The midnight finish at an Ironman is an emotional place. Competitors and many spectators have been at it for almost 17 hours, but no one is ready to give up. Those that finish within the last few minutes are greeted with the hallowed saying "you're an Ironman!" Those that do not make the midnight cutoff consider if it was all for not as they are pulled from the course, despite how close they may be. The inaugural Ironman Texas took place on the day predicted by some to be the end of the world. Though it didn't happen I'm sure there were some on that course who felt like it was. Competitors were fortunate to find winds unseasonably calm for the ride, but afternoon heat in late May made for a tough marathon. Chris Lieto, reigning US professional 70.3 champion and resident of hot and humid Kona, Hawaii dropped out of the race while still in the lead due to heat related issues. Perhaps the most tragic story is that of the local triathlon shop owner who broke his femur on the run and despite fighting pass mile 26 (mile 140 of the race) was unable to cross the finish line. Tri4Him was well represented with many first time Ironman finishers and a few who came back for more. We were honored to have Coach Boo come out to support his athletes. Congratulations to Slade, Rik, Tobey, Kelly, Karen, Wendi, Todd, and all the other Ironman finishers.Many lessons were learned that day. Most importantly I saw athletes I train with under the same coaching plan achieving the same goal I have. Confidence is huge. I also saw that race day can be cruel. After a round of antibiotics in the week prior to the race T4H's pre-race favorite experienced stomach issues and fell way behind on nutrition and hydration. His race was over on the first mile of the run. That lesson learned was that sometimes things are out of our hands. After a visit to the medical tent he handled the situation with great poise for which I am very proud of him. He spent the remainder of the day encouraging his teammates as well as the other competitors. He is the finisher of multiple Ironman 70.3 races as well as Ironman Florida. We do trainer sessions in his garage where the wall displays posters from each of those events along with the finisher medal. The Ironman Texas poster is there, but instead of a finisher medal is the sticker from his bike with the dreaded DNF (did not finish) written on it. It serves as a reminder to all of us as well as motivation in those sometimes daunting hours of training.
It's been two months since Ironman Texas 70.3 and I am itching to race! Fortunately the Sylvan Beach Triathlon is tomorrow. I was worried after a week of being sick followed by a week of vacation, but after perhaps my best training week ever I am ready to go. Like Ironman Florida, it is a beach start, so this will be my first opportunity to see what swimming into waves is like. I've heard the ride back is fast and fun. This race has special meaning to me due to missing it last year after my wreck. I would love to place, but this race is stacked with a deep field. I will not undermine the value in simply starting and finishing this year. I am often reminded of the mercy God had on me when I escaped that accident with no permanent injuries. Today we're praying for Kyle who showed up to this morning's ride with a stomach bug. We're all hoping he is able to race tomorrow too.
One four week speed building cycle remains then it's time for the Ironman race prep to begin. Hard to believe it's coming so quickly. Until then we have a great summer of racing. June concludes with the Y Freedom tri (sponsored by Capital Bank) then it's off to TriWaco in July for the 2011 Tri4Him championship where each chapter will engage in "friendly" competition. Let's just say I'm glad to be part of the Houston squad! The year rounds out with Clear Lake International, Summertime Blues, and the Houston Triathlon. I'm excited to report that David will be making his race debut at the Y Freedom Tri in two weeks.May was a great month. Claire and Jacob graduated from preschool and kindergarten, Bella turned 4, and Nicole and I began our 10th year of marriage, so we celebrated by taking a cruise down to Mexico. I had every intention of working out, but rocking treadmills and 30 mph wind on the track made it impractical. Combining that with the buffets I brought back a few extra pounds with me, but a week later I am proud to say I am back to my pre-embarkation weight. I am really excited about is my new NT group that is getting started. Neartown Church mission partners connect throughout the week through these groups. We recently got together for the first time and will continue to meet throughout the summer until we start new groups and build new relationships. Nicole and Claire are jetting off to NYC for a girls trip to the Big Apple this week. They're going to TV shows, Broadway, Fifth Ave- all the stuff I never wanted to do when we were there! I am a week away from participating in the AEffect, a project put on by Sagemont Church's youth. Instead of the typical summer camp, students will be spending the week painting houses, clearing overgrown lots, and ministering to Houston's inner city neighborhoods. I'll be trading in my desk and corner office for a paintbrush and dorm room. Last year 17 houses were painted and acres of unsightly overgrowth were cleared in Houston's fourth ward. Now to get Blackbird in her Sunday best pack for race day!
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