96 Days to go

My last post was my best to date, so if you missed it, just skip to it now.  If your all caught up I'm going to expand a little bit on the plan.  The plan covers 16 weeks and includes at least one workout everyday, with most weeks having four days of two workouts.  Workouts are set duration anywhere from 10 minutes to over 6 hours (not a set distance).  The total of all workouts is 180 hours and 40 minutes, or just over one week of non-stop training.  That is broken down into 31 hours swimming (57.8 miles), 93 hours on the bike (1,860 miles), and 56 hours of running (373.3 miles) for a total of 2,291 miles.  That's roughly the width of the United States along I-10; all in hopes to race 140.6 miles in less than 12 hours!

Included in the plan are two race rehearsals which take place two weeks and four weeks out from race day.  These consist of 4,100 meter (2.55 miles) swims on Friday followed by 117 mile rides and 6 mile runs on Saturday.  The purpose of these race rehearsals are to dial in nutrition, hydration, cooling, and equipment.  They also serve as a nice confidence booster that the end goal is attainable.  These are followed by the only two scheduled days off in the plan.  The last two weeks are a taper with reduced time and intensity that allow for healing and rest going into race day.

Race day surprises aren't usually a good thing, but I had a great surprise last weekend as I was setting up transition at TriWaco in preparation for the Tri4Him regional championship.  Nicole had something come up and couldn't make the trip, but in the pre-dawn hours there she was!  She had attended a friends wedding and drove up the night before and kept it all a surprise.  She got some great photos of the race and it seems just about everyone is sporting one of her shots as their facebook/ twitter profile pic!

The race weekend was awesome!  We got in Friday night and made our way down to the venue Saturday morning to ride the course.  Coming from the flatlands we are always a little nervous about out of town courses (flashbacks of Boerne's Small Texan tri).  It was a beautiful route along the river and up into stereotypical Texas ranch land (complete with Texas Longhorns).  After the ride we jumped in the river and enjoyed the cool water for a while.  We hit up a little Mexican joint for some homemade tacos and then I got checked into the Waco Hilton.  Best thing about that was transition was in the parking lot!  That afternoon they opened up the swim course and the river was full of athletes.  That evening we had a great time of fellowship as of 80 Tri4Him members from all over the state got together for dinner.  The day would best be described as similar to the day leading up to an Ironman event- put this race on your calendar for next year!

Race day started pleasant, but the forecast was calling for 105 degrees by afternoon.  After being pleasantly surprised by Nicole, I joined the 60+ T4H members and others for our traditional pre-race prayer with the team, but this time with a much larger crowd.  The swim was interesting as we crossed under four bridges on the way out and six on the way back.  Once out of the water a huge wheel chair ramp with 6 winding U turns led into T1.  The ride out was slightly uphill, but nothing too bad.  Riding easy the day before we didn't get a true feel that the whole way home was down hill and fast!  It was one of the most fun bike routes I have raced!  As I entered T2 I saw Kyle running out and acquired my target.  It took me almost a mile to catch him, but about the time I did we entered the dreaded Cameron Park.  We had heard rumors that there were some pretty tough hills, but we had no idea what was ahead!  Having left our mountain climbing gear at home, we resigned to walk the inclines and not risk injury.  This led to a less than desirable finishing time, but perhaps it is a foreshadowing of us fighting the final miles of Ironman together.  Much to our dismay we returned home to learn that the DFW chapter had won the inaugural T4H regional championship.  Next year we will be better prepared, I'm just sure where we'll find elevations like that to train on!

The dog days of summer are upon us and it is hot!  Even in the early morning hours workouts are tough!  Bike workouts aren't too bad, but the runs get brutal as the sun rises.  Yesterday I did my first nine mile run since training for 70.3 and Wednesday I'm due to cover over 10 miles.  Fortunately we should be due for a cool front before runs exceed 2 hours, but that's still a ways off.  Only two more races remain on the schedule before ironman.  Late August is the Clear Lake International where I will look to redeem myself from Waco and make my goal of under 2:30 on an olympic distance course.  The next weekend is the Summertime Blues sprint, where I hope to improve on last year's 3rd place finish; my first trip up the podium!  After that, it's all eyes on Panama City Beach!

It's been a great summer with the family and it's hard to believe it's almost over.  For the first time, all three of my kids will be in school and Nicole will hopefully enjoy some well deserved time to herself.  Claire is headed to first grade and Jacob will be riding the bus and going five days for the first time.  Bella will be starting preschool and I'm confident we will have some entertaining reports each afternoon.

One of Neartown Church's strategies is to restore globally.  In an effort to achieve this, delegation of men just returned from Ethiopia where they partnered with local missionaries at medical clinics, orphanages, schools, and feeding centers.  Neartown mission partners also sent with them supplies for the orphanage, comfort items for the missionaries, as well as some "big ticket" items to further their work in the region.  Neartown Church is adopting this people group and will continue to support them in Jesus'.  We're very proud of these guys and the work they'vedone.  Stateside, the church recently put on a vacation bible school for the Neartown neighborhood kids and had great success.  We are excited to be part of such a dynamic and passionate group of believers.

Late addition- Please take a moment to check out fellow T4H member Chad Stevens page- some truly inspiring and challenging stuff.  Looking forward to it Chad! http://www.k12cto.net/2011/07/imok.html?spref=fb

The Plan

Earlier this week Coach Boo sent out the 16 week race prep training plans that will prepare us for Ironman Florida.  As I awaited the start of a race Sunday morning I had a bit of an epiphany that has lingered on my mind since.  I have absolute faith that I will be able to complete the 140.6 mile endurance test known as the Ironman.  There are always variables that could prevent me from becoming an Ironman, but lack of fitness, endurance, or ability will not be an issue.  I make that bold statement based not on my own ability, strength, skill, or talent, but my faith in the plan, its author, and those who have gone before me.

The race prep is a classical periodization plan that includes mesocycles of measured stress followed by recovery.  Its focus is building endurance on top of the speed that was gained in the previous cycle and getting us from the beach to the finish line before midnight.  Its author, Jeff Booher, is a proven and qualified coach.  In addition to being the founder of Tri4Him and 4x Ironman finisher, Coach Boo is a USA Triathlon level II certified coach.  He is also certified by USA Cycling and USA Track & Field.  His 20+ years of coaching beginners to professionals has culminated in the creation of the TriDot system that creates individualized plans based on measured performance parameters as well as over 40 athlete-specific data elements that include age, body composition, experience, goals, capacity and many others.  The result is a custom built plan that when executed leads to proven success.

In addition to the plan, I base my confidence on those that have crossed the finish line before me.  In the past year I have seen some of my best friends become Ironmen.  Like me, none of these have been particularly gifted or talented athletes.  They have had to work for every bit of success they have achieved.  They woke up before sunrise and put in the long hours.  They endured the soreness, pain, and injuries and would unanimously agree the thrill of completing the race was all worth the sacrifice.

As I shared all of this with a friend I realized the parallels to faith.  In Hebrews we are told to "run with endurance the race set before us".  Just like in this Ironman endeavor, we are given a plan for the race of life.  Jeremiah states ""For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future"".  This coach is also more than adequately qualified.  Hebrews continues, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Timothy described the plan as being "God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

These instructions to "run with endurance" and "fix our eyes are on Jesus" are preceded by accounts of those who went before or a surround as "a great cloud of witnesses".  Men like Noah who built the ark, Abraham whose faith was credited as righteousness, and Moses who lead God's people from slavery.  There was "Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies" not based on their own ability, strength, skill, or talent, but faith in the plan and it's author.

A complete guide to TriDot training system is available at http://www.tri4him.com/tlets/T4H-Guide-to-Training-Plans.pdf

120 days to go

Someone has to finish fourth.  There are three steps on the podium, three awards handed out, and three competitors recognized for their accomplishment.  There is no step, award, or recognition for the next guy.  That guy was me at the Sylvan Beach triathlon.

As I wrote in a previous post it was a victory for me to make the start of this race and accomplishment to finish, but perhaps the way I ended up in fourth is what made it hurt so bad.  I had a phenomenal race- my best effort ever!  A conservative swim set up a fast bike split and then a strong run.  Feeling great about a half mile from the finish line I picked up the pace and enjoyed the encouragement of the crowd.  I passed a training partner just a few hundred yards from the finish and shortly thereafter heard Todd yell "Run John!"  I did what I could, but I was passed by two runners, both wearing my age group on their calf as we entered the chute.  A local professional decimated us all by nine minutes, but 3rd place finished just six seconds ahead of me and 2nd place was only eight seconds ahead.  As I have reevaluated the race a hundred times since, I have come up with infinite ways I could have made up nine seconds and taken 2nd place.  I shouldn't complain too much though- 5th place finished just 2.9 seconds behind me.  In a race that took over 108 minutes, just 11 seconds separated the 2nd from 5th finisher.  A stomach bug the day before the race kept Kyle on the sidelines, but provided for David to make his race debut.  He put together a solid race despite getting the last minute call.

Two weeks later we all raced the Y Freedom tri (sponsored by Capital Bank).  This time Todd offered his "Run John!" advice before we started.  With that in mind, I pushed the entire race and finished in 2nd in the age group and 11th overall.  Kyle and David also put together good times finish 5th and 7th in the group.  Piper won her age group and was the second overall female in just her second triathlon.  Tri4Him continues to have a great showing in participants, supporters, and podium spots at all the local races.  Next on the race schedule is TriWaco where Tri4Him members from all over the state will convene for a time of fellowship, competition, and bragging rights.  Over 50 members are registered to race and over 20 from the Houston chapter will be making the trip.

I can't believe it's been 8 months since David and I stood in line to register for Ironman Florida.  I really can't believe in four months we will be retuning to Panama City Beach!  In just over a week, David, Kyle, Dr. John, and I will begin our 16 week race prep training plan that will prepare us for the 140.6 mile race.  I am thrilled to report that we are all in good health and our training has yielded fitness, strength, and speed gains.  Kyle and I are both at our lowest weights as adults and will be at out optimized racing weights soon.  Dr. John is a new addition to the group. He recently became an Ironman at the inaugural Ironman Texas and is up for a repeat. Training is will mature with rides over six hours and almost three hour runs.  I am grateful for those who have already supported and mentored us throughout this journey and those who make it their goal to get us to the finish line.  This includes a coach, pastor, and team mates whose lives are characterized by service and preference to others.

I took a week off of work and training to be part of The AEffect, Sagemont Church's version of youth camp.  Instead of a traditional summer camp the students spend part of their vacation serving in one of Houston's most impoverished neighborhoods.  Some spent their day loving on the local children while others painted houses, did landscaping, or performed maintenance and repairs.  I spent the week with a crew clearing abandoned lots that serve as hiding spots for drug sales and use, theft, prostitution, and other crime.  Despite a severe case of poison ivy I am still recovering from, it was a great week.  It was a blessing to see teenagers working hard with no benefit to themselves and to witness the response from the neighborhood.

Nicole and Claire had a great trip to New York. I am so glad they were able to get away and enjoy all the girly stuff the Big Apple has to offer.  Neartown Church continues to mature and we have been privileged and blessed to further relationships with individuals and families.  Two of my worlds recently collided when Neartrown's pastor became a triathlete.  I have predicted he will be "Ironpreacher" within two years.  I've been considering taking my passion for competition, training, health, and nutrition to the next level by becoming a USA Triathlon certified coach, so if you've ever considered this crazy thing, I may soon be able to drag you in!

148 Days to go

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!

180 days to go- yikes! Half way there

“Make no mistake, It’s not revenge he’s after; it’s a reckoning” 

Tombstone has always been one of my favorite movies and even though it’s been a while I can still quote the vast majority of it (to Nicole’s chagrin).  The afore mentioned quote from that movie comes to mind as I approach my next race- the Sylvan Beach triathlon.  I was registered for last year’s race, but five days prior I was injured while doing a race prep.  As I rode into the sunrise, I committed a rookie mistake, riding with my head down.  At 25mph, only a fraction of a second passed between the time I saw the pickup truck parked in the road and I slammed into the tailgate head first.  What happened next is a little foggy.  I remember a nurse pulling over and checking for my pulse.  My heart rate monitor was still working, so that was easy.  Breathing was not.  I was hunched over the curb in the fetal position in incredible pain.  They convinced me to go to the hospital and as they put a neck collar on, rolled me over, and strapped me to the back board the pain was perhaps the most severe I have ever experienced.  As they transported me to the hospital I overheard the ambulance notifying the ER that they were transporting patient with a likely broken neck and/ or back.  Strangely, in that moment two things crossed my mind.  One- they were going to cut off my brand new Tri4Him race kit.  Race kits are pretty expensive and this was brand new!  Two- momma always says wear clean underwear in case you have to go to the ER; well with that brand new tri kit I wasn’t wearing any underwear, so I forewarned the medics.  Fortunately the uniform remained intact. 

My largest reluctance to go to the hospital was I knew the first thing they would do is poke in IV into me- I hate needles!  I assured them as an athlete in the middle of a workout I was more than adequately hydrated and that temporarily kept them at bay.  I was sent for cat scans and x-rays of my vertebrae, but despite the initial prognosis, I had no damage to my spinal system.  Giro makes a fine helmet (it used to be round), but all credit goes to God for protecting me that day.  The relief was immeasurable, but the soft tissue damage in my back was still incredibly painful.  I was released from the hospital, but after sitting up and making my way into a wheel chair I passed out from the pain.  I awoke in a sweat and was being wheeled back into the room where they wanted to stick me with an IV.  Once again I refused and I was released shortly after.  I am grateful for those who came to the hospital and supported me in prayer and in word over my recovery.    I slept in my recliner for weeks; it was too painful to rollover or sit up in bed.  I am very grateful for my chiroprator friend who provided daily treatment and massage.  My back healed, but the longest lingering injury was to my wrist.  As my spine was the major concern in the ER, it was never even looked at.It took a over six months to regain full use. 

Just three weeks later I raced.  It wasn’t a good performance by any means, but I raced with a new understanding.  I had been a member of Tri4Him for a while, but now I knew what it meant to race triathlon for Christ.  Just this morning a 24 year old professional cyclist was killed after a crash in the Giro d’Italia.  Others have been paralyzed or permanently injured in similar accidents, but only by His grace and mercy was I spared.  Not only could I do important things like perform my job and hold my kids, I could do frivolous stuff like triathlon.  It was to His credit that I completed that race, every race, and run the race of life.

So that brings us back to the present.  I‘m not after revenge, but I do have unsettled business to take care of at Sylvan Beach; a reckoning if you will.  As I compete in that race on June 12, thoughts of a year prior will not be far.  I will draw on those who lovingly supported me as well as the God who spared and ultimately healed me to a full recovery.   

The Houston area is preparing to host Texas’ first ever Ironman event- Memorial Herman Ironman Texas.  The 140.6 mile race is on May 21^st and includes a host of top ranked professional triathletes as well as solid representation from Tri4Him members.  The race course starts, transitions, and finishes in the Woodlands and promises to be a great route.  It is a truly epic thing to witness the triumph of an Ironman finish line.  Ironman hopefuls have 17 hours to complete the race, with the cutoff coming at midnight.  The largest crowds and loudest cheers come for those finishing with seconds to spare.  I am confident that that day will be a huge motivator to push through my training over the next few months.  Best wishes to Tobey (www.teamstevenstri.blogspot.com), Kelly (www.kellyryanroadtoironman.blogspot.com), Ronnie, Rik, Slade, Todd, John, Karen, Johanna, Suzette, Wendi, and everyone else competing!  It has been a pleasure to train with these guys and I have every confidence in each of their abilities.  As I have mentioned before, it takes a village to make an Ironman, and I am proud to be supporting this group of athletes. See you at the finish line!

I am currently three weeks in to a 12 week speed building plan.  These high intensity workouts fit nicely into the schedule as the summer months are filled with sprint and olympic distance races.  This plan is also a welcome relief, with swims limited to 30 minutes, rides 1.5 hours, and runs 1 hour.  Hard to believe that we are just nine weeks out from the start of our four month Ironman race prep plan where swims will exceed an hour, rides up to six hours, and almost three hour runs.  It’s great to have David healed up from his injury and we all hope to see him racing soon.  Big congrats to his wife piper, who rocked her triathlon debut last month at the Lonestar Triathlon Festival!  I recently had my first ever triathlon win.  No, I didn’t win a race (yet), but I did win a photo contest from the Kemah Triathlon.  I got a great shot of the winner, Andrew Yoder, wings spread flying into the finish chute.  Top prize landed me entry into the 2012 TX3 series, a cumulative competition held over three local races.  After Ironman this year, I’ll be looking forward to the short course stuff!  I had to brag to Nicole despite her status as a professional photographer (http://www.capturedbynicole.net/), I am an award winning photographer- Thanks for letting me use your camera!

Speaking of Nicole, we will celebrate our 9^th wedding anniversary later this month.  Every year of our marriage has been full blessings and new adventures and this year has been no exception.  She is a wonderful wife to me and an excellent mother to our children.  I am so proud of her photography business’ success.  In addition to our anniversary, before the month is out we will celebrate Bella’s birthday, Jacob’s preschool graduation, and Claire’s completion of kindergarten, so we’re heading out for fun, relaxation, and family time on a cruise to the Mexican Caribbean.    

Next up- a report from Ironman Texas

Ironman Texas 70.3 (Half Ironman)

Well, I finished.  Not in the time or way I had envisioned, but I crossed the finish line and learned some valuable lessons along the way.

The weekend in Galveston was great.  Everything had pretty much gone as planned and come race morning everything was looking good. We had a great turnout for the pre-race prayer and as I pulled on my wetsuit and approached the pier I was calm and looking forward to a good day.  As the national anthem played the guy next to us lost it.  There's no crying in baseball, but there is in triathlon.

 

The 1.2 mile swim was pretty uneventful and went as expected.  The only surprise came when I found myself under a buoy.  Good news is I was swimming on line.  Bad news is you can't breathe under a huge inflatable. I managed to get out from under it, compose myself, and swim the rest of the way.  No matter how long the swim, it always feels good to get back on dry ground.  David informed me I was a few minutes off my goal time, but not by much.  Kyle had a smokin' fast time and had lengthened the five minute head start he had on me.  A quick fresh water rinse and off to the bike.

Despite strong headwind the trip westward over the San Luis pass was pretty uneventful. The most exciting part was witnessing Chris Lieto (see last post) fly by in the opposite direction with a huge lead over the professional pack.  Things quickly changed after the turnaround.  The tail wind was great and effortlessly my speed increased from 20mph to 25 mph. Unfortunately, just three miles after the turnaround my legs began to cramp.  My legs had never cramped in training, but I knew this was a possibility; I just never thought it would come on the bike!  I worked them out, but I knew another 25 miles on the bike and then running a half marathon was going to tough.  I felt good as I approached the bridge connecting the mainland and Galveston Island.  It's smooth, long, and had a strong tailwind.  I hit the day’s top speed of 27.1 mph when the rider just a few meters in front of me went down.  My first thought was I was going to hit him, but somehow I missed him, his bike, and the sprawling debris.  As I passed, his body was still sliding across the road.  The closest thing I can compare it to is witnessing a traffic accident that you barely diverted.  I was told by guys that came after he was evacuated by life flight.  Still praying for his recovery.  I informed the sheriff at the end of the bridge and did what I could to press on.  My heart rate was way over where it should be, the cramps were coming back, and the finish line was still 33.1 miles away.  

This is where I lost it and found it.  I knew my goal of 5:30 was impossible, every muscle group in my legs was cramping, and there was a half marathon waiting. It's pretty hard to cry while competing in triathlon, but I came close. It was in that moment I was reminded that in my weakness, Christ is strong.  There I gave the race to God in a new way and laid the outcome in His hands.  I drew strength from the thoughts of my children.  Neither they nor God cared if or when I finished and their love for me was certainly not dependent on the outcome.  Run with endurance the race set before you.  The scripture was on my jersey, but now I realized the race set before me was not the one I had previously envisioned.  I lowered my wattage which in turn lowered my heart rate in hopes of clearing some of the cramp causing lactic acid.  As riders began to pass I was able to encourage them and many reciprocated.  

As I returned to the Moody Gardens complex I was faced with an almost comical dilemma.  My legs were still cramping all over with just the short motion of a pedal stroke and now I had to lift a leg entirely over the bike to dismount.  I did some pretty silly looking stretches, but they worked and I made it in to T2.  At this point I had no idea how I was going to cover the next 13.1 miles, but I started with an easy jog.  Almost immediately the cramps returned, but now I had pickle juice- yep, straight from the pickle jar.  I drank about an ounce and it worked as promised.  As the cramps subsided I began an easy jog and even increased my pace to a decent run.        

As I exited transition I was met by my team mates and family.  I gave my kids a kiss took off.  I was walking before long, but David was there to encourage and allow me to talk some things out.  He informed me that Kyle was having similar issues and was a few minutes ahead of me.  I took off (slowly) after the rabbit.  As I made each lap the gap to Kyle closed and at the end of the third lap I caught him.  It only took 67 miles to do so.  Together we walked and ran as we could.  We stayed together a ways and once I knew he would make it I took off to make the final lap.  

Crossing the finish line was uneventful.  The announcer called my name, I gave a little fist pump and then acknowledged the God who had seen me through those long and many miles.  Once again I kissed my family and shortly thereafter we were joined by Kyle.  Chris Lieto had crossed that line a few hours before and won the race.

I finished in 5:49:49.  Twenty minutes off my goal, but still pretty close; 6% longer than I had hoped.  Sure I could have saved a few seconds not kissing my kids or walking with Kyle, but those were the most productive seconds of my race.  That was the race set before me.  I ran it well and am proud of it.  In retrospect I am also proud of my finishing time.  Twenty minutes long seemed to be the norm for the day, even among experienced long course racers.

Every time I reflect on the race I learn something new.  It's typically hardest during any trial to extract the lesson to be gained, but that day I learned I can push my body far beyond my preconceived limits.  I learned that my support runs deep and I can draw from you in a tangible way. I learned that victory is not always achieving your goals.  I also learned things like swim a little harder and don't pass so much early on the ride when there's a 25mph head wind!

So what now?  I bank all these lessons to be drawn on during Ironman, now seven months away.  Over the weekend professional triathlete Linsey Corbin also had a mediocre race and offered the following; 1. It's part of the sport 2. Did you give it your best? 3. Focus on what did work 4. Don't train your brains out 5. Onto the next.  So that's what I'm doing- focusing on what worked, taking my family on a weekend getaway, taking a week off from training, and setting my sights on the Sylvan Beach tri and Ironman Florida

214 Days to go

214 Days to go, but the number on my mind today is 5.  I am five days away from my first 70.3 mile race at Ironman Texas70.3.  I am experiencing the expected mix of confidence, doubt, and excitement.  I have spent the past twelve weeks completing daily workouts geared to this one day.  I have dropped 10 pounds and am in the best shape of my life.  I have completed each of the race distances as well as the race rehearsals.  My swim, bike wattage, and run paces are all dialed in.  My equipment is also in top shape and anxious to race.  Even as I write I am trying to convince myself of these things. 

Galveston is the U.S. Professional Championship, so I'll be chasing many top prefessionals including Chris Lieto, Matt Lieto, Terenzo Bozzone, Andy Potts, and Jessica Jacobs who will be competing for a $75,000 purse.  It is also a very spectator friendly race, so if you've ever wondered what Ironman is all about come see these super-human athletes.

Race rehearsals were completed two and four weeks out from race day.  Friday was a 2200 meter swim.  The first I did in the pool and the second in open water with the wetsuit.  I felt great on both.  Saturday was a 56 mile bike ride at race pace followed by an hour run also at race pace.  The first was completed on the race course along the Galveston seawall, over the San Luis pass and looping back.  Despite the high winds it was a great ride followed by a strong run.  I didn't make it back to the island for the second ride and got started a little later in the day.  Despite more wind I felt good and even shaved two minutes off my previous time.  I struggled on the run though.  It was 2:00 when I started the run and the sun was in full force.  It didn't take long to begin to overheat and my pace suffered.  The good thing is I finished strong.  Bad news is Sunday could be a warm day with lots of sun.

The poor race rehearsal, forecast, wind, and the fact that I have a very long race ahead of me have increased my stress, but I thank God for those supporting me in this.  Last night I received some advice from someone who knows what he is talking about.  Tri4Him had the incredible opportunity to spend the evening with the top American Ironman.  Chris Lieto is a past Ironman champion, runner up at the 2009 Ironman World Championship, and known as the fastest cyclist among professional triathletes.  After a time of worship, Chris began to share about his experiences on triathlon's biggest stage.  Despite there being around 50 people in the room his message spoke directly to me.  He reminded us that regardless of our performance we are loved unconditionally by our God.  Nothing we can do can increase or decrease His affection for us, especially a race.  Chris described resting in that peace prior to the chaotic swim start in Kona known as the "washing machine".  He shared insight from the 2009 Ironman World Championship where despite having the lead with just two miles to go he began to shut down.  Despite being passed by one of the fastest runners on circuit he heard God telling him he would win.  He continued to hear that even after Craig Alexander crossed the finish line and it wasn't until later that Chris realized that despite finishing second in the championship, he won the race that God had called him to run.  So that is what I resolve to do- run the race that God has called me to run; Sunday and everyday.  If I finish within my time I will be thrilled, if not, the sun will still rise Monday morning.  I'll take what I learned and move on; remembering Ironman Florida is the year's A race.

Somehow each blog ends up bragging on my coach and this is no exception.  Each week of this training cycle I have received emails from Boo counting down the weeks and include tips, strategies, reminders, ect.  This week's included a list of 6 things to remember during race week.  You'll have to pay for his services to learn the other five, but I will share #6.

  "6.  Lastly, and most importantly, SHINE FOR HIM!  Let your light shine for Jesus on race day and in all the surrounding days.  When I built your training plan, I prayed specifically for you.  I prayed that if it was His will you'd stay healthy and injury free.  I prayed that you'd make dramatic improvements in your performance level.  I prayed that you'd grow physically and spiritually during this experience.  And I prayed that God would give you the opportunity and desire to be a blessing to others through your training and competition.  You've got literally hundreds of Tri4Him teammates who join me in this prayer for you.  We'll all be with you in the Spirit on race day.

So shine for the God that made you!  Honor Him with your perseverance and determination on the race course.  Glorify Him through your sportsmanship and encouraging words to others.  Run your race fixing your eyes on Jesus who died for you because He loved you so much!  Do not be ashamed or afraid.  Let there be no doubt about the reason for the joy and hope that is inside you.  Let there be no doubt about who you tri 4!"

This is the reason that Coach Boo's training plans are unlike any other.  This is a dynamic that has as much value as any workout or instruction a coach could provide.  This is why I have confidence in my training despite my own doubts.  This is why I appreciate Jeff Booher as much as I do. It is true that despite being an individual sport, I have a team behind me.  We are a solid network of believers who support each other in sport and in life.  I am privileged to be a part of this group.

This past week triathlon season kicked off with a great race in Kemah and with racing so much it was great to just go observe.  There was an impressive field of professionals including two Tri4Him professional/ elite athletes.  Top Ironman triathletes Terenzo Bozzone and Chris Lieto placed 2nd and 3rd respectively, but the day went to 21 year old Andrew Yoder.  It was also a big day for Chad Stevens who completed his first olympic distance triathlon with his boys crossing the finish line with him.  It definitely got me excited for the season to come.

My family continues to be the inspiration and support system I could not do this without.  Nicole's photography is taking off very quickly from all the referral business she's been getting.  She does first class on site photography at a very affordable price.  She does it because she loves it and wants to provide family's with lasting memories.  Check it out at www.capturedbynicole.net.  Jacob started t-ball last Saturday and he is quickly becoming one of the better players on the team.  Claire continues to amaze us with her performance in school and Bella continually amazes us with the ways she comes up with to make us laugh.  These are the ones I love and cherish more than anything.  Our new church, Neartown Church, had its public launch two weeks ago.  This is a body of believers meeting downtown to proclaim the truth of the bible and minister the gospel to those we come into contact on a daily basis.  Information is available at www.neartownchurch.org

Next month- Redemption at Sylvan Beach