I was prepared to get hit and kicked but the start wasn't that bad and we were only about 30 yards behind the start line by the bouys. I felt great going out east, because I could spot my line easily due to the sun and the swim seemed to be going great. I made it to Rural bridge and though the turn around is coming soon, but it seemed like forever before the turn around bouy. Here's were my swim got wierd. I couldn't spot the bouys going west. I know this should be easier, but I couldn't find them. I wish they were about three times the size they were. So, I started to sight off of the Mill bridge, but this wasn't agood idea because I was swerving all over the place. The next thing I knew I was up agaisnt the wall on the far right, so I corrected myself and next thing I was next to the bouys. This was getting frustrating after the third time this happens. I felt like I was swimming 3 miles instead of 2.4. Finally, I went under Mill bridge and started making my way to the steps. I WAS GOING TO FINISH the swim at IM!!! I was pumped when I got out of the water and the announcer even said my name and then said over 1,700 swimmers have gotten out of the water. After that, my bubble popped, but I got over it soon because I thought back to waht I just said in that I just finished an IM swimming distance with 50 minutes to spare. Considering I couldn't even swim 50 yards straight last year at this time I wasn't going to let that get me down! My wet suit stripper was extremely cool and before I knew it I was running to T@ with my suit in hand.

I need practice with OWS and get more lesson's.

The volunteers were incredible! I was running to get my T1 bag and before I knew it they handed it to me and into the changing tent I went. This place was very crowded, but I found a place to sit. I put on my jersey, helmet, socks, and shoes and off to get sunscreen lathered all over me. Ran into transition and my bike was waiting for me and ran to the mount line. I was wearing my NM jersey with a Zia symbol on the front and back, so people were yelling go NM. That was awesome.

Not much, maybe take things in more.

Three loop course and I know you all know it was very windy, and it was very windy. The first loop went well to plan in that I was going to spin and try to keep my HR low and try to puch the 2nd and 3rd laps, but as soon as I turned around on Beeline I knew the plan needed to be adjusted to not blow out my legs for the run. I was trying to shoot for 2hr laps, but my first one was around 2hr 9min. My second lap was faster, but I tried to hammer it when the wind was behind me and this almost drained me. I felt myself getting dehdrated from the wind and adjusted my food intake and hydration along with sodium. I knew I needed to get my levels back up on the bike to survive the run. So my third lap was the slowest of all of them. Overall, I consumed 4 Gatorades, 2 bottles of Perpetuem, 4 bottles of water in my Aero with Nuun, and 3 Power gels, 2 Uncrustables, 1 Cliff bar. I knew I could pushed harder on the bike and probably should have, but the wind was draining me so I was spinning at a higher cadence. Again, the volunteers were great and were very helpful. Thanks.

I would have tried to go harder on the bike and tried to adjust to the run on the run, but since this was my first IM it will be something to learn from.

I was so glad to get off the saddle and into T2. As I got off my bike the volunteers took my bike away and I saw my friend from PA and he was yelling f**k yeah, so I had to go over and give hime high five! Changed into my Craft Tri top and our I went. This transition went great and it seemed like I was in and out of there very quick. There was a guy sitting next to me in T2 that was getting a neck massage? And he was loving it waaay to much. Coming out of the tent I had five girls latering me up with sunscreen! This was awesome! The girl doing my face said I looked like a Margarita without the Tequlia. I told her she probably wouldn't like to taste me right now.LOL

Nothing

I came out of T2 and had to use the restroom and I was glad to see this! This was the first time I had used the restroom since the water. The first loop I felt great and I think averaged 10min miles. It was great to see all these people working soo hard to achieve there goals. I was coming to the second aid station and saw a BT suit and I introduced myself to Dgunthert. This lap seemed to go by very fast and the aid stations were great, especially the chicken broth! I saw Lobo on the run looking strong along with Madcow and Andy (Chile). Lap 2 went to same, but I was walking the aid stations more and trying to take everything in, I was feeling well enough to know I was going to finish and this made the run a lot better. I was thinking I should've gone harder on the bike, but then again I probably wouldn't be feeling this good on either. Lap 3 the aid stations started to get longer and slower, but I was still feeling pretty good. At mile 22 I didn't do a Power gel and I couldn't run to the next aid station! I fell short of my goal to run the majority of the marathon, but who cares. After the next aid station I was able to run the rest to the finish. My wife had signedmy son up to run down the chute with me so I was getting really excited to have my sone share this with me! I was meet first half way down the bridge by my fried from PA (Ryan) who's girldfriend called ahead to say I was coming. I was running down Mill and I was on could nine and I was rushed with emotion and then I saw my boy, Jake jumping up and down on the corning waiting for me and I wanted to cry! One of the main reasons I did this race was for the EXACT moment! I couldn't catch my breath and then I took his hand and together we ran down the chute listening to Mike Riley announce " Mike Montoya You Are An IRONMAN!!!!!!" My son was going crazy and I wouldn't have done it any other way. I know a lot of peopl don't like kids or family members running down with the athletes, but I don't care one bit! If it wasn't for the support from my family this goal would've never happened. So, this was his medal and glory as much as mine!

Talked with Lobo and our families, coach, and many NM Outlaws. Ate pizza, and picked up our bags and bike and went back to the Hotel. Ryan went to get Lobo and I a double monster style burger from IN-n-Out. Soaked in an epson salt bath and rubbed my legs down with Bi-Freeze.


Wind, and just being faster.


I can't wait to do another one! Thanks to ALL the volunteers, they were amazing. I learned a lot about myself over this past year and most of it was positive. BT was great with support and encouragement! I had a blast doing this race and I hope to spend more time with all of the BTer's next time! Good Job everyone!