Ironman Louisville - TriathlonFull Ironman

CANNONBALL!!!! Heck ya. The swim was a Time Trial start, meaning that a person would jump off the ledge and the person behind you would jump off a second or two later. This would continue until everybody was in the water. I wanted to begin my Ironman race with some fun, so I did a Cannonball.

Felt pretty good on the swim. There was a ton of contact during the first part. My navigation also stunk during this part. I kept swimming wide right. Once we rounded the buoy past the island, my navigation improved and was able to cruise the swim.

****While writing this, I found out that someone died during the swim portion. I heard they had a heart attack. RIP.*****

Focus a bit on navigation. Otherwise had a solid swim.

Naturally, Ironman transitions take longer because of the different steps involved. I purposely took longer times in transition. Wanted to take this time to clear my head and prepare for the next leg of the race.

Once I was ready for the bike, I let the volunteers lube me down with sunscreen, grabbed my bike, and took off.

Nothing.

Even though I knew this was in Kentucky and had a few hills, I wasn't ready for this bike course (mentally or physically). During my training, I focused primarily on distance and didn't do much hill work. I not only paid for it, but I was extremely humbled.

The first 10-12 miles was relatively flat and I think I pushed myself to hard on this part. Then the Kentucky hills began along with some good gusts of wind. From miles 40-55 or 60, I seriously thought about quitting the race. My energy and attitude was low. A motivating factor was seeing Dina, Kim, and the Van Winkles in La Grange. I also figured out that the Aid Stations had bananas. I grabbed them every chance I could. In fact, after trying to eat my granola bars after stopping at Special Needs, I went back to eating bananas. Anyway, I focused on drinking and eating bananas. In turn, I began feeling better. The last 10 miles, I cranked it up a notch to maintain at least a 16 mph average.

Hill training and continue working on nutrition.

Walked into transition, handed off my bike, walked to my bags, and then into the changing tent. Took my time preparing for the run, got lubed up with suntan lotion, and took off for my marathon walk.

Nothing. Took my time purposely.

Purposely walked the Marathon. I messed up my knee earlier this year in the Lincoln Marathon. I spent most of the summer in Physical Therapy and couldn't build up the mileage. So instead of risking another injury, it would be better to walk.

Kept a good walking pace and met many people along the route. At mile 11 or 12 I decided to stop taking Gels, Salt Tablets (because I dropped the ones I had), and drinking Perform. I was just sick of that stuff. I'd been drinking/eating that stuff all day long. I went to water, grapes, bananas, oranges, and chips. I also ate a Snickers bar that I packed in my Run Special Needs bag.

I just walked and walked and walked and walked. While on my second loop after the sun went down, I got sooooooo bored. People weren't talking much anymore and I just wanted to get things done. I finally began running at Mile 20 and ran for 3 miles. I was suprised at how good I felt.

Dont know why I stopped running, but I did. Kind've glad though, I began talking with a guy (don't know his name) who is one of the Track/Field coaches for Western Kentucky. Turns out he's been to Lincoln a few times. Enjoyed the nice conversation until we were a couple blocks from the finish. I told him that I was time to become an Ironman and I took off running for the finish. Once crossing the finish line, tons of emotions went through me. I wanted to cry, laugh, smile, and yell. Looking at my finish video, I didn't show any emotions except my custom signature of stopping my watch (Dina gives me so much static for this). Inside, I was screaming. It was AWESOME to hear Mike Reily call my name as being an IRONMAN.



Naturally, I wanted to RUN the marathon. But, I'm glad God gave me the strength to accomplish this milestone and dream. It was nice talking with people. I don't get that while running or even on my bike. I get to wrapped up in the mechanics (pacing/cadence). I wouldn't of been able to enjoy the other athletes if I wasn't walking.

Post race massage, pizza, and a beer.


Lack of hill training on bike and lack of mileage for the run.


The Volunteers were AWESOME!!! Never seen so many in my life. They all had great, positive attitudes. Outstanding.