Ironman Florida Race Day 2010

Ironman Florida
Nov 6th 2010

So here it is race day, 4 am. My alarm went off at what I thought was 4:00. I forgot that when we went to Orlando my phone’s clock went to East coast time, which meant that I actually got up at 3 am. Really kinda funny. So I decided to write down some stuff. I tried to blog last night and put all my thoughts down, the internet has been acting up and I think I lost most of the blog . I hope to finish it tonight as long with this race report. With that lesson learned I am writing off-line in a word format, HAH HAH Take that stupid internet!!

As I wake up I check my phone to a ton of emails from Facebook with people sending me well wishes and sending me there love and telling me that they will be watching all of us racing today. Put a huge smile on my face! I can feel the energy from them and the day’s events starting to rush through me, I have to slow it down a bit. It’s going to be a long day. I send out a message to everyone to get up and race, I get everything all set up eat, coffee, and I go to get Mindy up. She said she didn’t hear her alarm. She checks her phone 3:40am. Shit! Oh well guess I will have plenty of time to get ready and not rush. So blog I go, check outside and its FREEZING!! I turn on the tv freeze warnings are north of us, you get the picture, oh wait add the wind, yeah now were talking. I have a conversation with the water and finish my nutrition. Send some texts and off me and Mindy go to transition. Team Garza once again here we go!

Me and Mindy grad the special needs bag and head out; half way there I remembered that I forgot the water bottles for the bike, oops! Back to the condo and headed back to transition. As we came across the corner we saw Blake drop off Lilly, her mom and her brother. IWAS GETTING PUMPED!!! We walked down the road to transition and Eric made the quote of the day, “Man this road seems longer than I thought” I laughed. We get to transition, I get body marked and then I ask the volunteer to do her best art work and write, “Inspire by Example” on my right calf she did and it looked great! I enter to get “Lighting” my bike ready for the day’s arse kicking that we were going to do that day. I triple checked to see if the brakes were locked. Went to the porta potty, and headed out. The whole time I was jamming to Jorge Quintero- 300 Violin Orchestra, and Louis Armstrong-What a wonderful world (That song was playing while I was getting my Ironman tattoo). Looking around I saw video cameras taping us, athletes getting ready, spectators awaiting there loved ones or friends. The atmosphere was so energetic; I could barely wait till the cannon went off! I put some extra stuff in my run and bike bags, where I ran into Hugo. He and I have been racing each other for around 4 years. This was our first Ironman together; I was out to beat him for sure! He was telling me his game plan,” I hope to have a good swim and get some time on you and, when, not if when you pass me on the bike I hope to catch you on the run!” I told him that if he caught me on the run I would do my best to pace with him as he is a better runner than I am. Wished each other luck and headed to find Mindy to drop off special needs bags. Drop off for the bike special needs was at Alvin’s which was the turnaround point on the run as well. Dropped off the run special needs, as we did we walked across these plywood boards laid over the sand. As we walked we saw on athlete bit it really hard, I helped him up and made sure he was ok, we decided to walk around that on the way back. We walked over to Matt and Alli’s room which was about 100 yards from the swim start. It was so cold; I wanted to get to a warm place. Me, Matt, Eric (Matt’s brother) his wife, Alli, Mindy were all in Matt’s room.

6:30, time to get the wetsuit on, we body glided ourselves and put on the wetsuits, Blake was texting Mindy asking where we were, I think he was more nervous than us. Me and Matt took some pic’s and then we all hugged and Me and Matt worked our way down stairs. The pathway was already packed! People moved aside and let us go through as most of them were spectators. They were nice! We started walking on the beach and we ran into Blake, Lilly and there family. We all hugged again and then Lilly’s mom did a quick blessing on me (which I took with open arms!!). We had Blake call Mindy and we waved to them as they stood on the 4th floor of the hotel.We all took to the water! The days before we had a practice water session with Andrea and Jamie at the swim start to go over some pointers for the swim. The conditions were really rough! Today was another story. The tide was low, and the current was almost nonexistent. We got to the edge of the beach and everyone was holding their ears, what? Matt said they were going to blow the cannon, oh. Yeah we were right by the damn thing! Heard the countdown and BOOM! I could feel the cannon go off, WOW! Let’s get this thing on!!! We got into the water and made our way, way,way out until we were waist deep in the water. Matt yells where is the start line, I yelled back I don’t care get out as far as you can so that we could start past the breakers! Then I hear it,”Ok guys let send these Ironmen off with a good count down 10, 9, 8,…1! BOOM! The cannon goes off!

Let me see if I can describe this to you, 2300 people all trying to swim either on me over me by me, slapping me, grabbing my feet, hitting my toes, waves hitting you in the mouth as you took a breath, or sighted the buoys (which seemed to disappear with the swells). If you can imagine the worst triathlon swim you had multiply it by 10! I was mauled!! That was just by the women, the men hit, punched, pushed me out of the way. SERIOUSLY!!! People there is a whole ocean to swim in! But no, apparently the place to be was right on top of me. It was so rough to get to the first turn buoy. People were all over the place, then they would stop in front of me and just tread water, really? As I get to the turn buoy, I look up and see about 200-300 people just floating and most holding onto the turn buoy. Once again really???? People swim damn it! I made my way through the Ironman social, were I might add the waves were really big there and it made it very dangerous. Passed the buoy and Michael Phelps time! The section went with the current (of course it was the shortest) fought my way through people and next thing I know, left turn buoy was right there. Man that was fast. Me and Matt were swimming close together as we turned I saw him grabbed his calf and gave it a couple of squeezes and yelled at him, “Let’s get it Matt!”. Finally some open water to swim, I relaxed and found my swim stroke get long my coach says, I did. I was sighting of the host hotel, I lost Matt somewhere in the mix.

I could tell that I was getting closer to the beach because I could see the ocean floor and feel the water get colder. As I focused on the floor I saw a stingray swim across the floor, yeah it’s a good day. Hit the beach and dolphin flopped till I could walk knee deep in the water stood up, and started to run in the water to the beach. Oh how I love to run in soft sand! We got shuffled though the shoot I grabbed some water and time for lap 2! As I did I heard a few people cheering for me, I fist pumped and ran on. Since the tide was so low I ran across the beach to almost the swim start, most other people swam across the breakers, thanks Jamie! Running and going through the surf really tired me out, I finally got my breath when I got closer to the turnaround buoy. As I got closer I could feel my left shoulder get really tired, I fought through the fatigue and it the turnaround buoy, once again it was a social but not too bad this time. Made my way around and hit that last section as hard as I could, next thing I know the turn buoy was there again, left turn lets finish this thing. I remembered thinking about my last Ironman then. How I was so thankful to just finish and now, I was pushing myself as hard as I could during the 2.4 mile swim. I was feeling good and was ready to get on the bike. I see the ocean floor and that same stingray. So close, I felt the water get colder, almost home, I take a stroke and my hand hits the sand, DONE!! I get up out of the water take off my goggles and swim cap, take my wetsuit off half-way while running up the beach as best I can. Strippers on right, I slide in they yank the suit off, off to T1! I run with my wetsuit and now my bike bag into the garage where the changing place was. Right before I got into garage I saw Mindy, Alli, and Becca cheering me on, I waved with a huge smile on my face. In to garage and WOW, wall to wall people half naked half just in the way. They said you had to exit through the changing tent and some people didn’t even make it that far. I thought I would get as far past the mayhem to get to the other end. I made my way to the very end near the exit and found a box to change on. Changed, left my bag, thanked the volunteers and off I was.

I think about it now and its pretty funny, here I am running in my cycle shoes, gloves and arm warmers on, aero helmet on and me waving frantically to Mindy on the hill in between the two hotel buildings with a huge smile on my face, yeah that’s a good laugh! Running through T1 yelling my name so the volunteers can get my bike for me, a very nice old lady runs with me to my bike and helps me unrack it, I thank her for the help and off I go. I am smiling so big because I knew I had a good swim, 1:17. And was right where I wanted to be in the race. Crossed the mount line in a very narrow chute and I had to be careful not to crash. I mounted the bike and navigated through the shoot and onyo the road I was off! Now my plan was to maintain good speed till mile 70. I wanted to catch Matt, Hugo and Lindsey (who I thought was in front of me). On the bike turned onto front beach road and past the condo, I passed Nama, Ashley, Troy, and Melia. They all were wearing white shirts that said “Team Garza, Inspire by Example”, I wave to them I look into Troy’s eyes and I get some energy! The winds were strong so I got into my aero position as fast as I could. I looked down and I was holding 21-20 mph. Not bad, wanted to find my legs and I was still fixing my arm warmers so I was a little wobbly on the bike. Got them fixed, turned right onto HWY 79 and picked up the pace. Now, let me remind you, its cold! I mean my water bottles were frozen and I didn’t think they would defrost for awhile, dahmn! Bad decision. Wind wasn’t that bad, my pace was good easy effort averaging 22-23 mph. I could tell I was getting dehydrated especially with all that salt water I drank on the swim. I knew an aid station was around mile 10, made it there downed a whole bottle of water and grabbed a banana. Ok, felt better, the bike course is a one loop ride and I had been doing my best not to draft on anyone.

I was constantly riding around and with this one pack of people that were working off of each other and they were pacing off me, F*%#^&S!! I tried to not let it bother me and just do my race. Before the race I got some advice from Jamie about the bike course. He said take it easy till mile 70, then hammer it. So I just held back knowing I had some miles to go. I get in front of the pack again and I pass yet another pack and I hear, “WHATEVER!!”. What the hell, was that Matt? I looked back and didn’t see anyone I knew. So I just settled in, and as the pack passed me I could feel this one rider super close to me on my left side. I thought, really dude move over and give me some space! I was focused on staying on my line then I finally broke my focus to look and It was Matt!!

I was so happy to see him! I was happy for several reason, one he had a good swim for his first Ironman, two he looked good and that made me very happy that his experience was going good. I “Let” him pass me since his wheel passed mine I “had’ to follow the rules. In this pack that was following me there was this one lady who was just pissing me off! I would try to pass her as I did she would pick up the pace and stay on my right, really lady. Totally not riding in the rules, I let it go. As I was around Matt, she once again passed me (very close I might add) and got in front. She drafted off this guy who seemed to be eating or going for some water but was swerving severally, she didn’t see till last minute and the guy forced her off the road (since she was so close to him that was her only option or get knocked off the bike). She went off into the grass recovered and got back on the road, I was glad she was ok. But then she passed us again and got on another guys wheel, once again really??? I started thinking lady you have another 80 MILES TO GO!!! But whatever, I saw up the road a small downhill. I leaned over to Matt and said,” Lets show these guys how Texans ride!” I shifted picked up my pace and passed the pack on the left, looked at my speed 27 mph, oh how I smiled! (Later Matt told me he was able to ride with me for a few miles than that pack cut him off and he didn’t want to waste energy on them, I was happy to know I rode with my good friend in his first Ironman for a bit) Held that pace for a few min and never saw that pack again. The winds were not that bad, and I was able to have my heart rate down in zone 2 (around 140) most of the time and there were times it even dropped down to 130. My game plan was working!

I was able to hold good speed and stay calm onto HWY 20 same thing, some people passed me a couple of packs but I would slowly catch up to them again. We turned right again, somewhat with the wind, pace picked up heart rate went down, but my stomach wasn’t feeling right. Oh man, I started to feel queasy, ok no smiles what do I do. I ate a bar and drank some water hoping that would settle it. This was the first time I wasn’t smiling on the bike. Up to that point I was jamming in my head to the 300 orchestra song, and some pitbull songs. Now I had to figure this out. Couple of min went by not better but not worse. My water bottles finally defrosted and I drank some water, aid station grabbed a banana fresh water and started to feel better, turned left on the road that had the turnaround point I was 40 miles into the race feeling better and the signs on the road that noted the mileage (mileage was posted every 10 miles) seemed to race by. As we turned the wind was in our face AGAIN! REALLY, oh well hide and hold a good cadence. I was wondering why I hadn’t seen Hugo or Lindsey. I started to think that I had a better swim then them and was just ahead of them on the bike. I passed the road where after the turnaround we turned right back to HWY 30. This would be the place where I could see who was in front of me. I looked and watched as best I could but this was the roughest part of the bike ride. Jarring cracks in the road made little bumps and felt like you were hitting potholes every 10 secs. It felt AWESOME oh and don’t forget the head wind as well, yeah. I looked up and saw what I thought was the turnaround point, nope it was the special need bag area. Sweet! I needed another bar and I had put a couple extra in the bag along with some salt tabs. This is where I saw Shawn (I raced Cozumel last year with him and he is an awesome athlete doing his 3rd, I think, Ironman this year). Sweet I can try to catch him on the way back. So down the bumpy road with the wind, oh let me add I had to pee really really really really badly. I was deciding do I pee on the bike or do I pull over.

Turnaround, HELL YEAH!! Carefully turned and heard someone yell my name and hammered the pedals back to speed. I decided that I would stop at the special need bags area and pee and grab my bag. Got there, yelled my number and the awesome volunteer found my bag and handed it to me while riding, sweet rode to the end, watered the grass got my food and off I went, not too bad. I could not wait to get off that damn road it was just miserable. You couldn’t find a smooth place to ride unless you road on the very end on the white line. As I was looking for the turn I hear someone yell’ “GARZA!” I thought was Lindsey, which gave me some peace knowing she was ok, but then told me to pick it up since she was right behind me. I knew she had the ability to ride with me so I had to stay on my pace. Right turn up ahead YEAYEAH!!! I was so lucky to have driven the course before the race with Lilly and Matt. So I kept chuckling at every incline because at EVERY incline Lilly was right there to point it out.
On the road I was still picking people off who had passed me earlier and that made me feel like I had an awesome game plan. Mile 60 passed, this road was very pretty tall pine trees and only two lane road. It was a beautiful ride, Left turn on HWY 30, OH YEAH HERE COMES MY TAIL WIND!! Wrong, another head wind, oh and it was stronger too damn it! I was hoping that the wind would be a tail or at least a cross wind but noooooooooo, head wind, thanks! This section had rolling hills so I could use the downhill to pick up some speed or so I thought. The winds slowed me down and I started to feel it in my legs. I came to mile 70 tried to pick it up but the wind made my effort that much harder. So, I picked up the effort a little and that was enough to just plow through the field of potential Ironmen.

I felt good, I was still cold, I couldn’t feel my feet but my hands and arms were pretty warm. So as I was passing this one guy he swerved really far left, I wondered what he was doing I looked past him and I noticed the rider in front of him and he was peeing on the bike and it was flying all over him and the bike and his leg. At this point I said if I have to pee I am getting off the bike, uhg nasty! I was finally in the sun since most of the ride had been in and out of the shade. But I had to pee again, man. I started to get uncomfortable for the first time. I was still picking off riders and for the most part felt good. I decided I would stop one more time to pee and get some water at the next aid station. Aid station, yes porta potty water and I was off! Ok I was comfortable again but I could feel a little fatigue in my legs. Left turn HWY 79, I was so happy to see the turn for two reasons. One I was on my way back to transition, two I was going to get out of the head wind (as Mindy pointed out later that our last bike leg splits were really fast, I told her there was no head wind finally). Picked up the pace again, I looked and I was holding 23-24 mph with a good heart rate as well, yeah baby. Passing people like they were standing still! Right turn, last time into the head wind (so I thought) for a few miles but at least the road was smooth. I saw Shawn again and knew I would catch him soon, turnaround yes tail wind, um no not really got a cross wind, grrr. I was so done with the wind! I catch up to Shawn and tell him he was doing great he yelled go get it Dave, and I was off again. Right turn, let’s head home! I still passing people feeling good, left turn onto Front Beach road yeah tail wind finally, NOPE! Head wind and cross wind, ok I am so done now! 6 miles to go, and I am pushing to break 5 hours, I ride close to our condo and I see Mindy, Marcia, Melia and Becca on the side of the road and I wave to them then I see Troy and Ashley on the right by the condo I yell at Troy and he sees me. Oh yeah time to kill the marathon! I came to terms that I would not break the 5 hour mark, but I was ok with that, I changed my mindset to the transition and the run. I turned right on the road in front of the host hotel and unstrap my shoes get out of them and make my dismount on the line, I pass my bike to the volunteer and run to grab my bag and into the garage again. So glad I told mindy to grad some orange tape to tie to my bags so I can spot them better. I ran by saw the orange tape and grabbed the bag into changing tent.

There was hardly anyone in there, so one volunteer helped me get all my stuff out of my bag and put all my cycle gear in the bag, he was so nice. Run gear on, off to run a marathon! I ran through transition and stopped to have sunscreen put on by the volunteers pee one more time. Man, did I pick the wrong porta potty; let’s just say it looks like a person blew up in there! Done out of transition and on the run.
My legs felt great! This is where the crowds were cheering us on and they lined the run out shoot, and I noticed we had to run over the boards we walked across that morning I was very careful! I saw Jamie and Andrea yelling at me and most important I saw a man dressed up as Ironman, I gave him a high five. I looked at my Garmin, 7:30, holy S&^% slow down Dave! Hit the first few aid stations and drank water, my legs were feeling too good to be true. This course was a two loop course I planned to run as best I can on the first loop then hold on for the second. The crowds were out and they were needed, people cheering and calling out my name really helped. I broke the course up to quarters, 1st quarter-long section just past the turnaround, 2nd-cross St Thomas into neighborhoods, 3rd-small loop then cross over again, 4th-state park 2 mile section. I hit the first quarter and that’s where most the crowds were headed to second quarter, neighborhood still having to hold myself back, I was running sub 8:00. I grabbed water and cola at the aid stations. The aid stations had themes to them, well some did. One aid station in the second quarter had a medieval theme and they did it up well, I liked running through there since they had everything! Right then I saw the leader of the race run by and the guy in second was not far behind, wow looked like it was a good race. Man were they booking it!

Running to the third quarter I started to my feet start to hurt for the first time. I made a pact with myself that I would not stop for any foot pain. I had been having this issue where my feet would hurt but there was nothing to make them hurt. So I chalked it up to something rubbing a nerve in my foot, nothing damaging but sure hurt like hell! Cool thing was when the leader passed me and the camera men were following him, I ran with him for like 3 sec’s baby yeah!! Have to admit it was cool though. As I was leaving the third quarter I saw Sally from my work, I waved she asked how I was doing I said pretty good so far! Crossed the street and headed down to the park, on one of the turns my right foot sent this sharp pain to me and I said ouch. As I was entering the park the pain was almost unbearable, but I knew it wasn’t anything physical it was just that nerve but it was yelling at me. As I entered the park I got on the road we would circle on and I asked for help from my energy sources. Please let this pain go away, and you know what, it did! I opened my stride and I was almost brand new!

I was 6 miles into the run and felt pretty good. As I was running in the park, I had time to think, there were no crowds just me and the race, well that’s what it felt like. I started to think why I was doing this, I was doing this race for some very big causes. The first one was for Livestrong, I decided to wear my Team Livestrong jersey for the race, another was for Kerri’s daughter, Kristen who had died from esophageal cancer and was wearing her purple band on my wrist for the race. This was also my second Ironman so I wanted to do really well and up to this point I was doing alright for myself. I started to thank God, and other people who had helped me get to this point in my life, kind of funny but right then 3 deer passed the road in front of me. I got the hint! Came around to the inspiration mile by ford where they had messages people had left for you I ran past and I didn’t see one, huh guess I didn’t need it then. Out of the park and back to the third quarter. On the way to the park and back they placed all the signs that people had made for their athlete I read some of them but the ones that got me were all the ones that said GoDad!
Crossing over to see Sally again, I waved and made some funny gestures while she got pictures of me. There I finally saw Matt, he looked good and strong once again I was happy for him, then here she came the Ginkanator! (That’s Lindsey to most of you) and she looked strong as well. Gave her a high five as well. Back to the second quarter, I started to wonder where was Hugo and I hoped that Shawn wasn’t that close to me, still holding around low 8:00 crossing over to the first quarter. Man that damn street felt like it was 3 miles long and you could see all the way to the end of it. Turned back onto front beach road and headed back to the turnaround. Feeling ok, my left quad was talking a little bit to me but everything else was ok. Foot pain was there but bearable, my calves were holding up. I was happy with myself. Into the crowd, all I could do was smile, knowing the next time I saw them I would be finishing.

Getting to the turnaround I see someone jump across the other side to where I was running, it was Jamie. He yelled at me to stay on it. I hit the turnaround point and the crowd was so loud, I saw Terry, and I thought I saw Mindy but I wasn’t sure. I totally got energized! I ran back by Jamie and Andrea and Andrea yelled, “It’s not gonna hurt worse than this!!” Yeah she lied!! I grabbed my special needs bag the volunteer had it ready for me, man they rocked it for me there! THANKS GUYS!! Grabbed my stuff and I was headed out for the second loop. Mile 14-18 I knew would be the hardest so I focused on my music in my head, my mantra for the race, my family and kids. I hadn’t seen them as much as I had in the past and I really missed that. I had hoped they were doing ok and drew upon their energy. I thought of everyone who was cheering me on back home, and knew they were tracking me or watching the live feed. That’s what got me through the second quarter. My quad really started to hurt, bad. I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish without walking this time. Going into the third quarter I saw matt and Lindsey again they still looked strong high fived and went on, left turn at Sally’s house leg is hurting really bad now, like bit on a towel pain, I smiled through the pain. The turn where my foot started to hurt and I took it very gingerly, pain in my feet didn’t worsen, good. Now don’t get me wrong they hurt but it didn’t get worse. Running to the park I tried to read all the inspiration signs again to help me smile. At the end of the side walk they put a little ramp to run down the side walk. As I ran down it a guy hit his foot or shin on it and fell pretty bad. He got back up but knew that took something out of him. As I am fighting through the pain I could feel my right calf start to cramp, damn. Running out to the very most part of the run in the park, and I hear, “David Garza”. It was another athlete from Austin, she went on, “Man you passed me like I was standing still on that bike”, I replied, “Kinda like you’re doing to me on this run right know huh” we both laughed and I wished her a good race. She pressed on I was just trying to survive. Each step got worse and worse, it almost felt like my left quad was going to explode!
I had taken all my salt tabs, drank all my puresport, ate some banana’s, some pretzels, drank soda, even had some grapes. My right calf was going to cramp if I didn’t stop. I pressed through the pain as best I could to the aid station at mile 21. I walked, damn it. I had to I needed to get more fluids and more sodium in me to finish the race. As I walked into the aid station I asked for chicken broth and I had some pretzels. Kinda funny but it tasted good! I knew I had to get as much sodium in me to finish the race. Finished and started running again, OH MY GOD! That was just painful enough to bring me to tears but I pressed on. Quad was killing me but calf settled down a bit, ok I can push this! Other mantra’s I have came into my head- no one can measure my heart!-I am the world’s greatest-pain is inevitable, suffering is up to you- I will show you how great I am-Be in this moment, for me there is no tomorrow right now!

These got me through, I thought of people who had cancer that fight for their life on a daily basis. I can get through this, I GOT THIS! Mile 22 more chicken broth and water, stopping to walk felt as though someone hit my leg with a bat! This time I couldn’t help but grunt in pain the volunteer ran and gave the broth to me, thanks I said. Ran to Sally she could tell I was hurting, mike yelled out your killing it Dave keep it up, glad they didn’t see me but I started to tear up. Fact was I was killing it; I met most of the goals except for my very last one. Finish before sunset. I also knew that Taylour would be there waiting to catch me as I knew I would have nothing left. I started to worry about my friends since this was the place where I should see them. I was about to finish the third leg of the course for me hitting the final quarter.
That’s when I see Lilly! She was so excited and I was excited for her as well, I knew all she had left to do was run. I mean she could walk it and still finish in time! I gave her a high five (later I found out she skipped by Matt just to prove a point to him) and wished her the best. Aid station, I tried to drink some cola and sucked in a bit and I choked on it. It made my abs so sore to cough and I could feel the rest of my body wanting to cramp, come on body just a few more miles. Then I see Matt high fived him and said, “It’s a good day”. He agreed. Then I saw Lindsey, high we more like a low five she yelled, “Go get it Dave!” I could tell they looked like the race was starting to wear on them. Aid station, it was the medieval one, I got some chicken broth and a cookie (why the hell not I earned it right?). Oh how it hurt to move. There I decided that I would not walk anymore and push through the pain.

The calf had settled and the only thing that was hurting was the WHOLE BODY!!! My shoulder was cramping and hurting my neck so I couldn’t turn my head, my abs were sore from running, I could tell my hip flexors were on the verge of cramping, my legs well you know how they are and my feet felt somewhat ok. I guess the other pains dulled that pain out, funny. Start of the last quarter, almost out of the neighborhood (Man that neighborhood never freakin ended!) I was running by this guy who I was certain we wanted to beat me to the finish line. He was huffing and puffing and grunting. That inspired me, I was cool and centered and understood that, yup it hurt, really bad, each step worse than before. But its only pain and it will stop at the finish line, well sort of. There were speed humps on the roads we were running on and everyone was taking more and more effort to get over. I could feel my hamstrings and my hips starting to go. Mile 24, almost there Dave!

As I crossed over Thomas road for the last time, I looked up at the sun, it was setting on the beach. DAMN so close!! Come on sun work with me here I am giving my all! All I need to do is finish this road. I then right onto a road that seemed a lot longer than 1 mile, it seemed like 6 miles. I could see the end of the street, but I knew there was a lot of work to do before I could get to the end turn right real quick then left on beach front to the finish chute. I pulled every ounce of energy I had left to pick up the pace just enough to make it hurt just a bit more, “Come on Dave you can push this you only have about 20 min left” I said to myself. I didn’t want to let anyone down, I didn’t want to let myself down. I knew I could push past this. Speed hump, ouch! Hold it Dave! Don’t let this one go.(I see a guy who rode with me close to the end of the bike, we both started running about the same time he blew past me on the run, and then there he was right at mile 25, I ran past without saying a word). Mile 25 last effort David you got this, this, this is your moment! What are you going to do with it, I thought. I replied, I am going to be the best! My family came in to my mind, there it is my last energy storage! I picked it up, passed 1 guy in my age group, yes! Saw another one rolled in him as well, speed hump, that one really hurt, end of road is a few feet away Dave COME ON!! Slight turn right, aid station. I AM NOT STOPPING PICK IT UP ALMOST THERE DAVE! I looked down at my Garmin 8:30’s! Here it is last turn left, man that chute got longer than the last time I came to the turnaround. Focused, I hear people respond to my effort, they roar and push me harder. I see Alvin’s where the turnaround is. I bite down on my teeth and push, my legs hurt beyond description. I am wincing and grunting from the pain, don’t give in finish strong I thought! Mile 26, right in front of Alvin’s the crowd is screaming at me, I hear Jamie yell something I didn’t pick up, slight veer left, the finishers chute seemed to be a mile long. I gave everything I had to finish stronger, I have a few people in front of me, last look at the Garmin (I remember clear as day 7:47 min mile) HOLD IT DAVE! Just like a dream, I see the finish line.

I clinched my jaw and pushed my pace even harder, I looked back, no one was around me. Here it was my moment all to myself. I see the finish line, with the grandstands along the side, people packed 4 deep on each side. And WTF! They were all quiet, I wave my hands to pump them up and they all responded, with the cheer of a welcomed warrior! I stopped waving my hands in the air and I just hold up my hands in the air and held up my index fingers to show them how great I am! I looked at the clock 10:30 and some change. I charged through the finish line and I see Taylour there waiting to catch me. I run into her arms and let all the pain, love, joy, gratitude flow out of me. I had nothing left, and it felt great! I cried so hard I think I left Taylour’s shoulder very wet . That moment seemed to last a couple of minutes. Taylour asked if I was ok and how proud she was of me. I told her I was hurt but I didn’t need medical. We got out of the embrace and she walked me to get a blanket, I could barely move. Then I saw MINDY!!! I waddled over to her as fast as I could and gave her a huge hug and cried again. I cannot express how grateful and blessed to have her in my life. She asked me as well if I was ok I told her I hurt really bad but I don’t need to go to medical. Taylour walked me to get some food and some water and pizza, hell yeah I ate it! I got some energy back and of course started dancing and bouncing to the music because I just rocked an IRONMAN!

As I sit here and type this up I reflect back to ask what did I learn. Of course the athlete in me learned that I can do this and do pretty good, I can go faster, I have a lot to work on, as well as how strong I have become both physically and emotionally. I knew that it would go by way to fast and yet seem forever. Funny how time works like that. I understood pain a little more and have a good threshold of mine. I enjoyed the moment for what it was: Painful, joyful, entertaining, emotional, beautiful, awestricken, and all over wonderful. Thanks to all who went through this journey with me, we get to do it again in the Woodlands May 21st! I hope it’s ready for Team Garza!

My mantra:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJu37n4aZ8s

My Anthem:

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

Prerace Ironman Florida

Wed, Travel Day!

After a full days rest on Tuesday, Me and Mindy packed up everything but the kitchen sink for our family trip to Panama City Beach, site of the 2010 Florida Ironman. We laughed at the amount of luggage we had packed (luckly I sent my race bag and bike with Tri Team Transport on Sunday). We picked up the kids and headed to the airport. The kids were really good, and it was decided that Melia would sit with me and Troy would sit with Mindy. We go through security and get some lunch and have a picnic on the floor, was pretty awesome to say the least! We board I believe the nicest plan I have ever flown on. People were moving around so that people with kids could sit together and just being nice to each other, I know go firgure huh. This was the long leg of the flight, a little over two hours. Melia suggled up on me the whole flight, she felt warm and I was affraid she was getting sick (turned out I was right :(...) Troy did well with Mindy as he slept for a bit and then played very well. At one point a lady leaned over and said,"I wish my kids were as great as yours was in the flight" I told her she caught us on a good day, :). We got off in Orlando, yes I know oer shot it but thats the way the flight was. We all got a smoothie and then got on the plane. Short flight, Melia played and then slept till we landed, Troy played with Mindy the whole time. It was one of those moments that took my breath away hearing and seeing them play. I love my family!!

Off the plane and its raining (just like last years Ironman). It took me about 30 min the get the car seats in,but I got them. Loved the fact that my wife booked us a MINIVAN!!! I totally pimped that ride! I have been wanting one for a while but just hadn't got one. LOVED IT!! Road to pick up my race bag from Nat (Tri Team Transport) and get my wetsuit since we were suppose to swim in the morning.

FINALLY found our condo (after missing it several times) and found out we got the penthouse, thats right Garza's are HIGHH ROLLERS!! Well not really, just got a really good deal. We all picked our room and hit the beds pretty early. Thursday we were supposed to swim, so me and Matt and Alli, meet up for breakfast and at the Waffle House (which there are about 30 just in the city, if your lost just turn right at the waffle house, seriously!!) As we eat it starts raining AGAIN! No swim, decided to drive the course with Lilly to check it out. WOW I mean WOW, flat and fast, I think I even salavated at one point. Oh, I am going fast on Saturday!! We jammed to some of my fav tunes and laughed the trip away, picked up Alli and drove the run course. Uh different story, speed bumps, turns, not sure where your headed, man thats going to be tough. Went to talk to Jamie and Andrea at there place in the trailer park (they brought there airstream trailer, pretty awesome!) Headed back to pick up my race packet, OMG!!! Stood in line for almost 2 hours!!!! My beautiful wife stood in line with me and for me at some times so I could get my bike from Nat, (BTW Tri Transport left several bikes over night outside in the rain ALL NIGHT, uncovered. SO glad Natasha took awesome care of my bike, thank you soooo much Nat!!) Got my packet and one volunteer said wow you waited in that line a long time huh, I replied lady, I trained a lot longer for this race. She smiled, my job was done.

Got my packet, nothing really in it, except the thing I needed, wristband and chip. Thats all I need. As we were figuring out what to do Mindy calls me and tell me they are headed to the urgent care to get Melia looked at. Turns out she has a sinus infection and the start of Srep. Awesome! Poor thing when I saw her just broke my heart. Mindy said just go do your thing we got this under control. That was real hard to deal with but I knew Mindy wanted for me to not worry about it, still did a bit. Got my stuff and back to the condo for an easy 30 min run with Matt. We ran the bike course and back to his hotel which is the host hotel (his room is right in front of the start line of the swim). Quick bit to eat then headed back for the athlete meeting. ROOM WAS PACKED!! Finally meet up with Lindsey there and the three of us cut up jokes, good times! Lilly couldn't make it so I called her and put her on speaker so she could hear the speeches. Got our info, stopped off at Walmart the back to condo around 9 pm. What a day! Everyone was sleeping which made me feel better but Mindy was up, so we talked and I thanked her for every thing she has done to help me.

Woke up (finlly got some good sleep) and ate some stuff, talked to troy a bit and headed for a swim and bike. Met up with Matt, Lindsey and Lilly at the swim start with Andrea and Jamie. Got some final word of advice and then put it to action. HOLY CRAP!!! Getting throuht the waves was so hard and the wind was up, current was up you name it. Got through the breakers and floated a bit till the crew joined up. BUT I was about 100 yards down the beach were I started, man that current is really strong! Swam the backside parallel to the shore and Dave turned into Micheal Phelps, Ok that part was cool!! Turned in to the shore and felt good as I body surfed in, I though ok I got this. Just going out was really really hard! But I got this! Two loops just to warm up ok. Took a ton of pics (I'll post later) and got on the bike. It was cold enough that I needed arm warmers and gloves. Got some easy riding in about an hour.

More to come....

Austin 70.3 (Longhorn)

Last race leading up to Florida Ironman

I went for my long run on Tues before the race to try out some compression socks. I was going for a 3 hour run, 1 hour into the run my calf decided to end my run for me. My right calf cramped/strained a bit and I didn't want to push it especially for the race on Sunday. I rested it as best I could doing bike workouts but no running. Thursday classes didn't feel that well on it even with a couple of days rest. I finally made an appointment to see Dr. Whipple at Austin Longevity Center and he worked my calf over! I went to open water swim practice with Texas Iron (Andrea and Jamie) and it felt better. Friday I just ran errands and picked up my son early to go watch, Legend of the Guardians (that owl movie). I loved it there was one scene where the owl was flying through a rain storm as fast and as strong as he could. I pictured me riding my bike and wanted to remember that imagine. My son liked the movie too, I love taking him to the movies.

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I used my wetsuit to swim in at decker and Barton springs. Saturday, me Matt and Gin did a short bike ride with a swim then ate some breakfast. They went to the pancake breakfast. I got the family and we went to ihop, then came hope to clean the bike. Troy helped me clean it as Melia and Mindy slept. It was so amazing to have him do that with me. Put him down for his nap then dropped of my bike. Me and Mindy had a soccer game but we both decided it would be best if I didn't go, yeah I know I'm getting old!

Dropped of my bike and bags for the race and went home to try to rest. My kids had other plans. We played around the house but that gave me energy for Sunday. Me and Matt decided to carpool to the race, set my alarm for 3:45, yes really! I remembered how bad the shuttles were last year and didn't want a repeat and Matt wanted to get there early as well. Meet up at his house at 4:45. Cranked up the music and we went to the race. Little traffic, we went to T2 (transition #2) and dropped off Matt's stuff, I check mine to make sure it was set up right. This race had two transitions swim to bike at the park (decker lake) and bike to run set up at expo center.

It was really good to have Matt there as we joked the whole way to T1 on the bus ride over. It was also good to see my friends volunteering there really really early in the morning. Got to my bike in the middle of transition and got it all set up.

Cranked up my music and walked around to get some nerves out. My stomach started to turn on me a little so I got some water and laid down on the road for a bit to collect my thoughts. As I was lying there I thought of all my friends who were racing. A couple of them doing this for the first time. Then I switched to my goals for the race. I wanted to swim good, bike really hard, catching most of my friends that went off earlier than I did. Like Christa, Ashley, Gin, Matt, and Lindsey. I wasn't sure how my calf was going to do but earlier rides it didn't bother me too bad. Last I wanted to finish my run with out further injury to my calf since I have 3 weeks till my Ironman in Florida. I have come to terms that I might have to walk the course, I had told my wife that I was ok with that she thought the same thing. Mindy has become my best coach this year and I really appreciate that. Thanks Mindy!

Started to get ready and found Blake and Lilly getting ready. As we were chatting a guy came up to me and asked if I was David Garza. Shocked I told him yes. He stated that he saw me race in the Dilloman race last year and he saw me bolt out of the water and finish the race 3rd overall. I said yeah that was me. He went on telling me how inspired I had made him feel doing the race and since then he had done the Lonestar 1/2 ironman and a few sprints and now this one. He thanked me for inspiring him to race. I WAS BLOWN AWAY!!! It reminded me once again that I do make an impact in peoples lives on the positive side. A huge boost of confidence came over me. Ok lets do this damn thing! National Anthem was sung and the race started.

I hear them announce Matt's name which meant I had 15 min to get ready. I wished Blake and Lilly luck and went to toe the line!

Swim, 8:15 start, biggest wave in the race (in my opinion) day glow orange caps (really??). Horn goes off! Bam! I hit a few people then found my stroke. Those open water swims sure helped! Bright swim caps did as well. Last year I remembered how long that swim felt so I counted the buoys so I could have a feel where I was on the course. No matter how many times I do this it still looks like a long ways in the water. Felt good except for the bastard who kept hitting my feet. So i veered over to swim by someone who was a little slower than me (yeah I know its rare) and swung in front of him no more tickling of the feet :) Turned left backside of swim. Still felt good so picked it up a little focusing on my glide. I smiled a bit thinking wow, I am really doing another 1/2 ironman, I'm crazy! Left turn again, weird most people really went wide. I really wanted to get back to dry land so I turned sharp and found the line of buoys back to shore. I get close to the shore and practiced what we went over in our clinic, passed 5 people with that one technique, yeah baby! Get the strippers to help with the swimsuit, I think Tom was the one who helped, rolled it up and jogged to T1. T1 found my bike YEAH!!! Got it ran to mount line gave Adam some knuckles and got on my bike, time to kill it!Everything felt good, hitting good speeds around 25 mph, slowed down as we turned right off decker lane to catch my breath and eat something. And I noticed who I will call left calf tattoo guy pass me. I caught up to him as we turned right onto the hill. You know which one I'm talking about. I was ready for it he wasn't. Picked it up even more hitting 38 mph down those hills. Came up the hill to toll road and pass this guy on the right since he was blocking my pass on the left. Moved over and hit my climbing cadence, then he passed me on the right AS I WAS ON THE RIGHT SIDE, Really?? Up and over the toll road and I hear this weird noise like something caught on my spoke, then my back tire slides, DAMN IT! Its a flat. Last year I had 3 flats before mile 6, at least I made it to mile 10 this year. The nail went all the way through the tire and almost to the other side. The other tire was bad, I took of the wheel, pulled the nail out and saw the huge hole in the outer tire. DAMN IT! Didn't have a tire boot (i normally carried 3) BUT I did have a dollar bill as a back-up. Slapped that dollar bill inside the tire put the spare and aired it up, holly $!*% it worked. Tire on clipped in, off I went. Yes tattoo calf man passed me again and didn't see him any more. I didn't really know how much time I left (around 7 min) but knew I would not catch my friends in front of my but hell if I were to give up on that yet I had 46 miles to go, why not. I pushed pretty hard and still felt great. Lost a water bottle (a first for me) on an bump but it was ok. I loved the course hilly some straights light wind. So with a flat I avg 22.7 mph. I didn't catch anyone :( Goal not completed. I have to admit I was pretty bummed that I didn't catch anyone, BUT my calf was still holding up so I focused on my run coming up and hoping it would let me run. By me trying to catch my friends the miles just flew by on the bike I almost couldn't believe the bike portion was over.

Into T2, did my dismount on the fly to the dismount line. I put my bike on the rack, sat down and put my socks and shoes on grabbed my hat and some energy stuff and I was off (later someone told Mindy that I was in T2, she was kinda worried that she saw my friends come in before me she knew something was wrong. I love my wife and she is the best spectator ever, if you want o watch a race you need to watch it with her she is so amazing at it knowing all of our times, its almost indescribable! Someone told my son I was sitting down in transition. He later asked me why. I told him I was putting on my shoes. Oh was his reply.). I saw lateef and mallory volunteering in T2 putting sunblock on athletes. Thanks guys. I saw Mindy and the kids quickly, down the shoot and I hear my name yelled so many times, I saw Kelly and her friend, Andrea, Jamie yelling LOUDLY, Alex, Chris, Tom, John taking pictures, several other who I know but sorry don't know your names. Thank you for all your support! I busted out of the gate with 7:30 min miles, whoa, slow down Dave! My feet felt great my calf was ok as I was going downhill. I was so happy I could run again with out it hurting! Out of expo on the road to Adam and Carol cheering us on I gave high fives and they gave me energy. Downhill again, yeah baby feeling great, oh wait up hill. No calf push all glute and hamstrings. Calf felt good, just a little tired ok this is good. Into the park around T1 out to go down Quadzilla. As I head back into the woods, Matt finally yells at me, "Let's go Garza!" Damn there he is. I thought I would take every ounce of energy and possible injury to catch him, may not be possible. (Later he tells me,"I saw you and I thought it will take every ounce of energy to stay in front of him" Kinda funny) Slight uphills I went slower as not not aggravate my calf. Down quadzilla shook the crap out of my calf, ouch! turned to go up the dam hill, made it up slight pain. Hit the road still going up hill taking it easy. I hit water stations and saw some friends there who knew me, turned to get out of the park and I see Michelle at a water station, she yells I yell back people laugh, yeah I am in good spirits. Headed back to the expo center long up hill, ok I fell you calf and its talking back to me. Come up to Adam and Carol at the top, spirits lifted again. Down hill vibrations hurting, not too bad, not as bad as up hill. Mile 7 my abs start to cramp, no not a side stitch, a cramp. My abs are so sore from that today. I can't get upright to breath, somehow I get through it. I think its because I came around to the huge cheering section by T2.

I was so excited to get back there and couldn't believe that I was back there already and I had only 6 miles to go to finish. Made the turn around saw my kiddos and out I went. I was feeling pretty good, pass the cheering sections and back out to the park. I started to see people on the run now, Ashley, Lindsey, Matt (as me and Matt passed he yelled,"Its a good day!" I agreed low fived and ran on), Lilly. Everyone I saw looked strong. There were other people who were racing that starting to cramp. Yup it was getting a little hot! On the back side of the trail by quadzilla I ran by Chucky slapped his ass and then saw Brad. Talked to them for a bit and I moved on. Down hill really hurt and I knew I had to go back up the dam hill. Started the hill and could feel my calf, come one hold on baby just 3 miles left. Mid hill i think I would have been faster if I walked, but didn't. Made it this far. I can see the top, please calf almost there, I see Logan calling out names for encouragement. I got it. I was right behind another Garza then he called my name. Thanks Logan! I slowly picked it up but still up hill not by much. Passed Dustin he sped up I slowed down a bit. (Dustin you inspire me man, Love you dude!) I told him I was going to pick it a bit since I was a little injured. He told me I looked good for being injured, I told him thanks and to have fun! Pass Michelle and that rest stop out the park up to Adam and Carol, almost there. Right into expo center up one last hill calf is on the verge of going. My inner thighs were on the edge of cramping from the over use of them. Hold that pace Dave! Top of the hill I see the left turn to the cheering section T2 and the expo center itself where I was to finish in a few min. Down hill I pick it up a bit, turn left I hear the cheers but focused on pushing these last few meters. I pick up my pace, slight up hill to turn right to go to the finish line. AND HOLLY CRAP NO WAY! I see calf tattoo pass me and pick it up, down hill i could pick it up, round the turn by the band. I have enough to catch him, he doesn't have the heart I do!! Pass him on the turn into the center I see another athlete I can catch him too, into the center I pass him with in a few feet of the finish line! The volunteers have to slow me down, yeah that was a good feeling. They take my strap I see Mindy and my daughter passed out in her arms. Matt, Lindsey and Christa were at the end gave them all hugs. I was so proud of them. Matt told me how Lindsey smacked his ass, I returned the favor for him :) Ask Lindsey about it. Gave my wife a hug, kissed my daughter, told my son that that race was for him. He was the reason, my energy and my inspiration for being my best that day. He smiled and I gave him my medal. I cried! My daughter woke up and she was asking for me, melted my heart more. Jessie and Tyler were there helping out Mindy, thanks guys. I told Mindy I couldn't do this with out here and thanked her. Later on saw Ashley finish her first 1/2 ironman, so proud.

So I found out my time 5:01, with a flat. Hell Yeah!!! A personal best for me, and a personal best on this course by 14 min! NOW my watch which stopped when I did said 4:54, damn missed breaking the 5 hour mark. Yeah I was upset but just turned that around to push me for the next race, I want it official next time. Stayed up there a bit and saw Charles finish his first 1/2, talked to Doug who had a bad race, sorry man :(. So for me, no award, need to get faster in my age group. No slot for the world championship in Vegas (Not yet =}). When I finished I got to my best job ever of being a dad with my kids. I had dinner with them and helped get them to bed, an ice bath and a small chat with my wife about the days events. I was my best for me and my family for that race. It is a big honor to have my family there, for that I thank you Mindy. You have helped make me who I am. I am not injured from the race, and that was the biggest goal. I was able to workout today and keep training for my big dance in Florida. Bring it on!

Quote of the race,"That dude passed by me like I was going still and I was going 25 mph, I saw him get a flat on the side of the road. The a few mins later he passed me again, damn!"

"What is important is not what happens to us, but how we respond to what happens to us."

Jean-Paul Sartre

Catching up on Memories of 2010

Be ready for a long read.......................

Trying to recall all this from memory

I might forget some things

Let me know if I do.....

So let's Get Caught up this Year!

As January came around, the family came off of a great holiday. It was really hard to get back to the swing of things after my Ironman and the holidays. During December I was playing with the decision of getting a new bike. I talked it over with Mindy and we decided that if I could sell my bike we should do it. I posted my bike on Craig's list and a week later I get an email asking if this was David Garza's bike and if it was the one on the cover of Austin Fit Magazine. I first laughed then replied yes to both, two weeks later that person bought the bike. So there I was left with no bike for a couple of weeks, (I know the horror!!!) but thanks to Jack and the Jack and Adams Bike Shop team they had helped me get on this new AMAZING machine! There was one thing that blew me away. When I went to buy the bike some anonymous donor/group had put a large amount down on the bike. Jack wouldn't tell me who it was, just told me it was the "David Garza Fan Club". Still don't know but who ever it was, I cried when I found out. The gesture was very overwhelming. Thank you!

I feel in love with it at first sight! Then rode it, HOLY COW! I know have a better chance at getting one of my goals this year, hitting 30 mph on the South Mopac Time Trials, yes it's going to take some work but I ready for it!

Jan 10Th me and Lindsey decided to run the Runtex 20 miler, with a high of 30 it was a chilly run, so much a friend that said they were going to run didn't, Christa!! Had a great run a decided that Lindsey was not the person to do the movie quote game with. Last year Matt (who is still in overseas, and who I am wearing a camo wristband for) ran it and had a great time. This year I ran it for him. We finished feeling well and was excited for the 3m Half Marathon later that month. Work got really really busy for me with the start of a new boot camp, and coming up with a triathlon training group AND getting more personal training clients and getting a few more classes to teach. Finding time for myself and my family was really really hard, and yet I still was asked for more from work and my family. I knew I would be busy but damn! There were days when 13 hour days were considered a short day for me, then I would go home and find the energy to be a dad and a husband. Lucky I have a very understanding family.

3m Half marathon, now its my turn to run, I LOVE THIS RACE! Even though there were a lot of people from the gym running and I saw my friend Beaux, this was my race to go fast. So Me, Lateef, Tearson, Britney, and Lindsey all piled into Lateefs car and drove to the start. We laughed all the way up to the start. So the whole decision, sunglasses or no sunglasses. I decided that since we were starting early this year we would finish before the sun got too bright. Well, thanks to an almost hour delay due to strong winds, yes winds. The sun was bright and now I will never live that down now. I didn't think Mindy would be there at the finish line because Troy was having his first soccer practice that same morning. True to being the best wife and mom, there they were when I finished. We hurried and I was able to watch my son play soccer for the first time, Thanks Mindy I wont ever forget that!

January me and Lindsey put on a benefit ride for Team Livestrong. This year I have joined up with them to raise money for them for the Austin Marathon and the Austin Triathlon. I am very excited to join such a great cause. This year I wanted to raise at least $2,000 with the two events, I am halfway there. Me and Lindsey did a 2 hour benefit ride with help from Jack and Adams, Hill Country Running, Tasty Healthy Meals, Lululemon, Pure Sport and several others as well as Team Livestrong.

The ride went awesome, I thought. With all the planing me and Lindsey did, I guess we still didn't do enough. For all the work we did, we got such negative feedback from other people. I mean really, REALLY?? I was very upset at this fact, I felt this event had more impact that just a ride. I guess sometimes I expect too much out of some people who I considered as support crew but life lesson learned. Thanks to all who supported Team Livestrong!

Feb 14th, Austin Marathon. I went to pick up my packet as noticed Lululemon there so I hung out with them, especially since they had my picture up in the booth. I also picked up my packet and felt like a rock star because I went behind the curtain to pick up my number. This was the first year that Team Livestrong was in the Austin Marathon and my first year to run for a charity. I went to the Team Livestrong dinner the night before and heard an unbelievable speech, once again I was inspired to be strong, Livestrong! This year I was going to run with my so called adopted daughter Ashley. I didn't think that Mindy would be out there as she had in the past few years that we did the race. Yet once again my amazing wife showed me how amazing she is and meet us several times on the course and dealing with both my kids the whole time, she got a message afterwards since I think she did more work than I did running the race. I love you Mindy! Ashley's goal was to try to finish under 4 hours, and I was going to pace her for her goal. I was honored that she asked me to run with her since this was her first marathon, she trained her and I was already proud of her, this just topped it off. We finished in 3:55, what she didn't know is that was the same time I finished my first marathon. We crossed the finish line hand in hand, simply amazing.

As March came around, mine and Mindy's 5 year anniversary came around. Yeah 5 years, on the same date Mindy changed my life forever (for better), I decided to get my Ironman tattoo (ask I'll show you and explain it). And yes I nearly passed out. Mindy was cracking up since I couldn't even handle and tattoo but endured and Ironman. I laughed as well. The song on the radio was "what a wonderful world" by Louis Armstrong, How fitting!

April 15, I didn't get a lottery slot to Kona, I was really bummed but a teammate of mine did (and she totally rocked it!) Tri season started with the new 70.3 Herman Memorial Tri (formerly Lonestar). I decided to try some race wheel (SRAM 60's) for the race. Oh man the swim was HARD!! The day before they cancelled the swim for the Olympic and sprint distance. GREAT. I finished the swim, got on the bike AND RIPPED THAT COURSE A NEW ONE! I averaged 22mph going out and 24mph coming back, Hell Yeah!! Run felt good holding close to 8 min miles and just missed breaking the 5 hour mark at 5:04, yeah a PR to start off the year!

So the biggest thing that happened to me was the teaming up with Team Livestrong, and having them use my image for there national campaign for Team Livestrong. WOW!! I could not believe that was on the same page with cancer survivors! Just blew me away, and still does. As I was training I came across Antonio De Silva Neto (Toni). This was the just who won my age group in Ironman Cozumel, another WOW what a chance for me to train with him. One of the best training weekends I had was with him.

Me and Toni decided to do the Shiner ride at the last min and I am so glad I did. We made our way to the front, whistle blew and we were off. Me and Toni lead the ride till mile 70 for me (hit a pot hole and double flatted =( ). That ride was the most amazing ride effver!!! the ride was close to 90 miles and with the flats I finished in 3:45. People who rode with us were just amazed at our strenght on the bike, YEAHYAH!! The next day we swam 2.4 miles in an open water swim. My awesome swim coach swam with us as well. My swim coach, Coach Craig won, and Toni took second, amazing!

May, The Rookie, oh what a race. This year I decided to get my tri training group to race this race in particular. It was so great to train with an awesome set of people, some doing their first tri others wanted to go faster. I got Toni in the race before he left back to Brazil. I had a good race (Using my brand new SRAM 60's race wheel set, oh yeah) bike was faster, swim and run were the same but I finally got 2nd in my age group, right behind Toni. Dint mind getting second to him, who BTW went to Kona this year and got 12 in the age group. WAY TO GO TONI!!

Also this was the last race where my friend and hero was out of the country. Matt Harmatuk finally came back into our lives safe and sound. Thank you God!! He brought back a flag that was flown in a mission over seas, I cried for hours. Thanks Matt!! Cap Tex Tri came around and I got the opportunity to race it with a real good friend. Chris and I took on the cap tex this year. Like always the race was freakin hot!!! I didn't have a good race but I got to wear my livestrong top to spread the word and that was all that mattered. Later in May me and Lindsey did the Real Ale Ride in Blanco, oh man. This race got the best of me. Wind, hills, and an upset stomach made for a long ride. Still did the ride but was worse for the wear afterwards. Thank God for my loving wife who watched the kids while I laid on the couch for the rest of the weekend, Love you Mindy!

June, what a June. At first I tried out for a tv show, got called back for a second interview but no call back after that :(, BUT a trainer from my gym did get the part, which made me happy. This turned out to be best for me since Father's Day meant the Varsity Tri with Red Licorice events, I team up with them this year as well. What a great bunch of athletes I was able to join. The kids race was first and I volunteered there to help the kids, such a great time. The Varsity tri was just amazing. I trained a few people to do the race and had a few more come out there to watch. The race was in Taylor quit a drive. My nemesis Adam who was in my age group this year was racing (even though he was tired =P). He killed me in the swim, I caught him on the bike at the turn around. DUDE I WAS LEADING A RACE!!! What a feeling it felt to have all my athletes who I trained pass and see that I was in first place! Got off the bike and felt great holding sub 7 min miles to secure my FIRST WIN AT A TRI!!! And crossed the finish line with my daughter. Best fathers day! That next weekend was the twilight 5k. I was on the poster of this one as well. So funny cause my sister and her family was in town. she watched troy as I raced, didn't think I would push it during the race but things felt good. Adam was in the lead on the second lap two turns to make I passed him and took the lead, and won the race. Funny thing was my sister took my son to the bathroom as I finished, good story!! Even better was that me and Adam didn't put on our timing chip, nothing official, the third place guy complained so we passed up the award and he recieved. That was fine since I was late to my soccer game that my wife was at :), we lost the game bummer.

July, The Couples tri, honestly I have never had a great race out there. This one was another struggle. First finding a partner was a struggle. I really wanted to do this race with my wife but she said no. Lindsey who did the race last year with me decided to do the race again this year. The course was muddy on the run but still fun. I got to see some people I hadn't seen in a while which made the race for me.

August, me and my friend, Jeff, decided to go back to where it all began. My first triathlon, the IRP Woolman Capital Tri. The Olympic distance where I finished dead last out of the water! Race started and me and my friend swam the entire mile together. BEST EXPERIENCE!! I was gonna tear the bike up BUT I decided to race with my brakes locked on my back wheel during the race (oh yeah so much fun!!!) Ran a good run at the end and PR'ed on that course, kinda funny now that I think about it. Jacks Generic, I wanted to do better than last years race finishing 7th in my age group and did. I finished 3rd in age group! I was so thrilled because I didn't expect it, so happy to get that. Also not sure which month it was but I signed up for the first Ironman race in Texas, occurring in the woodlands ON MY BDAY!!!! I was so excited when Mindy gave me the ok to go and do the race, plus first Ironman in Texas by my home town on my bday, it was a no brainer! Also held my fundraiser for Livestrong/Ironman on Aug 15th. What a great turn out at Carlos and Charlies! Thanks Gary!! Had a great silent auction and giveaway and even better was the who could do the best impression of me teaching a class. Truly blown away with all the support!! Even better were the shirts that people ordered to show there support of me.

Spetember, OH MAN. My wife was taking a trip to Italy for 9 days, in which I would watch the kids during that time. Oh not only that but the big race for Team Livestrong was on Spet 6th. What a challenge!! I was so lucky to have great support from Felicia and Joefish (thats what my son calls him). With out there help I would not have gotten through that time. The Austin Tri was a great race. I raced with fellow Team Livestrong teammates! I was able to be top 3 fundraisers for the team, and also got a PR during the race. The race was more than just a race for me this year. I had several people who I was racing for one didn't win the battle with cancer few still battling and other who kicked it ASS!! I crossed the finish line and all the emotions rolled out of me, thanks all for your inspiring story and keep up the fight!

October, kicked it off with a 3 hour indoor ride on 10/2 at Life Time South Austin. We had around 330 people ride in honor/memory of someone, and also had a few survivors. We had such great support from my sponsors and several local sponsors/members of the gym. Have to give a big thanks to Erica who helped out soooo much! The event was great and even had Lateef teach his first class! Really funny stuff!! That next week me and Matt decided to ride for 6.5 hours. We had found riding on the toll road was some great training (esp for me changing flat tires). We ended up riding 118 miles and I ran for 20 min afterwards, wow that felt good!!!

Wanted to end this on my current time frame to get me ready for blogging about my Ironman in Florida in a few weeks. I am so excited for this race as there will be a lot of my friends doing the race: Matt, Lilly, Tracy, and Lindsey. I cant wait to see them finish! I know a few of you are headed out there as well to support us, I send our thanks to you all!! I also send a big thanks to all who have supported me in my dreams and aspirations. I could not do this with out your help. Biggest thanks to my soul mate Mindy. With you I can accomplish anything. My kids for always being my inspiration to be better. I love you guys!

Finally, the last note. My son caught his first fish this weekend in Dallas. He was so excited and I always want to remember that moment, its the moments in life that make it all worth it!