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Notes: Notes: Olympic distance PR

3rd place overall - Beat 40-44 age group winner by 9 minutes

I started off with a solid and smooth effort on the bike and after mile two, felt invincible and in control on the run until the last  kilometer.  This is exactly what I needed for this race.  I have not been on the Overall podium since prior to back surgery so it felt really good.

Thanks to the Wards and Corners for having me up for this event. 
   

Notes: 4th overall after 6 miles of the run

I don't even know what to say here.  After the swim, I was having the race 
of my life for the half distance.  It was crazy windy and I just put the hammer down.  People were going by left and right. 

I had three plans for this race  because of the fracture:

1 - Don't race
2 - Swim, bike and call it a day
3 - Swim, bike and run regardless of any pain
4 - Swim, bike and run until I felt pain for a sustained time

Although it was one of the hardest tri decisions I have ever made, I was fairly
smart (for me) and chose option 4.  I needed to race mentally to
see where I was at and to see if I could still run competitively off the bike. 

While I hated to give up, the pain in my shin only lasted for a couple days then I was back to running again.  The last 7 mile may have did me in completely
and cost racing Ironman this year.  

Notes: Half Marathon PR, with a stress fracture, rain, thunder and lightning

48th overall of 9423
9th of 467 in 40-44 Age Group  

A horrible, rainy morning but we made the best of it.  It was fun to race again
but there is still a long way to come back.  All in all, a great day!

Notes: Best overall finish for a major city marathon event
            2010-2011 Qualified for Boston Marathon

56th overall 0f 2917 (Top 2 percentile)
11th of 350 in 40-44 Age Group  

My goal was to keep my average pace in the mid 6:50's.  I accomplished this  
until I hit mile 20.  Then things went bad.  I went above 7:00 for the next 4 
miles until I could get some sense of pacing and desire back into my stride.  

     Fastest mile splits:
     2 - 6:33
     4 - 6:46
     7 - 6:45
     8 - 6:46
     14 - 6:38
      Last half mile - 6:06

Overall this was a good race.  I was injured so I couldn't run for two weeks leading into the event.  I also was on vacation so probably didn't make the best beverage choices.  This race was about starting the year fresh and getting better.  I have never ran this strong for so long during a race.  I have ran more level but never as fast to start.   My goal in marathon is to get stronger, carry that speed all the way through and break 3hours. Not for now though ....Ironman Hawaii remains my number one goal.  

Notes: PR by a long shot!

113th overall (including pros)
14th of 388 in 40-44 Age Group  

This was a good day.  I obviously had a horrible swim.  I made up for it with a solid bike.  Even with serious issues on the run I was able to run a PR for the marathon split of Ironman.  I am hoping for a sub 10 race next year.

Notes: Just a fun day

I did this relay with Jayne as her stress fracture is still in the healing process.  She was signed up for the international distance and 3disciplines allowed up to change over to the relay so she could still compete.  This is my home course and it was tough to hold back but I have to save all the "extra" powa for Ironman. Pictures to come.  Some are already on Facebook. 

Notes: PR by 3 seconds for this distance!

5th overall
3rd in 30-39 Age Group (including the podium spots) 

This was just a solid and steady day.  I had a decent swim and just stayed really steady throughout.  It was hard running all out knowing I had to run another 10k right after.  I may have had another minute that I could have taken off the run but it would not have changed the race other than making the last 47 minute 10k a horrible experience.  As it was, I had fun and was happy to do it.  

Notes: 5k PR

9th overall of 576 
3rd in 35-39 age group  

I raced this with Jodie and Jayne.  It is a new format where girls get a head start and the guys "chase" them down.  I haven't raced a 5k as an adult so I had no idea where I would finish.  www.skirtchaser5k.com

The first mile was a little too fast is all I could say.  I was very happy to be under 19 minutes since I am not known as a "speed demon".  I felt a little pain afterwards and hope it will go away and I can chalk it up to over-exertion.  I realized I am NOT the 5k type.   

I just gave Grant, my son, something to shoot for.

Notes: PR for the run split for this distance!

8th overall 
1st in 40-44 age group  

This was another race I jumped into at the last minute.  I hadn't really put much thought into a "plan" for this race other than to just take it smooth and see how things felt in a race on a long course bike.  

The swim was a horrible disaster and we will leave it at that.  It did cost me a few overall  positions. 

I stayed aero for 99.5 percent of the ride as the wind did pick up (as advertised).  I paid for using a new saddle.  and was off the bike for a few days afterwards.  

The run went well and after a strange quad cramp, I ran a solid and steady effort.  I'd kill for an Ironman split at this pace!

Thanks to Dad and Trish for standing out there.  Thanks to Jayne for racing the sprint and finishing 1st in her age group!!!!

Notes: USAT National Championship  - - QUALIFIED!

9th overall 
1st in 40-44 age group  

My goal for this race was simple, I really didn't have one.  Janet just invited me two days before the event started.  I needed to see where I was at tri-wise and it seemed like a good chance so I bit on the lure.  

It was raining, super windy, cold and very cold water temp.  Also the run was all trail, wet, hilly, muddy and downright sloppy.  Not really my cup of tea but I did what I could do.  My final time shows the difficulty of the course.  

I learned some lessons about coming back from an injury and stayed fairly contained probably didn't help me on the hills on the bike or the run but got me to the finish.  I won the age group by about 6 minutes.  There is much work to be done so I'm off to do it!

Notes: Marathon PR and that means....... I am headed back to Boston in 2010!!

79th overall of 4019
11th of 371 in 35-39 age group  

My goal for this race was just to finish in under 3:30.  After the first couple miles, I knew something great may happen.  By mile 16 things just couldn't go very wrong.  I met some great guys out there on the course that kept me going, in check and on pace.  Christian told me to make my move at about 23.  I did so and was able to pick it up. 

My back does not hurt any more than before I left for the weekend. What a HUGE step forward this was for me!

Needing a 3:15 for Boston, I completely shattered it.  

Jayne had a great Half Marathon "A race"  and set herself a brand spanking new PR as well at "The Pig."  Great work, race prep and the perfect attitude go a very long way in endurance sports.  

Notes: Okay.....a PR!

Finished 44th overall and 8th in a very tough age group.  

My goal for this race was just to finish and start off a good year after the worst of my life.  Many people dream of racing in Boston.  Last year I was able to and to this day cannot remember much of it due to the horrible events that followed that day in 2008.  It is time to move forwards!!  

Thank you to Jayne who completed her first "Train for your A race" despite horrible back pain.  

Notes: 1st race ever I was not able to complete

One month after back surgery......what should you expect me to do?  

Thank you dad for coming.  Thank you Jayne for calling me constantly to make sure I was okay.  I had to fight with all I had to even go and take part in this event.  Missing Hawaii by minutes last year then having to follow it up with a medical DNF. Knowing you will not finish before you start is a tough pill to swallow.  

This was a very hard weekend for me.  I would like to forget it very soon.

Notes: 1st race in a while where I didn't PR :-(

Finished in the top 25% overall out of 21,963.

This was a very tough day for me.  I had been having serious back spasms for the two weeks leading into the race.  I was unable to run more than 16 miles 
for a long run for the month leading up to the race due to my back.  

I held back about 20 seconds per mile on the downhills and ran the first half 
at 1:32:50, which put me right around a 7:00 pace.  My personal goal was to 
hold this for the entire race and finish with a PR around 3:05-3:10.  

Unfortunately the lack to training and back pain grabbed me at about mile 16
and my last 10 miles were absolutely dreadful.  I did not walk despite my body begging for it.  

The City of Boston was neat and eventually we will be back.  I met Tim DeBoom out there and enjoyed meeting Natalie from Craft.  

With the right training and a healthy back, I am pretty sure I can nab this course 
in around 3:05.  It was filled with tradition and respect.  I ran by Dick and Ricky Hoyt near "Heartbreak Hill."  The course was tough but not as bad as I 
expected.  I look forward to tackling it in a couple years.  

Getting to Kona remains my number one passion, desire and goal.  

Notes: 1/2 Marathon PR!

Finished 6th in my age group. I was 27th overall out of 675.

This was an absolutely beautiful day!  I love Palm Springs and even with the back issues I have had lately, had a very decent race.  I have to admit, I was unusually nervous about this race the day before.  My goal was just to run marathon speed and stay strong and relaxed for the whole race.  

Everyone started off really fast and I had to fight myself from pushing too early.  It paid off however as I passed a lot of people in the closing miles of the event.  The temperature at race start was in the mid 40's and crept up close to 70 by the end.  It was sunny and gorgeous!  I miss the area already.

There was a company taking photos.  Since I was alone on the trip, I will have to wait for them for pix for the website.  

All in all, I am happy with the results and know with some strength training I can run this race in under 1:30.  

Notes: Ironman Distance PR!

Finished 16th of 300 in 35-39 Age Group 
Finished 99th  of 1,560 Overall Finishers

I had a very good day.  My bike split was very good and I started off the run well.  I really could not ask to for too much more with the bad back and forced early taper.  I will be back next year and will give it another go.  Almost making it to Kona was an eye opener.  We all stood at roll down shaking as it got close.  What a great trip!!!  

Notes: Ironman Distance PR!

Finished 44th of 344 in 35-39 Age Group 
Finished 192nd  of 2,196 Overall

I had a fantastic day despite the bad start with the swim conditions.  Looking back I could have shaved a few minutes off the bike.  Once I get my GI situations straight on the run, I think I can run in the high 3:30s.  

Once the day heated up, it was beautiful, breezy but beautiful! 

I continue to improve at  this distance and look forward to the next challenge.  Photos from this event will be coming very soon. 

Notes: PR for Half Ironman!

Finished 2nd of 50 in 35-39 Age Group 
Finished 10th of 300 Overall
Qualified for National Half IM Championships
The swim was shortened a little due to cold water temperature

I traveled alone again to Virginia for this race. My good friends Jessica and Lance let me stay with them again.  What a lifesaver!!!  I was un-stressed, un-wound and un-frazzled leading into the event.  My resting heart rate was way down and I felt great!

The goal for the day was to go out smooth and finish with a gradual build.  The water was a cold 52 degrees and  my hands suffered from it (see my T1 time).  We all had to swim it so I cannot make excuses.  The rest of the race was fabulous and I was really happy to start the year off strong! 

Both my bike and run times were drastically slashed from 2006.  

Notes: I Qualified for the 2007 or 2008 Boston Marathon!!!!

Finished 40th of 463 in Age Group
Finished 176th of 3675 Overall 

This was my end of the 2006 major races event.  The weather was very cold and windy at gun time.  It warmed up a little bit but the wind was still upwards of 20mph and right in our faces for the last 6-7 miles!

I learned a lot about myself and my distance running abilities and limits today.  I really think this will be a HUGE mental boost for upcoming Ironman races.  I know the speed is there, it is just going to be applying everything correctly on race day. 

Not knowing what to expect for a stand alone marathon was interesting.  I had no idea where I would finish this.  All was good!  I am SORE now though!

Sorry my watch was forgotten on some of the mile splits.  They were anywhere from 8:02 (1st mile) to 6:35. 

Notes: 10 mile PR! (okay, this was my first 10 mile race)

Finished 23rd of 581 in Age Group
Finished 275th of 7612 Overall 

This was another race I signed up for at the last minute.  I went in hoping to run a pace between 6:45 and 7:30.  I really had no idea what I would run.  When I saw just over 33 minutes at the half way point, the decision was made to keep pushing on.  I went there with my friend Lisa and ran into several people I knew.  There were a bunch from right here in Laingsburg competing.  It was a fun day, despite 88% humidity at race start.

Mile Splits: 6:52, 6:36, 6:45, 6:49, 6:40, 6:40, 6:44, 6:33, 6:36, 6:15  

Notes: Olympic Distance PR!

Finished 2nd of 81 Overall 
Goal Attained (Top 3 Overall for Olympic Distance)

This was a race I was not sure I was going to do.  It was during my healing process from IM.  The race was only 4 miles from my house so it was pretty hard to turn it down.  We had a fantastic turn out from our local tri group and captured a ton of hardware.  

I think the run was shorter than the advertised distance but it went well.  I didn't have a ton of energy but was able to keep it at a steady, smooth pace.  It was a gorgeous morning for a race!

Notes: Ironman Distance PR!

Finished 74th of 418 in 35-39 Age Group 
Finished 290th  of 2,135 Overall

I had a Great day with some ups and major downs on the run.  I will only continue to get better at this distance.  It is my love and passion.  With a little more training and coaching, I hope to end up in Kona.  I still need to drop another 40 minutes.  Considering I dropped 53 from my last IM finish, that looks like it may be possible!

The next IM will be in Idaho during the 2007 season.

Thanks to all my family, friends and training partners that got me through this!  I was a great trip and race.

Notes: Ist Olympic top 5!

Finished 1st of 21 in 35-39 Age Group 
Finished 5th of 133 Overall

What a terrific day!  It was hot and sunny.  We had a ton of friends that raced different races there.  My brother John, Seth, Chad, Jenna, Steve, Jennifer and AJ and more!  Everyone did well and had a great time.  

Just like our last race, Seth and I met a the end of the run.  We both pushed hard all day long and showed how close training partners can finish, even with different strengths.  We were 10 seconds apart crossing the line!

Everything feels okay and my next race is IRONMAN!

Notes: PR for Half Ironman!

Finished 8th of 35 in 35-39 Age Group 
Finished 20th of 221 Overall
Qualified for National Half IM Championships

I traveled alone to Virginia for this race. Staying with my friends, I was able to relax and concentrate on having a good race.  The weather did not cooperate.  It started raining on the last loop of the swim and intensified until I got off the bike.  Luckily the run was just humid.  There was a little break in the clouds just in time for me to finish.  

This was a great experience for me.  All the hard work over the winter and early rides this spring paid off.  This helped build confidence for Ironman USA.  I know what I need work on and know where I can rely on my speed.  It is all a puzzle that I need to keep putting together.  

I met two other Amino Vital sponsored athletes while on the course.  We were all riding and running together for several miles of this race.  It was a neat thing to see and I wish someone would have had a camera!

My injuries that ruined last season did not nag me at all.   Other than not having any family support at the race, I had a wonderful day!

Thanks to Lance and Jessica for the hospitality! 

Notes: PR for 13.1 despite being the first race of the season!

Finished 2nd of 14 in 2 person Family Relay Division
Finished 50th of 400 Overall

I ran this race with my Brother John.  He ran the first leg in 1:47 and achieved his PR.  I planned on running around an 8:00 pace.  When John came in early, I took off and everything felt great.  I kept up the pace and decided not to make his efforts fruitless.

I was able to stay right around 7:00 despite running the entire way into the wind.  My shin did not bother me a bit during the race.   We had a great time and our father came to cheer us on.  This was a great start to the season. 

Notes: PR for 10k despite the weather

Finished 13th of 328 in Age Group
Finished 124th of 4429 Overall

I ran this race with my Brother and Sister.  We are still working towards this being an annual event.  Mother nature did not help out this year.  Leading up the the start the temps were around 15 degrees and the wind was howling. 

At mile 1, I had to tuck my fingers inside my gloves and make a fist for warmth.  I didn't plan on running litespeed this race, just make it through.  Well, I slowly started it increase my speed by about mile three.  Things started feeling okay so I kicked it up one more notch for the way in.  

I ran a little harder on the backstretch but still not out of my shoes. Closing the year at the 42:00 mark, with all my leg injuries is a success in my book.  I have no residual pain, other than normal quad issues.  My shin feels good and I plan on running again (easy) next week. I have a feeling I am on the way back! 

John and Jackie both finished again around 58:50.  Jackie said she would be really happy with 1:00:00 so YOU GO GIRL!!!!  

Notes:

Finished 1st of 31 in the 35-39 age group. I was 9th overall out of 183 in the Olympic race.

I am very pleased with the results for this race.  It was my first Age Group Win at this distance.  Everything felt really good.  I felt no pain on the run and had no pain the day afterwards.  

I was within seconds of the overall bike splits.  It was nice to hear someone tell me I was in 6th place during the run.  I was passed by some twenty somethings but felt was really happy to not see a 35-39 age grouper make a run passed me.

Jenna and Margie also competed in this event. We all rode to the race together and all took home 1st place in our respective divisions!  Great job ladies!!!

I am really excited about the future and look forward to next tri season.

Notes:

Finished 2nd of 41 in the 35-39 age group. I was 7th overall out of 296.

I am pretty pleased with the results for this race due to it being my first tri since Ironman.  The water was above 80 degrees so no wetsuits.  I was second overall after the bike leg!!!  I still obviously need some work on the run but am happy I made it without anything breaking or getting really sore. 

Notes:

Okay, there wasn't much competition in the relay category.  We won by 26 minutes!  Thank you Nikki Norris and Bob Murphy!

This was my first competition after a huge layoff due to injury. I entered the race as a relay so I could give my fracture some time to heal and still taste competition. 

Here is the kicker.  My goal was to average 25+mph on the bike.  I was at 27mph average at mile 6.  I hit a pot hole at 30mph and went over the handle bars. I got up off the pavement, placed my chain back on and finished out the race. You cannot let your relay team down!

This was supposed to be a nice comeback and here are my results.... I went to the Dr. on Monday:  Separated shoulder, strained neck, mild concussion and a nice case of road rash.  Not to mention the $400+ damage to my bike.  I'll be out of the pool and off the bike for about a week or so.  My helmet was broken badly.  THIS WAS A GREAT LESSON FOR PEOPLE TO WEAR YOUR HELMETS!!!

It was a bad fall but it could have been worse.  I look forward to another race soon. You cannot keep me down!

Notes:

Finished 4th in my age group. I was 29th overall out of 174.

This was a great race.  I went there just hoping to run 9:00s as a training run. After the first three miles, I looked down and was at 21:08.  I saw a friend up ahead and decided to run the rest of the way with him.  We tried to hold on to a little over seven minute pace.  It was way faster than I had planned but I was feeling pretty good!  

No problems with the knee on this day. I tried to kick it the last mile but couldn't really pick it up too much.  Thanks to Dillon for making this a great day.  I believe this was a 1/2 marathon PR!

Notes:

Finished 103 out of 307 in my age group!  I was 457th overall out of 2188. 

The swim was long and a battle after the first left turn.  I was very happy with 1:13.  I think I could actually swim faster next time.

I took the bike very easy and actually raced at my training speed.  I past over 400 
people on the bike.  At miles 85-112, I past a TON of people like they were standing still.  The long, solo training rides paid off.  I stuck photos of Trish and the boys on my aero bars to keep me company. Next IM, I plan to take it less conservative on the bike and average about 20.5 to 21mph.   

I had some sodium issues on the run and was forced to walk or stop for good.  
Despite all the problems on the run, I loved it!  I had NO problems with my knee 
whatsoever!  I know I can run this at least a half hour faster.

I see no reason why I cannot do a sub 11 hour Ironman in the near future.  I love 
this distance and look forward to number two!

Notes:

Finished 3rd out of 35 in my age group!  I was 18th overall out of 376! 

The swim was a  one loop triangle and packed with people in the first wave.  Despite getting beat up at the start, I had a good, strong swim.  I found open water between the fast and slow packs and cruised through.  

T1 was a little long.  I couldn't get my helmet fastened for a few seconds.  I got myself together and took off on the bike. 

Trish and the boys were volunteers.  They said I made up some ground and was 10th overall after the bike.  I pushed hard and forced some stuff down that was coming up from inside.  I wanted to try to average 23mph and was close.

The run was hot and not shaded.  I didn't want to get passed  by more than a couple men.  I think about 8-10 went by me near the mid point.  At mile 4 I started to pick up the pace and passed a couple back.  I saw my brother John running out as I was coming in.  He did the duathlon.  Pretty soon I could see the finish area and ran hard through the last stretch of a small trail, through a parking lot and through the finish.

Trish and the boys were there handing out towels and water.  How awesome it was to see them there.

I had a great race and was overjoyed to find I reached Goal #2 of placing top three in an Olympic distance race by the end of 2005.

Notes:

Finished 1st out of 21 in my age group!  I was 5th overall out of 217! 

The swim was a triangle.  I was third in my age group of of the water! I hammered the bike and tied for the fasted average speed of the day!  My run felt flat and the pain in my knee came back if I pushed too hard. 

I've been practicing long and slow on the run and it shows.  The speed just wasn't 
there.  At least I gave myself a huge cushion on the bike and it held up!  I was only 3:00 out of first place overall.  I can easily make that up on the run when I'm healthy again.

Notes:

Finished 1st out of 10 in my age group!  The swim was out and back 500x2.  I was at 7:15 when I exited the water the first time.  I felt better as the race progressed and found open water.  There was a really long run to T1.  I ended up having the best swim time in my age group.  I NEVER thought I'd say that!

The bike had a few rollers and a large hill at the end.  I really pushed the bike hard.  I only was passed one time.  

The run was boring and I was spent from the bike.  I started slow and then built up with about 2 miles left.  I ran the last mile as hard as I could. I WAS NOT GOING TO GET PASSED AT THE END.  Good thing too because I won the age group by :09!

My brother John was second in his age group in the duathlon.  It was a great day 
for the family.

Notes:

Finished 7th out of 31 in my age group. (Top Ten by 2005 GOAL ATTAINED!!) 

After the first lap I had an outstanding swim.  13:00+ at the split and kept a good 
pace.  I fought with the new wetsuit and watch exiting the water, hence the poor T1 time.

The bike went well despite the problems with the new cassette. I think we set 
something on it in the truck or someone hit it with their MT. Bike in the transition area.    

The run was a trail run (last minute by 3d).  ** It was advertised as 6.2 then 6.8 but I feel it was about 7.2.  I think I ran about 7:40s.  The trail was really poor and I do not know if I'll do this one again because of it.

It was a great first race of the season. Thanks Jackie for the swim help!  A 6 minute swim improvement is huge!

Notes:

Finished 75 Overall of 595 people

This was my first attempt at running any distance since February 8th.  This was due to the knee injury.  My plan was to run somewhere around 8:00 miles.  I started slow and kept increasing the pace.  I really didn't look at the watch too much after the first couple miles.  I was able to sprint the finish on the track without too much pain.  

After the race, we rode 45.  The next day we rode 130.  I had a little knee pain after the ride but nothing near where it has been.  I have higher hopes now!!!

Notes:

Finished 288 Overall (Over 5000 people)

I ran this race with my Brother and Sister.  It was their first organized race ever.  They both finished!!!!!!! 

 **The plan was to run this together but after mile 1 I turned around and didn't see them. I jogged in place until almost the 12 minute mark.  I still never saw them pass.  I ended up running the race at my own pace from there.  My goal for the next 10k is sub 40 minutes.  I averaged a  6:20 pace for the last 5.2 miles of this race and I can go faster. 

I think we'll run a couple more small races before spring 2004.  In May it looks like we may do a 1/2 Marathon together at the Indy Speedway.  This will be good prep for the Tri season that starts in June!!!

Notes:

Finished 26th in Age Group (58) Finished 149 Overall (374)

This race was my first ½ Ironman. I was conned into it by a friend last November and have lived and breathed Steelhead since then.

I took 4 weeks off tris before Steelhead to really concentrate on distance and form. I went for  12 mile  run the first week of August.  Of course I felt great in the morning but FORGOT to stretch because I was too busy yelling (like a selfish tri guy) at my son and wife to hurry up and get on their bikes to come with me. I developed what I learned was PF in my right foot that day and had to completely stay away from running for three weeks.  I did run one mile between the beginning of August and September 14, the day of Steelhead.

RACE DAY:

We arrived at 6:00am to set up our transition spots in the dark.  I couldn’t have been any better organized but felt like I was forgetting everything.  After doing everything 12 times, was getting nervous.  

SWIM –

It was time to get suited up and test out the water.  It was 68 but could have been 45 and I would not have known any different.  I couldn’t even breathe as I took a few warm up strokes.  My heart was in my throat.  The longest I have ever swam was a mile in the pool.   The whole family came down to see me off……I was really impressed they cared so much about this race.  Someone sang the national anthem and the next thing I knew I was swimming.

I have never swam in swells before and the buoys were few and far between.  There were times I would look ahead and saw nothing but water.  I was actually out in the open a lot and could settle into whatever sort of floundering rhythm I have.   

BIKE –

Lovely rainy and windy day for a bike ride!  I had ridden the course so I knew what was in store.  My hydration and food was perfectly timed and I felt great there but on the home stretch into the wind I had nothing left 13 miles of really slow riding…STUPID, you just ruined your race!!!!  I knew better.   I lowered the gears and spun out the last three miles.

RUN -

Okay, remember I haven’t run for over a month.  The hill at the first mile, I had seen before so I knew what was there…..tricky tricky.  It hurt more going down than up.  I took the run really slow taking a sip or two of Gatorade and ½ a water and dumping ½ on my head at every aid station. I was averaging 9:00 miles….really slow for me but I thought “this is a ½ Ironman…pace yourself”.  My heart rate monitor was stationary at my magic number the whole run.  I saw more of my family than I did competition. They were cheering and my little boys were yelling, “Go daddy”.  How could I not place the medal around their necks?

At mile 10 I knew I would see them at the line….the question was when?  I thought about stepping it up to my 10k pace but declined at the thought of not knowing what my body would do.  I was not cramping and I actually felt great other than my legs let me down.  With 1.2 mile left I heard the announcers in the distance,  I stepped it up. I ran that final 1.2 in 6:36!  My three year old was waiting just before the finish.  He held my hand and I pretty much carried him across the line by the arm!  I was pumped to finish strong!  

My goal was  5:24.  Not knowing what ½ IM was all about I was pretty close.

Afterwards I felt great but a little sore in the legs.  I ate my first cheeseburger and fries in a year that night.

When I got home I went over everything in my head and downloaded my heart rate monitor.

What a great experience!!!!!  Hey I’m in the 30-34 age group and I own the middle.  I finished 11^th once this year and only can get faster from here on out!  I love this sport and have a wonderful cheering and support section.  My wife bought me a massage at our health club for today but I’m still too sore to use it !

Triathlon has given me a much needed new direction in my life.  I am in great shape, and for the most part feeling like the glass is half full!!!!

Notes:

Finished 25th in Age Group (50) Finished 112 Overall (383)
What great weather for a race!  Not a rain cloud in the sky.  This was a great venue for a triathlon.  There were over 400 volunteers and the community seemed to really get into the race.  There were a bunch of people on their laws spraying you with their hose if you wanted it and cheering for you. 

The swim was a rectangle.  One loop in clear water.  The water temp was 80 degrees and NO wetsuits were allowed!  This was my first race like this so I was a little nervous. All in all, I did okay in the swim  and actually improved my swim time 2:00 over the Seahorse Olympic (wetsuit race). I started off to the left and was able to freestyle all the way! 

The bike was a one loop course and very flat.  I was disappointed in he some of the roads as far as how rough they were.  The flat terrain was actually challenging because there were no spots to give your legs a rest.  I did average 22mph, still improving!

The run was bittersweet.  I started with cramps and could not get a good pace down so I had to back off to about 70 percent.  It was hard to even get water down.  At mile 5, I started to push back to my normal pace and by mile 5.5 I started to push harder to the finish.  My goal was to run under 7:15 per mile but I still improved over my last Olympic distance race.

The competition was very good and I am happy with my improvements.  It will take time but I'll place top 10 in a couple years.

Next up,  the Steelhead 1/2 Ironman!  I am really nervous but excited about this race. I'll have most of my family there for support to help me cross that finish line.  I am looking  forward to it!

Notes:

Finished 11th in Age Group (38) Finished 64 Overall (408)
The swim felt okay but I found myself drifting to the right a lot!  I did improve my 
time on the swim from the Ann Arbor race of the same distance.  The bike course was really windy! I thought I would have averaged over 22mph by the middle of the bike but the wind really picked up a lot!  Wow I still cannot believe I ran under 7 minute miles! I started out really slow on the run too.  I picked it up at the end and really pushed hard.

A few weeks until Sylvania.  I need to work on swimming and longer runs.  I am 
giving up too much time in the water.  I also need to go riding when it its windy 
and work on hills.  All in all I am happy with this result!

Notes:

Finished 15th in Age Group (24) Finished 62 Overall (153)
The swim finally felt better despite the much longer distance (almost double the 
Ann Arbor race).  I let a few people go first and stayed to the outside.  I was able 
to freestyle the whole way.  With a swim coach I can do better.  I'll keep working it 
out! I felt strong on the bike again.  I think I still can go faster though.  I tried to 
save some for the run.  I need to eat a gel pack on the bike as it is too much to 
digest while running.  The run was hilly and I know I can do better.  I was surprised of the 7:35 pace.  I plan on averaging around 7:00 soon.  I will take a few weeks off between races to work on brick practice.  I am realizing the competition is greater in these longer races and I cannot expect to place for a long time.  I have to work hard but have fun with it.

Notes:

Finished 26th in Age Group (71) Finished 111 Overall (492)
Felt terrible on the swim.  People swam all over me, kicking screaming, yelling 
and swearing.  I had to breast stroke a lot.  I was nervous about the new distance.  Before the race I looked at the swim course and got butterflies. I felt strong on the bike - all large chain ring!  I passed a lot of riders.  I started the run very strong - sub 7s but died due to steep hills on the trail run  I need swimming and running off the bike practice. The competition in these longer races is 100 times the shorter races.

Notes:

Finished 1st in Age Group (21) Finished 11th Overall (98)  
Still felt very nervous on the swim.  I need work on both Transition times.  I can run faster but have to practice running off the bike.

Notes:

Finished 3rd in Age Group (10) Finished 12th Overall (44)  
First Event.  Poor breathing on swim.  I had to breast stroke for several minutes. 
I could not believe how hard the swim portion was!  Poor T1 time.  I did have a 
blast though!