2012 Season in Review...

To sum my 2012 racing season up in a few words:

"Slow start - strong finish!"   (I peaked in September vs June like usual)  

"Media Whore" (my pic in 2 newspapers, on TV and in a national e-mail campaign)

"I'm a T'Roadie" (triathlete now racing as CAT4 road cyclist)

The highlights of the season were:

• Overall Winner - Tour of the Valley a three day bike stage race - (CATV - road racing)
• Rev3 Full Ironman Triathlon - 12th overall, 2nd in AG and a new personal best of 10:22...
• 3rd place overall finish at the HFP Vermilion Olympic Triathlon (my highest Olympic overall finish).
• Raced in China, USA and New Zealand

Racing in Shanghai, China

When the 2012 season started, I had recently taken a new position (VP Operations) with a new company (Nook Industries), and was very unsure how much time I would have to devote to training.  The other, lesser factor, was that I usually peak in June and am burned out in August/September... and I wanted to start my heavy training later to try to adjust.

Me and 30,000+ Chinese at the start
of the Shanghai International Marathon

I was lucky enough to race in China (Shanghai Half Marathon) to begin the season, and New Zealand (Christchurch Half Marathon) to finish the season! I'm rather lucky to find races to do when I am traveling overseas...


My winter training months were mostly work-focused and honestly, my training was not very good.


That was until I started run training with a local professional triathlete.  I was preparing for a spring marathon and he was preparing for an early season Ironman and we made for a great pair for run training.  We did a 23 mile run together that seemed to only last 20 minutes... and were able to push ourselves rather hard on the track in speed workouts (where Jim would bury me...).  The great thing was that it broke me out of my training rut and got me motivated for the season.



And... I'm SPENT!!!

Springtime came and I was ready for a sub 3:00 marathon...  but race day came, and it was 85F+ and any hopes of a fast marathon evaporated in the heat.  That was a disappointing day, to say the least.



In June, I raced Deer Creek and Maumee Bay Olympic triathlons, which were only so-so for me.  Definitely not as fast as the year before, but my plan was to peak a few months later.  Patience.  But it sucked feeling slow on courses where I know I have gone faster in the past...

While I am a very strong cyclist, and a "student of the sport"...  My past Coach  kept me from doing road races or crits because of the risk of crashes / injury (which I understand).   This year, I was determined to race and see what I could do...



SnakeBite Racing - before TOV Road Race

I started with the local "Westlake Crit Series" and found immediate success...  it was a lot of fun, and gave a chance to practice tactics with my other teammates before going into the big races.  I won money my first night and every week I raced Westlake! I gave all that money to my two sons, who were noticeably more supportive of my bike racing! :)    Won a few races, got on the podium some more and helped other teammates to win.  More importantly, I was in LOVE with the sport of bike racing!



The 3 day Tour Of the Valley cycling race in July was the pinacle of the bike racing season for me...
After a disappointing 3rd place in the Time Trial Friday evening, I took 3rd in the Road Race Saturday morning and then closed out the weekend with a 2nd in the Crit on Sunday.  Those points combined together in the "General Classification" and I was the overall winner in CAT5!  It was really exciting, and my SnakeBite Racing teammates were a huge help before and of course during the races!  Plus, the 3 day race weekend was simply a lot of FUN with friends and teammates.  (race report)

I was able to petition USA Cycling for an early upgrade to CAT 4 based on my results.   I'm pleased to be racing at the next level in 2013 and can't wait to work with my SnakeBite Racing cycling teammates to find more success for the team!





3rd place overall - Olympic Distance - Vermilion Triathlon



During July and August, I was focused on preparing for the Ironman distance Rev3 Cedar Point in September.  Another professional triathlete was in town for the summer and we did some great long training rides together.  In addition to being pushed to grind it out for 120 miles, I learned a LOT about better ways to pace and train on the long rides to finish strong.  It must've helped a lot, because I turned in a 5:02 bike split at Rev3, which was the 2nd fastest on the day!!

A pleasant surprise was the HFP Vermilion Triathlon in August.  It is one of the "local" races and I wanted to do it, even though my body was wrecked from the ironman training.  Long story short, I had a solid bike and pushed the run to finish 3rd overall - which has been my highest overall finish in an Olympic distance Triathlon.  This also served to qualify me for the 2013 National Championships!  (race report)



Rev3 Cedar Point - Full Iron...
Felt good to finally be done!

After some more hard weeks of training, it was time for the Rev3 Full Iron triathlon at Cedar Point. 


I ended up 2nd in my age group and 12th overall... and more importantly, took about 20 minutes of my prior best time to set my new best of 10 hours 22 minutes!


As you can read in my race report, I had a great day and my best ironman finish, despite having to slow my run down due to some significant "GI" issues during the marathon.








Christchurch, New Zealand - Half Marathon

One week after my big race, I was in China for a week on business, and then headed down to visit a supplier in New Zealand for a few days.  I was lucky enough to squeeze in the Christchurch Half Marathon over the weekend, where I ran a comfortable 1h30min... which was pretty good considering the extensive traveling and time zone changes I had gone through in the previous days!




All-in-all, the "start slower, peak later" strategy paid off.  It was just difficult to hit the early races not feeling my very best...  but I had my best August and September - so it was so worth it!

Rev3 Cedar Point Race Report - Full Rev - new PR (10:22)

This was my 6th Ironman distance triathlon, and this one didn't disappoint!  This year I set a new PR at 10 hours 22 minutes... which bested my previous PR of 10:40... finished 12th overall and 2nd in my age group in a major iron distance race... and renewed my confidence that I can break 10 hours in the next year or two.  I was on track to do so this year, but stomach/GI problems forced me to walk the aid stations and stop in the porta-potties a couple of times.  That's all part of the experience!

 This season, I was 50/50 if I was going to be able to pull off proper training for an IM distance race, given my new job as VP Operations with a new company I had started the fall before...  then in a bit of luck in early summer, I fell bass-ackwards into a Rev3 slot and that sealed the deal.

In the spring, I had been doing a lot of my run training with Jim LaMastra as he prepared for his first full season on the Pro circuit and in the summer AJ Baucco (2 years Pro) and I spent some solid time on the bike together.  I learned quite a bit about training at the next level from these two successful athletes.  I am simply amazed and impressed at the "next level" of dedication, focus, work and sacrifice that these guys have...  Much respect!

We hosted an out of town professional, Justin Harris for the days before and after the race. Another hard working and amazing athlete, who was racing his first Ironman distance as a Pro. Justin is a great guy who is going to have a bright future in the sport. I thought his goal of going 9 hours in his first Ironman was "aggressive"... but he came in at 9:02 (finishing just out of the money).

I found this note from Amy tucked into my race bag the night before the race...  It meant a lot to me!!  : )

I have to say, my family (Amy in particular) have always been supportive of what is often a "selfish" sport... especially when it comes to ironman training... many long hours on the road on the 12 weekends before the race... (6 hours bike rides, 3 hour runs).  Without their love and support, I could never do this, and certainly not do it successfully!!  THANK YOU GUYS!!


The Race:  2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile marathon... 10:22:36 (12 overall and 2nd in AG)


Swim:   2.4 miles - 1:10 (nothing special - plan was to go super-easy)
The mass start was moved off the beach into the water a bit because of extended shallows (about 400m)... so we did a "knee deep mass start" of about 400 athletes.  My plan was to start the day easy, find some feet to folow if possible, and get my day off to a good start.  I have enough experience now to know I can drive myself mad trying to save 5 minutes in the swim only to be a head case or tired when I come out of the water and look at my watch... 

I stayed extremely calm during the first 1.2 mile loop... conserving energy and emotion...  I felt great after the first loop and decided to push the pace just a bit on the second loop.  To my luck, I found a "good pair of feet" early in the second lap and jumped on them.  I let this guy "carry" me to the end of the swim course and thanked him as I passed him running into Transition.  I meant it sincerely, but I don't think he cared for it.

Bike:  112 miles - 5:02 (2nd fastest overall split - 22.2mph - plan was to be 5:10)
This is my strength, the bike, and I know this course well.  Much of my long-distance training this summer was along the main loop of the Rev3 course... a definite advantage to know my pacing and gearing and effort and such.

I held my effort back on the first loop, as planned, in order to avoid any kind of "blow up"...  this worked well and I was able to sustain my effort the entire bike course. Had I realized how close I would be to the 5:00 mark, I might have pushed the pace a bit more to break that symboic barrier

As I came to transition, knowing I had a good bike leg, Amy and the boys where there screaming and cheering for me - which was awesome.  Then Amy blew my mind and said that I was in 7th place overall coming off the bike!  I was excited to hear that, but then felt pressure of being so high up in such a large race!!

Run:  26.2 miles - 4:02 (stomach problems slowed me down 8 miles in...)
My head was spinning when I left transition... 7th place overall?  Yikes...  sad to say, that messed with my head a little at first.  I started out on the run feeling quite good, and my first couple of miles were about 7:00/mi pace... a little too quick, but felt good... but I needed to back off and slow down a bit or else die later...

About 5 miles into the marathon, I was averaging 7:27/mi pace when I was hit with a bad feeling in my GI system...   it required me to stop at a porta-potty and try to get things out.  No dice...  so after a few wasted minutes, I started to run again... but the feeling kept hitting me and forcing me to walk from time to time.  Very frustrating - as I was on pace to be very near to the 10:00 mark.

Carry on, that's what Ironman racing is all about... mind vs body vs luck.

Coming to the half-marathon turn-around, I saw Amy and the boys and some other friends... which was a great lift to my spirits... 127.5 miles down... 13.1 to go!!

I was able to see the Pros at the head of thier race... It was cool since I knew a few of them personally and others just from following the sport. They were finishing up (8:31 won the race) as I was into my second lap... I cheered those guys on and then focused on finishing up my own race.

Unfortunatley, I had to walk each aid station to refuel what my body was begging for, but my stomach was rejecting...  UGH... that feeling just sucks...

But then again...  that's what Ironman racing is all about... mind vs body vs luck.

Coming into the last couple of miles, I kept an eye on my watch and saw I was  close to being under 10:25... a significant milestone... so I pushed myself to make sure I did that.  I actually started to run and feel well again (go figure) and had a decent last couple of miles.

Amy and the boys were right there to greet my exhausted self as I crossed the finish line, stopping the clock at 10:22:36 - an 18 minute PR for me, and good enough for 12th place overall (out of ~ 400 who did the Full Rev) and 2nd place out of 48 in my age group.

Post Race:
Well, I was exhausted, as you might imagine... all I wanted to do was sit down... and sit I did...

They had a NorTech tent (compression recovery equipment) and I happily took a turn in there.  I liked the equipment and the way it helped make me feel as the day began to sink into my mind.  I did it... at 40 years old, I got faster yet again, and beat most of the field racing... many (most?) of whom were younger than me.  I know I only have a couple years left before I start the inevitable decline... but I am enjoying every minute of it right now!!

After getting some needed post-race nutrition and family time in...  I collected my gear, said good-by to the family (who drove back earlier because it was a 'school night').  I then stayed for a few more hours cheering in teammates, friends and random strangers who were putting themselves through the mental and physical torture that is an Ironman distance triathlon... 140.6 miles... 



What a great event!


It was a pleasure to have to call off work for the next day (Monday) so that I could attend the awards banquet / ceremony to collect my "goodies" for my 2nd place AG finish, and to see the "big checks" being handed out to the Professional Men and Women.

Rev3 Cedar Point Full Rev (Ironman Distance Triathlon) - PR 10:40:39!!

2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run... 140.6 miles in 10 Hours 40 Minutes 39 Seconds!!
This was my 5th Ironman Distance race - 12:18, 11:50, 11:46 and 11:45 were my past races... My goal for this race (and for life) was to find a way to break 11 hours. Sunday was 10:40. Unreal! I crushed my previous PR by 1 hour 5 minutes and FELT GREAT doing it! I came in 40th out of > 500 who started the day and 7th in my age group. One of the best parts was that there were so many people that I knew doing the race and watching the race... so the encouragement was there before, during and after! Plus I got to watch some of my friends finish their first ever Iron Distance race - a very special occasion!

My 2010 season has been incredible! I ran my first Boston Marathon, had a big PR at Olympic Distance Triathlon this year (2:10:00) and I've won my age group in virtually all of my races this year. I worked so hard this year getting ready for this race and had great coaching from Gregg Brekke (http://www.gbcoaching.com/gbc/index.html/) this season. My training volume was up a whopping 20% versus my 2009 Ironman preparation. My family was incredibly supporting and understanding to my demanding training schedule this year... I mean REALLY supportive!

I was set for a super race - if I could keep myself on plan during the bike leg and have a decent marathon (past problem is I hit the bike leg too hard and blow up early in the marathon leg). This year was different... I stuck to the plan exactly during the race (1:13 swim vs 1:15 plan and 20.8mph bike vs 20.8mph plan - despite bothersome wind) which led to my first sub 4-hour Ironman marathon (3:58 vs 4:39 last year and a 4:20 my best case plan)!


Pre-race:
I was so (too?) relaxed in the days before the race. I was getting worried that I wan't mentally prepared for the challenge that ironman distance racing brings. I was worried I would be flat on race day. I was wrong to worry! I simply didn't get worked up and waste energy before the race, and I was able to sleep 6+ hours both nights! Friday night was the private opening night for Cedar Point - I ran around the park like a little kid... I rode the Top Thill Dragster 4 times - 0 to 120mph in 4 seconds... it is the BEST sensation! (OK - second best... my Iron PR Sunday felt better!!)

Race morning was great. I woke up before my alarm at 4:11am and was able to lay in bed an quietly think through the day - visualizing the challenging places on the course, and how I was going to handle the difficulty of the marathon. Then I was up, got my things together, and met Mike Cousino (Mikey Donuts), Mike Briehl (Aero-DB) and Michelle to head to transition. My bike was racked in the same row as Ken Beech (Tuesday morning track buddy) and teammate Mike Briehl. Cousino was just a few rows over. We could all talk to each other and get a few pictures - and help each other out. Still relaxed... had my headphones in... listing to my IronMix.

Time to head back to the hotel, grab the wetsuit and get a "good luck" kiss from Amy and the rest of my pre-race nutrition in me. Then down to the beach to join the masses who were ready to start the day. The sunrise must have been delayed, because it was still dark at 6:40am (10 minutes before pro start)... they announced a 10 minute delay. Fine. Amy found me on the beach, we talked again, another kiss... some pictures... and it was time to get in the start area. I saw the Mikes as I walked toward the front of the mass start and waited with Ken Beech for the gun to fire.

Calm... focused... READY...

SWIM (1:13 - 69th overall):
Mass swim start of 400+ from the beach was an experience - with a long, shallow run through the water. I settled into a steady rythem right away - despite taking a big punch to the face that should have knocked off my goggles. The water was choppy, but not a problem for me since I've done plenty of open water swimming. I'm known as "Kenny Zig-Zag" and I lived up to the name. I would find feet for drafting and 10 strokes later, be off the pack to the side... over and over. I'm guessing I swam 3 miles to everyone else's 2.4. This winter I'm focusing on the swim (I've neglected it the past 3 seasons). This will be improved. My goal in this race was to put forth an even, strong effort.

I swam / dolphined as long as I could in the shallow approach to the beach. I've practiced this, and was gliding through the shallow waters through those who stood up too soon and were slogging their way to shore. Step, dive, gliiiiiide... repeat. Save energy... pass people. : ) I was 2 mintues faster than my goal, a good start to the day.

Transition 1 was very relaxed. I made a point of slowing down when getting my gear on for the bike. 5.5 hours is a long time to be on the bike if you get something wrong. Smooth, calm, relaxed and effective. Took a gel while in transition, wetsuit off, sunblock on, 3 minutes total - time well spent!

BIKE: (5:23 - 20.8mph - 38th overall - PR)
All of my past Ironman experiences have ended painfully and slowly because I've pushed the bike too hard and blown up in the run. My #1 priority for this race was to keep it under control on the bike. For me - this required restraint, espeically because the wind was really picking up, and changing directions a lot - so I was starting to worry about my time falling off the goal. I've focused on the bike this year and become incredibly strong compared to years past... and learned how and when to push it in the tailwinds, and how to hold the line in headwinds and keep my heart rate steady instead of spiking in the headwind and getting too low in the tailwinds.

Having ridden the course dozens of times this summer helped me know where to expect wind impact, what gear I needed for the hills and how fast I could take the turns. I have to say I rode the course extremely well that day. I held back (my training rides were all 21.5-22.0mph for 100 miles) and averaged 20.8 to make sure I had something for the run. The biggest challenge for me could have been the last 18 miles, which virtually seemed to be into headwinds... it wasn't that it was terribly hard - but it required my restraint to not push it into the wind. I didn't have to. I hammered in the tailwind sections and banked time beforehand, so I could ride the smart pace into the wind and not worry about my time. The other challenge was that nearly all of my second lap was a solo ride. Luckily, I ride my long rides alone and in concentration. I'm OK alone, I know how to push myself, and how to hold back when I need to. I don't get bored or stir crazy. I was lucky enough to come upon Marty Mason (SSSMT) and ride about 10 miles with him back and forth. It was clear neither of us wanted to push the bike too hard - holding back for the run.

For nutrition - I used what they had on course. Rev3 uses "Cera Sport" - an unusual sports drink - on their course. Knowing this, I practiced with "Cera Sport" for my long bike and run sessions to make sure it would work with me. This way - I could rely on a steady supply from the race course and not have to lug the extra weight of my own fluids. There is no way I could pack enough for 5+ hours on the bike anyway. To avoid past stomache issues, I rotated through gels, bars and chews during the bike. This worked perfectly!

Weeks of preparation and mental planning for how to ride the bike course SMART had finally paid off! I came into T2 in 38th place over-all and averaged 20.8mph - exactly where I wanted to be, despite the challenging winds. I felt GREAT and was ready to tackle the marathon. There was no trepidation or worry about the run. I had been going pretty hard for 6.5 hours now - and I still had to run a whole 26.2 mile marathon! Gotta love Ironman racing!

< RUN: (3:58 - 9:05/mi - 40th overall - PR )
When I came out of T2 (3:00 transition), I fell right into what felt like a very comfortable run... good turn-over, legs felt great, breathing good, HR right where I wanted it! YES! I was starting my marathon and the Pro Men were just starting their second lap of the marathon. I literally was running with them. Dave Thompson (#1 and in 2nd at the moment) was actually drafting off me the first 2 miles. When we came to an aid station, I pulled to the side and slowed a little to let him get to it first so I didn't interfere with him. Instead, he shoved me and yelled - KEEP RUNNING... so I did. I didn't realize it - but the first two miles were 7:07 and 7:17! OOPS! The pace felt good, and I was caught up in the excitement of the leaders and moving with them... but when I realized the pace, I knew I needed to pull that back - or else I would blow. It was suicidal. I dropped back to about 8:20 pace and held that effortlessly for the next 8 miles or so. Click, click, click... the miles went past, and I could not believe how good I felt! Of course, I started doing the math... this was going to be one hell of a fast race for me, if I didn't blow up!

I finished my first half marathon at 8:20/mi average! I couldn't believe it! I was on pace for a 10:30 Ironman, but I also knew that eventually, the day would catch up to me and I'd probably need to start walking some aid stations just to make sure I kept my nutrition up. I've had hyponatrimia in all 4 of my prior Ironman races... I know what it feels like, and how to react... but mainly - for me - I know it is a matter of when, not if - and to be ready. (My nick name is "Salt Spray" for a reason!).

When I came into the turn-around area (by transition and the finish line), I started hearing my name a lot. Plenty of Cleveland-area people were nearby and giving love. It was a great pick-me-up. My Coach, Gregg Brekke found me and ran with me a bit - talking to me, assessing me, and encouraging me. I told him I felt great, but I was starting to feel tired and the wear of the day. I was doing well on nutrition - but could start to feel that things were going to start to get more difficult. He gave some more encouraging words, took some photos, and left me to finish the job.

Nutrition wise, I stayed with Cera Sport during the run since I practiced with it, and alternated gels & chews. I mixed in cola and water as well during the run. the Coke was good because it was different, but I was careful not to take too much in because of the carbonation. What was missing (but I knew it would be) from the course was chicken broth. late in an ironman, that is the best fluid to take (salty and not sweet).

On the second lap, I started seeing people I knew. I saw the Pro Men on their way to the finish while I was heading out. Ken Beech, an IM rookie and one of the Tuesday morning track crew, looked fantastic! He was having a great race and a great time. Mike Cousino (Mikey Donuts) was next... You could tell he was happy to be doing this - but running is his least favorite discipline. Mike Briehl was a few minutes behind Mikey Donuts. He announced to me as we passed that he packed 2 right shoes in his transition bag and lost time! Iron Rookie mistake! (Luckily, he had extra shoes in his special needs bag and a teammate was given permission by a race official to get them for him).

By mile 16, I could start to feel the fatigue of the day, but more importantly (and suddenly) I could feel hyponatrimia hit me hard. It was like this numb, blackness moving from my feet, to my knees to my waist. It is a terrible feeling - and I was surprised how quickly it came on. I knew what to do, got out my salt tabs, crunched one (ugh) in my mouth and somehow dry-swallowed a second one. I was 1/2 mile from the next aid station - needed to get sport drinks and more salt tabs in quickly!! I did, and felt much better within just a couple minutes and returned to normal speed.

Miles 17 and 18 went by uneventfully. Feeling strong and knowing I needed to keep up on nutrition. I was on pace for sub 10:45 and I wanted to protect that. I walked a couple aid stations during 19, 20 to make sure I got everything I needed to keep fueled. The aid stations were out of salt caps - luckily I packed quite a few extras - I needed them all.

Miles 21-23 were lonely and difficult. There were zero spectators to speak of (that I noticed anyhow, I might have been a little inwardly focused!) I was still going at about 8:50 pace when I was running, but I walked the aid stations to load up. I was more than willing to give up a minute or two here and there to avoid a cramping fest or run out of fuel and screw up my dream day.

SSSMT had an aid station somewhere around 23-24. I ran up to it and saw lots of friendly faces. That was a big boost after running in the "post-apocolypic", empty city of Sandusky on the second lap alone. I was tired by this point, and in dire need of fuel and hydration. I grabbed an armload of stuff. Whatever they were selling - I was buying! I walked away from their station with an armload of goodies to devour - this would be my last stop before the finish line (if I could help it). Tim Walsh walked with me for a minute or two... encouraging me... pushing me... and watching me eat and drink like a ravenous wild animal. I thanked him for his company - and was determined to push off for the final 2.5 miles of personal history.

That was the LONGEST 2.5 miles I can ever remember! I never broke stride and knew for the last 20 minutes, nothing I would eat or drink would help now - so no point to bother with aid stations. I pictured the last 2.5 miles of my long run route - complete with an overpass like the Cedar Point Causeway. It didn't help. These last two miles were really tough, and I dug in to hit 10h 40m. My miles got faster again... last miles were 8:44 and 7:18! I found a way to push through all the pain and fatigue and find a way to get to 10:40 overall finish!! I came around a corner and teammates Jason Hendricks and Eric Gibb were there - screaming for me! What a lift for the last push!

The last 0.2 miles brought us into the actual Cedar Point amusement park while it was open. I didn't notice - all I wanted was to see the finish line, and find my family! I was flying now, down the carpeted runway toward the finish. My photo was on the jumbotron now - I had Amy, Andy and Tommy sit in my photo so they were on the jumbotron too. They were such a big part of helping me be successful this year - this race victory was theirs too. I found them in the finish chute and was able to give a happy wave to them before breaking the tape to stop the clock.

I made it to the finish line - saw the official clock which showed that I did, in fact, go 140.6 miles in 10 hours and 40 minutes in an Ironman triathon!!

Post-Race:
I seriously thought during the day that I messed up my watch and that it was wrong, because there was just no way I'd run such a fast race! I kept telling myself it was a good race, just break 11 hours... but I really, truly did make it in 10:40!!

That's when I went crazy! Jumping up and down, fist pumping, yelling"I did it!!". I didn't win the race, I came in 40th out of about 500 who started that day... but I CRUSHED a lifelong goal to somehow break 11 hours. An entire year (or more, really) of hard work, sacrifice, focus and effort paid off in a big way.

It then moved me to tears when I saw my family and coach and said to them... "I really did it"... still dumbfounded... and cried... yep... I cried a little... the utter relief it was done, the raw physical pain and fatigue, the mental battle between mind and body during the last 10 miles of the run... and the shock at how well I actually did just washed over me.

We visited at the finish area for a while (I hung onto the fence... 140.6 miles was enough for now). And then Amy took the boys -they had to return to Cleveland to get ready for school the following morning. We said our goodbyes. I was sad to have them not stay the night - but the rest of the evening was for recovery activities and watching my other friends and teammates finish their races.

My Coach took over... got me to an ice bath to speed recovery (I hate them, but they are so effective)... recovery drinks... massage... food... He was very helpful because I might have been a little dilerious at times! (plus I couldn't get myself out of the ice bath - it was a deep tub and I was freakin' tired!). After I was taken care of, he also headed back to Cleveland, and I headed to my hotel to shower up, eat and get ready to come back and watch the rest finish.

Ken Beech was next. Ken and I met during the winter. He joined Mark Durno and I for our Tuesday morning track workouts. He did his first IM race and kicked butt. 12h 08m and looked solid the whole time. Mark Murphy and Ben Noroton both came in at 12h 56m. Mike Briehl came in at 13:43 - another new IM athlete. And Mikey Donuts finished his first iron-distance race in 14:05 to round out the group.

We had a great time talking about the battles of the day - the wind, the other swimmers, the fatigue on the marathon - and the very primal, basic struggle between mind and body during the closing phases of the marathon - when the body says "NO" and the mind says "KEEP GOING". It is an epic struggle - and in a sick way - part of the draw to me of racing Ironman. You never have truly known yourself until you are in such a difficult, demanding position. What can the mind will? What pain can the body ignore? How empty can the fuel tank be an still move?

There were so many IRONFANS and people who did the HalfRev race from the Cleveland area there. It was so much fun to see them all, hear their stories of triumph and tribulation.

Grattitude:
I could not have accomplished what I have this season without a serious support network and team. My family - Amy, Andy and Tommy were more than accomodating to my high volume of training this year. Although I did a lot before they woke up, I was gone on a lot of weekends for long chunks of time this summer. They endured it - and without their support - it wouldn't have been possible. I love them, I was thrilled to have them there, and happy that with all of the sacrifices, I could make them proud by my big accomplishment. If I had another bad race like 2009 IMLP, I'd have had to seriously reconsider it all.

My Coach and SnakeBite Racing teammate Gregg Brekke (http://www.gbcoaching.com/gbc/index.html/) was excellent this season. Challenging me with new and difficult workouts and weekly plans... and keeping me restrained in weeks when I wanted to do more (an important bonus!). He kept me from freaking out when I got sick in India and couldn't train for almost 3 weeks... and when I was freaking out during my taper, he calmed me down too. Thanks Gregg for an amazing season! (which isn't quite over yet!)

This was my first season representing SnakeBite Racing. I got to know some great athletes on the team and enjoyed the comraderie. I'll single out two training partners who really helped me improve this season Mark Durno (running) and Mike Larimer (on the bike). There are countless others I've trained with but these two challenged me in ways I hadn't been before. Thanks guys!

And to my friends Ken Beech, Mike Briehl and Mike Cousino - congratulations on your first iron-distance triathlon! Be proud of your accomplishment. You have done what very few people in this world can say they have done! "Swim 2.4 miles, Bike 112 miles, Run 26.2 miles... Brag for the rest of your life!".

Special thanks to sponsor GreatRaceNutrition.com for fueling my season and Oakley for the great shades. Visit SnakeBiteRacing.com to see the rest of our sponsors and team.