To achieve a goal it takes planning, training, focus, desire, failure, fortitude, commitment, and most important a total belief that it can be done. I think sometimes we talk the talk but when it comes down to it we can’t back it up with action. This year 508 was not a desire or hope, it had ascended to a passion a belief that nothing was going to stop me from achieving was I was setting out to do.

Planning – My crew knew exactly what was taking place at what time and knew what was going to be expected of them before the race started. I was able to go over all my plans and details so it was clear to them in their terms. This type of race requires such planning and attention to detail.

Training – Fortius Coaching kept me on track with Gerardo know that I trained too hard the year before. He also had to take into account that there are no hills in Omaha, NE, so I had to make workouts to fit the task. This I’m sure was not an easy task for Gerardo since I sometimes don’t enter all the data before the end of the week.
Focus – to train the focus for this type of a Ultra Cycling event I had to find new ways to push myself. Training in the morning, working all day, then out on the bike for another 2-4 hours during the night. This had to be my most difficult task which is interesting when you think that other rides were 10-12 hours long in one shot. But the Focus and Determination it took to get back on the bike at night after I was tired and mentally spent from work was what got me through the last section and pushed through the final 3 hours to the end.

Failure – I’m not talking about the fear of failure but the taste of it. What I experienced the year before having to stop and not fulfill what I set out to do left a bad tasted in my mouth. That forced me to push through those barriers and not give up even though it would’ve been easy to. They say in an Ironman that no one will say anything about you not finishing and that people will understand. But the one person that matters most in this will keep at you, will drive you to the brink, and will remind you of it everyday, and that person is YOU!

Commitment – This is mostly financial. What you give up, and have to budget for is the most difficult commitment of all. You get used to the training and diet that must be accomplished and committed to. But, the way that you have to plan and analyze where every dime is going as well as plan for the unexpected details that will arise, is the difficult part.

Belief – This is the biggest thing that I didn’t have last year that is in me this year. I didn’t waiver on my belief that I would finish this race. It wasn’t, I hope I can finish, or if I just keep pushing I will get there. It was, of course I’m going to finish, it was more about what time would I finish. How quickly and efficiently can I accomplish this. I actually wanted to finish much earlier but I knew either way that it would be done.
Next time you have a mountain to accomplish: plan, train, commit, focus, and just believe that you can succeed. Then Go Do It!

Today I began on the road down 2012; this journey will be The Best Ever!

This year is starting in Omaha, NE, with Premier Gymnastics, some very cold training outside, and 24hr Fitness. This year I will be doing both Triathlons, and Bike racing while still doing a full time job, trying to get a life (family), and enjoy myself. I’ve started a 365 or 366 this year, Blog about pictures that I’ll take every day. Somehow it will be related to everything from Inspirational, Gymnastics, Triathlon, Religion, and Anything that I wanted to take a picture of that day. This could be interesting… I love life and I feel that I can help people see the positive side of things that maybe sometimes we don’t choose to see.

Over the past 2 years I’ve had many successes and failures, but I’ve always learned from both and focus on the next Goal or task at hand. I will occasionally Blog here about my training toward my 3rd Ironman, The 508, or the other Races that I will be doing this year. This past year was still a great year, with my gymnasts being successful at Nationals and moving to Omaha, NE where I am running my own program at Premier Gymnastics. My Racing went ok, but I learned much from this last year that should help me through this next year. My sister finished her first 5k this year, of course I’m encouraging her to do a 10k this year, and I want to run it with her. I will be inside for a large amount of my training, which is quite different for me, and I will talk about those differences also. I am trying to set up a trip to climb Mt.Rainier this summer also. This is one of those Bucket List things that I have to do.

Thank you for following me and I hope that I can be an inspiration to you even through my struggles as well as triumphs.

One thing I have come to find is that people do these physical tests: Ironman, Marathon, Ultra races, to feel like they can overcome all their problems. But in life we are not meant to do these things alone. I learned this after the race, by the responses I got from friends and family on Facebook, texts, calls, etc. What makes my Fortius Racing team so great is not that we win every event, but that knowing that when you fall, and eventually you will, your teammates are there to help you back onto your feet, and push you back into the game.

This race resembled my life in the past few months oh too well. I would try to do everything myself, and make everything work for everyone else while letting my responsibilities fall by the wayside. I tried pushing up through every obstacle on the course and as I stopped, my teammates would ask every time, what do you need. Their support was unwavering, even when my body was shutting down. I stopped at this race, interestingly enough at a peak, the downhill was too much for my knees to take, so I decided to survive and stop before I did something I would regret. One thing about mountains, when you’re at the top you look out and see for miles, but you don’t usually look at what has gotten you right there, what is under your feet at that very moment. The people that have helped as well as the obstacles you have overcome.

A friend summed up my race that you have just done one of your longest rides ever and now you can step past that next time. To her, she didn’t see it as a failure as much as a step to the next level. I am still trying to grasp this, but I do see the point and many people have failed on this race only to get back into it the next time and succeed. I love the saying, “It’s not how many times you fall that’s important, it’s how many times you get back up.” So, everyday, focus on taking that next step and remember that your friends and family are there to help you along the way.

Thank You Family, Friends, and of course Fortius, you are the difference!

I put in an attempt on Aug 7th, but the task was too daunting with winds hitting 30mph in Gorman by the time I arrived. I was able to get in 109mi, but after falling, of course not off my bike. I was overheating going through Pine Canyon so I stopped at a creek to cool off. after finishing in the creek I was walking back to the road and slipped on a granite boulder falling onto my hip and scratching both legs up on the way down.This caused a problem for the rest of the ride, because now I couldn’t push on my right leg very well, so I had to use my left leg for the last 35 miles of the ride. One of the final passes evidently was too much and I was walking, when someone came by and gave me a ride back into town. thus (FAIL #1)

Without support this ride is obviously too much. But, since I’m a stubborn mule, I tried again Aug 14th. I did much better, but the end result is that I will need support to finish this ride. This time I started a bit earlier, 4:20am and I was able to get to Lake Hughes by sunrise. This helped by cooling me down through Pine Canyon, and less wind into Gorman. There was still wind, as always in Gorman, but 20mph is sooo much better than 30mph. I still got to Carl’s Jr and had to eat and sit for a while, cooling off and stretching to get ready for the next stretch. This time I had a better handle on my nutrition taking Prolong every 60min, and every 30min taking Endurolytes with Powerade, I also added in some GU every 30min. So alternating back and forth between these helped me to keep going throughout the ride.

By the time I had reached Gorman it was already 80 degrees and very Sunny. I filled up my water bottles with Ice and water and every 15min poured it over my head to cool down. This helped quite a bit but I had to stop 15 miles later because all the ice was already gone, along with a good portion of my water. After refilling at Lake of the Woods, I headed up Cuddy Valley toward Mt. Pinos/Pine Mt. by the time I got to the turnoff toward Pine Mt, I had already passed my time. I needed to be there by 12pm and it was now 1pm and I know I wasn’t going to make it back before midnight if I kept on. So, I decided to climb Mt. Pinos instead.

This was a great idea that didn’t end up the way I had planned. After about 4 miles I was feeling rather sluggish and when I looked down I noticed my back tire was flat. So I was attempting to change it when I wasn’t able to because I had bought a tube with a stem that was too short for my wheel. Luckily I had another tube and another CO2 so I was able to change it. But, now I have quite a ways to go and I have no spare and no support. I decided that it was best I head home and hope that the 80+ miles home wouldn’t have any problems. Next time I will check that all the stems will work.

The next part was fun 30-50mph for the next 15miles was fun but also a bit scary when the wind pushed for the side occasionally. Luckily the speed limit was 45mph and I was doing at least that for a good portion so the traffic wasn’t even trying to pass me. Back to Frazier park and then the climb before the descent at Gorman. The rollers were great through Gorman and down to Pine Canyon. I made it to Pine Canyon by 3:30pm and I knew climbing through the canyon was going to be very hot at this time of day. So, I decided to take a cool down break and eat my Oatmeal pancakes with peanut butter and honey. mmmmmmm

The trek back was still difficult at 3:50 when i got going, but a few trees shaded my way through the heat. Climbing back to Lake Hughes wasn’t as bad as last time, because I could use both legs. As I turned onto Lake Hughes Rd. my legs were already starting to cramp a bit so I used as much nutrition as I could knowing that those last 3 climbs would stop me if I pushed through this area. As I reached the base of the 1st climb my legs were still cramping and I stopped to stretch and take the last of my nutrition that I had with me. After about 5min I was able to resume and finish the ride without incident. It’s interesting how you learn through experience to listen to your body and know not to just try and push through it. You know when your at your limit and when you just need to take a quick break to finish. A year ago I would’ve tried to push through that and would’ve slammed right into the wall(so to speak). Ultra racing has been a learning experience in that, it isn’t about going fast as much as accepting where you are right now and dealing with each situation to the best of your ability at the time.

As for this ride, I will be back with support, and I will conquer you.

I learned my lesson the hard way at Heartbreak and I was determined to never have to see that DNF behind my name again. This time at Eastern Sierra Double Century I would not be out smarted by the race. I made sure I got rest the week before and sleep (a couple nights before). I also arrived early and was able to be prepared for whatever was to be thrown at me this time.

I finished work at 8pm and headed out, only to need to run back home for another missing item. Now, it’s 9pm and I’m just hitting the road, with 4+ hours to go. I grab a bite to eat and some caffeine to keep me awake. I drive straight there, with one stop to refill the caffeine. I arrive and of course I’m wide awake, so I take a few minutes to set-up everything for later. I finally get to sleep and I wake up an hour later ready to go. Yes, one hour of sleep, that’s going to cost a bit later. OK, so I prepare my Prolong, Endurolytes, a few Gels, and water, water, water. (I made the mistake at Heartbreak to not taking enough water on just one section of the ride and I paid for it the rest of the day and it eventually cost me the finish). I head over to the start line to finish my check in and get my Bib #764. As I get to my bike they begin and people start shuffling by the starter telling him their number as they head off.

I begin lightly, staying in a group of riders to get my legs going. Within a few miles I notice they are a bit slow for my pace so I take off and catch up with a few vigorous riders. We started with 3, then 5, then 9, and by the time we got to the first rest stop we numbered 17 riders. The stop ended up taking me too long and I missed a bunch of people that were with me. I didn’t worry too much and headed out to try and possibly catch up, Mistake #1. This got me going a little too hard this early and as I hit the first long climb my HR(heart rate was already 165). I wasn’t sure if this was due to the altitude or the push that I had been doing. So I backed off a bit and got into a good pace that I could maintain for a long period. My HR was still 160, but having it drop as I was still going up was satisfactory. This first climb wasn’t real steep but it carried on for a good portion, and after a mile of downhill the temperature had noticeably dropped about 15 degrees. Since we were starting another long climb I didn’t pay much attention to it, and within a couple minutes I was heating up again. I was joined by a great rider, Shawn, that climbed like Contador, and after the next stop we were joined by another that was similar to Schlek. Yes, I put riders into categories, I am Type A… what do you expect? Both riders kept me pushing through the climbs even all the way through Mammoth Mt. and then the downhill came. OH YES! This was a blast, all that climbing about 65miles, was for this 4 mile stretch of 45mph. Then in the middle of the last downhill stretch they put the next stop, darn it.

After a quick stretch and bite to eat, finish that little downhill and climb, climb, climb, to June Lake. Finally, rollers for the next 15 miles and then a downhill to the aid station. In the middle of the rollers the rain started coming down and all of a sudden I was by myself again, as everyone stopped to put on rain gear. I had already been wearing my jacket so I just got through the rain as quickly as I could. By the time I came out to the highway 395 I was again alone and I headed to Mono Lake where the Lunch was prepared for us. This was again a nice relief for now, the wind was at our backs and it was a good 3miles downhill. The one thing that I couldn’t stop thinking, I had to climb back up that, into the wind.

Lunch was about a 45min break and quick stretch to get the kinks out after 102miles in 7:02 with 7500’ of climbing. Knowing that we had 98miles, but only 3000’ left of climbing was somehow a relief. As we began our trek home Shawn and I noticed quickly that the wind was going to play a big part in how to attack this second half. We started with about 3-5min intervals of leading then the other would take over for a bit. One the way back we hit a 10miles section that looked like I was back in AZ at the Ironman. Accept these winds were 35-40mph instead of 20-25mph. I dropped into my aero position and climbed the whole 10miles in front. This is my part of the ride that I excel the most in, with all the training in Santa Clarita. Where, you are always going Uphill, downhill, and always (somehow) into the wind. By the time we hit the next climb of 17miles I was rejuvenated from the flat and a small downhill that I got up to 50.6mph. Now to buckle into a good pace and climb, climb, climb. This was the last significant climb of the day, all the rest were just large rollers(HaHa) yeah just wait! By the time we got to the top I was ready to be done with the climbs.

The next part started with a downhill and rollers so I filled up my water bottle to give me a little extra weight. This was the best thing I did all day. I ended up using all that water before the next stop. That next part did start with a nice downhill, but the wind was negating any of the benefits, then the rollers, with a big side wind. I learned from riding in the wind to try and position yourself and your bike to harness that side wind and have it help you push through. This worked great again, but now I was alone again and as soon as I made the turn of 20miles of uphill rollers into the strong head winds I wish I had someone to help with this. But, doing Ironman’s has taught me to go at it alone, without the opportunity to draft in those competitions. So I dropped into my aero position and went to work. By the time I arrived at the next aid station I had passed all the people that I had seen during the day and now I would be alone for that last home stretch of 36miles straight into the wind. The supporters at the aid station were cheering when I arrived and saying how I may get back before dark if I got going. They really pumped me up for the final push, but I kept looking back down that road for any sign of help for this next part.

Looking at my watch and noticing 5:30pm, and 36miles to go, I figured I could try for 12mph and get back by 8:30pm. This was the plan. Unfortunately, someone forgot to notify the head winds of 35-40mph, gust of 50+ for the entire return trip. I started out on a flat doing 8mph and knowing that it was going to take 4.5hours at this pace. I finally hit a downhill and picked it up to 15mph and then 11mph on the next flat. Then I got blown off the road into the dirt, and somehow stayed upright. Now a dust storm was picking up in front of me and I knew it would hit me soon, whether I stopped or kept going, so I pushed on. Not being able to see posed a difficult task to stay on the road, but I fought through, now at 6mph. When I finally hit another slight downhill the winds seemed to pickup even more and I only got up to 13mph and 10mph on the flat. I finally came up to a gas station where one of the volunteers had set up a make shift aid station from the back of his truck. So, I filled up with some water and took a little nutrition.

About this time I was ready to just stop, and wait for SAG to take me back. The volunteer explained it was only 13 more miles and there was a group that was coming up from behind me that could help with the finish. So, I waited about 15min before I finally saw the group come over a rise and head toward me. Now I was feeling a little better and I got up the nerve to finish this off. I got going thinking that they would catch up to me rather quickly, since I was only going 10mph into the wind alone. After about 3 miles I looked back to still see them about 100yards back. At the stop I had taken in too much sugar and my body didn’t care for it. So I just sipped some water and waited for them to catch up. With 8miles to go, I jumped in the pace line and away we went. It’s so much nicer working at 40% to get the same amount of distance done. By the time it was my turn to lead I picked the pace back up to 10mph and kept it there for 5min, then I dropped back and the next guy picked it up to 12, and the next surged to 14mph. By this time, part of the group was breaking off, unable to keep up and I was stuck behind them. So, as always I took off and caught up to the front group now going 15mph into the wind. By the time I caught them I could see the town clearly right in front of us, like it came out of mid where. The final mile was through stop lights and cheering each other on, on our accomplishment.

This ride taught me how to plan, prepare, execute, and stay focused, as well as use what I’ve learned from my Ironman training to get through the tough spots. I used others to help get me through parts and helped others through other parts. Many of the people that finished that ride with me had done numerous rides this year alone. They all were happy healthy individuals from a wide range of ages (20’s-71). Along with my Fortius Team mates these people were the friendliest and most encouraging group of people I’ve ever met.

On my track to do Furnace Creek 508 this year, I met 3 others that will also be riding 508 with me, as solo riders. And all of this is just another step in my journey toward Ultraman. This is really a totally different beast than Ironman, and will take even more preparation and training to accomplish. I have a hard time grasping a 50mile run the next day after that ride, but it will come. One Step At A Time.

In closing, I’d like to thank Coach Gerardo, Fortius Racing, for all the advice and wisdom that I get from you every time I see you. Even though it seems I don’t always listen, I really do, Thanks.   Also, Herbalife’s new PROLONG, this is my one main drink that gets me through every large endurance event, thanks John.  Lastly, my mechanical support, TriLab, you’re the greatest Chris. That’s the only place the touches either of my bikes. Thanks Chris & Cindy Waller & the GymJam family for all the support and time you guys give me to accomplish these Rides & Races, it really has been great getting back into shape.

Now for my race, I got a ride to the race with a friend and ended up at the race about 3hours early. This gave me plenty of time to stretch, relax, and make sure I had everything I needed. At 6am I made my way over to the corrals and finished getting my mind ready for the race. While waiting, you always meet so many people from different parts of the world and country, that you really want to be focused before you ever get over there. As always I was texting friends to find out where they were all situated and trying to keep loose by moving my legs. As it got closer to race time the corrals get tighter and tighter with more people trying to push toward the front. I met a few people that seemed about my pace so we decided to stick together as much as possible. The race was delayed a bit, but it didn’t take long before they werre counting down to the start. The whole while the atmosphere and energy was building and building. If you’ve never experienced a race like this, you really need to put it on your bucket list just to feel the rush just before the gun goes off.

My race started out well accept for the fact that I was in the middle and behiind a large amount of slower runners. It took me about 3 to 5 miles just to get where I wasn’t right next to someone and looking where my feet were going so I don’t step on anyone. It makes it a challenge to get into a good groove, but it’s part of the race. You must keep your focus on your pace and just do your best to stay with it. I did pretty well not going too fast or slow on the downhills and uphills, but I noticed I was still a bit behind my pace at 10k.

It’s interesting how many people talked about how bad the weather conditions were, because when I’m running I really don’t pay too much attention to it. I did get a little cold when I started my run/walk, so I changed it up and just decided to run the first 13miles then I’d see how I felt. It wasn’t too bad and for the most part i kept my pace till about mile 12. That’s when I felt a pain in my right big toe every time I tried to push off it. As with life, I made an adjustment, so i wouldn’t be bothered. This turned out to not be the best thing for me because it made it so I was picking up my legs with just my quad and not using my hamstrings or calves. This unorthodox style also slowed me down considerably and I started to get a bit frustrated. I tried cheering others on and talking with people to curb my lack of enthusiasm, which worked for about 6miles.

Around mile 20 you enter the Veterans memorial hospital area and the hills begin again. This wasn’t so bad accept for the rivers that were flowing down the streets through here. It easily came up to your shin and there was really no way around it. I was lucky compared to many I guess, I didn’t get any blisters from wet feet and I didn’t cramp up as I had in the past. I guess I did my nutrition right again. This is one thing that I have been good at the past 5 races. Knowing what your body needs, before it lets you know in a not so pleasant way, is something you really have to figure out for yourself.

By mile 23-26.2 the wind had picked up and was blowing hard and cold. Since I had slowed down my heart rate wasn’t pumping so fast so it was harder for me to stay warm. I knew I couldn’t walk or it would only get worse, so I encouraged others and kept pushing the pace every few minutes. I finally passed my Team Fortius tent and yelled for everyone that came out to support us runners then I focused on the finish. I was very disappointed in my time, but I know that my training had not been great as of late and I can’t expect 100% when i haven’t put in the 100%. “It’s not about winning as much as the preparation to win”-Bob Knight.

So if you’re looking for a challenge and you have a certain goal in mind: know what it takes to reach that goal, and prepare yourself thoroughly, and your result will speak for itself.

Then it happened, I got a text to see if I wanted to enter a race that I thought was sold out. I jumped at the chance without thinking, knowing that I’ve done this distance many times and I can get through it. But, after a week of training I’m noticing something… something I tell my gymnasts all the time as a coach. Now there’s a goal, so what are you doing today to work toward that goal? Now that I only have 5 1/2 weeks left to train, the purpose, the goal, the plan has to be set, and visible. Training now has to be carefully calculated and focused. Every workout must have a goal. Every turn must be focused and well thought out with the form, technique, and intensity being measured. Just as it is at this time of the season for my gymnasts becomes more intense and focused, so will my training. And as I begin this, I’ll tell you now, this is the part I love… The Journey.  I love the structure, the Goal visibly in Sight, the push to the finish or in my case, the starting line. Eyes on the prize to push myself past what limits I had previously placed. Oh Yeah! It has Begun – Let’s do this…

Why else would anyone want to go out and do all this? If you’re waiting to be inspired to start training – STOP! Just get out there and begin, where ever you are at right now in your life – whatever it is you want to accomplish. Take Action “Faith without works is dead.”

There’s will always be people who: Talk about getting it done, and others that even plan to get it done, and then there’s that few, who already did it…

I arrived at 5am ready to go, filled my tires, mixed all the nutrition and checked all my special needs/transition bags.  I used the restroom and stretched then I looked for my teammate. Checking up on him, he was having trouble with the speedfill system and I tried to help figure out the problem. After fixing that problem I changed into my wetsuit and dropped off my dry clothes bag to a friend. We even had time for pictures with LA Tri Club people before the race. You could feel the tension in the air as everyone was told that they could start getting into the water. Just then I looked up and saw a parent from the gym that I work at. I wished him luck and climbed over the fence to jump in the water.

As I hit the water I was warmed with a calmness that I didn’t expect. The water was warmer than outside and the 100m we had to swim to get to the start was very mellow. To get our heart rate up we did a couple 10sec sprints. And then waited for the start.

As the pro’s were released the line of age groupers all moved up to the kayaks. I knew I wasn’t as fast as many of those people so I waited back a ways. The music was blaring to try and pump up the atmosphere, but I just let the moment happen and road the wave.

The gun goes off… The frenzy begins, people grabbing and thrashing to get going. I started with 10 sec of fast then just settled into my pace. I noticed I was catching up to the group in front of me so I kept my head up and tried to weave my way through. Mean while people were catching up to me and bumping, hitting, crawling over, etc. This is normal for this time of the race. I was a little frustrated, but I tried to just stay with my pace and make my way through it. I know it is going to be a long day and I’m not going to break my record with a paniced attack.

As I came around the turns and under the bridges it seems to slow up and people are running into each other like crazy. I made my way around the turns and then someone grabbed my leg. Unfortunately I flexed and kicked but it was too late, my leg started to cramp up. Starting with my toes then the calf. I immediately made my way to the outside and stopped kicking. Thanks Nancy, when this happened once she told me… STOP KICKING!, I tried to say what if it keeps going, she again said, STOP KICKING! This rang in my head as I made it to the side. There I rolled over and tried to relax my legs and float. Surprisingly this worked and after a minute or two, I rolled back over and started swimming again. Now I was way to the outside and I decided to stay there and just get a good flow going.

I got into a good groove on the outside of everyone just in case I cramped up again, which I did 3 more times. But I made it out of the water only 15min slower than I wanted to. That was great and I sat down to have the wetsuit strippers help me, but when I tried to get up my leg seized up again and I had to stretch it out before I could get going.  This caused my T1(transition) to be 10min instead of 5min.

I was getting a little frustrated to say the least but I knew I would be fine once I was on the bike. So, I got over to the exit and got going. The first little bit wasn’t bad, but I could feel a breeze coming harder and harder the farther are went out. By the time I hit the freeway underpass to go out to the Bee Line Hwy it was rather substantial. I was thinking that the wind was blowing somewhere around 20-25mph & a few gusts over 30mph.  As I was making my way out on the first of three loops the wind was hitting me from the side so taking my nutrition was a little more difficult to do than normally. So, by the time I hit the turn around I knew I needed to better at my nutrition and vowed to work on it. This lasted about 2min, then a gust of about 30+ hit me and I almost went down. So I settled into a good aero position and didn’t get out till I hit back into town. Now my nutrition was really far off, but I was still pushing it to make up for that poor swim. I took a little Prolong and one Gel and a little water. This held me into the 2^nd loop when, at mile 68 I was hitting my wall. I came prepared for it this time though. I grabbed my 5hr energy and shot it down and off I went. I had not taken any good nutrition though so I scrambled to get that down at the end of the loop. But it was too late my leg had been seizing up and I had to get off the bike right after the turn around and stretch it out. This was again a rather frustrating time and my spirits were a little shaken seeing all the people I had passed miles ago pass me by. I got back on and spun out my legs in a lower gear for the next 10min and then got back into a rhythm of speed. 4 times it had rained on me during this bike and once it had hailed. Now the wind felt like it was blowing me up the hill and I was going to take advantage of it. I got up and pushed a bit more and traded of between standing and aero the whole way out on the last loop. Knowing that I would be in aero the entire way back. I caught back up to some decent riders at the turn around and planned to use as many as possible while passing on the way back to town.  I did this well and stayed in the middle of the pack most of the way till the last 4 miles of Beeline hwy, where I made my move to separate from this group. Ryan came up next to me and we talked for a bit then I thought he slipped behind me as I weaved through this last part of the front of the pack and made my way into the wind. I knew at the turn the wind would be pushing a bit so I waited till then to go for another push. At the turn someone had just crashed and my tire hit a wet spot and started to slip. I turned into the slide and caught it just missing the rider on the ground by inches.

I pushed the rest of the way on the bike accept as I was coming up to the underpass and bridge a car decided to make a u-turn through the middle of our race course. My yelling got him to stop barely in time then he proceeded to keep going and narrowly missed a few more cyclists. I told the police officer at the next corner but he wasn’t interested in pursing anything, so I went on. As I pushed to the end of the bike, my focus started to go over what I needed for the Run. So I downed the last of my nutrition on the bike and got ready to dismount.

Off to T2(transition) to the run.  I got my bag quickly and ran in the tent to change. After I found a seat and a helper came over to assist my mind went a little blank and I couldn’t remember the order of what I needed. Luckily I had a note in the bag saying the order and the helper saw it and gave me everything in that order. I changed out of my biking shorts and into my running shorts then shoes and wait where’s my enduralites? I was getting frantic because I know I had packed them in here. When I finally decided to go on without them and grabbed my hat, I found them. I didn’t want them falling around so I had folded them into my hat. Uugghh! That was 4min of extra energy wasted.

I had just seen Ryan leave but I knew I needed the restroom right now, after the 6hrs on the bike. So as I ran in real quick I asked the helper how far back from the Ryan I was. They happened to know us both and they said 1 min. I was excited because I knew I would run faster if I could just catch up tp him and keep at his pace for at least 2 loops. So, I took off in pursuit and felt great at this pace. I kept taking 2-4 enduralites every mile and walked for about 15-20sec then off again. This was the pace I had been practicing for the past few months on rollers and hills so this flat path was nice to be on. As I went around the backside of the run course I used the restroom again and left my water bottle in there. I didn’t notice for another mile or so, and I wasn’t going back so I went on and used there aid stations instead.  This was working but I felt my pace drop a bit because of it. As I finished the first loop still feeling great a teammate was asking how I was doing and said that Ryan was just ahead of me. So I immediately picked up the pace again and tried to find Ryan. By the end of the 2^nd loop I was giving up finding Ryan and had slowed my pace a bit again. But again a teammate encouraged me that he was not too far ahead and I could pick it up and run with him. So again I picked it up and pushed on. I even by passed a few aid stations thinking that I might catch up quicker. This wasn’t the best idea and it ended up slowing me up to get back on track with my nutrition. As I was nearing mile marker 21, I noticed that I was running low on enduralites and I wasn’t going to have enough for the rest of the race. So I looked around for some at the stations but found nothing. I did find soup which I had a number of times and coke to take the remainder of my nutrition. But as I went to cross the bridge that last time I started to cramp up and did a little walk run walk shuffle. I knew there were no more than 2 miles left and that no matter what I could make it to the end.

About that time a song from church popped into my head and I started singing it through to the end. As I would get to the chorus I would pick up the pace a bit and strike a little quicker with my feet. This made me think of my technique and kept me from focusing on the pain. That song “Take It All” by Hillsong got me through that last part of the race and helped me see that throughout this whole day of pushing the limits of my body. The only constant with me was God’s protection throughout. Every time I had a problem I was able to clear my mind and focus on a solution instead of the frustration or pain. When I had given everything I had and there was nothing left, His songs and music picked me up and carried me through the final miles.

If you are reading this and planning on doing an Ironman, there are a few things that you need… First: A very good Reason, and it better be personal to your heart. Secondly: A great Coach, like Fortius Coaching(Gerardo Barrios), that prepares you for those times when you thought you couldn’t go on and he showed you that you can and will. Lastly: Faith, in God, Yourself, and that All the training that you’ve done has prepared you for, “Such A Time As This…” You Can Do This, You Will Do This, Careful not to say, I’ll never do one of those Ironman’s, because most of us said the same thing at one time or another… Once the seed is set in there it will grow in you till you just got to try it.

Ironman is not about that one day, that one finish line, or that one race. It’s all about the journey that the training and experience take you on. The training is where you will be challenged, where you will be tested, where you will have to overcome injuries and failures. The Race day is to show off what you worked your butt of for, and for everyone else to see your accomplishments and be in awe. Yes, I Am an IRONMAN… and I will be back next year, not to Arizona, but another race another distance another challenge. What are you doing to make yourself grow today? What challenge are you taking on, that will push the boundaries of your mind, body, and/or spirit? Do something today to take that next step, You wont ever regret it.

Think like a Champion

How To Think like a Champion …

1. A Champion keeps the Right Environment.

1 Cor. 5:17                        Bring all thoughts into Captivity!

You will believe in success, when you believe in yourself.

2. A Champion Focuses on the Right Things.

Isaiah 40:31                        Focus your thoughts on the one who has promised, those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.

Phil. 4:8                        Think on these things … Good stuff about You

Champion thinking is all about

seeing success first,

then living it out.

If You Can Dream It,

You Can Become It.

3. A Champion is a Confident Thinker.

1 Chron. 17:2                        Do all that is in your heart, For God is with You.

I Can, I Will, I Am

Phil. 4:13                        For I CAN DO ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me.

Esther             4:14                        For you have been prepared, for such a time as this.

Joshua 1:9

9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”