By Kate Fowler
Internet Culture & Trends Reporter
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Not many 62-year-olds can say they attempted their first triathlon, but TikTok user @noelstrimom can.
After 32,000 people followed along with Karen Mulkey's journey in training for her first Ironman triathlon, the TikToker went viral with a sad announcement.
On May 22, Karen took part in the triathlon her followers had watched her train for since January, but she had to stop halfway through.
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The video has gained over one million views and 200,000 likes in the day since it was uploaded, and was captioned: "I gave it my best shot. I'm overwhelmed by the support and love I experienced from this community. Maybe next time."
"I was doing super well on the swim, super well on the bike," she said in the clip.
"Then with nine miles out, I lost an hour and a half because I did something stupid and not learn how to change my own flat. So I just couldn't make it so at nine miles I dropped out, with nine miles to go."
"I made it to the run, and with nine miles left I just couldn't," she added.
Ironman triathlons consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a marathon-length 26.2 mile run.
"Everyone is super proud of you," said her son off-camera. Karen is the mother of fellow popular TikToker @noelmulk0, who regularly creates videos about how he traded drugs for triathlons in recovery.
Since the start of the year, Karen had been posting regular updates on her daily training for the Tulsa Ironman, and in recent days had been counting down for it.
On the day of the triathlon, followers even tracked her online while she competed after she shared her Ironman number to her TikTok account.
"I've been tracking you and Noel today, you guys are fantastic. We're so proud of you," wrote one TikTok viewer.
In the days before her Ironman attempt, Karen shared the well-wishing video her co-workers had made, and became emotional in a TikTok video.
Although the viral video didn't capture the ending she wanted, the clip's comments section has been filled with those showing support for Karen.
"I couldn't even complete one section, the fact that your mom did that much is amazing, she should be so proud," wrote one viewer.
Another added: "She did so great. Most people would not have done what she did, crazy impressive. We're so proud of you both."
"Don't be upset, you did more than others would or could have ever done. Be proud of yourself," wrote another TikTok user.
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