18 Days!

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

Back to Top

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

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 . . .

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!!!!!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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!!!!!!!!!!!