Slim-Down 220 - The Story of a Triathlete

Consistency . . . Its not just for Training anymore

2011-06-18T17:05:00.000-05:00

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.

2011 - Its been a fairly strong year so far.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

In September I get to race in D.C. with my bud Lance at The Nations Tri.

It's already a good year . . . That is only going to get better!

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?

Cheers!

TweetPeeps Wanna Know . . .

2011-05-04T16:32:00.000-05:00

My current ipod Running Playlist: (in alphabetical order)

DON’T JUDGE!

Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked – Cage the Elephant

Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes

Brass Monkey – Beastie Boys

Broken Again – Another Animal

Bullet and a Target – Citizen Cope

Consoler of the Lonely – The Recounteurs

Country Grammar – Nelly

The Distance – Cake

Feeling Alright - Joe Cocker

Furr – Blitzen Trapper

The General – Dispatch

Stand Up and Get Crunked – Ying Yang Twins

Hurt – Johnny Cash

Just Lose It – Eminem

Love Removal Machine – The Cult

Naveed – Our Lady Peace

Remedy – The Black Crowes

Suicide Messiah – Black Label Society

This is the New Sh*t – Marilyn Manson

Use Me – Bill Withers

Vasoline – Stone Temple Pilots

What Goes Around Comes Around – Justin Timberlake

When I Come Around – Green Day

You Wouldn’t Know - HellYeah

WHOLLY KAMOLLIE!

2011-04-19T16:13:00.001-05:00

What a horrifically self testing day I had at Ironman New Orleans 69.1 . . .

Lets talk about Friday and Saturday leading up to Sunday's NOLA 70.3 race.

Friday:

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!!!

This continued into Saturday and I was worried.

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?

NOT A BIT.

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.

Next:

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.

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.

TIME TRIAL Bike start.

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 . . .

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.

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 . . .

I arrived at my rack position, racked my bike and began packing up my transition bag to go home.

I had a record breaking 21 minute transition!

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 . . .

So I was off on the run . . .

Needless to say I was pissed at myself for the next 13 miles for not just taking a DNF, but I finished.

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.

I feel horrible today and I still have the sh*ts, excuse my french . . . But I finished.

It was ugly. I was ugly. I hope I feel better.

CHEERS!

1st Race since 9-11-2010

2011-04-01T10:37:00.000-05:00

I'm a little bit scared . . . more nervous, but ultimately intimidated.

I've participated in over 75 triathlons since 2005, but this one has the feeling of a first timer race.

The surgery I had in January 2010 really set me back. I hope that is mostly behind me now. We will find out tomorrow!

I'll get back on my race reports.

TOMORROW - Oxbow Triathlon in New Roads LA. 800m swim, 20 mi bike, 5k run

GOAL and MOTIVATION . . . IN one

2011-02-27T14:37:00.000-06:00

I've decided a goal for 2011.

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.

However, I also believe in rewards for accomplishments.

When I hit 220lbs I will buy this wetsuit. It is Xterra's VENDETTA WETSUIT.

And it is BAD TO THE BONE!

Most importantly to me with ant wetsuit is the help with float, I need that help.

220lbs . . . Here I come!

A DOUBLE POSTING TODAY!!!!

2011-02-07T11:19:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take a moment and acknowledge an amazing person and friend.

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.

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.

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.

I am so proud of your accomplishments Chris. Your success re-motivates me regularly. Thank you.

Now, He has made a commitment to ride in RAGBRAI with me one year. I think it needs to be 2012.

YOU DA MAN COLE!!!!!!!!

Extra Extra!!!!!!

2011-02-07T10:10:00.000-06:00

There have been a couple changes to the race schedule this year and I have begun the training.

First - I've added a couple races.

The following races are on the schedule AND registered for:

April 2 Oxbow Tri - New Roads LA (Sprint)
April 17 New Orleans 70.3
May 7 Gulf Coast 70.3 - Panama City Beach FL
May 15 New Orleans 5150 (Oly)
July 10 T-Gator #3 - Lake CHarles LA (Sprint)
July 21-3 www.RAGBRAI.com (You gotta do this one day - This will be my third year)
Sept 11 Nation's Triathlon - D.C. (OLY)
Nov 20 Ironman Arizona - Tempe AZ

The races NOT yet registered for:

Meat Pie Triathlon - Natchitoches LA (Sprint)

TRAINING in 2011:

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.

Then came Florida family vacation and then came family sickness until recently. BUT, I am back on it.

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.

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.

So nice and steady, but focused and hard for the next few weeks until I catch up to the plan.

AS FOR THE WEIGHT:

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!

I hope your training is going well.

Cheers!

2011 Goals and Race Schedule

2011-01-06T16:04:00.000-06:00

Overall 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).

Specific Goals:

Current Weight 268lbs.

Weight Goal:
April 1 - 250lbs
July 1 - 235lbs
Oct 1 - 225lbs
Nov 1 - 220lbs
Dec 1 210lbs

NOLA 70.3 Finish time - Sub 6.5 hrs
IMAZ Finish time - Sub 14hrs

2011 Races (A few Sprints will be scattered in throughout the year)

Jan 29 Miles for MOZ 5k run (Goal sub 35min)
Feb 5 Mardi Gras Mambo 10k (Goal sub 1:15)
April 16 NOLA 70.3 (Goal sub 6.5hrs)
May 12 NOLA 5150
July 21-Aug3) RAGBRAI
Sept 10 Nations Triathlon DC
Sept Meat Pie
Nov IMAZ

2011 Will Be Epic . . .

2011-01-05T09:42:00.000-06:00

I think I literally took 2010 off.

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.

Here is what happened . . .

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.

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.

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.

I stepped up my training in preparation for IMAZ . . . FAIL.

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.

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!!??

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.

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.

I had opened the area up again and it was not pretty.

My Dr. and I had a LONG heart to heart talk.

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.

2 MONTHS!!!!!!!!???????? NOTHING!!!!!!!!????????

This obviously meant no IMAZ. I was not happy.

I did it. I mean I didn't do it . . .

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.

Kinda like I was prior to becoming more healthy.

My weight got back up to 292lbs. I was around 235lbs at IMFL.

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.

I began riding my tri bike again about 2 weeks ago. I think I forgot how to ride! Time will tell.

I am now at 275lbs.

2011 will be a year of finding myself in this sport again and the healthy lifestyle I knew for the past few years.

I will be posting my 2011 goals and race schedule later this week.

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!

Thanks everyone for the emails checking in on me.

Let's do this!

I Can't Quit You!

2010-06-13T17:24:00.000-05:00

Well Well . . . Look who’s been a big ole slacker!

Let’s recap:

I November 2010 I completed Ironman Florida in just over 15hrs. In early January I had a major surgery to remove the loose skin between my legs. Ironman Florida caused some serious issues for me there and I had to take care of it.

I had major complications after the surgery. Staph infection then abscess and finally by April 1 I was given permission to begin training again.

I put in 3 hard weeks of training and I think it was too much too soon. I became very ill – to the point of not being able to breathe. Could have been a combination of illness and allergies, but it took me down.

That lasted about 3 weeks and here I have been the last 3 weeks doing NOTHING. Sitting on my rump, gaining weight and wondering why?????

I have zero motivation.

I’ve gained 45lbs and my body hurts (even though I’ve done nothing).

I have goals mind you, but I have done nothing about them.

My numero uno goal is to complete Ironman Arizona in under 13 hours. How’s that for a goal for a fat ass like me!!??

I have much work to do before then. Here is the priority list:

1. Begin eating correctly again.

2. Focus on consumption (eat less)

3. Start light but begin consistently training.

4. Turn up the volume in August and bust tail.

5. Post twice weekly on progress and situation.

I think I have the tools to complete my main goal of sub 13 hr IMAZ.

I have a great coach in Will Jones at www.4dracing.com and I know I can do it mentally and if I get my tail in gear I can do it physically.

How’s about we begin this week.

Let’s do this!!!

2010 Goals

2010-03-26T20:27:00.000-05:00

I Chris Boggs will:
1. Bring my short distance run to sub 8 min miles and my 1/2 IM and IM to

sub 10 min miles.

2. Drop to 195lbs by 11-21-2010

3. Finish IMAZ in SUB 12hrs

4. Train consistently and smartly

2010 - A good year.

I never claimed to be incredibly bright . . .

2010-02-16T21:49:00.002-06:00

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!

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.

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.

With that I am setting and goal for Ironman Arizona: SUB 13 hours.

That's right.

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.

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.

I believe I can knock off 2 hours and I will.

I am going to race a couple times this year, but mostly focus on training.

I am looking for a half ironman in August in the South West . . . (SUGGESTIONS).

Whatever your goals are - Set them HIGH and go for it!

YOU CAN DO IT!

WHO DAT!!!! SAINTS DATS WHO!!!!!

2010-02-07T21:53:00.003-06:00

I have been waiting for this since I was a weeeeee tot!

Congratulations SAINTS!!!!!!!!!

235 little new born boys already named Drew - AND 3 little new born girls!!!!!

The Latest - My Mind is in the CRAPPER!

2010-01-20T12:27:00.002-06:00

If you go back to the beginning of my blog I think you will see major changes in so many areas of my life.

I was 452lbs and now I am 250lbs. I had never done a single triathlon and now I have done nearly 70 triathlons including my IRONMAN last November in Florida.

In November 2008 I had an upper body lift. That surgery alone took about 14lbs of loose skin off and re-shaped (no pun intended) how my life would move forward.

On January 5^th 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.

The last few years, since loosing a great deal of weight has been brutal on my inner thigh area (THE CROTCH). This may be TMI, too graphic, more than you want to know, but it’s the facts. I had a great deal of skin that floated around and just kind of hung there. 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. 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.

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.

After a short training session I would have no real issues. A 5 mile run or a 30 mile bike was not a really big deal. There would be discomfort and a little heat in the area, but nothing a little Boudreaux’s Butt Paste wouldn’t handle.

It was the long training rides and the longer races such as Olympic distances or longer, that caused the larger issues. 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. But, I wouldn’t go back and do it any differently. Not one thing. 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.

The recovery from the upper body lift was incredible. My Dr. (In my opinion the best in the BIZ, Dr. Lior Heller) cut me all the way around to remove the loose skin. My joke was that I looked like a magic trick (saw a person in half) GONE BAD!! It took a couple months before I could get on the trainer in my workout room and more to hit the pavement running.

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 . . .

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.

I am experiencing a bit of a set back.

My Dr is the best as I stated above and I would recommend him to ANYONE considering this type of work.

My left leg is not healing as we wish it would be. It is setting me back a great deal and I am in the mental turn can right now. I am a unique case. Most people having these types of surgery are not very active. 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. Ironic.

I expected to be out of training for 2 to 3 months. We are looking at 4-5 months now and I am a broken man at this moment because of that.

Now – I have been in the bed and on the couch since Jan 5^th and I have this week left with that and next week I will be in the office. 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.

But the not being able to train is beating me up. 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. On the positive side – If I tend to the area properly and keep the wound infection free – I will not need a second surgery.

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. I am a lucky dude.

I will keep everyone posted on how things are going, but I will say this again. If I could go back and do things differently – I wouldn’t. I would do it all the same.

FINAL PAT OF RACE REPORT IMFL

2010-01-18T22:00:00.009-06:00

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.

I have failed to mention out tri club enough in this Race Report. I have a great resource from some great people here in Louisiana and our tri club www.batonroughtri.com is a wealth of information with some super fast racers and many experienced peeps.

Vanilla was one of those and a really welcomed person to see as I headed out on my second loop. Charles (AKA Vanilla) really took me under his wing for my first IM. He would call me and check in to see how training was going, how I was mentally etc. And today he was there to see me race and finish. 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. Vanilla has raced in all the NA IM races. As I slogged along he said to me “You can go faster. Your body can do more than your mind is letting you. Pick it up and you’ll see.” I did and it did. At one point I was (for me) flying! 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. “Focus on pushing yourself until the next aid station. You got this!”

My time shows the pick up in that 3^rd section of the run. 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. But more than that – I felt good, I felt oddly strong.

About mile 16 my best friend Brent and his family had found a VERY bright spot on the run course to cheer me on. Oh how awesome it was. 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’. They have 3-year-old twins, and a new born. And they were clapping and the babies were jumping up and down. It is so hard to describe and explain how happy I was. My face didn’t show it. More over my face probably seemed discouraged and upset, however I was elated and so surprised.

I continued the strong pace I had begun the second loop with until a VERY unfortunate episode.

I have literally only one complaint about IMFL. 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.

The Park . . .

As I entered the park I realized how alone I really was. It was pitch black. When I say pitch black, I mean – it was not much different than the jungles in the panama canopy. Literally I found it difficult to see my tennis shoes as they patted the ground.

My cousin Michael and best bud Roddy had ridden out on Mountain bikes to check in one me. They commented the next day that they also couldn’t see a thing back there when looking for me.

I was rolling along until I ran up on a nice lady who was walking. I didn’t hear or see her. I bumped her from behind. She screamed and I pulled my hamstring on my right leg. 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.

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).

I finally got out of the park and was headed home!

I saw my friend Scum as I exited the park.

I also saw my new friends who were out cheering on their family member. I hugged them as I ran by and every time they saw me they would cheer for me. I saw them in their truck heading back to the finish at this time and they honked their horn for me.

My Momma was also at the exit of the park. She is so cute and such a great Momma! I love you.

I began to count down. As I would pass the mile markers I would mentally lighten up and have more and more fun. 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.

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. We talked for a couple miles and then he left me in the dirt.

My main man Luke (I call him Skywalker) was riding out to see how I was doing. I love that dude. Skywalker is talented and gifted. 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. I am looking forward to seeing what he is capable of when he tries to tear it up!

But, right now he was making me laugh and cutting up keeping my mind in the right place. It is hard to not love this sport with people like him and all the other folks I’ve mentioned in this Race Report. I am a lucky guy to have such good friends that like this insanity called triathlon.

I knew I was home free as far as finishing. 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. NOW – I did do New Orleans 70.3 with a broken foot . . .

For nutrition the last 4 miles I took in Coke and chicken broth only. I smiled. I ran in disbelief a bit. I hurt – My hamstring was kicking my butt and my feet were sore, but none of that mattered. I was having fun.

I could see the lights near the finish. They seemed so much brighter this time around. The last three miles were a given, but I wanted to finish strong. The crazy stretch on front beach road was ROCK N and Rolling!!!! People were so drunk and I was envious. 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!

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. 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!!!! I saw family – I saw friends – I hollered, I high fived!

I made the U-Turn to head into the FINISH CHUTE and I was P-U-M-P-E-D!!!! My teeth were clinched. My eyes eye piercing. My lip was in a snarl. My hands were in fists as if I was about to fight a 12 round fight. My shoulders were flexed and then I turned into the chute and I began to yell uncontrolled.

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!!!!!!!!!!

As I crossed the finish line I yelled – “IAM AN IRONMAN!!!!!!!!” I AM A IRONMAN!!!!!!” and Mike Reilly said . . . “Yes Chris Boggs, You ARE and Ironman.”

When I weighed 452 lbs I decided that I wanted to lose my weight and I wanted to finish an Ironman race.

I’ve seen many people lose weight and then begin doing triathlons, but I began doing triathlons to lose the weight. 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! HA!

But more, I got positive support and I finished more than 50 triathlons and now I completed that goal of becoming an IRONMAN.

I’m not done.

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.

Thank you to everyone who follows my blog and send my positive thoughts, emails, and responses. I am here with your help.

2010 my goal in sun 13 hr race at IM Arizona . . . To be continued!!!

IMFL Run Report Part UNO

2010-01-10T16:06:00.017-06:00

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. I am not ready to put it to bed. 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.

No worries . . . I will finish the RUN report today and you can see the swim and bike reports below.

An Ironman distance race is different for every participant. I have friends in our tri club that they race an Ironman and they are pretty fast. 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. Another Club member was 4^th in his Age Group at Clearwater World Championship 70.3 and missed 3^rd by on 30-40 seconds. Cats like that are the - IN IT TO WIN IT category.

I am the other side of the spectrum. I am the IN IT CAUSE IT IS IN ME group. Ironman is simple for me. It is a celebration of my battle and success with obesity. The race is more the culmination of the battle. The training, the sacrifice from my family, the joy of the pain, the FEAR of failure . . . That is all my Ironman.

I will never get a podium spot in anything triathlon unless it is there is a “smiles too much on the course” division. I do this for life. 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.

ON TO THE RUN REPORT!

The Run . . . Running 26.2 miles after swimming and biking all day was my biggest fear of all concerning this race. I am slow. I am very slow. I probably will never be fast, but I am horribly slow right now. Obviously the slower I am, the longer I will be out of the race course . . . That’s never good.

I’m going to break this run portion of my IM Florida race report into 4 parts. OS somewhere around 6.25 miles each portion. The fast for me was that the first loop was a completely different race from the second loop.

As I headed out on the first loop I reminded myself of my run mantra . . . Finish and Fun. Numero Uno was to finish and hopefully have fun along the way. Exiting the Transition area was a bit surreal. I was finished with more than half of this entire race, yet I was now at my most fearful . . .

I immediately saw my family as I exited transition.

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). I have PLENTY of that from IMFL. Without exaggeration I am SURE, 100% positive I could cut off a minimum of 45 minutes on my run by changing one simple thing. I must not hug EVERY person I know that is cheering me on in the race!! I hugged everyone and I loved every second of it. I suggest if this is your first IM that you do the same. SOAK IT UP!

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.

From transition to about mile 2 was the most fun part of the run course along beachfront road. The spectators and cheer tents set up along this area were awesome! There were women dressed in next to nothing (by the end of the night they were actually pretty much wearing nothing). There were Elvis people and people offering you beer . . . It was a party.

The first three miles seemed to move by in my mind fairly quickly.

My nutrition was simple. 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.

I followed this plan for the first 6 miles easily. Some of the aid stations were remarkable. One in particular was back in the neighborhood area, around mile 4ish (I think). It was set up as a MASH unit. It was awesome. They were stocked full the entire run and had so much energy.

Let me take a second to talk about the aid stations. 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. 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. 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.

Congrats to the MASH UNIT aid station on the run at Ironman Florida – YOU GUYS ROCKED IT!!!

The second thing I think in important at an aid station would be the attitude and atmosphere. The people manning the aid stations should be ubber hyper!!! I LOVE and appreciate all of the volunteers. It is a long day for them. I have volunteered for a few IM distance races now and it can be exhausting. 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. I looked forward to reaching the MASH UNIT aid station each time.

To the contrary – and aid station that has young kids and teens SUCK. 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. 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. He didn’t even look at me and responded, “Hold up.” And went back to chatting it up with the girlie and she just soaked it up. 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!

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.

It was nice to be on the run. I enjoyed seeing friends out there racing form our club. I was honored to be out there with so many people working their own plan and seeing their focus. At times I would chat with people and then they would take off and leave me. I passed NO ONE, but saw some of the same folks a few times during the run.

I focused on my HR the entire run. 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). 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.

As I reached the backside of loop one I was still feeling good. I saw several friends out cheering and in particular was Scum (Stephen Branscum) and his fiancée. They will never know how AWESOME and motivating it was for me to see them out there until the very last mile. Thank you thank you. The State Park was actually a welcoming change in the run. There was another good aid station here. 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.

Kathy and Mike were hanging at a really great spot to cheer us all on in the run. They picked a parking lot that was kind of in the middle of the aid stations and in a VERY DULL area. There was nothing to really look forward to for about a 3 mile stretch – EXCEPT THEM!! Thank you Michael and Kathy.

It was still light at about mile 9 but quickly becoming dark each stride I took. 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. This was not good in some places and HORRIBLE in one place in particular, which I will discuss on the second post. Back in the neighborhoods the streetlights were hot and miss, but for the most part you could see well enough.

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. They were using a unique form of motivation. 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. So I just gritted and ran on off into the dark.

At about mile 11 you can see the lights around the turn around and finish area. 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.

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.

One of the best was the woman with the ass-less chaps. She would run up beside a really tired runner and ask how they were doing. 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. I will admit that it took my mind off of my sore feet for that few seconds!

As I made the turn onto Thomas drive about a quarter mile from the turn around I saw my Dad and his Wife Mindy. Guess what I did . . . Yup . . . Stopped Hugged him and headed on.

At the turn I saw Tater, my wife, my sister, and so many other folks. It was awesome. I truly don’t remember much about this 2 miles or so, accept how much fun it was. I hugged everyone.

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).

At this point I am pretty tired and nasty. ERY NASTY. I have sticky, hot, salty skin. I’ve been hugging so many people who are more than likely no longer my friends because of that!!! I WAS NASTY!

Good news is that I was at my run special needs bag. In that bag I had a small towel that I soaked in water and then put in a BIG ziplock bag. Oh it was so refreshing. I almost stripped down and took a towel bath . . .

I changed socks, which I would highly recommend and I ate my last small bag of Pringles. Yeah, Yeah, make fun of it all you want to – It was such a welcoming treat . . . YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY!

Jeff has left a card in my special needs back. He had Amanda put it in there for me. Another very nice touch and very welcomed, thank you Jeff.

After refreshing and revitalizing I was ready to head out for my 2^nd loop of 13.1 miles. 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. Only time would tell.

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. I would be.

I will complete the run report soon. Sorry it is taking so long.

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).

Before and After . . .

2009-12-22T20:21:00.007-06:00

JUST A LITTLE FLASH BACK!

Let's Ride 112 miles!

2009-12-06T15:51:00.004-06:00

This is the link to the IRONMAN video – I show up about the middle-ish. Red Transition black spuik helmet – BIG OLE BOY – eating a sandwich!!!

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.

http://www.ironmanflorida.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imfla&vidname=RaceVid-2009-FLA-low&playtype=mov&w=320&h=260

Let’s go ride 112 miles!

Before I begin my Ironman race recap – Let me apologies for taking so long with my Race Report. It is a very busy time at the end of the year, but I will complete this in its entirety by next week.

Now to the good stuff!

As I jogged through transition I repeated my cycling mantra – EASY DOES IT!

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. I heard loud and clear from each of them . . . Don’t go out too hard on the bike. 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. “Stay focused, stay calm, stay easy” is what I was told and I did just that, but it wasn’t easy.

As I jumped on the bike I could hear the screams of people around me, “GO 1129!” or the same ole “Go Big Boy!” (I think I will always be big boy!!!) When you ride through the chute it is exciting and remains so until you get on the first stretch of road along the beach. 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.

Once I was on the gulf front road I was surprised at how low my HR was while I was holding 23mph? Odd? 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. 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!) After about 4 miles I felt ready to roll. My sea legs were gone quickly, which I didn’t expect.

As we turned North headed to the only real hill on the course (which is an overpass) I noticed the wind pick up slightly. From this point it would be about 20 miles until the turn east. They have been doing a great deal of work on this hwy. I have ridden the Gulf Coast Half course many times and this road has changed over the years.

There was a guy with a cowbell wearing a cowboy had and an accent. I am not sure, but I think it was Australian? He would park across the hwy, come over and cheer us on with his cowbell. Then jump in his car ride ahead 20 miles or so and cheer us on again. He did this the entire ride. I appreciated it, A LOT!

I saw him the first time about 3 miles before the overpass. My goal on the overpass . . . SPIN BABY SPIN! But some may argue with my spin method. See, I never ever get out of the big ring. I know I am working on it! As I reached the top of the overpass I felt great. 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!” I know, goofy, but for some reason I feel guilty flying by everyone!!!???

The road surface after the overpass was smooth as a baby’s butt. The next 15 or so miles were heaven. I thought to myself, (self) if this is what the day has in store for me – Today will be a GREAT day!

JINX!

It wasn’t 2 seconds after we made the right turn east onto hwy 20 that I was introduced to some really sucky headwind! I told myself it wasn’t going to last . . .

As I passed the first penalty tent I hollered out to my peeps! Luke, Vanilla, and all those folk were working the first penalty tent. It was nice seeing them if only for a second.

The wind never let up. The long stretch on Hwy 20 was miserable. There were a couple highlights.

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. I said hello. Of course I am eating!!!! Speaking of . . .

I am a planner. It is what I do for a living. I plan everything to a T. Here was my nutrition. At the top of every hour I had an Uncrustable peanut butter and honey sandwich, 200 calories. These are great. My friend Caroline introduced them to me. They are in the frozen section of your supermarket. At the 15 minute mark I would take in 2 endurolites from Hammer Nutrition and lots of fluid (I use NUUN cola). At the 30 minute mark I take in one gel which I use Hammer Banana and again, lots of fluid. At the 45 minute mark I take 2 more endurolites and more fluid. Then repeat this every hour!

This is the link to the IRONMAN video – I show up about the middle-ish. Red Transition black spuik helmet – BIG OLE BOY – eating a sandwich!!!

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.

http://www.ironmanflorida.com/index.php?dir=RaceVids/imfla&vidname=RaceVid-2009-FLA-low&playtype=mov&w=320&h=260

I was holding my goal of LOW heart rate. Taking it really easy. This was my first IM and I wasn’t going to blow up. But, I was a little frustrated to be going 16-17mph heading east on Hwy20. BUT THEN . . .

We turned South.

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!!! I averaged 25mph on the short stretch south before heading to 388 west. I felt great. 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.

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!!!! How funny! I love you Momma!!!!!

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. THIS ROAD SUCKED!!!!!!!!

Not only was the wind back in our face but this road surface was miserable. MISERABLE!!!!!!! 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!

When we did make the U-Turn . . . The road was still crappy, BUT the wind was beneath our wings!

My next concern was the Gulf Coast Half IM course on 388 heading west is UGLY and the road surface is not pretty. But to my surprise . . . THEY have redone the road surface and this road is now like BUTTER!

I couldn’t have been happier. 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.

I was having a hard time holding back and keeping my HR at the 145 to 155 I had set for myself. But I knew I had to because my run is so horrible.

As I came to the overpass I powered up it and knew I was home free and feeling well. Just before we turned onto the Overpass road I saw my friend with his cowbell and he gave me a “Cheers! Good job!” I thanked him and headed to the house!

When I hit gulf front road and headed towards transition . . . I admit – I picked it up a little. I also did what I said I wouldn’t . . . As I hit the chute off of Thomas Drive I was a little hyper. After New Orleans 70.3 I thought I had learned not to act a fool and exert a lot of un-needed energy. NOT!

I hollered and screamed like a moron. I flew into transition – gave up my bike and headed to get my transition bag.

As I did I saw my friend Will. He is a hell of an athlete and a better coach/trainer. I don’t plug things on here. This is his website and he does a hell of a job.

http://www.4thdimensionfitness.net/

I was all kind of pumped up! I grabbed my Transition bag and headed into the transition room.

Good news was – Not so many swinging Richards this time!

I sat down and took off my cycling shorts. I wore my tri shorts underneath and I think it worked out very well. I lubed again! This time I hit my toes and between my toes really well. I thanked the transition team and headed out to run 26.2 miles.

Up to this point I am loving life!

Run Race report coming soon!

2009-12-02T19:12:00.006-06:00

RACE DAY!

Let’s have sum fun!

3:13am Wake.

3:15am Eat micro waved breakfast burrito – Begin hydrating

4:00am Shower

4:45am Meet Greg and Nancy in Lobby for ride to Race Site

5:00am Double check bike, inflate tires, fill Speedfill, relax!

7:00am GO TIME!

Sounds easy enough right! Right?

Here we go.

I woke right at 3:00am which was fine and threw my breakfast in the microwave and double checked my special needs bags. My friend Vanilla left me with many pieces of wisdom and one was – LESS IS MORE – and I took it to heart. I had minimal items in both special needs bags and on my bike. I had the most stuff in my bike special needs bags. And minimal items in my run bag. I will post in another post what I had in all of my gear and special needs bags .

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.

After a LONG hot shower I LUBED BABY! I was determined not to have a single chafe issue. I had Boudreaux’s Butt Paste in every crack and crevasse on my body. I thought I might slide out of my tri shorts when I put them on!

All morning I visualized my day. One sport at a time seeing myself finish with smiles at each point. After having a good 5-minute one on one time sitting on the balcony I headed down to meet my friends Greg and Nancy. How awesome are they. 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. They were also full of wise advice for me.

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. I felt like I should have been a little more stressed, but I was reasonably calm with all things considered . . . Would that last?

After pumping my tires up to 110 and filling my speedfill hydration system, I went through the rest of the check list . . .

I had my cycling shorts on over my tri shorts and was wearing my race top as well. Bike was in race mode. Computers all zero-ed and head was on my shoulders.

As for my bike and transition area . . . Good to go.

I headed up to the boardwalk condo where my wife, sister, and baby girl were in a dead sleep when I arrived! I kissed Amanda on the cheek and rubbed Melaina’s belly as I have done every morning since her birth.

My friend Lance, who Amanda was staying with at Boardwalk, was also racing today. We hung in the living area for a bit, took some pictures, and I am sure we were both thinking about our day.

It was time.

Our wetsuits half on and my gonads in my throat we headed to the beach. I met Lance’s Mom and Dad on the way and we again took a few more pics of Lance and the family.

I saw my friend Andy and a few others as I hit the cool white sand. “Here we are” I thought to myself. “Hew were are.”

As I walked down the beach to the swim start I was visualizing and I was really caught up in the moment. I don’t want to say I was overwhelmed, but I was absolutely on the verge of suffocating inside of myself.

Here were my thoughts.

“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^nd wave starts here – sign! (Laugh again – out loud I think) This is going to rock. Remember to smile all day. “

Then a familiar voice from behind. It’s Gloria, Scott, and Charles (Vanilla)!!! What great faces to see just before I take off.

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. They pulled my suit up and got it into a perfect fit position for me. Zipped me up and offered some encouraging words. Scott suggested I take off my chain with my cross off. He was worried about chafing – But call me crazy but, I couldn’t do it. Yes – I regretted later when it came to the pain and chafing, but mentally and spiritually I am glad I had it.

After hugs to them I head the announcement that the pros were about to start . . . WHAT!!!!!

I wasn’t even close to the corral yet. How do I get into the Corral?????? Oh man! There were so many people. I was politely saying excuse me for a while then PURE PANIC SET IN!!!!! I think I put a little old lady in the sand face first at one point! I ran to the front and went into the water and then into the corral. Whew.

About this time I am standing in the very back of the racers. Wow. I was taking in all of the red caps. All of the people. Then I heard my wife yelling for me.

I can’t explain exactly what happened here, but I just saw them. 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. I didn’t begin to cry, but I had a physical reaction to this little emotional episode. 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?????

Then the National Anthem began and I sang like a rock star!

Here we GO!!!!!!!!!!!

The cannon went off and I began to walk. My mind told me what was going on, but my legs were well in front of me. They were on a mission.

The water was cool but not cold. The churn ahead of me was less intimidating than I thought it would be, but more beautiful. 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.

I’d say the first 250 meters was not really swimming, but more surviving and half stroking. I hit a few people and felt bad. I was kicked and then I didn’t feel as bad about those I accidentally hit!!! HA! The water was pretty nice on the way out on the first loop. I finally got into a rhythm at about the 600 meter mark.

I spoke to soon.

I had a guy who was a faster swimmer than me, but a much worse spotter. I stayed positive even after the 3^rd or 4^th time he crossed literally right over top of me. The poor guy probably ended up swimming 3 miles since he zig-zagged the entire course. I decided to sit up for just a second and let him get a little in front of me. MISTAKE!!!!!

There were more people behind me and around me than I thought. 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. The water had begun to sell just a little. It was getting kinda rough. But after the first turn I began to hit a little bit of a rhythm.

I am not sure I mentioned this yet . . .

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. I was afraid of that proverbial “wall” everyone talks about. So I was taking it easy on my swim and felt great up to this point.

As we began the stretch back to the beach on our first loop I ended up right next to a female swimmer. We were stroke for stroke. Our cadence, speed, everything was identical. It was nice having her on my right. I didn’t have to worry about anyone or anything on that side. Thank you nice lady from England who ever you were.

When we came up to the beach to cross the timing mat on our first loop I saw my family.

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. 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!

I felt strong after the first 1.2 miles of the swim. I was a little faster than I thought I would be and I was happy about that. I talked to the nice lady I swam beside for a second – Hence me knowing she was from the UK. Then It was back into the swim!

I am not sure how this happened and how many others noticed this, but the water was ROUGH on the second loop.

Spotting was very difficult on this second loop since I couldn’t see over the swells at some points. People were all over the place on the second loop. 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!!!!

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?!!! I looked ahead and the front part of my chest was in the air and I was looking down at the water and BAM! I was drinking a nice mouth full of gulf water! Oh it sucked! 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.

I don’t want to over blow the waves. 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.

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. I like swimming with some type of rhythm. I know you can expect that in an open water gulf swim, but this was a little more ugly than I expected.

The other great part about the stretch back to the beach is the spotting. 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. EASY.

As I stood in the water – knowing I had finished round one – 2.4 miles of gulf swimming – I was happy. I saw my friends and family! It was so easy to spot them now!!! WHY? 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!! HA!

I’ll give you one guess as to what happened next?

Yep. I hugged everyone! EVERYONE!

I headed into transition. I decided to strip my wetsuit myself. 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. I don’t know?? But I stay sand free.

Second EXCELLENT piece of wisdom from my friend Vanilla . . . Take your time in the shower. Get all of the sand and salt water off of you. I almost took a shower I was under there so long! I stood far to the right so I wouldn’t be in the way, but I showered and showered!

What an experience the transition room is . . . Swinging Richards everywhere! I was worried about sitting down. 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! There was just too much nakedness in their for me. Maybe I was having an inferiority complex? Nah!!!!!!!

As I ran out of the transition room I saw several people I knew and was ready for the sun-screen application. I asked the nice volunteer to lather me up and she did for the most part.

SUGGESTION: When you ask the volunteer to apply your sun-screen ask them to get under your race bib a little. She covered me very well – except for on my back right by the race bib area. Jump ahead to the next week and I had 2^nd degree burns with blisters and all. Take time to handle this right in transition or it won’t be pretty.

I saw my family up on the hill and blew them kisses. As the volunteer was bringing my bike a recognizable face ran up to me. It was a volunteer, BUT it was also the guy I rode the sag wagon with at redman half after my third flat. He flatted twice as well. We had a good ride back in the support vehicle in Oklahoma. Neither of us was happy, but it was nice meeting him and nice seeing him in the transition area. He is from the Boston area I think . . . Wish I’d gotten his name. Nice surprise.

Swim done. T1 Done.

Bike race report soon!

Friday (Day before RACE DAY!)

2009-11-29T13:43:00.003-06:00

Friday November 6^th (The Day Before the Day!)

This day was different from all the other days.

I am nervous and questioning everything. “You know, I did skip those three days on my training program . . . “ or, “Should I really be doing this? “ All the way to self-doubt.

It was going to be a long day.

I wake early and follow my Race Day routine. 3:30am have breakfast, double check my carry-in gear, rest. This all went smoothly.

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!

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.

When I pulled out of the condo in my bike I felt something was off. I was laboring to hold a simple 18mph. My heart rate was up to 175-180 and I was only holding 18mph???? Really? 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.

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. Not today. And nothing changed on the turn around. As fact I actually SLOWED down and worked harder. 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. WORRIED.

I jumped on their wheel, but I still couldn’t keep my heart rate below 180 but, we were doing 23 mph now.

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). I was winded and pissed.

I hopped off my bike and began rolling it towards the bike drop entrance and my rear wheel would not roll . . . WTHECK!!!!!!!!! Then it hit me!

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. 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.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

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. It would be like trying to drive your car with the bake on.

Here is where the craziness kicked in . . .

The Ironman crew that does last minute repairs on bikes are awesome bar none. They can fix a bike like no bodies business. Where they are lacking is their time management skills. 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. 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.

This is where we spent most of the time . . . Roddy made me a kick ass sign and I made myself one too. Mine said – BOGGS You’re slow! BUT you’re not fast!!

Speaking of signs – My friends Nancy and Greg Cole made me a sign on Wednesday that said “2^nd Wave Starts here” I am still cracking up about that.

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. I don’t like late. 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!

Lunch was great. I sat next to my Momma who drove over from New Orleans and took precious time off from work to be there. She is awesome and LOVES her some Melaina (my daughter). 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. We had lunch at Sweet Basils. Very good lunch place.

Now it was relax and rest time.

I had an oven pizza in the frig and ate it about 4pm. Then read on my kindle until about 7p before I decided I could go to sleep. I took my shower and lay in bed.

AND LAY IN BED.

AND . . . . You get the point.

It is now close to 10p and I decided to visualize myself sleeping . . .

2009-11-17T09:22:00.001-06:00

Thursday November 5, 2009

6am wake up – begin IM Focus . . . . . . . . . . NOW!

I spent most of my morning hanging around the hotel and making a list of the items I’d forgotten! I knew this would happen so I didn’t stress about it at all, just made a list.

After a couple hours I headed down to the race site for a little open water swim in the gulf on the racecourse. I wanted to get a little feel for the water before race day and test my ocean water swimming skillzzzzz.

After slipping into my wetsuit and slapping on the goggles I headed off the beach and into the gulf. It were a wee bit BRRRRRR cold, but not too bad.

I headed out easy does it and tried to focus on my sighting. This can prove fatal for me. I am either SPOT on when sighting or I can be way off. 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.

First 1500 or so meters was great then I saw a sting ray about 4 feet from me and it was not small. I think it was about 40 feet wide!!!!! 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. 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.

Heading back was much rougher in the water. I took in a couple mouths full of salt water – YUM – and lost my sighting a bit . . . Then I had a DUH moment. Sighting on the way back was simple after that. 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! Life was good after that and I headed back.

I did the full loop (half of what I would swim Saturday) in 46 minutes and I was taking it really easy. REALLY EASY. So my guess was 1:35 on swim come race day.

Next – MASSAGE! Woo Hoo!

The dude that massaged me was awesome and after one hour on the table I was ready to rock and roll. I felt great and told him I hoped to see him again soon.

Lunch.

BW3s! I know. 5 Guys hamburgers for dinner followed by Wings for lunch?? Maybe sabotage was in the back of my mind??

After a healthy lunch it was time to head out and drive the bike course. I am glad I did because it gave me a great idea of areas of the course I wasn’t aware of before. There are a couple little hills on the backside of the course. Nothing bad, but I am glad I saw them before hand to mentally prep for them.

After we almost ran out of gas, my DadJ, Roddy, Scott and I headed back to PCB (Panama City Beach).

Dinner

Fancy Schmancey! Great little Italian restaurant in Grayton Beach FL call Borago. Good stuff. We had all my family there (including Roddy) My Dad picked up a majority of the bill, which was not expected but, super cool! Thanks Dad! I had pasta with shrimp, but the ravioli appetizer was my favorite thing.

It was a long drive back to PCB after the dinner. It was good to spend that time with everyone since I know I won’t really see them again until Sunday after the race.

Amanda is at a condo located directly ON the race site thanks to my friend Lance. He had an open room and kindly asked if we wanted to stay. LIFESAVER – since it will be great for Amanda on race day with the baby.

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. Packing and re packing 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.

Bed

I am thankful for soft beds and fluffy pillows. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.

Count down – less than 36 hours till GO TIME!

IMFL 2009 Picture Video

2009-11-16T12:04:00.004-06:00

I am still working on the written account of my week in Panama City Beach Florida for Ironman Florida.

But I thought you might enjoy a little slide show of the day . . .

Arrival Day at IM Florida

2009-11-11T10:53:00.003-06:00

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.

This first post is my arrival day on Wednesday.

Wednesday November 4, 2009.

Amanda is a little anxious and concerned about this weekend. She is concerned about me and the outcome of the weekend.

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?”

I love her so much. I just look at her and my face says it all . . . It says, “how about we not talk about that right now”.

After a long day of driving we arrive into PCB FL and head directly to the IM check-in.

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. 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. I truly have a perfect wife FOR ME and therefore she is perfect period. 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.

Today is no different. We drove separate so she could go directly home after IMFL since I had to go to a class in Orlando. 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.

I love you Amanda. You are my best friend. You make everything I do worth it.

Back to the day . . .

As I turn on Thomas Drive where the race start is located I see a guy hitchhiking. He is not your average hitchhiker. He has a smooth pair of Oakley’s on and a bad to the bone tri bag over his shoulder. 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.

Turns out he is Romain Guillaume a pro triathlete and a really cool dude. We talked for a while and I saw him a few times through the weekend. I think he finished 10^th overall. A very nice dude.

There was no line Wednesday at 3:30pm to check in and I whizzed in and out. The only disappointing part of check-in was the weigh in. I put on my sheet I thought I was at about 245lbs. When I got on the scale I was 263lbs!!!!!

I think the main point here is – Arrive on Wednesday in the mid to latter afternoon to check in to your Ironman. 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. 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.

After walking through the check in tent I exited thanking all the volunteers – who without them – this whole thing would not be possible. The y are very supportive and excited to be a part of this crazy thing too it seems . . .

Next I go to confirm my massage . . . And there is where I saw one of my favorite people! Bridgett Flannigan . . . It is very bad that I don’t know her married name, sorry Scott. 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.

Bridgett’s husband Scott, is also racing and he was getting his massage at the time. We all say hello and catch up for a second and make plans to do dinner that night.

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. I was happy to be there.

Knowing Amanda and baby were waiting for me I rushed out and we headed to check into my hotel.

We settled into my room and I stretched out on the couch for a bit before we had to get ready for dinner.

Since my daughter was born I have been experiencing these mortality issues. 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. I am working on those feelings, but the rush I was having at that moment overwhelmed me so I called Vanilla.

Charles (aka Vanilla – Think ice ice baby) and Scott in our tri club are IM Vets. They have done most (if not all) of the NA IM races. He is who I have been bouncing my thoughts off of when it comes to my race. He and others that 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. After a 15 min conversation with Vanilla – My mind was back in the right place.

Shannon (Hotrod) Roddy drove all the way down from Cincinnati to support me in my first IM. Just me. She drove all the way down to Panama City Beach JUST TO SUPPORT ME! How special I feel. She is one of my most dear friends and I love her as I do my own sisters. Shannon also played ball at NKU and holds the record for 3-pointers made in one game at I think 8?

I was looking for a good, healthy, smart place to have dinner Wednesday night. I had many choices and I went with Five Guys Hamburgers!!!!!!!!

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!!!!!

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???

It was great having dinner with Bridgett, Roddy, Scott and his Rents, as well as my precious baby girl and Amanda. Bridgett held Melaina like a pro . . . hmmmmmm ? Roddy also took a real liking to Melaina (even though she swears off kids).

Dinner was good, company was better.

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. I will plan better next year.

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!

IRONMAN FLORIDA 140.6 11-7-2009

2009-11-10T11:41:00.003-06:00

I DID IT!

15:11

I want to do this post justice so please forgive me for taking my time to re-live the experience of my first Ironman.

My plan is to post a daily journal of the arrival to Panama City Beach all the way through my crossing the finishing line!

I will start today.

Thank you EVERYONE!

18 Days!

2009-10-20T11:19:00.003-05:00

November 7, 2009

GEAUX TIME!

Dear Family and Friends,

I have had a few of you ask questions regarding what the Ironman experience will be for spectators and many thoughtful questions as to how I might be helped by you during this unbelievable experience. Therefore I thought it might help if I put together a document that you can print out and have to provide some direction and assist you in having a great experience too!

Amanda and I will arrive on Wednesday night late. I am going to put an itinerary below so that everyone has an idea of where I will be and when. Amanda will have the baby girl Melaina Kay and all we ask is that you come to her to see the baby since this is going to be a long week for Mommy and Baby.

Leading up to race day I welcome family and friends to visit with me for meals listed on itinerary and on the course rides where I just ride in the car and check out the course and make mental notes. This might be fun for you guys so you’ll know where I am and what I’m experiencing.

I really want to have everyone get together Sunday morning in Grayton Beach for breakfast. This is our favorite place and Amanda and I really want to see everyone together that glorious morning. The restaurant in on the way out of town for everyone headed back north or west so you won’t be going out of your way to get there.

The swim: First parking – You may be able to find something close, but I recommend you park at Wal-Mart and take the shuttle to race site. The shuttle will be running non-stop.

This is the most awesome part of the race besides the FINISH. Experiencing an Ironman start as a spectator is a true MUST DO. You will see me enter the water with thousands of other racers then you will see me when I make the first loop and again when I exit the water.

Swim to Bike Transition: Before the race I’d recommend that you locate where my bike is located so that you will know where to look for me, but more importantly – While I am going through transition I recommend that you fins a good spot by the bike ext to see me go out on the bike.

The Bike: You have two choices.

1. Hang out at the hotel and relax for the next 6 hours (which I say go for it since it will be a long day)

2. It would be much appreciated if a few folks would load up in the car about and hour after I leave out on the bike and head up HWY 77 to HWY 20 and park there while waiting for me to pass (it will take me about 2 hrs to get there). That is about the 35 mile mark. PLEASE BE MINDFUL that there is a race going on and only drive on HWY 77 NOT on the race course. Thank you.

Once I’ve past you there then drive a short distance back south on HWY 77 to HWY 388. On HWY 77 there are a few places to stop off and eat. I recommend that you do that and then go to the intersection of HWY 77 and 388. It will take me about 2.5 to 3 hours to cross HWY 77 and HWY 388. Also Bring folding chairs to sit in while waiting.

Once I’ve passed you there you should head back to the transition area driving back down HWY 77.

Bike to Run Transition This is where you can see me the most if you want. Again you have two choices.

1. Hang out at the hotel for the next 3 hours, relax and come out to the turn around to see me make the first loop and head back out for the last 13.1 miles. Then come back out again 3 hours or so later to see me finish.

2. Roddy and Cousin Boggs are going to have mountain bikes. They are going to ride to different points of the run course to see me pass and cheer me on (which I am VERY thankful for). You can do the same in your car. You can see me leave out on the run then drive out to the entrance of the State park at the end of Thomas Dr and see me go into the park and come back out. Then drive back to spinnakers to see me turn around (I would suggest stopping and eating at this point again). Then drive back to State Park Entrance and see me enter and leave the park again. Then drive back to FINISH LINE!!!!!!!!!

You all are very special to me and I think you very much for your support. I will need it and I will be forever grateful. We will have your T-Shirts with us for you to wear on Race day.

Lastly, I suggest you all exchange cell phone numbers on this email so that you can connect and share information on where you are and where I am etc.

Again,

Thank you and I love you all!

Christopher

Florida Ironman: Christopher’s Itinerary

Wed Nov 4

8:00pm Arrive and Check in – Relax feet up

Thur Nov 5

10:00am Athlete Check-in (Spinnaker Parking Lot)

12:00pm Lunch – TBA

2:00pm Drive Bike Course (anyone welcome – will take a couple hours)

5:00pm Dinner–Borago

http://www.boragorestaurant.com/directions.html

7:30pm Mandatory Athlete Meeting (Board Walk Resort Ballroom)

9:00pm Pack Transition Bags and Special Needs Bags

10:00pm Bed

Fri Nov 6

6:00am Bike 20 min then Run 10 min

8:00am Swim 10 minutes – (Boardwalk Beach Resort at beach)

10:00am Check-in Bike and Gear Bags (Spinnaker Parking Lot)

12:00pm Lunch – Sweet Basil’s http://sweet-basils.net/contact_us.html

2:00pm Drive Run Course (anyone welcome – will take about 1 hr)

3:00pm Rest and visualize

5:00pm Dinner – I’ll eat in hotel (You guys go have fun!)

7:00pm bed

Sat Nov 7 – THE DAY

4:00am Wake – Breakfast

5:00am Arrive at race site

7:00am RACE STARTS!!!!! 2.4 miles of swimming!

7:40am I should be making first loop lap

8:30am Exit swim – head to bike transition

8:40am Exit transition for 122 miles of biking

3:15-3:45pm Return from bike course

3:25-3:55pm Exit transition to begin 26.2 mile run

6:45-7:45pm I should be making 1^st loop of run

10:30-12:00am I WILL BE CROSSING THE FINISH LINE!

Sunday Nov 8 – The Day After

9:00am Breakfast – Another Broken Egg (Grayton Beach on hwy 30A)

12:00pm Check Out of Hotel

1:00pm Ironman Merchandise tent to buy finishers gear!

2:00pm Depart for Orlando Fl for conference/Classes – anti climactic!

Directions to the Race

From the West:

• Take HWY 10 to HWY 331-south.

• Take HWY 331-south to HWY 20-east.

• Travel down HWY 20-east turn right onto HWY 79-south.

• Follow HWY 79-south to Front Beach Rd. and turn left.

• Follow Front Beach Rd. to South Thomas Dr. turn right.

• You will find the race site host hotel Boardwalk Beach Resort on the right.

From the North:

• Follow HWY 231-south to HWY 98-west turn right.

• Follow the directions for traveling from the east.

• Or follow HWY 79-south to Front Beach Rd. turn left, follow the directions.

From the East:

• Hwy 10 West to 231 South.

• Follow Hwy 231 South to Hwy 98. 10

• Right on Hwy 98 to Front Beach Road (left).

• Turn left on South Thomas Drive (just past Wal-Mart).

• You will find the race site host hotel Boardwalk Beach Resort on the right.

MY RACE NUMBER AND TRACKING ME LIVE:

I will be sending an email out as soon as I know my race bib number – Then you can go to this website and track me throughout the day. The athlete tracker will tell you when I am out of the water, list every 10 miles on bike, and every mile on the run.

http://live.ironmanlive.com/events/ironman/florida/?show=results

Race Day – Saturday, November 7, 2009

Start End Event Location

4:30 a.m. Transition Area Opens; Bodymarking Begins South Thomas Drive in

front of the Boardwalk

Beach Resort

6:50 a.m. Pro-Start

7:00 a.m. Age Group Start

7:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Ford Ironman Florida Expo Spinnaker Parking Lot

9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Ironman Merchandise Store Spinnaker Parking Lot

9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Ironman Bike Store Spinnaker Parking Lot

6:30 p.m. Bike & Gear Check-Out Boardwalk Beach Resort

East Parking Lot

12:00 a.m. Race Officially Ends

Spectator Information

What are the distances for the Ford Ironman events?

Ford Ironman events consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a 26.2 mile run.

Where can I find a schedule of events for race week?

A schedule of events is posted on the website. Go to Information > Schedule. It is also available in the Athlete Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two months prior to the event.

What is the Ford Ironman Expo?

The Ford Ironman Expo features various booths- including a showcase of Ford vehicles, Ironman merchandise, Ironman retailers/bike services, the Janus Inspiration Station (spectators can create inspirational signs to line the course), and many other things. It provides a perfect gathering and meeting place for athletes and spectators.

Where is the best place to watch Ford Ironman Florida?

The beach is open for spectators to view the swim. The bike couse is one loop, making it difficult for spectators to view due to traffic regulations. The best place to watch your athlete get on and off their bike is in the transition area. The run course travels through PCB. Spectators can line the streets to watch their athlete run to the finish.

Is there anywhere to eat onsite at the events?

Yes, check out the Race Day Cafe at all of our events. It is always located near the transition area and the Ford Ironman Marketplace. You can also help support the locals with plenty of local restaurants near the Athlete Village/transition area.

Will I be allowed to cross the finish line with my athlete?

Friends and/or family members will no longer be permitted to cross the finish line or enter the finish chute with participating athletes. This policy will allow each competitor adequate time to celebrate their accomplishment without interfering with other finishers and ensure the safety of all participants, volunteers and fans. Athletes who choose not to respect the new policy will receive an automatic disqualification (DQ).

Will I be allowed into the finish line area to greet my athlete?

Unfortunately, due to high congestion in the finish line area, no spectators will be allowed. Please do not try to gain access to this area, as it must remain clear for the safety of the athletes. Before the event, you and your athlete should decide on a meeting place for after they have finished.

Will I be allowed into the medical tent to look for my athlete if they have not arrived at our meeting destination?

The Medical Tent is highly congested and spectators will not be allowed in. There will be a Medical Information Tent next to the Medical Tent where medical updates will be available on athletes who enter the Medical Tent. Please, be patient with the Medical Information Volunteers, updates will be posted as soon as they are received.

Where should I park during race week?

Refer to the Athlete Information Guide on the web site, posted roughly two months prior to the event.

How should I get around on race day?

Refer to the Athlete Information Guide located on the web site, posted roughly two months prior to the event.

Personal Communication Plan

Prior to departing for Panama City Beach, be sure to establish a communications plan

with family and friends back home. Share the race day emergency contact listed

below with those who may need to reach you in an emergency. Even if you are in

Panama City Beach with family and friends, it is essential that you have a plan for

contacting or reuniting with your group following the race.

Race Day Emergency Contact

Ironman Athlete Services

Thirty Two Days and Counting

2009-10-05T13:42:00.004-05:00

Thirty-Two days . . .

Time is winding down on the final piece to my goal of weight loss and healthy living.

When I did my first Triathlon in 2005 at over 400 pounds, my ultimate goal was to complete an Ironman. Now Almost five years later I think I am ready to accomplish that goal.

I weighted in last week at 238lbs. I was down to 229lbs after IM NOLA 70.3, but with the foot and other things (like a baby) I gained but, I am working my way back down.

The training has been strong the past six weeks. I have two more weeks ove heavy training and then I begin my taper.

I had a great deal of fun this weekend.

Amanda and I are in Cincinnati OH to see her Grandmother who hasn’t seen the baby yet. While here I have had the joy of riding the Loveland Bike trail. 80 – YES, Eighty miles of car free rails to trails that stretch from Milford OH to Dayton OH and back. If you are anywhere NEAR Cincinnati I urge you to ride the Loveland Bike trail.

On Sunday I did my first Canoe, Run, Bike triathlon. I had the bestest teammate, Heidi. We canoed 6 miles and even thought I haven’t been in a canoe since my college days (and back then there was more beer drinking than canoeing) we held or own and pulled in to the canoe area 2^nd out of our group.

Heidi then took off and left me to fend for myself on the 5.5 mile run. Here is the best part of the day and my Ironman training. My friend Pat and Chuck both turned me onto this Run/Walk marathon by Galloway. I run 10 minutes and power walk 1 minute. I have been training this way for about a month. I really felt strong entering the bike.

This race is a blast. The last quarter mile of the run is straight uphill on trails. Kicked my butt!

The bike was very nice if you could take out the wind! But at IM FL there can be lots of wind so this was a great day for realizing how much fun it is to ride in head on wind for 18 miles.

TEAM NORSE – Rocked it and we were the life of the party. Next year it is ON! Team Angelo/Boggs Vs Team Jason/Heidi. GOING DOWN!!!!

My long rides are getting easier and my long runs are . . . Well, they just are.

Good Reason I've Been Away . . .

2009-09-25T11:10:00.002-05:00

It has been a little bit of a rough year, but so rewarding at the same time.

I have finished my first 70.3 IM that consists of a 1.2 mile swim followed by a 56 mile bike finished with a 13.1 mile run. This was IM New Orleans, where I cam from that race with a broken foot.

Then in the last week of June when I was allowed to cycle, I was run off the road and as a result I have a slightly torn rotator cuff and something else going on in there that I don’t really understand – Surgery to follow at some point.

Needless to say my lead up to Ironman Florida has had its hurdles but, I can’t imagine anyone who hasn’t had issues leading up to their own Ironman?

Then came July.

In July we had our beautiful baby girl on the 13^th and I may be the most blessed man ever. WARNING: Cheezyness to follow . . . I have a perfect marriage (as perfect as they can be) I have the most awesomeness wife a person could imagine. I have a job that I feel satisfies my desire to help people and it happens to provide well for my family, and finally . . . I have the most beautiful child who I have come to find is already a genius (Harvard . . . We are accepting invitations now).

My little girls takes a WEEEEE bit of my time . . . She doesn’t demand it since she is a wonderful baby who cries little and smiles greatly which makes me only want to be around her more. That is not a big help when it comes to IM training!!!

But she is a real motivator since I have so many new and improved goals to assure my daughter the best that is possible and the first thing I can do is succeed in my fight with obesity.

I was given permission to begin running again in August. I began a 13 week IM training program and I have stuck to it and I feel as though I will finish come November 7^th, but it won’t be pretty. I have decoded I will take this experience and enjoy it and (I know this is IM taboo) but I will enjoy it and when then end of that day comes I will smile and hold my wife and my daughter knowing they are what matters to me and my life and I will become emotional and I will squeeze them till I can’t.

I will be more consistent in posting from this point forward since I believe it is a constructive part of my mental training and preparation for the race.

Ironman Florida – November 7^th 2009. Panama City Beach Florida. Be there!

HERE WE GEAUX!!!!!

2009-07-02T10:29:00.004-05:00

What a week!

Let me bring everyone up to date since I have been MIA for the past 2 ½ months.

Two weeks before IM New Orleans 70.3 I did a race and felt a little pop in my right foot. The next day my foot was swollen and I asked my wife if she noticed anything. She put her finger down on the top of my foot and said, “that looks discolored and swollen.” I could walk on it fine with a little discomfort so I chalked it up to stress since I had been putting in major training hours as a result of not being able begin my training for IM NOLA until mid February because of my surgery in December.

On April 5^th I completed IM NOLA in seven and a half hours (SUCKED IT UP!!!) but the last 4 miles of the run I had to walk and it was very painful. I finished. Turns out I had a broken foot for the race.

The following Wednesday I went to the foot Dr. The best in Baton Rouge and a heck of a nice guy, Dr. Lalonde. X-Ray showed a bad azz fracture and my training was done for a while.

I was told by my Dr. to stay off it in a boot for 6 weeks and I could do swimming, light riding, and no running. 6 weeks was fine since my training program for IM Florida (My first Ironman) didn’t begin until Memorial Day (thanks Keith). My follow up Dr. Appointment was o the Tuesday after Memorial Day so I would be good to go.

Not so fast Mr.

On the follow up appointment, X-Rays showed that my foot wasn’t recovering and was still very much broken. I had been riding and swimming as I was allowed, but trying not to push it too hard, just maintain a little bit. But Doc said 6 more weeks in the boot and no riding, just swimming.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!

In the midst of all this, my wife and I are expecting our first child who will be here by July 10^th – If not today!!!!!! Work has been strenuous and not being able to train has turned my attitude into pissy with a slight chance of “Get the hell out of my face!”.

My last follow up was Wednesday morning. The foot is healing and still broken. BUT, Doc said I could begin riding with a metal plate in my shoe – Still no running and that probably won’t happen until September (Grrrrrrrrrrrr).

Well, if the Doc says I can ride – When do you think I went for my first ride? YEP!!! Wednesday afternoon in 101 degree heat and 70% humidity AND I LOVED EVERY SECOND OF IT!!!!!!!!

The wind, the road, the road KILL, the heat - ALL of it!!!

Then there was this morning.

I ride with a group on Tuesday/Thursday mornings. These guys are pretty strong and when I was riding at my best a few months ago it was still a challenge to hang with them.

My bike looks like a disco ball riding down the road because we meet at 5:30am. I leave my house about 5:15am so it is dark when we take off and beautiful when we are on our way back. I have high powered lights to make sure I am visible.

On this morning no one was at our meeting spot. I was there at 5:30am so I waited for a bit then went off on my own for the 30 mile loop.

I felt GREAT. I was putting in about 18-19mph at about 145 bmp. I wanted to stay between 130 and 145 on the HRM. I didn’t stick to that and hit some intervals just to see what the legs had on them after an almost 3 month layoff. I think I will get the power back fairly soon.

Great ride, beautiful weather, sun was bright and low in the sky on the way back. Then it all came to an abrupt stop.

About mile 33 of 40 I was run off the road and it wasn’t pretty. A white Honda (I think) honked at me as it was on my wheel and another car, kind of burgundy dark red, KIA or Camry maybe? Was right on their tail. The white car gave me about 2 feet maybe 3, but the burgundy car I don’t think ever saw me since he/she was right on the tail of the other car. I saw the front of the burgundy car and the wheel and he/she was no more than a foot on top of me – probably less. There is no real shoulder on this particular area. I hit gravel, then my front tire shot to the right, I tried to get it straight, but it clipped the side of the asphalt into the dirt and I was now going over the front of my bike headed to the pavement.

It was really fast and I think I went out for a second.

I laid there on the side of the road mostly in the ditch now. I was afraid to move. I felt my helmet hit the pavement and my vertebra in my back sounded like an accordion cracking down my back as I hit the road then I was twisted on the ground.

I could feel that I was bleeding on my leg and shoulder and my head was ringing. I was afraid to move and hurt all over. I lifted my head and saw my bike more than 10 feet away. That sucker must have gone flying!!!.

I began to move my feet, then my shoulders, then my legs. One at a time they told me – I think we’re OK – and about 10 minutes later I was standing.

By this time a nice lady, Barbara, I guess figured out I crashed and pulled over. By the look on her face – My face must have been one hot mess!

I got the bike up. The aero bars were in a downward position and my garmin was nowhere to be found. But for the most part the bike was ok. Whew!

The nice lady began to point out the blood and the gravel stuck in my shoulder. I brushed it out with my hand. She offered me a ride home, but I felt that the bike was in good enough shape and I had only 7 or 8 miles left

YES – THAT IS HOW MUCH I MISS RIDING!!!!

I rode my broke ass home on my broke ass bike.

I did stop at McDonalds and grab some napkins and wiped off some blood and cleaned my glasses. I didn’t want my wife to see my looking too bad. Good news was that she wasn’t awake yet and I got in the shower and was cleaned up fairly well before she woke.

When she did wake her only comment was “We’re going to have a baby . . . And you’re going to look like that!” I sure love her!

So – I am safe. I feel OK. And thank God for helmets!!!!!!!!!

Oh, by the way – today was a planned two day with a ride in the AM and one this afternoon . . . YES!!!! I will be riding this afternoon!!!!!

If you’re scared say you’re scared!

Seriously, I am very thankful I am safe. I have had this happen once before and consider myself lucky to be in good shape today, but I love being healthy (sounds odd after this, I know) and if I am not active I will die a slow miserable fat death and I will not have that.

I have gained 30 lbs back since IM New Orleans. Time to drop the weight again and my goal is 195 lbs. by IM Florida in November.

Thanks to everyone. Sorry for being MIA, but I have had very little motivation . . . I’M BACK!

DIng Ding - Round 1

2009-05-18T20:48:00.002-05:00

I want to thank all of my blog friends for their suggestions and encouragement regarding my current sucky situation with the broken foot.

I am still a little pissed and mentally under the weather . . . But for the most part I am getting back in the saddle.

I rode the bike on the trainer a couple times and today hit the pavement for about 10 miles to see if I remembered how to ride. Good news, I think I remember!

I go to the Dr. in a week and a half to see if I can get this boot off. I am not sure what he will say. When I walk a few steps without boot the area with fractures feel weak and painful, but that may just be from lack of use???

I am up 22 lbs, but I stopped eating crap. I have been working on core strength mostly doing sit ups, push ups and plank.

I a ready to run. How funny.

Thanks again to everyone.

I know I might get thrashed for this, but I am allowed to ride, so I am signed up for a bike race this weekend. I am going to do it, but take it super easy.

My Ironman Florida training program begins May 25.

Word

No Motivation = No Training = Depression

2009-05-11T07:27:00.002-05:00

Yo!

It's been 3 weeks since I was put in a foot cast with stress fractures. It doesn't feel any better. I rode the trainer a little this past weekend, but the foot aches afterwards and I'm not sure if that is helping the healing process?

I am coming out of my non-training depression slowly. Sounds stupid I know. I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I am more pissed than anything, but the realization that I was (and still am a little) depressed has helped me begin to focus.

Sriously - I have 6 months until IM Florida and I need to begin my preparation mentally, and get my focus right. I can't do that acting like a little baby because I have a little broken foot, right?

My "official" training plan is supposed to begin May 25. I get out of this boot June 3rd (hopefully) and then I will need to take it easy so that I don't end up right back in da BOOT!

I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know how screwed up my thinking is right now!!!!!!

I have put on 17 lbs since IM NOLA 70.3 and I am eating crap and I actually miss running - Does THAT tell you how screwed my brain is!!!!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!

I go Back to the knee Dr. in one week to see if I should consider surgery to fix my detached knee cap and in 3 weeks for the foot. POSITIVE THINKING, POSITIVE THINKING, POSITIVE THINKING!!! I'm not sure how well that works, but I'm all over it right now!

Peace and word to yo mutha's!!!!! Happy belated Mothers Day.

2009-04-18T14:57:00.002-05:00

Louisiana Triathlon in New Roads LA just north west of Baton Rouge. One of my favorite races. I was volunteering since the foot is in the boot for another 5 weeks.

It was an ugly day with rain and wind but any race day is a GOOD DAY!

Congrats to our members who stuck it out today!

CRAP CRAP CRAP!

2009-04-14T21:34:00.003-05:00

Well.

What a week.

I knew before IMNOLA 70.3 on April 5^th that something was wrong with my right foot. I was pretty sure it was either a really really bad bruise on the top of my foot or a fracture.

I really struggled on the run in New Orleans. My left leg almost gave out on me and I now know that is because the left leg was doing 90% of the work.

I’m pretty ticked off and frustrated right now. I was livid on Monday. Today I have become a little more focused.

I have a stress fracture on my 4^th med – something or other?????? It is the bone that runs from your ankle to your toes next to your pinky toe.

OH I SHOULD HAVE GONE TO MED SCHOOL!!!

I am out for 6 weeks minimum on run and bike. Initially my Dr. said I could bike, but then after knowing how I ride – I am not going to be riding either. He didn’t want me pushing it or standing and all I do is crush it on the bike AND I want to heal fast therefore . . .

I am going to kick butt in the pool for the next 6 weeks AND I am ordering the AQX Sports – pool running shoes and floating belt.

I am not going to be able to race in Gulf Coast which I really wanted to do in preparation for IM Florida. AND I am missing Louisiana Tri which I have not missed in my 4 years of triathlon. I am kinda sad about that. It is the closest triathlon to my home here in Baton Rouge.

The good news. I GET THIS REALLY COOL BOOT!!!!! WOO HOO!

Ironman New Orleans 70.3

2009-04-06T12:25:00.014-05:00

Ironman New Orleans - 7 hours 37 minutes of pure joy! (and pain)

Ironman 70.3 New Orleans – 7 hours 37 minutes

In the last year I have posted very short reports from my races. Maybe taking them for granted because they have become just a normal part of my life or maybe I forgot how much races mean to me?

But, this day will be different.

This is my recount of my first finish of a half ironman.

My day began early. Our club www.batonrougetri.com put together a rock’n after party tent with computer access, pizza, drinks, 3 massage therapists, a full ice bath pool, and a big board that tracked all of our club racers throughout the day. It was spectacular.

I met a great crew from our club at 3am to set everything up. It was a fairly smooth process thanks to some great club members.

I went back to the hotel about 4:45am laid down till 5:15 with my eyes WIDE OPEN waiting for the alarm. Got up showered and began the pre-race regiment I always follow. Recheck transition bag for the 714^th time, rub on some sun block, rub on a little bodygluide in the important areas, and put on the race uni.

We were out of the door by 5:40a to meet Janice and Luke down stairs. When we arrived in the lobby some poor dude from Houston was stranded without a ride to the race site. We squeezed him in and got him there.

As I was prepping my transition site I realized I was about to do a 70.3 and I took a moment and looked around. Over 3,000 bikes in this transition. It was amazing. My friend Paul was racked right across from me and we had a good time talking and motivating one another for the race. I didn’t tell many people this because if I couldn’t finish the race I didn’t want to have this as an excuse, but I have a hairline fracture in my right first metatarsal (the bone that runs along the inside of your foot that connects to your big toe). I did this at the Opelousas Du in mid March. It was slowly getting worse, but the 4 Aleve I took that morning and the bottle I had stuffed in my tri uniform was going to handle the pain. Paul reminded me not to push to the point that I cause permanent damage, which I knew I wouldn’t.

We hung around the sea wall watching the first 9 waves go by. I saw one person not 800m into the swim – swim over to the sea wall climb out of the water, throw his goggles and have a mental breakdown. This was NOT what I needed to see before I began my Half Iron Man journey. Then there were more . . . None that had mental meltdowns as the first guy did, but swam to shore and were done . . . Hmmmmm?

As my wave entered the water an hour and fifteen minutes after the first group started I was delighted at the water temp. It was very brisk but nor real cold. I like that since I tend to overheat in a wetsuit.

The first 500 to 600 meters I worked on finding my groove. I was spotting well. About every 12 strokes I would lift spot and go right back into another 12 strokes – 3 strokes breath left side, 3 strokes breath right side . . . Repeat! After about 1,000 m I was in my groove and felt fairly comfortable. I have been working on longer strides with my stroke and really reaching out front and I felt good about it in the water for this race. As the turn came to the finish I cut the corner too close and cut my hand on some oyster shells at the bottom of the lake floor. It didn’t hurt too bad, but my fear was more the infection opportunity since Lake Ponchatrain is not known for its cleanliness! The whole time swimming I might get just a little bit of water in my mouth and would make sure and blow it out hard upon exhale!

I WAS PUMPED at swim exit!!!!

I ran down the chute of the exit hollering and slapping high 5’s with everyone! I d not recommend this. Save your energy!!!! It was not smart. When I got to transition I was a little winded, but I was pumped. I exited the 1.2 mile swim in 42 minutes, about 3 minutes better than my goal.

At transition 1 I talked to Paul a little and headed out on the bike.

The bike. Hot and windy. WINDY. FREAKING WINDY!

On the bike, the first 3 miles are along the lake where we ride out to the right and come right back by transition and the spectators. I felt great and was MOVING through here. As we got out on the main road we began to hit a little cross wind about mile 4. At mile 6-11 it was cross but a little at our back which was nice. Then we made a sharp right and the wind was with us and it was GREAT!!!!

SIDE NOTE:

The racecourse was completely closed. BIKE AND RUN. This was one of the safest most organized courses I’ve EVER raced on and I was a little worried about that. EVERY road had an officer at it blocking traffic. PEM deserves a A+++ for their logistics in planning this race and supporting it with cops at EVERY road crossing. THANK YOU Premier Event management.

Back to the bike:

We had tailwind for about 3 miles and it was a joy. I was averaging about 23 mph up till this point, then we hit Chef blvd where we had more of that cross wind and I still managed to keep my average about 22.5 mph. My goal was to not push real hard on the bike so I would be able to run the entire run course and not have to walk. I felt really good doing my usual hellos to everyone as I passed and when I was passed I would give my “Go Get Em!” hollar out. Then at mile 24 we turned around. What in the world happened?????

It was as if I hit a wall. The wind was head on and it was intense. I was at about 19 mph for the next 8 miles with about 80% effort. I was at about 60% up until this point.

Then we turned off Chef Blvd and headed back to the slight tail cross wind and I felt great again. Then the party was over. The last 20 miles was all headwind and it was brutal. The sun was out in full force but the wind was too and I was struggling at about 80% effort to hold 17mph at most points. The overpasses were the worst. On the second pass coming in I dropped down to 12mph. I had not front derailleur so I was in the big ring the whole day and that didn’t help out there today. My friend Llew loaned me his bike to ride, which is the exact same bike as mine, but I rode the over passes on Thursday and I had no issues with the big ring and just felt more comfortable on my bike. Bad Idea.

I went through a lot of water and gel on the bike and threw up once.

As I came into transition I landed my second successful flying dismount. Now, this was not necessary since I knew I would be in transition 2 for a while catching my breath, but it just feels so damn cool!!!!!!!

I ran through transition barefoot and my right foot was throbbing and I realized I didn’t take any Aleve out on the bike. I popped 2 in transition along with some Enduraliytes (s/p) and headed out on the run. My bike average was 19.7mph.

My foot was struggling, but I was still feeling pretty good mentally and pushed the pain to the back of my mind.

Run course was great. HOT but, great. The wind on the first 4 miles rocked; funny how I hated it on the bike and LOVED it on the run. The sun was out in FULL force! The forecasts called for isolated thunderstorms throughout the day – NOT!

I saw so many www.batonrougetri.com club members out there. I slapped hands with all of them and cheered them on. I also cheered on everyone who passed me – until I couldn’t anymore!!! Don’t worry, I’ll get to that later!

My goal was – run the entire course. No walking except water stations. I was feeling great the first 6 miles. I stopped and took off my socks and donated them to a very nice group of people who were cheering on a family member.

The sun became too much for me and I was POURING sweat out of my body faster than I could get fluids back in. I had taken another 2 Aleve at about mile 6 but their effect was not working anymore.

At mile 7 I was mentally destroyed.

I had already died a little inside twice to this point and at mile 7 I had a moment. I decided to quit. I was at a water station and I leaned on the table and decided to quit. I was in so much pain and not just my foot, my body was in so much pain and my mind was wavering.

Somehow my legs just started going. I cursed at myself a little and got pissed off and this took me the next 2 miles and then I hit the mutha of all walls.

I assume I was favoring my right leg because of my foot because my left leg decided it had enough and the hamstring and calve muscle decided to begin a rotating cramp system. Nice . . . I would get the hammy un-cramped and then the calve would lock up and this repeated itself for the next mile until I had to just walk and be happy I was doing that.

I was miserable the last 3 miles but, I was thankful it was only three miles. If it had been 3.4 miles, I may have quit, but I KNEW I could survive the leg problem for three miles.

As I entered the edge of the quarter I began to trot. I could go about 20 feet and BOOM the left leg would lock up.

When I hit Decatur I was NOT going to walk. I know I looked like a real piece of work since my left leg was literally straight as a board and I was kinda dragging it along in some sort of hunch back from notre dame spin off, but I was NOT going to walk into the finish.

That last ¼ mile was agony and pure bliss all folded into one. There were SO MANY EPOPLE at the finish and in the last ¼ mile! I had to stop a couple times and rub out my calve but as I got closer I said screw it and pushed into the finish.

I was so happy.

I saw my wife and then I saw my buds Brian, Neal, and Sean waiting at the finish. I was so freaking happy. I am not sure what I was saying to them and I am sure it was stupid and incoherent but, I was on cloud 9 (if cloud 9 means so happy the fact that your right foot and left leg are about to explode and I didn’t even know it!)

I made my way back to the club finish party tents and went directly to the ice bath and it felt SO SO SO SO GOOD!!!!!! I stayed in there for 20 minutes, then had an awesome massage.

I got to see my friend Elizabeth who is amazing. She finished her first half IM. She is battling the weight issue and kicking ass at it.

After a long day we cleaned up and loaded all the finish party stuff and I went to pick up my transition stuff and bike.

I found out the my buddy Sean Schnur and Brian Lejune and Debbie Ellington qualified for Clearwater. Geaux BRtri!!!!!!

I am sure my friend John Fell did too, I haven’t checked yet.

Today was a nice wake up call to my first IM in November. I have a lot of work to do, but I am committed and I will do what it takes to cross that finish line at Ironman Florida.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in this fight. Thanks to all of my friends who came out to cheer. Thanks to my Momma who spent the whole day out there waiting for me and a SPECIAL thanks to my wife and father in law for everything they do to support me and the club, I love you guys.

I finished in 7:37. My goal was sub 7. Oh well – I finished.

My goal for IM Florida – sub 15 hours. I have a lot of work to do!!!!!!!!!!!

Smok'n!

2009-03-31T16:20:00.010-05:00

http://www.lafayettefitness.org/Results/2009TGATOR1OVERALL.HTM

This past weekend I PR’d in every area as for triathlon. It was a good weekend with a great group of people from my club www.batonrougetri.com

23 mph average on the bike . . . Not bad for a fat boy!

But, this coming weekend is what matters.

IM New Orleans 70.3. Sunday. April 5^th.

Wish me luck!!!!

OOOOOO, so soft and smooth.

Flying mount didn't go over so well! But the flying dismount ROCKED!

The reason those people are staring is because the earth shook while I ran by! They had no choice!

Macho Macho Man!

What a fun group!

Changed Man - Ironman Florida Video

2009-03-18T19:56:00.005-05:00

This video is pretty goofy, but it made me tear up a bit, not because of my tribute to Queen by William Hung from American Idol!!!

Enjoy my goofiness - Be Brilliant today!

Warhawk Triathlon

2009-03-15T21:26:00.004-05:00

Warhawk Triathlon – 400yrd swim – 11 mile bike – 3 mile run

What a weekend.

I started off leaving Baton Rouge in pouring down rain. I stopped at Wallyworld and picked up a cheap tarp and bungee cords to try and protect the bikes as much a possible. I took the WAR PEGASUS and my comfy road bike. I did this because the BRtri club was having a camping ride weekend Sat night and ride Sunday and I wanted to ride my comfy Roubaix on Sunday.

I arrived in Monroe Louisiana in the pouring cold rain, picked up my race packet and headed to the hotel to check in. It was about 7pm.

Here is where the yick started.

My card was declined. But I have money in my account I say . . . I call the bank. It is Friday after hours – All I can do is report it stolen at this time . . . Grrrrrr.

Hotel says sorry and I say Crap.

BUT!!!!!! Luckily, as I mentioned above, the club was having a CAMPING ride event and I had my camping gear – which consists of:

Air mattress and big gigantic Ford Excursion!!!!!!

All was well until the temp dropped below 41 degrees and I hadn’t brought my sleeping bag and the toes were numb and the teeth were a chattering!

I finally fell asleep only to wake and about 4 am in a complete convulsion as a result of my freezing body.

I decide I am not going to get anymore sleep and sit in the front seat and start the truck for some heat.

I realize about 200 yards into the swim that I am tired.

But, I am out of the water with a little energy and headed into my favorite part of the race – The bike. But this course would turn out to be one I am not the biggest fan of. But that only means I need to get better at something . . .

There were 7 90 degree turns and then the turn around on the way out on the bike course and 8 90 degree turns on the way back in and this was only an 11 mile ride. I hate this because I am still a big boy and it takes a lot to get my girth going once I slow down. I were not so happy, but I still had the 11 overall fastest time at 20.4 mph.

The run SUCKED for me today. I felt so strong, but I guess I sucked. I averaged 10 minute miles. I am very disappointed in that, but I will get better.

I ran the course back wards and cheered for everyone as they ran into the finish. I want to do this more and more because I remember how lonely it is out there all alone, last on the course . . .

After the race I went to a local place my buddy Bamaboy recommended and had a roast beef sandwich. Yum

http://results.active.com/pages/displayNonGru.jsp?pubID=3&rsID=75724

1st Race of 2009 . . .

2009-03-04T11:30:00.003-06:00

First Race of the season.

T-Gator Du – A short 2 mile run 10 mile bike and 2 mile run.

It was brrrrrrr cold and OH SO - W-I-N-D-Y!

My goal was sub 1:10. Last year I completed this same race in 1:23. I figured my run might be able to handle sub 10 minute miles and my bike could pull off a 23mph split. The transitions are figured into the bike so my goal was to get in and out of each transition in about 1:30sec.

A friend I’ve made over the years loaned me gloves just as the run was about to begin, I think he noticed I was shivering. His wife is a MONSTER racer. She won her age group at Kona last year (Peggy Yetman). Chris, Peggy and their children support all the local races and to watch her race is awesome.

I felt great on the first mile and decided to pick it up a bit, but I didn’t want to hurt my bike power so I pulled back a bit.. My surgery scar area was hurting but going numb quickly.

As I came into T-1 I took off the glows to get my cycling shoes on . . . those gloves wouldn’t go back on for the life of me! Needless to say the bike was miserable with my hands completely freezing.

On the way out the wind was pounding me from all directions – EXCEPT FROM BEHIND!!! (Whoa - that sounded bad!) – I was hammering and struggling to hold 20mph. I came to the turn around and thought to myself that I couldn’t hold that level of exertion for much longer.

As I was making the turn I realized two things. 1. It is a tight turn on a disc wheel. I almost flew off the bike. 2. The wind almost set me down too.

I wasn’t a half mile into the return on the out and back and I was pushing 29mph and not killing myself to do so . . . Holy crap!

I moved past a couple fellow club members with my “woo hoo” and began picking up more speed. At one point I was at a HR of 145ish and blowing by at 30mph. The wind at my back was NICE.

I tried my first flying dismount in a race . . . I will be practicing more before I do that again. Very close to a complete crash and burn.

I couldn’t tie my shoes in T-2!!!!! My hands were a reddish purple!!! I managed to get them tied, but it took a little bit.

I was off. There were only about 5 or 6 bikes in transition when I came in – Those were the 5 minute mile runners from the first 2 miles and the mac daddy John Fell who I am sure will qualify for Kona soon. www.fulltriathlonracing.blogspot.com

I was about a half mile into the second run when a few folks began to pass me and then the onslaught of those leaving me in the dust began at about mile one.

I came into the finish with a dude sprinting by me at the end, which sucked, but I finished 50^th out or 107 racers. FOR ME THAT IS REMARKABLE!!

I finished in 1:05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 18 minutes faster than last year and 5 minutes under my goal!

I was pretty much the slower of all the runners BUT I did do sub 9 minute average for the combined 4 miles!!!!

My bike spilt was the 11^th fastest out of the 107 racers (and considering I am pretty slow in transition I probably had a much faster time that what showed on paper – I know my split was 23.8mph on my garmin)

All in all I had a great day with good friends – Bryan and Jeff, while visiting with others I consider my tri friends, John, the Bear family, and the Yetman’s.

This is a great sport with GREAT people.

Next race – Opelousas Du March 28^th!

Bike Porn is Complete!

2009-02-22T15:19:00.004-06:00

First the important stuff . . .

Take a look at that hot mamma!!! “War Pegasus” is ready to roll.

We rode the IM New Orleans 70.3 course this morning. WOW! The wind was killer! I was putting the hammer down and when I HAMMER I can hold 23 to 24 MPH for a long time. When I “Kill” it I can get up to 31 MPH without any wind on a flat run.

Today I was “hammering” and I was struggling to hold 14 MPH. Are you kidding me!? The good news . . . It is an out and back . . . THAT’S RIGHT!!!! We were smoking it on the way home.

I am feeling a bit better every ride. My power is coming back but I have a while before the endurance is back to where I want it to be.

I am going to race in a very small Duathlon in Lake Charles this coming weekend, March 1^st. It will be a good test to see if I have my racing feet under me . . . less than 40 days until IM NOLA!

Two things I’ve had trouble with on the new wheels:

1. Getting the tufo sealant into the 1080 – I figured it our. You have to put the sealant in before your tape it to the wheel.

2. The brakes don’t work properly for the tubular wheels. I may be learning something new. Do you use different brake pads or something with tubular????

Have a great week. It looks like the season is about to begin . . .

I am a HERO! A Guitar Hero . . .

2009-02-15T20:33:00.002-06:00

Roose - Jamm'n to some Devil Went Down To Georgia - Guitar Hero Style!

This was a good weekend.

After spending most of Friday reading reports of the upcoming stimulus/bail out/experimental spending Bill to be signed on by the President Tuesday, I was able to enjoy myself.

Friday night I joined a group known as the Guitar Hero Nerds! I have yet to see this game played much less play it. Let’s keep this short and just say . . . I see an intervention episode on A&E for me in the very near future!!!!!!

Saturday I woke early with my long time great friend Roose and we headed down to Louisville for the Frost Bite 5k. We were meeting my friend Cherokee and Cherokee was racing in his first 5k.

After a great hour and a half drive with most outstanding conversation we arrived at one of the most spectacular running parks I have seen. Cherokee Park (no relation to my bud Cherokee) in Louisville KY is one heck of a place to run.

We picked up our race packets and numbers then visited with a college buddy Kevin who ran Cross Country at our Alma Matter. It was good to see him.

As Cherokee, Roose, and I stood way back from the starting line talking we heard a horn . . .

Yep! The race had begun and we were shooting the bull.

I had the goal of finishing the 5k in sub 32 minutes. My previous best (in November) was 42 minutes (I think – or somewhere near there).

It was a great race. I had to weave in and out of people the first mile since we were caught with our pants down (figuratively!) but once I made it past the walkers I quickly got into a groove. Roose was off like a cannon and I saw him twice on turn-arounds. I saw Cherokee on one turn as he was running down a hill.

This was a hilly course. I finished in 32:01 . . . THIRTY-TWO minutes and ONE second!!!!!! But I was very happy. Roose had come back to run with me about a quarter mile and once I had finished we both went back to run in with Cherokee.

We found Cherokee with about 1 mile to go and he was battling. He had a smile on his face, but I could sense he was struggling.

We began slogging and he finished in under 1 hour! My first 5k I raced in when getting on my weight loss was over an hour.

We ended the afternoon by changing the flat tire I had on my vehicle when we returned to the car! But, we worked it like a kyle petty pit crew! Sort of . . .

Then came Sunday.

I put in about 4 EASY miles in the morning and prepped for the “Labor of Love” Valentines 2 miler which was held on the campus of my Alma Matter.

I met my college friend Jodi and her husband and we set off to kick tail on the 2-mile course. Jodi is racing in a local marathon later in the year. She is also doing a GREAT job getting into the running, exercising thing.

Today’s goal: Sub 20 minutes.

It was a little chilly. I took off.

Here is my most recent issue. My surgery scar area is really hurting on my runs. The first mile of and race/run is miserable and I think it just goes numb after that!!! Today was a little worse than the past few.

The course was a little short (it was about 1.91 miles) and I finished in 18:22. Heckle and Jeckle YEAH!!!!!!

Jodi did GREAT! She finished in around 22 I think??????

Also spent a lot of quality time with Roose’s family and the Vieth and Listerman family at Chuckie Cheese today. One note on Chuck’s Chz – SCARY!

Fun weekend.

Now for my “Newbie” thoughts of the day.

Last time I wrote about Nipple Guards. LIFE SAVER!

Today I wanted to mention recovery drinks. I must stress how important this is. I have heard all the nay sayers and I say to them . . . shut it. OK, not really because I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I am felt the proof of recovery nutrition.

I use Recoverite from Hammer Nutrition. http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT&CAT=REC&PROD.ID=4051&OMI=10140,10082,10047&AMI=10140

It ain’t cheap. I go through about one canister per month, but it is more than worth it.

About a year ago I began working on cutting my spending on triathlons and training. The areas I addressed were: massage, nutrition, race cost, and personal trainer. I cut nutrition because I felt everything else was more important than fueling my body.

I IMMEDEATLY felt the impact of not using the recovery fuel. I hurt, I felt weak, and I was SO VERY sore and exhausted after a long training session. I thought I might be sick. I looked at my training schedule and I hadn’t increased any area of my training. It came down to one item that had changed . . . My recovery nutrition.

I began using the recoverite and truly saw an immediate impact in a really great way.

Nutrition before, during, and after is important. I will address the other two aspects of nutrition on a later post.

There are SEVERAL recovery supplements out there. Power bar, Gatorade, Endorux, and many other companies make products specifically for recovery.

Fins one that you like and that works for you.

Have FUN and TRAIN HARD (and smart).

Hello Nipples!!!

2009-02-13T14:09:00.004-06:00

Sorry Sorry Sorry . . .

I have been backed up with work and so many other issues the past month I have neglected my blog . . . BUT this time away has given me a fresh view on my blog.

I have neglected the people who visit my blog as “newbie’s” to triathlon or healthy living in general.

My good friend Roose, Jett, and Cherokee as well as MANY others I have visited with and TRAINED with over the past two weeks have allowed me to realize that I might want to focus on some beginner issue and items I have not focused on in a long time.

As I trained with several folks it hit my square in the nose that I have actually learned AL OT and become quite the aficionado when it comes to most things training.

Now let me be clear. When it comes to the intricacies of training such as training programs and specific detailed individual metabolic issues you should seek a professional as I do. www.4thdimensionfitness.net

But for the basics of training, nutrition, race day procedure, I am a fairly good almanac and I plan to use the next few posts to discuss specific items that I think are important to everyday training, race day needs and expectations, and all other things training.

I will post links to the products and websites I use in these specific areas and I hope this is all very helpful.

I want to start with one of the more important items that I have become a BIG fan of. My friend Roose and I were on a short 5k run early one morning and the discussion of nipple chaffing came up.

I have been blessed with baby nursing type nipples! TMI I KNOW! But, Amanda finds them kinda sexy. The issue is that when I train and race their senses are heightened even more than normal. I did the Body Glide (which I am a big fan of) band-aids, and even duct tape (that one was a VERY bad idea)

About a year or more ago I was introduced to NIP-GAURDS. www.trisports.com/nip-guards-10pk----.html

HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!

They are not cheap, but after several ruined bloody Tech T Running shirts and countless skin ripping band-aid and taping sessions – I have decided these are MORE THAN WORTH their cost.

This is a fun one to get the training ideas from Tri-Ing Fat Man started!

I am going to discuss Recovery supplements on the next post.

As for me:

I have been hitting it hard. I got in about 16 hours training last week and 14 hours in this week so far. Today is an off day. I will run in a little 5k race with my friends tomorrow and put in about another 10 miles tomorrow afternoon before fun V-Day activities with the spectacular wifey. Sunday there is a fun 2 mile run and I will again put in some extra miles afterwards. I should get in about 16 to 17 Hours training this week.

I need every bit of it with Ironman New Orleans coming up in a month and a half!

Keep it up folks!

Talk to you soon.

Look Who's Training!

2009-01-20T21:25:00.003-06:00

I began hitting the Computrainer a few days ago. I started with 5 minutes warm up 15 minutes train and 5 minutes cool down. I added 5 minutes to the training portion each day.

Today I knocked out 1 hour 45 minutes training time. Heck Yeah!

I felt ok. I averaged 200 watts which is much better than last week when I was struggling to hold 150 watts.

I have NO IDEA how to use the Computrainer properly. I am going to have a nice sit down with the manuals and some CC’s Coffee and do some learn’n!

I plan to hit the road this weekend. I’m thinking about 40 miles. We are riding the IM 70.3 New Orleans course, but I am going to cut it short a bit. It will be the first day back on the road, so I will play it by ear.

Enjoy the shots below. I was cranking it on the Computrainer. Photos courtesy of the one and only Amanda!

Until next time . . . BE BRILLIANT!

I get to go and pick up my Pegasus today . . . SO Giddy!

2009-01-16T15:45:00.005-06:00

It has been like Christmas everyday for the last three weeks for me. I saved for new wheels, a computrainer, and scrounged for two additional items.

TODAY . . . I pick up one of those items . . . I’m as giddy as a kid on Christmas morning!

Below is a picture of my little beauty before she went into the paint shoppe. She is getting her own custom paint job. She is my horse and my angel on the road. She is fast and mean. Her paint job will reflect that. In the next two weeks I will be posting the finished product on here once the new ZIPP disc and front 1080 and componenets are back on . . . but I will at least get to see her today in all her naked beauty! I miss her and our quality time on the road. She is my Pegasus!

SNEAK PEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I will post her when she is rebuilt in about a week. OH MAN I AM PUMPED!

Today I wore Clothes!!!!!

2009-01-14T17:36:00.004-06:00

Real Clothes . . .

Today was my first day wearing real clothes.

Since December 3^rd I have evolved as such:

Week 1-2 surgical patches, tape, compression wrap and a robe

Week 3-4 Robe most of the time, compression suit, and t-shirt

Week 4-7 Compression suit, LOOSE fitting shorts, and a tech loose fitting t-shirt

TODAY . . .

A little update on the infection and swelling; I am kicking the infection and feeling a bit better. The infection SUCKS, but it is looking more palatable everyday.

I have been on the computrainer everyday increasing my time on it by 5 minutes a day. I am up to 45 minutes a day (OK, I cheated and added more than 5 minutes, but don’t tell my wife!)

Back in the office tomorrow. I have been working from home which has allowed me to get a lot done. It is amazing how much you can get done without distractions. I think I will set time like this onto my calendar in the future.

Until later . . . BE BRILLIANT!

Computrainer!!! Woo Hoo!

2009-01-12T21:24:00.004-06:00

UPS has been my best friend since my surgery. Today my UPS friend dropped off my computrainer which was set up and ready for a feeble test drive 23 minutes later!

I put on the IM Louisville course and rode 15 miles of it before I became a little light headed.

Soon! Soon, I will be out there on the road tearing it up . . . Until then . . . Me and the ole computrainer are going to become good pals.

Thanks to my family for this great Christmas present. it will get a LOT of use. Much more than that tie you guys got me last year! HA! Just jerk'n yer chain!!! Love you guys.

Remember, TODAY . . . Be Brilliant!

Oh and I don't want anyone getting jealous about the awesome, stat of the art computer stand I have for my computer to display the computrainer course . . . If you're real nice I can hep you get one of those "computer stands".

Heck Yeah Friday #1

2009-01-09T22:00:00.002-06:00

I've decided to try this new Vblog thing. I am not sure how it will turn out, but here goes. I am going to attempt this every Friday to give a short update on my weight, health, training, recent races etc.

Be brilliant!

2009-01-06T17:01:00.002-06:00

Boy did I need a pick me up AND TODAY I GOT IT!!!!

Those beautiful babes showed up on my front door VIA UPS today!

YES, ZIPP 1080 front and Sub-9 Rear! WOO HOO!!!

Now, I just need to be able to go and ride . . . Soon enough.

But for now, I am PUMPED!

Stressed

2009-01-05T17:15:00.002-06:00

One month two days ago I had about 15 to 20 pounds of loose skin removed from my body by an exceptional Dr. at the Baylor Medical Center in Houston TX. I have an incision that goes around my entire body at the waist. It has been very painful, but worse the sitting around not being able to do anything has caused me much anguish, but then the scare came and I wish I would have been even MORE sedentary!

I began this recovery with four drains in my body to relieve me of excess fluids my body is creating from the surgery. The first couple weeks I was filling those babies up a couple times per day. But, over the next couple weeks I was able to have all but one removed. Exciting!! Woo Hoo!

About three days ago the stitch that was attached to my body and my tube came loose from my skin and the tube attached to the drain was free to roam. I did all I could to keep it in place. After each shower I would tape it to my skin to keep it in place. I was successful until last night’s shower . . .

To save you from the details which may be the ole TMI I’ll just tell you that I am now drain-less but not by choice. I was freaked out and today stressed out.

(Sorry about the hair . . . It will be gone come race season!)

The above pictures are shots of the fluid building under my skin. It is about the size of a golf ball right now. Geeeeeesh!

All I am thinking about is . . . “oh man, how long will this set me back from getting on my bike and training!?”

WHY!?

Geeeesh. Leave it to me to screw up relaxing at home and recovering. I can’t sit still. I have been working a lot since I can get a lot done without having to be in the office and those distractions, but . . . I wish I could have simply laid on the couch, do nothing, relax, and recover.

Crap.

What Motivates You?

2009-01-03T15:24:00.002-06:00

What motivates me has evolved over these 3 and half years I have been in triathlon.

In the beginning it was to have a reason to exercise. I had to train in order to just finish a triathlon. I had to get out and ride, swim, and run in order to finish a race and the race was somewhat the payoff.

Then racing became what motivated me. I loved to race. I loved to get out there and compete. Now, I have always and probably always will compete against myself. I have a log of all my splits from each race and I measure myself against the previous year and compete that way.

Then last year I began to find a new motivation in the bike segment of triathlon and this led to believing I can compete with others rather than just myself . . . Which brings me to this year.

What motivates me this year is time.

I weighed 452 pounds in 2005. I raced in my first triathlon at about 425 pounds. This year I will race at sub 220 LBS with NO BELLY in the way on the bike or killing me on the run.

I have time goals for the two races I am focusing on this year . . . Sub 5 1/2 hour finish IM 70.3 NOLA and sub 12 hour finish IMFL.

I know those are lofty for a bum like me, but I will do it.

This gives me the venue to once again thank so many of you guys who have helped me get here.

Seriously. Thank you. Thank so very much. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I am lucky to have friends in our Tri club and my BLOG who believed in me and even those who didn't that provided motivation as well. You guys are, as Tina says . . . "Simply the Best!".

What Motivates YOU?

2009 Goals and Excpectations

2009-01-01T17:43:00.003-06:00

2008 was a difficult year in so many ways, but it was also a new beginning in my life in some incredible instances.

I reached my weight and health goal AND found out I am going to be a Daddy. That is about as awesome as it gets.

2009 is going to be a banner year. I am going to break this down into four areas:

1. Personal

2. Health

3. Business

4. Spiritual

5. Racing!!!!!!

Personal: I have a great desire to be a good father. I have been reading every and anything and I am beginning to think it has all been for not . . . There are so many contradictions in these books, but some of them have given me a little insight as well as a little bit to chew on and think about. I want to be a father first and a bud second. I will pour love all over this kid, but not spoil him/her. Ok, so I am becoming a little overwhelmed thinking about it! Ha! We have cleaned out my bike storage room and the crib and other furniture are on the way. I think painting is on Amanda’s list in the next couple weeks.

Speaking of . . . I also want to make sure I am there for Amanda. She is doing very well so far. She is supposed to move out of the sickness, low-energy phase next week. All of her friends that have had babies tell her she will get this great burst of energy in the next couple weeks and she won’t be so sick as well . . . Until the last few weeks! I say – BRING ON THE NON-SICKNESS! She is a cute little baby momma!

I also want to work on my relationship with my family, mainly my sister Musa. Musa is back in NYC, YO! I think NYC was made for her. She had a rough life and I have not been there for her as much as I could have been. I am not sure how I am going to begin working on this? Baby steps I guess. I love her dearly and I know . . . “Every little thing, is gonna be all right”.

Lastly on the personal side, I have decided to make sure I take Amanda (and our now little booger) to the Macy’s Day Parade in 2009. Amanda and I have been trying to do now, four years in a row. I had everything planned for 2008, but I didn’t feel comfortable going with the economy and stock market acting as it has been. I felt I needed to be available for my clients during that time and I am glad I did. However, this year will be different.

Health: I have stayed away from fried food and fast food for more than two years now. This I will continue and I will also continue to focus on my training and exercising. On average I put in about 12 to 14 hours a week in training. I will be pushing this time up to about 16 hours a week. Normally I rain in the morning, EARLY. This year I will extend my morning training by a bit and add in evening training two nights a week.

I have a second surgery in April. It is the last of the surgery for the excess skin I have from losing the 200 + pounds. This surgery will only require a 2-week recovery. I have a lot of loose skin around my nether region. This area takes a lot of abuse during training and races to the point that I have tearing of skin and bleeding. I am looking forward to having the procedure to remove this excess skin and being done with all of that.

I also want to help others focus on their health. I have to remind myself how I was when I got started and not try to push it on others, but if anyone wants my help, I am happy to give it.

Business: I have a VERY busy 2009 planned. We are unveiling a few Client events that we are testing out to see if we want to make them permanent or not. We are hosting golf, fishing, grandparents day, and may other events to get our Clients out and involved. It is also going to be a busy year helping our Clients through this rough period in the economy. We have a few new items that we are implementing to help in that area too. We will work hard and smart. I have almost completed my 2009 business plan, which I do every year and 2008 really set us back. We lost a large amount of revenue as a result of the market downturn. I have some tough decisions to make over the next couple weeks. I am praying hard and staying open minded for direction on those items and issues. All in all it will work out. We do very good business planning and that has really helped us in the last 12 months. 2009, here I come . . .

Spirituality: I will work very hard to find a home church. I am not caught up in “religion”. To be mater of fact, I think “religion” really screws things up. I am a Christian and I want to find a place that I feel comfortable bringing my family to learn and worship. I don’t take this mission lightly. We currently attend a church and I think we enjoy most parts of this church, but I am perplexed by a couple issues that I just can’t seem to get past . . . It all goes back to the “religious” thing ruining Christianity for me??????? We have been invited to several churches and Amanda and I have decided to begin attending a few different churches over next year and find a church to join by the end of the year. BUT, I also don’t feel the need to “join” a church. But, I would like to have a place we both feel comfortable in that we can attend regularly. God is good.

Racing!!!: Here is where I have my most fun! 2009 is going to be a banner year for racing. I am only doing 6 races all year. One duathlon in February, a sprint tri in March, a half IM in April, another spring in August and September, THEN capping the year off with my FIRST IRONMAN!

I want to focus on my two “A” races for the year.

Ironman 70.3 New Orleans – April 5^th 2009. I am pumped about this race. Our club www.batonrougetri.com has a bunch of folks racing and I should have a few friends there watching and cheering as well. I have decided to want to complete this race in SUB 5 ½ hours. I realize this is a lofty goal, but I ain’t scared! If you want to come race, party, or cheer come one!!!! www.ironmanneworleans.com

Then there is the momma of all races for me.

www.ironmanflorida.com - November 7^th 2009. I am freak’n pumped beyond pumped – ness for this race. I have s many friends and family coming to this race. 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles cycling, ending with a 26.2 mile run AND I will do this in less than 12 hours. AGAIN, I know . . . this is a lofty goal, but I will get it done. Please come visit if you want. Amanda is having T-Shirts made for whoever attends, so look for that around September and she will have a shirt for you in Panama City Beach in November!

I hope everyone has a brilliant and successful 2009. I hope it is successful and full of joy for you. Work for it and you will get it.

WELCOME TO 2009!

USAT Club National Championships - Vegas

2008-12-30T12:21:00.001-06:00

Our club www.batonrougetri.com won the club national championships for 2008 in Boulder City Nevada on beautiful lake meade.

Here are some pictures from the event . . .

http://www.batonrougetri.com/images/vegas2008/