IMAZ Round 2

Medal Monday.

Ah, the sweet sweet sounds of off season have finally arrived. It was a long season, with lots of UPS and DOWNS, but all in all I am fairly happy with my results. Racing a late season Ironman is hard. Your friends are done racing, its getting cold, and you are just plain old tired. I had to keep reminding myself to "keep my head on tight". I knew I was fitter then ever and I was ready to have a great day at the races. As much as I believed in my self and had my goals, I also knew better then to believe it would be a walk in the park, because as is, "ironman can happen". And so Ironman did happen....

Me and Marcus checking in for the race. I lived with Marcus when in College in Texas years ago!

I remember last year as I wrote my race recap about my struggles throughout the day, reflecting on how in the end its more about the process of Ironman that I fell in love with then the actual result. Today, I reflect on those feelings and still believe its so true. Its not meant to be easy, and its how you deal with your days "junk" that effects you. Even when its come to training for an ironman, its rare that an athlete has a perfect lead up into a race. (4 weeks out I busted my knees so bad that I couldnt even bike or run for 9 days!) None the less, I still conquered demons and took about what Ironman had in store for me that day.

I traveled to Arizona on Thursday to allow for the time zones and some downtime. It was really nice to already know the course, know what to expect, and all the logistics of the area. I was feeling rather relaxed going into the weekend and just ready for whatever came my way. I also knew a bunch of Houston friends were racing so it was just going to be fun to see everyone on the course. Race day is your time to celebrate all the hard work of training, so why not enjoy it a little bit?

TBT makes it SO easy to get your bike to the races.

Thanks NormaTec for the squeeze!

I picked up my bike at Tri Bike Transport, sat in the recovery boots, and got the rest of the essentials for my house (Food!!). I had a few pre-race workouts, some meetings, and other then that it was fairly un-eventful. Race crew was in town by saturday night and we were ready to finish the season off with a bang.

Jacob and I race morning

Race Morning was a cool 50 degree morning, that we all knew would warm up FAST as soon as the sun crested. Based on my Meteorological skills, I knew it was going to be a windy day, and sunny as well. Last year it was windy and overcast, but this year the weather gods had it in for us and gave us beautiful sunny skies and wind to beat the bands. Just when I thought the wind was bad last year, little did I know the conditions could be worsened.

Swim Course is always so beautiful. Minus what is actually in the waters!

I got my special need bags in place and then proceeded to put my Blueseventy Helix wetsuit on to help stay warm. I decided to go with the yellow tint goggles to help "brighten" the way. I was torn whether to wear my tinted or yellow but I bargained with myself that I would need to swim "SO FAST" to make it to the turn buoy before the sun came up so that my yellow goggles would suffice.
I got in with 15 mins to spare and did a quick warm up. The girls lined up and my ears started ringing as soon as the cannon was shot. WE WERE OFF. The field this year was stellar so it was a FAST start. I am used to fast starts coming from an olympic distance background, but dang these girls were flying. I found 2 others who were settling in around my speed. I had to make a decision to surge to make their feet or get left behind and I was glad I made the surge. We swum together the whole way and I exited the water in 8th place. My time was slower then last year, but in regards to the field I swam stronger then ever. I was feeling good and strong.

Running out in 8th place.

A quick T1 and I was off to board my Quintana Roo PR6. Man this bike has been good to me. So comfortable and might I say beautiful :)
Comically, The mounting area was a little slick and I fell immediately upon exiting T1. I fell RIGHT on my knee that I banged 4 weeks ago in literally the same spot. Blood was dripping down my leg and I literally just laughed at myself like Are you kidding me!? A mere 5 seconds later a fast age group guy came bustling around the corner and nearly took me out on the exit ramp. This was a hell of way to start my 112 mile bike ride adventure!!

Why yes, I do smile sometimes when I bike. Literally 1 mile into the course!

Anyways, out onto the roads for a 3 loop course. I am not one for wind, or flat courses, but I just really enjoy this course because you never really get bored. You get to see people all the time and its kind of like a safety net knowing that if something were to happen people would be around you at all times. As soon as I got on my bike I felt great. In fact I was even smiling! I knew the wind was tough but I kept repeating to myself to "ride within myself". I knew the elements would catch up to me if I did not be patient and listen to my self. I rode my first 2 loops strong and was on pace for a 5:15 bike which was the goal. I dont know if it was the heat, or the sun, or the wind, or all, but I died a bit on the last lap and really lost pace. I was not concerned and just let the day be as it is. I came in off the bike ready to run.

Looking a little more tired this time around.

Fighting through the day the best I could. I got called "pinky" and I went it with for the rest of the day.

T2 was QUICK. I got a nice rub down of sun screen (which worked out so well I did not get a single ounce of sun burn in the day!). I started the run and just found my rhythm, I came through the first 2 miles at my goal pace. But I could tell something was off, my HR was very low. Bonky I thought? I decided to walk and guzzle as much fluid and coke as I could. I just could not get going again. This was the plain old truth and sometimes the truth sucks!! I never once thought I was going to quit (Ok I really wanted to), but I just thought OK this is going to take a bit longer then we expected. I used miles 5-8 to catch up on fuel. All the sudden I felt great. I started clipping the miles off until about mile 18. I started to fade again but reminded myself of the Ups and Downs the day will have. You have to THRIVE off the good moments, and just be patient through the down moments. Ultimately, I got to the point where I was 4 MILES UNTIL offseason....5K until off season....You get the point. Survival. It was the not the run I had in me, but Man I was proud of myself. I thought this is truly what Ironman is. Pushing through the hard times, and overcoming when you think you can not. 

To the Finish line we go.

I made it to the finish line, a bit slower then expected, but more motivated then ever. It took a mere 1 hour for me to say I will never do that again, to already thinking about the next one. Ironman can be whatever you set out for it be, just make sure to set your goals and never give up. Strive to be the best you can on the day you are given.

The look of Pure Exhaustion.

SUPER Huge thanks to my awesome team this year. Blueseventy, Kiwami, Bonzai, QR, Klean Athlete, SBR Sports, Expert Nutrition, Capital Rehab. My Amazing teammates and support Team:  DC Tri Club Elite, DTDCrew, MHC, and my WL-Tribe Swimmers and of course my Runner friends. My Coach, David, and my biggest supporters out there Jacob and My mom. What a year it has been. Time for some downtime, rest, food, and a little 2018 planning!