Dora Jih
Age Group
40-44
Sports Bio
I started running my Freshman year at Cornell University after putting on some weight from too much dorm food. I was immediately hooked on how good exercise (mainly running) felt. Running quickly became my regular form of exercise – easily running 5-7 days/week throughout college. In 1992, I ran my first marathon, the Marine Corp Marathon in Washington, DC. I continued running and dabbling in marathons here and there but was never competitive in it. I ran for fun. I did accidentally qualify for Boston at my last marathon in 2005, but I did not go. I got pregnant with my 3rd child instead. In 2004, I did my first triathlon – Big Kahuna Half. In 2007, I did my 2nd triathlon – Ironman Canada. After Ironman Canada, I knew triathlon was for me. Since 2009, Ironman and 70.3 races have been my focus.
Highlights of past season(s)
- AG 6, Ironman St. George, 2011
- AG 1, Big Kahuna Half Ironman, 2011
- AG 1, Pac Grove Olympic distance triathlon, 2010
- AG 2, Wildflower Long Course, 2010
- AG 10, Ironman Couer d’Alene, 2010
Favorite race experience
Wildflower Long Course 2010 was my favorite race experience because it was the first time I stood on a podium. I placed 2nd in my age group.
Worst race experience
My hardest race was Ironman Canada last year (2011) because I registered for it with a big goal to place top 5 and due to a stress fracture, I towed the starting line on race morning, with zero run training leading up to the race. My goal was to swim fast, cycle fast, and hang on for the run. That did not happen – not even close – so I was defeated going into the run and wanted to quit right from the start. My husband would not let me (I tried 3 times) and I ultimately finished – barely squeaking in just under 12 hours.I registered hoping it would be my best ironman and instead it was my worst. I suffered hard the whole time.
One unique or interesting fact about you or your life
I got my black belt in Tae Kwon Do karate when I was a teenager.
Best training advice ever received
Go hard on hard days and easy on easy days. Exercising is not training.