A Day to Remember

Wow-Wow-Wow---What a day.

Yesterday started at 3:30 AM as we awoke to get the day started. I arrived at the pier at 5:15 AM for body marking and check in. The night was pitch black but Kona was a glow with the lights from the event site. After 982 was inked on my arm I headed over to my bike to make the last minute preperations needed for the race. The activities started with 6 Navy Seals (who were also doing the race) jumping out of a C130 airplane to parachut into the water at the start line. Go Navy!

The sea wall was lined with hundreds, if not thousands of spectators as the national anthem was sung. The sun was up now and the heat quickely rose from a cool 84 degrees predawn to what would turn into a 94 degree day. As I warmed up and swam out to the start, I did turn around and look back at the spectators--it was a site I'll never forget.

The swim was a battle from the gun. Everyone goes out fast and fights for position. I got on peoples feet to get the draft but had to fight to stay there since all the other athletes were trying to do the same. Drafting on the swim (legal in triathlon) works in the same way as drafting on the bike. The swimmer behind uses less enegery to go the same speed. I took it easy and was breathing every 5 to 6 strokes. It was the start of a long day so there there was no need to swim 40% harder and go 10 min faster.

I had a quick 3 min transition and headed out on the 112 mile ride. The ride was hot while the wind wasn't too much of an issue on the way out to Hawi (1/2 way), by the time the mere mortals got back to the Queen-K it had raised it's ugly head. We had consisten and strong cross winds which eventually turned in a solid head wind for the last 25 miles. I watched athletes crumble as they battled the breeze. At this point I was also beginning to have stomach problems. I over did my nutrition on the bike and crossed that line of how many calories I can absorb per hour. By mile 90 my stomach was completely distended.

Once into T2 I make a quick port-o-potty stop but it was a fruitless effort. 4 min later I headed out on the marathon in the 95 degree heat. The leg cramps eventually went away but I couldn't take in any gu, gatorade or food. It looked like I was 5 months pregnant. Water was the only thing that would help as my gut worked it's way though the problem. I even tried to gag myself to get rid of stuff but that didn't work either. It was painful and uncomfortable and it wasn't until 20 miles before I would start feeling better and taking in some nutrition. Thats a long time to run without any energy so I'm lucky it didn't shut my body down.

The run down Ali'i drive was AWESOME !! I can't explain it. The thousands of people were all cheering from the first finisher to the last. The lights, music, energy and cheers are not to be forgotten. I'll always remember the announcers words as I crossed the line-- "Ian Charles You Are An Ironman"

12:43:20 start to finish.

What's next?

Game On

Tomorrow is race day. I checked my bike in and dropped off my transition bags. The organization at this event is simply unreal. The participants wheeled their bikes one at a time past at least a dozen officials to to be processed into the transition area. I walked past a representative from every bicycle part, frame and component company as they carefully noted what equipment I was using. Score one for Scott Plasma, Zipp 808/1080, and SRAM.

Each competitor was escorted into the transition by a race official who personally showed them where their bike position was and how the swim to bike and bike to run transitions flow. Impressive! Afterwards, I met with my coach (and all around great guy) Matt Dixon about the race strategy and important items to remember. Here's an abbreviated list:

1. Warm up before the swim start
2. Remember to look back to the sea wall at the spectators and burn that image into your memory
3. Be prepared to be kicked, punched, dunked and rolled
4. Get to Hawi with energy to spare
5. Take it easy along Ali'i drive
6. Get to Palani Rd (toughest hill on the course) with energy to spare
7. Dig deep when it gets lonely out at the energy lab
8. Leave the energy lab with "energy to spare"
9. Remember that pain is just weakness leaving the body
10. Smile because you don't know when (if) you'll ever be back

As many of you know, it's been a long journey for me to get here. I know I can handle this because its just another challenge among the many I've faced over the past 18 months. I've said hello and goodbye to cancer, and now it's time to take on the single toughest one day endurance event in the world. I never could have come so far without the help and support of you--my friends and family.

So here we go--It's game time.

Boys and Their Toys

Sally an I spent the morning down in Kona at the Powerbar Athletes breakfast and touring the expo. I ran into all my friends including my coach Matt Dixon, Tyler Stewart, Meredith Keernan, Chris Lieto, Matt Lieto, and Chris Carmichael.

I have to say the new Trek TT bike is the best looking new bike I've seen yet. That says a lot because the Specialized Shiv, Cervelo P4 and Scott Plasma are all here on display and on the road. Chris Lieto is riding the new Trek and there isn't a single part of that frame that isn't integrated into the aerodynamics. The new Scott running shoes are also very cool and have used a similar approach to the soles as MBT does with their shoes.

We strolled around and visited all the booths including the endless pools, K-Swiss and Yes, Powerbar---have to pimp my sponsor.