Well, this is more of a testimony than a race report at this point. Flashback to a year ago. Life was in shambles. On the verge of nervous breakdown, due to job related stress. Eating disorder, due to job related stress. I'm 6'0", and weighed 149 lbs. at the start of IMAZ in 2005. I knew going in that there was no way that I was going to be able to make it. I ended up DQ'ing on the swim. Missed the cut off time.
Many lessons learned, many yet to happen.
A month later, May 19th, 2005, complete nervous breakdown. Sat on the edge of my bed, looking down the barrel of my duty weapon, a Glock .40. One of the worst moments of my life. Thank God that he saved me, and I didn't pull the trigger.
Went to work that day as a Detective. 15 yrs. in law enforcement, and little did I know that this would be my last day as a police officer. Drove into work, hunched over the steering wheel, as I had such bad stomach pains. Checked in at the office, and left immediately. Being a Det., I had the flexibility to leave to work on different things. I set up an appt. w/a counselor who specializes in treating emergency services workers. I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and put on leave. Aug. 19th, 2005 I was medically retired, disabled. Wow, absolutely crushed.
I managed to do IM WI in Sept., however, the mental anguish was killing me, and I had a pretty rough day.
I've since moved from Vegas to Phoenix. The move here has had it's ups and downs, but I've sure learned a lot over the last year.
I went into this race, just thanking God that I am still alive, and that I have another chance to dispell the demons of last years debacle.
I jumped in the water, and it was like a baptism. I felt so at peace, ease. God was with me in the water, no doubt. Did the swim, felt great. Now I know you're looking at my 1:50 time, but I know I'm slow in the water, and I didn't care. Felt comfortable the whole way. I was ecstatic to get out of the water, and have the chance to continue.

Nothing.

a little chilled after getting out of the water. Grabbed my gear and headed out on the bike.

Legs still felt pretty good, looking forward to the run. The heat was getting up there.

Felt good going out on the run. I was actually looking forward to it. Started with a bottle of Powerbar Endurance, 3 scoops for 210 cals. Consumed an E-Gel after first mile. Felt good throughout the run. Started hitting the coke at mile 19, and chicken broth at mile 20. The sodium in the chicken broth was freakin' epic, as I was really depleted. The last 3 miles were pretty tough, but I was happy to finish under 4 hrs.

Take more endurolytes on the run.

Not to much. Given medal, grabbed some water and fruit. It amazes me how people can eat pizza & burgers after an IM. I would be doing some serious projectile vomiting!!!
Gathered gear bags & bike, and headed home. Tired & sore, wanted a shower & brush my teeth.
Thanked God for allowing me to have such an awesome day!!!!


Great race, will do it again 07. Hard to compare crowd support after doing IM WI the last two years.