Ok, I wasn't the one to set the new Ironman World record. It was Chrissie Wellington. Every adjective has been used to describe her and her day. So I will just say it was very inspiring to every little girl, and big man alike out there wondering if they can do something.
Going into Ironman Arizona I felt very prepared physically and mentally, no real nerves, just ready to get at it. I decided back in October of 2009 (after having finished my first Kona race), (just after my bike/car accident) ,that my next year plan was to get stronger and faster and focus on Ironman Arizona 2010 to claim my next slot to Kona (2011). so as to go back to the Islands and feel like I actually was able to race the World Championships, as opposed to just finishing it.
That meant not racing as many races as I would normally like to, and to only complete Ironman Canada as a "B" race at best, so as to fully soak in the effort of the day as a deposit into my IMAZ fitness bank, and not have to take an extended taper and recovery before and after.
With the lead up to race day the weather forecast was not looking like it would be in my favor. I suffered all summer in 100-115 degrees and really had wished for a warmer race day so as to make the others I was competing with to hurt more than normal. So the race day forecast was for cool temps the entire day, rain, and lots of wind. Oh well, like I said before, I felt well prepared and knew I was willing to do whatever it would take to get that Kona slot. Unfortunately for me the conditions made it into a cycylist's race because of the ridiculous, unrelenting winds. More on that later.
The Swim: 1:05
This happened to be one of the least full contact IM swims that I have ever been a part of. I am not complaining! I didn't really notice the 60 degree water temps as feeling cold, and after about a ten minute treading of water the cannon sounded and we where off. As Paula Newby Fraser once told me, "don't let your brains fall out to the bottom of the lake" , In other words: use your brains and think about what you are doing, and need to be doing next. I found my rhythm and just went for it heading past the rural st. bridge and to the turn around buoy. Everything just as planned, but shortly after the turn I felt something wasn't just right, but kept working and spotting, but again noticed all of a sudden that a was going right for some reason? What the hell, I have swam this swim a 1000 times, and there is not a current in this lake. After trying to correct several more times it finally dawned on me that the chop had gotten much bigger than normal. I get it now, it is from the wind coming so strongly out of the south that it is blowing us right, or at least it is blowing me right. so I put my head down and just pushed for the last buoy and tried to not loose my day in the swim. I quickly exited the H20 with a swim time of 1:05. within 1 minute of what I had hoped for. I'll take it.
T1 6:00
I made a big mistake here, I over packed my T1 bag with crap because I wanted to be prepared for whatever the conditions threw at me. Well I had so much to choose from I couldn't decide. Finally I just said screw it and took off. This blunder cost me about 2 minutes that can be very valuable at the end of the day. I have missed qualifying by as little as :12 seconds.
The Bike: 5:22:00
So off onto the bike and my game plan was to hold as close to 22 mph as a could without blowing myself up into the 35-40 mph winds.
Patience was my theme for this leg of the race. It is impossible to convey the day out there on the bike if you where not there yourself, but when I spoke with Chrissie Wellington after the race she told me she felt like "she was standing still at points on the bike" The wind was out of the south, which meant that there was no real break from it the entire day. It was a cross wind for about 90 of the miles and a head wind for most of the remainder. I just stuck to my plan of patience until the last of three loops, and at this point just give it what I had for the last lap and get to the run. My nutrition was spot on as was my pacing, I actually rode my last loop stronger than my 2nd loop. Going into the day I had hoped to be right on 5:00, but I made a decision early on not to get bogged down by a number, and bike my ride, and not be upset with the windy conditions. I rode most of the race with one or both of the Folts brothers, who where also trying to save something for the run.
T2: 1:50
I was in and out as quick as possible. had to make up for T1!!!
The Run: 3:19.00
Ok let's face it! I am a runner, and always will be, but I have never been able to run anywhere near my potential for an Ironman marathon, mostly because of either pacing or nutrition issues.
I was determined to control both of the issues today, keep an even pace the entire 26.2, and not take in anything that I didn't absolutely need to eat or drink.
As I headed out onto the run I saw a good friend of mine (Marc Rubin), spectating and cheering me on, this was a huge lift right out of the blocks. You see Marc is a great guy and Kona Triathlete that has gone through some major knee surgeries and rehab issues for almost 30 weeks now, and hasn't ran a step in this time. It is killing him to not be racing, and I tried to channel his pain and energy and think about how much he has gone through and would be willing to go through if he could be out there with me.
So after a high five and a smile it was time to settle in and focus. The first loop was just about feeling good and staying on an even pace, (nothing faster than a 7:00 pace and nothing slower than 7:30) is what I keep telling myself. I found my wife, mother in law, and tons of super supportive friends at the best aid station on the course. PTC station at the marina. Thanks for the laughs Brian Kochert.(Damn Those shorts), Everyone at this aid station made me look forward to seeing them each of the three loops. Thanks Guys!! Even if I couldn't respond.
Anyway, back to the race. So I got through the first lap and headed out for number two, feeling still damn good and just flying by people. (The entire marathon I was actually passed by only 1 person). Running through one of my other favorite spots on the course was aid station #2 where once again I had lots of friends cheering me on and making sure I got everything I needed to be successful. Thanks to Shane and the crew. Now the second loop is always the hardest to stay focused and I fought extra hard to make sure I didn't drift from my "here and now". Back past the PTC aid station and through the transition area again, at this point I see Mary, Stella and several of my Triscottsdale friends cheering their asses off for me. Here I started to get a little emotional with myself, and had to actually yell out loud at myself to focus and get this thing done. Heading towards the 19 mile mark I had done a great job (for me), at managing my nutrition the best I have ever done. I had taken two hits off my 1st Endurance liquid Shot, drank water sparingly and took two Gas Ex's to keep the bloating under control. I could feel myself losing energy due to the lack of calories, so I decided to go for the Cola at 19 miles, just a little swig followed by water. Stomach not happy, but I needed the energy and got through it. Just keep pushing, every time I needed to pick up the pace I was able, it felt so good to actually be running still. Just get over the Curry St. hill one more time. Just as I was about to turn onto Curry st, I caught my foot on a crack in the curb and just about went down, now I realize that my legs are really getting tired, so for the first time all day (23 miles) I walked through the aid station so I could take in a full glass of Cola. The entire race and I only walked for 10 seconds, right here my good buddy Brandon jumps out of the bushes and tells me to get running, and I do. Thanks for the push Brandon, I needed it right there. I do what I will call run up Curry and then just start pumping the arms and working hard, back to the PTC aid station and my buddy Scoot Perrine tells me I am in eighth place, I am pretty sure that this would get me a slot to Kona if no one passes me. From here I totally hammer it with all I have left, no one is getting past me from here out, go with all you have and pass everyone you can, I am telling myself. At mile 25 I pass another great friend Julie Ann who is looking great and doing her first Ironman. I couldn't say anything at this point, but as I passed her she shouted out "I love you", she had been telling me for months how much she hated me for getting her inspired to do an Ironman, and now she was telling me she loved me! I knew it.
So, as I am running the last 1.2 miles I just keep looking for calfs and ages, I am so focused in leaving it all out there on the course and trying to bring anyone in my age group back if they are in front of me. As I made that last turn towards the finish line I could see one more guy ahead and just went for it, I couldn't tell his age, but wasn't taking any chances. About 25 yards from the line I realize he is a pro and just went ahead and passed him. On my right all I remember is seeing Mary and Stella just before hitting the line. From here I don't recall everything that happened because as usual I ended up in a wheel chair and totally in the hurt locker, big time!! From here Mary and good friend Maik took over and ushered me off the massage before the medics could take me to the Medic tent. About an hour later, I finally got my french fries that I look forward to after each Ironman finish.
Finish Time 9:55:00
I spent the hour after finishing mostly in the fetal position trying to keep warm. Once I thought I could actually walk again and was ready to make it back to the hotel I told Mary I wasn't leaving until I knew for sure that I had qualified for Hawaii. She disappeared for a few minutes and came back with the good news. We are heading back to Kona baby!!!
It is such a great feeling to know that all the suffering through 115 degree workouts day after day all summer long, and all the core workouts, and skipped cookies, and passed by beers, and early to bed, and early to rise days all paid off on the day I needed it to. What a huge relief, and utter happiness set in at that exact moment. Let's just say that each time I finish and Ironman, it changes me for the better.
In closing I really would like to thank everyone that makes it possible for me to chase my dreams. First and foremost
my unbelievable wife Mary, seriously without you there would be no Ironman in my life, you take care of me in only ways
that you and I will ever know. I love you!
Also thank you to each and every friend that encourages me each and every step of the process, and not just on race day. Thanks to my little girl Megan for telling me how much she loves me and thinks I am the best dad in the world everyday. Focus Cyclery for taking care of all my bike needs, RunAZ & Carlos Paradelo for allowing me the freedom to train, travel, and race. Surf Kat Massage for keeping my old muscles working, Triscottsdale for being a great sponsor and being so supportive out there. Phoenix Tri Club for really caring, you guys all rock, and I have made friendships that will last a life time. Julie Ann for training my ass and for help with the great cycle classes and core workouts you have provided to make me stronger this year.
Then there are the amazing performances from friends that inspire me and help drive me from day to day, Linsey, Samantha, Hillary& Maik, Michael & Amanda, Bree, BG, Sally, Bryan D, Marc R, & of course Chrissie. I channel each and everyone of you at different times while suffering. Mahalo!
