tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80002520596461772002024-03-13T07:26:20.327-05:00left.right.repeatSee you at the finish lineleft.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-29985466982984876212013-01-01T13:51:00.001-06:002013-01-01T13:51:16.248-06:002013 - let's do this...If you successfully complete all of your New Year's Resolutions each year, you may stop reading and go to the next thing on your to do list, otherwise keep reading. <br />
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I have never been a big fan of New Year's Resolutions. Why not? That's easy - over 2/3 of resolutions never go anywhere, nothing materially changes, and after a few short "now I feel better about myself" workouts, healthy meals, or fewer cocktails...things revert to the norm, the old "reversion to the mean" theory. <br />
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Why is that? I think it is easy - resolutions are too broad - too unfocused - and typically not well planned. Similar to most people's goal setting process - there is no process. Little to no accountability. And no prize identified at the beginning, to work toward attaining. <br />
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How should you do it? <br />
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Be careful here - this is where the "watch out what you wish for" warning comes into play. Big, Bold Statement Warning - NO DREAM IS TOO BIG IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH. <br />
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There - I said it - say it with me - NO dream is too big if I want it bad enough. <br />
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As I cautioned you, be careful - this is how my Ironman quest began. It took almost three year to get there. Would you work three years for your dream? What about thirteen? Or thirty? It might take that long. But the journey begins in a matter of seconds - it's called commitment. <br />
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Here's another word you won't like - change. Yep, it's change. I know you don't like change. Get over it. It's a requirement. Don't kid yourself. It won't happen without change. Remember that whole "insanity is doing the same thing expecting different results"? That's also the definition of stupidity, dumb, simple-minded, frustration and failure. It doesn't work and it won't work for you. So suck it up, buttercup. By definition we agree change is required. <br />
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So here's how it work.<br />
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1 Select the dream.<br />
2 write down the steps to achieve it<br />
3 write down the obstacles<br />
4 figure out what it takes to overcome the obstacles<br />
5 determine if the steps to achieve and the steps to overcome the obstacles are "worth it" - in other words - is the PRIZE worth the PRICE. <br />
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Simple, right? Yes it is SIMPLE - just not EASY. <br />
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Lets look at each step, here's how my Ironman dream became reality. <br />
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1 The dream/goal/resolution: complete a triathlon. <br />
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2 Steps - the original triathlon I found in 2007 was a super sprint distance. Swim - 200 yards<br />
Bike - 9 miles<br />
Run 1.25 miles<br />
Seemed doable but I needed a plan - so I found a training plan online. The training was reasonable and the time required to train was okay and the weeks left to train were acceptable. Lets do this. <br />
<br />
3 Obstacles - <br />
I don't own a bike.<br />
I play in the water, I don't SWIM. <br />
I haven't run in 25 years, seriously. <br />
I don't know if I can do this. This was the big one. <br />
<br />
4 overcoming obstacles. <br />
No bike - Debbie said "buy a bike"<br />
Can't swim? Do some research, maybe take a lesson. I think I can swim 200 yards. <br />
No running for 25 years? Two feet, two socks, two shoes - start slowly and see what you can do each day. <br />
The big one - confidence. Debbie was very supportive from the first mention of this crazy idea. She and our daughter Taylour were the only people who knew I was doing this - I didn't want to let them down. Or myself. <br />
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Was the prize worth it?<br />
Oh yeah it was. That crazy little triathlon led to my first Ironman finish in 2009 but it also taught me a lot more. It taught me I could do what I wanted to do, if I wanted it bad enough. It taught me the process. It is a process that works in all parts of life when applied. <br />
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Two final thoughts - eliminate negative thought and talk. Nothing negative. Negative people in your life - avoid them. You may find they are holding you back. Look for reasons why you WILL do something - why you CAN do something. <br />
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Finally, share your plan with someone. Be sure they are positive and will support you BUT also hold you accountable. They can let you slack. They are there to help you achieve your dream. If you can't think of anyone to help you with this step, let me know. I will help you. <br />
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No excuses, dream big, do it. Commit. <br />
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See you at the finish line. <br />
left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-79172914126959838552012-11-24T13:37:00.002-06:002012-11-24T13:37:40.325-06:00Here we go again...So a week ago I did it again.
I signed up for Ironman Arizona. Yes, there it is, I did it again. Knowing the pain, the discipline required, the training, the commitment, the time --- and of course the GLORY. That is probably the best word I have come up with to describe the finish line.
GLORY.
There just aren't words to properly convey the feeling when you enter that chute, when you lay awake the night before and dream of the line, when you look at the built up finish structure as you walk around pre-race and certainly, when you cross under that structure.
GLORY.
So it starts again - or really - did it ever end?
See you at the finish line.
Bryanleft.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-41498407311967776082012-09-15T20:51:00.001-05:002012-09-15T20:51:48.047-05:00Long Run TomorrowPlanning to get up and get it done. <br />
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Giddy up. <br />
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See you at the finish line. left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-53780539020331678322012-08-19T08:33:00.001-05:002012-08-19T08:33:51.159-05:00First run since my boo-booJust in from my first post bike crash run. I fell 7 weeks ago, this run was a test. Oh, it felt GREAT to be out on the road again. <br />
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The ribs - okay - just a bit of a pull once or twice. The hip - felt weird - no pain - just still a bit swollen and numb. Just weird. <br />
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I took no watch. I took no music. Just me, my shoes and water. It was awesome. Ran when I felt like it, walked when I felt the need. <br />
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I wanted to go further but checked that and shut it down. We will see what the recovery is like and do it again. <br />
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Running - can't believe I am going to say this - but - I missed you. <br />
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Training to hopefully run a few halfs this fall. Who else is in?<br />
<br />
See you at the finish line. <br />
B<br />
left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-60335626308623459012012-07-28T16:27:00.002-05:002012-07-28T16:27:31.549-05:00I Made The CallIt is with a heavy heart I write this....
After much thought, prayer, consideration and medical consultation, I have withdrawn from Ironman Canada.
It was one of the harder decisions of my life and I did not make it lightly. I wanted to talk about it here in case you are ever faced with a tough call on a race, or something even more important (although I really don't know what could be more important).
As you know, I was racing in honor of 4 of my co-workers who are prostate cancer survivors racing for Team Newton and I was very honored to be invited to be part of the team by the Newton folks. One of the difficult factors was that I was racing to honor others, another factor was that I had been invited to be part of the team.
Then, came the physical part. My hip is still swollen 35 days after my crash. My hip/leg is still numb. My ribs are not fully healed. I was looking at 3 more training weeks and then race weekend. While my base was in, to be able to get in two big rides with runs at a minimum would have been difficult. BUT still I was in.
There is a BIG mental side to this game. BIG. It is about race execution, being smart, staying inside yourself, working your plan, execution. Many of you know that I write the word EXECUTE on one arm in permanent marker and BELIEVE on the other. It settles me when I find myself headed to an unavoidable dark spot. My mental side could not fathom that a relatively low speed bike wreck could ruin my Canadian quest. It wasn't a fast wreck. There wasn't much road rash at all. No infection. Just cracked ribs and a bruised hip with some nerve damage. A bruise. That's it. Nothing broken. Nothing fractured. Just bruised.
So, this past week, I had to make a decision. In or Out. No one else's decision. Just mine. I did consult with medical professionals, fellow Ironman finishers, lay people, work associates, family and other friends but in the end I made the call. It was a very emotional day, I knew the decision, I didn't want to admit it. I knew what was right. I knew permanent damage could be the result. I also knew the high that I would not get this year. I knew the personal satisfaction fix would not occur in 2012. I knew I wouldn't hear the words - you know what they are. But I made the call.
I am still bummed - I know, I know, I know - I did the right thing. So? Why still bummed. That's how good it is. That's how good it feels. That's what it means. It IS that big.
I do want to add the positive side. Newton has assured me I will be included if they do a team next year. Those people are awesome.
Also, I am looking at maybe doing TWO next year. Canada and Arizona - how about a double fix? I wonder what that will be like. I will be at IMAZ this year to volunteer and sign up - how about joining me? Come on - what's stopping you?
See you at the finish line,
Bryanleft.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-65122508999345431762012-07-21T20:35:00.003-05:002012-07-21T20:35:39.453-05:00Sorry for the long delay but here's the latest...
A quick Bryan update. My crash was four weeks ago. I have 5 weeks to Canada. I haven't swam in a month (ribs - still). I haven't run more than 25 yards in a month (hip and ribs). And I have ridden twice - once for 60 mins and once for 90.
I am going to try a short run tomorrow. I am worried but the plan is go to the land of the Canuck and see what happens.
The doc says the nerve damage in the hip could take a year to heal. It is still swollen and painful to the touch but the bruising is gone.
If anyone wants to see one KILLER bruise let me know and I will send you an almost pornographic shot but the bruise was too incredible to not document. My brother saw the bruise live at its peak and asked when I was selling my bike. HA - NEVER.
I am pot committed (for you poker players) and ALL IN.
I just got back from 10 days on the beach. I am also 6 pounds heavier than 4 weeks ago. I have a bunch of stuff to do. Let's go!!!
See you at the finish line,
Bleft.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-7258602023428196572012-03-10T10:02:00.001-06:002012-03-10T10:02:43.652-06:00Cowtown Challenge 2012Race Report....Race Report....Race Report....Race Report
The Cowtown Challenge 2012. So at the Cowtown marathon if you run a race on Saturday and a race on Sunday you get a Challenge Medal too so since I am all about the bling I decided to run both days....two runs, three medals...what a deal!!!
Cowtown was Deb's first marathon so she was geeked up and ready to head to the expo the minute it opened...I calmed her a bit and we waited until about noon on Friday but she was ready to go get some swag. We had a fun afternoon as I had taken the day off work so we just hung out and had fun. To bed early Friday night as I had a run on Saturday.
I got up early Saturday while Deb stayed in bed and drove to downtown Ft Worth. I had chosen to just run the 5k on Saturday with the Half on Sunday....MISTAKE...more on that later. There were a BUNCH of people there already as the 10k started earlier than the 5k...it was chilly but not too uncomfortable. The 5k was uneventful except for the woman homeowner standing on the course that was in a flourescent vest and a had road construction flag screaming into a bullhorn to "STAY OFF MY GRASS" "STAY OUT OF MY YARD" - did I mention she did not look as if she had ever run a step and was not interested in us enjoying our run either. I did step on her grass just because that is how I am...a nice request would totally have been respected but she was downright rude....
And then - THE FINISH - I cruise down the chute - music throbbing - speakers wailing - names being called and a few 10k stragglers finishing and getting their medals....did I mention THEIR medals....yep...dang it....there were only medals for the 10k so I screwed up my three for two deal....I would only get two medals for two races...I was looking for the bonus...
Fast forward to Sunday -
Up early and on our way to Ft Worth - Deb is nervous I can tell but we just review her execution plan...we wrote sone notes on her hand so she would know what to do if necessary. When we were almost there I asked her if she wanted me to run with her until the course split...she looked very relieved and asked if I would do that....well of course I would....I was not even thinking PR and even if I had been this day was about her....so we find some friends also running and hang out waiting for the start...BANG and we are off...I kept Deb on her pacing and run/walk plan through the first 10 miles. Shortly thereafter I peel off as the course splits and dial up the pace to have some fun during the last three miles...I was pretty fresh as I had been running her marathon pace so I was encouraging people I passed to "come on...run with the old man". I got a few walkers running again and several people at least smiled and picked up their attitude and pace...we only had 3 miles left...."you got this"...and I then I saw HER. Struggling up a hill....really struggling....BARELY moving....pushing....hard...looking like it might not happen. I passed....then stopped turned around and started clapping for her and yelling encouragement...she looked up....she smiled....she pushed up her glasses and she said "I'm coming"...I said "I am waiting for you"....several others stopped to clap and encourage her as well. She lowered her hands back to the wheels and began to urge her chair up the hill. I kept backing up the hill and she kept coming...she looked at me at one point and said "I am going to kick your ass going downhill" and I knew she would...she made it to the top....I turned and started running down the hill - about halfway down she went by me like a freight train - her 2 cyclist escorts were even working to keep up...and she laughed as she passed me....I yelled for her again....we now had a bit over 2 miles to the finish....on the next flat....after her quarter mile lead I finally caught her....she said "it took you long enough"...and I ran beside her for a while...then there was another hill...I ran ahead and organized a small handfull of spectators to chant Courtney Courtney Courtney as she came up that hill....I took off and her she came screaming down the hill again...it was pretty much flat from there to the finish but I have to tell you that I realized what is flat to you and me is NOT FLAT....I could tell how much she worked to get that chair up the road....amazing....a few people asked how long I had known her...I said about 20 minutes....one person said....how do you get to the tops of these hills ahead of me every time....I said..."it's only to get Courtney there too"....this was such a great day... Deb for 10 miles and then running with a challenged athlete for three miles....so cool....and then we were in the chute and done...medals all around....I congratulated Courtney on her finish...walked over to the Miller Lite truck and had a couple of beers...ate a banana and headed to the car to get the mountain bike out.
I changed shirts, put on some wind pants and headed backwards on the course to find Deb....a few friends had come out to support Sherpa Deb as she had supported them and so I knew exactly where she was...I got out to the area between mile nineteen and twenty and ran into a group of our friends there for Debbie. A short time later she came around the corner looking great....still run/walking according to plan....our friends headed to the finish and I rode with Deb on her journey....we talked about the time apart from each other and that got her through a couple more miles. She was playing leapfrog with a couple of other people but she also passed a few as they were slowing and she was consistent with her execution. About mile 22.5 there was a run club group with a table of small cups of beer...Deb had one and they gave me a full can...LOVE the people of Texas - I poured it into an empty water bottle and thought I would be able to make it to the finish....About mile 24 Drew showed up to run in with Deb - he's a friend of ours and was a great source of encouragement and distraction through those last steps on her journey....we exited the park...she had a left turn and two right turns and then she was a MARATHONER.....she finished...it was slow...no one cared....she did it....26.2 rockin miles...way to go Deb!!!
Off to lunch with friends...several margaritas.....then a nap and off to bed early that night....WHAT A GREAT DAY.....see you at the finish line.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-83665206876155536132012-01-28T13:50:00.001-06:002012-01-28T13:52:17.712-06:00Hello 2012I ran a 15k a couple of weeks ago called Bold in the Cold - great day - slow run. Deb PR'd the half marathon on her way to the Cowtown full marathon (her first) in February. <br /><br />Then today we decided to run the Texas Half. <br /><br />Half marathon - well....it got done. You have all heard of a PR or PB - that's a personal record or a personal best. Mine was a PW - personal worst. I wasn't expecting a PR but I wasn't expecting what I got either. I am not really trained right now so that is one reason/excuse. I stopped 3 times to pee - thought of y'all every time and I stopped 3-4 times to stretch. My hip flexors/psoas were acting up. There is some ART - Active Release Therapy in my future. <br /><br />It was also a tougher course than I expected and really windy. <br /><br />Takeaway - not every race is going to be a great race / PR. Some days are just goin to be tough - and then we get it done. We are also smart and don't hurt ourselves. We also start re-evaluating our goals/plans for the day. Today became about encouraging others. Today became about picking up people who seemed to be hurting. ( I am beginning to think this may be my calling - I LOVE getting people to the finish line - especially their first.). Today became about others - maybe it should have been that way all along. <br /><br />Happy weekend everybody.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-65028825381567363182011-12-03T20:01:00.002-06:002011-12-03T21:14:06.428-06:00Once Upon a TimeOnce upon a time, in 1982, a young man watched Wide World of Sports and saw a woman named Julie Moss lose control of her faculties on a road in Hawaii just a few yards from the finish line of the Ironman World Championships. She finished, she staggered, fell, walked, crawled, cried, refused help and she finished. The young man wondered why anyone would want to do that - no matter how cool it seemed. How unbelievable it was that a human could do all that in one day - a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride and then a 26.2 mile run - and live to tell about it. Once a year, from that time, that young man watched the Ironman World Championships and was awed by the athletes that conquered "the toughest day in endurance sports."<br /><br />And then one day it happened, the offhand comment by a stranger in a locker room planted a seed, that germinated and was harvested at a micro sprint triathlon a few months later. One thing led to another and then in 2009, I completed my first Ironman in Arizona. It has consumed me. I think of Ironman every day. Last year, I completed Ironman Florida - another 140.6 mile journey in less than 17 hours. I cannot begin to describe what the finish line feels like - if you have done it, you know you can't put it into words, and if you haven't done it, well, you wouldn't understand anyway.<br /><br />Two weeks ago, I once again found myself in Tempe, AZ, a few days from starting my third Ironman. This one would be different. Due to a new job in July and a relocation in September, my training was almost non-existent. Not a good thing and certainly not recommended. You hear people talking about training 20-30 hours a week and you realize that you have hardly trained that much in total (not really but it was almost that bad). I knew what to expect, I have total respect for Ironman and I knew it was going to be a rough day. But I was going to give it a shot - I was going to work through the day and if I ran out of time - well, I would just have to deal with that. I didn't know how I would feel about it, but I knew disappointment would be an understatement. In the few days leading up to the race I attempted to stay calm, I knew I couldn't afford to expend any energy in any non-productive ways. There were four of use from the "You Are An Ironman" book there as well as Jacques Steinberg, the author, we did a panel on Friday afternoon that was a blast and then signed books in the merchandise tent for a few hours on Friday and a short time on Saturday.<br /><br />And then I was awake at 2am on Sunday morning eating. Yep, breakfast at 2am, and not because you have been out partying - my party was on Sunday. So it was sports drink, banana and peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Then back to bed and awake again at 4:45. Shower, dress, grab the final checklist and stuff and off we go. Body marking, airing the tires, filling the bottles all went well and then it was over the the little tree for Mark and I to meet up with Debbie and Mark's wife and daughter. Shortly thereafter, we squeezed ourselves into our wetsuits, kissed the girls goodbye and began to make our way to the swim start area. I wanted to get in the water in time to easily get out to the start area without rushing but I also didn't want to get in too early as the water was COLD. The report was low 50 degrees water. I believe the report.<br /><br />BOOM! Off go the pros and then very quickly thereafter, BOOM!!! and we are swimming. Mark and I were right together at the start and that would be one of the few times I saw him that day. It was on....work the swim....bumping....smacking....hitting....getting hit....minor kicks...down the first leg I go. All the "washing machine" stuff is real, but it has never really been that bad for me. I am a pretty slow swimmer so maybe I am just behind it all very quickly and never really feel it, but there are a lot of people around and that can be a bit unnerving at first. Halfway through the swim I checked my watch and was pleased. Just a couple of minutes slower than the last two years. Just keep working and keep your heart rate down. The second half of the swim was long and uneventful and I think they kept moving the bridge further and further away from me. Finally I turn toward the steps and grind my way across Tempe Town Lake to be pulled from the lake by a great volunteer. I cannot say enough for the volunteers all day - and half the night - they were all great. Got the wetsuit stripped off and headed to the changing tent, pretty cold.<br /><br />Changed clothes, had a great volunteer helping - it was steamy in the tent but I was still pretty cold. Headed out to get my bike, got rubbed down with some sunscreen, there's my bike - okay, let's see how this part goes. A quick aside here, the winds had been light all week - beautiful, Ironman weather really, but we had seen forecasts as low as 3 mph for the wind up to 34 mph for the wind. It seemed even the meteorologists didn't know what was coming. Out through the technical part in town I go, headed for the Beeline and whatever wind awaited. The wind actually was blowing in town (not a good sign in my experience) and when I got out to the Beeline Highway, the wind was in my face. I got up to the turnaround and came flying back down the slight hill with the wind back toward town feeling good about my ride so far but bad about my gut. Nausea is not a good thing on an Ironman day. Stomach squawking, gut spasms...shut up and ride. Nothing you can do about it...get through it. Making the turn around in town to start the second bike loop, I knew what was coming. The second loop is a tough mental loop. Gone is the excitement of loop one and the relief and exhilaration of loop 3 is a long way away...shut up and ride. Positive thoughts. Heading out of town I realize the wind is blowing harder, and from a different direction - we are going to climb out with the wind, and come back to town with the wind in our face, negating the slight downhill on the way back to town...shut up and ride. Made it to the turnaround in pretty good shape but the ride back to town was just tough. Very tough. Control the mind. There are a lot fewer people out here now, the neck and shoulders hurt, the seat hurts, the legs hurt...shut up and ride. I get back to the turn at the transition area and it takes EVERYTHING I have to turn that bike around and head back out. I know Ray is volunteering out on the Beeline at an aid station so maybe I will get to see him this loop, shouldn't be too much traffic. The wind is the same direction and a bit harder but not that bad - hey, there's Ray. He tells me later I did not look good, hey, I know that. I FINALLY get to the turnaround and head back to town, elated to be headed in but I know time is beginning to be a factor. I will make the bike cutoff but I am worrying about how much I will be able to run. I do NOT feel well. Shut up and ride...see how it goes. On the way back, Ray yells at me "are you alright, buddy?" My response, "I don't know." I get off the Beeline and then it seems to take forEVER to get through town. I make the turn onto Rio Salado, there is like, no one still out here - everyone is on the run - well, almost everyone...hey, Mike Reilly is calling someone an Ironman...I still have a marathon to run. Shut up and run...<br /><br />I reach the dismount line, get off the bike, get my land legs back, give my bike to a great volunteer and go over to pick up my bike to run bag...there sure aren't many bags left - makes mine really easy to find. Jacques walks up and asks how I am, I say sick, he says "you don't look very good", "I don't feel very good" - he comes into the tent with me and we talk a few minutes as I change. I am beginning to feel a bit better...he takes my picture...and asks me if I am going to go out on the marathon...oh, yeah...I don't know what will happen, I don't know if I can run but I am doing this race in honor of Lyman, who is battling ALS, and I am also carrying a bead for Team Beads of Courage - for a kid who is undergoing cancer treatment - I cannot just quit - I will not just quit - I may run out of time but I will be moving when it happens.<br /><br />Out I go, it is 10 minutes until 5, I have just over 7 hours - I start doing math and start walking. I am feeling better...what...yeah, I am feeling better. At the 1/2 mile mark is an aid station, I take in a few calories and a bit of water and I feel like I can run. Take it easy cowboy - a bit at a time here - run a bit, walk a bit, see how it goes. Then I am to the bridge, coming back on the other side of the lake...and out on the second part of the first loop. About 2:10 for the first loop...I am looking better on time, keep moving like that on the second loop and you will be able to walk the whole third loop if necessary. Go.... First part of the second loop goes well - hey look, there's Ray - we move together for a few minutes, laugh about how I looked on the bike and he tells me "you got this" - I know he is lying - I still have a lot of work to do and I am trying to put time in the bank for the third loop but the second part of this loop is tough...I am about 1/2 way through the marathon - it feels like I am further along but I am not, shut up and run...this loop will end and then you are on the last loop. Get it done. I grind through the rest of loop two. Mark is getting close to finishing...he is going to finish well under his goal. I feel good - happy for him and thinking I am in pretty good shape.<br /><br />As I near the end of loop two, I come to the place where the volunteer says, left to finish, right for loops 1, 2 or 3....this is my last time to be forced to go right. I tell him I will see him in a couple of hours. He'll be here. I catch up with two ladies talking about the time, they are worried, it is their first Ironman, they are slowing, I tell them, "come with me, we will get there"...I am confident in my math and my pace. As long as nothing goes really wrong on this loop...shut up and move....we walk, we jog a bit to stretch our legs and we walk some more. We talk, one lady lost her husband to cancer 5 years ago, she needed something to fill her time...I thought a dog would have been an easier alternative but we talked about what he would be telling her right now....emotional...cool...we keep moving...coming over the bridge toward the park I see Debbie....ah, it has been too long..."how are you?" "It's going to be late, but I will make it, and then I am going to medical." We turn out of the park and head out for the last 5.5 miles...we are going to make this. We overtake another lady who joins our parade and I ask the ladies what their finish line celebration is going to be...they all say "we are finishing together" and I explain we are not...we are going one at a time...so they can OWN their finish line...not share it with anyone...it is THEIRS. I will cross last...I am going to roll the Blazeman Warrior roll and I also want to watch each of them become an Ironman. We grind through the back side, most of the party is over back there, people are cleaning up, time is waning, a few hard core volunteers still congratulate us and give us treats. I love volunteers...thanks to all. We see several people headed out to the back part of the loop and one of the ladies says "are they going to make it?" and the reality hits that the rest of these people have very little if any chance of finishing inside the limit. We move...and head over the bridge, about a mile from the finish. "Bryan, is it okay if I get emotional now?" as tears are rolling down her face. "yes"...this is one of the really cool moments of my life, watching this happen. We approach the cut off to the finish, I stop and hug the volunteer, the young man returns the hug. I explain we are going to veer left, go through the parking lot, a few steps on the street and a left turn into the finishing chute....slow down....SLOW DOWN....OWN IT....ENJOY....take it in - you will NEVER have another first Ironman finish line. I watch as each is proclaimed an Ironman...my smile is huge....fist bump for Mike Reilly...and then THE ROLL....a moment I have thought of for a year. I even got off the ground unaided. A great hug from Deb, then Bob and Mary Ann Blais were there and then Jacques was there - it's been quite a journey my friend. Pictures were taken and then I saw her, a newly forged Ironman, tears in her eyes, "I will never forget you." Me either.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-11351704147267376202011-09-17T12:28:00.001-05:002011-09-17T12:30:27.445-05:00New BeginningsDateline 9.16.2011<br />It's been a while since I fired up a post here but I thought today would be a good day to post.<br /><br />Today, Sherpa Deb and I are on our way to NY for the launch weekend of the You Are An Ironman book. This is the multi-year project of Jacques Steinberg that I have been involved with since 2008. It has been a very interesting process, watching a book from its true infancy, through each stage of life. Seeing it, holding it, reading it has been an experience I will never forget. <br /><br />Reading the stories of the other 5 athletes in the book kept me glued to the book and I laughed and fought alongside them on tough training days. Not knowing it when we were training but certainly appreciating their company on those long rides when I thought I was alone.<br /><br />A special thanks to Jacques, who marshaled all of us into some sort of information transmitter, to get him the necessary material to tell, what in my opinion, is a very cool story - actually five very cool stories - and mine (but who knows if anyone other than my mom and me will think that part of the book is cool?)<br /><br />Also, several of you have been along for the journey so you know many of the tales in the book already but I want to say thanks for riding along. You have made my ride much more enjoyable.<br /><br />See you at the finish line,<br />Bryanleft.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-52395233079357275342010-12-18T17:29:00.001-06:002010-12-18T17:30:25.532-06:00Happy Holidays to AllHappy Holidays everybody....I'll be back soon.<br /><br />See you at the finish line...left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-46469401086170752072010-11-08T20:47:00.001-06:002010-11-08T20:49:22.741-06:00IMFL 2010 Race ReportFlorida RR<br />So on Saturday November 6, I found myself on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico with about 2500 of my crazy friends getting ready to embark on a king sized journey. The air temperature is high thirties or low forties and we are about to go for a swim. See I told you they were crazy. But first a little background on the trip.<br /><br />Debbie and I arrived in The Sunshine State on Wednesday with rain, scattered thunderstorms, wind, low temperatures and forecasts of more to come. My plan on Wednesday was to drive the bike course, get through athlete check in and do a quick ride to be sure all was in order. It rained all day on Wednesday including the time I waited outside in a reasonable line to take care of athlete check in, I correctly thought the lines would be much longer on Thursday as those lines would include new arrivals and those folks who had sense enough to stay out of the rain, i got checked in, picked up my bike also in the rain and made a quick pass through the expo deciding to save the ride for Thursday. <br /><br />Thursday dawned, okay you couldn't see the sun due to the cloud cover but I just know it was there, with some light rain. My bike was dry and ready for a check ride. Deb drove out a few miles ahead of me and I rode about three miles before it started to rain pretty hard. I really had wanted to ride a bit more of the course but it just was not to be at that time. Did I mention it was windy and cool? About noon on Thursday I saw blue sky for the first time. There wasn't much but it was there. So on went the wetsuit and out to the Gulf I went for a swim. There were about a half dozen or so people in the water and it felt really good. The water was in the low 70s so warmer than the air by a bit. I got out of the water and went for a very easy run and then my onsite prep work was complete. <br /><br />I took Friday completely off. Friday morning the cold front had arrived complete with "angry ocean", big wind, and cold. Hmmmm, uh, Sunshine State? I looked out the window and saw several folks headed out to swim - I am sure just to get a feel for it and get their minds right in case that was the hand we were dealt. I decided to deal with it Saturday if necessary. The talk on Friday was swimming was tough with big current and waves. The weather guys were predicting the coldest day in Panama City this year for Saturday and the locals were worried about plants and trees. I went to bed early. <br /><br />I woke up at 2am to eat and had actually slept pretty well. After eating I stared at the ceiling a bit but also got a bit more sleep before I was up for good about 4:15. Left to walk to transition at about 5 and breezed right through body marking. The volunteers were great here, I had two working on me at once. Shoulders marked, thighs marked, calf aged and "Believe" on one forearm and "Execute" on the other. I then rolled my bike over for air. There were three people ahead of me so as I got closer I loosened my valves. The rear core flew off at about 100 miles an hour. Of course there was zero chance of finding it in the dark so I moved to the bike tech tent for a new valve extension. No waiting, valve core replaced, tire aired, disaster averted. I went into the hotel to find somewhere warm to sit down. That was such great idea over the next several minutes the entire population of the United States wandered in with me. There was no one by the swim start and no one seemed to be in a hurry to get down there. We finally had to suit up and go. I stopped by the VIP viewing area to tell Debbie and Taylour bye and stubbed my toe going up the stairs - great - a stubbed frozen digit. I said my goodbyes and was actually one of the early ones across the swim mat. I stood in the water to keep my feet warmer until they made us get out. During the National Anthem i looked around to take in the whole scene, tons of people, spectators and athletes, anxious faces, music, nervous adjusting of goggles, shouts of encouragement. Then BOOM - it was time to go. A whole bunch of people moving into the water at once, deeper, deeper, a bit further, now swim. I ran aground on bodies, okay, slide off and swim again. Big right to left current, stay to the right and let the current carry you over to the buoys. Big kick to the left side of the face, no blood, no foul, swim on. Arms flailing, legs flying, multiple body blocks, there have been less physical UFC fights. It was a tough start to the first lap - but as always, it clears up and you can get in a rhythm and get your swim on. Beautiful clear water and some interesting wildlife to look at, oh that's the orange turn buoy. Make a left turn and let the current help you, now turn back to shore and stay inside as much as you can so the current doesn't carry you down the beach. The last few yards of the swim loop were really much colder water, noticeably so. Out of the water, across the mat, look, there's Debbie and Taylour, halfway done, a quick drink and then follow the line back into the water. Much less contact on the second loop. I have heard the water on the second loop is usually rougher but I didn't really notice a difference. Make the turns and bring it home. A pretty even split and an okay swim overall for me. Wetsuit stripped and then through the hanging hoses for a rinse. Could it be colder?<br /><br />Into T1, just methodically got dressed and moved on out. I went with a compression top, jersey and arm warmers and kept them all on the entire bike ride. Many wore more, many wore less, but I think I was dressed just right for me. I had taken in some salt water on the swim so I went with just water to try to dilute that and the possible effects for the first 15 miles or so before I started hitting the calories. I didn't feel sick but I didn't feel great either so I just took it easy on the ride and tried to get in some water. Out 79 to 20 was uneventful but the calories were just not going down and I was getting further and further behind on my eating plan. I hear Rich in my head sayIng less is better so I am okay with it, just aware. Look at that sign, i think it is indicating bears in the are, that's interesting. About mile 30-35 the leader goes by at mile 80-85, now in a word, that kinda sucks..I have a long way to go. By the way the wind is picking up and it seems to have been on my nose in both directions. I make the turn to go south and it is not only a nice road, it is downwind...ahhhh...speed. And then it ends, we turn again onto 388 and there's the wind - really how can it be in my face again? Taking it past =================, the road turns to crap. There are cracks every where and your junk is bouncing. There are water bottles, tubes, CO2 cartridges, a Thanksgiving turkey, all manner of fodder scattered on the road. Pay attention here, dodge the stuff, try to find a smooth spot and it is about here that it feels i have slowed to a crawl and the distance isn't moving on my power meter. Just ride through it, the feeling will subside, moods oscillate all day, let's ride. There's the turnaround. Head back, bumps continue. Wind in my face out, wind in my face back, perfect. Turn right onto ======. Guess what, yep, wind in my face. Three miles and then back onto 20. Now this is interesting, not only is the wind in my face but those look like hills.....NO......NO.......NO.......Florida is pancake flat. Folks, if your pancakes look like that, don't call me for breakfast. Shut Up And Ride, you baby. Mmmmmm, my left Achilles seems to be tightening up - monitor that. Stop at the aid station and stretch at mile 70 or so, mount up and let's get this done. Feeling pretty good at this point. Make the turn at highway 79 expecting a tailwind, nope. But it is not too bad, just no help either. Turn to the Steelfield Dump, wind across me, turnaround, wind across on the way back too. Drop back onto 79, take it back into town, turn on the Beach Road and get blown around as the wind channels through the buildings, be alert here, almost done, don't let anything bad happen now. Look at the calm water in the Gulf, and the breeze in onshore now instead of offshore as it was this morning. At least that explains some of the bike course wind. Bear to the right on Thomas and woohoo there's the dismount line. Thank you, marvelous people for taking my bike. I head to transition. <br /><br />I feel okay now but I am concerned about my lack of calories. I have taken in less than half of what I expected. I stretch a bit, change into dry comfortable clothes and prepare for what I know will be a long marathon. As I come out of T2 i ask a volunteer to tell Debbie (who was volunteering at the finish line) that I was heading out on the run. This was the only volunteer to let me down - he didn't get word to Debbie - but I believe he tried and was just unable to find her. I worked my run/walk strategy through the first few miles keeping my pace in check and monitoring my Achilles and other ever-present-by-this-point aches, but nothing seemed critical. I got to the park before dark so I got to see the park in the daylight which was good as I had heard it was dark and lonely later in the evening. I was intrigued by the Don't Feed The Wildlife sign until I came upon the alligator sign. A guy beside me said, "don't worry, they move really slow in the cold". HELLO, have you checked my pace. I am moving really slow too. Out of the park and back toward the turnaround I go. Happy to see lights and a few people. Back onto Surf drive - this is a party - and then veer onto Thomas to get down to the turnaround. I would really like to go to the right but i have another lap So out I go, less runners, oh yeah, it's getting late, keep up the pace - you are fine. I can tell I am slowing but only minimally at this point, Achilles is not happy, stomach is not happy, head and heart team up to tell them to Shut Up. I am struggling at the entrance to the park, there are not many other runners, I am wondering just how fast IS a cold alligator, but I keep moving, running a bit, walking more. There's the Ford Inspiration Station - look, there's my name, Debbie says, "hurry up". I laugh and run a bit. About 6.5 miles to go. Let's get this done. You know the next 6 miles, they hurt, period. It hurts to walk, it hurts to run, it just hurts. I run as I can, my Achilles screams, I walk - over and over. Then I see the turn to Surf. This will be over soon. I stop to get a rock out of my shoe that I have enjoyed for about 12 miles. Don't ask why I waited until now. I couldn't tell you, but I am thinking I don't want that rock in my shoe at the finish line. It made sense at the time. I make the two little curves onto Thomas and can see the Alvin's Island that leads to the finish chute. I am beginning to run a bit. Hey, nothing really hurts. There's the finish. Listen to the crowd. High fives on both sides of the chute. I hear I am an Ironman for the second time. Wow, this finish line is heavEN. <br /><br />Debbie and Taylour catch me. A great moment to share with my wife and daughter. Debbie puts my medal around my neck. An unforgettable moment. Off to food and massage. What a day. <br /><br />Retrospectively, I had a tough day, no excuses. Just a tough day. Some things didn't work out the way I planned. Having an execution plan is important. Being able to adapt and improvise intelligently is critical. left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-87559367671178266022010-09-06T17:21:00.002-05:002010-09-06T17:31:43.561-05:00The Austin Triathlon 2010Quick race report. <br /><br />We started as a late age group- old men. Water felt great and swim was uneventful. I thought I was going really slowly but I did have an ok time for me. Right in line with most Oly swims. I came out of the water and on the run to T1 it started to rain. <br /><br />I mean RAIN. <br /><br />It poured through the first 17 miles of the bike so I was very very careful. Several bodies on the streets really make you think. My goal is to stay upright this year. I found myself with a death grip on the aerobars a couple of times and had to remind myself to relax or I would tense myself into going down. There is a long gradual hill you do 3 times and I let it go to 30 but that was IT. Usually that is a 35-36 mph flight for a short while. I dialed the bike way back to stay rubber side down but it didn't cost me that much. <br /><br />The run was pretty good the sun came out and it got hot and humid. Got er done and then ate a bit. Took a while to cool down - had a great shower and Deb and I headed home. <br /><br />After about a 90 minute drive I put up the bike, rinsed the wetsuit and took a 15 minute nap. if you ever find yourself in Austin on Labor Day you should do this race.<br /><br />See you at the finish line.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-10137829828555904792010-06-27T13:41:00.001-05:002010-06-27T13:41:08.858-05:00A Magic MomentEating last night at a table adjacent to a group of four including one fella who looked just like Santa Claus. Watched a couple of young boys, obviously big and little brother walk over scared with dad watching from afar to talk to "Santa". The dude was way cool to them, asked about school and summer and stuff and told them to be good. <br /><br />From the look on the face of the little one, he probably didn't sleep last night and already has a lock on his presentation for "what I did on summer break". <br /><br />Very, very cool. I am glad to have shared in that moment. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-64170909827716831142010-06-22T13:19:00.001-05:002010-06-22T13:19:51.838-05:00Goodbye my friendLast night I said goodbye to a great friend. A friend who was only with me a short time, just a couple of years, but had a profound impact in my life. My friend was with me on many long bike rides, the first time I rode outside in twenty five years or so my friend was there. My first triathlon, my friend was there, the first time I rode fifty miles, my friend was there. As you can tell, a great, great friend. Not my biggest fan, that would be Sherpa Deb, but certainly a training partner extraordinaire. <br /><br />With that said, you can imagine my emotion when I pulled into a parking lot last night and took my bike out of the truck to show to it's new prospective owner. I was sad for just moments as I saw the sparkle in his eyes as he admired the shape, the form, the look. He actually whispered, "I have been looking for you for months." He climbed on and rode around the parking lot over and over and I knew my friend was moving on to another chapter of life. New roads, new friends, new training.<br /><br />It was time to share my friend, I mean, I was up to four bikes and I am certain I can only ride three at a time. So to my friend I say, "what a long strange trip it's been". And to Chris, "Oh the places you'll go."<br /><br />Enjoy, it's been a great ride. See you at the finish line. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-34159766463190458412010-06-12T20:18:00.001-05:002010-06-12T20:18:37.159-05:008 days8 days to Ironman Florida training plan start. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-2764913742955601422010-04-24T14:27:00.002-05:002010-04-24T14:29:47.070-05:00Breakfast with an AngelHad an opportunity yesterday to have breakfast with John Foley. Yes, he is an Angel, a former Blue Angel that is....what a great story. Another fun fact about John is that he flew in the movie Top Gun. Really great guy.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-14016104783283049932010-04-11T19:30:00.002-05:002010-04-11T19:32:23.612-05:00Race Report from The America's RunI ran the America's Run Half Marathon today - it started at Cowboy Stadium and went by the Ballpark at Arlington, Six Flags and then through some neighborhoods around Arlington, TX. My brother and I ran it together. Stride for stride - just cruising the 13.1. It was a great day - cloudy and in the 60s - just a touch of humidity. A note to the race organizers (I am sure they are reading this....LOL) - you need a few more aid stations - the ones you had were great but in the event today had been one of those 80+ degree days, you need more stations....I am sure this will be taken care of by next year. A great first effort. Finishing on the HUGE screen in the stadium was very cool.<br /><br />Troy Aikman walked right by me prior to the start and we said "hey" to each other. I doubt he recognized me....LOL....it was his first half marathon. Debbie took a picture of him after he finished.<br /><br />It was a strange day - they imploded Texas Stadium at 7am - right before we started. We watched the stadium destruction on the big screen at the new stadium. It seemed like cheating on your girlfriend or something....<br /><br />We drove by the old stadium site on our way to the airport...it was surreal looking at that site, where that legendary stadium stood for over 30 years. Many memories there...we celebrated state championships in that stadium with my nephew. We watched many Thanksgiving day Cowboy games as well as many Cowboy games. Tom Landry coached there. It is like a great friend who transcended my childhood, college years, early adulthood and maturity is gone. That is really weird -- talking that way about a stadium....<br /><br />Hope you are all doing well....it certainly sounds like it. Keep to the plan....<br /><br />See you at the finish line.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-13665240688077420602010-04-11T14:15:00.000-05:002010-04-11T14:16:01.725-05:00America's RunToday was the inaugural Americas Run. Based at the new Cowboys Stadium, it was a very cool run. 13.1 flat miles and you finished at the 50 yard line with video of your finish playing on what has the be the most famous tv in the world. I had never seen myself that BIG. <br /><br />Oddly, the old Texas Stadium was imploded this morning. We got to watch it come down on the big screen at Cowboy Stadium. Kinda seemed like you were cheating - being at the new stadium when the implosion occured. I am sure we will see it many times but I thought the old stadium collapsed on herself with class and dignity. <br /><br />It rally was strange driving by the intersection of 114, 183 and Loop 12 on the was to the airport this afternoon. <br /><br />What a day....see you at the finish line. <br /><br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-31075485042492744762010-04-04T19:59:00.002-05:002010-04-04T20:03:31.853-05:00Where you been?This is the longest I have gone without blogging since I started this thing. Can't believe it has been months. I had a great ride this weekend on my new Guru road bike. It is suh-weet. I can't wait to ride again. I cannot believe how great that bike feels. <br /><br />I had an awesome Retul fit last weekend from Wes at TriSition Area in San Antonio. This was a meticulous fit - fit for a king....thanks Wes, for a great fit and a fun time. Your new frame is pretty killer....can't wait to see the build up.<br /><br />Worked on the schedule for the year today - wow, it could be a really busy one if all of this comes together. <br /><br />Next up, America's Run - half marathon in Dallas - you finish on the floor of Cowboy Stadium - shown on the big screen....can't wait to see myself that big.<br /><br />See you at the finish line.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-74224363696208572562010-01-01T08:55:00.000-06:002010-01-01T08:56:00.367-06:00Happy New YearHappy New Year to my blog. I endeavor to be here more in 2010. Wrap up of 2009 coming later today. <br /><br />See you at the finish line. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-70701369888188620712009-12-27T20:35:00.002-06:002009-12-27T20:38:02.167-06:00A month offWell, it's been a month since I have posted....go figure....it's been a month since I have done a lot of stuff.....<br /><br />I have ridden (once and a couple of laps in a parking lot), I have run (a 5k supporting juvenile arthritis in support of a friend's daughter). That's about it. I have a half marathon in 2 weeks with Serpa Deb....she has a long training run tomorrow...I should run too.....oh well.<br /><br />I also am going to post more on here this next year....<br /><br />See you at the finish line.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-23246743589142099702009-11-27T20:15:00.001-06:002009-11-27T20:32:35.699-06:00My Ridiculously Long IMAZ 2009 Race ReportIronman Arizona 2009 Race Report<br /><br />What a year!!! Bear with me as this will be long – hey, it’s a long race. We start the year with my first full marathon, announcement of a corporate merger, our daughter’s college graduation and subsequent job search and relocation. Then it was a Half Ironman that rained the ENTIRE race, a bike crash the next weekend, after three weeks of limited training I got a staph infection that lasted another three weeks. In the interim I was interviewing to keep my job, took a new role with the firm and started traveling again. Then it was an attack of the back on my long ride on Halloween (I rode again that Sunday and then could hardly walk on Monday) and if that wasn't enough, I got sick a couple of weeks before my race. So, I went to Arizona coughing and wondering if my back would let me race. Now, finally, the setup is complete.<br /><br />Although it was my first Ironman, since Deb and I had gone out and volunteered last year, I had a good idea how the week would play out. Here's my week in review....<br /><br />Wednesday evening arrival complete with all bags. Relax and early to bed.<br /><br />Thursday - up early, and over to the race site. We had lunch with a friend who provided us a parking card for the building garage at the race site. This was HUGE as we never worried about parking (nor did we have to pay for parking!!!). Thanks Jim!!! After lunch there was a short line at athlete registration so I rolled in, signed all the releases, got my numbers, swim cap, etc and was on my way. Then we made our way down to Tri-Bike Transport and picked up my bike. I, personally, don’t understand why anyone would not use Tri-Bike Transport. For about the same cost as putting your bike box on a plane, they drive your bike, fully assembled, across the country, insured and deliver to you at the race site. After your race, you return your bike (across a sidewalk from transition in Arizona) and they drive it back to your home bike shop. In my book, that’s a deal. Debbie and I then drove our to the Beeline Highway as I wanted to do a short ride on Thursday afternoon to shake down the bike and be sure all was right. The bike was perfect and the ride was nice. Warm with very little wind – the same forecast for race day. I rode the section that is on the profile as “more of a climb”. Dinner with the Endurance Nation folks (it was awesome to put some faces with the postings online) and then to bed early.<br /><br />Friday dawned cool and crisp. A perfect day for a swim. I arrived at the Gatorade swim and climbed into the wetsuit trying to prepare for the cold water mentally. After a few minutes of procrastination, as well as meeting a few folks from the book, I walked to the stairs, walked down them, said “what the heck” and dove in the water. Holy Toledo that is COLD water. Breathe, remember to Breathe. Level out the body, reach, catch, recover, roll to air, the sooner you are swimming the sooner you will relax and warm up a bit. Breathe. I had never had my forehead hurt from the temperature of the water. My feet were not numb, I couldn’t feel them. Needless to say, I had never been swimming in water this cold. I swam about 30 minutes or so and actually got used to the water and felt it wouldn’t be a problem on race day. Out of the water, dried off, changed to some running gear and went for a short 20 minute run with Jacques and then it was about time for the 4 Keys Endurance Nation talk. It was great to reinforce the 4 Keys again and to get Rich and Patrick’s tips for race management and execution. I spent the afternoon getting my bike ready and going over my list (again). I also began to lay out some of my transition and special needs stuff to give me a head start on Saturday morning. Late afternoon Debbie and I went over to the race site and I got a massage for my lower back pain. This was a stroke of genius as it really helped my back. Then we moved down to the location of the Athlete’s Banquet so we would be sure she could get a ticket. If you are going to go to the banquet, pre-pay for your guest tickets (athletes don’t need a ticket, your wristband gets you in). <br /><br />The banquet was great – Mike Reilly did a great job as emcee and he gave us quite a few interesting facts, including recognizing the people who lost the most weight in training (I think three lost more than 100 pounds), he also recognized the first timers, there were 1300 or so, and he introduced the Ford Everyday Ironman Hero, Rudy Garcia-Tolson. His goal: to become the first bilateral above-knee amputee to complete an Ironman. He had not completed the bike portion in Kona and was in Arizona for this second attempt. Oh by the way, Rudy is 21, he made the decision at 5 that he wanted his defective legs amputated so he could get on with his life. Google Rudy and read his story. You will be motivated. He is an amazing young man. After the dinner, Paul Huddle, the race director, conducted the competitor meeting and then it was off to bed.<br /><br />Saturday, the goal is to sleep in as this would be the last opportunity for a decent night of sleep until Monday night. I was so fortunate. I slept very well every night including Saturday night which I didn’t expect. Saturday morning Debbie had a volunteer meeting so while she went to the meeting, I visited the Active Release Therapy specialists for some more work on my lower back as well as my hip flexors and watched some folks freezing in the practice swim. After her meeting, we ate a big lunch and then went back to the hotel to finish my transition bags. I had the stuff all laid out on top of the bags so I read the list and Debbie loaded the stuff in the bags to be sure I didn’t miss anything. I was short a race belt and had to improvise but it all worked out fine. I turned in my transition bags and racked my bike – at this point I realized race time was upon us. Then we headed to the airport to pick up my brother, Bruce who was coming in for the race. After collecting him, Debbie took Bruce on a tour of the expo area while I got another quick massage. I could get used to this. I think Bruce was most amazed by the sea of bikes and the total amount of money sitting on those racks. Then it was off to a quick dinner and back to the hotel to lie in bed and stare at the ceiling. My goal was to fill all my drink bottles, set out my clothes and finalize my race morning list so I didn’t have to think at all on Sunday, just do. I was in bed at 8pm as I had hoped.<br /><br />Sunday morning – 2am. Up for breakfast – an Uncrustable, some Infinit and a banana. Then back to bed. Up again at 4am. A quick shower, dress, a few more calories – Cheerios, Infinit, banana and Diet Coke. Wrote “BELIEVE” on my left arm with a picture of a man in a box to remind me to race my race, no one else’s and wrote “EXECUTE” on my right arm. We left for the race at 5am. We were fortunate to be able to park in VIP parking thanks to the Janus Investments people. These folks were absolutely wonderful to us all week and especially to Bruce and Debbie on race day. We were parked mere steps from transition and I just worked through my list. First, air tires. Then fill aero bottle, put other bottles on bike, fill bento box. get body marked, put run bottle in bike to run bag, drop off special needs bags and then get to a quiet spot to calm down and talk with Debbie and Bruce for a while before the ice bath. I was surprised that I was very calm. I started to insert myself into my wetsuit about 6:20 and while I was doing that, Debbie and Bruce had to leave to go board the boat from which they got to watch the swim start. I told them bye and continued to adjust the wetsuit. I got all set and then Brian Massey from EN wandered by so I had someone I knew to hang with prior to the start – that was great instead of listening to all those voices inside my head. As we were moving toward the water’s edge, there was some commotion to our right, two men were carrying Rudy down to the water for the swim – all of the competitors clapped and showed their admiration for this young man’s courage. Before dawn we were on the dock and then I was in the water…..SHOWTIME!!!<br /><br /><br />The Swim<br /><br />As the sky began to lighten all 2500 of us were anxiously awaiting the starting cannon in the cold water of Tempe Town Lake. After the practice swim, I had a good idea what to expect. Cold. However on race morning the adrenaline was coursing through my veins and it didn't seem as cold. I took a few strokes and then breast stroked under the bridge and hung onto a paddle board for a few minutes. Mike Reilly asked who was going to became an Ironman and my hand went up in the air. Listening to the National Anthem while bobbing in cold water was a new experience and very emotional. And then the cannon fired. I was swimming. Everyone talks about the washing machine effect and I must have missed it. I seemed to be in a great spot, a bubble of water around me and I just swam, and swam, and swam. A few times I was jostled or bumped but it was much more similar to a big wave start than a 2500 person all-in start. I took a minor kick to the left ear and at one point found my wrist between two kicking legs. I got it out of there quickly as I was afraid of getting my wrist snapped by a vigorous kick. So much time in a sensory deprived environment gives one many varied thoughts like, there is our firm’s office in Tempe, I wonder if Bruce and Debbie are cold on the boat, there is the ASU Sun Devil football stadium, this part of the swim feels uphill, I wonder how many strokes I have taken, wow the sun is bright, did they move the bridge, oh, here it is and look there’s the turn buoy – halfway there, check the time. I was at the turnaround in about 40 minutes which was a little fast for me so I took it easier on the way back. The swim back was really uneventful, I sighted pretty easily and just kept moving. My body did it's best to stay warm throughout the swim and I was very fortunate in that regard. Seeing some hypothermic folks at the end made me very thankful. Several were shaking uncontrollably. The stairs out of the water are a unique exit device. The trick is to swim onto the lower steps, not to reach up to the handrails and try to pull yourself out. Volunteers were very helpful and there were a lot of them. I carefully moved off the stairs and into the wetsuit stripping area, hands pulling down my wetsuit and then I was on my back on Astroturf and my wetsuit was off my legs. I rose and started the walk to the Changing Tent. I had decided not to run here as the few minutes would not impact my overall time. Stay in control. I saw Bruce and Debbie, again in a preferred, non-public location due to the Janus VIP treatment. They were hanging out with pro Michael Lovato who was not racing and he was very kind to Debbie with all kind of reassurances and assistance in trying to find me. By the way, Michael has several top three finishes in Kona at the World Championships as well as Ironman victories at Cour d’Alene and Arizona – how cool is that? I am convinced that would not happen in any other sport. <br /><br />Transition<br /><br />Nothing can prepare you for the pandemonium of the tent in transition. My plan was to be smooth and take my time but not dawdle. When you look at my time you may think I grilled a steak or baked a pie in the first transition but my hands were cold and it took a while before I could operate my fingers to dress. My plan was to dress for comfort so it was a complete costume change. Bike shorts and jersey, socks, cycle shoes, arm warmers, helmet and sunglasses, then out of the tent to go get my bike – stop – get some sunscreen – now go. I had an awesome rack near the pros with my low bib number so I was very close to the bike exit. I went down the entire length of the bike racks, got my bike, moved to the mount line and got on. It was cool too that I got to see Bruce and Debbie at the exit. <br /><br />The Bike<br /><br />As I rode out Rio Salado, I saw Seth – Seth is one of the book guys who is undergoing cancer treatment and has a very tough time with cold. He was shaking like crazy. I talked to him for a couple of seconds as I went by – it wasn’t long until he warmed up and passed me like I was standing still. The bike is three out and back rides with each loop totaling a little over 37 miles, so I looked at it as 6 x 18.5 mile rides. You ride an “in town” section with several turns and then you get to the Beeline Highway for a long stretch out of town. It is usually windy on the Beeline. 2009 was no exception. Forget the forecast of very light winds – the Beeline was cooking. As I rode the outbound first loop I was looking at my wattage vs my speed and I really put my faith in Endurance Nation and said “I’m going to do it like you said”. I saw some low digits on that first leg. At the turnaround of Lap 1, I heard Bruce yelling for me (Debbie had already lost her voice), so I told them to meet me at the Port-o-Lets and took a quick break and talked to them for a few seconds. Then it was back into town – screaming fast downwind. Total first lap was dead on my predicted time. All three laps were between 15 and 16 miles per hour, even though the wind had shifted and the Beeline was different the second and third time around. The third lap had really thinned out and there was some carnage out there. I saw several folks stopped along the side of the road, bent over, stretching or puking, or just laying flat on their back on the shoulder of the road. It was on this loop that I saw Rudy for the first time since the swim start. He was pedaling out the Beeline as I was heading back to town. Go Rudy Go. My plan on the bike had been to execute with conservation of resources in mind. As I approached the ending sections of the bike I felt very good about how I had ridden. The emotional swings are very interesting and deserve some mention. At some point during all three disciplines, I felt a marked shift of emotions. There were numerous, very positive moments. There were also, from time to time, dark places. The darkest were on the bike for me, I really expected them more on the run but I think I stayed focused on relentless forward movement and didn’t let many negative vibes through. While I was focused on smaller chunks of the ride, there are times when you realize you still have 40 or 50 or 60 miles to go and that is a long way and you can never totally forget that a marathon awaits you at the completion of your ride. All through the bike I felt I was consuming ample calories. Looking back, I think I was short by several hundred calories. My strategy was sound and I feel it was spot on, I just didn’t execute to the best of my ability. I wanted to be on the run between 4 and 4:30 and that was accomplished. The bike is ending as my mind begins to think about 26.2 miles to run – don’t think that way. One step at a time.<br /><br />Transition<br /><br />Easy pick up of the bag and into the tent I go. I feel good, better than expected. I get in the tent, change clothes and realize it is time to get after it. Again there were numerous helpful volunteers and they were helping everyone tirelessly. A small drink of water and then out to get sun screened. Across the timing mat and I am on the run. As I check the time I begin to feel that if not goes catastrophically wrong I should make it but I don’t want to take anything for granted as a lot can happen and probably will over the next seven and a half hours. <br /><br />The Run<br /><br />The run is three loops. But it is really six. There is a 3.5-4 mile loop and a 4.5-5 mile loop that when combined make up one loop of 8.5-9 miles. I really wanted to run at least half way through the marathon using a run/walk method and I started out pretty conservatively as planned. After the first sub-loop, I realized I had started a bit hot so I slowed on the second part of the first full loop. There is a hill (and it seemed really big) about halfway through the second sub-loop that I planned to walk each time I got there. It is the only hill on the run. As I started to run the second full loop I wanted to really be careful. I wasn’t able to take in many calories and my stomach was doing weird things so I went even more conservative. I took it really easy on the second full loop and upon reflection think it was a good decision. The third full loop began with me feeling good (notwithstanding the weird stomach) and ready to get this done. I was running a bit more – if you can call it that – and walking faster when I was walking. I was beginning to let my head and my heart start to think about the finish line and hearing Mike Reilly call my name. It was a very emotional time as I knew I had only 2-2:30 hours left and would finish with plenty of time to spare barring anything really crazy. As I started the last section, I KNEW I would be an Ironman that day. I KNEW nothing could stop me. I KNEW I would crawl if I had too. Every section I ran I knew that would be the last time I would run that section. I told all the volunteers they wouldn’t get to cheer for me any more that night. I was almost back to the bridge for the last crossing when I looked up and saw Rudy – moving doggedly through the night. I stopped and applauded. I am amazed at this young man. I knew he would make it – I could see it in his eyes. Then I realized I was in the last mile….it is amazing how much better I felt realizing that….the legs had energy….the posture got better….I was able to run more. I passed some people….I was going home. I saw Debbie and Bruce about a quarter of a mile from the finish and told them I would be there soon…they took off to the finish line to meet me. I had to go around a corner, through a parking lot, turn left and then I would be in the finishing chute. Oh my….here it comes….<br /><br />The Finish<br /><br />I talked to a guy walking as I passed him as I wanted to be sure if he was going to run I was going to wait. I wanted him to have his finish line and I wanted mine as well. He told me to go ahead as he was going to be awhile. A few more steps and then I was turning left into bright lights, jam packed stands, people going nuts jumping up and down and screaming, I was high fiving people to the left and right of the chute like I was winning the thing instead of being a back of the packer but hey, it is MY finish line. Then I hear, Bryan Reece, San Antonio, Texas…..YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!! About that time, I hear Bruce screaming at me from the VIP tent and I high fived him steps from the finish line. Then I was across. Right into the arms of my amazing wife, waiting for me, supporting me, being the incredible partner she is – Sherpa Deb. Words absolutely could never describe the feelings. The emotions crashing into you at the speed of light, the absolute lack of pain at that moment, the insane love for those who got you to this point, the intense desire to share this feeling which cannot be shared. One very cool thing happened right here. Debbie had me look to the side and there was Brian Massey who had come back to the finish and we got to celebrate each other's finish. That was awesome. Then you move through the finish area, getting your finisher’s hat and shirt, your medal, your chip removed and have some pictures taken. Then you move to medical if necessary, go get some food and/or get a quick massage. I did all three – medical for no other reason than to get my blood pressure checked (it was normal) and let them tell me I was fine. Signed up for a massage and got a piece of pizza. I was on a massage table before I could eat the pizza and wow, it felt good to lie down. While I was laying there Mike announced Rudy was coming in. The crowd went nuts. Rudy was an Ironman. Stud.<br /><br />The Wrap<br /><br />As I lay in bed Sunday night I tried to reflect on the journey that got me here. What a long, strange trip it has been. Where did it start? It all started with Julie Moss and her collapse in Hawaii in 1982. I saw it on Wide World of Sports and was amazed by this thing called Ironman. I could NEVER understand it but it was cool. I have watched the World Championships year after year and never had an inkling that I might be capable of completing this challenge. It all started then, I just didn’t know it. Then a medical issue in January of 2007 pushed the process along and a conversation with a guy in the locker room one Saturday in June, 2007 germinated the seed. I remember after my first triathlon in August of 2007 telling people I would NEVER do a Half Ironman, much less an Ironman – those people are crazy. Then after doing an Olympic in May of 2008, I thought a Half Ironman was possibly achievable. After completing Longhorn 70.3 in October of 2008, Debbie and I went to Arizona to volunteer and for me to sign up. What had begun 27 years ago now had a clock on it. What a journey….what a year.<br /><br />A couple of words of thanks – thanks Rich and Patrick and all my EN teammates. Also, thanks again to the Janus Investments people, sponsors of the Janus Charity Challenge and wonderful organizers of a great VIP experience for Debbie and Bruce. To each of you reading this, thanks. You have all played a role in this journey. Finally, thanks to all the volunteers – there couldn’t be a race without you.<br /><br /><br />Three Things I Learned – check that…..Four Things I Learned<br /><br />Never limit yourself. The only limits on you are those you place on yourself.<br /><br />Believe. I believe, with faith, you can accomplish your goal. Whatever it is.<br /><br />Execution is the key. There is a supply of resources, use them wisely.<br /><br />NO ONE DOES THIS ALONE. It may be an individual sport but no one does it alone. It takes the love, support, and reassurance of family, friends and even strangers. I prove this by simply asking any competitor, “who isn’t bolstered by the clapping of a volunteer in the middle of no where on the bike course, who doesn’t feel at least a little better when you roll through an aid station and strangers are yelling for you, who isn’t jazzed when a small hand reaches up for a high five?” If none of that gets to you I don’t know if you are human.<br /><br />I know there are so many more things I learned – some are not yet revealed I am sure, I do know the journey continues….<br /><br />If this is the end, it is the front end….left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-19481740903034236832009-11-24T21:30:00.002-06:002009-11-24T21:33:13.765-06:00Ironman Arizona RecoveryWe just got home and I wanted to say I am really sorry I didn't post much from AZ. Typing on my iphone is still a challenge for me.<br /><br />There is so much to share. I am going to get a RR together but I can assure you it will be long....very long.....just like the race. <br /><br />I felt good yesterday and feel really good today. Very little pain or stiffness today after initially getting out of bed. I am fully in support of compression wear as I think it helped recovery a lot. I think it is kinda geeky to race in but afterward I am a big fan. I wore 2XU compression pants to sleep in on Sunday and last night about 2:30 my calves told me I should have worn compression again so I got up and put on 2XU compression socks. Calves were happy and I went back to sleep. After walking around a bit this morning I have felt very good. I am surprised. It is amazing what the body can withstand and then rejuvenate.<br /><br />Folks, that was the most incredibly accomplishment of my life. As I talked to a friend as she was getting ready to register I told her I was jealous of her. She has her finish line to look forward to....mine was now a memory. But a precious memory it is. And there is another finish line to look forward to - it just won't be my first Ironman.<br /><br />RR coming soon. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Time for me to be a little less selfish for a few days.left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8000252059646177200.post-26600362194458936602009-11-23T18:26:00.001-06:002009-11-23T18:26:19.468-06:00Wow!!! Mission Accomplished<br />Can't begin to describe the feeling of the finish line but will try later. Have a great day. <br /><br />- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone<br />left.right.repeathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15512478853854013651noreply@blogger.com1