the problems sorted. And all the competitors realized this. Everyone just chatted with each other, sat around and just waited. And waited. And waited. So many of the women had their husband/partner/children with them so just remained with them during the wait. Finally the waves started and the race began.
I had a great race. And pushed myself to run the 10kms. Finished in 10th place overall and won my age group. Great result on a borrowed bike, old gear that I had thrown in the suitcase rather than any good gear – and no running for so many months.
I would strongly recommend this event to ALL WOMEN. To see so many shapes/sizes/ages out there doing their thing was humbling to say the least. For so many of these women it was the first time doing something like this. And what a challenge for them. The excitement of seeing them cross the finish line will remain with me forever. To so many of these women it is the start of a new stage in their lives. So often it is hard to make that first step to change a person’s life or lifestyle. But once a woman succeeds in completing one of these events it is like a turning point for them. In all areas of their lives. THANK YOU to the organizers and sponsors of this great race. And a very big thank you to all the volunteers and the sponsors who put on the expo. It was great for women and their families.
Sadly my Las Vegas stay came to a close on 14 April when I flew to Los Angeles, supposedly to spend two weeks doing the tourist things and visiting an elderly friend of mine.
Unfortunately things did not work out as planned.
On the third day in Los Angeles I was admitted to the local hospital with a concern that I had a blood clot in my left leg. The knee and leg had blown up so badly that I was not able to walk. Even sitting was unbelievably painful. After 10hrs and an ultrasound the hospital discharged me and cleared me to fly back to New Zealand.
I have now been given all the bad news from the latest MRI scan – and a second report on the previous MRI scan that was done prior to my trip. None of the news is good and sadly I may have done my last ever race. I may never run again, may never be able to dance competitively again, am now not even able to walk normally. And all this looks like being permanent.
I have my wonderful experience in Las Vegas to look back on which will always remain with me.
To all of you: MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY SINGLE DAY. Do as much as you can and put off NOTHING. Remember; you may not be able to do whatever you put off at a later stage….. Stay fit and healthy and make the most of that. Even being fit and active does not stop unforeseeable things occurring.
To everyone who made my stay in Las Vegas so memorable – THANK YOU.
Karen Williams
Auckland, New Zealand
I am a triathlete from Auckland, New Zealand having raced for New Zealand for approximately 23 years. I have competed in 28 ironman, around 60 half ironman and have lost count of the standard/shorter distance events that I have done. As well I have competed in many endurance events, marathons and cycling races. My other love is dancing; all styles and I have previously competed in Australia winning gold and silver medals/trophies.
Back in March I emailed the Las Vegas Triathlon Club asking for information on renting a bike during my two weeks stop over in Las Vegas and local training rides, group rides etc. “Fortunately’ for me I hit the wrong key and said I was looking for a 58cm bike frame – rather than the 48cm that I ride!! Fortunately because Dave Carlson (president of LV Triathlon Club) forwarded my email to the tallest local triathlete David Wignall.
I received an email back from David and from that initial contact I was invited to stay at David’s home in Summerlin.
I had previously been to Las Vegas on three separate occasions some years previously. Twice just to ‘do the shows’ and once heading through to Lake Tahoe and surrounding areas in a motorhome.
Approximately three weeks prior to my departure from New Zealand I received an email from the Las Vegas Triathlon Club informing me of the Aflac Iron Girl triathlon to be held at Lake Las Vegas on 12 April. I changed my flight details to make sure I would be in Las Vegas for this event.
Unfortunately back in December 2006 I was clipped by a concrete truck while out cycling in Auckland. Thankfully no broken bones but severe bruising/injuries. I continued training and racing through the New Zealand season, finishing off with the Taupo Ironman in March 2007, before heading back to my second base, Gold Coast of Australia. I remained there for training and racing until November 2007.
At this time I returned to Auckland. During all this time I was still having niggly knee problems. I visited my GP and was referred to an orthopaedic surgeon who organized an MRI scan and then decided on arthroscopy surgery just to tidy up some cartilage. After all the years of racing I have been extremely fortunate that I have never had knee problems, and have had very few injuries throughout. Other than when cars/trucks have decided to try and ‘shorten my lifespan’! Oh to be a 6’ bulky, tattooed, angry male when I come up against these aggressive motorists who have an unhealthy attitude towards cyclists – instead of a 5’ 2” tiny female!!! My fist wouldn’t do too much damage to anything. Day after surgery I was feeling great. With five days things seemed to be going pear-shape. To cut a long story short – surgery has caused serious damage to my knee/leg. During the next five months I did not realize how serious things were. I was backwards and forward to Doctors and Specialists. None seemed to take me seriously. After three MRI scans seemed to show ‘nothing outstanding’ I was even told it might be psychosomatic. Finally one surgeon said to ‘head off on my trip to the States and to contact him when I got back’.
Arrived in Las Vegas airport on 2 April after the 12 hr flight to Los Angeles and the short flight on to Las Vegas.
David kindly offered to pick me up from the airport. Unfortunately he was at one end and I was at the other end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After an hour standing out in the cold wind with just a t-shirt and short skirt on, looking for any very tall male, I took off to find a phone box, some coins and David’s number. Spoke to him and we finally met up.
The drive from the airport down through Las Vegas Strip was so exciting. All lights were on and the atmosphere was just so alive. The tiredness that I had been experiencing just disappeared. For those of you living in Las Vegas, like with everything, you become blasé to the nightlife. But for me arriving back after 10 years it was such a buzz.
Stopped for a meal before heading to Summerlin.
David had kindly spoken to a friend of his who loaned me their small bike. Perfect little bike set up for a female. Very different from my own but having anything to ride was just wonderful.
My next few days was spent cycling to the local 24 Fitness Centre on S Rainbow where I worked out each morning and did a little swimming. Chris Escamillia (membership management) was very supportive and extremely professional. As was all the staff at the centre. I would strongly recommend this facility to anyone as the atmosphere and friendliness of all the staff as well as all the members that I came in contact with. I loved chatting to so many elderly – and I mean ELDERLY – members who go to the centre every single day. I found that truly inspiring. I have travelled extensively for many years and I would have to honestly say that this was the best centre I have ever had the pleasure to visit and work out in. I was still not running other than a gentle walk/jog for 20mins or so every second or third day. Other than that I had not really run since December 2007.
After training each morning I would catch a local bus from Summerlin through to a pretty ‘dubious’ area where I did a change-over of buses to head to downtown Las Vegas. There was times I was the only white person on the bus!! You can imagine the attention I received. 90% was just great. 10% a little scary….. I would walk the streets and wander through the many casinos throughout the day just loving the vibrance. Not being a gambler I did not make my fortune while there!
I would head back to Summerlin late into the afternoon in time to catch David as he arrived in from work before he headed out training. And I would get myself showered, dressed and head out again (kindly being offered David’s car since he did not think it was too safe to be bussing around late at night) to check out bands, music and dancing each night. One particular evening I was quite late leaving downtown Vegas on the bus. It had just got dark and when I got off the first bus to do my change over I had to wait quite some time for the next bus. I seemed to be the only white persona round! While waiting at the particular bus stop three very large black males came over and started talking to me. Asked me where I was from etc….. I was a little ‘concerned’ at this time with my safety so looked around to see where I would ‘run’ if I had to. I then said to these three males: “Oh I am from New Zealand, I am here representing New Zealand in the world self defense championships which are being held in Vegas”. One of the guys said ‘oh you don’t look like you do that stuff’. My answer: “and that’s why I win all the time’! Shortly after this the bus arrived and all three wished me all the best and said goodbye to me.
I was fortunate to see three shows with David which were brilliant. I also had the pleasure of heading out on the back of David’s motorcycle through wonderful areas of Hoover Dam, and out through the Lake Mead areas. It was just fantastic.
Also had the pleasure of meeting Randy McGhie from McGhie’s bike shop. THANK YOU Randy for your help and information. Sadly you were not able to sell me a bike which is what I needed! The store is one of the best I have been in for a long time. And all staff were so friendly and helpful. Especially compared to other bike shops that I visited while there… I did not find any of them helpful at all!!! Keep up the good work Randy.
Had entered the Aflac Iron Girl Triathlon just prior to leaving New Zealand. Had decided that I could swim and I could cycle. And if necessary I would just walk the run.
Approximately 1,200 women competed in this event. And this was the first time I had ever competed in a women’s only race. I have always had the attitude that I would never be impressed if they had just all male races so refused to do an all women’s race! Until now… The atmosphere, enthusiasm, comradery I experienced during this race was something that will stay with me forever. The start of this race was delayed for a very long time due to ‘traffic issues’ I think. There was no ‘riot’, there was no anger, there was no screaming or yelling. Everyone just took it in their stride. Organisers no doubt were working hard behind the scenes to get the problems sorted. And all the competitors realized this. Everyone just chatted with each other, sat around and just waited. And waited. And waited. So many of the women had their husband/partner/children with them so just remained with them during the wait. Finally the waves started and the race began.
I had a great race. And pushed myself to run the 10kms. Finished in 10th place overall and won my age group. Great result on a borrowed bike, old gear that I had thrown in the suitcase rather than any good gear – and no running for so many months.
I would strongly recommend this event to ALL WOMEN. To see so many shapes/sizes/ages out there doing their thing was humbling to say the least. For so many of these women it was the first time doing something like this. And what a challenge for them. The excitement of seeing them cross the finish line will remain with me forever. To so many of these women it is the start of a new stage in their lives. So often it is hard to make that first step to change a person’s life or lifestyle. But once a woman succeeds in completing one of these events it is like a turning point for them. In all areas of their lives. THANK YOU to the organizers and sponsors of this great race. And a very big thank you to all the volunteers and the sponsors who put on the expo. It was great for women and their families.
Sadly my Las Vegas stay came to a close on 14 April when I flew to Los Angeles, supposedly to spend two weeks doing the tourist things and visiting an elderly friend of mine.
Unfortunately things did not work out as planned.
On the third day in Los Angeles I was admitted to the local hospital with a concern that I had a blood clot in my left leg. The knee and leg had blown up so badly that I was not able to walk. Even sitting was unbelievably painful. After 10hrs and an ultrasound the hospital discharged me and cleared me to fly back to New Zealand.
I have now been given all the bad news from the latest MRI scan – and a second report on the previous MRI scan that was done prior to my trip. None of the news is good and sadly I may have done my last ever race. I may never run again, may never be able to dance competitively again, am now not even able to walk normally. And all this looks like being permanent.
I have my wonderful experience in Las Vegas to look back on which will always remain with me.
To all of you: MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY SINGLE DAY. Do as much as you can and put off NOTHING. Remember; you may not be able to do whatever you put off at a later stage….. Stay fit and healthy and make the most of that. Even being fit and active does not stop unforeseeable things occurring.
To everyone who made my stay in Las Vegas so memorable – THANK YOU.
Karen Williams
Auckland, New Zealand
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