The Few Days After.......

The Day After Ironman...

Didn't get much sleep, legs hurt too bad to get good sleep I put on my compression shorts and that seemed to help, but still every time I stood or stand up it feel like a furnace in my quads. There is a little soreness like back, core, calf's, and hamstrings but quads and blisters are what hurts. I try to stretch when I can but its just going to take time. We wake up at 6:00 am, we being my family early birds, I tell Mindy, hey lets go into town and have breakfast, so I can hear her stories of yesterday, and to see if we can get one of those Ironman Cozumel posters that are all over the place. She says yeah, we hop in the car and as I am driving I already see someone has that same idea as well, some of the places I saw the posters were gone. Mindy said there were some in town a little bit and head that direction, we find one close to a store and I negotiate a price and I get the poster, HELL YEAH!!! So we go to the restaurant that we love, the Las Palmeras. They had an egg white omelet that matched Joni's in the Life Cafe, close but not better Joni :) As we eat I see the paper had an article about the Ironman so I buy it, as we sit Mindy says the guy close to our table was cheering for me, so I go over to him and I told him thanks for the encouragement, he said I did great, and it was a pleasure having us on the island. He was very nice, as he left he wished me luck in my next race and to have a good day. Oh the legs are not happy with me, but I am glad I feel this way as I left everything on that race course. But man I never thought picking my foot up to get on or off the curb would hurt so bad.

Went back to condo, helped Becca get ready to leave she had to be at airport at 11:30 so we hung out and I told the story of the race, and it was time for her to leave. She was going to take home a painting that the family had gotten for me. Its a picture of what Mindy sees when I finish a race, its awesome. So she took it home because she had less luggage than we do. As she went the cleaning service came so we went next door to eat Uva's. We walked because g-daddy had the car and there was a wedding going on as we arrived. I thought how funny, we watched the wedding and ate. While there people asked me if I did the race yesterday and I told them yes, complete strangers telling me congrats. That was awesome, a fellow Ironman sat down and we gave the nod to each other, you know "the nod" of congratulations. We ate and the waiter was taking a long time because of the wedding but I was in no hurry. So we talked to the wedding planner and she asked if I did the race and I told her yes. She told me how proud she was of the community's support of the event. I told her the experiences of coming into town and seeing the locals cheer. Then she went on her way. The kids were restless so they went to the condo, I stayed to pay.

As I sat there I kind of laughed, how fitting is it that on this day someone is getting married and starting a new life. 5 years ago when I married Mindy at the beach I did not know the possibilities that were in front of me, as I looked at my kids running around and reminiscing about yesterday I teared up again. I accomplished my dream, and I am living my dream, I am reborn to the new me. A new place in life. I am happy. I hope that with this race I/we were able to open something new to this community. I will remember that little kids eyes as I raced past him on my bike. Maybe some day he would want to or have access to something like this. I though about the brotherhood that I am now a part of, yes its elite and strong. Such a powerful feeling, now what to do with it. As I was on the bike yesterday I was looking for my mission/vision in my life and I think I came close to finding it. It still needs some tweaking. I leave a good tip because our waiter was working so hard. I walked on the beach, very slowly. You could tell the athletes from our walk. Found out all the athletes staying at the condo became Ironman yesterday. And one, won her age group she finished in front of me by a few min. As we talked in the court yard, someone who raced in Kona recently said the winds on this course were worse then out in Kona, I believed her. Then she told me about a jeweler here that is making Ironman pendents, then we exchanged stories of yesterday, It was funny because all of them were hip deep in the cold swimming pool.

The kids were ready for a nap and Mindy and her mom went to town to shop. Kids slept and I wrote on my blog, it was peaceful. When they got back they found the jeweler and said he was making it, wow he is making that pendent. We go to pick it up and man I had to walk over from the car to the jewelers, across the street and down a few blocks, OUCH!!!! I forgot how back it hurts to go down a small step after some marathons. We get to the store and he shows me the pendent, it was beautiful. The guy had made it perfectly, that was Mindy's mom present to me.

We had decided to go to the Jimmy Buffet Margaritaville restaurant, since me and Mindy went there in Hawaii, plus the place was big for me from yesterday. As I stated last time that every time I saw that place I knew I was near the finish line or the turn around. Mindy's mom decided that she wanted to get the huge poster they had in the front welcoming Ironman to Cozumel, I didn't think she would get it, but guess what. She asked and they said they would take it down tomorrow and she could have it, so I know have the Ironman poster from the place that helped me get through my race. It will go in my garage, yes I got Mindy's permission :). As we sat there we started talking to Boyd Conrig, a pro athlete that raced. Talking to him was amazing, then we asked how he finished and he didn't have a good race and slowed to finish just under 10 hours, REALLY??? Anyway he was nice and we saw him talk to the only man to break the 8 hour mark for triathlons, Luc Van Lierde. Wow I was in some serious company.

As he was talking he had told me that he was thinking he was going to retire from Ironmans as a pro and just do local ones for fun. He had said his job was getting in the way of training to be competitive. We wished him well and we left. Oh Al and Lupe I had a margarita for you guys there, Thanks! We go home and I was thinking how fortunate I was to run across Boyd at this time in my life, not sure if I will ever be that competitive but I definitely can here someone telling me that I am right where I need to be to reach my potential. My legs were still pretty beat up but they were getting better by the min. I packed up my bike and thanked it for being so awesome this year, and got it ready to leave on wed, I had hoped that I packed it up right as well.

Tuesday we had decided to take troy on the ferry to playa del camrmen, but before I wanted to take him snorkeling by the condo. He was timid at first and didn't want to but I told him I would hold him and made sure it was ok for him. We got to some rocks where I saw some fish and told him we would count to three and go under and I would point to the fish. We counted to three went under and I pointed out 3 blue fish. He was so excited when we came up, he said, "Daddy I saw the fish!! I saw 3 blue fish!" We did this for a few more min and he wanted a break So I swam him back to shore. A couple of min later he wanted to come back in but he wanted to swim to me, so I sat in the water and he did, I was so proud of him. We snorkeled for a bit longer and then showered to get ready for the ferry. Got dropped of and took the ferry to Playa, there were still tons of athletes moving bikes back to the main land. I talked to a few athletes on the ferry and we decided that even though the course was flat it was still very challenging. The wind was a big factor in the day. Got off the ferry and went to eat, at some restaurant, where Troy got his first schooner of OJ and he danced away on the stage they had, he takes after his father what can I say. Troy got some ice cream and it was sooooo good!!! Finished and walked back to the ferry dock, where Troy played in the water fountain for a bit then we hit the beach.

This was the place where you see white sand beaches and blue waters and surf, so me and troy got in the water to do some body surfing. We were having fun until I didn't see a wave and huge wave came and made me hit troys head with mine, like ouch it hurt. We caught the 4:00 ferry back and took a taxi back to the condo where we stayed the night and just relaxed. Morning we woke up and soaked up the sun knowing we were going to come back to Austin to a cold front. Lets just say we started traveling at 10:00 am and finally got home around 9:30 pm.

Got to the airport at 10:15, stood in line for a hour to find out the flight was delayed 2 hours, oh joy! Got on the plane with some grumpy people, we did not have seats together, so I asked the guy to change seats he promptly said no. So I got up and the kids just melted down asking for daddy and screaming, quickly the guy changed his mind =}, got to Houston and took 2 kids, me Mindy, bike box and 6 pieces of luggage through immigration and customs, 2 hours later we get to our plane to Austin. We sit on the plane for 50 min for a 29 min flight, really. Got to Austin I go get the car, yup flat tire, fix it with fix a flat, get Mindy and luggage with NO BIKE!! The bike didn't make the flight, they would deliver it later that night close to midnight. We drive home there is a fire truck and ambulance by our house, couldn't get to the house drive around another way to the house (it was a minor wreck) close to 10 and waited for the bike.

DAMN IT FEELS GOOD TO BE HOME!

Ironman Cozumel 2009

Finally, the day is here!
(Pictures to be added later)
{WARNING THIS IS RIDICULOUSLY LONG}

Wake up alarm at 4:00 am, "Tonight's going to be a good night". Yes I thought to myself but the day will be better. I slowly started to get my bags and my gear ready. Mindy was up not to long after me. She had decided to come with me to the transition to help transport my bike pump and gear back to the condo. I looked outside and there was no wind and the water was calm, HELL YEAH I said to Mindy she was excited as well. We had decided to leave the condo by 5:15 since transition opened up at 5:30. It seemed the time was sitting still and the anticipation was almost overwhelming. As we were getting things finalized of course the kids were up and troy wanted to come with me, I had to convince him that he needed his rest to help cheer me on for the day, Melia needed very little help, I put the blanket over her eyes and she was out. 5:15 off to transition.

The park is a 5 min walk from the condo (great job G-daddy on the place), as we were walking you could see utter chaos happening. Buses and taxis all over the place with athletes and there support all around. I dropped of my special needs bags for the bike and run and walked on in to transition, and over to my bike, as I did I ran across one of the pro's from Austin, Patrick Evo. I went to him and he looked at me like he knew me (yes I was jumping for joy again). He said I didn't know you would be here I told him good luck and have a great race, I'll be cheering for you, he wished me good luck as well. I went to air up my tires and you could feel the anticipation in the air, the feeling was immense. Aired up my tire lent the pump to a few athletes and I was done. Went to find Mindy, found her and went to the boardwalk where we would be running from the swim exit to the changing tent. The park had opened early just for the event so we walked through the souvenir shop and then to sit for a bit. Time seemed to slow to a crawl. I kept asking Mindy what time it was, and it wasn't time to get ready yet, DAMN! I was kind of laughing to myself because I knew there would be a time where I wanted time to slow so that I could remember the experience but it wold still be the same if not faster. Finally started getting ready kissed Mindy good bye and told her I will see you in a bit. I walked through transition to the start and saw a couple of friends from Austin, Darren, Shawn, and someone else I forgot there name but had seen him a ton of races around town.

So there we were standing to race 140.6 miles, we saw the pro wave go off, that was a sight to see. The helicopter was hovering over head the announcer screaming something in Spanish, then the mass wave in front of me started to move, holly crap here we go. I didn't know how far back I was they kept telling us to hurry but I could only go as fast as the person ahead of me. So the dock we went off was a dolphin enclosure, rectangular in shape and we looked like ants running around it trying to get in the water. People were jumping off the dock others were taking the stairs. There were people everywhere. I decided to walk down use the stairs. I jumped in a enclosed area that had a lower deck under water where I could stand, and wait for a bit. The water felt good, not to cold but refreshing. As time was getting close I decided to get closer to the front, I dove in the sea of people, I dove under to take a look, and all I could see were legs wiggling and hands moving about in all directions, it was pretty cool. I slowly started to make my way up to the front area and I finally found a spot where some open water was. I started thinking, geez when are we going to ..........................(BLOW HORN) go. DAMN all the sudden everyone one in a mass swim start started moving and all the wonderful blue clear water turned violent, arms feet heads all over the place. I crawled kicked and tried to take a breathe in a sea of athletes. A few meters in the swim I found some open water/space and got into my rhythm a few time but then someone would come by me or bump into me or I would get squeezed between two people, Like really we had a whole ocean to swim in people! I started swimming with my elbows wide to create some room for me and it kinda worked. Then BAM! I felt a huge pain in my elbow not sure what hit me but my elbow started to really hurt and was stinging bad, i thought oh well it was nothing. Turns out I have a huge bruise and some skin missing from someones hand I imagine, but I think I got the better of it. I was feeling great I was relaxed I was breathing well, and I had a good line to the buoys. I had decided that since the swim was so clear to sight the bottom of the ocean instead of using buildings, or the cruise ships to guide me. I lined up the buoy with some rocks on the floor and stayed on the line I wanted and I had open water. turned the first buoy and headed to the next, this was the turn around. At the buoy it got really congested again but what could I do, hit the next buoy and I knew I had a good line because I literally went under the buoy and headed down the back stretch. 1.2 miles to go on the back side. I swam close to the buoys and sometimes on the inner part to get open water and then move in when a buoy came. I could see the anchors and scuba divers in the water holding the buoys, so I sighted them. The water was a little rougher since we were out father from shore but not too bad. As I was getting closer to the turn around I saw some spots on the ocean floor, some salt water had gotten in my goggles and I couldn't see that well so I focused, and saw that there were starfish all speckled all over the ocean floor. Found the turn around buoy and turned left and swam beside the submarine that marked the inner line of the swim, as I swam by I saw a camera and I flashed a hang loose sign and stuck out my tongue to it, you know me. Turned left again, on my way home! I cut the corner a little to much but I had open water to swim with again so I stayed there and about 800 meters to the finish I swam closer to the buoys and saw some awesome fish, oh that's right keep swimming David. I saw the park where we finish, almost there David. 100 meters out, almost there, stairs David you just swam 2.4 miles and on your way to an becoming an Ironman. I walked up the stairs and started to run down the board walk trying to take off my speedsuit. I had a hard time but it finally started to unzip. I ran to get my bag and into the changing tent, there were people everywhere. Outside the tent inside running around. I went into the tent found a chair sat down and started put on my bike gear looked at my watch and saw 1:11, are you kidding me!!! I ROCKED THE SWIM!!! CRAIG WE DID IT!!!!!!! Got my stuff on, went to the porta potty and ran outside, I could not stop smiling. I am doing this, I thought to myself, and I feel really good.

Grabbed my bike, some yelled something in Spanish about the swim, and I replied yeah i just rock it too, don't think he understood me but in a universal gesture gave a thumbs up and he did too, brothers in arms I guess. Hopped on the bike out of the park and turned right on the highway. My legs where there, I looked down and I noticed I was going to 23 mph, what!!! But I felt great so ok, there was little wind and keep that for a little bit passed Shawn (another jack and Adams guy from Austin) he shouted some encouraging words and I was off. I pulled over and slowed to eat a little bit and I saw two people pass me, which I was prepared for then Shawn passed, he said dude look you had a pack following you drafting you the whole way. Later Shawn had said it looked like I was leading the peleton, ha. I looked and there were around 10 people there, bastards!!! So i forced my way back in and passed then as we came to the windy part of the course I passed them and went on to the windy point of the island, which is where most of the miles were, ugh, dude it was really windy that day. I had talked to some one who had raced in Kona and she said those windy today were worse than Kona's wind I believed her. Winds were probably 30 mph gusts and 25 sustained. The pack that was drafting me passed me because they were working together. That's not what I wanted to do here. I am glad I had the wheel that were not too much of a deep wheel set. I decided to take it easy here. The sight was beautiful, blue green ocean huge waves and blow holes beaches you name it, oh yeah did I mention it was windy? Saw our special needs bags a decided to stop there next time. The aid stations were well stocked, they would had us water bottles with water and Gatorade, bars and gu. I only got the water and put it in my aero bottle (which I love, first race with it). Passed coconuts and then the Mexican K-mart (yup that's its name) turned left to head to town and I could feel that I could pick it up, 20 mph 21mph 22 mph now that's better. I was going about 17 mph on the windy/North side of the island. I was still feeling good, as I got closer to town someone was having bike issues and the people helping were calling out to the other bikers if they had a spare CO2 cartridge, I did so I frantically grabbed it and threw it to him , and hoped he finished. I started to see the locals on the side of the road, they would see me and yell things in Spanish, like vomanos, rappido, vie mexico and el guappo. Got into the heart of the city and was blown away by the local support, they were yelling, and screaming, shaking water bottles with rocks in it beating pots and pans blaring music, bar-b-queing, drinking. It was a party and they were there to cheer me on, IT WAS AWESOME!!! I vividly remember this one little boy who looked at me dropped jaw in wonder at what I was doing, I teared up. I could not stop smiling all the way through town that was a high light of the ride. Hit the seawall street and was on my way to see my family.

Mindy said she would be by the park, sure enough there they were. Mindy had made red shirts with black letter, "Go Dave", the kids said "My dad rocks". I saw that and got some more energy. Headed down the fast stretch of road I was hitting 25 mph yeah! The only thing that was hurting me was my lower back and my left arm from the aero bars from fighting the wind, everything else was good. 2nd loop, I saw the group that was drafting me earlier and then I saw a official ride by in his scooter and penalize about 4-5 of them, I smiled a bit. As I passed one of the athletes competing, I looked over and saw the bike my best friend rides, Matt Harmatuk. As soon as I saw that I thought about our races together this season, and how he was supposed to be here with me but he was called away to protect our country. Matt you were riding with me out there, in case you didn't know that. Be safe and we will race next year in Florida. We love you Matt!!

Even though this was the fast part of the island it was the longest and desolate, so I sang my power song, "World's Greatest", and miley yes I said miley, and other songs that pumped me up in classes. Got to the North/windy part again man here we go, wind felt stronger. Made it to the aid station with my special needs bag and grabbed all my stuff went to the bathroom and stretched a bit. It was crazy there people yelling out numbers, Spanish talk all over the place, people were grumpy, volunteers frantically helping out athletes. I was thankful for the volunteers and didn't mind the chaos, that just wasn't me or my race. I was having fun and enjoying the moment, got on the bike and rode back into town, yeah I loved this part. Even more people there this loop, this time I was the only rider around for a few meters, and it felt as they were all there for me, this is where I pictured all of the people in Austin cheering for me, they were so loud, I though man I know a ton of people are rooting for me back home and I know this is what you guys would be doing that for me.

Off to the family, I see them by the park I wave to them 3rd lap lets do this! Legs a feeling it now, only able to hold 22-21mph. Back was really hurting, shoulder and neck started to tighten up. Things were starting to go against me, but I wasn't ready to back down just yet, on to the windy side, yeah it hurt now. I was holding 16 mph really, I men really?? But I knew this is it, the last time I had to face his wind. Just make it to the Mexican K-mart, and then head to town, I piked it up at the turn holding 22 mph into town, i thought finish strong for the kiddos watching and for every else, and for me damn it! Two more turns left I see Mindy, and lost it. I was almost finished with a 112 mile bike race. Last turn and the guy I was supposed to hand my bike to was wait for me and motioning me to give him my bike, I made my patented dismount, handed my bike ran to get my bike bag and into the changing tent. Put on my sock, DAMN had to take it back off to body glide my feet, sock back on shoes on bathroom agua and out the tent.

On the run, 1/3 of the way to go. I am almost there 3 loops on the run and I am an Ironman! I got this. Headed from transition which was in a plaza by the Mega (a shop like wal-mart that had everything), the crowd was AMAZING!!! People yelling my name (it was on my bib) yelling for me, sweet my legs felt good, people yelling out "Animal" I thought damn straight I am an animal. headed to the Melia Cozumel and the turn around with a 8:30 pace. I was listening to my body and it felt good, I can hold this pace. Pass the main ocean street water stations I was grabbing water, ice, bananas, and coke. I did this for first few miles then tapered off as I made the turn around. I made a friend from Canada trying to beat his friend (he did by a few min I found out later). On the way to the turn around the winner past me and looked awesome. He was on his way to win the race, and he did, congrats Beke! Kept running and I saw Patrick Evo walking, I asked him what happened he said he was done. He had a hard day as I think we all did, he told me I looked strong and to push it. I tried. As I made the turn I saw an old friend of mine that I raced with a few years ago and he moved away, Steve. He went on to do a few Ironman races and this was his 4th. He was having stomach issues, but later on finished strong as well. I also saw John from Austin he was doing really well. He had knee issues and couldn't run his regular run, so he slowed down. I was sill feeling good and tried to keep that pace. On the the way back to town, I got very excited because I knew the crowd would be loud and they were still cheering on every athlete that ran by, especially the Mexico tri team. They had this awesome drum band on the corner of the last street by the Jimmy Buffet Cheeseburger in Paradise place. I made the turn and could see one of the pro's finishing on the big screen they had set up at the finishers plaza. As I did I saw one of the Austin athlete's cheering me on, he started the race with me, but I asked what happened he just shook his head, his Ironman dream did not happened.

Made the turn and I ran past the big Mexican flag where the two huge eagles were when I ran the other day to Los Palmeras and there was Mindy and the gang. They yelled and cheered me on, I got recharged and headed back out of the city. I could tell I was getting blisters on my feet close to my toes, I felt that before. My legs were telling me that I could not hold that pace as the first loop, so I slowed down. The things that was hurting me the most were my quads and it was getting worse by the mile, feet were hurting too but I could run through that, my legs were another story.

I was doing ok until I hit the turn around point at the Melia Cozumel, and then I walked a bit in between aid stations. I saw Patrick again and i yelled out its hurts man, his reply was it always does, so I pushed on. My legs were slowly turning against me, but I still had my smile. I past my friends wives, and they yelled I smiled back and gave them a hang loose sign. They called me a dork, I was ok with that. This is where the race started to hurt for me. I was headed back to town again, and could not wait to get the energy from the crowd to help push me. As I came into town I saw a girl holding a napkin it said, "You can do it, go be an Ironman" written in pen. That was the best sign I saw. (Except for Mindy's of course)From the distance I saw the Mexican flag waving gin the air, I knew that's where my family was and I could run to there. Legs hurting more, feet feeling like I was stepping on nails I made it there to see Mindy. I walked as I say here she said don't stop Dave you got this. I started the Ironman shuffle. Ran past the Mega saw the Jimmy buffet sign and knew I was close to the turn around for my final loop. This time I did not see the sign the turn around hurt to much to focus on anything else. I made my way to the last turn, that was hard. To know that I had close to 9 miles of absolute painful running between me now and me being an Ironman, so I set my way past the awesome drum beats going on I winked and pointed to the same guy who I pointed to last time in the drum line, he pointed his drum stick at me and pointed "VAMANOS". So I did slowly but surely I was going to push myself to the limit to achieve my dream. I ran to Los Palmeras to see Mindy but she came to me before the restaurant, she knew I was hurting, she knows my races and knows how I am feeling in them. I wanted to walk with her she said keep running and I never will forget this she said,"You are 94% there you can do this" at the time it almost brought me to tears but then I thought I can cry I needed the sodium, I kind of laughed to myself. Then I ran into Rebecca, Nama, Troy and Melia. Mindy had told her mom that I wasn't doing well so when she saw me she ran with me and told me that she believed in me and that I can do it. So with those blessing I headed back out of the city for the last time.

Every step I took hurt worse then the last, the sun was setting and my goal of finishing in the sun was lost, but then I said well out of all those goals I was ok not getting that one. It got dark fast and my body was turning against me, my legs were in serious pain and on the verge of cramping, my stomach was not happy and I barley made it to the aid station to use the bathroom. As I had to the porta potty I hear someone yell out there is no toilet paper, I thought oh well, I had to go really bad! So lets just say lucky there was the toilet paper roll :) Had a hard time standing up got out and started to run/shuffle again. The pain was too much and I walked again, this time the mosquito's were very bad and wold swarm you if you walked because there was no wind, so that was my incentive to keep running. I saw on the other side people were spraying the athletes with bug spray and I couldn't wait to get there to get some. 20 mile, almost there. If you guy don't know I dedicate my last miles to the people who helped me get to that point in time. Mile 20 Life Time Members, who always give me there best and in return they find them selves, don't stop Dave they don't for you. Shawn was running in the opposite direction through the water stop, we both stopped and walked through the water stop. We both had no energy to say anything so we wobbled over like drunks and gave each other knuckles. I still get a chuckle every time I think about it. Mile 21, all my sponsors, Pure Sport, Jack and Adams, Lululemon, Kerri, all the Life Time Members that donated to me.

Mile 22 my extended family, all the people I have adopted Ashley, Chelsea, Lindsey, Lilly, you guys are my family. The pain was immense. Now don't get me wrong, I was going to finish, there was never a time where I wanted to quit but I hurt bad! It was a double negative for me if I walked the start back to run almost made me cry, but to continue to run hurt just as bad. My quads felt as if they were being hit with bats every time I took a step, I was pushing myself to the limit, and funny but I liked it. That was what I was there for to find myself when it hurt, when my body said no you cant I still was loud, I smiled when I could, and I was counting the miles and I was having fun. Mile 23, my dad who was going to be so proud on me, and that I was able to share this experience with him in my life, my sister who thinks the world of me, who started to run and the whole family just did a half marathon together because of me. The turn around, I never thought a simple left turn while running would hurt so bad and be so refreshing at the same time.

Mile 24 pain almost unbareable, the pain incorperated my whole legs now I could feel the possiblity of my calf, hamstring, hip flexor cramp. I didnt worry about the quads I think if they cramped it would have felt better. Mile 24 was for my coaches and training partner Craig, Lindsey, Nick, David. You guys had to put up with me for a year, most people can barely go an hour with me :) You guys helped me get to her and we were almost there. Back in town some one the poeple who were there cheering me on had left, I could see the big Mexican flag this time for the last time, I knew Mindy and the gang would not be there but at the finish line. The street was uneven and that just made my blisters hurt worse, mile 25. I remember thinking it hurts Dave really bad, and then I said so what its just pain and I can handle it. Almost there Dave, mile 25 is always for my family. You guys will always be there and have been there, we are about to become an Ironman. Closer to the Mega the crowds start to build up again. I see the mega almost there dave pain is super high but I know will be over in a few min I pick it up, pain worseness. I am pushing my limits, dont stop now. I SEE THE JIMMY BUFFETS SIGN ITS RIGHT THERE!!!. The drum ine band isnt there I wanted it to be to show my friend we did it, crowd thickens. I see the sign mile 26, .2 miles to go. I pick it up again, the plaza is lit up a brillient glow, the crowd yells at me harder as they see me coming in, I feel like the only athlete out there. I run past the corner to the turn around point. I pick it up more running like 8 min miles again, picking it up again the pain goes away. I felt no pain nothing, sheer joy and happiness came over me, the volunteer directing us telling us to go another loop, he he funny now but as I came close to him I told him no, I'm finito I'm done! I'M DONE!!! He pointed to me to finish like someone opening a gate, I turn past the huge New Balance arch way and there it was, the finish line, no one is in front of my or behind me, this was my moment , MY MOMENT!! I had race 140.6 miles, pushed ,myself my family an my friends and we are all here. The finsih line was a brilliant purple and green from the lights that lit up the sky, the grand stands were all full of people and they were cheering me on. I put on that smile and through my hands in the air all the way to the finish line. I get to the finish line I point to the camera and I do my 5 clapping push-ups, I cross my finish line cross my hands on my chest and open the up in victory and screamed at the top of my lungs!!!! I had done it, we had done it, David you are and Ironman! 11:24:24. I recieve my finishers medal and sea shell medalion. As I get them, I lost it. All those emotions, the pain, the joy, the challenegs, the success, the finally, I let all those emotions come through me and it felt great.

I looked up and saw the medical tent, with all those people in it, I didn't need it. I walked to the massage area and I was looking for Mindy. As I was looking all that pain came right back. I could feel huge blisters on my feet. Later that night when I took off my shoes it was confirmed. I had a huge blood blister on my left foot and regular blisters on my right foot. I didn't know where she was, I walked over to the massage are to get some water and there was John iceing his knee, he finished great but was in some pain, but so was I, funny to say now I was walking like a duck. At that point my race became complete, there was Mindy and we embraced and cried together, holding each other tight, I had completed my dream because of her and she was proud of me for what we did, now I was an offical Ironman!

I get my finishers shirt, didnt get a hat, found out I had to preorder that, really? Then got a leg massgae, OUCH!!!!!! Tried to eat pizza but stomach wasnt ready for it, found out my friends finsihed with a great time, congrats Micheal and Shawn! AUSTIN ROCKS WUT WUT!!!! Got my run bag, went to where my family was and asked Troy, "You know what they will call daddy after today?" His Reply,"An Ironman", thats right Troy I answered. We looked around for a bit and I was ready to get off my feet, went to get my bike bag and bike, Mindy came to help, it was amazing all the little steps I have to walk, getting on and off the curb was a sight to see. I got my bike smiled again and tried to get out, I had put so much water on me that I was my bib number almost competly off. Walked to the car where all 7 of us and the bike fit into a 4 door compact (insert joke here). We got back to the condo, put the kids to bed, I jumped in the cold pool for a few min showered and facebooked for a bit. I finally got hungry so we went and got a big juicy cheese burger, and it was good. Everyone went to bed, I finally took troy into bed with me and we fell asleep together. Didn't get much sleep that night, I felt nauseaus and my legs hurt bad but I was and still am an Ironman, and I am ready for next year!!!!!!!

Twas the day before Ironman Cozumel......

The tune up and prep

As I was awoken by my son at 5 am this morning, I could still hear the wind howling. Mindy was up and took care of Melia and Troy. I went back to sleep to get some rest. Mindy yells at me Dave get up they opened the swim and there is no wind, no way I said. I got up AND IT WAS PERFECT!!! Lind the water was perfect, I got my speedsuit on, goggles, and swim cap and I left from the beach from the condos. As I dove in a school of silver fish were there to greet me, as I swam past them I headed out to the course were there were hardly any athletes swimming. I rounded the two yellow buoys that showed the turn around point, and I just took it in.

I popped up to look around to see the ocean, the coast, the athletes swimming, the coast guards (there was a diver there for our safety and I flashed him a hang loose sign, he promptly signed if I was ok I flashed one back), I was floating in the ocean where I am going to become an Ironman, dude it was magical! I decided to swim to the dolphin enclosure where we are going to start, yeah dolphin enclosure I said it. I swam back and that's where all the athletes were. It was amazing, the view underwater. You could see all of the athletes swimming on the surface, all the marine life going on with out a care in the world. I hit the dock then headed back to the condo beach. That's where it got a little rough but nothing, let me repeat NOTHING like it was on Thursday. I am glad I swam in that current and rough water now. I picked it up for a few meters and then turned to the beach where Mindy, Rebbecca, Troy were waiting for me to come back, I popped up and they could see my huge grin from the beach. It was a great start to the day, as I came in I was looking at the ocean floor and found a huge shell that I gave to Troy, his eyes lit up to see that and daddy coming in from the ocean. Coach Craig, I am ready for this, thanks again for your coaching!!

I hoped on the bike to get in a little ride, I rode past the park to see the transition, and I have a LONG run from the entrance to the transition area to my bike rack position but at least I am close to the bike exit. They had carpeted, well made good attempt on it. I rode on for a few miles and legs felt great, I turned around headed back to get in a little run. Went on the run, with just my tri shorts. That was big for me. Ran a mile then got Melia and played with her in the cold pool, she loved it she is a water baby like Troy. Troy and grandma went to town to ride the horse drawn carriage, he loved it. They had some good time together.

As I started to get the bags packed for the race, everyone went to the park to hang out. Really Mindy took the kids out of the condo to give me space and time to get ready. She has done a ton of work to help me with this, so has her mom and step dad and Becca. I pack every thing I need and even get the special needs bags set up. As I packed I put on the Secret to re watched and help visualize, as I finished I took a small nap on the couch. The crew came in and I helped them out for a bit, Mindy took G-daddy and her mom to the ferry they were going to Cancun to some place to eat for G-daddy's 60Th birthday. Rebbecca went with some people she meet to go scuba diving, so it was just me and the kids. We had a good time, Mindy came back and all the athletes that were staying at the condos got together for a group picture at 5:00, which is when I had to drop of my bike, and when Texas Tech started to play. Took some pictures and then took the bike to transition.

We got marked as we took the bikes in, someone stopped me to take a picture of me and the bike, walked in right by the pros bikes and saw Patrick Evos (fellow austinite), had a mechanic oil my chain and put my bike on the rack with my helmet. AS I did ran into Bobbie from San Antonio, she had a few questions that I actually had the answers too. Took my run and bike bag to hang up and took one last look at transition and left. It was so beautiful because the sun was setting at that time. As I was leaving I was getting pumped! I walked back to the condo really excited for tomorrow. The kids are down and Becca took Mindy to the restaurant next door for a drink and I am here to focus.

So those are the days events, here are my thoughts. I asked for this dream 3 years ago, and with Mindy's and a ton of other supporters made this happen. Now, tomorrow I get to make it happen. Its really funny that they say triathlons are an individual sport but I see other wise. Your wife gives you time to train, you train with your friends, your sponsors help out with gear, your supporters drive you to do well. This days was encompassed by many to help purse a dream, my dream, our dream through me. As i ready all those inspirational notes said something to me, most were support others were direct and all were welcomed, thanks guys! When I cam e to this island, no one knew me here and still doesn't. As I was running the streets, no one honked at me to say hello, no one said Hey Dave I saw you running yesterday. No one knows who Dave is here. Not yet ;), they don't know my strenght, my determination, my heart, my desire to be my best, the support I have of Austin, Texas, and the support of my awesome wife, and son and daughter. Not yet, tomorrow I will show this island what it takes to be me, I WILL BECOME AN IROMAN!

"I am the worlds greatest"

"David, you don't have the option,
to not be great, go be great! We
will be there at the finish line
waiting for you, we love you"
Mindy

2 Days and cccoouunnntttiiinnnggg......

Fridays Event's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKXHP9eNGM8

I got a good night sleep, with both kiddos in my room (yeah go figure). We all woke up at the crack of dawn. I looked out the window and there were white caps on the waves in the ocean. The winds howled all night. I looked at the weather channel website and 30 mph gusts with 15-20 mph sustained. The swim practice was cancelled (as I confirmed latter at the athletes meeting that night) I didn't see anyone swimming for about 30 min, but ran into another athlete staying at the condo. Katie from Utah. We talked about our past experiences and maybe we would swim later on together when the waves and wind died down.

Decided to go for a run but Mindy said lets drive the bike course and I said yeah let's go. We drove the course and I showed her the rest of the island that I experienced the day before on the bike, it wasn't the same, but she got the beauty. I showed her the blow holes from the rocks and waves, the pristine beaches and restaurants that look like time forgot. The roads looked like they were just redone just for us. Drove past the pee-pee stop and got the picture I wanted. Drove into town to get the car fixed. As we drove there Melia feel asleep on Mindy and they looked so at peace. I just watched them together, what a blessed life I have, Troy was enjoying the wind and views. I took them through the route i took on the bike and drove right by Burger King, really??? We drove back to condos and everyone was up and decided to go to Las Palmeras for breakfast in town. I needed to run so I told them I would run to the restaurant and I would see them there.

So I sent off on my run into town. What an experience, my legs felt great I had to hold back, I had my ipod and the ocean to my left and the wind of anticipation on my face (it was pretty strong in some spots =) ) As I was experiencing the city on foot, I came across city hall and the finish line. I stopped and looked down the fenced in area and the grandstands they are building. Damn Dave, this is where your miracle will culminate as I thought to myself. Started my run again and had the waves crash on the side of the sea wall and spray me, came to a point just across from the restaurant were two statues of theses huge eagles at least 10 feet tall were looking in at the city. I walked and stood between them and just took a moment too soak it up. Run total was around 5.5 miles. At the restaurant they had an egg white omelet with some bread, OH JOY!!!! I devoured that thing and we walked to the expo, AND right past a Starbucks, damn this day kept getting better and better. Its the small things we miss. I didn't get a drink because I was already hot and had a tired child riding on m y head. Walked past the bike mechanic and it costs $25 to do just a cleaning and small adjustment, really??? But there is an Ironman poster right beside him I will try to buy from him after the race, I will see how that goes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBMFIWD-yHA

At Expo checked my chip and was told I had to come back at 4 to get my bags to put my gear in. Came back to the house by taxi and took a nap with my son, that was great, my body needed it. Woke up and was waiting on the car to go to the course meeting, so I decided to read some letters from you guys, man I love all ya'll with the support you have given me. Jumping ahead i drove the run course and its lined with palm trees the whole way, so I will envision everyone on either side of me cheering me on, all of your positive energy will push me harder. Drive to the expo and drop of g-daddy and liggett to catch a ferry. Get there and there are close to 2,000 athletes there, DAMN! I go and get my bags first and they give me a back pack with our bags in there, SWEET! Go to the meeting and hear the course and rule overview. Same stuff as the packet stated. BUT the changed the swim course due to the currents, the shortened the swim into it by 200 meters and added it to the end, so they really just moved it, the crowd cheered when they said this, funny. They will also do another swim tomorrow, this was good since I didn't get my swim in today. There was a pasta dinner after I tried to find but didn't so I went to Mega (kinda like a walmart) and got some stuff to make dinner, was interesting shopping there. Meet someone from Houston, he said he was worried about the swim, seemed to be a theme here. Drove the run course and came back to condo. Going to read a few more letters/notes and hit the bed. Gonna try to call a few people tomorrow since I think we have free international calling.

Gonna swim, bike and run a little tomorrow, just to keep muscle warm and then stretch. Its kind of funny, I am not nervous, I am calm and ready to go. Afterwards gonna take it easy, yes I said I will take it easy, i don't say it too often :)

Bike Course Preview: 1 loop
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF--lXIoiok

Finally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bcxwhzyh7c

3 days and counting.....

Practice swim, checked out bike course, oh yeah Happy Thanksgiving!

The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.
Arthur C. Clarke

Didn't really sleep well on the couch, but the waves sounded awesome and woke to the sunrise over the ocean. Oh yeah and Melia letting me know she was awake (as loud as she could which woke up Troy, so you now know the sunrises at 6 am and now the kids know this, got to let Troy know he can sleep on the vacation. We got to see them set up the big yellow buoys that showed the turn around for the swim, that was cool.

The practice swim started at 7 am, and the condos that we are staying at holds 9 to be Ironmans with 7 doing it for the first time. The lady that is above us Jen(?) said she would wait and that there were people already waiting to swim. As custom here they did not start on time (Sure do miss High 5 events, they are always on time, right Dan!! Guess I am spoiled), and I finally saw swimmers in the water around 7:30. Beaming with excitement, I went to the start at Chankanaab Park. So the cool thing is we got to start right beside the dolphin enclosure, THAT WAS COOL! SO I get there and I forget my swim cap, and I was the only one with a full length speedsuit, until I saw someone else with one and another with no swim cap so i was good. I told the other person that I was glad to see someone else with the speedsuit, he promptly replied, "I can't swim worth a lick and I need all the help I need" I agreed with him about the suit. The water was clear and everyone was standing on the dock. I put on the shoulder part of my speedsuit and a lady quickly helped me zip up, I told her thanks. I think she winked at me but couldn't tell since she had goggles =) I asked what was everyone waited for, they replied me. So I jumped in. It looked like the ocean floor was so close, you jumped in and it was about 50 feet deep. That was amazing!

So it was windy and the water was choppy. Criag, it was the hardest swim I did to date. I took in water every breath and bobbing in the water and swimming against the current. I felt like I was in an endless pool. It took me around 20 min to swim about 500-600 meters. I WAS STRUGGLING BAD! So I swam to our condo where Mindy and Troy and Melia and Rebecca were looking for me. I got a swim cap, some body glide, and proceeded to swim back out. I swam out into the ocean (once again let me say that was cool) to get to the back side of the course, didn't even make it to the turn around buoys. Got to the back side and swam back to the park with the current, and HOLLY CRAP i felt like I was swimming Olympic times, dude I cant wait till that backside swim which is the longest park, that took me about 10 min to get back, Oh yeah swam back by the dolphins to our swim exit ramp.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.
Confucius

Meet up with Sam and Michael from Austin, and decided to ride with them. We rode together which was fun itself. I wanted to see the road conditions and the wind. We get to the North side of the island, and it was breathtaking, we stopped and took a moment to soak it up and watched for a second. The beach was rocky at points and the just beautiful sandy beaches, blue green water and BIG waves created by the wind. The roads were good and the wind are what I expected. We saw blow holes on the beach, just awesome. I felt blessed to be able to ride there. The locals were giving us thumbs up as we rode like we were celebrities. Saw some great places like the "Pee-Pee Stop" right above there was a smiling alligator, thought of you Lindsey ;)

If you would create something,
you must be something.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

As we came back into civilization and town, we split up and yes I got lost, yes on an island, BUT IT WAS SO FUN AND I WAS SO HAPPY I GOT LOST! I rode through town and it was so much fun, I found the road I needed and made my way back to the condo. When I get back I noticed that I really needed sunscreen, and some water, most importantly my legs felt great and I did the whole loop on the bike. Oh yeah the bike did good, don't really know if I need the bike mechanic.

Shower and head to the expo for packet pick up, make a copy of divers licence and sign my life away and get my packet, then in line for the shirt, and to my surprise its a really nice jacket! I smiled this huge grin as I put it on, Becca said I looked like Troy when I did that. Got in line for official merchandise (which stands for highly priced in Spanish I guess) and got a cap and a jersey which says, "Dream, Believe, Achieve" how fitting. It also said, "Only an Ironman can conquer the island". Got some more stuff and ran into Mike from Cedar Park (small world). Mike had some serious health issues this year and was happy to just start the race. He was in front of me so I bought him an Ironman bracelet and told him that he was an Ironman in my book and that I will cheer him on in the race and that we will meet up in Austin to train more. Starting to understand that Ironman is more than just the race. Mike my friend, finish strong and I will be there cheering for you! Mike also stated that if the swim course was this bad on Sunday, someone said that they estimated a 50% drop out rate on the swim, yes it was that bad! As I leave the expo, yup you guessed it my stomach started to turn on me, and I am still working on getting it fixed (might be all the damn salt water I had that morning)

All men dream but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity; but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes to make it possible.
T.E. Lawrence

Go back o the condos to get kids, for our thanksgiving at Kelly's to watch the cowboys and have traditional turkey dinner. It was good and the cowboys were wining. The place had a great court yard for the kids to play it was perfect. Came back around half time to get kiddos to bed. I put my new aero bottle on the bike, my new bento box and then all the pictures that I took to put on the bike for inspiration. G-daddy, Mindy, and Rebecca went to Carlos and Charlies to watch the rest of the game. I went to read some inspiration letters outside by the ocean, thanks Mike, Casie, Sean, Joe-fish and Felicia. Those meant the world to me :)

What lies behind us,

and what lies before us,

are small matters compared

to what lies within us.

Ralf Warldo Emmerson

I had a heart to heart talk with the ocean. I stated out loud, "You don't scare me, I am not afraid of you, you will not defeat me, I am stronger than you. You might make it challenging for me but I would not expect nothing less. I want the very best from my opponent, so that I can show my best. I will be ready for you on Sunday so BRING IT!" 7 practice swim, oh yeah I am there!

What would you attempt,

if you knew you

could not fail?

Unknown

As I was coming in I sat down with Troy and said, do you know why we are here. he replied for your big race daddy. I told him yup, do you know how far I have to go. He replied far huh, I said yes. I asked him do you know what they will call daddy when I finish? He said no, I told him they will call me an Ironman Troy. His eyes lit up. I asked Troy, do you know what I will call you when you race next weekend, he said Ironman, I told him your right buddy! Your my Ironman Troy. He said your my superhero daddy..........................................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FRKEURwL4A

5 days and counting....

5 freaking days until I become an Ironman!

The time just flew by, now its time to get on the plane in the morning, ummm really early in the morning. We leave at 6am on Wed. Yes the kids are going and that's is going to be an adventure in itself to get them up. Today was errand day, and I got to have breakfast with Lindsey and my wife, what a treat. Lindsey did her Ironman in Arizona and did the race in 11:49:34 a very respectable time and I was so proud of her and still am. She gave me the low down on what to expect and me and Mindy listened with huge open ears. Ha at one point we were all crying at the table I am sure people were wondering what they hell was wrong with us.

Me and Mindy are on high emotions now, and just thinking about the race we get teary eyed. This race is going to test me in my mental toughness and physically as well. I know that I am going to push harder and longer than I have ever done, and you know what. I AM READY! I have put in the miles, and I have grown through this journey mentally the most. All the experiences that I have gone through have lead me up to this point, all the trials, accomplishments, bad experiences, awesome support, and yes some people who want me not to succeed. I thank you all for making me, well me. As i was getting ready today I realized I went to the spots there were going to give me the most energy, Hill Country Running (Thanks Jamie and Andrea for all you help and support, you guys rock!), my chiro Dr. Laura Whipple, who started to train with me this year and did her first triathlon so she could understand the body in motion more. Matt, we went to see The Blind Side together. Matt will not be there physically with me but I know that man will be screaming,"AND THAT'S HOW IT'S DONE, HE BROUGHT IT TO IRONMAN" when I finish. Me and Matt will hopefully be doing the Austin Marathon together, mine in Austin his in Afghanistan.

I can not wait to have my family see what I can do, I want to look into my kids eyes and say, Troy Melia, your daddy is an Ironman and you guys helped me become one! Yes guys I have the pictures to put on my bike so you all will be with me on the bike. Me and April (my life coach) have come up with a mental "bag" so when it gets hard I can rely on this energy to push me on.

"I am the worlds greatest!" I believe this and now I get to prove it on Sunday. Bike is boxed, up bags are packed thanks to my wonderful wife's hard work. If I have the strenght I will do something at the finish line that this is the start, rebirth of something great, yes greatness. I believe in myself, I am creating my miracle, I am inspiring, I am a Hero, I am a daddy, husband, and a great friend. In 5 days I will be and Ironman!

9 Days and counting......

As I start this post I am warning anyone who reads that this will be very random as I try to recall some of the memories from the past year, so bare with me.

On Thursday Nov 19th I sat down with my life coach April. Now me and April started doing Training sessions together at the gym, and after every session we had I felt like I learned more than she did. But yes she still got a good workout. She helped me understand me better, now I wont got into to much detail because that would take too long. She introduced me to a move called, Peaceful Warrior. This move helped me on my journey of self understanding and what I actually do when I teach a class or a training session. To the point, as we talked I understood that I now see people in a different way. I see all the possibility inside someone, and I help to bring that out. As we went on I now know why I have been so emotional, like crying like a school girl to Miley Cyrus :). What I am feeling is an overwhelming presence of all the positive energy that is flowing my way from all my family and friends. April painted the picture best when she described a gauntlet of love, then I pictured it. As I race I know all of you guys will be there on the sidelines cheering me on with your love and positive thoughts, so once again thank you. Thank you April for guiding on this incredible journey.

My main two women in my life. As i have watched my daughter grow, I have learned several things. The main thing is that she has been nothing like my son. Meaning, no she still hasn't walked yet but she is learning really quickly. Her temper tantrums are second to none and she is only 14 months. She had three molars break through one day and she woke up pissed off. I mean I was very impressed at how pissed she was, matter of fact I was very proud of it.




But bless her heart she would be fine. She will be harder to take the binky from than Troy. And as you can see I can't do her hair to save my life, not yet I am learning. Thanks Miss. Sarah for always doing her hair. Thant girl loves to shake her booty, the other day at the indoor soccer place she was by the way. She is just tall enough to see over the wall at the players and Mindy was playing. They had some music on and she was just wagging that booty around like nothing, damn I am in trouble!!! I love my daughter and I love to take her on dates. I want her to know now how she should be treated by a man, so she can always have an example of how a lady should be treated. She melts my heart when she does certain things: says "dada", smile and tilt her head, does a fast crawl from me because she knows I am going to tickle her (That was our first interaction when she was younger), dance, lean her head on when she is tired, and snuggle anything soft. I LOVE YOU MELIA!!



Ah my dude, how I love you Troy!! What another fabulous year we had. Troy did his first race at the Lonestar Triathlon, and yes we finished dead last! But he ran pretty mush the whole course, and he made us so proud. You know the thing that made him sprint that last turn was sponge bob waiting for him. Now he loves to go to the track to "train for his race". He does about 3 laps on his long days :). His 3rd birthday party was at Chuck E Cheese, man we had like 20 kids, Mr. Popular!! He had an awesome dora and diego cake. He started swimming on his own this summer thanks to Miss Shan, thanks girl!! He loves to drink his pure sport because its good for his body at least that what he says.



The best quote from him,"Hey guys I have an idea, you guys go work hard to get money and you can just give it to me", this was said to me and Mindy as we were trying to talk to him about money. Then he goes,"Naw I was just kidding". Troys favorite songs: Party in the U.S.C (yes i know it is USA but he doesn't), Life is a Highway, Real Gone (both from the movie Cars), Sad Sad City, I have a Feeling, Boom Boom Pow. Troy has always been to the races that I do and he always tells me I did great, and I "rocked it!!!". Troy I have one more race this year to show you what daddy is capable of, I am very happy that you and Melia and Mommy will be there in Cozumel.


Matt Harmatuk, this guy, this guy. Let me tell you about this guy, he is truly a hero. Matt and I have been racing against each other for a couple of years now. As we raced each gear, bar bag, suit, bike he got was to beat me. His bike is named you guessed it, "The Garza Beater". My son had been talking trash to him since he has been able to talk by saying,"Bring it Matt" This is where the term originally started. Matt and I have become very close friends and this year I was lucky enough to see him and his wonderful bride Ally get hitched. Great wedding! Me and Matt had signed up for Cozumel together, so all the training we were doing was for this big race. He even invited me over to do a tri seminar for the APD. Sad to say Matt will not physically be there in Cozumel with me, he has been called away for military duty to fight for our country, for that Matt you are my hero. Come back safely please! You will be with me during the whole race. I am happy to say he will be doing the Florida Ironman race with me Lindsey, and Lilly next year. Congrats on finishing the Texas Tri Series again with me and I was happy to get your award for you. At that party they had a slide show, Dan (the organizer) told me he had to consciously take out pictures because I was in almost all of them, I died laughing! Matt, I Love you man!!! Be safe and you will be missed




Ah Coach Craig, I am very fortunate to have this guy in my corner. Craig has introduced me to Brendan Hansen (who showed his gold medal from Japan to Troy when we visited his house), Travis and Neil Walker. Neil and Craig started out coaching me then Neil and April moved out of state. Craig has turned me into a swimmer. He spent all summer working with me and Lindsey and reinventing our swim stroke. There were days I could not swim because I was laughing so hard, other days I could barley breathe from the workouts. All year he came up with workouts to help me and Lindsey out. Thanks Craig, now you have to get us ready for Florida Ironman in November 2010. (yeah, already signed up for another ironman before doing my first one) Craig did his first triathlon at the dilloman this year, the weather was as crappy as it could be. If you see him ask about the baby pool incident. He finished 6th overall, congrats my friend!



Blake and Lilly, man what can I say. They completed the Texas Tri Series this year, and their kids did their first tri ever. We both did the plugerville tri on fathers day along with Lindsey. Such a great race. I am happy to say Lilly will be doing her first Ironman next year!! And Lilly was in the Nov issue of Austin Fit, what a turn around!!



So who can forget that Life Time got a Premier team together for the Silicon Marathon Relay,

and we kicked some serious booty! We got fourth in the Premier group. Next year we will win it, Thanks Jill for getting us that. We had VIP treatment and we all had PR's during the race. Great job all, and good job on Tearson getting in Nov issue of Austin Fit magazine as well.

This year we have added a new member to our family, Ashley. At least that's what we tell everyone because we feel like we have adopted her into our family. She and Troy have a huge bond and he loves to play with her. Ashley has helped us out with taking care of the kids and in turn we helped her do her first tri (skeets greets), and she just completed her second? half marathon. We are very proud of you, Ashley you are a amazing young woman. Ashley we do consider you a part of this family and are happy to be in your life as well, we love you!

So a few random thoughts that happened this year. I was asked to be in a Ab video. So I accepted, the video is called Austin Ab's. Me and three other trainers got together and put a killer routine together. It was soo much fun to get the chance to do that. Pure Sport and Lululemon was sponsors of the video shoot and clothes. It was interesting to see what all went in to making a exercise video. I hope it comes out when they expected it to around Christmas. Don't know because the producer just had a beautiful baby girl congrats Mo!!

As i am getting small things taking take of before I leave, one Saturday I went to Jack and Adams Bike shop and there was Blake, Lilly and Sally (one of my up and coming athletes) there. Sally said something funny,"Seem like Dave has been influencing a few people" I answered, I hope so :) Saturday I am headed on my last longish workout before we head to Mexico on wed. Testing out the race tires, got them fixed, and running a few miles. Talked to Lindsey today, she is in Arizona getting ready for her race on Sunday. Just remember Lindsey you wont have hills like Jester St seen below.

13 days and counting.......

Sunday November 15th David's Ironman Fundraising Party!!!

Holy cow what a night! So my friends: Kim, Lilly, Chris, and Kathy got together and through a fundraising party for me at The Grille at Rough Hollow Sunday November 15th 2009. How did this start, well Kim decided to help me out with trying to find me a sponsor during the time that I was looking (and still am) for someone/company to sponsor this awesome athlete. :) Kim had talk to Tim and Steve the owners of this awesome restaurant to see if we could hold a dinner in honor of me. And poof the party was born.

We enlisted the help of Lilly, Chris, and Kathy to help get the people out there. Included in this update are some pictures of the event. As we were trying to figure out how to raise more money, I talked it over with Mindy and she suggested a silent auction. That was the big hit of the night!!! Thanks my love for the suggestion!

At first there were only me and the organizers, since the place was not that easy to find, so thanks to all that made the trek. We kind of knew how many people where going to show, but one by one as people showed up I was blown away with the support and generocity that was shown by my friends and the members at South Austin Life Time. We had 52 people show up

that night. Now don't get me wrong, Yes the money that was raised was great. The thing that I was blow away with was the support given to me for my race. People went out of there way for me, I mean me really??? This was my dream to compete and train for an Ironman. Now I can see not only did my family support me but the people that I have touched through exercise and self accomplishment. That is what has blown me away. With all the awesome things that have happened to me this year, I am still Dave. There are sometimes that I look at myself and wonder what is the big deal, I am just a guy who actually loves what I do. Then there are sometimes I look at myself and think, holly $%!& look what I am creating in peoples lives. That is what I saw last night. David look what you did, and what you helped people accomplish (As Natalie so politely put it, "My butt was made by Dave, and I like the way it looks"), and I have to admit I like making people feel good about themselves. Service to others right April :)

Another cool thing that Lilly made was an inspiration box. People would write me a note and place it in the box. I will not open that box until the day before the race. Thanks in advance for all those who wrote to me. So I will be taking it this week to classes so that people who did not come to the party can show their support as well.

So here it was time for me to give my speech for the event, lets just say it was the speech of my life! I was very fortunate to have Mike and Jeff there who helped start my journey long time ago in Austin. Today I wish I would have video taped it, but I will always have this blog to remind me. I shared the stories that made/helped/hurt me to this point in my life. And yes I could not hold back my emotions, I cried and I still cant hide my emotions as I type................

Thanks for the wise cracks to get me back on track {Jill}, I was very happy to be able to show everyone the sacrifice and patience that my wife has for me. With her by my side I can do anything. From the energy I received last night I know, I will not fail or fear Ironman. I am stronger, I am ready, I can and I will be the best David on November 29th.

"You never know how strong you are until, strength is all you have left"

I have several people to thank and it would take me a few more blogs to do so, SO this is what I am asking this blog. Comment a fond memory/funny memory of me you remember to share. I want your account so I can laugh, cry with you as you comment. If you only met me once that's fine too, let me know. Now is your chance to help me.