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