Ironman World Championships

Team Hoyt

Day dreaming!

Kona is done and dusted and it was epic in all ways. Crystal and I learned a very valuable lesson that vacationing with an 18 month old is the exact opposite of relaxing! Bodhi was a rockstar but it was still non stop and never time to just put the feet up and relax unless he was sleeping and his sleep sched was turned upside down.
He did amazing on the flights and I thought it could of been much much worse. Crystal and I are truly blessed with this little dude and he has brought a level of joy in my life that I never new existed.

Hawi Climb

We took the direct Flight from Denver to Kona and it was 7 hours and 40 mins of high anxiety fun. I didn't know what to expect with Bodhi and he only slept for 45 mins the whole flight but he was awesome. At the airport I ran into the Minimalist documentary guys and they gave me their signature hug. We then ran into endurance legend Dick and Rick Hoyt grabbed a pic with them and told him he is a true inspiration he commented about my son and it was a pretty sweet moment. The plane ride went by relatively fast considering it was over 7 hours. Another highlight of the flight was chatting with 6X World Champion Dave Scott some more encouraging words and before we new it we where on the big island.

B-VanMev

Dig Me

We arrived at the Sheraton Kona and got settled into our room, Bodhi was over it and was asleep by 6pm Hawaii time 10pm our time. He was up several times throughout the night and it was a blur. The next day I met up with legend Bryan VanMeveren  and we drove out to Kawaihae parked and rode the climb to Hawi. Back to the Resort to try and relax. The next day we took Bodhi to the beach and got his first experience of the Pacific Ocean. I got a ton of GoPro footage and will be putting together a video in the next week or so. The next couple days we spent at the resort swimming with Bodhi and trying to get him into some form of a routine. Crystal is such a badass mom and can always handle any situation like a boss!

Herbalife24 Party!

Tuesday I went swimming at Dig Me Beach got checked in and spent the day at the pool with the family. Wednesday Bryan and I hit swim course again and went for a quick 5 mile jog on Ali'i Dr. It was then back to the resort for more pool time with my two favorite humans. Wednesday night We got invited to the Herbalife 24 condo for a party for Team Wattie Ink athletes racing the World Championships. It was a blast Flanny, Wattie, and Heather Jackson were there broing down with everybody. They put on a tradition Hawaiian ceremony where Kumakahi and KumuHula Aunty Tutu chanted, sang, danced and gave a Hawaiian blessing not only to HJ but to each of the team members that qualified for Kona it was unreal and am truly grateful to be on Wattie team and be supported by such an amazing company such as Herbalife 24. It will be an experience that I will never forget.

Best Mate!

Thursday we chilled at the resort hit the pool and relaxed as much as we could. We went to the 'E Koma Mai Banquet for some grub and to soak in all the Ironman Kona atmosphere. Left early to put the Bodhi down. Friday I got some alone time to get my bags and bike dialed in for the drop off. The bike and bag drop off was not nearly as hectic as I remember. I was back home to the room to put the feet up and eat 4 avocado sandwiches. No need to set an alarm Bodhi was up by 3 am then next morning. We snagged Bryan on our way to get body marked. I really tried to be in the moment and soak in every aspect of the pre race it is really a trip to be going through body marking and realizing this is the World Championships and in disbelief that I am here to compete.

1:02!!!???

Crystal and Bodhi had VIP passes and went out on the Pier to watch us start, I said my goodbyes and blew a kiss to my two worlds. I teared up and was ready to get into the salt water, as I stepped down the famous stairs in Dig Me Beach I tried to just be grateful that I am here it was unbelievable. I swam out to the right of the midline and lined myself about 5-10 rows back treading water and listening to the Helicopters and the crazy drums it is truly an experience that you have to witness yourself.

Swim 1:02:17

Coach Eric Neilsen at FAST Masters has made me a strong swimmer in the last two years and my goal was to come out between 1:05-1:07 to see 1:02 on my Garmin blew me away and I did not feel that fast. The start is always hectic but I tried to get into a groove and not get sucked into any emotional outburst that can happen when you get hammered from all angles. I found some feet to draft and tried to just stay there. As we approached the half way point I glanced at my watch and it said 29 I was pumped and just wanted to stay smooth for the return trip. I was concerned because I started feeling hot while in the water and my swim cap was rubbing me raw and the back of my head. I got to wear my super sleek Blue Seventy PZ4TX+ Swim Skin and I had no rubbing issues and set a PR in the IM Swim over 20 seconds faster then Boulder with a wet suit. I Popped out of the water and felt warmed up and fresh. T1 was a nightmare and I had to sit on the floor to get my stuff on. T1 took way to long and I wanted to make sure I had everything ready, I put on my Custom Wattie Ink Aero top and cooling sleeves, grabbed some Zealios sunscreen on my neck, threw my cycling shoes, ran to my bike, and put on my Rudy Project helmet and was ready for battle.

Bike 5:16:23

My motto was conservative, patient, conservative, drink, conservative, electrolytes. The first 8 miles are crazy and seem like you are racing a sprint tri and everyone is blowing their loads before getting on the Queen K. I had three bottles of Herbalife 24 CR7 Drive and started slamming them, this is my favorite product from Herbalife 24, taste amazing, easy on the gut, and loaded with electrolytes. I lost one bottle heading down Kuakini Hwy, no worries I can drink the course electrolyte no problem. My other bottle I had was 3 8oz bottles of Ensure +,  350 calories per 8 oz just to sip on until I got to special needs bag in Hawi, where I had another bottle of 3 Ensure+. It is hard to get down when it is so hot but I knew I had to drink 6 of them on the bike to keep my caloric intake up. I also tried to drink an Electrolyte bottle almost every aid station along with 2 waters one for spraying on me to keep cool and the other for sipping. I felt as it was hot hot hot and I couldn't seem to keep my core cool and really wanted to ride as easy as possible to be able to try to put a consistent run in. I have only had one 100 mile ride since Boulder and my other longest ride was a 3.5 hour trainer ride.

I didn't have the time nor did I want to spend time away from my wife and son when we had time off together. The winds at Kawaihae seemed to be worse then 2015 so I just tried to keep my HR in check and stay up on drinking. Hawi came and went and it seemed that the last 32 miles back to the pier where all up hill in a stair step manner. The last hour on the bike took forever and I was self checking in with myself and I felt surprisingly pretty good. My bike split was 8 minutes slower then 2015 but that was my plan to be conservative to try to run and not be a member of the walking dead.
T2 also took way to long and got some more sunscreen and was ready to run 26.2 miles.

Run 3:42:27

Ali'i Dr

When I got out of T1 I was feeling light and strong, the heat was def on and I could feel the fatigue of the day building. Mile 1 clicked off 7:51 and felt pretty good, I wanted to stay between 8-8:30 and be consistent for all 26 miles. Mile 2 felt really hard and was 8:29 I started getting worried about how I was feeling and just told myself that I don't even get warmed up until mile 4-5 just stay smooth. Crystal and Bodhi where camped out around mile 4 on Ali'i and I got a kiss from them that instantly recharged me. I tried to keep it fun and thanked all the volunteers. At the 5 mile turn around I checked in and felt good not great but good enough to maintain sub 8:30 miles no prob. Mile 6 I stole another kiss and stayed in the moment with each mile getting closer and closer to the finish. I broke the race down in segments 1-5 out on Ali'i 5-10 back on Ali'i mile 11 Palani Hill. Mile 12-16 Queen K. Mile 17-20 Energy Lab. 21-26.2 Queen K to Finish. My strategy was to walk up Palani Hill and keep my HR as low as possible. Once I got on the Queen K I tried to get into a flow and made sure I held ice in my hands between aid stations and it seemed to keep me sane and something to focus on instead of how hot it is. As I approached the Energy Lab I saw a NoCo guy Brent Phinney and somehow was able to run by him as we descended towards the ocean down the Energy Lab. It was fun racing with so many familiar faces out there. I hit my special needs bag with a nice and steamy hot Ensure+ def did not hit the spot but I needed the calories and kept me in the fight for the last 8 miles.
The highlight of the race as we headed back to town on the Queen K was this guy named Williams was projectile vomiting and still running it was awesome he prob threw up 10+ times and rarely slowed down...epic! I cheered him on every time he let them rip. Coming down Palani Hill was painful but so much more enjoyable then 2015. I got on Ali'i Dr and slapped hands and tried to soak in every moment because who knows if I will ever be able to race this iconic race again. Crossing the finish line at the IM WC is something that I will never forget I next got to see Crystal and Bodhi as they gave me a lei and a mega hug, we walked and I sobbed with the emotions of the day rushing out we went to a grassy area sat down and just finally took a breath of relaxation.

Total Time 10:11:55 (12 mins faster then 2015)

Pumped!

Finish Line

The race is over and I am pleased with my result, 95th in 30-34 division and 492 overall placing me in the top 20% in the world...pretty rad and still can't believe this is my life. Not a blazing fast time but for my life I am satisfied. After having a slow shitty race at 70.3 WC in Chattanooga I felt all I wanted to do was be in the fight mentally and be consistent on the day. I don't have any desire to go back to Kona anytime in the near future, I don't have the time to train appropriately for this race. My job is awesome but I can't train all day and get paid, plus financially the Kona race is ridiculous and it is unsustainable to try to keep chasing a time or placing. I know I will never be a podium threat at a WC race I'm just pumped I get to do what I love and chase and accomplish my dreams. I'm glad I never had Kona fever because I feel that it can blind you and make you focus on a KQ above everything and not the little things that get you to the island.

Last Sunset in Kona

My wife is so next level it isn't even funny, her ability to put up with me is unbelievable and I am so truly grateful she is my wife, she is so far out of my league it isn't even funny! We made a ton of memories and took so many pics and vids of our experience I can't wait to share it with Bodhi as he gets older. My life is like a dream and still can't believe we are able to do what we do. It is time to reset this off season and spend as much time with the little dude because I'm going to blink and he will be in school.

There are so many people that put the Kona puzzle piece together and make it obtainable. Muscle Restoration Mark and his team have kept me healthy this back half of the season and can't thank them enough. Coach Eric Neilsen at FAST masters has helped my swim more then I can imagine and have never felt stronger. Tori at Mountain Elevation Massage Therapy for giving the best rub downs in FoCo. Patrick at Rocky Mountain Multisport for keeping Walter White dialed in. Zack and Whitney Allison at Source Endurance Training Center of the Rockies for the amazing facility and top notch service and workouts, they have made it possible to ride 180K on a bike at a high level of speed with less training then ever. Herbalife 24 for the best nutrition on the market and thank you so much for the party in Kona it was a blast. Wattie Ink for the best looking kits on any course and being a rad dude. Team Wattie Ink and Flanny for all the support and everything you do for the team. All the sponsors that support Team Wattie Ink.


Sponsor links:

Triathlon and lifestyle apparel – Wattie Ink

Nutrition for Endurance Athletes – 24 Hour Athlete by Herbalife

Bicycles – Cannondale

Composites/Race Wheels – Knight Composites

Power meters – Pioneer

Bike saddles – ISM

Hydration Systems – Speedfil

Wetsuits – BlueSeventy

Helmets and Sunglasses – Rudy Project NA
Water-Eternal Water

Sunscreen-Zealios 

Not sure what the future of racing holds I know I will still compete but there is more to life then Triathlon, I'm a Dad and Husband first and foremost those two things are number one for me, I do triathlons for fun and as a hobby, sometimes I am able to put together a decent race. I know I am so lucky to have my life and try to never take a second for granted, life can be hard and I know what the other side of good looks like I am just so grateful for everything and can't express that enough. Cheers!

Ash Dragon!!!

Beach Life!

Seriously so lucky!!!

Walter White Racked!

Hawi Climb with Bryan VanMeveren

Bodhi and the new King of Kona!! Patrick Lange

Ironman 70.3 World Championships

I have put together a string of races since last September 10th that have been unbelievable for me. Last years 3rd overall at 106 West 70.3 was epic, followed by the overall win at Oktoberfest Sprint in Longmont. Fast forward to 2017 to 5th place podiums at St. George 70.3 and Boulder Ironman where I punched my ticket for both World Championships. Last weekend was the first of the Championship swing, I am so grateful for the wife for letting me go and chase and accomplish my dreams. The only thing I wished would of been different is that if they could of been there.

20 years of Friendship

The 70.3 World Champs have blew on by and we are a touch over 4 weeks out from Kona and the Ironman World Championships. My goals and objectives for 70.3 WC was to have fun, not get further injured, and check another World Championship of my bucket list. I will say that I successfully accomplished all three. I was so lucky to even get to go that results didn't matter and the experience is all I wanted, huge thanks to Crystal for letting me be gone for four days. The prep leading into Chattanooga was not smooth at all. I felt I recovered from Boulder fairly well and had a couple solid week builds then before I knew it I was in the Emergency room 3 weeks before the race. My back locked up and I couldn't even walk, I was doing some heat prep training in my pain cave/basement. 3 hour trainer ride with no fan and heavy shirt...I got severely dehydrated and the next day my back muscles were fatigued and with being dry as a bone my muscles locked up and I couldn't even stand up.

Built a Deck!!!

This set me back a solid week of zero training and then for the next several weeks building up to Chatty I felt extremely fragile and like I could break at any moment. I did not feel like my normal self and was worried that the hard effort it would take to race strong would put me back at square one. I decided to race as conservatively as possible and if I felt any kind of weird pain besides the normal amount of suffering I would check my ego and walk it in if I had to.

I flew out to Knoxville to stay and visit my best mate from middle school and high school Pat, it was great seeing him and felt like we were back in middle school reminiscing about all the crazy stuff we did growing up it was awesome and I miss that guy. He leads a pretty crazy life traveling all over the world doing mission work and helping others. We hung out in Knoxville Thursday and headed down to Chattanooga Friday morning so I could get my race stuff, check in, snag Walter White and take a dip in the Tennessee River. I got to see a ton of my tri buddies and Wattie teammates. A cool thing about this race was the amount of foreigners that were there and all the different languages we heard just walking around a very cool vibe for a race in the US.

Chaos 

Pat and I headed back to Knoxville to relax and get some grub. When we got back to his house I noticed that my race kit was a little off, instead of the Aero Race Jersey it was a cycling jersey with no collar...I was bummed because the Wattie Ink Championship Race Kits are so sick. Not that big of a deal but still bummer, we went to bed early and the next morning watched and tracked the Women's race, it was super cool to have the women on sat and the men on Sunday. We then headed back to Chatty to drop of my run and bike bag, and bike in transition. We stopped by the Wattie both to grab some water bottles and some custom stickers that Heather Jackson and Wattie himself had made for team members who have qualified. I talked to my bro from Fort Collins Shannon Price who is the main man that works for Wattie and is the guy you want to reach out to for any custom kit needs. He got me dialed in with at speed suit that is more appropriate for racing.

the future

Pat and I made it to the Air BnB that was ghetto af but at least close to the swim start and a bed to crash in. Instead of cooking the day before the race we went out to eat...big mistake on my part...We went to this nice Italian place lots of athletes were out and about. Pat and I started noticing how many guys were wearing their timing chip around their ankles over 12 hours before the race!!! It was hilarious and I think I counted over 10. After eating to much we went back to the apartment to crash, sleep sucked ass and the neighbor downstairs was playing extremely loud music until 2 am...4 am came and it was up breakfast and the normal pre race routines.

The energy of the pre race was awesome and I felt surprisingly pretty good with lack of sleep. The swim start was badass and they lined up the divisions in a weird order but I was set to go off at 8:22 about an hour after the pros. As I approached the corral I ran into a good buddy James O'Sullivan and we lined up way to close to the front and where the 3rd wave to go in...screw it we thought...the swim start was to dive off a dock and start swimming across the river, about 200-300 meters in we would turn east and start swimming 800 meters up the Tennessee river, the back across and down stream until the finish stairs.

30-34 AG...Gnarly dudes.

 Swim

I dove in with the plan to not lose my goggles and try to draft as much as possible saving energy when I could. It felt as though I immediately got passed by everyone in my division. I hate that feeling when it feels like you are the last guy out there swimming...I was able to find some feet for the majority of the swim. I got kicked in the face once and punched twice so not to bad...The swim seemed to take forever and I was scared to look at my watch, as I exited the water I glanced and saw 31:30...so not horrible but not my best. T1 was more like an Ironman then a 70.3 I got my wet-suite ripped off by the wet suite strippers. grabbed my bike bag: helmet on strapped and ran to Walter White. For 70.3 races I don't wear socks on the bike and have my shoes clipped in. I passed James on the way to the mount line and jumped on my stead to start cranking!

T1

Bike

I started cranking smooth and fast, I knew the first 5 miles are flat then you start the climb, I wanted to make sure my legs woke up in time to grind. I went back and forth with this guy that had a film crew with him. I assumed he must be some famous middle eastern guy...he eventually passed me while on the climb and said "come on captain america...you can do it." turns out that the guy is Nasser a member of the Bahraini Royal Family and the commander of Bahrain's Royal Guard. The climb wasn't insane but for a race it was definitely going to test the legs. Once you got to the main summit the bike leg only continued to be unrelenting with super steep rollers up and down until about mile 23 then came the much needed decent. I stretched my legs took in some nutrition and tried to let my heart rate plummet. At about mile 30 the bike was relatively flat with some rollers.

T2

This is were the packs of age groupers rolled through like a peleton. I counted 3 large groups of 20+ dudes just drafting like crazy...I didn't see any of them receive a penalty and the penalty tents were always empty when I rolled by. I kept repeating the mantra "Be Patient" in my head and didn't want to override the first climbs and struggle to recover. For the most part I felt I kept myself in check and rode conservative to try to have some running legs. As I approached T2 I was disappointed in my bike split...I was thinking I would be off in 2:25 not 2:31 and knew I rode to easy in some spots...oh well time to run!!

Run

Suffering!!!

T2 was awesome getting to hand your bike to a volunteer like a pro is always sweet!!! I ripped my helmet off, grabbed my run back, socks, shoes on and carried the rest of my gear as I headed out of transition. I like putting on my shades, hat, and number belt as I am running out to try to save time. I started the run super conservative and tried to ease my way into a good pace. I was scared my left glut issue would start right away if I pushed from the start. As I clicked off the miles I had no pain and began feeling stronger and stronger. I got though the first loop and was right around 7:00-7:10 pace avg. I started picking up my pace and staying relaxed the hills and heat where no joke but I felt good and was definitely going to negative split as I approached mile 8 my stomach wanted to join the party and felt as if I need to empty some weight...I fought on and thought it would go away but by mile 9 I had to do what I have never done and hit a portapotty and drop the Cosby kids off...it cost me 2-3 mins and I was back on the run and put together some decent miles. This the direct result of eating out all week and not sticking to my healthy food, this is on me and no excuses...SHIT happens...As I came across the last bridge to the finish with about 2K to go James runs up to me and said "I have never beat you before." My ego immediately said "race isn't over bro." We kept pace stride for stride for awhile are pace quickened and I was red lining...I loved it..I thought the finish was just around the corner so I tried to surge and the finish line was no where in site...bummer my load was blown and he hammered passed and I said "where is the fucking finish line!!!" I ended up 12 seconds behind him, Good on ya mate for making it hurt at the end...fun times. My ego was a little banged up but in the scheme of things it is all good and doesn't matter.

Overall the race was badass and I am very lucky I got to race in another World Championship atmosphere and really enjoyed Chattanooga racing with the best dudes in the world. If I was to go back before the race start I would of been a little more brave and pushed the bike harder, and started running a bit faster instead of starting so conservative but high end sight is 20/20. I really didn't want to hurt myself before Kona so I can go out and enjoy the lava field suffering. I don't feel as sore as I was after St. George so I know I left some out there but it is all good and my life couldn't be any better. This was the first race in over a year where I felt as I didn't have my best performance. I think the little niggle injuries of my back and left glut where def on my mind. The takeaway is that I am still healthy and hungry for Kona, the next couple weeks will be hard and I am ready to top off this season in Hawaii with my family.

Huge thanks to Pat for being my Sherpa and waiting around all weekend for me to race, Mark Rise and his team at Muscle Restoration for getting me healthy enough to train and race pain free. If you are in Fort Collins you absolutely need to go see Mark for any kind of injury big or small. Tori at Mountain Elevation Massage Therapy for keeping my body worked out. Bryan VanMeveren for the beat down long runs, Brandon Wells for another great run and we are going to get after it the next several weeks bro! Eric Neilsen for the tips and tricks and always bring fire to FAST Masters!!! My little brother Ian Brannan for flying out to watch little dude so Crystal could work while I was gone. Shannon Price for being such a badass human and all you do for Wattie, great chatting with you at the airport. Lastly my wife, I can not express what you mean to me. Without you and Bodhi triathlon would be meaningless, thank you for all your support, keeping the house a home, being an incredible mommy to my little dude. I love you more than words can say. Thank you for everything and I am truly the luckiest dude in the world. I am so incredibly grateful to wake up every morning take a big breath into my lungs and attack anything that comes my way!!! Stay Hard!!!

Little Dude.

Sponsor links:

Triathlon and lifestyle apparel – Wattie Ink

Nutrition for Endurance Athletes – 24 Hour Athlete by Herbalife

Bicycles – Cannondale

Composites/Race Wheels – Knight Composites

Power meters – Pioneer

Bike saddles – ISM

Hydration Systems – Speedfil

Wetsuits – BlueSeventy

Helmets and Sunglasses – Rudy Project NA
Water-Eternal Water

Boulder Ironman 2017

My Worlds

The odds of becoming a human being is roughly 400 trillion to 1, and the odds of you becoming you is even less. It would be the equivalent to winning the mega million lottery over 9 times in your life. Think about that for a second...for us to be even breathing is so lucky that it is hard to comprehend. So with that I am grateful for everyday I'm alive, top it with my wife, son, family, friends, and all the other amazing things in my life and I am truly the luckiest man in the world. Life can be a bitch sometimes but to take a step back and look at it from a different perspective can be all you need to trigger your brain into gratitude and a more thankful view.

Boulder Ironman was everything I hoped it would be: hard, hot, long, tough. I honestly am the fittest I have ever been in my entire life, my build up was extremely consistent and I had some epic training days. Over 90% of my training was in the early hours of the morning with the alarm either set between 3:45-4:30am. Some days were easier then others, my morning routine is simple: Alarm goes off, sit up and name 3 things I'm grateful for, (i.e. Crystal, Bodhi, Passion.) Grab my gear bag of already packed things I need for my workout, Coffee maker turned on, sit on the couch and meditate for 15 minutes using the Headspace app, grab coffee mix with Herbalife 24 Rebuild, out the door and heading to either swim, bike, or run.

Destroyed 

It took me longer to recover from St. George 70.3 than I thought it would, after taking an easy week my heart rate was still high when I did my interval workout at SETCR  so I took another several easy days and by the weekend 2 weeks post race I was feeling like myself and throwing down watts on the Kickr just fine. I was not able to do any long rides between St. George and Boulder but had banked a pretty solid 7 hour ride 2 weeks before St. George. I just did intervals on the Kickr and long commutes to work. I was only able to run one 16 mile run several weeks out, I knew I was fit but the nerves of an Ironman still looms and can make anybody unsure of what he or she can do.

Pepa and Bodhi

The week before Boulder Ironman I woke up on Sunday to an incredible text message from none other then David Goggins assistant asking about what email they should use to donate to my  Parkinson's Research Fundraiser! A couple months ago Goggins posted that he wanted to donate the money he raised from selling his "roger that mentality" t-shirts and to email him your story and cause. I did and figured I wouldn't hear anything back, so when I did I was ecstatic and set some incredible momentum not only for me but for the fundraiser in the next several days we blew past the goal and raised $1,915.00 I am humbled by all those who have donated, and if you want to you still can! This was another layer to my training and race prep, some training rides and runs that got tough I would mentally think about Doug and everything he has done for me and getting this fucked up disease for serving our country. It helped me push through some pain and fight on.

Dad Life

Race week is always a little tricky, lots of logistics, nerves, and all the things you don't think about. I was off work Friday and had a massage at 0800, when I got there the receptionist said I had cancelled my appointment and there was nothing she could do for me....roger that...no massage no problem. This is the "roger that mentality" I have been working with channeling from Goggins. It basically means whatever happens good, bad, ugly...just say "roger that" and move forward and keep going no matter what with a smile on my face. Shit happens in life and sometimes you have no control over anything so just say "roger that" and move on. I then drove to Boulder grab my packet then head to DIA to snag my best mate Derek Tidd we cruised home and my parents arrived several hours later. It was good to have our house filled with family and brought a calmness to me.

Saturday I tried to sleep in but couldn't and we met up with my bro Dillion and we did an easy ride to make sure our steeds where ready for battle before we drove to Boulder to drop them off. The day before a race always seems to fly by and never seem to be able to settle, chill, or relax. I think I meditated a total of 5 times on Saturday and my mind was as ready as it was going to be...3 am alarm off and it is go time! Crystal was next level and in mom mode, she was dialed in and told me I got everything you focus on the race.

On the drive down I realized I forgot my Heart Rate monitor...'Roger that' I am racing blind and only on feel!! We took Bodhi down to the start It was awesome drawing some positive energy from him before lining up for the swim start. I met with this awesome human named Jerry Bartolome he is on the Team Wattie Ink and as I was looking for a pump he walked up and asked if I needed a pump...perfect timing and just what I needed. Bike was racked ready T1 set up I met up with Crystal, Derek, and Bodhi got my super sick Wattie Ink  custom team kit on and my custom Helix Blueseventy wet suit on gave hugs and kisses...even Derek got some love! Headed to the swim start with Dillon. We ran into another training partner Ish and tried to calm each others nerves.

Swim

The rolling start was the calmest swim start I have ever experienced in any triathlon, My goal was to get into a rhythm, stay smooth, don't fight, focus on hand entry, and my catch and draft as much as possible. It felt like a pretty lonely swim and I was catching and passing quite a bit of guys and gals. Once we made the turn to head back to the shore I was looking at the mountains with every breath saying "damn, I am lucky I get to do this" "this is awesome" The last 1,000 meters or so I drafted behind some dudes and just got to the swim exit as fast as I can. As I exited the water I felt strong, wet suite off and on my way to snag my bag. I glanced at my watch and it was 1:02 a 8 min PR!!! Roger that! In and out of T1 and onto Walter White, running to my bike I chugged an Ensure + and was ready to smash.

D with the Pic

Bike

New bike course for this year and it was 113.5 give or take, in 2015 it was only 109.5 so I figured the bike would be a tad slower then I wanted. So I said if I can go sub 5 hours I'll be happy. I tried to get into a smooth cadence and just flow, never wanted to be red lined or to uncomfortable. In the past I would have tried to smash the whole time and blow up and try to to recover before the run. This race I wanted a consistent effort and eat and drink more then I think I should. I passed Ish about 15 miles in and told him to "be smart and stick to his race." He then charged back and passed me on Nelson Rd and said he can't let me beat him on the climbs. He was riding a roadie and I was fully aero kitted up. I then passed him back shortly and said "I'm not doing this back and forth." Ego is the enemy and I didn't want to get out of my race plan. I peed three times on the bike so I know I was properly hydrated. I clicked off the laps pretty consistent and felt strong and never really fatigued. My boy

Derek was on my roadie checking in time to time and snapping some sick pics. Thanks for popping up all over the course!! The last 4-5 miles where on this bike path and rough stair step roads to the Boulder HS. It was slow going but I was happy to be at T2 safe and feeling pretty fresh. T2 is super long and I tried to focus on my breathing and visualizing getting my gear on. I was in and out relatively fast: 3:31.

Run 

The run was what I was worried about, an Ironman Marathon is so weird because I could of done something 3 hours ago that I might not feel until halfway through the run. My plan was to start slower then I know I can run and try to maintain around 8 min miles. Historically there have been around only 20 athletes at this race that run a sub 3:30 marathon on this course per year. So I knew if I could keep myself in check for the first 13.1 miles and hover around an 8 min mile I'll be in the hunt.

Kenny Withrow Sickest shots!!

First mile clicked off in 7:36 but I felt like I was running way slower so I said "roger that" As I approached mile 2 I started seeing the top age groupers and at this point they were anywhere from 2-3 miles ahead of me. It seemed all of them looked 30-34 in my age group. My brain instantly went negative and said "not a chance in hell of catching those guys" I immediately shut that shit down, 'NO' stick to the plan keep jamming keep hydrating, stay in the moment, present, mile at a time. I felt as I was clicking off the miles pretty smooth and steady. As I approached mile 10 I saw Crystal, Bodhi, my Mom, and Dad Doug. The fundraiser was in honor his life and everything he has done for me as a father. This gave me an unreal amount of energy and I felt refreshed and ready to attack the next 16 miles. The energy from mile 10-11 and 13-14 is truly amazing so many people line the Boulder Creek Path and living only an hour north of Boulder there were so many familiar faces cheering me on it was so badass. Next thing I knew I was on the second lap and over half way through. Miles 16-20 are pretty secluded and this is where the demons of pain try to creep in...hell yes!!! Bring it on bitch I am ready for whatever suffering this race can through at me. Every time I felt a niggle of pain or starting hurting I literally said 'NO' the bottoms of my feet started hurting really bad and I would not allow the pain to register in my brain. I had many battles in my head about body parts that wanted to start hurting but I did not even consider the thought as anything more then a thought. Once I hit mile 20 it was game on, 10K to go if I run 8 min miles that is 48 mins of running!!! Another thing that was happening was I was reeling in guys left and right, I was passing them and taking their souls and power. I passed the family and Derek again got some energy and continued to charge.

Shannon Price with the Pic

Mile 23 I passed Rory Duckworth and tried to break him with some strong fast pacing as I went by. I have only looked at my watch for transitions and at the end of the prior two legs. I was a 5K from the finish and knew nothing was going to stop me from crushing this race! I continued my same pacing and turned down the finish chute with tears in my eyes and high on emotions. I thought about Doug and Parkinson's Disease and how bad it sucks, I thought about all the men and women serving our county and fighting for our freedom to do this stuff. I thought about all the military troops that have gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. Finally I thought of my wife and son...crossed the finish line 9:35:27 a PR by over 17 mins...with a longer course!

9:35:27

The gravity of what I just put my body through came screaming in within minutes of finishing...I wanted to hug Bodhi, Crystal, my Mom, and Doug then go lay down. I was not hungry I just wanted to get off my feet, Bodhi was over it and we made the decision to head home and get the little dude to bed and get me off my feet. Sorry to all my friends I didn't get to see at the finish line. Conrad Rodas hell of a race bud, glad you stayed in the fight mentally and pushed through the end! Dillon Shaffer 10:15 for your first Ironman is badass!!! Look forward to hearing the war story! Ish Johnson to go that fast on a rodie is super dope! Long hard day but glad I got train with you and suffer with you on the course, there is no doubt you have made me stronger!! My Wattie Teamates: Cory congrats on Kona, Becky way to endure, Jerry you are the man!!! Matt Malone you are an animal and kicked everyone's ass strong work bro! Any body else I forgot my bad.

Kona Bound

After checking the results I slid into the last podium slot and had the possibility of Kona...a long shot but a shot. This was not the ultimate goal, my mindset was have a solid smooth race manage the bad times and be grateful whatever happens happens. Sleep was really shitty that night my legs where crying and hurt in every position. We went to the award ceremony where Jerry came through clutch and saved us seats!!! We sent Uncle D-bag (Derek) on his way to the airport! lol. I felt in shock that I put together such a solid race, in disbelief that I got on the podium. I had a vision like 2 months ago that I did get on the podium and I took Bodhi on the stage with me to receive the award...needless to say I did and it was an awesome moment that I will never forget. As the Kona Slot allocation started I was nervous, there where only 3 slots for my age division even though I was the 12th overall age grouper. Malone said he isn't taking his slot so there is one, someone said 2nd place already had his slot so just like that...I am going back to KONA!!!! Holy shit...I am so lucky it is not even funny!!! Crystal booked the trip and we are set to go suffer in the lava fields come October 14th 4 months from now. I was in shock for the rest of the day...still am but when opportunity meets hard work with a grateful attitude and thankful for everything good shit happens!!!!

There are so many people to thank, first my wife for always keeping me humble and focused on what is truly important, the present moment and spending time with the family. My parents for coming watching and supporting me. My mom really helped with the fundraiser and I am very grateful for that! Zack Allison and Whitney Allison at SETCR for all the help with getting me stronger then ever over the off season, if you want to get stronger and accomplish your goals go see them and you will not be disappointed. Eric Neilsen and all my FAST Masters teammates for always kicking the crap out of me at practice. I have never felt better in the water thanks to Eric. Patrick at Rocky Mountain Multisport for getting Walter White dialed for race day and making sure my bike is on point. All my training partners who beat me up on a weekly basis and make me stronger and work harder. Everyone who has donated to the Parkinson's Research fundraiser, you still can if you want to!!! Empower Performance Therapy  for getting me tuned up and Tory at Elevation Massage Therapy for the rub downs. Team Wattie Ink for the best looking, fitting, kits on course and all the sponsors who help us do what we do!

I love my life and can't express my gratitude enough for everything and everyone in my life. I can't believe we get to go back to Kona!!! HELL YEAH!!!!

Best Moment of the Weekend! Thanks 303 Tri

Sponsor links:

Triathlon and lifestyle apparel – Wattie Ink

Nutrition for Endurance Athletes – 24 Hour Athlete by Herbalife

Bicycles – Cannondale

Composites/Race Wheels – Knight Composites

Power meters – Pioneer

Bike saddles – ISM

Hydration Systems – Speedfil

Wetsuits – BlueSeventy

Helmets and Sunglasses – Rudy Project NA
Water-Eternal Water