Look No Further for Inspiration – SD Marathon

After a brief absence from my blog entries, my recent trip to San Diego and being part of the Team In Training San Diego Marathon experience, brought me back with a whole new perspective.  On most occasions, I usually take a couple weeks to let a race or epic training trip sink in, gathering my thoughts and emotions then relaying the way the trip turned out.

 However, this trip was unique.  Not only were Kristen, my wife, and I privileged to meet and be part of this amazing group of athletes, which through fundraising supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but I was given the opportunity to “pace” an amazing runner during the 26.2 marathon on Sunday.  Seeing that I’e never been asked to take on this type of responsibility, I couldn’t turn down the chance to help out as much as I could.

 No pressure, right?!

 My “runner” is an wonderfully amazing woman, Audrey Burgoon.  Our path’s met a couple years ago during a Airdyne bike workout, then solidified during charity Airdyne and ergometer events in and around the city.  As I got to know Audrey, I was able to become familiar with her determination when setting her goals.  In her five years of running competitively, she has amassed 22 completed marathons and I believe, 5-6 ultra-marathons.  Incredible for anybody but especially for someone who holds a 40 hr a week job in addition to running her own catering business.

 With San Diego being her first marathon, when hearing her goal time and expectations, I knew this was a challenge I couldn’t pass up – and San Diego…yeah, it wasn’t hard to twist my arm.                                                                   

With our itinerary set, we set out for our final destination on the West Coast.  Kristen and I have been to Ironman races all over the country, usually expecting each experience to duplicate the previous.  We know the process as athlete and spectator and have our routine down to a science.  Going to San Diego, however, it felt different…and as we settled into our hotel the first day, the difference presented itself immediately.  Out of the 32,000 runners participating in the marathon, more than 3,200 athletes represented Team In Training.  The vibe was so powerful as we were honored to be part of the Inspirational Dinner on Friday night which featured stories of cancer survivors, motivational talks from T&T coaches or mentors, and the festive and rousing excitement of all the runners!  As we sat through the dinner, Kristen and I couldn’t help but let go of our emotions and at one point, both realize tears streaming down our faces.

Triathlon legend, Bob Babbit @ The expo

 The 13 member Pittsburgh crew included two coaches, Chris Gibson, and Audrey, who was running in the event, not necessarily coaching the day.

 After including humbling trips to visit the Coronado Naval Base and spending some time with the wonderful men and women of the military and enjoying beautiful dinners with friends in La Jolla, just outside the San Diego city limits, race morning was upon us.  It’s a weird feeling not having to prepare bottles for my bike or make sure I have my wet suit…just my running shoes, basically, was the main concern.

A dream come true-inside Naval Search&Rescue helo

 The drive down on the T&T bus was exactly as the entire weekend had been – energetic and uplifting. Before we knew we were taking our places in our assigned corrals and with the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean, the gun to start the race let loose.

 The marathon goal time was to run a 3:30 which averages out to 8 min./miles throughout.  I knew coming into this run my fitness was right where it needed to be to stay strong and controlled the entire time.  Through the first 9 miles, we weaved through the streets of San Diego all the while keeping Audrey right on pace – actually, through the first 12 mile we were 40 sec. under the pace with some downhill and flat sections.  We both felt great holding conversations about the beautiful sights and sounds.  I kept check of her HR and really dialed in the pace. 

 It wasn’t until we hit the 14 miles mark things started to change.  The flat sections of the course came and went as we hit the highway along the coast to find long 4-5 mile uphill grades waiting for us.  The extra time we worked for quickly disappeared as the sun, without a cloud in the sky, became a factor.  We stayed strong on the hills and still kept on pace to hit that magical time of 3:30.  I was so proud of Audrey as she was fighting through some very tough breathing issues throughout the latter half marathon.  Her breathing worsened and we faced some very challenging times coming in the final 2.5 miles. 

 The home stretch is a beautiful, scenic backdrop around Fiesta Island, the birth place of triathlon.  Earlier in the weekend, while walking around the expo, I ran into triathlon legend and current Ironman commentator Bob Babbit.  His perspective of the sport is huge.  In talking he mentioned the last part of the course, Fiesta Island, being a special area because of the history in jump starting the sport of triathlon.  He said all the legends used to trained on this island and even a race series was held. 

Pittsburgh Group with Amazing Audrey next to Kristen

 As we approached the bridge to take us across for the final stretch, I could see exactly what Bob Babbit was speaking of.  The island was perfectly place surrounded by a lake and the roads seemed like glass as we navigated our way around the island.  It was at this point in the run, Audrey needed, and I was happy to respond, the most motivation.  The finish line was near and her ability to dig deep was so inspiring for me.  She fought through many demons on Sunday, coming to understand that her physical ability can only take her so far and from there on in, it was her mental that came through for her.  Although she came 7 min. short of her goal of 3:30 hr. marathon, I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of her determination to get to that finish line.  26.2 miles is a long way for anyone…the passion that Audrey showed, never succumbing to the voices that said to slow down or quit. 

 Three days from the end of our awesome journey to the West Coast, I think back fondly of the wonderful people who achieved their goal, either running or walking 26.2 or 13.1.  I can’t help but always have the lasting memory listening to the heart felt stories of survivors of cancer.  Kristen and I were so fortunate to be part of an event, that gave of a new outlook on what the finish line really means to us.  All my years doing this sport, whether marathon or triathlon, each race was to better times or qualify for other events.  But for this one weekend, all that was put on hold.  I saw the emotion of dedication not only making it through the miles but the dedication of honoring someone close or keeping someone’s memory alive through this amazing sport.

Embrace the Darkness in the New Year!

 Back when I was a young teenager – while he didn’t know it – my father showed me a valuable lesson I would come to appreciate, later in life.

 Each morning, he would get up to the dark of our house, quiet as a cat, and ready himself for the day.  It would be clockwork everyday to smell the fresh pot of coffee and hear the morning news on TV from downstairs as I lay in my bed gazing at the clock reading 5:15 a.m.

 Never did I ask him why he got up so early.  He had been retired for years from his day job but still each morning the same routine.  I always admired him for that – thought it was complete madness to rise before the sun came up but who am I to criticize.

 It wasn’t until I started playing basketball in middle school, continued through high school that his ways rubbed off on me.  My great friend, Rashaan and I used to workout before school, always keeping the motto of “You have to work when no one else is to be great.”

 Trust me, I never achieved greatness on the basketball court but we definitely dropped a ton of sweat trying.  Let it be hundreds of jump shots each morning or working on our ball handling, we never missed a morning…that same routine carried with me when I first started training for triathlon.

I can remember when I was learning how to swim I joined the Master’s Swim Team at Mt. Lebanon High School using the outdoor 50 meter pool, three times a week starting practice at 5:15 a.m. – and yes, you had to be on deck by that time.  I struggled at first.  Since my college basketball playing days were over, why did I have to make an effort to wake up at 4:15 a.m., drive almost 45 minutes to Mt. Lebanon and jump in that COLD water?

 On several occasions, my mom and dad accompanied me to swim practice to not only watch me swim but in my opinion to watch the mist burn off the pool water as the sun rose in the background.  From time to time I glanced over to see them so relaxed, drinking their coffee and mesmerized by the flailing arms of the swimmers and the beautiful scene of sun and mist.

 As my fascination of the sport grew and my overall goal of racing an Ironman became a reality, my father one morning after swim practice asked me why – “Matt, why do you get up to jump in that cold pool four times a week?”  Without hesitation that question took me back to my basketball workouts and a simple answer came across – “That’s easy, Dad…I love to work at something when I know not many are working at the same thing.”

 Days and years passed and the routine of waking early for swim practice or a morning run became consistent.  I truly believe that everyone has the ability to achieve something like completing an Ironman but it takes the extra sacrifice to become close to good at it.

 And that’s where embracing the ‘darkness’ or the morning as a positive not a negative is a must.

 My passion for this sport and being blessed to learn from some of the best athletes in the area, one trait always stood out – the sacrifice to workout when sometimes no one is watching and sometimes when no one is doing the work themselves.

 As we start this new year and we strive to attain our athletic or professional goals, keep in mind when the alarm rings out at 4:30 a.m., not to curse the day the thing was invented but to think of how, through getting through the ‘darkness’, you will better yourself in your workout that morning or getting into work before everyone else to finish up some projects.

 Use the feeling of fatigue and tiredness to pull yourself out of the warm bed to work hard.

 Trust me, as you cross that finish this year, no matter the distance or the event, thinking back to those mornings will make that day all the more sweeter.

 Happy New Year to all!

Thanksgiving Thoughts

On a yearly basis, most of us take some time throughout our day, to sit at a corner coffee shop or while out on a beautiful trail run, reflect on what we’ve been blessed with in our lives.

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More so around this time of year, with family and friends surrounding us, the time to pause and appreciate the path each of us have taken, is more thought of.

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The other day, a very good friend, asked me not what am I thankful of but what blessings have I had during this past year.

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My initial thought was good health for myself, friends and family, a fantastic marriage to a beautiful woman and physically, the opportunity to be healthy enough to ask my body to swim, bike, run.

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However, to just say that would be the easy way out…

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Bear with me for a moment as I digress…this past weekend, my great friend and training partner did something absolutely amazing.  Asking both his mind and body to recover from racing in Hawaii just six weeks ago, Chad Holderbaum, crushed the Ironman Arizona course and qualified for 2011 Kona.  For the past couple weeks, Chad experienced a mix response from his body with slight knee pains and the unknown of how he would respond to three Ironman races in four months.

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After 9 hr. and 28 minutes on Sunday in Tempe, Arizona, Chad found out his body responded just fine.

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As I sat with my iPad the entire day hitting the refresh button of the IM website, my thoughts wondered to the countless time training, the sacrifices he made to focus on this achievement and the ability to conquer mind over body.

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And for this, I say thanks, Chad.  Thanks for showing me the drive to that white line in the road after enduring the physical fatigue of the past four months.

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For me, Chad’s accomplishment, although qualifying for Kona is impressive, is not about going back to the big island but being an example of fortitude to find his way through this mentally and physically part of life.

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With my ever present life goal to become a better person each and everyday, examples such as Chad’s race this past weekend, allow me to strive to be just that.  In parallel, Kristen and I remind ourselves of the amazing people we are truly honored to call our ‘friends and family.’  From our friends who have defied human possibility and conquered swim, bike run races to those who go through life being the best role model for their children and family’s, and for us; for our family, who have shown us the confidence in life to make decisions some might not think are the best for everyone else but are the best for them at the time; our role models in life who never skip a beat to life’s challenges only to resurface with the determination to succeed.

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From Kristen and I, to all of you who are in our lives, this Thanksgiving, we thank you.

The White Line in the Road

Days come and go, sometimes with the wish of speeding up or slowing down.  Either way, they are filled with memories that can only be captured in the people who are present with you or by pictures that are looked at weeks or years later.

This past weekend, in Kona, Hawaii, I raced the Ironman World Championships, and experienced the everlasting memories that will follow me through the rest of my life.

As the “Super Bowl” of triathlon, this race is the dreams of so many who go through the everyday training in this sport.  With the sacred ground in Kona, Hawaii, the people of this small town on the west coast of the Big Island, embrace the passion and energy this race has to offer.

My journey here was not without the highs and low’s of everyday life and that of training and racing along the way.  From personal struggles to broken pedals to challenging obstacles to overcome, I earned this qualification with much humbleness and humility knowing this was a life long dream for me.

For so many years I’ve watched the NBC show, highlighting the amazing pro field along with the inspiring stories that make up the age group athletes.  Each time I rode on the trainer or ran on the treadmill, my mind would wonder to the big island and picture myself riding through the winds on the Queen K or running down the final stretch on Alii Dr…and finally it came true!

Race week in Kona is an wonderful time of sight seeing, people watching and training.  Each day brings another adventure or memory that tells of the prestige of this race.  From the infamous Kona Underpants Run on Thursday – pictures to follow!! – to the Welcome Banquet and several training sessions on the Queen K, runs through the Energy Lab and swims in the crystal clear Pacific, it was that of an epic trip.

With six other Pittsburgh athletes racing, it was only right Chad and Jen and Kris, Carrie and I hosted a dinner at the ocean front condo we were staying at, a couple miles outside of town.  It was great, enjoying a relaxing evening with Joe Maroon and friends, Marc and Pat Liebman, and Jeremy and Jocelyn with their wonderful parents.  A great way to take the edge off what as to be an intense couple days before race day.

With Friday arriving so fast, the task of checking in our bikes through the fashion show type line-up, kind of made things official.  I couldn’t believe the sight of the finish line as we walked our bikes down past the photographers and reporters, checking ourselves through security and finally arriving at our bike slot.  I took a deep breath while watching hundreds of the best athletes in the world prepare for their day in Kona.  It was so powerful of a feeling to know I was there among them…

The rest of the day was filled with getting together our gear for race day – special needs bags, water bottles, and for our support crew, camera batteries, outfit selections, etc., etc.,

The evening quickly came and went and before we knew it, my alarm for Sat. morning was sounding.  As much of a no pressure race as I thought this would have been, my emotions were sky high.  This is the day I’ve been working so hard for and my friends and family have sacrificed so much for me, my pace and patience would be absolutely tested.

At 4:15 a.m., Chad and I, and the girls, made our way down to transition to get through body marking which was very cool.  The amazing volunteers use these ancient, Hawaii Ironman stamps to mark your race number on your arms.  Amazing to realize the start and finish of our day would be focused around this area of the pier..

A quick stop at our bikes to drop off our water bottles, pump our bike tires and anything else that needed tended to, then we met Jen, Kris and Carrie, to wait for our start.  The anticipation was so intense.  Chad and I tried to keep calm but for me, I know eventually I broke and let my mind wonder a bit on the day.  Sitting on the pier wall, watching the pro’s jump into the ocean and prepare for their day, with NBC helicopters overhead, camera’s jetting out over the bay, camera crews walking through the streets filming the quiet before the storm, it was real.

As the time crept closer to go time, the pro race canon sounded and the day started in Kona.  That gave us the signal to make our way down to the water front and ready us for the swim start.  I gave a big hug to Kristen, who I think was more nervous than me, and Carrie, and finally Jen, to say goodbye for the day.  For this race our hugs meant more…it was a tighter embrace for Kris and I.  We had made it to the start line, together.  Very special moment.

Chad and I weaved our way down to the green staircase that leads you to the ocean’s edge.  What a scene to look back and see the athletes crowding into the bay, with the finishing chute on Alii Dr., gleaming in the background.  One of many moments that day that I took for myself, thinking about the journey, trusting in the plan and the love and compassion I have for this sport and the people who support me.  It was time.

We swam out to the surfers who controlled the start line, with Mike Reilly’s voice bombing over the loudspeakers, thousands of spectators lining the sea wall and pier and the ocean readying for us to use it as a launch pad.  As fast as the week went by the canon blasted out to our start…and what a start it was!

I got out great, on the outside left of the field, with my strategy to angle in closer to the first turn.  It actually worked great.  My first 500 meters were tough, getting battered around a bit by nearby swimmers.  I found some room eventually and got into my rhythm to the turn.  The way back into shore was a little different.  I got stuck behind a group of slower swimmers and couldn’t get around the pack.  I decided, after several attempts, to just ride them in and whatever my time was, so be it.  I swam until I hit sand on the shore, ran up the steps and into the change tent.

SWIM – 1:04

The transition tents were absolutely crazy.  Athletes everywhere, switching from their speed suits into bike gear.  I made quick work of the change, maneuvering around the male that was.  I came out from the tent, found my bike and ran to the mount start and I was off…

Since Chad and I trained on the course the week leading up to the race, nothing was left as a surprise.  The start of the bike winds through town for a couple miles then makes the turn onto the Queen K.  It was surreal to ride up Palani Hill and make that left onto the Queen K., knowing that for the next 90 miles, this road would basically be our race track.  A short turn towards the middle out section and we were headed out to Hawi and the turnaround.  The legendary winds Chad and I experienced earlier in the week – Chad was blown from one side of the road to the other on his bike – didn’t seem too bad.  We hit Hawi and the famous FORD sign and started to make our way back into town.  I can remember on many of the broadcasts the scenes of riders rolling through the roads with lava rock on either side, the sun pounding down…and it didn’t disappoint.  I remember thinking when the wind makes you sweat, it’s hot!

I didn’t know what to expect for the run so I started taking in as much liquid as I could – water, cola and drinking the rest of my Infinit bottles…then it happened!! – somehow my legs started feeling refreshed, I started pushing hard and my cadence started picking up.  I was coming back into town at a pace that felt fantastic.  It’s something that I’ll always remember – hitting 26 mph on the last 25-30 miles in Hawaii.  It was great.  I quickly did some status checks on how I felt and things seemed ok…

Regardless of how I felt, I decided early on when I hit the run, I was going to soak up the atmosphere.  From what I watched for years on NBC, the run was legendary for the challenges it present.  The unrelenting heat and humidity was something I didn’t want to test.  I zoomed into transition on the bike, passed it off with a volunteer and into the changing tent for my run shoes.  It didn’t take long, with a couple cups of water and coke and out I came to finish this race with a 26.2 mile jaunt.

BIKE – 5:16

And right off the bat, I knew it was going to be fun.  My legs felt great.  I had a great turn over, my heart rate was in control and I was very aware of what was happening around me.  The sun was hot.  The first section of the run takes you down Alii Dr. 5 miles then back into town.  This section was fabulous.  The energy of the race was electric.  With the ocean as the backdrop, the crowds were insane with the positive vibes.  I saw Kristen and Carrie with Jen around Lava Java and decided to stop and give them a hug – they SO deserved it – and told them everything is great – LET’s HAVE SOME FUN OUT HERE!

The next 10 miles were that of a dream.  I was clicking off miles just under 7 min.  Felt great.  Stopped at the aid stations to thank the volunteers and make sure they knew I appreciated their commitment.  Coming back from the turnaround I again saw Kris and Gang, and even asked Kris to run Palani with me.  She agreed but I realized it’s another .5 mile to the start of the hill…I’ll see her in a bit.  Up Palani and onto the Queen K where champions have been born, races have been won or lost and the scenes of inspiration never end.  As much as I loved this long stretch out to the Energy Lab, it was very mentally draining.  Finally I could see the left turn to the Energy Lab and knew this was the challenge I wanted – get through this section and it’s 10k back into town…however, this is where the hurt came.  I had some very down times through the four miles.  All the while the thoughts of Alii Dr. stayed with me as I gutted out each step.  Just keep your head in the game, I told myself.  I could picture and hear all my training partners who cheered me on in Pittsburgh and wanted me to push through the dark times.

Running up over the grade and making the right onto the Queen K., I knew this was my time.  I put my head down and opened the stride out, keeping in mind to keep my emotions together.  Each mile brought me closer to that white line in the road but also, it had a hurt that I was fighting back the urge to walk.  I stopped at each aid station, hydrating as much as possible, preparing for the final stretch into town.  I hooked onto a runner who pulled me along with his pace and soon saw in the distance the orange cone and the right turn down Palani.  As soon as I hit the downhill I could hear the music, feel the energy of the ever growing crowds and embraced what for so long was just a dream…

A left, a right and another right and the road that said “Alii Dr.”  To explain the emotions this section of the course gave me would do an injustice to you.  Each athlete who has the opportunity to make this right turn into extreme bliss knows exactly what I mean.  As I passed the hundreds of people lining the street, hanging off balcony’s, trees, waving signs, ringing cow bells, you wish you could freeze time for a moment but in the same breath you want the hurt to be over.  As I approached the grey carpet on the street, the final 300 yards, a huge wave of elation fill my heart.  It’s not many times you can say you’ve fulfilled a life long dream.  Then it came into sight…the white line in the road.  It was the goal…get to that line.

I took a moment…looked to the heavens, knowing my father, as proud as he could be, was looking down cheering wildly…I stopped just before the line, bent down and kissed the ‘Ironman World Championship’ finish line, then let out a loud clap, and turned to applaud the amazing crowds who had supported us the entire day.  I loved every minute of it.  The endless miles on the bike, mountain climbs, time trials, 200 mile rides; swims in the pool or river, 100 x 100, 2 mile, 3 mile, 4 mile swims in the river, and the fatigued runs through trails, painful speed work on the track or long 20-26 mile runs…all for this day.

RUN – 3:54

FINISH TIME – 10:23

After two IV bags, I found Kristen, Carrie, Chad and Jen and gave them all a big hug.  Each moment we shared, I thought about the support they gave me.  My beautiful and amazing wife, who through the years has endured the early bed times, early wake ups, lonely hours at home while I workout, and the everlasting love and support she continues to show me; my sister-in-law, who next to Kristen is my most loyal supporter, traveling to races and being patience through all my antics during race week – thank you and love ya!; Chad and Jen, who have given Kris and I the perfect role models as to live life to the fullest, love each to the fullest and work hard to the fullest – you two never cease to amaze.

My utmost congrats goes out to Jeremy and Jocelyn the race of their lives; Marc Liebman, whose journey to Kona has been one of many ups and downs but finally has a beautiful ending; Dr. Joe Maroon, who continues to inspire with his passion for what this sport has given him, and allowing us young guys to feed off his energy.

There is not a day goes by that I’m not blessed with the amazing people around me.  My training partners to my spiritual and life mentors, all have a part in this accomplishment.  Please know how much my appreciation goes out to each of you, and if I could have, brought you to Kona to experience the powerful feeling of being on Alii Dr. as I finished…it would have been the perfect thank you.

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As I sit here five days removed from race day, I look at my arm, where my race numbers used to be stamped, only now to see the sunburned outlines of ’1589′, and I smile.  As long as I can hold on to as many of these types of feelings, I know this race will live in my heart forever.  This race, to me, represents so much more than covering the 140.6 miles.  It’s a metaphor for life, one that during that one day, I learned so much about myself.  I hope the Journey to Kona was motivating for you, my inspirations in life.  Each one of you have the fire inside of you to do great things…I want to thank you for showing me the correct way to seize the day…

And Then There was One…

A basketball coach once told me, “If you don’t have butterflies before a game, you shouldn’t be playing.”  Well, the butterflies are here and are fluttering around like crazy!

As I sit here typing this, listening to the waves crash against the rocks at our place in Kona, HI, my thoughts are racing with less than 24 hrs. before Ironman World Championships.  For the past nine years, my single goal was to reach this level of racing, knowing for that one year I was among ‘the best of the best.’

As with every race experience, the week leading up to that single day can’t be overlooked.  Here in Kona was definitely no exception.

Sharing the time with my beautiful and amazing wife, Kristen, and her sister, Carrie, and four of my closest friends, Chad Holderbaum and his wife, Jen, we joined Jeremy and Jocelyn Corman for an unforgettable time.  However, as fast as those memories come and go, the challenge that awaits us on Saturday always sits in our minds.

Today will be a light day – short workouts just to get the legs lose, bike check-in’s and then a final meal before one more sleep.

Trust me, I won’t cheat you in detailing my entire week here with pictures and words later but for now this is what I can give you…my thanks.

Each person who reads this, knowing or not, has influenced my life, in and out of sport, in a very big way.  Each race and workout I did, lesson I learned and challenged I faced, was with a part of each of your values and great attitudes I learned from you along the way.  Without a doubt my presence here in Kona could not have been possible without your guidance.  I can’t thank each of you enough for what you’ve given me…

It’s not very often we can pay back a gift with showing a extraordinary effort but that’s all I have right now.  Please know, as we tread water in the Bay before the canon goes off, I will give everything I have to get to that finish line.  It’s my way of saying ‘Mahalo’ without sending the card.

Enjoy the day with the Ironman World Championships and what the coverage has to offer.  Please send the positive vibes to us here in Kona and please remember I don’t cross that finish line by myself.

Aloha!

Trust the Plan

A couple days ago, my long time friend, asked me what I did differently in my approach to this race from all the previous ones.

It’s such a simple answer – “Trust in the plan.”

As athletes, we sometimes want success to happen yesterday.  We want to fast forward, leaving behind the journey – which in the end means the most – and feel the satisfaction of accomplishing our end goal.

In my short career as a triathlete, a husband and friend, and as a man of God, I’ve come to understand the full meaning of what “trust” means.

I remember being a naïve, young man, searching my way through this sport, I signed up for as many short distance races as I could my first summer. I was moving 100 mph in my goal of one day competing in an Ironman race.  The triathlon Ironman M-dot symbol was that of a mystical and elite status that I watched on NBC’s World Championship coverage in Kona but always seemed so distant in real life.  As I progressed through my first summer of racing, I kept in the back of my mind that goal – the finish line of Ironman.

When I first met my now current coach, Marc Voit, on a bike ride from North Park back in 2003, I remember taking off from the gun like a time trial race with strong pedal strokes and the mind set of dropping everyone with me.  My effort was short lived as Marc knew other wise and soon enough reeled me back into the group and started my education on the basics of triathlon training and preparing not only your body but your mind for what’s to come.

I read a Bible verse from the book of Timothy, other day – “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

This says so much for how we need to approach the “trust” we’ve learned about with life, love and athletics.

Aug. 29 in Louisville was a time for discovery for myself, as I was able to “Trust the plan.”  No matter the heat and humidity of that day, no matter how bad my body was screaming to stop my race, I knew if I stuck to my plan, things would be ok.

Marc has been instrumental in passing on the vital information of proper training, well balanced diet and challenging me in my spiritual approach.  My Kona experience will be in large part due to the support I’ve received from family and friends, and by all means the guidance Marc has given me.

I hope you can find the right guidance to eventually “Trust the plan.”

Cheers!

2010 Ironman Louisville Race Report

For the past nine years, I’ve watched the NBC coverage of Ironman Hawaii, captivated by the sheer strength and determination of the athletes making their way through the lava fields and enduring the crosswinds of Kona.  I was always curious what the feeling of running down Alii Drive to the sounds of Mike Reilly’s voice echoing out over the hundreds of thousands of spectators, making the place the most sacred in our sport.

I’ve wanted to feel that for a long time…and now I’m so happy to say, I will.

This past weekend I punched the coveted ticket to Kona at Ironman Louisville and fulfilled a dream that has been in the works for a long time.

My day was not without the challenges and struggles every athlete faces during a regular Ironman race.  Heat.  Humidity.  The distance itself.  

We knew it was going to be hot on Sunday, however, I didn’t figure it would be this hot.  My most recent experience in the muggy heat was June at Eagleman in Maryland, where I had to pull out of the race because of cramps.  That was then, this is now, though.

Since June, I’ve had some of the best training sessions and blocks I’ve ever done.  Working with some of the areas strongest athletes – Chad Holderbaum , Jeremy Corman , Bill Hughes, Mark Hunkele, and Jason Jacobs, to name a few – allowed me to truly understand what hard work really is.  This sessions were done in the Pittsburgh summer heat giving me the perfect environment to simulate race day in Louisville.

The evening before the race, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Jason Jacobs and his family, Chad and Jen, Jeremy and Jocelyn, Rich – who raced Sunday and did an amazing job – and Theresa Goodall – and Steve and Joyce Filauri – Steve also raced Sunday and battled through the day to finish.  Steak, chicken, fries and call that an evening.

 The pre-game breakfast meal is always the same – two bottles of Ensure, banana, half bottle of water and a protein bar on the way to the swim.

Since Louisville is a unique start – time trial meaning they send off athletes three seconds apart – we had to get to the transition early then walk down to the swim start in the Tumbleweed Park along the river.  We actually got a great spot and before we knew it we had our speed suits on and they were lining us up ready to go.  I gave Kristen a good-bye hug and kiss and saw off friends and – BOOM! – cannon went off. 

You don’t really start moving until probably a minute or two people are in the water. When it was our time I felt ready.  I said a little prayer and started running towards the dock to jump in.  I got a great jump – Mimi C. – and the first couple strokes were a great sign off what was to be a very special day for us.

Before I knew I was on my way back to the finish line, with strong powerful strokes bringing me in.  I really felt good.  I came out of the water in an hour flat…great way to start the day.  I could tell my legs were there when I started running towards transition and no fatigue was apparent.  I found my swim/bike bag and into the changing tent to get ready for the 112 miles.  The volunteers were amazing helping me with unloading the bag and the chaos that is with trying to make it a fast transition.  I ran out of the tent while putting on my helmet and was greeted with my bike ready to go. 

I hit the bike mount area and as with the swim, I could tell it was my day with the first 100 yards of the bike.  My legs felt fresh and relaxed.  Let’s get this on.  The first 30 min. are flat along the river which I took full advantage of.  I really tried to get the legs going and started drinking my Infinit Nutrition mix right off the bat.

It was a fairly uneventful first 50 miles but then making the left turn for the second loop became a little more challenging.  Since the bike course is two loops outside of the town and the finish line, the congestion was tough to navigate on the second loop.  I stayed very aware of who was around me and how much I was taking down in terms of hydration and nutrition. 

Regardless of what place I was in at the time or how great I felt, the memory of last year at mile 90 of bike and snapping my pedal off the crank, stayed with me until I passed that point.  At that time, I said to myself, let’s get back home!  I picked up the pace and really opened up my speed on the bike the last 20 miles, all the while taking all the remaining drinks on my bike, readying for the run.

It was amazing coming into transition hearing the cheers of everyone especially Kristen and our friends.  I hit the dismount area, dropped the bike off with the volunteers and ran down the chute to get my bike/run bag.  I was so relieved to feel my legs were ok and I was able to run hard into transition. 

Before running out of the tent, I could actually feel the furnace I was about to enter.  HOT was not the temperature as I know I saw MELTING on the reading.  I took a dozen cups of ice and water, a couple cups of coke.  With the sponges they were giving out I tucked them into my race jersey and threw a couple on my visor strap and off I went.  The first coupe miles of Louisville are a test to see where you are and how you feel.  At first I thought I wasn’t going to make it.  The out and back on the bridge that connects Kentucky and Indiana brings you back into the city and onto the your first lap of the run.  It was hot.  The sun had come out to stay without any cloud coverage making me a sitting duck.  I started at a 7:30 min/mile pace and maintained that for the first six miles.  The course is great winding it’s way through the University of Louisville and down past Churchill Downs home of the Derby. 

Coming back into town to start my second loop, I saw Kristen with her always visible ‘Don’t Go Slow Matty Mo’ sign along with screaming Chad and Jeremy, Jen and Jocelyn.  It was such a motivation to see them.  Chad being Chad, ran up beside and said I was in 5^th in my AG – ‘Let’s get this done, Matt!”  I took off for my second loop and that’s where the day seemed to stand still.  The day was getting hotter – and rumors said it was  close to 100 degrees with a humidity close to 90%.  My run become a tour of aid stations and a prayer to get to the next one.  I struggled miles 18-22.  I was in that place of hurt that we all talk about happens at one point.  

At mile 21, I hit the turnaround and heard on the side of the course – “Come on, big dawg!  You gotta dig deep if you want this!”  I look over and it was my great friends Chad and Jeremy.  They had rode their bikes out to the turnaround to bring me into the finish line.  All the way, as they rode on the sidewalk, I struggled to maintain a 10 min./mile pace but every time I slowed they were there to cheer me on.  Not to say, if I had a slingshot I would have taken both of them out – hahahahahaha!

I hit mile 24, and could see the cross bridge of the convention center in town.  I knew I was close.  This was my time.  It’s not often that you look in the depths of your soul and search for that extra push and energy and FIND IT!!!  With a couple more minutes with “The Enforcers”  Chad and Jeremy, it was time to meet them at the finish line.  I put my head down and followed the cheer of the crowd.  It didn’t feel good but the right turn down the finishing chute couldn’t have been a more welcome sight.  With my wonderful supporters cheering away I raised my hands and felt my father’s hand touch my shoulder.

Dad, we did it. 

I crossed the finish line in 10 hours and 17 minutes, 8^th in my AG, we later found out.  I immediately sought out my wife and friends and gave them all huge hugs. 

After a day of battling the heat, humidity, the distance and the competition, I was an Ironman but I wanted one more thing – ticket to Kona.  Chad knew I had a shot but since I wasn’t in the top seven places in my AG, we didn’t know for sure.  It was the most nervous, anxious night of rest I’ve had in a long time.  Knowing I raced my heart out on that day and it was right in front of me was exhilarating.  The next day at roll down was at 11 a.m. but we got there earlier to meet our great friend Jason Jacobs, who had a gutsy and so impressive race. 

We checked the sheet to confirm the seven slots and yes, seven slots.  So the waiting game began.

 It wasn’t too long, as I stood stalking the Hawaii registration table I saw a guy approach the table with his father.  He leaned over and said ,”I came in 4^th place in the 30-34 AG but can’t claim the slot because I’m still in school.”  My ears perked up.  I tapped him on the shoulder and kindly asked him to repeat what he said.  He confirmed that he was in graduate school and he couldn’t swing the trip to Hawaii.

I told him I’m very sorry to hear this but he just gave me the chance to race in Kona.  I shook his hand and gave him a hug much to the chagrin of his father, it seemed.  I couldn’t believe it.  I was going to Kona.  Kristen and Jason just happened to walk in as I was hugging him and all the emotion came out.  I bear hugged my wife who has stood by my side for countless races, enduring the same results – close but no slot – and thinking of how much more this is for her than me.  She means everything to me and to be able to give her this trip to Kona, fulfills two lifelong dreams.

The reactions of my loved ones who I called was the most memorable.  Crying.  Screaming.  Amazement.  Happiness.  It was absolutely fantastic.  My mom screamed the whole time until I got her to calm down and talk.  My boy Rich Evans texted me “Mission Not Accomplished…Kona is next!”  My mentor and great friend, Bob Wilson, prayed with me.  It was so very humbling to talk to everyone who had as much to do with this as I did.

I want to send a very special thanks to Chad and Jen, Jeremy and Jocelyn.  You might hear this often but you are so amazing.  Thank you for all the motivation and support.

As I sit here typing, I’m still smiling thinking of Sunday and Monday.  Maybe the smile is thinking of what my father would have said, how happy he would have been for me.  This was as much for him as it was for me.

As I always tell people doing their first race, enjoy the training but relish the journey.  I’m so lucky to have the support around me.  I could sit here and type all the names that have influenced my reason for doing this but I don’t have enough room. 

I will say, if you think this race report is long wait until after Hawaii! 

 Love you all and Aloha!

KONA BOUND BABY!!!!!

I think the title says it all… my thoughts and emotions right now are endless.

Oct. 9, 2010, Kona, Hawaii. 

2.4 mile swim. 112 mile bike.  26.2 mile run.

 See you there.

The Day After

Good morinng from Louisville, the day after Ironman.

I’ll have to postpone the race report until later but I wanted to give a brief summary of my day.

 Up until the 26.2 marathon, my day was going great.  I felt amazing in the water and on the bike.  Since I knew the course like the back of my hand – training camps and the race last year – I really didn’t have a worry about what to expect.

Even the run is a very basic course layout of long straight aways with little hills thrown in the mix.  However, when you mix in the MELTING temperatures and inferno like heat throughout the day, it makes for a very interesting race.

 As you’ll hear about in my race report, I was humbled very much by the heat.  The drive to the finish line and a possible trip to Kona in October was fueled by my amazing race support crew of my wonderful and never-cease-to-amaze wife, and my fantastic four friends – Chad and Jen H.; and Jeremy and Jocelyn C.  Mix their support with all the positive vibes from friends and family who weren’t at the race, and my spiritual bond with God, I was in good hands.

I crossed the line in 10:17, 8th in my AG, and 42nd overall out of approx. 2800 athletes.

Now the waiting game begins as we are preparing to drive down to the Kona rolldown.  If ever a time I need the positive vibes of you all, this is it!  I did everything I could yesterday on that course and I thank you ALL SO MUCH!  Kristen and I are so lucky to have such amazing friends and family to support us.

 Fingers crossed…

The Day Before

If you’ve never experienced the day before Ironman, let me tell you it’s nerve racking.  No matter how many start lines you’ve reached, the anticipation of what the day holds tomorrow is very unique.

TO occupy my mind this morning, I did the practice in the beautiful and CLEAN Ohio River with the rest of the athletes in here Louisville.  Since the water temp. is around 84 degree official rules state no wetsuits but we are allowed to wear our speed suits, which are much thinner material.

My good friend Rich and I, along with our amazing wife Ironman supporters and some great friends who made the trip down to Louisville to cheer us on, made our way down to the river for the swim.

Typical swim…warm water…felt great – the current on the way back always helps!

Now I’m back in my in my room packing my transition bags and getting ready to drop off my bike to the transition area.  (I’ll post pictures of all the bikes later this evening.)

Nothing else to do but rest, hydrate, go to church this evening and prepare my mind for tomorrow’s battle.

For all you who would like to follow me throughout the day please visit Ironmanlive.com.

 Thanks for all your support along this journey.  I get chills as I think about all the fantastic people who’s love and kindness have guided me to this point…especially to my amazing wife – I love you so very much.