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....