Triathlon Super Clydesdale

Just in case you didn’t know, I did it. I am an Ironman. LOL. Yes, I know…I’ve worn it into the ground. Jen is already tired of hearing me talk about it but for those that have accomplished any huge goal, know how good it feels to talk about it.

Lead In

IMTX was an incredible learning experience so for IMFL, I was much more prepared both physically and mentally.  After all, I had a great base built so once I finally made the decision to do IMFL, this confidence was expected since I had 3 more months of intense training. Now it was about overcoming my mistakes from Texas and improving my time where possible.

I had a strategy which I discussed with Coach Karen as she agreed and was on board. My run is the weakest of the 3 so I knew I needed as much time as possible for the marathon portion in order to make the 17 hour cut off. I wanted to improve my swim by 10 minutes, cut my transition times by a total of 10 minutes and improve my bike by at least 30 minutes. This would allow me the time necessary to finish if all things were equal to IMTX.  Now it was a matter of putting in the time to execute this strategy.

During training, I focused on swimming and my bike and attended quit a few spin classes making my legs much stronger for the bike which improved my running as well. This improvement obviously helped me mentally but it was at lunch with Raul after one of our swim workouts that brought me back to reality.  He said, “I don’t want to put any pressure on you but you know, you’ve had one DNF, you can’t have another.”  He was right but not exactly what I wanted to hear since I was feeling so good mentally but it’s what he said to me next that stuck with me the most, especially about mile 11 during the marathon. He said, “you’re going to be in pain and it’s going to hurt, but it will hurt much more the next day if you don’t finish.”

Check In

After our team breakfast, I go back to the condo to gather my bags and bike. I want to get this done early so there’s plenty of time to hydrate and relax with the family which is something I didn’t do the day before IMTX. IMFL is such a great venue with the finish line, hotels, and transition area all so close together, unlike IMTX. This made it so much quicker so I was in and out in probably 20 minutes. I didn’t spend any time talking to others. I was focused and made mental notes on specific locations of my bike and bags. I had a low bib number, 699, I’m guessing from going with Endurance Sports Travel. Just another benefit.

As you can see, I used the same neon green duct tape on my bags. I like the look but changed how I put it on since the last time resulted in a DNF. Yes, I’m known to be a little superstitious.

2015 Ironman Florida Race Day

I woke up at my usual 4 AM but snoozed for 10 minutes basically laying there taking it in. I slept much better this time around than last but it’s still tough to get a good nights rest. I had my Ultragen chocolate milk drink and bagel with peanut butter for breakfast. Since I wasn’t sure if this was going to be wetsuit legal, I had my morning bag packed with my Roka swimskin but my wetsuit in the stroller which Jen would have for the boys. I was able to put my own air pump in there too which was nice because it’s much easier using your own equipment since you’re more familiar. The night before, I spent quite a bit of time reading various reviews on whether one should wear cycling shorts under a swimskin. Like I said in previous post, I spent the last few weeks training in my Roka wetsuit with my cycling shorts underneath just to get a feel so knew that’s what I would do during the race. However, I remember how wet my swimsuit was under the swimskin at IMTX so wasn’t sure how the saltwater and sand may play into it and sandpaper was the last thing I wanted to feel during 112 mile bike ride.  I even sent Josh a text asking what he did but he rides in tri shorts so obviously isn’t worried about comfort to begin with. Ha. For me it’s all about comfort so I wear DeSoto 400 mile cycling bib shorts. Regardless, I made my decision. I needed to cut time from my transition so would wear my cycling bib under my swimskin if unable to wear wetsuit.

Jen gets the boys ready while I finish my morning routine double checking everything when finally we’re ready to leave. On the short walk over, the boys were very excited but everyone else was very quiet. They were probably all listening to the wind and ocean waves just like I was. Fortunately, the boys once again distracted me from any negative thoughts since they wanted to race so I was too busy telling them to watch out for others. We got to Transition about 5:30 and it’s crowded with more spectators than athletes it seems. I head over to my bike when I see Sarah and she tells me it’s non wetsuit legal. Some disappointment but relief since the decision was made. No way was I going to wear a wetsuit and take a 10 minute penalty.  I put my bottles on my bike, air up my tires, turn on my Edge 520 and MyAthlete tracker before I go back to Jen and boys.  Jen takes my special needs bags (minus the cooler with a turkey sandwich this time) to drop off area while I stay with boys, change and squeeze into my swimskin.  I make sure the bib is pulled up high enough but the straps down as I pull up the skin.  The sun starts to rise so we walk to the swim start. I notice the wind isn’t blowing as hard but the waves are still rolling in. Maybe it’s the sound of the waves or having Jen and the boys there but I am much more relaxed and focused.  I hang out with them on the beach as long as possible, a little too long actually because when I go to get in my time slot, I’m in the back near 2 hr position so try to push my way through the crowd to get as close to the 1:20 time as possible.  I look around for the family one last time but didn’t see them.

Swim = 1:33

I go under the arch and hit start on my watch as I quickly look at the digital clock in the sand as it reads 6:17, I think.  This is my first beach entry start so was looking at the waves taking deep breaths trying to calm my HR.  The start was interesting but slow wading through the waves. As you know by now, I have read quite a bit on the sport so know that swimming is faster than walking so decide to dive in and begin passing up those still wading. I try to swim hard to get out to smoother water but see people walking again thanks to a sandbar. My arms aren’t touching bottom so I keep swimming ducking into the waves when they get close. Finally after about 150 yards, the water smoothes out. I feel really good. I’m passing a few people but also getting passed by some as well. I make the first turn then not long made the second headed back to shore. It was then I began swimming extra yardage. The current kept pushing me inside the buoys so was constantly fighting to stay on track. Eventually I made it back to the beach and stood up and immediately my right hamstring started cramping. All I could think was oh no, not again. I stood and stretched it out while rubbing then grabbed some water before heading back out. I had my First Endurance EFS Pro that morning and hydrated well leading up to so wasn’t all that worried but made note to take salt tab in T1.  The second loop seemed faster but as it turned out was actually slower. Nonetheless, I made it.  I exit the water to soft sand and this time no cramps. I hear my name so excited to look over and see Jen and the boys.  It amazes me that she’s able to spot me all the time but after seeing videos, it’s pretty easy considering I am one of the biggest guys out there.  I give them a quick thumbs up then begin to jog up the path to wash area before going down the sidewalk to pick up bike bag.

T1 = 11:26

IMFL changing tent was actually inside the hotel so nicer since no mud to deal with and cooler than Texas.  I quickly find a chair and start doing my thing.  It was so nice to take off the swimskin and just have HR strap and cycling jersey to put on.  I lubed up then slipped on shoes and was out the door grabbing a water to help with my salt tabs.  I was 7 minutes faster this time around but it still felt too long. I see Jen and boys again waving at me and know that will be the last time I see them for a while.

Bike = 7:03

I felt good so just ease into it spinning trying to warm up my legs.  It’s early so it’s hectic with me passing up some but getting passed by more. I guess the extra buoyancy helps me out on the swim. Ha. We all head out and really couldn’t feel much wind so I try to take advantage when I can and started to push harder gears. My HR immediately went up so I slowed down but couldn’t really get it to come down any so decided to ease back and just push when I should. I had a good avg pace for me but knew it was going to be a long day.  This course was different than Texas but not as flat as one might expect.  It has false flats where it’s hard to tell until you look at your speed and realize you’re pushing a little harder than speed may show. I only saw a few crashes but the one difference from Texas was the number of people in the penalty tents. Every PT I passed had at least one person in it. The first tent had probably 10 people there waiting.  I couldn’t help but think to myself that the rule is pretty simple. There were some funny signs posted along the way but it was all pretty monotonous probably since I had never been on the course.  We finally get to a major intersection and make a turn when I see some ORR people.  Sarah spots me and yells, “Lets go Randy. YOU GOT THIS!”.  It was only about mile 42 but this was exactly the pick up I needed. It’s hard to explain but I felt a conviction in her voice which gave me a huge mental boost so immediately felt rejuvenated.  Thanks Sarah!

I finally get to halfway point to the bike special needs station.  I see a ton of people stopped but think back to my IMTX mistake and Eric telling me how he stopped for nothing.  Since I only packed extra tubes in my bag and fortunately didn’t need those, I kept going.  I look at my time and see I’m ahead of schedule but know I’m always slower the second half. I began doing the math in my head of expected bike finish and couldn’t help but get excited.  I churned on and did something I never practiced or thought I’d do…POB.  Most know what that is and if you don’t, well I’m sure you will figure it out at some point.  My nutrition plan seems to be working and I pick up extra water and Gatorade at a few of the aid stations to refill my BTA bottle.  I have my First Enduarnace EFS Pro in both water bottles on my saddle and in my new Speedfil mounted on my bike.  The only adjustment I made was my intake of salt tabs.  Luckily I packed extra since it was much warmer and more humid than I was expecting.  About mile 74, I’m finally getting near another major intersection which is nice because of the crowd support. Not long thereafter, my stomach got that familiar queezy feeling.  Some say it’s because I take in too much salt but if I don’t, I get cramps.  Nonetheless, after a few minutes of panic, I know I have to work through it so I reach into another pocket and pull out 2 of my Pepto chewable tabs.  I see an aid station on the other side of the road so I look at my computer and make a note so I’ll know how far to go after the turnaround just in case.  Once back to that point, I slowed down to stop but realized my stomach was better so decided to roll on.  My plan was to push harder that final stretch after about mile 90 and I did but riding into the headwind held me back some. The wind had definitely picked up but nothing compared to IMTX.  I’m finally back to familiar territory since we did initial route ride on Thursday but it seemed to take much longer this time around.  I was excited to get back and even more so once I saw Jen and the boys.  I made it and beat my IMTX time by 55 minutes.

T2 = 13:44

I quickly grab my bag and move into the changing tent.  I find a spot to sit and start changing.  Again, I’m about comfort and didn’t want to wear cycling bib and jersey so did a complete change.  Although I know my bike was much better, I wanted a quick transition so I could get out as close to 3:17 PM as possible  I wanted to allow myself an 8 hr marathon.  I take more salt and water then head out.

Run = 7:34

Not long after I start the run, I see Jen and the boys again.  I know it doesn’t look like it but I’m super excited to see them.  I saw them when I came out of transition so not sure how they got in front of me again but here they are, cheering and yelling, “Go Daddy, GO!”  Both Jen and I knew I was ahead of schedule but didn’t say anything about it.  Seeing them and hearing others yell “Go Team Burkland” as Talon started running with me was a pretty emotional moment for me.  He was so excited and actually ran so far with me that I had to stop with him and made him sit and wait for Jen.  He was upset and almost started to cry saying, “I want to run with you Daddy.”  It was an awesome feeling but knew if he went much further, it may be tough for Jen to find us. Not to mention, the sidewalk ended as it turned into a more residential area so he was actually on the street with me which is against the rules.

I began my slow jog and just took it all in.  It’s hot and humid but cloudy so could’ve been much worse.  My jog doesn’t last long before I decide to walk. I then see Michelle and she asks how I’m feeling.  At that point I felt OK all things considered.  I liked the run course because it was an out and back so you saw other athletes running opposite your direction.  I saw quite a few ORR athletes so tried to encourage them as much as possible.  I see Josh and we exchange a few words and he tells me he has one more lap.  Not long and I see Raul and know he’s almost done.  He encourages me to keep moving.

It gets dark early since DST ended the week before.  I enter the state park and it’s even darker.  Needless to say, Josh was right when he told me at breakfast the day before to stay in the center of the road through the park because the road was bad. There was definitely a chance of twisting an ankle.  I try to walk/jog but my hamstrings tighten every time I begin to jog so start taking in more salt and lots of it.  I’m so nervous because of IMTX and I’ve seen others stop or fall out.  I see the mile 19 marker and look at my watch to see how long it took for me to get there so I’d have a benchmark on my way back. The cut off time was mile 19 by 9:50 and since I missed that time before, I was anxious to beat it this time.  I made it to the turnaround so was excited since I was a quarter done.  They had mobile lights set up but was still very dark.  I see this man walking sideways toward me.  It looked like he was about to fall over as he was headed to the lights to hold himself up and stretch.  I asked him if he was ok and he said yes but he didn’t look too good.  I remember being told at one of the ORR clinics I attended that if you start walking crooked, that’s a good sign you need more salt.  I asked him if he had been taking salt and he said yes but didn’t have anymore.  Since we’re in the middle of no where with the nearest aid station about 1.5 miles away, I gave him 3 salt pills of mine but there was no water around so not sure if he took or finished the race for that matter but I needed to get going.  Since it’s so dark, it seems much later than it actually is.  I eventually got to the halfway point but my Garmin 920 didn’t since it died on me about mile 12.  I had no idea about my pace, time of day or anything for that matter.  All I knew, I was dragging and had no energy.  Once I saw Jen and the boys, it certainly helped me mentally but I needed energy.  I started to get nervous because I had no concept of time and Jen said I was doing great but I had to pick it up.  I saw Sarah and Raul in the distance and notice he’s all changed.  I couldn’t help but think how nice that would be right now but instead told them how I was feeling. Raul told me to take a Gu every 2 miles and start drinking cola.  It was all perfect timing to see them since I was approaching the run special needs area and I had packed a First Endurance liquid shot flask in my bag so called out my number and kept moving.  The family was waiting for me after the turnaround.  They walked with me for about 2 miles as I drank cola and sipped on my vanilla gel flask.  I’m approaching the dark areas again so know they should turn back as much as I don’t want them to.  I talk to some interesting people along the way and every time asking them, “what time is it?”  The aid station around mile 16 was a life saver.  A girl approached me asking if I wanted a Pedialyte popsicle.  I was pretty excited because this was exactly what I needed.  I savored every bite as I began my journey into the dark park.  I was relieved to finally make it to mile 19 under the deadline.  That was an enormous relief and my spirit picked up and this is when I start getting a little weird.  I say weird because at times I would just burst out with, “Clear eyes, full hearts, CAN’T LOSE!”  Throughout the day, I received many comments and compliments about my shirt with most knowing my mantra is from the TV show Friday Night Lights.  It’s nice when out of  no where you hear, Texas Forever (another line from the show).  I had one man ask me what my shirt meant.  I’m not sure if I was out of it or taken aback but probably both since my response was, “just what it says.”  I think it’s self explanatory but probably not so the last portion of the marathon, I spent my time thinking about how I should’ve explained it to him.  I was trying  to think of anything other than time and distance.  Every time I saw a mile marker I thought to myself, I’m going to start jogging again when I get to mile 21.  Once I got there, I started a minute jog with a minute walk.  At mile 22, I saw an ambulance in the middle of the road and a guy that was tense sitting in a chair.  It was like his whole body just locked up so that made me nervous so I started walking again.  The lunch conversation with Raul kept coming back up in my head, “it’s going to hurt but if you don’t finish, it’s going to hurt more.”  I must’ve said that to myself about 20 times throughout the day but even more the second half of the marathon.  It would be a very long drive back to Texas if I didn’t finish so I would start my slow jog every time I had that thought since my watch had died and I had no idea about time.  I crossed one of the main streets I knew for the last time and had probably about 2 more miles left.  Once I crossed, it looked like Josh was walking toward me and I thought have I lost my mind.  As we got closer, he asked how I was feeling.  I couldn’t help but think how he was doing.  After all, I don’t remember him passing me but he finished in the 12th hour and came back to check on me.  It’s still hard to believe that he finished his Ironman hours earlier and now walked probably an additional 6 miles to come check on me.  What an amazing person.  Like I said in previous post, a testament to the type of person he is…one who cares enough to sacrifice his enjoyment and time to relax and instead concerned enough about others, me, to help me accomplish my goal.  Fortunately, his watch was still working and assured me I was going to make it.  My knee was very sore at this point and I was out of ibuprofen, my hands were extremely swollen and I could feel a blister on my left foot so this made my walk even slower but luckily he was OK with our pace.  It was great to have him walk with me.  He kept me distracted and gave me tips along the way.  As we approached the finish line, he said I was on my own now and enjoy it.  With that, I remember jogging in and seeing Jen on the side.  I wish I would’ve stopped and hugged her but got caught up in the moment I guess.  I heard Dave say, “Representing Team Burkland, Randy Burkland, YOU are an Ironman!”

Time: 16:35

What an amazing day since I was able to accomplish my goal of crossing the finish line and becoming an Ironman.  As I’ve said before, none of it would have been possible without the support of Outrival Racing coaches and fellow athletes, coach Karen, friends, family and especially Jen.  The greatest part of crossing the finish line wasn’t about hearing my name or knowing that I did it.  It was seeing the faces of  Jen, Talon and Hudson and feeling how proud they were of me.  Normally, the boys are all about their mom but this time, I was the light in their eyes.  Although for Hudson, it was short lived since he had to be woken up to see me cross the finish line but feeling Talon’s excitement was amazing.  He was elated when I put the finisher’s medal around his neck and didn’t want to leave my side.  He had to go with me to pick up my bike and bags and just kept repeating, “you are an Ironman” as he was doing his best impersonation of Ironman announcer Dave.

Except for the blister on my foot, I felt pretty good the next day.  We made a stop at the Ironman Expo store to purchase Finisher gear before leaving town and I think Jen was more excited than me with the different options.  Fortunately I didn’t have to worry about THAT feeling the next day of not finishing because I was an Ironman which made the 10+ hour trip home very enjoyable.

Once we got home, I was just as excited as I was 24 hrs. earlier since I pulled into the driveway to a decorated garage door and porch. What amazing friends we have.

Looking back, there were so many things that went right for me during IMFL. For example, it was very sunny, hot and humid the days leading up to the race but on the actual race day, while still hot and humid  it was cloudy.  Then the lady out of no where with a Pedialyte Popsicle.  When I went back by that same rest stop later and asked for another Popsicle, they didn’t know what I was talking about and acted like I was crazy asking for one.  Also, eating breakfast the day before with Josh and his girlfriend and the tips they gave me about the course but especially when the two of them walked the final 2 miles with me.  I wish I had taken a picture with Jen and the boys at the finish line and also with Josh and his girlfriend since they too were instrumental on helping me cross that line.  Then I start thinking of all the people that helped me during this journey and well, it would be a very big photo.  I had so much support from so many people.  Thank you all but especially Jen.

Well as my bio states, I’m a husband, dad, and unfortunately STILL wannabe Ironman. The feared became reality about 9:55 PM May 16, 2015 when I didn’t make the 17 mile 9:50 cut off time.  I completed 131 miles in 14 hrs. 53 mins., just 9.6 miles short… I was so close yet so far.  Nonetheless, it was a learning experience and great day (easier to say now almost a month later).

Not finishing was a fear that I had going into it.  I told a fellow  ORR athlete, Mikey, this after a swim session when he asked how I was feeling.  He gave some great advice.  He said it’s a common fear because all your friends and family know that you’re doing it so you don’t want to let them down but attempting an Ironman is also an accomplishment.  He suggested I get comfortable with not finishing because Ironman is a difficult race and there are MANY people including Pro’s and Elites that will not finish so prepare myself mentally just in case.  That’s great advice but I felt like I was prepared. I put in many hours of training so was ready. After all, I was just looking to finish.

Lead In

As with all IM events, the bike and bag check in was the day before the event, Friday for IMTX.  Right off the bat I see a familiar face, fellow ORR athlete Iggy, who was there volunteering at bike check in.  He carries my bike to its rack location and I’m wondering why only soon to find out.  With all the rain we’ve had leading up to the event and the fact they recently planted new sod in the park, the transition area looked like what I presume the mosh pit area after a Lollapalooza concert.  There was a huge mud pit right in the middle of it all that we all sloshed around in and many complained about but at the time that added to the excitement.  We get to my slot and wow, nice…right on the end or so I thought.  The next morning I found my once clean bike splattered with mud on the one side but since it was dark, I didn’t notice until on my bike.  Everyone knows that a clean bike is a fast bike but I won’t use that excuse.  HA!

I saw quite a few people that I knew while only talking to a few as it seemed we were all eager and anxious.  I found my T1 and T2 spots for bike and run bags.  Another friend Joe, gave the advice to mark my bags with something I’d recognize so the night before, Jen and I put my favorite neon green color tape on both bags.  Perfect…

I’m feeling more relaxed now and taking it all in when I run into another friend of mine, Rick.  I was glad to see him since he’s done numerous IM races so in my mind, an expert.  It was great catching up with him and I decided to ask him if he put anything special in his bike special needs bag. He said the usual stuff but then gave me a great idea. He puts new bottles and a turkey sandwich in disposable cooler with a frozen ice pack.  Awesome…I can’t wait to do this as well.  Now all I had to do were a few last minute details then meet Mimi and Grandpa Eugene at the house.  They were helping by staying with the boys so Jen and I could stay at a nearby hotel in The Woodlands. This allowed some uninterrupted time to relax and unwind before the big day not to mention a few more minutes of sleep.

The Big Day

I woke up at 4 AM feeling like I just fell asleep.  Wait, I did at around midnight.  As I’ve mentioned previously, I’m a big fan of First Endurance products.  I exchanged some texts about a month prior to IMTX with Matt Hanson, who is also sponsored by FE and now happens to be the 2015 IMTX North American Champion.  He has Ultragen for breakfast and at times may include oatmeal so I also decided to try this approach.  I spent about a month using this during training and works for me so we’re set.  I’m drinking my Ultragen while eating very little of the oatmeal trying to stay quiet so Jen can get a few more minutes of sleep.  I’m feeling full maybe from the nerves or the filet and potato the day before.

Jen helps me with my morning bags and we’re set to leave but I have that recurring race day feeling that I’m forgetting something.  I’m anxious and nervous so feel like I’m late although I know there is still plenty of time and I in fact do have everything.  I got to Transition about 5:20 and it’s already crowded.  I see Eric, ORR athlete who I now consider good friend, standing there taking it all in.  He has the deer in headlights look as I quickly talk to him before heading off to my bike to put bottles on and turn on my Garmin and MyAthlete tracking device (NOTE, great recommendation by Michael so my friends and family could better track me).  I met back up with Jen who also saw Eric briefly and commented how we both have that look as she and I began the walk to the swim start.  I feel my HR beginning to pick up and Jen comments how much I’m sweating so I continue to sip on my EFS drink.  We get there and I begin to relax some because I’m where I need to be but anxiety of what I’m about to do has really kicked in.  Jen is on the phone and tells me to stop because someone wants to see me when up walks Michael aka “Da Coach”.  What a nice surprise since he said he’d see me on the run.  All I could really do was shake his hand without much coming out of my mouth.  It was definitely an emotional time for me because he’s the one who inspired it all and here he was, driving an hour and a half from his house to come see my swim start.  Great guy and tremendous amount of help to both Jen and me throughout the day.  Finally I started to settle down so I decided to start squeezing into my Roka swim skin when up walks Soph and Camdyn (sister and niece).  Again, emotional time but this time more controlled.  I’m hoping all this emotion has something to do with the nerves but I also know that’s how I am at times.  It runs in the family.  HA!  After all of this, Michael takes a pic of Jen and me before I head off to find my time slot.

I begin to see more people I know with Soph and Cammy behind me and lose track of Jen and Michael but I found my time slot so slide in the herd.  I see another fellow ORR athlete Luis who I’ve swam with every Mon. and Wed.  training sessions so he slides in with me.  He’s also a first timer and I have the chance to meet all of his family.  Then I see Michael and he tells me Jen and her parents are right in front of me.  It was great to have so many people there to see me.  It would’ve been nice to have the boys there but I know they were also gearing up for a very long day with Talon’s pre-K graduation starting in just a few hours then coming to see me later so their rest right now was definitely more important.  I got a last minute hug and kiss from Jen as her mom takes pictures.  We’re making our way to the water and Luis turns to me and wishes me luck as we give each other fist bumps.

Swim = 1:35

This is the first time at IMTX where they did a rolling start.   This had me both excited and nervous.  Excited because I heard some people PR with rolling starts because you’re swimming with others at your speed but nervous because this means I could start before 7 AM and my focus has always been about the midnight hour.  Midnight is much easier to keep track of than wondering about 17 hours after whatever time I started.  I thought I was in the 1:20-1:30 slot but somehow realized last minute I was in with the 1:30-1:40 folks which is fitting since that’s where I finished.  I entered the water and right off the bat, I just couldn’t find my rhythm.  My HR was up so I decide to breaststroke a short distance to calm down and look for Luis.  I find him as he’s also doing breaststroke but ahead of me so I put my head down and start swimming.  After about 700 yards, everything is starting to feel good with my HR settling down and strokes feeling smooth.  There are a few people I swim over and I get hit a few times myself but I feel good.  Right before the first turn, I realize I should’ve been in earlier group because I’m passing up quite a few people and realize the only ones passing me up are in wetsuits.  I’m thinking, holy cow, they’ve already caught me but oh well.  I make the first turn and start to feel my right hamstring cramp.  Uh oh…why is this?  I thought I hydrated enough because I was up numerous times the night before but then started thinking about me sweating so much on walk over.  I relax my legs and focus on pulling instead.  While doing so, I was trying to keep my legs straight then toes started cramping.  This was going to be a long day was all I could think but that kept my mind off of the distance.  Every time I started to push because the pace was too easy, my hamstring would begin to cramp so I decided that’s my body saying it’s a long day, just relax.  I enter the canal and was nervous about the “wash” but it wasn’t bad at all.  (Note: Maybe swimming in the bay at the Kemah Oly 6 weeks earlier helped prepare me more than I thought.)   I enjoyed the canal as the sides were lined with people cheering when finally I spot my family in the distance sporting their neon green Team Burkland shirts.  I couldn’t get there fast enough.  What a boost of energy having them spot me as I’m waving trying to get their attention.  They followed me the rest of the way and every time I breathed to that side, I could see them continuously cheering.  I’m at the end and have read that you should kick at the knees to help get the blood flow back from being horizontal for so long.  I exit the water a little shaky but hear my name from the announcer.  That is awesome but I’m still concerned about the cramps.

T1 = 18:31

Since this was my first IM event, I didn’t know what to expect with the changing tent but wow was it hot.  It was also packed and the ground was wet and muddy so I had to change while standing.  Difficult task but got it done only to run through mud again while carrying shoes.  My family is at my bike row waiting.  This was awesome as I hear my father in law get on a loud speaker and shout something at me.  I just smile and wave then begin carrying my bike out.  Fortunately, there were baby pools to wash off your feet but all of this took time.  In hindsight, every little minute counts.

Bike = 7:58

The time says it all. I’ve never claimed to be fast on the bike but wow, this is where things began to unravel.  My legs feel better than I expected but I immediately begin my salt tabs because of cramps during swim.  I realize I don’t have enough salt tabs because I didn’t anticipate taking salt this early on the bike.  The past year, I’ve ridden this course numerous times but never from the transition area so I was taking it all in just getting legs warm while others are flying past me.  Once we turn on 2978, it’s time to pick it up some.  My legs/saddle/bike feel good.  It’s going to be a good day.  I say this because just a few weeks prior, I changed out my saddle yet again.  I bought a Selle SMP from ORR athlete Michelle and only rode a few times so was a little concerned.  I see many other ORR athletes which is refreshing until they drop me.  HA!  At about mile 40, I hear Eric.  I was hoping not to see him until mile 60  but damn…he caught me already.  We chat briefly for 2 miles but I can’t keep up without feeling my legs pushing.  I yell to him that I thought he was going to take it easy the first half when he shouts back…”I AM” and that’s the last time I see Eric.  I’ve been told by many that the ride out should feel effortless in order to prepare for the ride back into headwind so I let him go.  I saw some interesting things and talked briefly to quite a few folks during the ride.  I saw a few people crashed on the side and one guy was pouring sweat as I passed him up.  I’ve never seen so much sweat dripping off someone like that before.  I tell him he better be drinking lots of fluids when he tells me that’s what he thinks is wrong with him now…that he has drank too much and he has no idea how many times he’s thrown up on himself already.  Wow…so it wasn’t sweat after all.  I drop him pretty quickly and move on.  I finally get halfway to bike special needs station.  I look at my time and I’m ahead of schedule so decide to stop for a few minutes.  I pick up my bag and swap out my bottles talking briefly with and thanking the volunteers while enjoying my turkey sandwich.  It’s still cool yet cheese is soft…this is so good.  Thanks Rick…this was great idea.  I’m not sure why but they didn’t have porta potty’s at special needs but did few miles up so I stopped again at mile 60.  This was my first restroom break which was a concern since I was ~5 hrs. into the race already.  After this, it was all into a STRONG headwind with gust crosswinds and more hills but this is why I had paced myself during the first half.  The wind was fierce with clouds in the sky so I kept hoping it would just rain so that would kill the wind but all we got were a few sprinkles instead.  There are people just laying in the grass on the side of the road, one guy looked like he was throwing up blood, ambulances pass me going the direction I just came from and all I could think was wow…what is going on?  I’m in a good place considering what all I’m seeing.  The wind was definitely making me push harder than I wanted all while not going very fast.  It doesn’t help that as a Super Clyde I’m like a sail which can be great going downhill or with a tailwind but with any type of incline or a gusty headwind like today…not so much.  I could say it was miserable by about mile 80 but that would be too early.  The real misery for me began at mile 98 when my stomach started rumbling.  I’m on the home stretch, legs are feeling good all things considered but what in the world is going on now.  This hasn’t happened to me before during training.  I’m thinking, I’ve stuck to my plan.  I haven’t done anything diff…oh wait…the turkey sandwich.  Geez, what was I thinking?  My speed becomes even slower as I squirm on the saddle trying to get comfortable and take my mind off of the GI distress.  I make one of the final turns when I start to hear music.  Ahh…an aid station with porta potty’s.  Now I’m not entirely sure the turkey sandwich was to blame for my GI issues but it’s the only thing I did differently from my training.  Thanks Rick. LOL!  I say that in jest because I know better.  As Coach Karen said, I broke the #1 cardinal rule on nutrition, don’t use anything different than what you use during training.  Lesson learned.  Finally, I’m back to Transition and there’s all my family.  What a breath of fresh air!  I was VERY excited to see them lining the side yelling for me with my mom being the loudest (No surprise there, HA!) as she yells, “Go Boyhee” (childhood nickname).  They follow me on the outside all the while cheering until I get into the changing tent.

T2 = 13:22

A volunteer tells me to stay on left side because it’s not as wet.  If that was true, I’d hate to see what the other side looked like.  The tent is even MORE hot than this morning.  I’m sweating profusely while changing out with most difficult task trying to put on my socks and shoes.  Since my time was so slow, there are many chairs for me to sit.

Run = DNF

As I leave the tent, there is the family again waiting for me.  Cheering, clapping and yelling what I’m not quite sure.  I wish I would’ve had more time to stop and talk to them but I know my bike was 30+ mins. slower than I expected so I had to get going.  I start my slow jog but that doesn’t last long.  I look at watch and HR isn’t as high as I thought it was but I just couldn’t catch my breath for some reason so I decided to walk.  I look back to see if family is still following me but I can no longer see them.  Jen had my Pepto chewables and I forgot to ask her for them so it would have to wait.  I know my walk pace has to be pretty quick so I push on.  Right from the beginning, the crowd support along the waterway was great.  There were girls in swimsuits and something I could’ve done without, seeing guys in speedos, yelling and cheering with music thumping.  They’ve obviously had a few cold ones but it was funny nonetheless.  I continue to walk talking to a few people along the way.  Time was of the essence to me but every time I started to run, my right hamstring would begin to cramp up so I focused on fluids at every aid station.  My time was slipping slightly under 16 min/mile so knew I was in trouble.  I saw Wade, PT from MH Ironman Institute, and he gave words of encouragement as I told him what was happening and that I would stop next time around for him to stretch me.  A few miles later, there is another MH aid station so I stop there to stretch.  As she begins to stretch my quads, I get a vicious cramp in my hamstring again so she begins to apply pressure.  I can’t take it anymore so just get up and start walking again.  Finally, I see the bright green Team Burkland shirts and there are even more of them now.  I see friends and family and kids from my soccer team with signs and cheering.  This was pretty amazing.  I was hoping to run past them but stopped to talk briefly and told them I was in trouble but I was encouraged seeing so many come out to support me.  Jay and Rodrigo started to jog with me but that doesn’t last long as I tell them I have to walk again.  My hamstring wasn’t necessarily cramping now but would tighten so I would get nervous and not sure what to do, so just started walking.  They walked what felt like a few miles with me but was probably only a mile and I told them thanks but they should probably turn around because I didn’t want them to get too far away from the others and I know that it’s also against the rules for other non-competitors to run with you but it was nice.  I start my second loop and see Jen again as I head back out and ask her for Pepto pills so she runs ahead to have them ready to hand to me as I get to her.  Geez, what an amazing woman.  She begins walking with me and Rodrigo catches her to get the 15# backpack from her and we then see Michael in his Team Burkland shirt.  I ask him to help me with time because I need to know what I have to average to make the cut off.  He nods and catches us as they both continue to support me.  He walks about 3 miles with us before turning back.  I know I’ve said it before but what a great guy.  He’s the one that inspired it all and here he was again trying to inspire me to push on and pick it up.  Jen and I are walking along the back of the course which is a pretty quiet stretch relatively speaking when we see her brother Jess, Brie and family.  It was great to see them with their Tony Stark signs cheering and yelling.  Definitely a mental boost but my body was beginning to say otherwise.  It’s now dark and seems even darker on the backside.  We see people starting to fall out then I see Jeffy and his family.  This is pretty cool as they walk with me briefly.  Jen and I finally get back to the rest of the crew and our friend Charles relieves Jen and picks up from there.  I’m still thinking clearly, in my mind anyway, but I probably should’ve taken more GU as well but just felt like I needed fluids.  I was feeling bloated so knowing I should take more sodium but  I’ve gone through all my salt tabs.  Charles walks a while but I don’t really have much to say since I know by this time, I will not make the cut off.  I’m wondering where they will stop me when up walks another athlete from North Carolina. We exchange introductions, although now can’t remember his name, and he tells me this is his 6th IM event but the first he will not finish.  I explained this was my first and he said,”you picked a tough one to sink your teeth into” but that was little consolation at this point especially since this was my home course.  Our friend and soccer Team Mom Sandy catches me and provides her many words of encouragmement. She walks with the NC guy and me complimenting me all the way. We wind our way around the construction when suddenly, there it is…the split to 3rd loop or the finish but for me, the gate was closed and officials saying they were sorry but needed my timing chip. I look up and see Michael, Jay, then Charles holding Landon and Felichia and Brianna.  I felt like time was frozen for a minute as I stood there and took it all in realizing what I feared was now reality. I could hear Mike Reilly in the background announcing “…you are an Ironman” as other competitors crossed the finish line not too far from where I was standing.  I then turn to my amazing friends with mixed emotions. I’m thankful they are there and relieved it is over since my knee was hurting more with each step but disappointed as I felt I let them, my family and myself down and didn’t reach the goal I had spent many months training.  They all gave me a hug then Michael and I headed off to meet up with Jen since she was also unfortunately tasked with picking up my bike  and gear.

Total = 131 miles; 14 hrs. 53 mins. but DNF

Michael and I got to the Marriott and found a place to sit outside.  It felt so good being able to sit down when up walks Pete and Carrie.  They were also tracking me so came up to hopefully see me finish but to no avail.  Jen called Michael to say she was out front so we made our way through the lobby.  It was very disappointing seeing so many people that had finished and obviously happy it was over.  Jen and I drive away both exhausted trying to take it all in.

I’ve had a few weeks now to process it all.

Those that have done endurance sports know what I’m talking about when I say there are so many things one experiences out on the course.  There are body / muscle concerns, mechanical issues then mental blocks then back to body issues.  A major part of the game is mental and being able to work through those issues and for me…it was the clock.

Nonetheless, it was an amazing day.  The best part of it all was having SO many of my family and friends out there supporting me along the way.  I am very thankful for them all but especially for Jen.  I already knew how incredible she was but this was a great reminder.  I may not be an Ironman yet but she is certainly an Ironwife.  She supported me during this journey and coordinated so many things throughout the day that she as well as all spouses and families of triathletes out there deserve their own medals.

I’ve told everyone I was one and done.  I told Jen the only way I would ever do another IM is if I didn’t finish.  It was probably about mile 12 on the run when Jen and I were walking along the dark path that I told her I didn’t care what happened, I was NEVER doing this again.  A few days later she sent me an incredible email saying she supported whatever decision I made but wanted me to consider another IM and she would also train for something she’s never done herself.  I’ve never been one to quit something I’ve started and definitely not a fan of feeling like something has beat me and since I didn’t reach my goal of hearing Mike Reilly announce I am an Ironman, I know that I will try again someday.

This time the clock won the battle but one day, I will win the war.