4:00 am the alarm went off, quick brush of the teeth and headed to get some breakfast. There was already a buzz in the air as athletes were getting their last meal before a full day of racing. Get back to get Mindy and the bags and headed to meet Charles and Becky in the lobby to take the shuttle at 5:15. We finally got on board at 5:40 and after a quick tour of the town and a long traffic delay (which made everyone nervous getting to transition) we arrived at chankanaab park. I spent the time on the bus listening to my Ironmix playlist and looking at pic's of my kiddos to tap my energy off for the day.
Drop off my special needs bags and head to get bike ready. As I head there I wished Pat a good race (he did, finished 2nd overall) and went to my bike. As I do Sarah was there, she looked very nervous so I hugged her and have her a pep talk, she settled down a bit, since this was her first
Ironman race she didn't know what to excpect. Finished getting bike set up then found Matt, Blake, Lilly, Sarah, Charles. I dropped off my morning clothes bag and pump with Mindy gave her one last hug and kiss, or as best we could during the craziness. We all headed down to the swim start. As we waited to start walking on the dock we saw the pros go off. Now it was our turn. We make our way around to the start of the dock that lead to the dolphin enclosure (the Big surprise that was announced at the athlete meeting, inside joke) and started walking around the outer edge. I kept looking for Mindy and Becky but didn't see them, looking for them I saw Eric who was there to support Maria, I hadn't seen her at all during the trip. As we were walking we joined up with Ruth who was doing her first Ironman. Out of our group it was Maria, Sarah, Charles, and Blake's first Ironman. All from my pursuation :). We turned on the dock and that's where we saw Mindy and Becky on the point across the finish stairs. We all waved to them. Looking out the water was calm and blue and green, just beautiful! I was so excited to swim. As they herded us to the water, we jumped in by the dolphins and me and Matt swam around the dock to the fence so we could hang on til the swim start. Everyone was supposed to join us but no one did.
Drop off my special needs bags and head to get bike ready. As I head there I wished Pat a good race (he did, finished 2nd overall) and went to my bike. As I do Sarah was there, she looked very nervous so I hugged her and have her a pep talk, she settled down a bit, since this was her first
Ironman race she didn't know what to excpect. Finished getting bike set up then found Matt, Blake, Lilly, Sarah, Charles. I dropped off my morning clothes bag and pump with Mindy gave her one last hug and kiss, or as best we could during the craziness. We all headed down to the swim start. As we waited to start walking on the dock we saw the pros go off. Now it was our turn. We make our way around to the start of the dock that lead to the dolphin enclosure (the Big surprise that was announced at the athlete meeting, inside joke) and started walking around the outer edge. I kept looking for Mindy and Becky but didn't see them, looking for them I saw Eric who was there to support Maria, I hadn't seen her at all during the trip. As we were walking we joined up with Ruth who was doing her first Ironman. Out of our group it was Maria, Sarah, Charles, and Blake's first Ironman. All from my pursuation :). We turned on the dock and that's where we saw Mindy and Becky on the point across the finish stairs. We all waved to them. Looking out the water was calm and blue and green, just beautiful! I was so excited to swim. As they herded us to the water, we jumped in by the dolphins and me and Matt swam around the dock to the fence so we could hang on til the swim start. Everyone was supposed to join us but no one did.
Me and Matt hung out there til a min before the start, then we started to swim to get more towards the front then, BAM! We couldn't have timed it better. I stayed on Matt's feet as best I could but it got rough with people and the chaos of an Ironman swim start. I felt good and was still on his feet til it was too rough so I moved inside and found space then before I know it, damn it's the turn around buoy! Sweet! It wasn't that crowded as I made the turn pretty easy, next buoy then on to the backstretch. The water was unbelievablely clear and just gorgeous. Seeing all the divers and fish I almost forgot I was racing. Ok time to turn into Michael Phelps, um no. The current was not really with us the whole time, it pretty much swirled. At times I was flying, others I wasn't even moving, or so I felt. Then I see Matt fly by me I tried to stay with him but no luck. I had plenty of room to swim and could feel the currents swirl by the cold water that came with it, I could also feel my speed suit give me a hell of a rash on my neck (Tony had let me borrow it the day before). Oh well the first of many discomforts that the day held for me. Still feeling strong I could see the turn around buoy and submarine they used to indicate the turn around point. I was very happy to see this as I was tired of being beat by the "very not nice swimmers" to nicely put it. The buoy was packed with swimmers, so quickly I went under water and passed a few athletes popped up and swam a few meters to head to the swim exit. I knew I had about 800 meters left and started to give everything I had. Closer in I saw the thatch roof of Chankanaab and picked up the pace. I looked closer at the coral I got to see some beautiful fish swimming around, I was then reminded to tell my kids I found Nemo! Since thats what some of them looked like. They made us swim around another last buoy that bunched us up one more time and when I looked up there were the steps. Hell yeah! I'm done! Grabbed the step pulled myself up and waved to Mindy to show her I was ok, off to grab my bag and get on the bike.
Got my gear on and got some sunscreen -off to my bike. When I ran to get it I saw Matt's bike was gone (since he racked his bike next to mine, his number was 962). I was happy he had a good swim, now to catch his ass on the bike! Running to the mount line I saw Eric again I waved and got on the bike. Oh how I love riding my bike! This is my favorite part of the race, where I can really compete. I knew I didn't get the time I wanted on the swim and that I had to work on the bike to get it back. Coming into the race I had some very ambitious goals and knew that everything would have to fall in place for me to accomplish the time goals I had set for the day. I did get some great advice from my coach who told that time is a relative thing and to race the person in front of you. It was good advice for the day.
I looked down and I was going 24 mph which is what I wanted to for that part of the race. I felt so strong, my calf wasn't hurting at all! I pushed all the way to the wall (I call it this because it's an 11 mile stretch of the race along the windy part of the island and I could feel the wind before I got there and knew it would be very wind and it was). All the way me and another guy kept passing each other. He finally came by and said looks like were going to do this all day, i smiled and said yeah, but what I was thinking was, just try to keep up :)
I looked down and I was going 24 mph which is what I wanted to for that part of the race. I felt so strong, my calf wasn't hurting at all! I pushed all the way to the wall (I call it this because it's an 11 mile stretch of the race along the windy part of the island and I could feel the wind before I got there and knew it would be very wind and it was). All the way me and another guy kept passing each other. He finally came by and said looks like were going to do this all day, i smiled and said yeah, but what I was thinking was, just try to keep up :)
Got on the wall and fought the wind for every mile out there. Here is where I caught Matt - slapped his ass and smiled. I yelled this is F$&@?!! awesome! He agreed and I went on. There was some relief but it was short which made it more challenging to control your bike. Got to the place where me and Matt stopped to get a cold coconut to yell out our friends name "nacho" but he wasn't there. Saw special needs area and knew I would stop next time. As I passed it I looked to my side and noticed something flapping behind me, no not my race number but my speed suit! I forgot to take it off!!!!!!! No wonder my ass felt awesome on the saddle I had extra padding there! I laughed out loud and thought, oh shit I'm that guy today. I still chuckle as I type this. Headed back to town with a tail wind, 27-28 mph, yeah this feels good. Oh and this was the last time I saw the guy trying to keep up with me, I smiled again. Especially when everyone looked at me as I passed them as relaxed as ever! I imagined them thinking,"doesn't he know this is an ironman, he is flying!". On the way to town I really had to go to pee to there point it was really uncomfortable, so here we go, yup I finally peed on the bike. Its really hard to do! So i grabed my water bottle to wash me off but as I was going to open it i realized it was the bottle that was below me when I peed and probrably not a good idea to use my mouth to open it. Note to self use another bottle to wash off. :)
As I headed into town the the amazing people of Cozumel were cheering on us, the hero's of the day. I threw my water bottles to the kids since they were calling for them. Through the city and on to Chankanaab park where Mindy and Becky were. I see them by the sign on the hill and I wave violently and smile. I pointed out to Mindy my speed suit. She later laughed about it (so did everyone else). Onto second loop. There were a lot of people who were drafting and very little officiating out there. I know because they were drafting me! I would get them, there was
a penalty box right before an aid station where I would pass slow and they would have to pass and the referee that was there would see it. Not only did he see it but he stood out in the middle of the road. Love karma. Legs still felt good and no calf pain. I was happy. I saw some really cool
tattoos out there which gave me some great ideas to accentuate mine. On to the wall for the second time and Nacho still wasn't there, damn missed him again. Winds were strong and seemed to get stronger so I just held a steady pace till the special needs bag area, there i stopped and took off my speed suit finally and grabbed some food and drinks, gave my bag to one of the locals and went to the bathroom. This felt so much better than peeing on the bike, relief!!! Get back on the bike and stepped on it, into the great energy that the people were giving us as we rode through town. I tried to look into the eyes on the kids who were watching and give them any water bottles i had. I though about my kids and how much I missed them. Then snapped back into the race and pushed harder on the bike for my kids.
Going through town I pass transition and think "I'll see you in a few min" and head out to finish the lap, pass the Cozumel Palace where Matt, Ali, Blake, and Lilly were staying. Saw Ali, Norma, and Jarrett. Jarrett had a sign that cracked me up. It said go Matt your my hero, oh go dave written very small under that. As i finish up the second loop a HUGE peleton of riders were in front of me, really??? I slow down because I knew I would swing by Mindy soon and she wouldn't see me pass the group. I see Mindy right by the park sign I wave to her and yell her name. Then time slowed for this next part, so as casually as she could, I spot her talking to some spectator about something serious, in a split second she stops mid-conversation, snaps a picture and without missing a beat goes back into the conversation as I go by, really??? I laughed, she is such a veteran of this now and such a great support to me. Love you Mindy! Third loop, i pass the peleton, I knew they were cheating because I could hear them free spinning the whole time, but that's how they wanted to race that's cool. I pass them and push into the wind. I slow for a sec to get some food and sure enough they pass me. Oh hell no you didnt! I thought, drafting me. Ill fix you! I pass them again, slowly and made sure to make eye contact with every one in the pack, espcially the mid packers. Got to the front eyeballed the front pacers and got in front. Sure enough they picked up the pace to stay on my wheel. Ahead I see another athlete that I was going to pass soon. So I came up to the other athlete and made a slight move to pass on the left, then made my pass on the right. The athlete was going slow enough and was far enough over to the left that it wouldnt put him in and danger, but the peleton was stopped by the slower athlete and I looked back one more time and they were no where to be seen. :) Maybe next time Ill just pee on my bike then....
On the wall, 10 miles to go. I knew at this point in time I would not be able to reach my time goal on the bike but I would have a good ride, so I just wanted to finish strong. Last time to see nacho and no he wasnt there but I did see his brother and pointed to him he saw me and smiled brightly and waved, just what I needed! Pushed to the turn - off the wall to head back to town. I wasn't pushing as hard now, legs were a little tired but still holding 23 mph. I was lucky enough that the rains that had fallen hadn't hit me too bad just a few sprinkles but enought to cool me off. Into town and i soak up all the cheering, bottle shaking, "El guappo" yelling, thumbs up signs, smiling that i could. I was sad it was over and so glad at the same time. The only thing that was really hurting was my back but that would end soon.
Into town, left turn at the light, downtown street and there it was, my last turn and i was done. Right turn, i started to tear up, 2/3 of the way done. I had to stop myself from getting too emotional. I knew I had to run the marathon of my life to come close to my goal time, but my legs were ready to go. I unstrap my shoes and put my feet on the shoes for my flying squirrel dismount, i pass two more people and see the dismount line. In a split sec I was off the bike and running. NAILED THE DISMOUNT! I pass my bike off to a volunteer and off to grab my bag, into the changing tent, volunteer dumped my bag, i took of my helmet and shoes - a volunteer bagged my stuff and I was off! Quick trip to restroom and I was off! T2=1:33
As I headed into town the the amazing people of Cozumel were cheering on us, the hero's of the day. I threw my water bottles to the kids since they were calling for them. Through the city and on to Chankanaab park where Mindy and Becky were. I see them by the sign on the hill and I wave violently and smile. I pointed out to Mindy my speed suit. She later laughed about it (so did everyone else). Onto second loop. There were a lot of people who were drafting and very little officiating out there. I know because they were drafting me! I would get them, there was
a penalty box right before an aid station where I would pass slow and they would have to pass and the referee that was there would see it. Not only did he see it but he stood out in the middle of the road. Love karma. Legs still felt good and no calf pain. I was happy. I saw some really cool
tattoos out there which gave me some great ideas to accentuate mine. On to the wall for the second time and Nacho still wasn't there, damn missed him again. Winds were strong and seemed to get stronger so I just held a steady pace till the special needs bag area, there i stopped and took off my speed suit finally and grabbed some food and drinks, gave my bag to one of the locals and went to the bathroom. This felt so much better than peeing on the bike, relief!!! Get back on the bike and stepped on it, into the great energy that the people were giving us as we rode through town. I tried to look into the eyes on the kids who were watching and give them any water bottles i had. I though about my kids and how much I missed them. Then snapped back into the race and pushed harder on the bike for my kids.
Going through town I pass transition and think "I'll see you in a few min" and head out to finish the lap, pass the Cozumel Palace where Matt, Ali, Blake, and Lilly were staying. Saw Ali, Norma, and Jarrett. Jarrett had a sign that cracked me up. It said go Matt your my hero, oh go dave written very small under that. As i finish up the second loop a HUGE peleton of riders were in front of me, really??? I slow down because I knew I would swing by Mindy soon and she wouldn't see me pass the group. I see Mindy right by the park sign I wave to her and yell her name. Then time slowed for this next part, so as casually as she could, I spot her talking to some spectator about something serious, in a split second she stops mid-conversation, snaps a picture and without missing a beat goes back into the conversation as I go by, really??? I laughed, she is such a veteran of this now and such a great support to me. Love you Mindy! Third loop, i pass the peleton, I knew they were cheating because I could hear them free spinning the whole time, but that's how they wanted to race that's cool. I pass them and push into the wind. I slow for a sec to get some food and sure enough they pass me. Oh hell no you didnt! I thought, drafting me. Ill fix you! I pass them again, slowly and made sure to make eye contact with every one in the pack, espcially the mid packers. Got to the front eyeballed the front pacers and got in front. Sure enough they picked up the pace to stay on my wheel. Ahead I see another athlete that I was going to pass soon. So I came up to the other athlete and made a slight move to pass on the left, then made my pass on the right. The athlete was going slow enough and was far enough over to the left that it wouldnt put him in and danger, but the peleton was stopped by the slower athlete and I looked back one more time and they were no where to be seen. :) Maybe next time Ill just pee on my bike then....
On the wall, 10 miles to go. I knew at this point in time I would not be able to reach my time goal on the bike but I would have a good ride, so I just wanted to finish strong. Last time to see nacho and no he wasnt there but I did see his brother and pointed to him he saw me and smiled brightly and waved, just what I needed! Pushed to the turn - off the wall to head back to town. I wasn't pushing as hard now, legs were a little tired but still holding 23 mph. I was lucky enough that the rains that had fallen hadn't hit me too bad just a few sprinkles but enought to cool me off. Into town and i soak up all the cheering, bottle shaking, "El guappo" yelling, thumbs up signs, smiling that i could. I was sad it was over and so glad at the same time. The only thing that was really hurting was my back but that would end soon.
Into town, left turn at the light, downtown street and there it was, my last turn and i was done. Right turn, i started to tear up, 2/3 of the way done. I had to stop myself from getting too emotional. I knew I had to run the marathon of my life to come close to my goal time, but my legs were ready to go. I unstrap my shoes and put my feet on the shoes for my flying squirrel dismount, i pass two more people and see the dismount line. In a split sec I was off the bike and running. NAILED THE DISMOUNT! I pass my bike off to a volunteer and off to grab my bag, into the changing tent, volunteer dumped my bag, i took of my helmet and shoes - a volunteer bagged my stuff and I was off! Quick trip to restroom and I was off! T2=1:33
Tony had gotten me a hat from the Kona Ironman, I wore it to give me extra strength. I was freaking ready for this! Grabbed a bag of water bit the end and drank it (water was handed out in plastic bags that you tore open and drank, pretty cool i thought!).Turned right at Margaritaville, and out to the Hotel Melia which is where the turn around was located! Its really hard to describe the energy from the crowd, but it's kinda like a huge party along the streets, festive, loud, basically we were rockstarts of the day and they made us feel that way running downtown!! The energy was electric and rolled through our body so much that pain had no room in there. I looked at my watch 7 min mile pace, i felt great! Mile 1 down! I slowed to a 7:30 min mile pace on mile 2, I started to feel my calf, said one last prayer for it to hold for a few more miles or mins, but no. The end of mile 2 my right calf hurt, like made me hobble to a walk. I could best describe this as if someone ran by and hit my calf with a metal bar, hard! SHIT!!!! I thought to my self or said it out loud not sure.
I tried to walk it out and it wasnt hurting as bad so I slowly started to run. Everytime I landed it felt like the muscle was pulling away from the achilies tendon. I walked again. SHIT!!! I know I said this one loudly. First thought, are you kidding me, i still have 24 miles to go! Second thought, now what? I have learned that the best laid ironman plans rarely go accordingly to the plan, so change it on the fly time!!! I knew at this point in the race I wasnt going to get my time goal. I walked a bit, during this time all sorts of thoughts were going through my head, all my training, all my hard work, and all the small sacrifices I made during the year and this, this happens. Yes I even thought at one point I wasnt going to finish my Ironman, but as soon as this thought came into my mind I quickly beat it out with "I am not gonna give up on this". As I was walking I came across an older gentleman who was having the same issue and was walking. We chatted and he said a phrase to me the stuck with me and haunted me. He said,"I can't run but I can walk so I am going to walk this marathon, all I have to do is finish by midnight. I have all day, I have all the time to walk this marathon." That stuck with me. Yes, all I had to do was walk to finish the race, finishing was not an option. His phrase of "all I have to do "was not good enough for me, for what I talk about doing in class, for creating a better me. I quickly went to think about my wife and kids, and then thought about the phrase all i had to do. All I had to do was survive, but that wasn't me. I had sat down and talked to Mindy about what my plan was for the race if this happened. We had agreed that if I wasn't going to permanetly damage it that I go as fast as I could. As Mindy put it,"Its going to hurt if you go fast or slow, so might as well go fast as you can". I replayed that thought. So I thanked the man for his time and I told him I was going to see if I can run.
I ran, ouch, damn this thing is intense. I made it to an aid station and I hear them yell out Hielo (spanish for ice, yes I know I don't speak spanish) Grabbed two bags of ice, rolled down my compression sock and stuff them in there to numb it. I walked and then started to jog. I thought ok I could tolerate this pain holding 10 min miles. The first positive thoughts came to me, I can do this, I got it. This pain I can handle til the end, but I knew it would get worse. Made it to the turn around as it started to rain, pain was getting worse, as I knew it would. Stopped at another aid station to take out melted ice and put more in. When I stopped, i stopped by a police officer. She asked me how I was doing, I told her I could be better and smiled. She saw what I was doing and asked if I needed medical, I promptly replied "no, I will keep going but thank you". Slowy got into a jog again, I see Matt!! He looked strong, for a second there I thought he might catch me, right after that I see Blake. I was so happy to see Blake since it was his first Ironman and he is a very strong runner. He looked really good and I knew he would pass Matt soon and then possibly me. He had told me that if by chance we were able to run together, we would run in, I made that pack with him and told him I would be honored to do that. Hobbling as best I could into town the rain started to come down. Awesome! I thought at least it won't be hot!! At this time I also knew my nutrition plan I had was thrown out the window as well, so just seeing what happens. The good thing is I nailed my nutrition on the bike so i had plenty of energy, and man did I need it! Hearing the crowds made some of the pain go away, some of it. I get to the place where I thought I would see Mindy.
She wasn't there, damn I really need to see her!! I walked to a bit to subside the pain luckly it was by and aid station. Grabbed everything I needed, which meant more ice and slowly started to hobble and there she was. The rain was pouring down and everyone was running to find cover, everyone but my wife. Mindy was there standing in the rain waiting for me. I held back tears, and slowed to a walk. I explained to her what happened, and what my plan was, she thought it was pretty good. She told me where they were set up by Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville restaurant. She said give it everything you got, no tomorrow!! This is the phrase we finished our conversation about things going with, I dont have tomorrow, all I have is this moment, and damn it I was going to live it! I run past margaritaville and wave to Ali, Becky and I see the table they were sitting by, it was by a taller than life parrot, really? But I could spot them easy. The turn around was just a few yards from the finish and they were waving us to do another loop, I leaned in and OUCH! Gonna have to watch those turns, I see Lilly in front of me and i thought I could catch her and chat a bit, I had time. I passed the huge crowds and I waved my hands to pump them up and they responded with a huge roar of applause. As a looked over to the other side of the street I see Michale Lavato running and I knew he was in the lead, I yelled as looud as I could, finsih it up Mike, finish strong. He just glanced at me with acknoledgement and I smiled. He won the race. I also saw Pat and yelled out at him too, I was very happy for those two and the race they put together. I saw a man with a hand held camera also doing the same and video taping it, BRILLIANT! I was close to catching Lilly and the rains were in full force. As i caught her the intersections had now turned into rivers, as she runs through I do too, really?? Now my feet were totally soaked. As I exit downtown I see Blake, then Matt run by, we low five and smile, more positive energy. Lilly and I started to talk about the day, it was good to pass the time and the pain, she really pulled me a bit as her pace was hard for me to keep.
I tried to walk it out and it wasnt hurting as bad so I slowly started to run. Everytime I landed it felt like the muscle was pulling away from the achilies tendon. I walked again. SHIT!!! I know I said this one loudly. First thought, are you kidding me, i still have 24 miles to go! Second thought, now what? I have learned that the best laid ironman plans rarely go accordingly to the plan, so change it on the fly time!!! I knew at this point in the race I wasnt going to get my time goal. I walked a bit, during this time all sorts of thoughts were going through my head, all my training, all my hard work, and all the small sacrifices I made during the year and this, this happens. Yes I even thought at one point I wasnt going to finish my Ironman, but as soon as this thought came into my mind I quickly beat it out with "I am not gonna give up on this". As I was walking I came across an older gentleman who was having the same issue and was walking. We chatted and he said a phrase to me the stuck with me and haunted me. He said,"I can't run but I can walk so I am going to walk this marathon, all I have to do is finish by midnight. I have all day, I have all the time to walk this marathon." That stuck with me. Yes, all I had to do was walk to finish the race, finishing was not an option. His phrase of "all I have to do "was not good enough for me, for what I talk about doing in class, for creating a better me. I quickly went to think about my wife and kids, and then thought about the phrase all i had to do. All I had to do was survive, but that wasn't me. I had sat down and talked to Mindy about what my plan was for the race if this happened. We had agreed that if I wasn't going to permanetly damage it that I go as fast as I could. As Mindy put it,"Its going to hurt if you go fast or slow, so might as well go fast as you can". I replayed that thought. So I thanked the man for his time and I told him I was going to see if I can run.
I ran, ouch, damn this thing is intense. I made it to an aid station and I hear them yell out Hielo (spanish for ice, yes I know I don't speak spanish) Grabbed two bags of ice, rolled down my compression sock and stuff them in there to numb it. I walked and then started to jog. I thought ok I could tolerate this pain holding 10 min miles. The first positive thoughts came to me, I can do this, I got it. This pain I can handle til the end, but I knew it would get worse. Made it to the turn around as it started to rain, pain was getting worse, as I knew it would. Stopped at another aid station to take out melted ice and put more in. When I stopped, i stopped by a police officer. She asked me how I was doing, I told her I could be better and smiled. She saw what I was doing and asked if I needed medical, I promptly replied "no, I will keep going but thank you". Slowy got into a jog again, I see Matt!! He looked strong, for a second there I thought he might catch me, right after that I see Blake. I was so happy to see Blake since it was his first Ironman and he is a very strong runner. He looked really good and I knew he would pass Matt soon and then possibly me. He had told me that if by chance we were able to run together, we would run in, I made that pack with him and told him I would be honored to do that. Hobbling as best I could into town the rain started to come down. Awesome! I thought at least it won't be hot!! At this time I also knew my nutrition plan I had was thrown out the window as well, so just seeing what happens. The good thing is I nailed my nutrition on the bike so i had plenty of energy, and man did I need it! Hearing the crowds made some of the pain go away, some of it. I get to the place where I thought I would see Mindy.
She wasn't there, damn I really need to see her!! I walked to a bit to subside the pain luckly it was by and aid station. Grabbed everything I needed, which meant more ice and slowly started to hobble and there she was. The rain was pouring down and everyone was running to find cover, everyone but my wife. Mindy was there standing in the rain waiting for me. I held back tears, and slowed to a walk. I explained to her what happened, and what my plan was, she thought it was pretty good. She told me where they were set up by Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville restaurant. She said give it everything you got, no tomorrow!! This is the phrase we finished our conversation about things going with, I dont have tomorrow, all I have is this moment, and damn it I was going to live it! I run past margaritaville and wave to Ali, Becky and I see the table they were sitting by, it was by a taller than life parrot, really? But I could spot them easy. The turn around was just a few yards from the finish and they were waving us to do another loop, I leaned in and OUCH! Gonna have to watch those turns, I see Lilly in front of me and i thought I could catch her and chat a bit, I had time. I passed the huge crowds and I waved my hands to pump them up and they responded with a huge roar of applause. As a looked over to the other side of the street I see Michale Lavato running and I knew he was in the lead, I yelled as looud as I could, finsih it up Mike, finish strong. He just glanced at me with acknoledgement and I smiled. He won the race. I also saw Pat and yelled out at him too, I was very happy for those two and the race they put together. I saw a man with a hand held camera also doing the same and video taping it, BRILLIANT! I was close to catching Lilly and the rains were in full force. As i caught her the intersections had now turned into rivers, as she runs through I do too, really?? Now my feet were totally soaked. As I exit downtown I see Blake, then Matt run by, we low five and smile, more positive energy. Lilly and I started to talk about the day, it was good to pass the time and the pain, she really pulled me a bit as her pace was hard for me to keep.
We came to the big puddle that was nearly knee deep as we waded through it, I laughed because pain or not I was having fun! As we talked I could start the see the carnage of the race, people were walking more, stretching more and aid stations were busy with volunteers trying to get out of the rain and athletes trying to get supplies. I told Lilly I would have to stop and get more ice since the pain was getting to be too much which meant the ice was melted. As we get to an aid station, we catch Marie and she was started to have leg pains I told her to put some ice under her tri shorts (later she told me it helped out so much and thanks for the suggestion). I stuff ice down my socks and jog a bit more, then I hear a familiar voice say Hi. It was an old friend who did the race with me two years ago. We hugged and wished each other luck. Brought back memroies of my very first Ironman just two years ago. Man I sure have come along way, especially with the help of some good friends. Make the turn around and to my special needs back, got my advil (which made me very happy!!!), my ThunderBird bar, and salt tabs. As I started to run I see Maria, this was her first Ironman as well and made me very happy to see her on the run. We slowed, hugged, briefly told her what happened and that she looked really good out there and we went on. Soon afterwards I see Blake walking, I made sure he was ok and talked to him and was even walking backwards to make sure he was ok. Further down, was Matt. I yelled its a good day, he agreed except for the rivers we had to cross, i laughed then wadded through a puddle going back to town. I see Sarah, she was also doing her first Ironman
as well. I was soo happy, all I needed to see was CHUCKY!!!! There he was, I was sooo relieved.
as well. I was soo happy, all I needed to see was CHUCKY!!!! There he was, I was sooo relieved.
All my friends, most doing there first race, were on the run. They were almost there! Energy from the crowd was still there but so was that pain, damn!!! So freakin intense and now my left leg was hurting from my modified hobble/run stride. As I came into town I always had my three points to get to, pier (right across from los Palmeros), the shopping center (where the drumline was), Mindy was once again by here. She told me I was doing great and she had posted how I was doing on facebook. She then told me the responses, and how everyone was rooting for me and to push it. I lost it. It hit me with the fact that I had all this support back home from my friends and they were giving me as much energy as they could fo me. Tears. I saw margaritaville (where all my friends were) my third point, Waved to Ali, Norma, and Becky. Then turned towards the turn around. That finishers chute was packed and once again I rallyed the energy from the crowd, turned with more ease than last time and bam, final loop!
4 mile out 4 miles in and I'm done. I looked over at the sea and saw the sun was setting and that I wasn't going to make it back before sunset, damn. The pain was indescribable, keep moving forward. I ran as best I could out of town. Along the way I ran with a guy from Austin doing his first race, chatted to him and told him he looked good and to keep moving. I ran with a fellow Jack and Adams teammate, Kirk. He slowed to walk a bit, told me to keep going and press on as best I could. Along the way I saw some fellow Austinites who we encouraged across the way. I knew everyone was fighting some sort of battle out there and I knew how much a friendly shout out meant especially now. I saw Matt and Blake run by and I thought they were going to catch me soon, i pushed on. Got to an aid station to put more ice in my sock, and that same police woman was there. I smiled at her, she smiled back. I said I'm gonna make it it, she replied vamanos!
4 mile out 4 miles in and I'm done. I looked over at the sea and saw the sun was setting and that I wasn't going to make it back before sunset, damn. The pain was indescribable, keep moving forward. I ran as best I could out of town. Along the way I ran with a guy from Austin doing his first race, chatted to him and told him he looked good and to keep moving. I ran with a fellow Jack and Adams teammate, Kirk. He slowed to walk a bit, told me to keep going and press on as best I could. Along the way I saw some fellow Austinites who we encouraged across the way. I knew everyone was fighting some sort of battle out there and I knew how much a friendly shout out meant especially now. I saw Matt and Blake run by and I thought they were going to catch me soon, i pushed on. Got to an aid station to put more ice in my sock, and that same police woman was there. I smiled at her, she smiled back. I said I'm gonna make it it, she replied vamanos!
Needed that, almost to the turn around, I see the trees and I picture all my friends there cheering me on, I hear the cheers but they seemed to be murmered. The turn around 4 miles of pure pain to end my Ironman. I hobbled into the aid station to get my last ice bags, as I do "SMACK" Maria smacks my ass! I was suprised to see her because I thought it would have been Blake and I just missed him. She asked how I was and I told her it wasnt good. (Later she told me she had never seen me that defeated before, I replied, I was in war with my body). she hugged me and she went on. I put the ice in and hobbled/jogged at best I could. I started to think about the day, the great swim, and fun bike ride. The huge saltwater burns I got from my speedsuit and how bad they burned everytime I poured water over me. 3 miles to go, ok we can run it all the way in! All I could do was swing my leg, no push from my calf at all. I see Blake, I might be able to hold him off. Then Matt and Sarah. I was so proud of them since they looked good, I was happy for them. I was doing everything I could to forget the pain but the pain won, I had to walk.
Passing all my friends and waving to them hoping to give them some positive energy as they went out for there last loop took everything I had but I knew what it means to them. 2 miles to go, stop at an aid station to get my last ice packs, they were out, awesome! I head out from the aid station and before I knew it Chucky had crossed the intersection to come over to smack my ass (in training I would always do this as I passed someone). He told me to pick it up and finish strong. It took every ounce of energy i had to hold run/hobble. Pier, I made it, Last mile, hold on Dave the pain will stop soon (I keep repeating a phrase an awesome coach told me"Cant hurt any worse than this!!!"). It hurt, last 1/2 mile, I did not get any time goals that I had set for the day, but I did want to finish strong. I saw Maria up in front, and I thought,"Oh hell yeah I can catch her and return a favor :)" I sprinted, I dug up what ever energy I had and sprinted, just past the shopping center and as I flew down the road, the pain intensified, its not gonna hurt any worse now! I catch up with Maria right in front of Margaritaville and "SMACK" right on the ass. I hear "OOOOhhhhhh" from the crowd and I sprinted I started to wave my hands in the air to pump up the crowd for the last time, and this time I didnt need to turn around I get to finish.
Passing all my friends and waving to them hoping to give them some positive energy as they went out for there last loop took everything I had but I knew what it means to them. 2 miles to go, stop at an aid station to get my last ice packs, they were out, awesome! I head out from the aid station and before I knew it Chucky had crossed the intersection to come over to smack my ass (in training I would always do this as I passed someone). He told me to pick it up and finish strong. It took every ounce of energy i had to hold run/hobble. Pier, I made it, Last mile, hold on Dave the pain will stop soon (I keep repeating a phrase an awesome coach told me"Cant hurt any worse than this!!!"). It hurt, last 1/2 mile, I did not get any time goals that I had set for the day, but I did want to finish strong. I saw Maria up in front, and I thought,"Oh hell yeah I can catch her and return a favor :)" I sprinted, I dug up what ever energy I had and sprinted, just past the shopping center and as I flew down the road, the pain intensified, its not gonna hurt any worse now! I catch up with Maria right in front of Margaritaville and "SMACK" right on the ass. I hear "OOOOhhhhhh" from the crowd and I sprinted I started to wave my hands in the air to pump up the crowd for the last time, and this time I didnt need to turn around I get to finish.
The last time I did this race I sprinted down to the finish, this time I savored it. I looked into the grandstands, from the glowing lights of the finish and I saw looks of amazement. In that moment I had realized that I had done something amazing, I was a few steps away from completing my 4th Ironman. I look towards the finish line. I see the couple finish in front of me and slowed to let them have their moment. Then I jogged up the ramp, stopped at the finish line and threw up my hands victoriously! David, you are an Ironman! As the couple hugged at the finish line I walked by and lost my emotions again, this time I was happy. I was proud of what I had just done. My catcher talked to me and asked if I was ok, I told her I just want to stop moving forward and smiled :). Got my towel, medal, and necklace and found Mindy and we embraced and cried. I could not have done any of these races with out her and my kiddos in my heart. I went back to the finish line to greet Blake and give him his necklace. Not long afterwards Matt finished.
We had done it, Blake is now an Ironman, Matt Ironmanx3, Lilly Ironmanx3. Chucky, Sarah, and Maria had all become an Ironman that evening as well. I am very happy I had that injury in this race. This race tested me in so many ways. I had the choice to give up and just settle or be the person, man, father and friend I knew that I had inside me. I am calling this race, the race where I found my Ironheart. Thanks again to all who have supported me and more importantly read this whole thing. Big thanks to my wife and kids who I get all my energy from. Love you guys!
We had done it, Blake is now an Ironman, Matt Ironmanx3, Lilly Ironmanx3. Chucky, Sarah, and Maria had all become an Ironman that evening as well. I am very happy I had that injury in this race. This race tested me in so many ways. I had the choice to give up and just settle or be the person, man, father and friend I knew that I had inside me. I am calling this race, the race where I found my Ironheart. Thanks again to all who have supported me and more importantly read this whole thing. Big thanks to my wife and kids who I get all my energy from. Love you guys!
