Ironman Coeur d'Alene - TriathlonFull Ironman

I had hoped to push out a sub hour swim going into the weekend but once I saw the chop and wind I knew this was unlikely. The start was craziness. I went out 200yds pretty fast to try and gain some seperation but found that I was constantly getting clobbered. There was no room to move further right of the line I was on because I had neoprene on each side and half the time was hitting neoprene in front of me on the catch of my stroke. Thank god I'm a good swimming because this was a maul fest. Between the chop and the number of swimmers I was taking a gulp of water every 2-3 breaths. The water was a great temp, very clean and very clear though which was nice. I did the first loop in 32:30, and eased it way back for the second loop. Caught a really nice draft out on second loop. I was able to get some great surfing on the waves on the way back of each loop. Sighting was non-existent, it was survival and follow the masses. HR was 107 out of the water, a nice warmup for the bike and run.

Start inside the buoy line. Heard this was the place to be for the 55-1:15 swimmers.

Nice Transition for me. I'm normally pretty slow since I do full clothing changes at each transition (confort over a few minutes...). Volunteer repacked my bag as I ran out to the bike. Had a good rack spot and easily grabbed my bike.

First lap was unbelievable, averaged about 17.5 without pressing my HR. Felt unbelievable and wished the conditions/temp were always like this for me. Laura passed me at about mile 25 and I tried to stay near her so that at each turnaround she was still close. Saw Weds at about mile 40 with what looked like a flat (turned out to be a flat plus and huge hole in the tire). I lost my computer about mile 65 when I stopped at a rest stop (must have kicked it, but even when I stopped again I couldn't get it going). Tim caught me about mile 80?? and I told him to go get Laura, who wasn't far ahead. I then saw a SAG vehicle go by with a black Lucero in the back and my heart sank, thinking Brad's mechanical issues were worse than I though and forced him off the course. Lukily enough, about 10 miles later I see him going the other way and gave a big fist pump. The hills were not horrible (moving to New England has helped my hill climbing), as i'm not very good dragging my 6'4" 200+ frame up the hills. About mile 75 I stared having lower back spasms, which I think were due to getting snapped around on the swim, the headwind on the bike, and the stupidity of me to move 16 cu yds of mulch via wheelbarrow and shovel the week and a half before the race (isn't that what taper is for??? whoops).

Hire some to mulch the yard and develop some lower back strength.

Another full clothing change, but still got out of there in decent time.

Stated running right out of the stretch. My legs have never felt so good... what 112 mile bike. The issue was my lower back, the spasms were ridiculous. After a few miles I met and ran/walked w/ Vince #1413 for about 1/2 the marathon. We chatted, forced each other to run, took walking breaks, and just enjoyed the experience. It was great having someone to pass the time with, thanks Vince!! I saw everyone out there and they all looked strong and got to hear about Brad and Heidi's mechanical issues from the bike. I ran/walked (50/50) about the first half of the marathon. The second half turned into a steady walk as the back was still there, plus now the knees and hips were starting to hurt. Took my shoes off at mile 16 to take what I thought was a pebble out of my shoe, nope, it was a bunch of blisters... damm walking, I never get blisters when I run.

One of these years I going to run this stupid marathon (or at least 80-90% of it) on the Ironman course.

Best i've felt after a finish. Huge smile and no stomach issues, joints were pretty good, and all around just pleased. In all I took 45 more minutes off my time and had the best time personally at a IM yet. Ate about 6 pieces of pizza, goa a massage, and watched the last finishers come in. Even had time to pick up my own bags and bike and drop them off, a first for me.


Best of all, after getting up at 5 am the next morning to make my 8:30 flight home, and 15 hours of travel, I got home at 10:30 EST. At 11:30, my wife (who wasn't able to come to the race because she was 8+ months pregnant) informed me it was time to head to the hospital. At 8:49 the next morning, 3 weeks early, my son was born!!! Talk about a crazy, exhausting, yet completely exhilarating 72 hours. Thank god I made it home in time!!!