Ironman USA Lake Placid - TriathlonFull Ironman

Started far right about 4-5 rows back. Was going to start in the back by the beach but that was very crowded and I thought I'd take my chances closer to the front. It wasn't too bad for the most part. Swam comfortably until 1/2 way to the first buouy when it got very crowed and I was getting hit. Went a little further outside and then things were okay. I found a pair of feet (Blue Seventy wetsuit with an IM tattoo on his ankle) and followed him around the rest of the first lap. Got out and waved to my wife and kids on the hill and then back in. Swam 100 yds and came upon a guy in a Blue Seventy wetsuit with an IM tattoo on his ankle. You have got to be kidding me! Am I really that lucky?? What are the odds this is the same guy?? Who cares! I got on his feet again and followed him all the way around the second loop. Got out of the water feeling refreshed. I wasn't fast but felt like I could swim another 2.4 and that was exactly what my coach had wanted for me.

Maybe push a little bit harder.

Very hot and crowded in the tent. Looked a little before finding a seat on other side. Took time (as per coach) went methodically through everything, ran around and got my bike myself. Game on!

Took it very easy (maybe too easy) for the bike. I was determined not to be a "one loop wonder" so I went very conservative on the first lap. The initial climb out of town was marked by pouring rain but I didn't care. I was doing an Ironman! Nutrition was good and I was careful to eat at regular intervals the entire time. I also used the aid stations as a way to encourage fluid intake (Must finish bottle so I can toss it at the next station). I got killed on the Keene descent as I am not as comfortable as many other athletes at super high speeds. Many people passed me on the way down to Keene. Some I caught up to and passed later on. Others just flew by never to be seen again.

Coming back into town was exciting with big crowds encouraging us during the climb up Papa Bear. Saw my family by Mirror Lake and was so psyched, The sun was out, temp was great and I was now 1/2 way through an IM bike.

Second lap was harder and while I felt like I was pushing harder I actually rode it almost to the minute the same as my first lap. That probably is okay all things considered but I would have liked to have been a little faster.

Push a little harder. Get more comfortable on descents so as not to give back time on the way down to Keene.

Not as crowded in the tent this time around (duh) and I had help from a nice volunteer. Hit the porta-potty and I was off

Running out of T2 my family was right there. What a great surprise and we got some great pictures of me with a big smile on my face kissing everyone. On my worst training days I had obsessed over the possibility of missing the bike cut-off or at least getting perilously close.....but here I was now off the bike more than 90 minutes under the cut-off and feeling good.

Ran out of town and began my plan. Would walk each aid station but try and run entirely for the first 13.1 and then run/walk thereafter as needed. As it turned out I ran the first 15 and most of the remaining 11. There was one mile (17 or 18) that I walked entirely because my stomach was bothering me. But I got past that and ran (shuffled really) most of the way back to town. Crowd support was awesome especially on Main Street with everyone yelling positive encouragement. It really helped.

Around Mile 22 I came upon a guy in my age group who was running my pace and we shuffled along together talking and trying to take our minds off the pain. Spectators yelled encouragement and told us to pace each other and work as a team. I couldn't believe it but before I knew it I was back on Main Street. It was dark now and mentally tough to hit the out and back again but the end was in sight and before I knew it I was heading to the finish line. I ran/floated around the Oval and saw my family. They got great video of me coming through and again I was grinning from ear to ear. I crossed the finish line, heard my name and couldn't believe it: I was actually an Ironman!

Got a "Good job bud" from a tall guy standing near the finish line cheering people on. I was sort of out of it and needed to be told by another finisher that the guy was Michael Phelps and he was there watching his sister do the race. Pretty cool??!!


Work, commute and life.


Awesome race and an incredible experience. I started racing 5 years ago and struggled to do a very short sprint. It is really hard to believe the same guy just did an IM. It truly is amazing what we can do when we put our minds to it. Train hard, believe in yourself and stay positive! I also am so happy I resisted my usual "do it yourself" mentality and actually opted for a coach. If I had to identify one thing that made the difference that would have to be it. I also was blessed to have a very supportive wife and kids who gave up a lot to let me chase this dream. I hope watching the process from beginning to end taught my boys something that they will always remember....