Bring It On!

Today's picture was taken by my family from a bridge at the start of Ironman Arizona 2008 and is the perfect lead in to my last pre race post. It is quite a contrast between starting in a human powered washing machine and having a lane at the rec center all to myself.

My event photographer asked me today to compare how I felt the day prior to Ironman AZ versus how I feel one day prior to Swim, Bike, and Run to the Cross 140.6. Here goes . . . .

The biggest difference for me is that physically I have a better sense of what is ahead of me. A freind told me completing an ironman is like wrestling a gorilla. The catch is that the gorilla tells you when to stop, not the other way around.

There is a different kind of hoopla surrounding this event. I have made far more personal connections this time, but there won't be fellow competitors on the race course. I will have someone swimminng with me and numerous people are going to run a few miles which will be nice.

I have maintained a sense of peace and calmness regarding this event. Prior to Ironman AZ, one of my prayers was to accept any outcome and as I said then and I say now, I was at peace when I didn't finish. There were no regrets.

In the spring and now, I enter the race with a feeling of gratefulness. All that I have and all that I am was given to me by God. In Arizona, I tried to remember how grateful I was to be able to race on the same course with incredible athletes in an event where the outcome was unsure. I hope to carry the same attitude tomorrow.

If you've made it this far in the blog post, I ask that you pray for missionaries Daniel and Magen Davis and all the people in France. I ask that you pray for safety, patience, and strength for me on race day, and finally, that God can honored in all aspects of this triathlon.

If any praise or complements come my way, I redirect them to God as He deserves all the praise, glory, and recognition.

A race report will follow Saturday or Sunday.

Blessings to you all,

Chris

Breaking It Down: Part 3, The Run

Today's picture was taken near the end of a 3 mile run in a sprint distance triathlon. There is some suffering in sprint triathlons, but the pain is acute and short lived, relatively speaking. And that leads us to the third leg of an iron distance triathlon, a 26.2 mile battle.

The bike leg will end at the picnic shelter at Veteran's Park on Valleydale Road, just behind Spain Park High School. My running gear will be provided by my mobile support team and after a quick change in the restroom, I'll head out on the trails.

Course Description: The running trail is not paved, but it has been packed with a small gravel or stone. It is an awesome running surface. There is a measured 8k loop (4.99 miles) that I will run five times and then I will begin a sixth loop for the remaining 1.25 miles. I have configured the run so that the finish line will be at the monument in front of the picnic shelter.

Strategy: It's not a complicated one. I will start running 10 to 11 minute miles and I'll keep it up as long as I can. I will take walk breaks every 5 to 10 minutes. I find this helps reset the leg muscles and delays the onset of heavy fatigue. At the snail's pace I am going, it really only adds about 10 - 20 seconds per mile.

Fueling and Hydration: The course I am running is more or less a figure 8. I will be passing by the picnic shelter every 15 - 20 minutes so I will have easy access to my supplies. I will stick with Hammer Gel (raspberry, apple cinammon, and espresso), some Perpetuem, and plenty of water.

The End: Barring catastrophe, I hope to finish in the neighborhood of 7 - 8 o'clock.

Hope to see you there. I'll make one last post tomorrow before the big event.

Blessings to all,

Chris

Breaking It Down: The Bike and Transition 2

We pick up where we left off in the last post with a description of the bike leg and the second transition.

Today's picture comes from Tempe, AZ prior to Ironman Arizona. My dad, brother, and kids round out this picture. Where did I get my height?

For those interested, I have a custom made Zinn cycle made by none other than 6'5" Lennard Zinn who specializes in bikes for tall people. One of the challenges of being many standard deviations from the mean height of men is that bike companies aren't too interested in building and selling bikes to 6'6" guys. There just aren't many of us. After too many trips to bike shops where I was told, I think we might have something we can make work, I bit the bullet and went with a custom bike. My bike is considered a road bike and it isn't made out of carbon, titanium or anything exotic, but it fits and that is most important.

Leaving Transition 1

Upon getting changed into my warm and toasty biking clothes, I will head out for the 112 mile bike ride. Relative to others, the bike is my weakest leg of the triathlon. My first attempt at biking for triathlons began in 2006. I've got a few years of training under my belt, but to excel in biking requires strength and lots of time on the pedals, two things I don't have an abundant supply of.

Here is my game plan for the bike.

Nutrition: Consume approx. 300 calories of Hammer Perpetuem every hour. I mix the Perpetuem powder with water in small plastic flasks. The mix has the consistency of a thick pancake batter and it has a sweet taste. I will have eight flasks with me and I will consume the contents of one flask per hour.

Hydration: I won't want to drink much in 30 degree temps, but that isn't a good idea. I'll try to drink 16 oz or so per hour. I will take a few electrolyte pills as well each hour, too.

Biking: My urban bike course in North Shelby County, AL requires me to share the road with cars, trucks, and the like. I'll also need to pay close attention to stop signs and traffic lights. In regular races, most of the time the course is closed to traffic and police man the intersections. This means the cyclist can keep up his speed and avoid starts and stops.

My pace will for the ride will be something akin to a Sunday drive. I've done enough long rides in the area to know that I will average 15 mph or so given the amount of hills, stop signs, and traffic lights I will need to negotiate. This will translate into 7 hours and 30 minutes of riding time. I will be stopping multiple times for restroom breaks, water refills, and perhaps a couple of shots of espresso at Starbucks. I'm saving the espresso as a treat when I cross the 100 mile mark. My total estimate time on the bike is around 8 hours.

A couple of interesting things happen every time I do a long ride. I tend to have periods where I don't feel good at all on the bike and want to be done with it. This happens at about 40 miles, 75 miles, and 100 miles. The rough patch lasts for twenty minutes or so and by the time I realize I'm not miserable any more, another 45 minutes has passed. A second phenomenon occurs when I am within the last 10 miles of a given long ride. I always get a second wind when I realize that I am actually going to finish the ride. It happens whether my long ride is three, five, or seven hours.

Transition 2: Bike to Run (or something resembling a run)

It will feel really good to get off the bike and get in the upright position. My transition area will be the pavilion at Veterans Park on Valleydale Rd. I will jettison the bike clothes and put on the running gear. High temps are expected in the low to mid 40's - perfect for running. I might or might not start out in shorts. I'll be wearing a long sleeve shirt under a wind shirt. I'll have a hat, running pants, and more layers available as the weather cools down. After grabbing some water and a gel or two, I'll be on my way. Estimated transition time: 10 minutes.

Tomorrow: The Last Leg

Blessings to you all,

Chris

Breaking It Down: The Swim and Transition 1

I thought it might be of interest to those that do not know much about the sport of triathlon to break down the three disciplines and my strategy on Friday. Today I will review the Swim and the first transition, swim to bike.

Today's picture is circa 1977 at Nags Head, NC. I burned off lots of energy on those annual vacations playing in the ocean. Thanks Mom and Dad for teaching me to swim and paying all those dues to the swim team. Over 30 years may have passed, but the swim training is still serving me well.

What can you say about the swim in a triathlon?

It's wet and it is the shortest leg in both time and distance. The iron distance swim is 2.4 miles or 4,224 yards. Since I will be swimming in a pool, I will need swim 169 laps. The swim will always be my strongest leg. Success in the swim is highly correlated with technique. I'm not the strongest guy at all, but I was fortunate to learn decent technique when I was a kid.

Here is how I hope everything will shake out on Friday morning:

5 am: Arrive at Hoover Rec all fueled and hydrated.

5:05 Get the day started with a plunge into the pool. The temperature is kept at a constant 82 degrees so there won't be much of a shock to the system. The shock will come on the bike.

5:10 Begin my mantra of long and smooth strokes. The mantra is needed because I find the first 1000 yards or so of a long swim are the most difficult mentally. I feel confident I will finish the swim without any issues as I have swum the full distance without stopping twice in the last month. My pace will be like that of a Sunday drive. I view the swim as a long warm up for the bike.

5:40 I should be about halfway done with the swim. I will have lap counters and every time I complete 1000 yards, they will submerge a kickboard before I turn. There is something psychological about getting past the halfway point. I will probably stop at the deep end and take a gel. I want to get in as many calories as I can early in the day. Don't worry, I'll be treading water.

6:00 I should have about 15 minutes to go. The last 1000 yards are always the most enjoyable. My mind starts wishing the swim was a little longer and the whole 2.4 miles has been fun.

6:15 The swim should be over in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. Upon exiting the pool, it's time to get ready for the swim.

6:16 Into the locker room. First order of business: consume a couple hundred calories and drink 8 to 10 oz of water. Second order of business: Begin changing into bike clothes. If this was a competitive event held in the summer, the top tri dudes and gals would bike in the same attire that they swam in. With 30 degree temps and my desire to be as comfortable as possible, I am getting out of anything wet and into warm biking clothes. I'll give you the run down from toes to head.

Foot wear: Wool socks, "toasty toes" foot warmers on top of socks, bike shoes, bike shoe covers. The feet are one of the toughest things to keep warm on a bike. The toes don't move much and since I are not bearing any significant weight on my feet, they tend to get cold quickly.

Legs: Biking shorts and long biking pants over the top. This works well into the mid-20's. I don't think the temp will be below 25, but if it is, I may have to bring out the heavy artillery.

Chest and arms: Coolmax t-shirt, heavier zip shirt with wicking properties, long sleeve bike jersey, wind breaker. Layers are good, especially if it gets warm later in the day. This arrangement is ideal for 30-40 degree temps. Above 40, I have to start unzipping some things to cool off.

Fingers: Thermal bike gloves with "hot hands" hand warmers. Fingers get cold easily, too.

Head: Ski mask that covers head, ears, face and neck. Helmet. Sunglasses.

Ancillary Supplies: I will have about 8 hours of nutrition crammed into my jersey along with a cell phone, credit card, and a couple of dollars. I'll have electrolyte tablets for the ride and water for the first two hours or so.

I've got to believe it's going to take a good 10 - 15 minutes to get all this garb on and get down to the front of the building where I start the bike.

Tomorrow: My weakest leg, the bike.

Blessings to you all,

Chris

Things I Can't Do

Only five more days to go until the big event!! Today's picture comes from my 2008 summer family vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  My sister, cousin, and I would do an open water swim to a nearby pier and back. It's great open water training and we were able to swim in everything from calm to rough conditions.  

Word has spread about the 140.6 Swim, Bike, and Run to the Cross One Man Triathlon and I have received much encouragement.  Thanks to all you who have supported me and plan to drop by at some point during the run.  It means more than you know.  

Over the last week, many people have asked me if I can really make the 140.6 mile distance or they wonder how I am going to complete such a crazy challenge.  I've got to say that after my "drop out" in Arizona in April, I too, have doubts.  It raises the question, is a 140.6 mile triathlon something I can't do?  I don't know and won't know until I try.  And in a weird way, that's why I like tough challenges.  The outcome is in doubt.  

No one, including myself, is going to be able to answer the question of whether I will finish or not until sometime on the evening of January 30.  All of you will know the answer the same time as me!  No amount of self talk, whether positive or negative, will guarantee an outcome.  

So here I type, wondering whether this is something I can or can't do. What am I going to do? First, I am going to take to heart the verse, Matthew 6:34, "Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  These are great words to remember for everything.

Second, I am going to focus on things I can do:  

• I can be grateful for having a body and mind able to try this challenge
• I can be grateful for being able to spend all day (and then some) outside in nature among the elements.  
• When swimming, I can focus on putting one arm in front of the other.  
• When biking, I can concentrate on making smooth circles with the pedals.
• When running, I can keep putting one foot in front of the other.  

Third, I can keep praying for Daniel and Magen Davis and their quest to be missionaries in France.  

As you can see, I've got a long list of things I can do before I ever need to grapple with the unaswerable question of "What Can't I do."  

Take care and I'll post again soon.

Chris

Clearing a Hurdle

Here is an update from the training front.  I cleared the last big hurdle in training with the completion of a long ride on Monday.  I took a day off work and travelled to ride on the Chief Ladiga Trail in Weaver, AL.  This is a rails to trails project and it goes 32 miles to the Georgia border where it hooks up with the Silver Comet Trail.  62 miles later, the Silver Comet terminates in a suburb of Atlanta.  

The trail is in good shape and a chance to ride without cars.  There are numerous street crossings in the first 15 miles and then again in Georgia.  However, I take for granted that roads generally are debris free.  The same can not be said for bike trails traversing through remote areas.  The recent monsoon in AL deposited in places gravel, sticks, and pine straw.  Twice I had to dismount and climb with bike over fallen trees. There were a few areas where water was covering the entire path.  I negotiated all these obstacles successfully, but I did have one "Uh oh" moment.  On a long flat stretch I was in the aero position on the bike and was only looking forward every 10 seconds or so to ease the tension in my neck.  Just as I look up, there is a tree branch probably 4-5 inches in diameter right in front of me!  The thought that went through my mind was.  Well, this is it.  You are going to crash 40 miles from your van and you will be in trouble.  Somehow, I rode over the branch and was able to correct my swerving bike without incident.  Accident avoided!

People ask me what it is like to ride for 7 hours.  I am not a good cyclist and for me it goes something like this.  The first two hours are physically easy, but I think that there is no way this is going to end.  After about two hours, my rear end starts to tire and shift into a mode of working.  After four hours, I start to realize that there are only three hours left.  I've ridden three hours many times.  After six hours, there is almost a feeling of euphoria.  The end of the ride is in site and the feeling of uncertainty at the beginning is filled with a sense of joy at completing the whole thing.  

When I arrived at the van, I loaded up my bike and popped on my running shoes.  I actually enjoy a short run after the bike and this run went well.  My legs always feel strange trying to run after biking for hours, but after a couple of miles they start to get in synch again.  

Overall, the bike and run was a big success.   I did not crash into the hurdle in front of me and I think I had a little room to spare.  I asked myself after this session, "Self, could you have run farther?"  The answer was  definitive yes!  Could I have gone 23 miles farther?  I don't know about that, but I'm going to find out in a couple of weeks.  

Check back soon,

Chris

Doors Opening and an Announcement

The countdown continues.  One of the cool things that has happened as this one man triathlon has taken shape is the opportunity to make new friends and strengthen relationships.  I have a couple of thoughts on this.  They are not earth shattering, but are worth mentioning.  

• Meet new people.  What started as an idea to do a solo triathlon has moved into the chance to work on a missions project with two missionaries, Daniel and Magen Davis, and the missions pastor, Pam Bates, at Christ Church.  I have three new friends.  
• Learn new technologies.  Twitter, Facebook, gmail???  All new to me, but I'm getting there.  It's amazing what is available to connect with people and share information.  I had no idea.  
• See things from a different perspective.   Yesterday I had the chance to have coffee with a friend and run through my entire plan for the race, supporting Daniel and Magen, etc.  His response was, "Cool, a rogue ironman.  You ought to charge people to join you as individuals or as a relay."  Interesting idea.  Definitely one that I never contemplated.  
• Have people asking to pray for me.  A couple of folks have asked if they can be on the "team" and pray for me during the weeks leading up to the event.  Humbling.
• Get out of my comfort zone.  Virtually everything I'm doing is a first for me.  It's easy to look forward and get overwhelmed or anxious.  I'm trying to focus on today.  Tomorrow will come.  Phillipians 4:6 is a good one to remember.  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thansgiving, present your requests to God."  

It is stating the obvious to say these things are happening because I took action.  That's the way it works.  Action leads to a result.  Why is it that in the spiritual realm (that's God for all those following along) so many people, present company with a season ticket in the front row included, are content to sit back and watch?  Is it because people don't know what to do?  Is it because people don't want to or are afraid to do what they think they should do?   I can say I have had all these feelings and probably will in the future, too.  But before saying no to something out of perceived fear or difficulty, I'll know in my conscience that the blessings that I received in the one man triathlon endeavor outweighed any fears or challenges.  Finally, thank you to all those unnamed people who too action, large or small, to spread the knowledge and the Word of the Lord.  It has helped me immeasurably.  

Announcement:  Our race flyer is finished!!!  I am attempting to attach a link to the race flyer on the right hand side of the blog.  We'll see how it goes.  

Over the next day or so I will be sending out emails with the flyer to friends, family, and contacts I have in the triathlon world.   It will be exciting to see what happens.  

Until tomorrow

C

Training Update: Getting Tired and Getting Stronger

I have not written much about how the training is progressing.  All in all, things have gone about as I expected which is positive.  My training weeks have been built around a long ride, a long run, and a long swim.  I fill in the remaining days with shorter sessions of each discipline.  I try to add core strengthening work in twice a week, but over the last three weeks that has fallen by the wayside as I have been really tired from the long sessions.  

With 21 days to go until race day or in this case event day, I have completed my longest "long run" and my longest "long swim."  It's a big psychological boost to have the longest workouts complete.  I have one more long bike to go and then I will begin backing off.  

Back tomorrow with another update,

C

Why France?

I had no idea about the need for missionaries or the state of Christianity in France. Below are a few facts from TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission). This evangelical and interdenominational agency has been working around the world since 1890. TEAM has been in Francce for over 50 years.

• France is a Post-Christian country. The people believe they have surpassed their need for God.
• Less than 1% of the people in France are evangelical Christians.
• 80% of the French have never handled a Bible.
• 54% of French people are atheist or agnostic.
• Islam is now the predominantly practiced religon in France and continues to grow.
• There are 35,000 towns without any evangelical witness or church.
• Despite what may be the popular understanding, there are few opportunities for people in France to hear the Gospel.

It only takes a generation or two for knowledge of the Lord to be lost in a nation. Once the knowledge is lost, there will be generations of people without the chance to learn about the Lord. Missionaries are much needed.

Meet Daniel and Magen Davis

24 more days to go! For newcomers to the blog, please read the first post on Jan. 3 for background on what I am undertaking.  

Today I would like to introduce you to Daniel and Magen Davis, missionaries to France.  I am attempting this 140.6 mile triathlon to raise awareness for what's happening in France with Christianity and to raise financial support for their mission.  

Daniel and Magen Davis

Daniel and Magen are in their early twenties and are both graduates of Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, AL.  They grew up in the Birmingham, AL area and they both share a deep love of the Lord.  Their official biography is on their website www.francemission.com and I encourage you to visit their site to learn more about them.  

Prior to meeting Daniel and Magen, the only missionary I had ever met was a kind lady working at the local coffee shop.  She and her family had spent almost the last 20 years in the Ukraine and I enjoyed hearing stories about their adventures.  I often wondered why someone would enter the mission field.  Was it an alternative to getting a traditional job?  Was it a dissatisfaction with something going on in the United States?  Was I missing something?  What did this idea of being "called" really mean on a day to day basis? 

Many of my questions have been answered as I have gotten to know Daniel and Magen.  Their actions, goals, and kindness have opened my eyes to a few things.  

1.  They are regular people.  Wow, this one is going to be interpreted in many ways, I'm sure. What I mean is that like many others in their early twenties, not only can they text message like a court stenographer, but things like Facebook, Twitter, and the iphone are a normal part of their day to day lives.  

2.  They are smart.  Both Daniel and Magen are sharp.  I am so impressed by the caliber of their knowledge, kindness, and enthusiasm that it is obvious to see they would be successful in whatever endeavor the pursued.  Any thoughts I had that becoming missionaries is a backup plan have been burst.  

3.  They are different.   Read The Great Commission in Matthew 28: 18-20 where Jesus told his disciples, and I am paraphrasing here, to go to all nations and make disciples, teaching them all things I have commanded.  This is a powerful passage.   Jesus is asking all followers to do something.  Believing isn't enough, action is required.  

The difference between Daniel and Magen and many others is that they are devoting their lives, their careers, their jobs to following this commission.  They have received many Holy nudges from God and know this is their path.  

The most striking difference I see in Daniel and Magen is that their call to be missionaries in France isn't a "we have to do this" attitude, it's a "we get to do this."  

It's clear to me that Daniel and Magen are following a path that has value for eternity.  In a world that constantly barrages us with the importance of accumulating "stuff," the treasures Daniel and Magen accumulate as missionaries will be eternal.  I can not help but have a deep sense of admiration for this incredible couple.  

Kindest regards until tomorrow

CH

Home Course Advantage

25 more days to go! For newcomers, please refer back to the my first post on January 3rd.

We officially have a race name for this one man triathlon adventure. Daniel and Magen Davis (missionaries), Pam Bates (Christ Church Missions Director), and I have brainstormed regarding the race name and informational materials. The official name is

Swim, Bike, and Run to the Cross: 140.6 miles

The name is a modification of an existing Christ Church ministry called The Run To The Cross 5K. This event is popular in the Birmingham community and all are invited for a 5K run and an outdoor festival at the church. Hopefully the name will resonate with those familiar with the Run to the Cross 5K.

Informational materials are nearing completion and we are going to be sending them out through a variety of means. I have been exposed to new technologies like Facebook and Twitter by people much younger than me. I feel like an old man grumbling about kids and all that rock and roll they listen to. Everyone assures me these things are easy to learn and best of all, they're free. Nevertheless, email and Facebook are awesome tools to spread the word. If this event resonates with people, I have no doubt it will rapidly spread using these technologies.

Home Course

One of the benefits of starting your own triathlon is the opportunity to design the course. People not too familiar with triathlon always have a concerned look when the ask me about the swim. Maybe January 30th and swimming in the same sentence is a little disconcerting. My standard reply is, "You know that shallow pond in front of Veterans Park where all the geese roost?" "Yes, I do, " they reply. Well, I won't be swimming there. I'm going indoors and swimming in the pool. Some triathlon purists may cringe at this and quite frankly, I would much rather do an open water swim as well. The need to stage this event in the winter and the before sunrise start rule out an open water option.

The bike course is going to be on the roads of North Shelby County. I plan on sticking close to the home base. Oak Mountain State Park is nearby and aside from the need to ride up a short mountain to get into the park, it's a great spot for riding.

The run course will be on my regular training grounds at Veterans Park. The park has a crushed gravel trail and has both 5K and 8K loops. Right now, I plan on running the 8K loop five times and picking up the last mile and change at the start of the sixth loop. There is a pavilion in the middle of the run course and any spectators will be able to see me three or four times per 8k loop with minimal movement on their part (100 yards or so of walking).

I should have a really good time on this course. Time, of course, is defined in this case as the relative enjoyment one has.

What's Next

Below is a preliminary outline for topics that will cover the next few days.

Who in the world are Daniel and Magen Davis?
Why France?
Catalysts that Made This Event Happen

I'll be sure to sprinkle in some training updates, too, for those that wonder how in the world I can attempt such an event.

Best to all of you,

Chris

Wilting in the Heat - My First Ironman Attempt

26 more days to go. For those visiting this blog for the first time, check out my original post on January 3.

Today's entry is a copy of my race report from my Ironman Arizona attempt in April 2008. Isn't it interesting how a failure on my part has set up what I'm embarking on now? More on that topic another day. Anyway, on with the race report.

Ironman Arizona Race Recap

Thank you to everyone for your support, prayers, and encouragement as I headed to Tempe to race in Ironman Arizona. The following contains a race report of the good, the bad, and the ugly of my race day. I had hoped to write a report about what it is like and what it takes to complete an Ironman race. Unfortunately, I collapsed midway through the run and only completed about 127 of the 140.6 mile race. The heat whipped me pretty good. Instead, my race report is about what it is like to get in a fight with dehydration and come out on the losing end. Beware: This report is a long one.

Race Details

Location: Tempe, AZ

Size of Field: 2100 contestants from all 50 states and 30 countries

Race Conditions: Hi 94. High winds and blowing dust on the bike.

Course Description: 2.4 mile swim (one loop), 112 mile bike (three loops),
26.2 mile run (3 loops).

The Swim

With an official start at 7 AM, race officials had us enter the water about 6:40 and move toward the starting line. An armada of kayaks held everyone at the imaginary start line and we were facing directly into the sun. The water temperature was approximately 65 degrees and everyone I saw except for one woman was wearing a wetsuit. I heard people complaining about how cold the water was, but after 30+ summers at Nags Head, NC, the water did not seem cold at all to me. Visibility was maybe six inches in the murky water.
Our challenge was to swim 1.2 miles down the lake, turn at an orange buoy, and swim back another 1.2 miles

Of the three sports, I am strongest in swimming. I lined up about five people deep because I did not want to get trapped behind slower swimmers.
This was a judgment call as I was risking lining up in front of faster swimmers. When the starting gun went off, we all tried to start swimming at the same time. There was plenty of hand to hand combat as my arms and legs were hitting other people on every stroke. I was getting pummeled, too.
After about five minutes, I moved toward some open water I spotted along the outside of the course. I found a good rhythm and kept my eye on a land mark in the distance. Before I knew it, I was rounding the halfway point buoy and heading for the finish. I stayed on the outside of the course again in open water. I've been told that no one is a straight swimmer and my tendency is to veer left. Whenever I saw I was getting close to someone, I would veer back to the right again.

Coming out of the water I glanced at my watch and saw I completed the swim in 1 hr and 6 minutes. I haven't checked the results, but family members told me I was about 415th out of 2100. This was the highlight of my day.

The Bike

One of the consequences of being a fast swimmer and a slow biker was watching hundreds of top dogs pass me on the bike. Although this was a "race," my goal was to finish and not burn myself out on the bike. The bike course was an out and back loop of about 37 miles. The out portion of the loop was all uphill and into a really strong wind. There were times when I was only going 10 or 11 miles per hour. When I made the turn to come back, I enjoyed going downwind and downhill. At times I exceeded 30 miles per hour without much effort at all. Although this was fun, it was much more dangerous as foreign objects in the road such as dropped water bottles, spare tires, refill cartridges, and potholes are a serious hazard at 30 miles per hour.

Each loop was progressively slower for me. I don't think I road slower, but I did stop at more aid stations on each loop. I finished the bike in about
7 hours which isn't very good relatively, but it was about what I had planned to do. Approximately 800 people passed me on the bike. In hindsight, I started to see the first signs of dehydration at about 4 ½ hours into the bike. Both my quads were starting to cramp. During training I had done probably two dozen rides longer than this on hillier terrain and never felt cramping in my quads. My fluid and nutrition replacement was going according to my plan, but I just couldn't get enough back into my system.

After 112 miles, the bike was over and I couldn't wait to get off the bike.

The Run

I left transition with about 8 ½ hours left to finish the race. Hey, I could walk the entire marathon and still finish, right? I walked about five minutes and then started to jog. My plan was to run five minutes and walk five minutes. The result: good plan, unable to execute. By now, not only were my quads quivering on the verge of cramping, but my calves were acting the same way. My stomach was becoming a big problem, too. Somewhere near the end of the bike, it decided to shut down. The normal pop that I get from my nutrition wasn't happening, either. Nutrition and water sat like a rock and made me nauseous.

After I completed the first loop, I hooked up with another "walker" that I met a few days earlier. We walked for about five miles together and my condition started to worsen. It was difficult to talk and I started to get sleepy and light headed. After about mile 11, he left me without a word. I think there is some unwritten code in endurance sports that if you are walking with another sufferer and he starts to falter, you just leave him.

By mile 12, I was in pretty bad shape. I wasn't worrying about whether I would finish or not because I couldn't focus on anything. I knew something was wrong. At mile 12.5 or so, the run course passes right by the finish line and the runners head down a long corral lined with spectators. My dad, brother, wife, kids, and boss all spotted me and all I could say is, "I'm not doing well." They said all the right things and encouraged me. I walked about 50 yards farther and rounded a corner. I was getting tunnel vision and people nearby seemed far away. I started to get really dizzy and I had to brace myself on a nearby Port-O-Let. I tried to start walking again and couldn't stand up. I fell on the ground and some volunteers came over to help. The earth was spinning. At this point, I couldn't see their faces. It was like looking at someone through a screen door. The medics came over and I had to tell them the dreaded words, "I'm done." A volunteer gave me about 2 oz of water and some chicken broth and said, "I know you don't want to drink these, but they'll help." I drank both and after another minute or so of pain (both calves had locked up), I could see the faces of the volunteers.

The medic came back with an IV and hooked me up quickly. I stayed on the ground for about five minutes or so, I think, and they helped me into their vehicle for a trip to the medical tent. I looked up and saw my dad standing there with a look of shock on his face. All I could say was, "Dad, I'm
doing a lot better." And I was. The IV was helping tremendously. The
screen door vision was gone. The tunnel vision was gone. All that was left was the dizziness.

The Medical Tent: The End of the Race for Me

The medical tent isn't the finish line I hoped to cross. Inside, their were finishers who collapsed and non-finishers like me that collapsed. Many of the non-finishers were crying and upset about not being able to finish. I didn't feel that way for some reason. I gave it everything I had until my body said no more. I trained as hard as my body would allow, I planned thoroughly for all parts of the race, and I stuck to my game plan. The distance didn't do me in, it was the heat. I never felt anywhere remotely this bad in training and I covered 100 plus miles on multiple occasions in training.

Do you remember those warning messages about how strenuous exercise in temps over 90 degrees can be hazardous to your health? They are true. I've tested them. I estimate that when I crashed I had lost 10 pounds of fluid or 5 percent of my body weight.

After two IV's and several cups of chicken broth, the medics sent me on my
way back to the hotel with my family. I felt 100 times better and my legs
were not cramping anymore and my mind was clear again.

Back at the hotel I started eating and drinking in mass quantities.
Including the two IV's, three bottles of soda, and multiple cups of chicken
broth, I pumped almost all 10 lbs back into my body. The medics told me
not to go to bed until I was able to go to the bathroom. I finally felt the urge about 10:45.

What's Next

I've been asked several questions since the race ended and I'll answer them below.

Are you disappointed? Sure, I put a ton of time and effort into this, but I was able to get to the starting line healthy and I was able to participate in the race. Not finishing is better than never trying. When it's time to give a final accounting of my life, whether I finished an Ironnman or not isn't going to be real high on the list.

Do you want to do another one? Not for awhile. I know I can make the
distance in cooler weather. I've never felt this bad after a 7 hour bike
ride in cool weather in training. With all that said, right now I don't want to put in the time and have others around me make more sacrifices to see if I can go 13 miles farther than I went at Ironman Arizona.

What's next?

The most important callings in my life are being a good dad/husband and continuing my spiritual development. I have a goal to read the Bible from cover to cover in 2008 and I've got some catching up to do. Kathy, Erin, and Ben supported me through all the training and at times they paid the price for this. Ironman training is extreme. I'm ready for moderation.
Any unfinished business with Ironman can wait.

Thanks to all those that supported and wished me well. It means more than you know.


Check back tomorrow for another post.

C

Dreams, Goals, Challenges, France

If you have made your way to this blog, welcome. Over the next 27 days, I am going to chronicle my journey as I attempt to complete an Iron Distance triathlon. There are lots of twists, turns, nooks and crannies to explore as I recall what has gotten me to this point and where I hope to go. My blog posts are going to be a blend of athletics, spiritual reflection (that's God for all those wondering), and preparation as I make my way to the starting line on January 30th. Grab a beverage, pull up a chair, and come along for the ride. My goals are set, but the outcome is far from certain.

Personal Background

My name is Chris Hartwiger. I'm 44 years old and live in Birmingham, AL, with my wife Kathy and two children. I've been involved in sports for most of my life and over the last ten years my main athletic interests have been running marathons, playing golf, and triathlons. I'm average in these pursuits but I enjoy setting goals for difficult athletic challenges.

A love of golf and endurance sports may seem contradictory, but they share several things in common. Both are solitary and leave plenty of time for contemplation. One can get "lost" in an hour on the driving range or on a run. Both rely on your efforts only. You control your fate. It is a lonely yet exhilerataing feeling to need two pars to break 80 and going bogey, bogey. It's the same way trying to keep your pace going for the last four miles of a marathon and slowing to a crawl. I've done both and they always leave you wanting a little more.

Summary of What I Am Doing

To get the blog started off on the right foot, I better explain now what this is all about. Below is a summary of what I will be attempting on January 30, 2009. I'll fill in the details later in the post.

On January 30, 2009, I am going to attempt to complete an iron distance triathlon in Birmingham, AL. I will be the only participant. The first question most ask is, “Why?” There are three main reasons.
1.) Honor God and acknowledge His influence on my life. I learned in Mark 5: 21 – 31 that Jesus heals all types of people. He asks some to acknowledge the healing publicly and others privately. Developing a personal relationship with Jesus has meant more to me than words can say.
2.) Publically and financially support missionaries Daniel and Magen Davis in their calling to France. I have benefitted immeasurably from reading the Bible, attending church, and listening to teachings on the Scripture. All these occurred because someone took action. I have the opportunity to support Daniel and Magen as they take action in France to spread God’s Word. By following the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), they will have an impact for generations in France.
3.) Attempt the greatest physical challenge of my athletic career. I participated in Ironman Arizona in April and fell short by thirteen miles. I would like another crack at this challenge.

Questions??
Is this an "official" race?
It is not an official race. I am the only entrant. I put together the course. I decided it would not be the best use of my family's resources to travel to an official race. I would rather support Daniel and Magen Davis in raising funds for their mission to France and awareness about Christianity in France. My goal is to complete the distance. It isn't important to me to do it an official race.

What is an Iron distance triathlon?
An Iron distance triathlon consists of 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, and 26.2 miles of running.

Where will the race take place?
Given the temperatures outside and the need to start before sunrise, the swim will be in a pool. The bike course will be the roads south of Birmingham, AL in north Shelby County. The run will be on the trails at Veterans Park in Hoover, AL.

How can I learn about Daniel and Magen Davis and their mission to France?
They have a website www.francemission.com and an email danieland magen@gmail.com.

Preview of Tommorrow's Post

Wilting in the Arizona Heat - My First Ironnman Attempt

All the Best,

C