tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135326982024-03-13T22:11:16.576-05:00Slim-Down 220 - The Story of a TriathleteI weighed 452 lbs. when I began this blog, I did so to aspire others to fight the battle of obesity but, to my astonishment, I AM THE ONE BEING INSPIRED. Today, January 13, 2009 I weigh 228 lbs.
Thank you to all who have sent positive emails and posted wonderful thoughts on the blog. We CAN and WILL DO THIS!
Let's do this together.Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-23216590043074457942012-06-10T20:19:00.000-05:002012-06-10T20:19:11.184-05:00It's Been a While . . .<br />
<img alt="" class="rg_hi uh_hi" data-height="193" data-width="261" height="193" id="rg_hi" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSC2DIT3uVwzRTaB9PUt8xX99bop8jHiSJPBZTRhbkM9xzYs78MjA" style="height: 193px; width: 261px;" width="261" /><br />
I haven't looked back to see when my last post was, but I know it's been a while . . .<br />
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My body knows it.<br />
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Since my Ironman Florida finish I've pretty much sucked it up. I've done a few half Ironman races and many Oly and sprint distances, but I have lost most of my good fitness and more than that I've put on some poundage over the past couple years.<br />
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At IM Florida I had hit my lowest weight in a many many years. I was around the 230lb area and now I am back up to the 285lb area. Not Good.<br />
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Time to get back on that horse.<br />
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I'll keep you posted.<br />
<br />Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-47385686040536399262011-06-18T17:05:00.000-05:002011-06-18T17:05:35.284-05:00Consistency . . . Its not just for Training anymore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuyuayz1GGoxOxFHZtZlsdDPZiRx74UuXc6JpgXCHbkww8B7R9kyZmn-saWDGh6gvHzPF0z5wwFUkpVltTliCrYKyqe3bXcxVUwWM66RIfutlEsTlJRBMvT5zdGSKhNfky41f5w/s1600/IMG_1427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuyuayz1GGoxOxFHZtZlsdDPZiRx74UuXc6JpgXCHbkww8B7R9kyZmn-saWDGh6gvHzPF0z5wwFUkpVltTliCrYKyqe3bXcxVUwWM66RIfutlEsTlJRBMvT5zdGSKhNfky41f5w/s320/IMG_1427.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
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I've taken several taken more than my share of personal days from my blog postings. I've focused on my consistency in training and I'm going to make a solid attempt at being more consistent with the Tri-ingfatman blog.<br />
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2011 - Its been a fairly strong year so far.<br />
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My surgery infection is a thing of the past. I've gone eight solid months without any issues or reoccurring infection. That alone would suffice for a successful year since I spent most of 2011 shoving saline soaked gauze into my leg. <br />
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I've been racing well and actually hitting PRs (Personal Records) at pretty mush all of my races. The best accomplishment in 2011 was Heatwave . . . IT WAS HOT! I PR-ed by almost 7 minutes. A small part of my soul died out of that course, but another part of me grew stronger.<br />
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My training has been pretty consistent too. I put on more than 60 pounds during my DO NOTHING 2010 season, however I've dropped 25 or those pounds and I'm focused on an Ironman Arizona race weight of 210 Pounds. Im at 265lbs as I post this story.<br />
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I've raced 5 times this year. I have 5 races left on the calendar including IM Arizona in November, going for that sub 13 hour race.<br />
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I head up to Wisconsin for the Door County Triathlon in early July then my annual pilgrimage to Iowa for www.ragbrai.com the annual bike ride across Iowa!<br />
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In September I get to race in D.C. with my bud Lance at The Nations Tri.<br />
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It's already a good year . . . That is only going to get better!<br />
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I had a good 3 hour HOT Humid ride this morning and a 2 hr run tomorrow. What do you have coming up with your training and racing?<br />
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Cheers!Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-23698771535141494942011-05-04T16:32:00.000-05:002011-05-04T16:32:13.983-05:00TweetPeeps Wanna Know . . .<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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" style="height: 194px; width: 259px;" width="259" /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My current<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ipod Running Playlist: (in alphabetical order)</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">DON’T JUDGE!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked – Cage the Elephant</div><div class="MsoNormal">Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes</div><div class="MsoNormal">Brass Monkey – Beastie Boys</div><div class="MsoNormal">Broken Again – Another Animal</div><div class="MsoNormal">Bullet and a Target – Citizen Cope</div><div class="MsoNormal">Consoler of the Lonely – The Recounteurs</div><div class="MsoNormal">Country Grammar – Nelly</div><div class="MsoNormal">The Distance – Cake</div><div class="MsoNormal">Feeling Alright<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>- Joe Cocker</div><div class="MsoNormal">Furr – Blitzen Trapper</div><div class="MsoNormal">The General – Dispatch</div><div class="MsoNormal">Stand Up and Get Crunked – Ying Yang Twins</div><div class="MsoNormal">Hurt – Johnny Cash</div><div class="MsoNormal">Just Lose It – Eminem</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love Removal Machine – The Cult</div><div class="MsoNormal">Naveed – Our Lady Peace</div><div class="MsoNormal">Remedy – The Black Crowes</div><div class="MsoNormal">Suicide Messiah – Black Label Society</div><div class="MsoNormal">This is the New Sh*t – Marilyn Manson</div><div class="MsoNormal">Use Me – Bill Withers</div><div class="MsoNormal">Vasoline – Stone Temple Pilots</div><div class="MsoNormal">What Goes Around Comes Around – Justin Timberlake</div><div class="MsoNormal">When I Come Around – Green Day</div><div class="MsoNormal">You Wouldn’t Know - HellYeah</div><!--EndFragment-->Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-10540403804006963422011-04-19T16:13:00.001-05:002011-04-19T16:51:22.390-05:00WHOLLY KAMOLLIE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmIamLWnLLVhVsKBOS0EyCIUtfHuozr1PvqpQ03gpefp9urx_PrgrdU78vKNZJlBrrGCOM0OijRWr9YTCxrZWJrHmZZdUFKgkIHb7mxaK3TUCsEqNzd_gawZMTV_y5wiDKtoGjA/s1600/IMG_1424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmIamLWnLLVhVsKBOS0EyCIUtfHuozr1PvqpQ03gpefp9urx_PrgrdU78vKNZJlBrrGCOM0OijRWr9YTCxrZWJrHmZZdUFKgkIHb7mxaK3TUCsEqNzd_gawZMTV_y5wiDKtoGjA/s320/IMG_1424.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><br />
<br />
What a horrifically self testing day I had at Ironman New Orleans 69.1 . . .<br />
<br />
Lets talk about Friday and Saturday leading up to Sunday's NOLA 70.3 race.<br />
<br />
Friday:<br />
<br />
I began having cramps in my stomach. I was feeling woozy, but didn't feel sick. I tried not to think much about it thinking it was just a fluke feeling. THEN the onslaught took over and I was poooooooo-ing non stop. HOW ABOUT THAT FOR TMI!!!<br />
<br />
This continued into Saturday and I was worried. <br />
<br />
I had put at minimum a bottle of Pepto Bismo in my belly as well as a small bottle of Imodium AD . . . How did that help you you ask? <br />
<br />
NOT A BIT. <br />
<br />
As I drove to the race site Sunday morning I was convincing myself to do this race, but I was losing the battle with myself.<br />
<br />
Next:<br />
<br />
I am only competent in one area of my triathlon and that is the swim. I like my bike, but the bike hurts. I actually love the swim and never feel tired or as if I have exerted much energy during the swim.<br />
<br />
OF COURSE - The swim was canceled due to high winds. First let me say this. There has been much discussion about whether the race should have been canceled. I think it was the best call at the time from what I saw.<br />
<br />
TIME TRIAL Bike start.<br />
<br />
The wind was in out face and beating the tar out of me the first 10 miles and then I got hit with my first of many stomach cramps. I'm thinking I was on my period, as if I knew what that is like . . .<br />
<br />
This continued for the entire bike and I thought it might be the BIG D - diarrhea - kicking in again and so I hit the port o potty and nothing, but more cramps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzeaElru3IiZ3QYCznFDEA-gon0AjBna6Kc0y4ZjT6izuY2YUJL2BfGoec5_0nXLREwNC3pIYHO7xWqUqxQtr160bY3rLxwejjYAQ2h7gw-skNY_rMBJLVKwAsbtlo2yWHdkb3Q/s1600/IMG_1423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmzeaElru3IiZ3QYCznFDEA-gon0AjBna6Kc0y4ZjT6izuY2YUJL2BfGoec5_0nXLREwNC3pIYHO7xWqUqxQtr160bY3rLxwejjYAQ2h7gw-skNY_rMBJLVKwAsbtlo2yWHdkb3Q/s320/IMG_1423.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><br />
<br />
As I pulled into transition - beat by the wind and tore UP by the cramps I had decided I was done. Just put a DNF by my name I was cooked, done, it was OVER. I even told a few of my friends that I was toast and not going out on the run . . .<br />
<br />
I arrived at my rack position, racked my bike and began packing up my transition bag to go home.<br />
<br />
I had a record breaking 21 minute transition!<br />
<br />
I was not going to be a puss for my first major tri that I was prepared for since my major surgery in Jan 2010 because of a little cramping in my little belly . . .<br />
<br />
So I was off on the run . . .<br />
<br />
Needless to say I was pissed at myself for the next 13 miles for not just taking a DNF, but I finished.<br />
<br />
It was ugly, I spent more time in port o potties than one person should have. I high fived people, I cheered for others, and ultimately like a wounded dog, I shuffled across the finish line.<br />
<br />
I feel horrible today and I still have the sh*ts, excuse my french . . . But I finished.<br />
<br />
It was ugly. I was ugly. I hope I feel better.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">CHEERS!</div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-58297590897710625272011-04-01T10:37:00.000-05:002011-04-01T10:37:55.237-05:001st Race since 9-11-2010<img class="rg_hi" data-height="231" data-width="218" height="231" id="rg_hi" src="data:image/jpg;base64,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" style="height: 231px; width: 218px;" width="218" /><br />
<br />
I'm a little bit scared . . . more nervous, but ultimately intimidated.<br />
<br />
I've participated in over 75 triathlons since 2005, but this one has the feeling of a first timer race.<br />
<br />
The surgery I had in January 2010 really set me back. I hope that is mostly behind me now. We will find out tomorrow!<br />
<br />
I'll get back on my race reports.<br />
<br />
TOMORROW - Oxbow Triathlon in New Roads LA. 800m swim, 20 mi bike, 5k runChristopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-43965887871372869402011-02-27T14:37:00.000-06:002011-02-27T14:37:49.362-06:00GOAL and MOTIVATION . . . IN one<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><img alt="vendetta-np-4-fullsuit-1.jpg" src="webkit-fake-url://5450AF5C-6CDC-4FD3-AC29-53C45C3C74C5/vendetta-np-4-fullsuit-1.jpg" /></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I've decided a goal for 2011.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I'm not a big fan of spending money just to spend it . . . I am a Financial Planner as a career choice . . . But, I am all for buying speed or more importantly to me, buying energy savers.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">However, I also believe in rewards for accomplishments.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">When I hit 220lbs I will buy this wetsuit. It is Xterra's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;">VENDETTA WETSUIT.</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;">And it is BAD TO THE BONE!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;">Most importantly to me with ant wetsuit is the help with float, I need that help. </span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><br />
</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial; font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;">220lbs . . . Here I come!</span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-21457000131679577562011-02-07T11:19:00.000-06:002011-02-07T11:19:58.997-06:00A DOUBLE POSTING TODAY!!!!I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge an amazing person and friend.<br />
<br />
Chris and I went to college together. A couple years ago he decided to get his weight under-control which means eating better and moving more.<br />
<br />
In True Chris C fashion . . . The guy who was at the top (1st or 2nd I think) at Law School . . . He took it to the next level.<br />
<br />
<img height="390" id="myphoto" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs126.snc1/5414_1138817557342_1434480027_30702194_3991574_n.jpg" width="604" /><br />
<br />
Chris began a monster exercise regiment and took to prisoners. He started doing treadmill and stationary bike work, then added weight training, then added muy thai, THEN added boot camp, THEN added cycling (we just found him a killer road bike) and he has transformed his life.<br />
<br />
I am so proud of your accomplishments Chris. Your success re-motivates me regularly. Thank you.<br />
<br />
Now, He has made a commitment to ride in RAGBRAI with me one year. I think it needs to be 2012.<br />
<br />
<img height="388" id="myphoto" src="http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1219.snc4/155149_625225581270_50904568_35338712_6945447_n.jpg" width="334" /><br />
<br />
<br />
YOU DA MAN COLE!!!!!!!!Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-5805719894902720182011-02-07T10:10:00.000-06:002011-02-07T10:10:25.919-06:00Extra Extra!!!!!!<img height="256" id="il_fi" src="http://www.runningarts.com/IM_triathlon.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="368" /><br />
<br />
<br />
There have been a couple changes to the race schedule this year and I have begun the training.<br />
<br />
First - I've added a couple races.<br />
<br />
The following races are on the schedule AND registered for:<br />
<br />
April 2 Oxbow Tri - New Roads LA (Sprint)<br />
April 17 New Orleans 70.3<br />
May 7 Gulf Coast 70.3 - Panama City Beach FL<br />
May 15 New Orleans 5150 (Oly)<br />
July 10 T-Gator #3 - Lake CHarles LA (Sprint)<br />
July 21-3 www.RAGBRAI.com (You gotta do this one day - This will be my third year)<br />
Sept 11 Nation's Triathlon - D.C. (OLY)<br />
Nov 20 Ironman Arizona - Tempe AZ<br />
<br />
The races NOT yet registered for:<br />
<br />
Meat Pie Triathlon - Natchitoches LA (Sprint)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>TRAINING in 2011:</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span><br />
This has been rough starting. I had a few consistent weeks of running while doing the slowtwitch 100 runs in 100 days challenge. I was building what I considered a good base and great start of running minimum 30 minutes a day. <br />
<br />
Then came Florida family vacation and then came family sickness until recently. BUT, I am back on it.<br />
<br />
Runs have been good and quality. Bike is getting there. SO FAR - (knock knock) the leg that gave me so much trouble last year after surgery is not giving me any problems. It hasn't even shown the slightest sign of opening back up. Woo Hoo.<br />
<br />
I decided to build back up to my 70.3 training plan quickly. I am feeling it, but I think it is the best thing versus either 1. jumping right back into it where I left off, which would put me way behind come April. OR 2. Start the plan where I am supposed to be, but then I feel I would risk injury.<br />
<br />
So nice and steady, but focused and hard for the next few weeks until I catch up to the plan.<br />
<br />
AS FOR THE WEIGHT:<br />
<br />
Down a couple but, nothing to be excited about. I've been focused on my nutrition and it is paying off with no added exertion . . . Let's get some work done!<br />
<br />
I hope your training is going well.<br />
<br />
Cheers!Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-91185175991059153492011-01-06T16:04:00.000-06:002011-01-06T16:04:07.687-06:002011 Goals and Race ScheduleOverall Goal is to have a fun year of racing and getting back into the groove of consistent training. Anything beyond that will be lagniappe (Gravy).<br />
<br />
Specific Goals:<br />
<br />
Current Weight 268lbs.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Weight Goal:</b></u><br />
April 1 - 250lbs<br />
July 1 - 235lbs<br />
Oct 1 - 225lbs<br />
Nov 1 - 220lbs<br />
Dec 1 210lbs<br />
<br />
NOLA 70.3 Finish time - Sub 6.5 hrs<br />
IMAZ Finish time - Sub 14hrs<br />
<br />
2011 Races (A few Sprints will be scattered in throughout the year)<br />
<br />
Jan 29 Miles for MOZ 5k run (Goal sub 35min)<br />
Feb 5 Mardi Gras Mambo 10k (Goal sub 1:15)<br />
April 16 NOLA 70.3 (Goal sub 6.5hrs)<br />
May 12 NOLA 5150<br />
July 21-Aug3) RAGBRAI<br />
Sept 10 Nations Triathlon DC<br />
Sept Meat Pie<br />
Nov IMAZChristopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-10565906573404668582011-01-05T09:42:00.000-06:002011-01-05T09:42:38.807-06:002011 Will Be Epic . . .<img height="175" id="il_fi" src="http://theurbanalchemist.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Discouraged.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="200" /><br />
I think I literally took 2010 off.<br />
<br />
I learned a lot about myself and I plan to put that to work this year. I also had the opportunity for MAJOR frustration in 2010 and I didn't handle that so well, but I will grow from it.<br />
<br />
Here is what happened . . .<br />
<br />
I had an additional surgery as a result of my weight loss and my choice of activities. At IMFL 2009 I did some major damage to the loose skin in my inner thigh area. In the beginning of the year I had that area removed in surgery. <br />
<br />
I had major issues with the healing of my left inner thigh. My surgeon is the best there is, but this is a very difficult area to work on AND with the damage I cause at IMFL it made the surgery that much more difficult.<br />
<br />
The left leg continued to open up. I had to wet/dry pack the hole for several months (ENJOY THAT VISUAL!) and finally by the middle of the year I thought I was good to go. <br />
<br />
I stepped up my training in preparation for IMAZ . . . FAIL. <br />
<br />
I continued to have issues until August, where I was finally able to consistently train. I was beginning to enjoy things without worrying about the damaged area that wouldn't heal.<br />
<br />
I debated racing in the Patriot's Half Ironman in Williamsburg with my bud Lance. I was more concerned with the lack of racing and more the lack of training, but I paid for the entry right!!?? <br />
<br />
Ultimately, I am glad I raced in this race since it is an awesome venue and well run race. The swim sucked since I swam against the current for most of the swim, but the bike course RULED and the run is awesome as well.<br />
<br />
My issue came about mile 5.5 of the run course. I knew something was wrong. (Side note - I can't feel anything in the area where I had surgery and this is difficult since I can't feel if I do additional damage) I didn't know how bad the damage was until I returned home that night.<br />
<br />
I had opened the area up again and it was not pretty.<br />
<br />
My Dr. and I had a LONG heart to heart talk. <br />
<br />
No nothing for 2 months. I could walk lightly with brisk speed, but I had to be careful with even that amount of exertion and pressure on the damaged area.<br />
<br />
2 MONTHS!!!!!!!!???????? NOTHING!!!!!!!!????????<br />
<br />
This obviously meant no IMAZ. I was not happy.<br />
<br />
I did it. I mean I didn't do it . . .<br />
<br />
I became the old me for 2 months. I could write a whole post about just those two months. I was depressed. I was angry. I was difficult to live with. I was gaining weight. I was not in a good place. <br />
<br />
Kinda like I was prior to becoming more healthy.<br />
<br />
My weight got back up to 292lbs. I was around 235lbs at IMFL. <br />
<br />
In mid November I was allowed to begin jogging and light running. I was also allowed to ride upright bikes like out beach cruiser and my mountain bike. No Tri or road bike since that is where the rub is mostly.<br />
<br />
I began riding my tri bike again about 2 weeks ago. I think I forgot how to ride! Time will tell.<br />
<br />
I am now at 275lbs.<br />
<br />
2011 will be a year of finding myself in this sport again and the healthy lifestyle I knew for the past few years.<br />
<br />
I will be posting my 2011 goals and race schedule later this week.<br />
<br />
I head for vacation this week to Florida. I will begin the DBAP training there and I will be consistent and I will tear 2011 a new one!<br />
<br />
Thanks everyone for the emails checking in on me.<br />
<br />
Let's do this!Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-76875824860480440442010-06-13T17:24:00.000-05:002010-06-13T17:24:01.607-05:00I Can't Quit You!<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQkE2qCi7e7pY70Z3ty6vzwB0AtXCPEE7c93_v2HuhB1Tdhh_gfP2qbfKUJrnYfxi3mSJmN-XK1m-bhU9x-1_feONXItEawA351sO-Xp0udAzQajbCcLB-YSli7kz2SxgvwKRPg/s1600/IMG_0163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQkE2qCi7e7pY70Z3ty6vzwB0AtXCPEE7c93_v2HuhB1Tdhh_gfP2qbfKUJrnYfxi3mSJmN-XK1m-bhU9x-1_feONXItEawA351sO-Xp0udAzQajbCcLB-YSli7kz2SxgvwKRPg/s320/IMG_0163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Well Well . . . Look who’s been a big ole slacker!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s recap:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I November 2010 I completed Ironman Florida in just over 15hrs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In early January I had a major surgery to remove the loose skin between my legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ironman Florida caused some serious issues for me there and I had to take care of it.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I had major complications after the surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Staph infection then abscess and finally by April 1 I was given permission to begin training again.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I put in 3 hard weeks of training and I think it was too much too soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I became very ill – to the point of not being able to breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Could have been a combination of illness and allergies, but it took me down.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">That lasted about 3 weeks and here I have been the last 3 weeks doing NOTHING.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sitting on my rump, gaining weight and wondering why?????</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have zero motivation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I’ve gained 45lbs and my body hurts (even though I’ve done nothing).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have goals mind you, but I have done nothing about them.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My numero uno goal is to complete Ironman Arizona in under 13 hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How’s that for a goal for a fat ass like me!!??</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have much work to do before then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the priority list:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Begin eating correctly again.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Focus on consumption (eat less)</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Start light but begin consistently training.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Turn up the volume in August and bust tail.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span>Post twice weekly on progress and situation.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I think I have the tools to complete my main goal of sub 13 hr IMAZ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I have a great coach in Will Jones at <a href="http://www.4dracing.com/">www.4dracing.com</a> and I know I can do it mentally and if I get my tail in gear I can do it physically.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">How’s about we begin this week.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let’s do this!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-23200964512391334932010-03-26T20:27:00.000-05:002010-03-26T20:27:51.931-05:002010 Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I Chris Boggs will:<br />
1. Bring my short distance run to sub 8 min miles and my 1/2 IM and IM to <br />
<br />
sub 10 min miles.<br />
<br />
2. Drop to 195lbs by 11-21-2010<br />
<br />
3. Finish IMAZ in SUB 12hrs<br />
<br />
4. Train consistently and smartly<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2010 - A good year.Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-2465537301986469792010-02-16T21:49:00.002-06:002010-02-16T22:05:55.300-06:00I never claimed to be incredibly bright . . .<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwwPJe6Xmtt4aFOgmf9a429euYjK3ePz1nuI47jlNVOct6G77bznsVNkYoEXz3obX2PrX6yQ4oXNg9Zqy7Y2EtGuTES5F2mY2TYV_ui5IjGDG8aKnFbfKEVwZRsr0ed5xEUciSA/s1600-h/IMG_0722.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwwPJe6Xmtt4aFOgmf9a429euYjK3ePz1nuI47jlNVOct6G77bznsVNkYoEXz3obX2PrX6yQ4oXNg9Zqy7Y2EtGuTES5F2mY2TYV_ui5IjGDG8aKnFbfKEVwZRsr0ed5xEUciSA/s320/IMG_0722.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439055318396016226" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>It has been over a month since my surgery january 5th. I have hit a few road blocks with this recovery. Infection has kicked my butt and I am done with this resting and recovering thing!</div><div><br /></div><div>I've been eating out of control the last couple of weeks. I've identified it and am correcting it, but it was a feeling I thought was done with. Problem addressed and problem taken care of.</div><div><br /></div><div>I dropped out of Ironman CDA in June. My Dr feels I might be able to get back on the training horse by April and that is simply not enough time to get my body ready.</div><div><br /></div><div>With that I am setting and goal for Ironman Arizona: SUB 13 hours.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's right. </div><div><br /></div><div>OK, for most people that is a silly goal and for hard core Ironman participants they will giggle and some even mock this goal, but most of those guys I can sit on or break them in half - (that was passive aggressive . . . or was it just aggressive?) But for me sub 13 hours will be a serious accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ironman FLorida was my ice breaker. My goal was to have fun and enjoy the day and I did just that finishing in 15:11.</div><div><br /></div><div>I believe I can knock off 2 hours and I will.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to race a couple times this year, but mostly focus on training.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am looking for a half ironman in August in the South West . . . (SUGGESTIONS).</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever your goals are - Set them HIGH and go for it! </div><div><br /></div><div>YOU CAN DO IT!</div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-67732738162415778172010-02-07T21:53:00.003-06:002010-02-07T21:57:22.626-06:00WHO DAT!!!! SAINTS DATS WHO!!!!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ohGoltjk83VpF0A_MhhV4L65L_9KG_0p5uGlRLEy_m6wi0qUkovGnkIWXefammz_4L1VCVa6rIU30b3JSBwpEwHICWJUzMfNUM_Lr6ZUt83zfPgT9lMTb1GkfJ7TX4htFzNPMQ/s1600-h/super_bowl_colts.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ohGoltjk83VpF0A_MhhV4L65L_9KG_0p5uGlRLEy_m6wi0qUkovGnkIWXefammz_4L1VCVa6rIU30b3JSBwpEwHICWJUzMfNUM_Lr6ZUt83zfPgT9lMTb1GkfJ7TX4htFzNPMQ/s320/super_bowl_colts.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435716065044736626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I have been waiting for this since I was a weeeeee tot!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Congratulations SAINTS!!!!!!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">235 little new born boys already named Drew - AND 3 little new born girls!!!!!</div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-45440029621662001072010-01-20T12:27:00.002-06:002010-01-20T12:29:32.098-06:00The Latest - My Mind is in the CRAPPER!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6gpmH77Ac74agqajJG8kSpAiOQrLc_KRwLy-3zQQRXMTDXCRGpHL-Yvvl3EyzisPZNKNQFYYYBpKENG0r4h4eBqMfdJuVmQulw5l2sI7gQTVwudwz2MFLOGYdaWEbYjno0cPsw/s1600-h/IMG_0189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6gpmH77Ac74agqajJG8kSpAiOQrLc_KRwLy-3zQQRXMTDXCRGpHL-Yvvl3EyzisPZNKNQFYYYBpKENG0r4h4eBqMfdJuVmQulw5l2sI7gQTVwudwz2MFLOGYdaWEbYjno0cPsw/s320/IMG_0189.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428890541254937346" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><br /></span></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6gpmH77Ac74agqajJG8kSpAiOQrLc_KRwLy-3zQQRXMTDXCRGpHL-Yvvl3EyzisPZNKNQFYYYBpKENG0r4h4eBqMfdJuVmQulw5l2sI7gQTVwudwz2MFLOGYdaWEbYjno0cPsw/s1600-h/IMG_0189.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">If you go back to the beginning of my blog I think you will see major changes in so many areas of my life.</span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I was 452lbs and now I am 250lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had never done a single triathlon and now I have done nearly 70 triathlons including my IRONMAN last November in Florida.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> In November 2008 I had an upper body lift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That surgery alone took about 14lbs of loose skin off and re-shaped (no pun intended) how my life would move forward.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> On January 5<sup>th</sup> this year, I had the second of the two surgeries and it was my lower body lift, mainly focusing on my upper legs in the inner thigh area.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The last few years, since loosing a great deal of weight has been brutal on my inner thigh area (THE CROTCH).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This may be TMI, too graphic, more than you want to know, but it’s the facts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had a great deal of skin that floated around and just kind of hung there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As you can imagine, running and cycling puts a great deal of stress on that area and more than that the friction in that area is immense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For a normal person a little save, body glide, etc will handle the issue fine, but when you have a “little extra” down there – No amount of lubricant will help.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I had a choice – stop training so hard and lay low and not do so much damage there and continue to lose weight and eventually have it removed via surgery or keep on keeping on and train my butt off knowing the damage would continue.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After a short training session I would have no real issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A 5 mile run or a 30 mile bike was not a really big deal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There would be discomfort and a little heat in the area, but nothing a little Boudreaux’s Butt Paste wouldn’t handle.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> It was the long training rides and the longer races such as Olympic distances or longer, that caused the larger issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As my Ironman training ramped up I would have significant bleeding and abrasions in my inner thigh, crotch area and I went through Neosporin like it was water for the last couple years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But, I wouldn’t go back and do it any differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not one thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>OK . . . I wouldn’t have put on the weight in the first place – but, my choices afterwards to rectify the situation – I wouldn’t change.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The recovery from the upper body lift was incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My Dr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(In my opinion the best in the BIZ, Dr. Lior Heller) cut me all the way around to remove the loose skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My joke was that I looked like a magic trick (saw a person in half) GONE BAD!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took a couple months before I could get on the trainer in my workout room and more to hit the pavement running.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When it came to this surgery – I thought there was no way the recovery for my lower body lift would be as intense as the upper body lift . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The jury is still out on that – But what I can say is – It is a completely different type of recovery an the pain is as intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I am experiencing a bit of a set back.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My Dr is the best as I stated above and I would recommend him to ANYONE considering this type of work.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My left leg is not healing as we wish it would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is setting me back a great deal and I am in the mental turn can right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am a unique case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Most people having these types of surgery are not very active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am VERY active and I put a lot of stress in the area that was being cut and reattached and it was a very difficult surgery as a result of my training.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ironic.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I expected to be out of training for 2 to 3 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are looking at 4-5 months now and I am a broken man at this moment because of that.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Now – I have been in the bed and on the couch since Jan 5<sup>th</sup> and I have this week left with that and next week I will be in the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That is the beauty of my business that I can do everything of necessity from home although I really enjoy being in front of my clients and I am looking forward to getting back into that groove.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> But the not being able to train is beating me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have begun focusing on several outlets to get my mind in the right place, but it’s difficult when I can’t stand for very long and the three times a day I have to clean my wounds and I see some of the issues I am having.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On the positive side – If I tend to the area properly and keep the wound infection free – I will not need a second surgery.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Good thing is . . . I have a great wife and an UNBELIEVABLE Daughter and both of them do a great job pulling me out of the depression hole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am a lucky dude.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I will keep everyone posted on how things are going, but I will say this again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If I could go back and do things differently – I wouldn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would do it all the same.</o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-87116209357371048752010-01-18T22:00:00.009-06:002010-01-18T22:10:28.211-06:00FINAL PAT OF RACE REPORT IMFL<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMGZQR539QRVQ-ap5vCbZnu7p8ygLSTFIrzuuf2y81aMjOiYsbEB8HnLNhtQexLJmNIT-kxD-5HPCn2V_yXdawnUpt85vI_izPvEeUoLcBmG9HRmuU55j-x6Y9eo7bCzShyNTfg/s1600-h/boggs.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMGZQR539QRVQ-ap5vCbZnu7p8ygLSTFIrzuuf2y81aMjOiYsbEB8HnLNhtQexLJmNIT-kxD-5HPCn2V_yXdawnUpt85vI_izPvEeUoLcBmG9HRmuU55j-x6Y9eo7bCzShyNTfg/s320/boggs.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428297157306974178" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbMGZQR539QRVQ-ap5vCbZnu7p8ygLSTFIrzuuf2y81aMjOiYsbEB8HnLNhtQexLJmNIT-kxD-5HPCn2V_yXdawnUpt85vI_izPvEeUoLcBmG9HRmuU55j-x6Y9eo7bCzShyNTfg/s1600-h/boggs.jpg">13.1 miles left out of my 140.6 miles to travel that day. That’s what I said to myself a great deal . . . I’m basically done . . . While I may be at the absolute most difficult part of the entire race foe, I am at the end.</a><div> <p class="MsoNormal">I have failed to mention out tri club enough in this Race Report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have a great resource from some great people here in Louisiana and our tri club <a href="http://www.batonroughtri.com">www.batonroughtri.com</a> is a wealth of information with some super fast racers and many experienced peeps.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Vanilla was one of those and a really welcomed person to see as I headed out on my second loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Charles (AKA Vanilla) really took me under his wing for my first IM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He would call me and check in to see how training was going, how I was mentally etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And today he was there to see me race and finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I slogged along with my head down wishing I was done running he ran up beside me and pumped me up mentally telling me what I needed to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vanilla has raced in all the NA IM races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I slogged along he said to me “You can go faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Your body can do more than your mind is letting you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pick it up and you’ll see.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did and it did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At one point I was (for me) flying!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He stayed with me for a couple miles hitting me mentally with things we’d discussed for months, but I had neglected the past 10 or so miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Focus on pushing yourself until the next aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You got this!”</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My time shows the pick up in that 3<sup>rd</sup> section of the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even with a more than 10 minute stop at the special needs bag I cut my next 6 miles by about 40 seconds per mile, or somewhere around that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But more than that – I felt good, I felt oddly strong.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> About mile 16 my best friend Brent and his family had found a VERY bright spot on the run course to cheer me on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh how awesome it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was running well and in the distance I saw a triage of people, but couldn’t really make out who it was, but they were hollering like I was a rock star . . . As I got closer I saw it was Brent, Christy (his wife) and the babies’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They have 3-year-old twins, and a new born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And they were clapping and the babies were jumping up and down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is so hard to describe and explain how happy I was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My face didn’t show it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>More over my face probably seemed discouraged and upset, however I was elated and so surprised.</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDxmOH9jCub23_q-qoNfnW81wn87KMxRw45f8fSWvrBCUPM1Z5Lq2fEpd9UPTnPmWG6aQwTCnml-D49DCMvDxBbXQMIcMA6NWOro0dksJQt8QNhbc9SWwRjkGKWqKrBFeuUzxEA/s1600-h/IMG_0557.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDxmOH9jCub23_q-qoNfnW81wn87KMxRw45f8fSWvrBCUPM1Z5Lq2fEpd9UPTnPmWG6aQwTCnml-D49DCMvDxBbXQMIcMA6NWOro0dksJQt8QNhbc9SWwRjkGKWqKrBFeuUzxEA/s320/IMG_0557.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296983468753410" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I continued the strong pace I had begun the second loop with until a VERY unfortunate episode.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I have literally only one complaint about IMFL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had such an awesome experience and I will do IMFL several times in my life because it is close to home and it will always be my first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The Park . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I entered the park I realized how alone I really was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was pitch black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I say pitch black, I mean – it was not much different than the jungles in the panama canopy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Literally I found it difficult to see my tennis shoes as they patted the ground.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My cousin Michael and best bud Roddy had ridden out on Mountain bikes to check in one me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They commented the next day that they also couldn’t see a thing back there when looking for me.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I was rolling along until I ran up on a nice lady who was walking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn’t hear or see her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I bumped her from behind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She screamed and I pulled my hamstring on my right leg.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I comforted her because she had no idea what just happened and then I set back off on my run and it was not going to happen.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I had pulled that muscle pretty badly and I had to stop and try and stretch it for the next mile or so in the park until I decided to ignore it (which did and didn’t work).</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I finally got out of the park and was headed home!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I saw my friend Scum as I exited the park.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I also saw my new friends who were out cheering on their family member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hugged them as I ran by and every time they saw me they would cheer for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I saw them in their truck heading back to the finish at this time and they honked their horn for me.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My Momma was also at the exit of the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is so cute and such a great Momma!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love you.</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q8myiYlw5KD4U35IToJw2co3-7bPvLiKax7LQSTbhnqKltN_rUN2bFwtDGEnkRwKQAgkOB41zqiNQ1pUEC1i6r8dodL5NqWtYMdfvT8SYyKncu24XCViVTsam9XESsrgvs96Zw/s1600-h/IMG_0558.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Q8myiYlw5KD4U35IToJw2co3-7bPvLiKax7LQSTbhnqKltN_rUN2bFwtDGEnkRwKQAgkOB41zqiNQ1pUEC1i6r8dodL5NqWtYMdfvT8SYyKncu24XCViVTsam9XESsrgvs96Zw/s320/IMG_0558.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296894081760066" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">I began to count down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I would pass the mile markers I would mentally lighten up and have more and more fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My cousin Michael was taking iphone pics of me and I began to cut up the further and further along in the course I got.</span></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> At one point I met a really nice dude who I forgot his name, but he had dome a couple IMs but came down with a nasty blister this time and was running about my speed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We talked for a couple miles and then he left me in the dirt.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My main man Luke (I call him Skywalker) was riding out to see how I was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love that dude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Skywalker is talented and gifted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He finished in 10:15 or something like that at IMFL 08 and it was his first IM and he “just had fun” in that race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am looking forward to seeing what he is capable of when he tries to tear it up!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> But, right now he was making me laugh and cutting up keeping my mind in the right place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is hard to not love this sport with people like him and all the other folks I’ve mentioned in this Race Report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am a lucky guy to have such good friends that like this insanity called triathlon.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I knew I was home free as far as finishing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had set a goal of sub 16 hours because I really had no idea what to expect AND because at New Orleans 70.3 I finished in 7:30 or something like that and I figured doubling it plus one hour would be a responsible goal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>NOW – I did do New Orleans 70.3 with a broken foot . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> For nutrition the last 4 miles I took in Coke and chicken broth only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I ran in disbelief a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hurt – My hamstring was kicking my butt and my feet were sore, but none of that mattered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was having fun.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I could see the lights near the finish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They seemed so much brighter this time around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The last three miles were a given, but I wanted to finish strong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The crazy stretch on front beach road was ROCK N and Rolling!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>People were so drunk and I was envious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The women who were attractively dressed and provocative were a little less attractive and a lot more sloppy now, BUT – they were still so much fun!</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYOwVNmHyPGlHasUy7A34TcSkdpb1Vnm_E72oCnHudFtTHy0F09q2SCkCGW5KmdSx3ODzdvRIKyLyqIOmYvu0Uwy6VKaj9Rbwr77wI5kyMMUU2v1EPKHRtquEG_LvZGEfRYudnw/s1600-h/IMG_0561.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOYOwVNmHyPGlHasUy7A34TcSkdpb1Vnm_E72oCnHudFtTHy0F09q2SCkCGW5KmdSx3ODzdvRIKyLyqIOmYvu0Uwy6VKaj9Rbwr77wI5kyMMUU2v1EPKHRtquEG_LvZGEfRYudnw/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296777972175282" /></a>As I made the turn onto Thomas Drive I can’t explain exactly where this came from, but I was in an all out sprint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For me that means I was moving about as fast as most average people ran the entire run, but my big lard butt was MOVING!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I saw family – I saw friends – I hollered, I high fived!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_I8K9BLPTQyaizN1MM9EUYmh88cCe-koKxzZVuDdKi_8ra6k9X5zH9di-qXNxoBV39Wiki2Zb8jPIlD9xJsMYVxIUw3STVjkox5Jsm2F08dZJYH5SYcxP6t9PodeYBeTOLgxiSg/s1600-h/DSC00059.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_I8K9BLPTQyaizN1MM9EUYmh88cCe-koKxzZVuDdKi_8ra6k9X5zH9di-qXNxoBV39Wiki2Zb8jPIlD9xJsMYVxIUw3STVjkox5Jsm2F08dZJYH5SYcxP6t9PodeYBeTOLgxiSg/s320/DSC00059.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296663353601138" /></a>I made the U-Turn to head into the FINISH CHUTE and I was P-U-M-P-E-D!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My teeth were clinched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My eyes eye piercing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My lip was in a snarl.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My hands were in fists as if I was about to fight a 12 round fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My shoulders were flexed and then I turned into the chute and I began to yell uncontrolled.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>I saw the people in the stands and some were screaming for me and others were in shock that this big ole dude with a crazy look on his face was screaming like a maniac!!!!!!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I crossed the finish line I yelled – “IAM AN IRONMAN!!!!!!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I AM A IRONMAN!!!!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and Mike Reilly said . . . “Yes Chris Boggs, You ARE and Ironman.”</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When I weighed 452 lbs I decided that I wanted to lose my weight and I wanted to finish an Ironman race.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I’ve seen many people lose weight and then begin doing triathlons, but I began doing triathlons to lose the weight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>IN the beginning when I was 425 lbs doing my first tri, I got a lot of looks and some hurtful comments – I think people thought I was not only fat, but deaf too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> But more, I got positive support and I finished more than 50 triathlons and now I completed that goal of becoming an IRONMAN.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I’m not done.</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Gdx-QImqGUsgRRYKiEJDN_964vRyFG5sTZbIvYNoalUYycZpqkmejDvbegELurwefsTOChXcoxWz9VNllzS3u5UWJWlkeayRnk_mC0FHeeFGemVllFzLhuHqkwsYmA3m3V1n7A/s1600-h/DSC00062.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Gdx-QImqGUsgRRYKiEJDN_964vRyFG5sTZbIvYNoalUYycZpqkmejDvbegELurwefsTOChXcoxWz9VNllzS3u5UWJWlkeayRnk_mC0FHeeFGemVllFzLhuHqkwsYmA3m3V1n7A/s320/DSC00062.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296464400782674" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">I have another 40 lbs I want to lose and my next goal is to do all NA Ironman races including KONA in my lifetime – however long that may be.</span></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Thank you to everyone who follows my blog and send my positive thoughts, emails, and responses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am here with your help.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> 2010 my goal in sun 13 hr race at IM Arizona . . . To be continued!!!</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP6TMP9sk-193zVhWPfQqQUZJaX82X4FBRIGj_h9lwi6HrkeBSd2tF8fxLBIMaGq18T1-ClJ4hiGeYC8j9FqtH9qjjiLI0FB2u2zVBefGacEoY4fZzs39497S-AQGQP4_7FmJXg/s1600-h/DSC00064.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSP6TMP9sk-193zVhWPfQqQUZJaX82X4FBRIGj_h9lwi6HrkeBSd2tF8fxLBIMaGq18T1-ClJ4hiGeYC8j9FqtH9qjjiLI0FB2u2zVBefGacEoY4fZzs39497S-AQGQP4_7FmJXg/s320/DSC00064.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296337292939538" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EtjjxPIdhsc3f_SwdCioOn7RmYSlb-kAYIoM8UwkyuKdS4MTVRuwmxln6B2mCdUgyoU4RR_iL8hltfwM-uj_00AzzwAeIi6Z4sq0tGlW8oBD6Lm7VZG-t71uXhvma4B8Bs9H4w/s1600-h/15966_1265829531938_1415784456_30756896_455935_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EtjjxPIdhsc3f_SwdCioOn7RmYSlb-kAYIoM8UwkyuKdS4MTVRuwmxln6B2mCdUgyoU4RR_iL8hltfwM-uj_00AzzwAeIi6Z4sq0tGlW8oBD6Lm7VZG-t71uXhvma4B8Bs9H4w/s320/15966_1265829531938_1415784456_30756896_455935_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428296167703345154" /></a><br /></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-66308595868958048782010-01-10T16:06:00.017-06:002010-01-10T16:20:10.593-06:00IMFL Run Report Part UNO<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JaXR8G5ruorPUwuyVLfn_C2ipsoDeeUPUwOzmbOBiFjfMgNzCz4WOHmZLj42aBgwGKzMZilGDwtJwb5GW8e_CZTNrGvRRGdJVrh-KIKugUabW-lDCjEabw83ncYaKwf2kHPU-w/s1600-h/DSC00042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7JaXR8G5ruorPUwuyVLfn_C2ipsoDeeUPUwOzmbOBiFjfMgNzCz4WOHmZLj42aBgwGKzMZilGDwtJwb5GW8e_CZTNrGvRRGdJVrh-KIKugUabW-lDCjEabw83ncYaKwf2kHPU-w/s320/DSC00042.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425238237268353410" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">It’s been almost 2 months since Ironman Florida and I am not really sure why it has taken so long to finish my race report, but I think I have an idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am not ready to put it to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is a part of me that feels once I am done here that the experience has ended and I am not sure I am ready for that.</span></a><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> No worries . . . I will finish the RUN report today and you can see the swim and bike reports below.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> An Ironman distance race is different for every participant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have friends in our tri club that they race an Ironman and they are pretty fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of my closer friends tore it up this year at IM FL and I think he is focusing in on a sub 10hr IM in 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another Club member was 4<sup>th</sup> in his Age Group at Clearwater World Championship 70.3 and missed 3<sup>rd</sup> by on 30-40 seconds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cats like that are the - IN IT TO WIN IT category.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I am the other side of the spectrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am the IN IT CAUSE IT IS IN ME group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ironman is simple for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is a celebration of my battle and success with obesity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The race is more the culmination of the battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The training, the sacrifice from my family, the joy of the pain, the FEAR of failure . . . That is all my Ironman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I will never get a podium spot in anything triathlon unless it is there is a “smiles too much on the course” division.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I do this for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While other criticize me for simply completing the race I laugh it off because they have no idea what my journey has been and will continue to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> ON TO THE RUN REPORT!</o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9doUj-S6jJo7_6s9HCTgd9Xl3QodwfoC0GXzDbJ9Yn73HqTeRUM4BD5uPjIvRkdjCuzUjmIE_WkTkuAplIbNdlrA3WmcVHs6i-lnccHXV0Tof-m7xSsPDmooFFELHn49Ajv8K-w/s1600-h/14734_508354013438_111700623_30398092_6556362_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9doUj-S6jJo7_6s9HCTgd9Xl3QodwfoC0GXzDbJ9Yn73HqTeRUM4BD5uPjIvRkdjCuzUjmIE_WkTkuAplIbNdlrA3WmcVHs6i-lnccHXV0Tof-m7xSsPDmooFFELHn49Ajv8K-w/s320/14734_508354013438_111700623_30398092_6556362_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425238046665144034" /></a>The Run . . . Running 26.2 miles after swimming and biking all day was my biggest fear of all concerning this race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am very slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I probably will never be fast, but I am horribly slow right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously the slower I am, the longer I will be out of the race course . . . That’s never good.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I’m going to break this run portion of my IM Florida race report into 4 parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>OS somewhere around 6.25 miles each portion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The fast for me was that the first loop was a completely different race from the second loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I headed out on the first loop I reminded myself of my run mantra . . . Finish and Fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Numero Uno was to finish and hopefully have fun along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Exiting the Transition area was a bit surreal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was finished with more than half of this entire race, yet I was now at my most fearful . . .</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; ">I immediately saw my family as I exited transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></o:p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUB8HSNMskIuBlNr3JX1We4HR-o_-HLpProjCyuG5ecsJFGyip1EjcWMJS6zXc-fhsAOyKp_9OKoaZ-6DsPCWEerQk0GhL60GEtfGtLtquGeGdX0ubhGsbWhoqBwx2INE5OmiOYw/s1600-h/14734_508354033398_111700623_30398096_4818101_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUB8HSNMskIuBlNr3JX1We4HR-o_-HLpProjCyuG5ecsJFGyip1EjcWMJS6zXc-fhsAOyKp_9OKoaZ-6DsPCWEerQk0GhL60GEtfGtLtquGeGdX0ubhGsbWhoqBwx2INE5OmiOYw/s320/14734_508354033398_111700623_30398096_4818101_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237922478971618" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I am sure everyone else looks at their races in hind sight and says, “Next time I can cut 5 minutes here and 4 minutes here and (You get the picture).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have PLENTY of that from IMFL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Without exaggeration I am SURE, 100% positive I could cut off a minimum of 45 minutes on my run by changing one simple thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I must not hug EVERY person I know that is cheering me on in the race!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hugged everyone and I loved every second of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I suggest if this is your first IM that you do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>SOAK IT UP!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Now I won’t be doing this in future races because my goals will be different, but I will miss this part in the future.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> From transition to about mile 2 was the most fun part of the run course along beachfront road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The spectators and cheer tents set up along this area were awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were women dressed in next to nothing (by the end of the night they were actually pretty much wearing nothing).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were Elvis people and people offering you beer . . . It was a party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ5UERMFrezkIFXwEeHPEAO7hBrQ6jSvHASDDM0jwA5shhAVUPNhgpI4Ngx6Nt3UK_P0DT83Jm-wYb4lY960Fnu82WtKCKReTa_xd-x36OXVuJVPM0JQmU-vNuCGhsVEYh7yS9g/s1600-h/DSC00043.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuJ5UERMFrezkIFXwEeHPEAO7hBrQ6jSvHASDDM0jwA5shhAVUPNhgpI4Ngx6Nt3UK_P0DT83Jm-wYb4lY960Fnu82WtKCKReTa_xd-x36OXVuJVPM0JQmU-vNuCGhsVEYh7yS9g/s320/DSC00043.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237812150322418" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OXe5XvLsHQFZmwviOnY5cFay7ZkF_YmMyzChBk93eAzWQu1hNjjBKJKmTiwYU7ZrffbjcQHNkVesvs8Ko8i38uwNBFfAvbwGm843twceEpkc8Z4XSjrcIOrwP3DkVl-lUNzT-w/s1600-h/IMG_0554.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7OXe5XvLsHQFZmwviOnY5cFay7ZkF_YmMyzChBk93eAzWQu1hNjjBKJKmTiwYU7ZrffbjcQHNkVesvs8Ko8i38uwNBFfAvbwGm843twceEpkc8Z4XSjrcIOrwP3DkVl-lUNzT-w/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237584439644578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAEQC2ILhQQmEfhMbbbhqvB5da2pba-1ExK4d2Z-Q8rhuwAR3YGw6LfWR1_meX8S6kVwFeQL215OR_R3KvooxomJGOulBtT3rWkDd2gBeorTfRkjJYYK1bij0TBZiuWJg53Or-w/s1600-h/14734_508354093278_111700623_30398108_2958764_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAEQC2ILhQQmEfhMbbbhqvB5da2pba-1ExK4d2Z-Q8rhuwAR3YGw6LfWR1_meX8S6kVwFeQL215OR_R3KvooxomJGOulBtT3rWkDd2gBeorTfRkjJYYK1bij0TBZiuWJg53Or-w/s320/14734_508354093278_111700623_30398108_2958764_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237435703989282" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb6zjJL38piF6JSKfwMx3mmBaRyDZUDlwo7ze-8qL-HjZpyGakF8OwXN7sXlWgvxCpfeMj53U-301vwU5xTZyXrpj5kMJt0qfNr5hoDNsndLeVCHxlzYizp3Kmf3l153BlF7w3w/s1600-h/14734_508354113238_111700623_30398112_4505137_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb6zjJL38piF6JSKfwMx3mmBaRyDZUDlwo7ze-8qL-HjZpyGakF8OwXN7sXlWgvxCpfeMj53U-301vwU5xTZyXrpj5kMJt0qfNr5hoDNsndLeVCHxlzYizp3Kmf3l153BlF7w3w/s320/14734_508354113238_111700623_30398112_4505137_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237340285496370" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHfKQQMB0HU2ZrpQ5MrSLNkV3YMTyt2R20yBm4ft7cFWjy9E_Rwl33WsYsBNYQd0xcuP-xtL_Sbjo8cQFm5bIXwcC_ovDBU3iMX8lZdnh3-mYBFU1a7Z-upfAuQSH1eruIXGIMQ/s1600-h/IMG_1640.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHfKQQMB0HU2ZrpQ5MrSLNkV3YMTyt2R20yBm4ft7cFWjy9E_Rwl33WsYsBNYQd0xcuP-xtL_Sbjo8cQFm5bIXwcC_ovDBU3iMX8lZdnh3-mYBFU1a7Z-upfAuQSH1eruIXGIMQ/s320/IMG_1640.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237211514668866" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQtGMcULD2YN_U_iE1HYR9QIoB1TgxD5craryA_EGnN8eXmWnbmxKmFvl8e-_UYK6CqrzBZ5U4hH1Ei0dTixq3AG8CP6g51JbsYc_2F-jp2GReRYvYPXhSWhGFFBHtbRT2qOsEQ/s1600-h/14734_508354058348_111700623_30398101_2966374_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQtGMcULD2YN_U_iE1HYR9QIoB1TgxD5craryA_EGnN8eXmWnbmxKmFvl8e-_UYK6CqrzBZ5U4hH1Ei0dTixq3AG8CP6g51JbsYc_2F-jp2GReRYvYPXhSWhGFFBHtbRT2qOsEQ/s320/14734_508354058348_111700623_30398101_2966374_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425237044968331618" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDL7lx4N5RdvDS-AKu6incgPX9OlhrGKPesR-DCvK3lahXEheaFp0UJj51c-hwTH6k39OM-p054708uC_2pZYUVbP-4WUVpalwhvMBLZKkd6jZwMRffkdU3_VbsRNLyFzpyTaEg/s1600-h/14734_508354073318_111700623_30398104_1074509_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDL7lx4N5RdvDS-AKu6incgPX9OlhrGKPesR-DCvK3lahXEheaFp0UJj51c-hwTH6k39OM-p054708uC_2pZYUVbP-4WUVpalwhvMBLZKkd6jZwMRffkdU3_VbsRNLyFzpyTaEg/s320/14734_508354073318_111700623_30398104_1074509_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236910355587314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCkzi4EPl9J8wWJejCo1K2x5o_52pHtvJw2FjpHMeFPtTDaVoKXeCqixfGnEwCleYFkwdhPylCyqP5_BiDouMaOGB8MS60i1k_soq7r-TLiX8_mZnSRtoY2shMXmMdAPlCYKNaA/s1600-h/14734_508354083298_111700623_30398106_848147_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCkzi4EPl9J8wWJejCo1K2x5o_52pHtvJw2FjpHMeFPtTDaVoKXeCqixfGnEwCleYFkwdhPylCyqP5_BiDouMaOGB8MS60i1k_soq7r-TLiX8_mZnSRtoY2shMXmMdAPlCYKNaA/s320/14734_508354083298_111700623_30398106_848147_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236806559259666" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTVBTelPP2zwF0pezoATqEzPLS91sJ3Frr2Q8zgfPIBbW0iFgiYSiJcLgqxsu9lzJfjJwszPqf_9SvOB6_OB4vIke0eTdMTeun_FKJM8BNHldI9xDLzNmaMfne6diZ2-L9E2TJQ/s1600-h/IMG_0555.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGTVBTelPP2zwF0pezoATqEzPLS91sJ3Frr2Q8zgfPIBbW0iFgiYSiJcLgqxsu9lzJfjJwszPqf_9SvOB6_OB4vIke0eTdMTeun_FKJM8BNHldI9xDLzNmaMfne6diZ2-L9E2TJQ/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236719711169474" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">The first three miles seemed to move by in my mind fairly quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></a> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My nutrition was simple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At each aid station I would begin a power walk and take in a solid type fuel (Gel, banana, grapes, etc) on odd numbered aid stations and liquid fuel (Water, Nuun, etc)at even numbered aid station and an electrolyte at every aid station.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I followed this plan for the first 6 miles easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Some of the aid stations were remarkable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One in particular was back in the neighborhood area, around mile 4ish (I think).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was set up as a MASH unit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were stocked full the entire run and had so much energy.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Let me take a second to talk about the aid stations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Obviously the number one request from most racers would be that the aid station be stocked with a variety of items to get our nutrition AND keep them stocked throughout the race for slow people like me and keep hot things hot and cold things cold and lastly when it comes to the nutrition, keep it all organized and inform us visually and verbally of what you have well in advance of your reaching your aid station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>For example the MASH UNIT aid station had signs on the run route about a half mile ahead staggered leading up to it that listed in BIG BOLD print what they had – For Example COLA on one sign, POWER ADE 0 another, HOT CHICKEN BROTH on another – You get the point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And then as you approached the station they would stagger the tables with “LIKE” nutrition ie – Cola and chicken broth on one table, water and Gatorade at another, gels one on, assorted fruit on another AND the people manning the station would yell out what they had AND AND AND be able to say one table down for chicken broth if you asked for it etc.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Congrats to the MASH UNIT aid station on the run at Ironman Florida – YOU GUYS ROCKED IT!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The second thing I think in important at an aid station would be the attitude and atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The people manning the aid stations should be ubber hyper!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I LOVE and appreciate all of the volunteers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is a long day for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have volunteered for a few IM distance races now and it can be exhausting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When the volunteers are hollering and dancing for you having a blast – there is nothing better . . . THEN when you have an atmosphere with music and a theme . . . EVEN BETTER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I looked forward to reaching the MASH UNIT aid station each time.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> To the contrary – and aid station that has young kids and teens SUCK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If they are mixed in with adults in even numbers then it is great, but an full aid station with 15 kids and two adults in a horrible combination ESPECIALLY late in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One aid station began to run out of items and the kids were all sitting down and if you asked for something their response was – I don’t know if we have that or worse – Actually my favorite . . . I asked a young teen if they had worm chicken broth – He was in the middle of a full on flirt with a girl he had obviously met throughout that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He didn’t even look at me and responded, “Hold up.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And went back to chatting it up with the girlie and she just soaked it up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In my mind I was pissed, but I gave the guy kudos because she sure felt special at that moment and earned him some serious cool points!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> For the most part ALL of the aid stations were on their game at IMFL excluding the one I mentioned above that was at about mile 6ish or so.</o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij69ROWevKPaT-wFxFbfGk8VvS9EsEEbhhqqqGFlvfbiKJPgFANtZVg-Ao3gnTb4wHxzoUtafgbAqm3FMXpZUVfvwht-OaHnot4fx_1XU-J0RpTFqNhrU1UdplSvtObSFIcsRx1w/s1600-h/14734_508354347768_111700623_30398159_1404773_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij69ROWevKPaT-wFxFbfGk8VvS9EsEEbhhqqqGFlvfbiKJPgFANtZVg-Ao3gnTb4wHxzoUtafgbAqm3FMXpZUVfvwht-OaHnot4fx_1XU-J0RpTFqNhrU1UdplSvtObSFIcsRx1w/s320/14734_508354347768_111700623_30398159_1404773_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236569601228994" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">It was nice to be on the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I enjoyed seeing friends out there racing form our club.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was honored to be out there with so many people working their own plan and seeing their focus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At times I would chat with people and then they would take off and leave me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I passed NO ONE, but saw some of the same folks a few times during the run.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I focused on my HR the entire run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even when I felt strong in the beginning I remained focused on keeping my heart race in the 145bmp (which is low, but what I’d trained for).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were times I wanted to kick it up a little but, I would remind myself that I had 19 miles remaining and I would pull it back.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I reached the backside of loop one I was still feeling good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I saw several friends out cheering and in particular was Scum (Stephen Branscum) and his fiancée.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They will never know how AWESOME and motivating it was for me to see them out there until the very last mile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The State Park was actually a welcoming change in the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was another good aid station here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was nice to know I was heading back towards the transition area and that my mind was still very focused and I was enjoying myself.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Kathy and Mike were hanging at a really great spot to cheer us all on in the run.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They picked a parking lot that was kind of in the middle of the aid stations and in a VERY DULL area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was nothing to really look forward to for about a 3 mile stretch – EXCEPT THEM!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you Michael and Kathy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> It was still light at about mile 9 but quickly becoming dark each stride I took.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By the time I made it back to the MASH UNIT aid station the sun was pretty much gone and we were depending on streetlights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was not good in some places and HORRIBLE in one place in particular, which I will discuss on the second post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Back in the neighborhoods the streetlights were hot and miss, but for the most part you could see well enough.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> About mile 10 back in the neighborhood about 1 mile before the MASH UNIT station there were 4 or 5 fells (I use fells on purpose) sitting in their yard chairs, drinking beers, smoking it up and I am not sure they were only cigarettes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were using a unique form of motivation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The women ran faster because the men were saying redneck sexy things to them (And they fully thought they were funny) and I ran faster because I was to tired to respond and a response might have led to a front yard brawl and I would have been on the losing end of that one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So I just gritted and ran on off into the dark.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> At about mile 11 you can see the lights around the turn around and finish area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is such an awesome sight to a tired racer IF YOU’RE coming in for a finish, but still welcoming to those like me who were heading in for the turn around since we would be able to see family, friends, etc.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The half mile stretch of beachfront rd with all the awesome crazy people wearing next to nothing and the Elvises, and now the tent of really drunk college guys and gals trying to get you to do a tequila shot was so much fun.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> One of the best was the woman with the ass-less chaps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She would run up beside a really tired runner and ask how they were doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then se would run up a bit and say, “Does this make you run faster?” and she swished her bare butt from left to right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will admit that it took my mind off of my sore feet for that few seconds!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I made the turn onto Thomas drive about a quarter mile from the turn around I saw my Dad and his Wife Mindy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Guess what I did . . . Yup . . . Stopped Hugged him and headed on.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> At the turn I saw Tater, my wife, my sister, and so many other folks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I truly don’t remember much about this 2 miles or so, accept how much fun it was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hugged everyone.</o:p></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh925Pi14yTFIWJ1wygeNwNrWfsW1aKEmHHZGYUYRNuCMR4yZogSuAkZGnsS6XCmNuqllYapvSlVQ7r5psHDsHG5KGRcQy6qFkitCzD3YRE-gh_jWSugnER833xBk6au5kKnu2LQg/s1600-h/14734_508354372718_111700623_30398164_1315598_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh925Pi14yTFIWJ1wygeNwNrWfsW1aKEmHHZGYUYRNuCMR4yZogSuAkZGnsS6XCmNuqllYapvSlVQ7r5psHDsHG5KGRcQy6qFkitCzD3YRE-gh_jWSugnER833xBk6au5kKnu2LQg/s320/14734_508354372718_111700623_30398164_1315598_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425236381290504066" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I did the old turn into the finish as a joke thing (It was funny to me) and then pointed to it and said “I’ll see you in a bit).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> At this point I am pretty tired and nasty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>ERY NASTY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have sticky, hot, salty skin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve been hugging so many people who are more than likely no longer my friends because of that!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I WAS NASTY!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Good news is that I was at my run special needs bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In that bag I had a small towel that I soaked in water and then put in a BIG ziplock bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh it was so refreshing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I almost stripped down and took a towel bath . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I changed socks, which I would highly recommend and I ate my last small bag of Pringles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yeah, Yeah, make fun of it all you want to – It was such a welcoming treat . . . YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Jeff has left a card in my special needs back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had Amanda put it in there for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another very nice touch and very welcomed, thank you Jeff.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After refreshing and revitalizing I was ready to head out for my 2<sup>nd</sup> loop of 13.1 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I remember looking at my garmin and feeling happy about my pace to this point, but worrying whether or not I could hold that pace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Only time would tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I hugged several more friends and kissed my wife and baby (man it is hard to stay unemotional when you kiss your baby during a race) and began the final leg of this ultimate goal – I would be an Ironman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would be.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I will complete the run report soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sorry it is taking so long.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Work was very demanding at the end of the year and I had surgery on this past Tuesday (which will be another blog report in itself).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-73781587302073368792009-12-22T20:21:00.007-06:002009-12-22T20:40:54.326-06:00Before and After . . .<div style="text-align: center;">JUST A LITTLE FLASH BACK!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyolR3YA9BQmctN2qG6FyD-a58ZUiY2mCiPLCcy96grLXLvWlNBFDHSL_oG-gD4qiNSXy5rwdL5BRhAvPFmyu1w0gm9adYgxPOUtXhzCjDPWZcVixzvEBvdLPPjqiexwlFTy5jHA/s1600-h/Before+and+after+pictures+2+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyolR3YA9BQmctN2qG6FyD-a58ZUiY2mCiPLCcy96grLXLvWlNBFDHSL_oG-gD4qiNSXy5rwdL5BRhAvPFmyu1w0gm9adYgxPOUtXhzCjDPWZcVixzvEBvdLPPjqiexwlFTy5jHA/s320/Before+and+after+pictures+2+001.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418255953441245938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWaiAzBTezgYsxL8oLz81_h_t_nTFj3uFozkpcQVO99zr3o5kBqkKfwlEuhv65xWLw0ZS-m-dOCN57dCKOiJgEsXroOhi1Y8NbZU0e-rIWcp2pY4rEn8bksaWVgaj1ZyBJdUFLg/s1600-h/Before+and+after+pictures+2+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWaiAzBTezgYsxL8oLz81_h_t_nTFj3uFozkpcQVO99zr3o5kBqkKfwlEuhv65xWLw0ZS-m-dOCN57dCKOiJgEsXroOhi1Y8NbZU0e-rIWcp2pY4rEn8bksaWVgaj1ZyBJdUFLg/s320/Before+and+after+pictures+2+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418255830068111506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAatZOkHdSUM1zfDPTzw0yFiFySEdclLCeEfLXrCgLkcVxZZ_Z0yIcgWTrq0a4ronC1pAvbOFA-VPUKsqL4Rxp8CTKb1ZgoMh3Crh_iLPLJ5W4UmHWTS_ZGGv3gtG9MU7DVdiEg/s1600-h/Before+and+after+pictures+2+003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZAatZOkHdSUM1zfDPTzw0yFiFySEdclLCeEfLXrCgLkcVxZZ_Z0yIcgWTrq0a4ronC1pAvbOFA-VPUKsqL4Rxp8CTKb1ZgoMh3Crh_iLPLJ5W4UmHWTS_ZGGv3gtG9MU7DVdiEg/s320/Before+and+after+pictures+2+003.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418255707209512178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoTqvewxdC1uVxqrtSb5wkjIy7ScVU_r8RKrVn6NIrogltXt-QX1kQOlo1EJf113B7r1yYAqUkpyK_gqeMgeUuP7OUOwlgn2z4UwF3Fg5HMgeNjUg2wkPLV1lwwoNNqQlJe3DIA/s1600-h/CIMG0922.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoTqvewxdC1uVxqrtSb5wkjIy7ScVU_r8RKrVn6NIrogltXt-QX1kQOlo1EJf113B7r1yYAqUkpyK_gqeMgeUuP7OUOwlgn2z4UwF3Fg5HMgeNjUg2wkPLV1lwwoNNqQlJe3DIA/s320/CIMG0922.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418255451464968834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo89geN_RaZf6f34LlDSnSOXPF6-JCTGil8GLgyCWTtm0IMKvOMkWzH7UuZxBiZTJhDt9eVyO-pZx4yb8-P5VSVNWKo5SVPPM0Oy0kFocTvnsDyM5hR35870bd1VClFmlV-sDBBg/s1600-h/CIMG0856.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo89geN_RaZf6f34LlDSnSOXPF6-JCTGil8GLgyCWTtm0IMKvOMkWzH7UuZxBiZTJhDt9eVyO-pZx4yb8-P5VSVNWKo5SVPPM0Oy0kFocTvnsDyM5hR35870bd1VClFmlV-sDBBg/s320/CIMG0856.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418254160350189170" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMbQVt_ijolcOSpLfGYR9TYlk3gjPNjSCyqV0h0OSu0eksf7G6IskyHZy_q7tEl3rg1HCVyHQbzZ_jMCJR76POCSpoiqRPm_x9qzxgRaFHTAbZ8PI8KyJxB0as0PpUVDPXQokOQ/s1600-h/DSC00058.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwMbQVt_ijolcOSpLfGYR9TYlk3gjPNjSCyqV0h0OSu0eksf7G6IskyHZy_q7tEl3rg1HCVyHQbzZ_jMCJR76POCSpoiqRPm_x9qzxgRaFHTAbZ8PI8KyJxB0as0PpUVDPXQokOQ/s320/DSC00058.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418252438347474098" /></a>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-16978154330851039792009-12-06T15:51:00.004-06:002009-12-06T15:59:25.922-06:00Let's Ride 112 miles!<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">This is the link to the IRONMAN video – I show up about the middle-ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Red Transition black spuik helmet – BIG OLE BOY – eating a sandwich!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you want to go directly to where I am in the video – PUT the play cursor (the circle that moves while video is playing) right above the A in ironmAn.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <a href="http://www.ironmanflorida.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imfla&vidname=RaceVid-2009-FLA-low&playtype=mov&w=320&h=260">http://www.ironmanflorida.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imfla&vidname=RaceVid-2009-FLA-low&playtype=mov&w=320&h=260</a></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b>Let’s go ride 112 miles!</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before I begin my Ironman race recap – Let me apologies for taking so long with my Race Report.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is a very busy time at the end of the year, but I will complete this in its entirety by next week.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Now to the good stuff!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I jogged through transition I repeated my cycling mantra – EASY DOES IT!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Again, I had good people sharing their experiences with me (Which I suggest everyone do.) regarding the do’s and don’ts of an Ironman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I heard loud and clear from each of them . . . Don’t go out too hard on the bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They warned me of the experience and the push you may get from the cheering spectators and then once that is over I might experience the desire to push hard when someone passes me in the first couple miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Stay focused, stay calm, stay easy” is what I was told and I did just that, but it wasn’t easy.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I jumped on the bike I could hear the screams of people around me, “GO 1129!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>or the same ole “Go Big Boy!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(I think I will always be big boy!!!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When you ride through the chute it is exciting and remains so until you get on the first stretch of road along the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>People are cheering you on non-stop in that stretch on Thomas Drive, but I just settled in remained calm within myself and began to think about the day.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Once I was on the gulf front road I was surprised at how low my HR was while I was holding 23mph?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Odd?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was passed about 4 or 5 times and it WAS difficult to sit back, but I had my plan and I was going to stick with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The good news was that I was passing many more folks (Not that I get pleasure out of that, but If I am being passed, I don’t mind passing!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After about 4 miles I felt ready to roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My sea legs were gone quickly, which I didn’t expect.</o:p></p></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61Em58apqj9ieERNCkvoA5wceNMr808BFVnXVJl2JO17Pa4acNh2AuYDoZPaXzW9ytr0JeGzWl6mDf6YJ9XdVduypwNheFyzXLcZ9V-WjyQQe3-U3vKAAH8GMHjGGdXv93NqbCA/s1600-h/IMG_0550.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg61Em58apqj9ieERNCkvoA5wceNMr808BFVnXVJl2JO17Pa4acNh2AuYDoZPaXzW9ytr0JeGzWl6mDf6YJ9XdVduypwNheFyzXLcZ9V-WjyQQe3-U3vKAAH8GMHjGGdXv93NqbCA/s320/IMG_0550.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412245025954268274" /></a><div>As we turned North headed to the only real hill on the course (which is an overpass) I noticed the wind pick up slightly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>From this point it would be about 20 miles until the turn east.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They have been doing a great deal of work on this hwy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have ridden the Gulf Coast Half course many times and this road has changed over the years.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">There was a guy with a cowbell wearing a cowboy had and an accent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am not sure, but I think it was Australian?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He would park across the hwy, come over and cheer us on with his cowbell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then jump in his car ride ahead 20 miles or so and cheer us on again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He did this the entire ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I appreciated it, A LOT!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I saw him the first time about 3 miles before the overpass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My goal on the overpass . . . SPIN BABY SPIN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But some may argue with my spin method.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>See, I never ever get out of the big ring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know I am working on it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I reached the top of the overpass I felt great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I descended at a wicked speed I used my same old boring on bike conversation starter, as I would fly past people – I say “Man if this were an all down hill triathlon!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know, goofy, but for some reason I feel guilty flying by everyone!!!???</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The road surface after the overpass was smooth as a baby’s butt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The next 15 or so miles were heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thought to myself, (self) if this is what the day has in store for me – Today will be a GREAT day!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> JINX!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> It wasn’t 2 seconds after we made the right turn east onto hwy 20 that I was introduced to some really sucky headwind!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I told myself it wasn’t going to last . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I passed the first penalty tent I hollered out to my peeps!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Luke, Vanilla, and all those folk were working the first penalty tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was nice seeing them if only for a second.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The wind never let up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The long stretch on Hwy 20 was miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were a couple highlights. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I was at about mile 50 a van pulled up beside me and the rear tailgate was up and there was a guy with a camera.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I said hello.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course I am eating!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Speaking of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>. . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I am a planner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is what I do for a living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I plan everything to a T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here was my nutrition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the top of every hour I had an Uncrustable peanut butter and honey sandwich, 200 calories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These are great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My friend Caroline introduced them to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They are in the frozen section of your supermarket.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the 15 minute mark I would take in 2 endurolites from Hammer Nutrition and lots of fluid (I use NUUN cola).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the 30 minute mark I take in one gel which I use Hammer Banana and again, lots of fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At the 45 minute mark I take 2 more endurolites and more fluid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then repeat this every hour!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> This is the link to the IRONMAN video – I show up about the middle-ish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Red Transition black spuik helmet – BIG OLE BOY – eating a sandwich!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> If you want to go directly to where I am in the video – PUT the play cursor (the circle that moves while video is playing) right above the A in ironmAn.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <a href="http://www.ironmanflorida.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imfla&vidname=RaceVid-2009-FLA-low&playtype=mov&w=320&h=260">http://www.ironmanflorida.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imfla&vidname=RaceVid-2009-FLA-low&playtype=mov&w=320&h=260</a></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I was holding my goal of LOW heart rate. Taking it really easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This was my first IM and I wasn’t going to blow up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But, I was a little frustrated to be going 16-17mph heading east on Hwy20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>BUT THEN . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> We turned South.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I averaged 25mph on the short stretch south before heading to 388 west.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I felt great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had just stopped at my special needs bag and re-lubed (you can’t do this enough!) I dug into my small bag of Pringles (yeah yeah – I’ve heard enough from you skinny tri freaks of nature on my Pringles – It worked for me!) and I was off.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> How funny was this – My Momma drove all the way out to the turn to see me pass – I was literally making the turn and she was getting out of her car with her chair and all to set up shop!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How funny!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love you Momma!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I held a pretty nice speed and a low HR all the way up to 388 where we turn right for about 6 miles then make a U-Turn and come back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>THIS ROAD SUCKED!!!!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Not only was the wind back in our face but this road surface was miserable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>MISERABLE!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think the only good news was that I THINK the road was so bad at a perfect place in the race (about the middle) and it made the remaining bike spectacular!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When we did make the U-Turn . . . The road was still crappy, BUT the wind was beneath our wings!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My next concern was the Gulf Coast Half IM course on 388 heading west is UGLY and the road surface is not pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But to my surprise . . . THEY have redone the road surface and this road is now like BUTTER!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I couldn’t have been happier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As I passed the last penalty tent ON THE COURSE I hollered out to my friends Susan and Nancy and Greg Cole who were working that tent.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I was having a hard time holding back and keeping my HR at the 145 to 155 I had set for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But I knew I had to because my run is so horrible.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I came to the overpass I powered up it and knew I was home free and feeling well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just before we turned onto the Overpass road I saw my friend with his cowbell and he gave me a “Cheers! Good job!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thanked him and headed to the house!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When I hit gulf front road and headed towards transition . . . I admit – I picked it up a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also did what I said I wouldn’t . . . As I hit the chute off of Thomas Drive I was a little hyper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After New Orleans 70.3 I thought I had learned not to act a fool and exert a lot of un-needed energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>NOT!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I hollered and screamed like a moron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I flew into transition – gave up my bike and headed to get my transition bag.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I did I saw my friend Will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is a hell of an athlete and a better coach/trainer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t plug things on here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is his website and he does a hell of a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <a href="http://www.4thdimensionfitness.net/">http://www.4thdimensionfitness.net/</a></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I was all kind of pumped up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I grabbed my Transition bag and headed into the transition room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Good news was – Not so many swinging Richards this time!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I sat down and took off my cycling shorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wore my tri shorts underneath and I think it worked out very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I lubed again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This time I hit my toes and between my toes really well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thanked the transition team and headed out to run 26.2 miles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Up to this point I am loving life!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Run Race report coming soon!</p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0weHU6Mo479C0RSL00B7fihmT84WlTojNi_z9ZXGC1SZGGQam8uBsr_bqYi70P7G0UVhs6k11U0m5cu1VPSy85LQf6rJWa6hRdwLN9Gtzxm94ELkz9Y8tsoDkFX0NeY65gsoDyA/s1600-h/IMG_1639.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0weHU6Mo479C0RSL00B7fihmT84WlTojNi_z9ZXGC1SZGGQam8uBsr_bqYi70P7G0UVhs6k11U0m5cu1VPSy85LQf6rJWa6hRdwLN9Gtzxm94ELkz9Y8tsoDkFX0NeY65gsoDyA/s320/IMG_1639.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412244871700478738" /></a><br /></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-78813601066852206252009-12-02T19:12:00.006-06:002009-12-02T19:21:30.556-06:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP39maKn1V1uE7rtRJWuSO0UYv0mX6LrIYwV4RU7guGg-gh07asDj4todmbQu5XWniLTX5-v6anHp3s7F63D3eFcA6V9nUrsoWA4IJNvdZn-zH-_4UdvjY1DegmIgMPIM_Z9kIRw/s1600-h/IMG_0543.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP39maKn1V1uE7rtRJWuSO0UYv0mX6LrIYwV4RU7guGg-gh07asDj4todmbQu5XWniLTX5-v6anHp3s7F63D3eFcA6V9nUrsoWA4IJNvdZn-zH-_4UdvjY1DegmIgMPIM_Z9kIRw/s320/IMG_0543.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410812403192447074" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">RACE DAY!</span></a><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Let’s have sum fun!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> 3:13am<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Wake.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3:15am<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Eat micro waved breakfast burrito – Begin hydrating</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:00am<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Shower</p> <p class="MsoNormal">4:45am<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Meet Greg and Nancy in Lobby for ride to Race Site</p> <p class="MsoNormal">5:00am<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Double check bike, inflate tires, fill Speedfill, relax!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">7:00am<span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>GO TIME!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sounds easy enough right! Right?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Here we go.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I woke right at 3:00am which was fine and threw my breakfast<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>in the microwave and double checked my special needs bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My friend Vanilla left me with many pieces of wisdom and one was – LESS IS MORE – and I took it to heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had minimal items in both special needs bags and on my bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had the most stuff in my bike special needs bags.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And minimal items in my run bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will post in another post what I had in all of my gear and special needs bags .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After eating my breakfast slowly and sipping on Gatorade with Hammer pre race fuel in it I decided I didn’t want to wait for my show and jumped in about 3:30am.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After a LONG hot shower I LUBED BABY!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was determined not to have a single chafe issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had Boudreaux’s Butt Paste in every crack and crevasse on my body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thought I might slide out of my tri shorts when I put them on!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> All morning I visualized my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One sport at a time seeing myself finish with smiles at each point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After having a good 5-minute one on one time sitting on the balcony I headed down to meet my friends Greg and Nancy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How awesome are they.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were volunteers on the bike course, but woke extra early to take the stress off of me worrying about driving and finding a parking spot etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were also full of wise advice for me.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After arriving at the race site (which was like an ant farm!) I dropped my bike special needs bag at its point then walked my run special needs bag off down by Alvin’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I felt like I should have been a little more stressed, but I was reasonably calm with all things considered . . . Would that last?</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After pumping my tires up to 110 and filling my speedfill hydration system, I went through the rest of the check list . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I had my cycling shorts on over my tri shorts and was wearing my race top as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bike was in race mode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Computers all zero-ed and head was on my shoulders.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As for my bike and transition area . . . Good to go.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I headed up to the boardwalk condo where my wife, sister, and baby girl were in a dead sleep when I arrived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kissed Amanda on the cheek and rubbed Melaina’s belly as I have done every morning since her birth.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My friend Lance, who Amanda was staying with at Boardwalk, was also racing today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We hung in the living area for a bit, took some pictures, and I am sure we were both thinking about our day.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> It was time.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Our wetsuits half on and my gonads in my throat we headed to the beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I met Lance’s Mom and Dad on the way and we again took a few more pics of Lance and the family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I saw my friend Andy and a few others as I hit the cool white sand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Here we are” I thought to myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Hew were are.”</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I walked down the beach to the swim start I was visualizing and I was really caught up in the moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t want to say I was overwhelmed, but I was absolutely on the verge of suffocating inside of myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Here were my thoughts.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><i><b> “I was 453 lbs 5 years ago. I am still so big now at 240lbs. Can I do this? I can do this. I WILL DO THIS. Shit. (BIG SIGH) Where’s my wife? My Dad? (Big Sigh) Wow there are a lot of people out here. (I laugh to myself) I forgot my 2</b></i><sup><i><b>nd</b></i></sup><i><b> wave starts here – sign! (Laugh again – out loud I think) This is going to rock. Remember to smile all day. “</b></i></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Then a familiar voice from behind. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s Gloria, Scott, and Charles (Vanilla)!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What great faces to see just before I take off.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I was having problems with my wetsuit and how awesome to have the two people I trust the most when it comes to triathlon right there to help me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They pulled my suit up and got it into a perfect fit position for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Zipped me up and offered some encouraging words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Scott suggested I take off my chain with my cross off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was worried about chafing – But call me crazy but, I couldn’t do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes – I regretted later when it came to the pain and chafing, but mentally and spiritually I am glad I had it.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> After hugs to them I head the announcement that the pros were about to start . . . WHAT!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I wasn’t even close to the corral yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How do I get into the Corral??????<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh man!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were so many people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was politely saying excuse me for a while then PURE PANIC SET IN!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think I put a little old lady in the sand face first at one point!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I ran to the front and went into the water and then into the corral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Whew.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> About this time I am standing in the very back of the racers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was taking in all of the red caps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All of the people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I heard my wife yelling for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I can’t explain exactly what happened here, but I just saw them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I simply walked over and looked and my wife and child and this burst of emotion took over and began to pour out of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn’t begin to cry, but I had a physical reaction to this little emotional episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like I said I can’t explain it, but I was as close as a big grown burley man can be to tears without actually crying?????</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P9WWhqPzw9VYHQsqkyHKH61yjghQ8BFUrkJIYBou5QXe94lofw_dFolgog53UHizIMRmebNBTIfKOiKysKIUd_l9dxg0E9fDTHFEnC0ddWgobUTORTjnENLHB8dDKvHBKIu76A/s1600-h/DSC00009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 231px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6P9WWhqPzw9VYHQsqkyHKH61yjghQ8BFUrkJIYBou5QXe94lofw_dFolgog53UHizIMRmebNBTIfKOiKysKIUd_l9dxg0E9fDTHFEnC0ddWgobUTORTjnENLHB8dDKvHBKIu76A/s320/DSC00009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410812239419177170" /></a></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">Then the National Anthem began and I sang like a rock star!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Here we GO!!!!!!!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The cannon went off and I began to walk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My mind told me what was going on, but my legs were well in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were on a mission.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The water was cool but not cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The churn ahead of me was less intimidating than I thought it would be, but more beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All of those bodies with their red swim caps, fighting to take full swim strokes while someone else was stuck in their arm pit . . . It was awesome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I’d say the first 250 meters was not really swimming, but more surviving and half stroking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hit a few people and felt bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was kicked and then I didn’t feel as bad about those I accidentally hit!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The water was pretty nice on the way out on the first loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I finally got into a rhythm at about the 600 meter mark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I spoke to soon.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I had a guy who was a faster swimmer than me, but a much worse spotter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I stayed positive even after the 3<sup>rd</sup> or 4<sup>th</sup> time he crossed literally right over top of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The poor guy probably ended up swimming 3 miles since he zig-zagged the entire course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I decided to sit up for just a second and let him get a little in front of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>MISTAKE!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> There were more people behind me and around me than I thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I quickly got back into my stroke and battled with a few folk for another 200 or 300 meter until we hit the first turn to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The water had begun to sell just a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was getting kinda rough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But after the first turn I began to hit a little bit of a rhythm.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I am not sure I mentioned this yet . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My goal for the first 127.5 miles of this day was to keep a LOW LOW LOW Heart Rate and never feel I was exerting too much at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was afraid of that proverbial “wall” everyone talks about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So I was taking it easy on my swim and felt great up to this point.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As we began the stretch back to the beach on our first loop I ended up right next to a female swimmer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were stroke for stroke.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our cadence, speed, everything was identical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was nice having her on my right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn’t have to worry about anyone or anything on that side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thank you nice lady from England who ever you were.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When we came up to the beach to cross the timing mat on our first loop I saw my family.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Here was what happened throughout the day when I saw family . . . Stop, hug, kiss, tell them how happy I am that they are at the race . . . Move on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We will talk about this more in the report, but I would say I spent about 20 minutes of my day doing this – BUT I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyGBjJN6LPI8_wyJ_eIautie8WwLhQFQT5n1KuWqZPJKIMmzliy64FCZx0sgFdGTxgU8zrd71K9I7hs7HHdgFEygL5ztAhvD-6h8lPY82eLCDoOeEV_e6m6eP8fEGAkyA1gzYvA/s1600-h/DSC00022.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyGBjJN6LPI8_wyJ_eIautie8WwLhQFQT5n1KuWqZPJKIMmzliy64FCZx0sgFdGTxgU8zrd71K9I7hs7HHdgFEygL5ztAhvD-6h8lPY82eLCDoOeEV_e6m6eP8fEGAkyA1gzYvA/s320/DSC00022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410812014286716850" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I felt strong after the first 1.2 miles of the swim.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was a little faster than I thought I would be and I was happy about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I talked to the nice lady I swam beside for a second – Hence me knowing she was from the UK.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then It was back into the swim!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I am not sure how this happened and how many others noticed this, but the water was ROUGH on the second loop.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Spotting was very difficult on this second loop since I couldn’t see over the swells at some points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>People were all over the place on the second loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It wasn’t too bad on the way out, but when we made the first turn, it was obvious what we were in for and it were not purdy!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> At one point I came through my stroke and as my right hand came over and I went to breathe on my right side . . . There was no water?!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I looked ahead and the front part of my chest was in the air and I was looking down at the water and BAM!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was drinking a nice mouth full of gulf water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh it sucked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I buckled in and tried swimming with the waves timing my spotting so that I was looking ahead when I was on top of a wave.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I don’t want to over blow the waves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They weren’t surfing height or “Perfect Storm” crazy, but they were 3 footers with white caps and I wasn’t really happy about it.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The turn back to the beach was a welcomed affair, but the waves were still a pain in da booty since I wasn’t able to ever really able to get into a rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I like swimming with some type of rhythm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know you can expect that in an open water gulf swim, but this was a little more ugly than I expected.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The other great part about the stretch back to the beach is the spotting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It is so easy to spot since you just have to pick out the condo at Boardwalk and swim to the building to the left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>EASY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I stood in the water – knowing I had finished round one – 2.4 miles of gulf swimming – I was happy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I saw my friends and family!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was so easy to spot them now!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>WHY?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Because I am so slow in the water most people had followed their friends racing into transition and I was one of the few still in the water!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>HA!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I’ll give you one guess as to what happened next?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Yep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I hugged everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>EVERYONE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AnYLARDryf-4tYK_gnjcF42Dc3ysplLOiizyHgkYhZmMB2bIU660JqEfF3cboidezvducP337s6sYoQlZ8w5Zm0lSh2bvL9VHfohleTM64eRZ1rjtP4h-ZMjrEA1tzAnn7fCWA/s1600-h/IMG_1630.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_AnYLARDryf-4tYK_gnjcF42Dc3ysplLOiizyHgkYhZmMB2bIU660JqEfF3cboidezvducP337s6sYoQlZ8w5Zm0lSh2bvL9VHfohleTM64eRZ1rjtP4h-ZMjrEA1tzAnn7fCWA/s320/IMG_1630.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410811839682794578" /></a>I headed into transition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I decided to strip my wetsuit myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t like sitting on the sand and getting sand all over. I do a standing wetsuit removal. And I think it is just as fast as laying down having someone rip off our suit and standing up, then going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t know?? But I stay sand free.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Second EXCELLENT piece of wisdom from my friend Vanilla . . . Take your time in the shower.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Get all of the sand and salt water off of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I almost took a shower I was under there so long!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I stood far to the right so I wouldn’t be in the way, but I showered and showered!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> What an experience the transition room is . . . Swinging Richards everywhere!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was worried about sitting down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had my race gear under my wetsuit so I only had to re lube a bit and put on the shoes, helmet, glasses, and rub down with a little pain gel . . .and I was OUTTA THERE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was just too much nakedness in their for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe I was having an inferiority complex?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nah!!!!!!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> As I ran out of the transition room I saw several people I knew and was ready for the sun-screen application.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I asked the nice volunteer to lather me up and she did for the most part.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> <b>SUGGESTION:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When you ask the volunteer to apply your sun-screen ask them to get under your race bib a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She covered me very well – except for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>on my back right by the race bib area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Jump ahead to the next week and I had 2<sup>nd</sup> degree burns with blisters and all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Take time to handle this right in transition or it won’t be pretty.</o:p></p></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZTsPH1MlWIGgMoogv3u-vsYIRbaHUfJV1ZuDNkaLf-H7AGjvtYKwnrPdazF7aNyPCUUqWdNoOVHn5vBdXOxsYudFaqRUvdWLGGkyf-InhLeGjKenQoXHRVt7AwHLuYVS0QlniQ/s1600-h/14734_508353893678_111700623_30398069_1311955_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZTsPH1MlWIGgMoogv3u-vsYIRbaHUfJV1ZuDNkaLf-H7AGjvtYKwnrPdazF7aNyPCUUqWdNoOVHn5vBdXOxsYudFaqRUvdWLGGkyf-InhLeGjKenQoXHRVt7AwHLuYVS0QlniQ/s320/14734_508353893678_111700623_30398069_1311955_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410811636385294946" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I saw my family up on the hill and blew them kisses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As the volunteer was bringing my bike a recognizable face ran up to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a volunteer, BUT it was also the guy I rode the sag wagon with at redman half after my third flat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He flatted twice as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had a good ride back in the support vehicle in Oklahoma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Neither of us was happy, but it was nice meeting him and nice seeing him in the transition area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is from the Boston area I think . . . Wish I’d gotten his name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nice surprise.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Swim done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>T1 Done.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bike race report soon!</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-33398195318535107922009-11-29T13:43:00.003-06:002009-11-29T13:48:16.101-06:00Friday (Day before RACE DAY!)<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1T-2Gr8edVQyFgMHgrH4OiUftbFGsxaIWRpm5FEvMZ3bf4aBZ7Uz43plt2j8NJaJov4GQN_Hca3q6OdEd7xzTM4UJvElrn7L-qYsY1DAPrOuC2FnJYNWELnZJVVlW0Dgn5kEkQ/s1600/IMG_0529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-1T-2Gr8edVQyFgMHgrH4OiUftbFGsxaIWRpm5FEvMZ3bf4aBZ7Uz43plt2j8NJaJov4GQN_Hca3q6OdEd7xzTM4UJvElrn7L-qYsY1DAPrOuC2FnJYNWELnZJVVlW0Dgn5kEkQ/s320/IMG_0529.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5409613951619959106" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Friday November 6<sup>th</sup> (The Day Before the Day!)</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>This day was different from all the other days.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I am nervous and questioning everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“You know, I did skip those three days on my training program . . . “ or, “Should I really be doing this? “<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All the way to self-doubt.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> It was going to be a long day.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I wake early and follow my Race Day routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>3:30am have breakfast, double check my carry-in gear, rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This all went smoothly.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> My most awesomness friend Shannon Roddy was meeting me at my condo to help me out this morning . . . Little did she know – or little did we both know!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Roddy is driving my vehicle to the race site so that I can get in a 30 min ride and follow it up with a 20 min run after I drop off my bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> When I pulled out of the condo in my bike I felt something was off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was laboring to hold a simple 18mph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My heart rate was up to 175-180 and I was only holding 18mph????<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I thought that maybe I was in a strong head wind and once I turned around and headed back towards the bike drop off/transition that I would feel better.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Normally with no wind on a semi flat road (as I was on) if my heart rate is up to 180 I am rolling at 24 (plus) mph easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And nothing changed on the turn around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As fact I actually SLOWED down and worked harder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was about 11 miles to the transition area from where I was and about 2 miles into it a group of guys buzzed by me and they looked like they were barely working.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>WORRIED.</o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <div><br /></div><div>I jumped on their wheel, but I still couldn’t keep my heart rate below 180 but, we were doing 23 mph now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> We arrived to the bike drop off (the day before the race you drop your swim to bike and bike to run gear bags and you bike off at transition – You bring your special needs bags on race morning).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was winded and pissed.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I hopped off my bike and began rolling it towards the bike drop entrance and my rear wheel would not roll . . . WTHECK!!!!!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then it hit me!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Until Tuesday I was planning to ride my ZIPP sub 9 disc and my 1080 front TUBULAR (which means you use no tube and there is no metal or aluminum area on the wheel for a non tubular tire to “clinch” on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I decided to use my ZIPP 808 race wheels which are clinchers (MOST bikes will be clinchers this is where you have and open tire that you put the tube inside and then the tire clinches onto the rim of the wheel) The major difference in this case was – There is about one centimeter difference between the depth of the clincher and the tubular wheels and the clincher is actually larger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">My tire was up against my frame rubbing to the point that the tire wouldn’t spin and with my weight on it THAT is why I could barely get my bike moving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It would be like trying to drive your car with the bake on.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Here is where the craziness kicked in . . .</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The Ironman crew that does last minute repairs on bikes are awesome bar none.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They can fix a bike like no bodies business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Where they are lacking is their time management skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Roddy and I were told the bike would be ready in 45 minutes from when we dropped it off and 2 hours later the bike was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The good news is we had a lot to fill our time with like walking through the expo and then making motivational signs at the Janus tent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> This is where we spent most of the time . . . Roddy made me a kick ass sign and I made myself one too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mine said – BOGGS You’re slow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>BUT you’re not fast!!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Speaking of signs – My friends Nancy and Greg Cole made me a sign on Wednesday that said “2<sup>nd</sup> Wave Starts here” I am still cracking up about that.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> The tough part about the bike taking so long was that we were meeting several people from the Baton Rouge Triathlon club and family for lunch and we were going to be very late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t like late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, they fixed the bike and that was all that mattered since I would have to sit my fat butt on it for 112 miles the next day!</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Lunch was great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I sat next to my Momma who drove over from New Orleans and took precious time off from work to be there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is awesome and LOVES her some Melaina (my daughter).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I noticed something funny, we eat the same things . . . At more than on meal when we order we order the same thing or before we order we talk about what we are going to order and usually I am thinking about the same things she is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had lunch at Sweet Basils.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Very good lunch place.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> Now it was relax and rest time.</o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> I had an oven pizza in the frig and ate it about 4pm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then read on my kindle until about 7p before I decided I could go to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I took my shower and lay in bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AND LAY IN BED.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">AND . . . . You get the point.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It is now close to 10p and I decided to visualize myself sleeping . . . </p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-53117565850871577122009-11-17T09:22:00.001-06:002009-11-17T09:24:48.091-06:00<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUvJwgrtnQ-doNEXlAz8JwrGSpGDrBsM2kyHrGVs7H7IKkroEnE-PAOF_WRCqTfJLMenyrmoDUMVVIcgjBfsassmpaed6UUHiZFNW_Pt8z5gIa1HH9HqP3DyTPUmjOdQMuFVX2w/s1600/DSC00007.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAUvJwgrtnQ-doNEXlAz8JwrGSpGDrBsM2kyHrGVs7H7IKkroEnE-PAOF_WRCqTfJLMenyrmoDUMVVIcgjBfsassmpaed6UUHiZFNW_Pt8z5gIa1HH9HqP3DyTPUmjOdQMuFVX2w/s320/DSC00007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405093547150611874" /></a><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">Thursday November 5, 2009</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">6am wake up – begin IM Focus . . . . . . . . . . NOW!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I spent most of my morning hanging around the hotel and making a list of the items I’d forgotten!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I knew this would happen so I didn’t stress about it at all, just made a list.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a couple hours I headed down to the race site for a little open water swim in the gulf on the racecourse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wanted to get a little feel for the water before race day and test my ocean water swimming skillzzzzz.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After slipping into my wetsuit and slapping on the goggles I headed off the beach and into the gulf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It were a wee bit BRRRRRR cold, but not too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I headed out easy does it and tried to focus on my sighting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This can prove fatal for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am either SPOT on when sighting or I can be way off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Spotting is when you have to check ahead for the buoys’ to make sure you’re on course and not swimming all over the place wasting time.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First 1500 or so meters was great then I saw a sting ray about 4 feet from me and it was not small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think it was about 40 feet wide!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>OK, in reality it was more like 4 feet wide, but it was crazy and freaked me out when I saw it out of the corner of my eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I waded and looked around to see if there was any other marine life near me and after I saw it was all clear I headed back.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Heading back was much rougher in the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I took in a couple mouths full of salt water – YUM – and lost my sighting a bit . . . Then I had a DUH moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sighting on the way back was simple after that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are these big things called hotels and condos that line the beach, I’m sure you’ve heard of them . . . I don’t know why it took so long for me to figure out that spotting the hotel was WAY more easy that trying to spot a 3 foot orange buoy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Life was good after that and I headed back.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I did the full loop (half of what I would swim Saturday) in 46 minutes and I was taking it really easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>REALLY EASY.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So my guess was 1:35 on swim come race day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Next – MASSAGE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Woo Hoo!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The dude that massaged me was awesome and after one hour on the table I was ready to rock and roll.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I felt great and told him I hoped to see him again soon.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lunch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">BW3s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>5 Guys hamburgers for dinner followed by Wings for lunch??<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe sabotage was in the back of my mind??</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a healthy lunch it was time to head out and drive the bike course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am glad I did because it gave me a great idea of areas of the course I wasn’t aware of before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are a couple little hills on the backside of the course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nothing bad, but I am glad I saw them before hand to mentally prep for them.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">After we almost ran out of gas, my DadJ, Roddy, Scott and I headed back to PCB (Panama City Beach).</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dinner</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fancy Schmancey!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Great little Italian restaurant in Grayton Beach FL call Borago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Good stuff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had all my family there (including Roddy) My Dad picked up a majority of the bill, which was not expected but, super cool!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thanks Dad!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had pasta with shrimp, but the ravioli appetizer was my favorite thing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">It was a long drive back to PCB after the dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was good to spend that time with everyone since I know I won’t really see them again until Sunday after the race.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Amanda is at a condo located directly ON the race site thanks to my friend Lance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He had an open room and kindly asked if we wanted to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>LIFESAVER – since it will be great for Amanda on race day with the baby.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I arrive back to my condo and begin the laborious job of finalizing and packing all my race gear bags . . . This might have been the most stressful part of my week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Packing and re packing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and un packing (because I didn’t know if I had packed IT) just a bunch of stress all balled up into this gear bag thing BUT – I did it and I was ready to turn everything and my bike in for Saturday.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Bed</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am thankful for soft beds and fluffy pillows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Count down – less than 36 hours till GO TIME!</p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-48909833107779715402009-11-16T12:04:00.004-06:002009-11-16T12:31:21.469-06:00IMFL 2009 Picture Video<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzwOnE2UDdGe_N6gR5WECP7gk1ODuRo22w9zAM9wNen0r62gjHzxuAA8ZAu84VvcTpLClX7k7WnJ4M' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>I am still working on the written account of my week in Panama City Beach Florida for Ironman Florida. </div><div><br /></div><div>But I thought you might enjoy a little slide show of the day . . .</div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-81961218349881520872009-11-11T10:53:00.003-06:002009-11-11T10:56:33.352-06:00Arrival Day at IM Florida<div>As I said below I am going to take my time and go back and re count the 5 days I spent in Panama City BEach FL and my full experience at IMFL.<div><br /></div><div>This first post is my arrival day on Wednesday.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3laYdixV898TMy7HKk5I35lYlrXnfXXw_qBK2c7-8WmrqEFgIe1j1iDHX1OLbvqJ0w5sAm4i8AAnwDxa-KV4r1fucKPZfxcUvCGIllXlHpttvNB0KIrj5GW5-kQ7zh15AcSr4Q/s1600-h/IMG_0570.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3laYdixV898TMy7HKk5I35lYlrXnfXXw_qBK2c7-8WmrqEFgIe1j1iDHX1OLbvqJ0w5sAm4i8AAnwDxa-KV4r1fucKPZfxcUvCGIllXlHpttvNB0KIrj5GW5-kQ7zh15AcSr4Q/s320/IMG_0570.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402890754304823266" /></a><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">Wednesday<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>November 4, 2009.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">Amanda is a little anxious and concerned about this weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is concerned about me and the outcome of the weekend.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">She reminds me that “2.4 miles swimming in the ocean might be difficult with the potential hurricane headed into the Gulf AND won’t it be really windy out on the bike course?”</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">I love her so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I just look at her and my face says it all . . . It says, “how about we not talk about that right now”.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">After a long day of driving we arrive into PCB FL and head directly to the IM check-in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">I wanted to take a second to talk about the sacrifice my beautiful wife Amanda has made for my selfish endeavor to become an Ironman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While I do believe that triathlon has helped save my life by pushing me to become more and more healthy . . . It can sure put stress on a family and mine is no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I truly have a perfect wife FOR ME and therefore she is perfect period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Between my work, our band new baby girl (born in July) and my training for IMFL . . . My wife has been very lonely and had received very little QUALITY attention from me over the past 4 months.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">Today is no different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We drove separate so she could go directly home after IMFL since I had to go to a class in Orlando.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now as I am about to experience the thrill of checking into Ironman – She sits in her car in the parking lot across the road – just waiting.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">I love you Amanda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You are my best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You make everything I do worth it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">Back to the day . . .</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">As I turn on Thomas Drive where the race start is located I see a guy hitchhiking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is not your average hitchhiker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He has a smooth pair of Oakley’s on and a bad to the bone tri bag over his shoulder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is also only about 5’6” a d maybe 135lbs so I decide if I pick him up and he is a freak I could shove him out pretty easily.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt">Turns out he is Romain <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight:bold">Guillaume a pro triathlete and a really cool dude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We talked for a while and I saw him a few times through the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think he finished 10<sup>th</sup> overall.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A very nice dude.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">There was no line Wednesday at 3:30pm to check in and I whizzed in and out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only disappointing part of check-in was the weigh in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I put on my sheet I thought I was at about 245lbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I got on the scale I was 263lbs!!!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">I think the main point here is – Arrive on Wednesday in the mid to latter afternoon to check in to your Ironman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was speaking with Andy, a fellow BRtri club member from BR, and he had checked in Wed Morning and there was a long line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And As I will discuss on my Thursday recount – The line to check in was OUT THE EXPO INTO THE STREET when I went for my massage.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">After walking through the check in tent I exited thanking all the volunteers – who without them – this whole thing would not be possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The y are very supportive and excited to be a part of this crazy thing too it seems . . .<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Next I go to confirm my massage . . . And there is where I saw one of my favorite people!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bridgett Flannigan . . . It is very bad that I don’t know her married name, sorry Scott.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bridgett played ball for NKU where I was a student coach during college and she was on the team that won the National Championships . . . As a matter of fact against St. Rose, she was THE impact player behind Jecca shutting down an Olympian with her D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Bridgett’s husband Scott, is also racing and he was getting his massage at the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We all say hello and catch up for a second and make plans to do dinner that night.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">As I began to look around and take in the expo area I began to feel a little hint of nervousness kicking in and I didn’t like it . . . But what a magnificent place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was happy to be there.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Knowing Amanda and baby were waiting for me I rushed out and we headed to check into my hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">We settled into my room and I stretched out on the couch for a bit before we had to get ready for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Since my daughter was born I have been experiencing these mortality issues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have a fear of dying and leaving my wife and daughter to fend for themselves . . . The past few weeks these feelings have intensified and as I looked up at the ceiling I began to cry . . . Now not a blubbering uncontrolled cry, but this feeling that my daughter may never know me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am working on those feelings, but the rush I was having at that moment overwhelmed me so I called Vanilla.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Charles (aka Vanilla – Think ice ice baby) and Scott in our tri club are IM Vets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They have done most (if not all) of the NA IM races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He is who I have been bouncing my thoughts off of when it comes to my race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He and others that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will mention later helped me by simply telling me their experiences and what they have done well and badly – or over came issues they might have had in previous IM distance races.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After a 15 min conversation with Vanilla – My mind was back in the right place.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Shannon (Hotrod) Roddy drove all the way down from Cincinnati to support me in my first IM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Just me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She drove all the way down to Panama City Beach JUST TO SUPPORT ME!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How special I feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She is one of my most dear friends and I love her as I do my own sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Shannon also played ball at NKU and holds the record for 3-pointers made in one game at I think 8?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">I was looking for a good, healthy, smart place to have dinner Wednesday night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I had many choices and I went with Five Guys Hamburgers!!!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">I know – I didn’t accomplish the good, healthy, or smart goal, but I did succeed in the “One hell of a good hamburger and fried” goal!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">I figured it was Wednesday and if I ate a small amount of this deliciously bad for me burger, it wouldn’t hurt me in moderation . . . Right???<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">It was great having dinner with Bridgett, Roddy, Scott and his Rents, as well as my precious baby girl and Amanda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bridgett held Melaina like a pro . . . hmmmmmm<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Roddy also took a real liking to Melaina (even though she swears off kids).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">Dinner was good, company was better.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">I wanted to try and make this blogger party that night, but after an eight hour drive and the fact that my condo was almost in Rosemary Beach I was too pooped to make it over there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I will plan better next year.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold">As I laid my head down to sleep I told my wife how much I loved her and that I wasn’t sure what was going to happen Saturday, but that no matter what I loved her and was going to give it my all . . . then I literally passed out she said!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="tab-stops:143.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><div><br /></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13532698.post-71925887114544347982009-11-10T11:41:00.003-06:002009-11-10T11:44:52.451-06:00IRONMAN FLORIDA 140.6 11-7-2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtugPQt73xFC84x2pRyezk9fwqIGi9GdSUU2muvyB3NLki9BxE8Vka8NckhmY5Jpj3QqYEAKpCBMekhmonQZ58-25-hRkhZGSPxfIZTPTJIS1AO2SJRWIF4R_hBRQvx8KEEZgYuA/s1600-h/ironman_logo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 201px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtugPQt73xFC84x2pRyezk9fwqIGi9GdSUU2muvyB3NLki9BxE8Vka8NckhmY5Jpj3QqYEAKpCBMekhmonQZ58-25-hRkhZGSPxfIZTPTJIS1AO2SJRWIF4R_hBRQvx8KEEZgYuA/s400/ironman_logo2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402531710411859202" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I DID IT!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>15:11</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I want to do this post justice so please forgive me for taking my time to re-live the experience of my first Ironman.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>My plan is to post a daily journal of the arrival to Panama City Beach all the way through my crossing the finishing line!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I will start today.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you EVERYONE!</b></span></div>Christopher, Amanda, and Babieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02243763389326200774noreply@blogger.com6