'Meghan Glow, you are an Iron(wo)man'
Kayleigh Zyskowski/Activities Editor
Issue date: 10/20/09 Section: News
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Among these few is Meghan Glow, a graduate student of science and elementary education. Glow competed in her first Ironman Triathlon on Aug. 30 in Louisville, Ky.
"Finishing the race was like an emotional rollercoaster you can't even describe," Glow said. "I had my ups and downs throughout the 13 hours of my race, but I smiled the whole time I was running."
Yet, completing this feat came with months of dedication and sacrifice.
Training and race day
Glow wanted to attempt the Ironman Triathlon after her older brother, Eric Glow, of Peoria, competed in one.
"After seeing my brother accomplish such a big thing, I only wanted to hear the words 'Meghan Glow, you are an Ironman,'" she said. "Not everyone is able to say that, so it's what motivates you, it's what you are shooting for."
Glow started training for her debut race in mid-March, about six months before the big day.
"I am an alum from Eastern's (swim) team so (swimming) was the easiest transition since I already had the background," she said.
To get in shape for the marathon portion, Glow would get up to run through Charleston at 4:15 a.m. before going to her teaching practicum.
"The most difficult part is the cycling for me," Glow said. "I just have to force myself to go to a cycling room for six hours just to get in the time."
On the day of the race, the weather could not have been better, she said.
"The atmosphere at a race is unlike any other thing," Glow said. "The audience is there to support their loved ones, and they know what each competitor went through to get to where they are on that day. Everyone supports everyone."
After finishing the race 13 hours later, Glow was an "Ironman."
Up next for Glow
"I would definitely do it all over again, and I am already getting ready for my next race," Glow said.
She is hoping to compete in the Ford Ironman Lake Placid Triathlon in Lake Placid, N.Y.
"My only goal is to just finish," Glow said. "It is hard to make a goal when you have no idea how the weather will be or different conditions which could affect my performance."
After giving herself a week break following her race in Louisville, Glow began to train for her Lake Placid appearance.
"Right now, it is all about maintaining," she said.
On top of all her training, Glow is a full-time student and time management has become a great skill of hers.
"School is first no matter how you look at it," she said. "My professors are supportive, but it is mainly me pushing myself."
Glow is not only a graduate student in the education department, but she is also a graduate assistant within the department and was nominated as a student dean for the graduate school. Her other activities include being a member of the honors sorority Kappa Delta Phi and the Graduate Student Advisory Council.
"Everything relates back to time management," Glow said. "I believe the lessons I learned while training can relate to anything else in life. I have found a new sense of self confidence because I know what I can accomplish."
Kayleigh Zyskowski can be reached at 581-7942 or kzyskowski@eiu.edu.
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