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?