Ironman Arizona - TriathlonFull Ironman

Started right in the middle of the pack, in between the buoys and the wall. One last good pee in the suit, heard the national anthem, then said a quick prayer. I was fairly relaxed then, BOOM, off goes the cannon. Tried to hit start on my watch and it didn't work, oh well, just swim. First 500m was ok, a kick or punch here and there, but nothing big. THEN...everything changed. I was being attacked!! Push, kick, hit. swim over, try to breath, splash to the face, no air, then repeat!! OWS does not bother me so this was a first...I started to panic. Heard my coaches words and rolled on my back for 10 secs, back over. I'm sighting every stoke and wasting a lot of energy. Still getting hammered. Can't breath. On my back again! I'm going to quit 10 mins into IM...NO!!!! Rolled over and the beatings stopped. Started to breath normal and found a small rhythm. Thought about sighting in the pool and starting counting to 4, then sight, 4 then sight...it was working. HR came down and I started to feel ok. Pace picked up and now I'm swimming. Thank goodness! Made it to turn buoy and got hit in the head...HARD!! Just kept swimming found some open water and some feet. Had a couple of people around that could not swim straight, but I fought hard to keep my line. Feeling ok, then a cramp in my left calf. Don't panic, just pull your toes back...good, pain gone. That cramp came back 4 more times, but I was able to deal with it. Turned the last buoy and saw the steps. Thought of my coach again, kick hard the last 100m and you'll feel good out of the water. One last cramp as I get pulled out of the water and....YES! I did it. See the clock and realize I did swim in under 1:20...very happy! I guessed 1:15-1:30 and could not be more pleased with my effort. Find a big guy to strip pff wetsuit. One pull, and a hand and I'm up again heading to T1.

I probably should have started further back, but I did the best I could. Happy I was able to deal with the beatings and continue.

There were already 50 people sitting outside the changing tent so I decided not to even try it. Yelled out my number and was handed my T1 bag...awesome. Found a spot on the ground and dumped my bag. Dried off, then started with my head and moved down. No change here as I knew I would race in same tri gear all day. Took a quick pee, loaded up with the "butter" then handed bag off and into tent. Took a drink of water and the tent was jammed!! Glad I did everything outside. Stopped to get loaded with sunscreen and found my bike. Jogged it to mount line. Didn't see any family but that's ok...I knew they were somewhere!

Could have moved faster, but I was happy with this transition. Didn't forget anything.

I was ready for this! Spent a lot of time training on bike and knew I could put in a decent effort. Started the short trip out to the Beeline. Had some people pass me, but kept thinking..race your race! Never let that bother me all day. Made it to Beeline knew I had about 9 miles of a slight uphill. We had a headwind on the way up, but I kept things smooth. Noticed that the people coming down were flying, so I knew that would be me soon. Looked down at computer with 3 miles left to the top...12mph..ok, relax, your doing fine. Made it to top and turned. Nutrition was good so far and no need for aid station. Put it in big ring and went!! This is awesome, I'm flying down the Beeline at 30mph with little effort and I'm having a blast! Remember to have fun, why else would someone do this :) Make the short trip back to the turn aroud and see family!! I'm yelling now, and very happy! Lap 2 here we come. Stop for pee number 1 right before heading up. Start up the Beeline again and I feel great. Maybe I'm finding my stride because this is WAY easier than the 1st loop. Look over at the riders coming down and realize they are not going as fast as the 1st time. Wind change? Make it to top, turn and feel the wind. No big deal, I've trained in wind for months, I can do this. Stop and SN and get another bottle of Infinit and my snickers. Wow, was that a good treat! Fill up my aero bottle on the way down and feel good. Nutrition still on. Back down in to the turn around again. See family ringing cowbells and screaming...amazing!!!! 2 loops in 4 hours and I'm right where I want to be. My neck is starting to get sore, but I expected this. Just relax, and enjoy! Back up the Beeline again with some cross winds but I'm doing this. Big smiles! This is FUN!!! Make the turn at the top and know I'm almost home. The way back down there were winds here and there but I stayed positive. Smile, be happy, enjoy (theme of the day!!). One last pee stop. Finally see finish to the right. YES!!! Hit the dismount line and check watch (6:06), nice!

I think I could have pushed harder because I was never tired and legs felt good, BUT, I still have a marathon so I wanted to be ready.

So nice to hand off my bike and jog it into T2. Yelled my number and there was my bag. Volunteers were AWESOME!!! Made it in the tent this time with plenty of spots. Not much to do really. Helmet and arm warmers off. Change shoes, and rest for a sec. Once again I hear my coach...don't rest too long. Hat and sunglasses on, stop for another sunscreen session and I'm off.

Nothing. This was just fine with me!

Head onto the run course and see everybody....OH MY!!!! They have a 5'x5' cardboard picture of my head!! A big bald man with a goatee!! Funny! Lots of screaming! I stop for a kiss from my wife and kids and some high fives!!! I know that being an Ironman is all about the run. This is my weakest event and I just want to enjoy the experience. Start my slow jog and the legs feel ok, but I know this is going to be long. Smile, stay positive, have fun! First 5 miles take 59 minutes! It doesn't matter, you are going to be an Ironman today! Right at the 5 mile mark I have the second greatest blessing of the day (the 1st being my family), I meet Kyle. He is struggling as well and we start talking. This is his first IM as well and asks if I want to run with him. Sure! For the next 21 miles we shared stories, encouraged each other, and endured pain together. There is nothing like IM athletes. So positive, so much strength. I'm not sure either of us would have survived that run alone. He helped make my dreams come true, and for that I am truly thankful. We walked, jogged, and laughed all day. Loop 1 was ok and we met each others families. Everytime I saw family I stopped for hugs, kisses, and high fives. They were AMAZING ALL DAY!!! The start of loop 2 we see "blue man". How can he race in that suit??!? Nice guy. We talk for a while and off he goes. Kyle and I talk like old friends and continue to encourage one aother to push when we can. Jog, walk, smile. OK, maybe some pain as well. We tell each other that loop 3 will be a victory lap, just finish lap 2. The sun starts to set but there are others in worse shape than us. Keep moving, one foot in front of the other. Jog, walk..do the math. Is 13:30 possible...maybe. Keep going. The pain is starting to set in and my legs and feet are hurting. Kyle has blisters and has to stop and stretch now and again. We've come this far, we are going to finish together. The aid stations are awesome, so much positive energy. Potato chips!!!!! That was my food of choice for the run. I looked forward to every aid station! I see my wifes friend with a huge HTFU sign, just what I need, some comic relief. We laugh and continue on. At the start of loop 3 the sign with my head now has lights on it!!! Everybody is having fun and this is a party! The last 6 miles were very tough. Now I know what IM is all about. I thought about the last 15 months I've put into this race. The fact I lost 45lbs and all the positive mental gains I've made. Jog, walk, smile. Every person on the course is yelling words of encouragement. They mean so much to me and I can't describe it. It's dark and we are still moving. Run for .25 mile, walk...repeat. 2 miles to go, we are going to do this. 13:30 is out but we can finish sub 14. Keep pushing! I'm pround of myself. For anyone reading this who is thinking of doing an Ironman I can only say one thing..YOU CAN DO IT!!!!! This experience will change you in a positive way! Last mile and we jog in it. Finishers to the left...that's us!! We jog up the hill and get high fives from all the volunteers, amazing. I turn to see if anyone is behind me, all good. I push Kyle forward and tell him to finish. I slow and see my family!! They have been amazing all day and I'm so happy they are there to share in this moment. Lots of bright lights, some more high fives, and under the finish line. Hands up, YES! I am an IRONMAN!!!

More run training on tired legs. But I could not be more happy. The day is not about time, it's about the joy and emotion of the event.

I cross the finish line and see Kyle. We hug! What an amazing experience. I could not have done this without him. Got the hat and tee shirt, took the pic and grabbed some pizza and fries. Found family and hugs all around. A day I will never forget!!


I was happy with my swim and bike and know I have a faster marathon time in me. This will probably be my only IM, but I now know what to expect. Push hard when you don't think you can push any harder.


Thanks to all the volunteers and to the entire BT community. You all made this an unbelievable day!