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 Swim
Comments: My goal was to draft as much as possible. My two time trials in a pool were 1.12 and 1.10.30, so I was shooting for sub 1.10. I anticipated the start to be more brutal than it was. Granted, I took a couple fists to the face and heels to the nose, and had plenty of people swim over or across me, especially during the first 800 yards and ALL turns were very tricky. I would say I successfully drafted at least 75-80% of the race, and as luck would have it, I was drafting people that swam in a straight line. The race felt easy, and I had my doubts if I would break 1.10. Much to my delight, I did, all while conserving energy for the rest of the day. What would you do differently?: Nothing, I was very happy with where I was seeded, the cornering, drafting, sighting, etc. Maybe go faster next time.  Transition 1
Comments: Sleeve got caught up on my watch for a second, but we took our time and got that over without an issue. Found a good volunteer and made quick work of the T1. Put on helmet, grabbed shoes with food inside and i was out. Loaded up the pockets while I ran and the bike was waiting for me when I got there. What would you do differently?: Nothing My goal was 6 minutes from looking at what other athletes have done in the past, I was right on.  Bike
Comments: If I ever drifted off mentally I would say a quick prayer to get myself grounded, reconnected, and remind myself that this is just a bike ride, don't over think this or take it too seriously, enjoy the moment, ride within myself. That seemed to help me relax a bit but stay focues also. The family support at 45 and 85 on the hills were awesome, that made me feel like Lance...thanks everyone, couldn't have done it without you. What would you do differently?: Not much, maybe go faster, I was really holding back on the loops, but more effort may have made the run ever harder, so on this day, I don't think I would change a thing. Oh, screw in my CO2 better, one fell off my bottle cage. Transition 2
Comments: The volunteers took my bike, so that was easy. Wasn't sure what the legs would feel like but they were there for me...wooo hooo! Found my bag with the green ribbon, put on shoes, loaded pockets with GU flask and Endurolytes container, GU hat on, and I was off. No sunscreen today, just wanted to run! What would you do differently?: Shooting for 3 minutes, got under that and I was off for the Marathon. Should be interesting...  Run
Comments: Wish I could have just started out at 7.30 and tried to hold that as long as possible. That would have gotten me in around 25-30 minutes earlier and close to a KONA slot. Easier said than done of course, it's good motivation should I decide to do this again...I know i will, but want to talk to Sara about that first. Great crowd support, awesome aid support, everything was awesome! What would you do differently?: Pace a little slower at the start and stick to a plan. I quickly gave up on watching the pace and just watched HR and CD, not sure that was the best idea, but I think I realized, my body was going to be slowing down, and I didn't want to see 8 and 9 minute miles on my watch...too depressing. Post race
Warm down: HUG family. Give medal to my father who is batteling ALS and tell him the race was for him! He was my ONE thing on this day. Ate 2 slices of pizza, some grapes, two cousin subs, pretzles, and made our way to get in the van and head back to the Concourse. Can't believe it's over! What limited your ability to perform faster: My legs I guess. They just ran out of gas. HR was low, no injury, mentally I was in decent shape, I conserved energy all day, I just could'nt go any faster after mile 13. Felt pretty slow on the run, but looking at the results, it could have been a lot worse. On this day, I gave it my all. I have no regrets. I have nothing but great memories. It was everything I hoped it would be an more. Am I hooked? Maybe, but my family is very important, so we'll see what the next step is. Event comments: AWESOME - I'll never forget it. Last updated: 2009-08-19 12:00 AM
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United States
Ironman North America
82F / 28C
Sunny
Overall Rank = 122/2,400
Age Group = 35-39
Age Group Rank = 16/356
Slept on and off Saturday nite, much like the entire week leading up to IMWI. I guess my mind was often thinking about the race, and my body was itching for more exercise. Josh and Syd were in the bed next to Sara and I, and they woke up occassionally also. Got up at 2 AM to take in a Power Bar, Banana, and some CHOMPS. Downed some water and went back to bed. Got up at 4:15 AM, before the alarm, and started getting ready for the day. The kids were waking up and thinking it was time to go, I asked them to PLEASE go back to bed, they asked if I was going to race in the dark:0) Ate another bar and a small chunck of Sara's banana bread, filled my water bottle with GU20 and I was off. Supposed to meet Brad in the lobby but he was a no show, so I grabbed my Special Needs bags and headed for the Terrace...I can't believe this day is FINALLY here!
First thing was to check the bike and tires, that was my only fear, even though I let some air out, there were plenty of tires blowing Saturday and Sunday AM. Had some help pumping up the rear full disc with the crack pipe, I only took it to 110 as I was concerned about the heat and blowing a tube with too much pressure. Checked and double checked my T1 and T2 bags putting some green ribbons on them (that really helped). Chatted with Brad for a bit, then got in line for another BM before going to the start. After my bathroom break, I found Sara and the kids waiting for me in the Terrace, and started to get a little emotional, I've played through this day thousands of times in my head...still can't believe it's here. Then my parents, aunt/uncle, brother, and Marty showed up, and it was time to get the game face on. Stretched, Body Glide, and got the wet suit up to my waste. Gave a few final hugs and was off to the start at about 6:40 AM. Waiting in line for quite a while. Finally about 6:55 AM I made it into the water and swam out to the start, it wasn't as congested as I thought it would be. Go figure, 2,400 swim caps, and I end up right behind my training partner Bill, perfect opportunity to wish each other a healthy day and pass along a hug...trying to hug in the water will basically drown both people, that was kind of funny.