Spokane Triathlon 2009- Race Report

The greatest part of this race is that it is 15 minutes from my house. You get to sleep in your own bed or couch, I will get to that later. Since I was unable to race Titanium Man, I signed up for the Spokane Triathlon at the beginning of the week and was excited to be racing again. It had been over a month since CDA Tri and I was itching to try out my new bike. Ohh yeah, in the last month my bike was stolen out of my garage and after a few weeks of waiting Fitness Fanatics hooked me up with a brand new Scott Plasma. The bike is absolutely awesome and I couldn't wait to get out and race my new steed.

With yet another sleepless night before a race, I moved to the couch downstairs and found the cooler temperatures much better. It has been unseasonable warm for this time of year and after the warm night, I was trying to prepare for another warm race...

After loading up, I was out the door shortly at 4:45am and was the first athlete in the transition area...I think. It was DARK. Not like your typical night walking around the neighborhood but pitch black. I could barely see the road I was walking down after dropping off my truck. If it wasn't for the moonlight I would probably ended walking straight into the river.

Transition Area

Setting up transition wasn't really an option, so much of the time was spent chit chatting with friends and making shadow puppets in our only source of light, a pickup truck. It was actually pretty fun but soon the sun started to come up and it was time to get focused on the race and get ready to go.

After a quick ride and realizing it was going to be a COLD ride, I was fantically looking for some gloves and even contiplated using socks. Eventually the triathlete in me, realized that this could cost me like 3 seconds in transition and that is just not an option. So with my wetsuit on, it was time to head down to the river and get a quick warmup in before the start of the race.

Since I thought the air was so cold, the water would warm...WRONG!!! I was freezing. I am pretty sure CDA Ironman was warmer than the river swim today. Eventually the horn went off, my hands and feet went numb and it was race time.

Men's Heat Ready to Go

And we are OFF!
The swim went pretty good considering the unique fact that you are swimming up stream on the way out and down stream on the way back. The river was very shallow and at one point I grabbed a larger boulder that was about 12 inches under water. Is that considered outside assistance?

Exiting the Swim!

Swim Time: 23:08

Getting on the bike via a Flying Mount!

Now it was time to see if my new bike was ready for me. My goal, just like in the last race was to go hard the entire race. After entering transition the Greg Gallagher, we played leap frog for the next hour which was actually pretty cool. I haven't been in position during a race where you get to go back and forth with pretty good riders and I really enjoyed this part of the race. Don't get me wrong it was not exactly comfortable trying to push so hard but I was glad to see the new bike was as ready as I was.

Made it back. Woo Hoo!!!

Bike Time: 1:05:49

Getting my Shoes on. Was a bit difficult because of my frozen feet.

OK, Time to go!


Heading out on the Run. After having to cross the timing mat TWICE!!!

It was now off to the run. This portion of the race is quickly becoming my weakest link. It is not that I am slow but because of the time and effort I have put into the swim and bike portions, I am surrounded by some pretty good athletes who all happen to be damn fast runners. I think the few run races I will do to end the season and good commitment over the winter will really help me increase my speed and just maybe hang in there next year. This was definitely not my fastest run of the year and I began to fall apart near the end but overall it was a pretty good experience.

Coming into the finish!

Run Time: 43:34

The run might have been a bit long since this was one of my slower 10k's but I can definitely say this was not my fastest.

Overall Time: 2:13:40: 12 OA, 3rd AG

It was fun to race the inagural Spokane Triathlon and may just have to sign up again next year.

Until next time...

Coeur d' Alene Triathlon 2009- Race Report

I want to start of by saying how much I REALLY like this race. I love that people fear this race because of the hills on the bike course. There are long climbs with some sections steep enough to make you contemplate getting off and walking, though I have never actually done that:)

This would be my third straight year racing the CDA Tri. Though I have definitely improved over the course of the last few seasons, this time I was going to race it a bit different. Rarely have I been able to look back on a race and feel that I truly gave it 100%. Not that I don’t try hard but I look back and wonder, could I have swam faster, pushed a little bit harder on the bike or dug a little deeper on the run. As an athlete, I HATE that feeling.

This usually happens on the bike. I never seem to be able to push push push throughout the entire race. I find many moments where I get lost in lala land and have to remind myself that it is ok to feel uncomfortable and even though it hurts, pain is only temporary.

With all the analysis that I do before each race I came up with one plan: RACE HARD!

There were not going to be any points where I would feel like I should have pushed just a little harder, I was going to give it my all.

The race report is going to start a few days before when I decided to put new tires on my race wheels. After spending what seemed like hours and adding blisters to each thumb, pointer and middle fingers, Roger and I glued on the new tires and I was ready to go.

Friday evening as I packed for the race, I checked my front wheel. It was flat. Great, I thought, this is the one I glued on and who knows what I did wrong since it was my first time. After struggling to find the problem and re-taping the valve extenders and valves, I went to bed hoping I fixed the problem. With the alarm set for 3:30am it was going to be another early morning. After waking up a million times throughout the night (yeah I said a million) I checked the tire at 1:00am and it still had air. This was a relief and now I could focus on the race.

Roger and Tim rolled up shortly after 4:00 and we were on the road to CDA. This was the same time I left for Ironman but with a little bit different feeling in my stomach :) I knew I was going to finish, it was just a matter of how hard I could push myself.

Even though we rolled into CDA before 5:00am, we were still not the first people in transition, but I still got the prime location at the end of the rack. After setting up my transition area, it was time to mingle and get mentally prepared for the race. It was great talking with all my fellow Tri-Fusion members and it helps the time pass. Before long it was time to head down to the water and start the race.

I was able to get a short warm up in and to be honest my arms did not feel good. I didn’t exactly know what it was but I felt sluggish. Rarely do I feel great but not usually this tired or slow. I chalked it up to the early morning start and knew that once the race started I had no excuses and just had to swim.

Mass Swim Start

Photo By: Rory Buck

As I lined up on the shore, standing next to Roger and Ben, two fast swimmers, it was go time. I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep up but the philosophy of going out fast and getting out in front of the masses worked great once again. I am not sure what clicked but the feeling from the warm-up was gone and I was feeling great. By the second turn buoy I had open water everywhere. I honestly was wondering if I had gone off course. I was a bit behind the main pack since there was no one within 25 yards of me, at least in front of me.

Mass Swim Start

Photo By: Rory Buck

I really felt great. I felt like my effort was up, but I wasn’t struggling like I usually do near the end of a race. During Thursday’s practice, Coach Rory really helped me focus on technique and position in the water and I really think it helped. When I hit the last turn buoy, a few swimmers finally jumped off my feet and that is when I realized I had pulled them around the course. Oh well, I was feeling good and my heart rate seem to be low. I was wondering if I could have gone harder but as I tried to pick it up here and there, I felt my form start to diminish and just focus on solid pulls and for the first race kept a flutter kick for the majority of the swim.

I had set a goal for sub 24:00 and even though the course was short I am pretty sure I would have been sub 23:00 for this race. I am ecstatic about my swim and really felt like it was one of my best ever. Though I have a ton of room for improvement, that is exactly what I am doing, improving. I will go faster, it is just a matter of time and a whole lot of practice.

Swim Time:
2007: 30:41
2008: 26:05
2009: 19:27 (The swim was about 2:30-3:00 minutes short, but that would still put me at a sub 23:00 minute swim)

It was now time to head off on the bike. Tim informed me as I entered transition I was in 21st place. Not to bad and I knew there were “swimmers” in front of me and I am a triathlete. The plan was to see if they could hang.

Heading to Transition: See I am Fast:)

Photo By: Rodger McKeon

I had a 56 second transition good for second fastest on the day, behind Roger the winner of the race. What I lack in speed out on the course I make up for in my transitions. There have been countless races where I have gain well over a minute in time, just in transitions. In an Olympic that is good for nearly 10 seconds per mile on the run, and since I ain’t the fastest runner, I need to save time where ever I can.

Heading out of T1

Photo By: Rory Buck

As I jumped on the bike, the goal was to ride HARD. I wanted my legs to feel uncomfortable the entire time. There wasn’t going to be any moments where I should have pushed harder. I really like races that have at least one turn-around. You can get a good idea on where you are at and who is behind you. As we headed out to Higgens point, I knew I was near the front. The closer I got to Higgens the more excited I got. I had yet to see the race leaders and I was up and over Tubbs hill and near the turn-around. Then I saw Roger leading, which was pretty cool because I knew how bad he wanted this race. Then Ben and then two more riders. Yeah that’s right, I hit the turn-around in 5th. WTF?

These next few photos are by Rory Buck. Great shots of me heading towards T2.

It was at this point I was like “Holy Mother C”, I am not suppose to be up here. I will have to admit it was pretty cool but I knew it wasn’t going to last forever. The plan was in place, go HARD the entire bike. I hit the hills and was passed by a few riders but I was racing my race. After chit chatting with Haley Copper (she’s a pro:)) on our way up Yellowstone Rd, we decided talking shouldn’t be this easy and it was time to drop the ball-pin hammer and get moving.


Overall the bike leg went well. I was able to push the entire ride and really felt like I had given it my all. There were times when some of those hills jumped up and kicked my butt and all I did was kept on pushing. I knew it would be over soon and there was no time to pussyfoot around.


I had set a goal to be around 1:05. I knew this was going to be tough but at the same time I knew it would help push me the entire time. Though I was a bit off my goal, I had an almost 3:30 PR and I am happy with the result.

Bike Time:
2007: 1:12:32 (Course was short- approx. 22 miles)
2008: 1:09:31
2009: 1:06:06

Bike Dismount

Heading into T2 I knew I was near the Top 10 but wasn’t quite sure where I was. It really didn’t matter because anything can happen on the run. As I dismounted my bike and heading into the transition area, all I think about is being quick. Like I said earlier, I make up serious time in transitions and they are important in my race. I once again had the second faster T2 at :38 seconds with yet again, only Roger beating my by 1 second. I chalk that up to him racing for his life and me standing at my towel for split second and only seeing my visor and thinking there should be something else. Oh well, you can’t always have the fastest transitions :)

Heading out on the run!

Photo By: Dave Erickson

The run is where you can win and lose a race. I am never actually in that position but at the same time I am in my own personal race and in today’s race, I won. Last weeks run where I had averaged the 6:20’s that are required to run a sub 40:00 10K split, was after a much shorter bike and swim. I knew it was going to be tough and I knew that at the first mile I was going to be able to see if that was possible.

I took off out of transition in a small group with one racer in my age-group about 50 yards ahead. The plan was to chase him down and run my ass off. Since my running, has be slim to actually none lately due to a sore foot and well plenty of other excuses that really are just that excuses, I didn’t really know how I would do for a 10K.

Out of T2 to the Run

Photo By: Dave Erickson

The run was tough. Just after Mile 1, I had caught the guy in my age group and now it was time to put a little distance between us. I felt great for the first 4 miles. Though my average was closer to 6:40’s than 6:20’s I wanted, I felt like my effort was solid. Between Miles 4-5, the wheels started to slow down as I struggled to a 6:55 mile but picked it back up and finished relatively strong with a total run of 41:29.

This was another PR and though I wish it was a bit faster, you really only get in what you put out and my running recently has been pathetic. After a good long talk with Jessi about expectations, how do I really expect to break my goal if I haven’t put in the time and effort that is required order to achieve it? My swimming has been consistent and it shows, my biking is getting better and though I am not as strong as I can be, I am still faster. My run on the other hand needs work. I have not been diligent and though I have improved as you can see, it has not improved at the same rate as cycling or swimming. Now this is where I pledge to make changes, and promise it will only get faster.

Coming to the Finish (this guy was doing the Du)

Total Time:
2007: 2:36:37 (Short Bike)
2008: 2:20:27
2009: 2:08:37 (Short swim)

Kinda Tired :)

Photo By: Jessi Thompson

I estimate I would have been around a 2:11 with the normal swim, which is still a 9 minute PR and only going to improve. I ended up 12th overall and 3rd in my age-group for my first podium at a major race.

Post Race: Rog still smiling

Photo By: Rory Buck

Thanks again to all the Tri-Fusion people cheering and supporting me throughout the race. The last two weeks have really reminded me why I love to race and why I need to train. It ain’t always fun to train but it is sure fun to have a great race.

Thanks again to my folks for coming out and cheering for me!

Photo By: Jessi Thompson

Until next time…

Haydenview Triathlon 2009- Race Report

This would be my first race since Ironman CDA. After the big push to get ready for one of the biggest races of my life, the plan was to take a bit of time off from racing. But 6 weeks was WAY too long. After struggling with a few injuries and trying to get comfortable on my new bike, I figured it would be best to get at least one race in before the CDA Olympic this weekend.

With the alarm set for 3:45am, or otherwise known as BEFORE ZERO-HOUR, I knew a good nights rest would help get me ready. I am not sure if it was a bit of pre-race nerves or the ungodly high temperatures we have been having, but I slept about 2.5 hours the night before and was NOT happy when my alarm started going off. But with Jessi arriving in 30 minutes, it was time to get up, eat some breakfast and get the truck packed.

We headed over the Hayden and due to our little bit of a late arrival and parking being about a mile from the race start, our plans to drive the bike course just wasn't happening. So after setting up transition and a short warm-up ride it was time to start the race.

The next set of photographs have to be some of the coolest ones I have ever seen. Thanks to Roger and Emma for heading over at the REAL Zero-Hour and for Rog taking some great pics.

Since it was a beach start, we all get to run in as far as we can and then start swimming. With my new plan to start at the front of the pack during swims, this start worked out great.







The swim was advertised as .5 mile and after looking at the buoys before the race, I knew it was short. When the swim looks "Long" it is usually right on and when it looks short, it is usually REEEEAL short. I am not exactly sure how they messed this up, since last years times were looked pretty accurate, so you would think they would just put them in the same spot. Guess not.

Swim Time: 7:42



Due to some untimely road construction, the bike course had to be changed about 2 days before the race. I have to give the race director props for finding a great alternative route that was challenging and fun. It was a steady climb out to the turn-a-round and very fast back.

After getting on my bike, I made my first mistake and missed the first hard right hand turn. I am not sure if it as all the bright orange cones and arrows telling me exactly where to go or what but I decided to take a short detour and had to make a quick U-turn.

Coming into T2

Since I have been struggling with a bit of knee pain lately, I didn't know how this part of the race would go. It took some time for my legs to feel like they were under me but after the turn-a-round I felt great. Partly because it was down hill but I really felt like I was able to get into a rhythm and push hard back to T2.

It could have also been the two 15 year olds and the 17 year old that passed me on the way out. These kids where fast and it was all I could do to not let them out of site. I was a bit more aggressive on the way in and was able to put a small gap on the 15 year old's but they were even faster runners than bikers.

Bike Time: 28:39



Heading into T2, I made my second mistake and almost ran over the wrong timing mats. I had to pick up my bike and back track a few steps to make sure I went over the right area. It was good to see they put up some yellow marking tape for many of the other racers because it was a bit confusing, well at least for me.

I quickly put on my K-Swiss K' Onas and was heading out for what was to be one of my few hard runs since, well Blue Lake Sprint back in June. The run was once again advertised at 3.5 mile run but instead of being short, it was actually closer to 3.8 miles, verified from quite a few Garmins. This actually made me feel a bit better once I saw my final time.



The run was pretty flat but was tough. It was fun to be able to push myself and see if I could still keep up with my pre-Ironman races. It was exciting to see that even though my training has been a bit (or a lot) sub-par in the last month, I am happy with how this event unfolded.

Run Time: 24:04

Place: 5th OA, 1st AG

Though I had a ton of fun racing again, this race was not a particular favorite for me. I really don't care how far the distances are at each race (though it is nice to compare) you NEED to make sure they are accurate. It is ridiculous to have a swim almost cut in half and a run to be a 1/3 of a mile longer. Do whatever it takes to make sure your distances are correct.

Another small grip, but just because for once I actually won my age-group, it would have been nice to honor it. I can understand for the short $35 dollar races, but this is not the case. Giving the excuse that "We are not doing age-group awards because EVERYONE is a winner" is not a way to get people to come back.

OK, enough venting. All in all, it was fun to get back into racing and hanging with the Thompsons. Jessi, is having an awesome season and backed it up with yet another 1st OVERALL performance. Congrats!!! Also great job to Emma, who might have had an even tougher experience with the Kid's Tri and came out of it with a big smile.

Next week is CDA Olympic and I am sad to say there won't be another rematch between Tim and I, but I have some small goals for this race and even though I am not where I want to be fitness wise, I think they are still achievable.

Until next time...

Tour de Mt. Spokane

In honor of the Tour de France, last weekend my buddy Timmers and I decided it was time to conquer Mt. Spokane with the grueling ride to the top. Earlier this year I rode up to the first lodge (tubing hill) as part of a training ride. I figured if I had already made it up that far the rest should be pretty easy:)

We left the house around 7:15am and headed north. This was to be a VERY hot day so the early start was a blessing. The air was cool and it was actually perfect weather for a ride. Not really knowing how long it was going to take, we planned for the 3 hour journey and off we went.

The first part of the ride is rather boring as you meander through Mead and out towards the mountain. We started up the grade and my legs felt good. I have been recently been struggling on my bike with knee pain and trying to figure out the correct position. But today my legs were there and I was ready to climb to the top.

We made our way up to the first lodge and stopped to take in a bit of food. It was at this point Tim mentioned it might be another 3-4 miles. I, in my ever so naive state, believed him and we began our charge to the top.

Just Keep Walking!

Due to some road construction we had to walk our bikes about 200 yards to find pavement again. It was a nice change of pace but seriously walking that far in bike shoes SUCKS!

And Walking!

We were soon bike in the saddle and thought we were only a few miles from the top. At this point, the real climb begins. The road gradually gets steeper and steeper until it is everything you can do to not stop. You are up out of the saddle and then back in and then back out. Your legs are burning but you are moving forward. You “just” know the top is right around the corner, or at least I did. I honestly don’t think I have ever been up Mt. Spokane in the summer and during the winter it all looks the same.

Climb Tim Climb!!

After seriously struggling to keep moving we finally made it to the snowmobile lot and now reality really sank in. From here you can actually see the top. Though it is very small it was no longer an mirage that you never seem to reach.

The next part of the climb I think I might maybe have forgotten as my lungs struggled to fill my body and brain with the oxygen required to survive. At one point I am pretty sure was moving at 4 mph. I honestly didn’t think you could pedal that slow.

And the Summit!

We eventually made it to the top and even though it took almost 2:30 minutes we had accomplished what we set out to do. Now it was time to hual ASS down the mountain. You would think that it would be fun going down and it is for about 5 minutes. Eventually your hands start to hurt and you are tired of constantly riding the brakes.

What took us 2:25 minutes to make the journey up Mt. Spokane too us 1:25 to come back down. It was a great experience that might happen again someday but as of now, my Tour de Mt. Spokane fix has been accomplished.

Timmers at the Top!!!

Cheesiest picture ever, but who cares I MADE IT!!!

Thanks buddy for an great ride. A+!!!

Hoopfest 2009- Games Report

Just over a month ago, I was approached to play in Hoopfest, the world's largest 3 on 3 basketball tournament. I know what you are thinking, this guy rides bikes and swims, he can't play basketball. Well, that is kinda true. I use to play quite a bit and especially back in high school. But I seem to forget that was almost 10 years ago and brushing up on your basketball skills requires a bit more that shooting once or twice every six months. But I was out there to have fun.

So less than one week after finishing Ironman CDA, I laced up my old sneakers and hit the blacktop. My team made up of 3 other triathletes and one who was a wrestler in high school was ready to get out there and put on a show.

So Ben, Bryan, Nate and I had a REAL short "practice" on Wednesday night, which was shooting for a few minutes, determining our only chance was to run around and try to outlast the competition with our endurance.

On Saturday morning we headed downtown and arrived at our court, quickly noticing might need to gain about 30 pounds just to fit in. We were tiny compared to most of the teams, but we were fit and knew that gave us a chance, however slight that might have been.

Street Ballin' Triathlete Style

Our first game started out ROUGH. Before we knew it we were down 6-12 and looking into the abyss of a game one defeat. And then a miracle happened. Not the kind you hear about on your local news or where a mother picked up a car over her head to free her children but a small miracle none-the-less.

Team Tri-Fusion went on a 14-2 run and won our first game of Hoopfest. I am not sure how it happened but it did. We were making shots, banking in threes and just plain hustling around the court. I personally hadn't won my first game in hoopfest before and definitely didn't expect to with a bunch of triathletes, but we had game and came ready to play. It was an amazing sight, that should have been displayed on center court.

After our Game 1 victory.

By the time game two rolled around we were living the high life. We had just won a game and came rolling back to the court with our heads held high. I think they call it "In The Zone". Well we were not just in the zone, we were eating zone for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The basket looked as big as a 700c and we were ballin'.

Even though our opponents outweighed us by 20-40lbs each and had arms larger than my legs, there was nothing they could do when Tri-Fusion Hoopfest Team 2009 was "In The Zone". I may have had to talk a bit of smack and get banged around just trying hold my ground but in the end we were triumphant once again, holding them off for a 17-14 victory.

What's that? Two wins on the same day? Fo Sho. I am still a bit lost on how we did it but it was something out of this world. We were ballin' with the big boys and came out victorious on two separate accounts.

Game Two Win :)

With two games done and two wins later, it was time to head home and relax for our big final push to the Sunday championship game. We were on the fast track and the only thing that stood between us and the free t-shirt was 4 more wins.

Sunday morning started of SLOW. The "Zone" that was so thick you had to use a chainsaw to cut it was gone. We couldn't find the bottom of the next, even if were were standing under it. The shots weren't droppin' and before you knew it were had lost our first game on Sunday and now we were on the long path to the promise land.

The second game was a little better as we actually made a shot here and there but in the end the "Zone" never made an appearance and we were sent home with our tails between our legs.

In true triathlete fasion, Recoverese after the game.

All kidding aside, this was a blast. It was fun hanging out downtown and actually winning a few games. Our team played hard, never gave up and even though it would have been nice to win a game on Sunday, we represented well.

Even though I felt pretty good on Saturday, my legs were absolutely shot on Sunday and even though we wanted to play more games, I am not sure how many were left in my legs.

Tri-Fusion Cheer Squad!

Special thanks to all the Tri-Fusion folks who showed up to cheer us on and my family who dropped by and watch me play. Good times.

Until next time...Keep Ballin'

Ironman Coeur d' Alene 2009: Race Report

This journey began just over a year ago when I drove over to Coeur d’ Alene to sign up for Ironman CDA 2009. I was a young naive soul back then and really had no idea what I was getting myself into. Well, I kinda did but there were SO many unknowns.

After a LONG winter of training with many BAT’s at the Thompson’s and headlamp runs at the Gallagher’s, I was on my way. There were many ups and downs with successful races and ill timed injuries but all in all, when June 21, 2009 rolled around I was ready to go.

Race morning started early, I mean REAL EARLY, as I didn’t sleep much past 1:30am. The alarm was set for 3:15 but I was up and out of bed by 2:15. I was showered, had eaten and was watching TV by 3:00am. Jessi wasn’t supposed to show up until 4:15am so I had plenty of time to kill. Did you know there is nothing good on at the time? Of course you didn’t you are probably all sleeping like normal people, or at least finishing off your last few beers and really have no interest in the TV anyways.

Ironman Ninjas!!!

I have to give Jessi serious props. Not only was she out until the wee hours of the morning, putting up signs and decorating my front yard but was almost weeing her pants as Tim dodged swarms of bees. She was right on-time and we were off to the unknown and my first Ironman race.

My Crew: A+ in Action!

My Crew: Hanging my AWESOME Sign!

The car ride over was pretty relaxed. Just talking about Ironman experiences and listening to some awesome pre-race music put together by DJ Lil’ B. It was great riding over to Coeur d’ Alene, not only with someone who has been there/done that but with someone who has been by your side for the entire journey. We have sweat together in their basement and froze are asses off during the morning runs this winter.

Getting body marked!

We showed up in Coeur d’ Alene a few minutes before 5am and were off to get body marked and drop off the rest of my bags. Jessi had her first of who knows how many coffees finished in the car and after body marking; she was in search for some more caffeine.

I spent a few minutes getting my T1 and T2 bags finalized and headed to load my bike with my nutrition for the first loop. This is where I ran into my folks who were there before I was. I tried to tell them they didn’t need to get there quite so early but honestly; they weren’t going to miss any of this.

Filling up Nutrition on the Bike.

My Parents before the race!

After getting my tires pumped up it was time to just relax and get ready to start one of the biggest days of my life. I was confident that I would make it through but it was just a matter of how and when I would finish.

Some of the Tri-Fusion crew!

When I started these races, swimming was my absolute worst event by far. Not even a close second to biking or running. But on this day, I felt very calm. I was ready for this challenge. I had heard war stories on how rough the start of an Ironman can be but I was not afraid. I was excited, I knew that no matter what the start handed to me, I was ready to take in on full force.

After a few last hugs and well wishes, I headed to the beach and jumped in the water. It felt warm. I am not sure if it was because of the cold air temperature or all the pee from the nervous athletes about to start Ironman CDA 2009.

My goal for this swim was to swim strong and stay focused. In a practice swim on Friday, I caught my mind wandering off and I really didn’t want to start thinking about what was ahead. I goal was to focus on each pull and each breath and stay in good rhythm.

The start was rough, not crazy rough but rough none the less. I was hoping to swim somewhere between 1:00-1:10 and new that I would be ahead of the main pack but well back of the leaders. As we made our way out to the first turn buoy, there was quite a bit of bumping and grabbing. I am not sure I had that much action since my freshman year in college. But the main point was that I stayed calm and composed and before I knew it I was heading back and starting my second loop.

Exiting the Water!

Overall the swim went well. I was able to find open water for the majority of the swim and was able to race “My Race” and came out with a respectable time of 1:11:47. Though it wasn’t as fast as I would have like, the water was choppy and I had actually never swam 2.4 miles at one time.

Feeling good to be standing up again!

I exited the water and saw many familiar faces right along the fence cheering me on. Natalie and Trish are the ones that stood out as my focus was coming back after laying horizontal for over an hour. I headed up to get my wetsuit stripped and was off to the madness of the changing tent to get on my bike gear.

T1 went very smooth and I was headed out to my bike in a matter of minutes. The bike was going to be interesting. In the last week and a half, I had only been on the bike 4.5 hours TOTAL. I was definitely going to exceed that today.

I jumped on my bike and was feeling great. I had just finished the swim of an Ironman and now onto race #2. The plan was to go out easy. I ate a powerbar requiring me to slow down and not get caught up in all the Ironman hype.

Climbing one of the many hills!

The first loop flew by. I heart rate and effort were scaled back and I still came in with a first loop somewhere around 2:45. I was right on pace. I wasn’t sure if I could actually ride a 5:30 but I knew I could be close. I felt strong but not over worked and was ready to go. And then the second loop began…

My second loop started off pretty good but soon after leaving Coeur d' Alene towards Hayden, the wheels started to rattle. They weren’t coming off by any means but something was loose. My heart rate was dropping, my legs were getting heavy and my speed was slowing. I tried to attack each hill as its own little challenge and set small little finish line at each major corner. When I came back into Coeur d' Alene for the second time, I wanted off the bike.

Out on Lap #2!

Having everyone out on the course definitely helped push me through to the end. They were popping up everywhere and then moving to a new location for the second loop. It was great. From the Thompsons, Byrds, Ali, Nat, Tric, Matt and Nate, to the Rupes and Virginia Knight and anyone else I forgot, it was great to hear so many familiar voices and encouraging words

I have heard people say that you should be able to ride another 20 miles when you get off the bike and there is a chance I could have but I didn’t want too. I had never run a marathon in my life, but I was more than ready as I entered T2 or at least my ass was telling me I was. I had set a goal to ride between a 5:30-5:45. I ended up riding a 5:51 that included 4 pee breaks and a slow special needs transition. Those are all part of the race but I really felt I could have gone faster.

T2 was similar to T1, smooth and fast. There wasn’t a whole lot of messing around. I was in and out of there and ready to start the LONGEST run of my life, literally.

The plan was to stay consistent throughout the run. Of all three disciplines this is where I felt least prepared. I have struggled with knee pain and other leg issues that caused me to miss a few of my long runs. I had never actually run over a half-marathon, EVER, so anything over that was just borrowed time.

Running through the park and seeing my parents!

As I started the run, my legs felt OK. Not great and not horrible but just as expected after 112 miles on the bike. The first two miles where around 8:30’s which was a bit faster than I expected to run the whole race but felt comfortable. At mile 7, I was running 9:00’s and still felt good.

Heading out to the turn-a-round!

As I entered Coeur d' Alene for the start of the second loop, it was all up in the air now. I new once I passed through the park, each step was farther than I had ever run before. I tried to stay focused and just put one foot in front of the other. It was great having all the cheering support spread out throughout the run course. I actually caught myself looking forward to seeing a familiar face and give me that little bit of extra drive.

As I left downtown and headed back out along Lake Shore Drive, the rain began to fall and the winds were picking up. It was getting cold but after over 10 hours of racing, it really didn’t matter. My hands were cold but seriously, this is Ironman and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

I got to the point were I was walking each aid station and running between. I am proud to say that this was the method the entire run. I never, even though it sounded SOOO good, stopped to walk between the aid stations.

I have heard stories that a marathon begins at mile 20. I am not sure who really came up with this saying because the first 20 miles definitely happened but I understand that this is where mind over body comes into play. You have to tell yourself that you are going to finish this run and that your legs really have no say in the matter.

A+ Cheering me on!

It was at mile 20, I found my support crew. It started off with Jessi and Tiffany running along side me telling me that I could do this and finished with Timmers voicing a few more words of encouragement as I head out for the final turn around.

Letting me know, I can make it!

It was at this point I started calculating and I figured if I can pick up the pace just a bit I might actually finish under 11:30 (my secret goal). I started to run or at least felt like a run vs the Ironman shuffle that I had been doing for the last few miles. I just told myself that this is just a 10K. You have run many of these and this is no time to think you can’t do it right now.

And off I go into the sunset...wait the rain storm!

I am not sure how many people I passed from the last turn around to the finish but it was a ton. I don’t think anyone passed me and I felt like I was cruising. My effort was up and my legs were pumping. I am not sure how fast I ran, but I felt fast or at least compared to my previous 20+ miles.

As I turned onto Sherman Drive (the greatest part of Ironman CDA) it was going to be all about enjoying the moment. Even though this journey lasted just over 11 hours, in all reality it started 365 days ago when I signed up. But then the triathlete in me got the better of me when the nice volunteer said, 1 more minute. Huh, that’s it? Just one more minute and as I looked at my watch it read 11:18:15 and too my surprise I was going to finish in under 11:20.

Heading down Sherman Ave!

To my trained eye, I knew it was a bit more that just one minute but it was going to be close. I picked up the pace and ran hard through the finish. To me that is just as satisfying as jogging down Sherman Ave. I showed up in Coeur d' Alene to give it my all and that is what I did. I ended up crossing the line in 11:20:14 but was stoked. I had just finished my first Ironman and could walk afterwards...albeit slowly.

Swim- 1:11:49
T1- 3:56
Bike- 5:51:40
T2- 2:31
Run- 4:10:18

Timmers and I at the rain soaked finish!

There were congrats and hugs all around and family members and friends showed up at the finish line. Even though this day was about me trying to do something many thought was crazy, it was the perfect end to a perfect day. I was an Ironman!

My Family. Bart, Jenny, Alex, Mom and Dad!

Joe and Erika. They got up REAL early to come watch. Just ask Erika:)

I want to give a special thanks to my parents, Betty, Uncle Bart, Aunt Jenny, Alex, Joe, Erika, Jon, Jenny and Jed for all making the trip over to Coeur d' Alene to watch a long event they really don’t understand why. Their cheers were awesome and definitely helped get me through the day.

My Cousin Brandi and her girls. Abby and Cali. Brandi is the one who got me into triathlons...Thanks, I think:)

Emma and I. The biggest little cheerer of them all.

Tiffany, Eric and I. They were cheering all day!

I would like to thank all my fellow Tri-Fusionites who were out there cheering their hearts out and being part of this journey. They understand all the hard work and commitment it takes and it was great to share the moment.

Roger and I.

Also to my coach, Roger who set the path for me to get to the finish line. Though there were times when I thought he may have gone a bit crazy, in hindsight, I was prepared for this day and would not have made it through without his guidance.

Tiffany and I after the race!

Jessi and I

My A+ Girls

A+ minus Timmers. He had baby A+ who was out all day and had to get her home.

And to A+! You guys are fawesome. You kept me accountable, day in and day out. You were always willing to join me for a workout and get up at zero hour for swims and runs. The support you have shown me throughout this has been the best. Thank you so much for all the memorable moments, many that should not be made public and would be impossible to actually write out in words. You guys ROCK!!!

Mom and Dad after the race. Thank you for all the support!