A Tale of Two..Uh, Seven Ironmans

My first was Vineman in 1999, where I suffered two flats and spent an hour on the road waiting for support. The second was IM France where my buddy and I did not do our homework and flew in five days before the race, not enough time to shake the jetlag. The result was a DNF for both of us. The third was IM CDA and a disappointing 4:40 run split. The fourth was IM CDA part deux where I decided to take a nap under a tree in the 90° heat, and awoke in an ambulance ride to the med tent. The fifth was IM OZ last year where I finished with a PR of 10:27, but still far from a good race. I got a bit excited exiting the water with the second pack of pro's and somehow thought I could ride with them for the first 40K. Th result was a blow up and a 3:58 run split. The sixth was Vineman again last year and after a 56 swim, 5:22 bike, I blew up on the run once again.

I haven't had too much luck at the IM distance and this weighs heavy on my psyche. Also, apparently pre-race prep involves nausea this year, something totally new to me. I am positive it is nerves, but from everything I've learned, this is fairly common with people, just new to me. But this week has been absolutely awesome: feeling good, feeling fit, and spending time with some good people.

The best remedy for a shaky psyche is support from your friends. All this week, I've received some amazing messages from friends and with each message, my psyche gains stability. I want to thank you all for taking the time to shoot me a quick message, I store your words to recall them on race day. I have every intention of being a game-day'er tomorrow, and to bring it when it counts...on race day. Besides racing tough as nails, I also plan to smile, acknowledge some spectators for their cheers, thank some volunteers, and support my fellow racers. Let's rock and roll!