Blue Family

Yesterdays blog kind of took off. I'm praying that everyone read it prayed for the injured officer or just had thoughts of healing for him and his family. I hope you join me in continuing those prayers and well wishes. I got an outpouring of love and support and many people shared my post.  The community showed how much love and respect for public servants in troubled times. Let me assure you that we appreciate all the love.

I got a much needed night of rest. As soon as I got up I made sure my family plans were set, then I went to the hospital. I saw a post that the officer needed another surgery and a strict visitor policy was in place. I had no plans on actually getting to see the officer, but I had to be there in support of him and his family. I was not surprised to see many of his family, and 2 police officers all hanging out in the waiting area. Dayton PD has made sure we post an on duty officer there. The other officer was off duty and was a classmate of the injured officer. I shook the injured officers fathers hand and sat in between the 2 cops. I briefly spoke to the injured officers wife who is doing an incredible job of being strong. I stayed for a little over an hour talking with everyone there. We were told the surgery was done for today and he was back in his room. His parents were back with him. His father came out and said the officer was asking to see me. I almost got nervous. I walked back to his room.

I looked in and he said, "Hey Matt." He was quiet but alert. I smiled and said, "Hey, how's my brother?" He closed his eyes and then looked at me. "How's your girls?" This is the type of guy he his. Hit by a car, horrible injuries, just got out of surgery...and he wants to know how my kids are. I assured him they were great. He closed his eyes. I held his hand. He gripped my hand with both of his and took a deep breath. He told me the last thing he remembers was being with a specific officer, then talking with another officer he didn't know then going to the highway. The rest is blank. He has no recollection of the crash. I believe this is his brain protecting the body from further stress. Not reliving the stress that put him in this situation. I was able to give him the name of the last officer he spoke with. I then told him the entire police department was behind him and that whatever he needed, he would get. I told him of the love and support for him that I had received. His medicine was starting to kick in. His eyes were closing. He needed rest. He said, "Alright Matt, Thanks." I hugged his mom on my way out. She said he wanted to see the other officer and I sent the off duty officer back. I stayed a few more minutes and asked if anyone needed anything.

Throughout today, many people reached out. Officers, family, community members. I want to ask 2 things.

1. Please continue those prayers and well wishes for the officer and his family. I believe they are working.

2. If you are driving and see lights ahead, SLOW DOWN. Let me be clear that I am not saying this incident was caused by speed, maybe it was a factor, maybe not, ICE was definently a factor. But every incident can be helped if we all take away the thought ," I need to SLOW DOWN". Trust and believe as a full time working father, husband, and athlete...I'm busy and time management is crucial. I sometimes get in a hurry. I saw the Highway Patrol on the highway tonight and couldn't help but think "I hope those guys are safe tonight."

Last thought for tonight. Physical fitness. As I said yesterday, the injured officer loved weight lifting and was active in athletics. I strongly believe his fitness has helped him survive and will help his recovery. If you aren't taking care of yourself, start now. Walk a little, lift a little, do something. Strengthen your heart, strengthen your body. If the time comes that something bad happens, be in good shape to fight it.

I will update this again tomorrow or Tuesday as I go back to my shift tomorrow. I pray my brothers and sisters are safe. I pray the injured officer is able to rest and gets through tomorrows surgery with no complications. Thanks again for the love, Matt

layers...to every story

This blog won't have any funny pictures. I'm typing this out because I know its therapeutic. Others may be helped reading what I felt today. Some may never understand. I won't use his name because it hasn't been released. I will not say anything that hasn't been confirmed.

To start this off, I rewind to 12:30 am. About 21 hours ago. I was awakened by my cell phone ringing. I was told an officer had been hit by a car. I had to shake off the sleep and focus. I was told he was out of his car, helping a disables semi truck on 75 when a car slid on the ice. Struck the officer. Injuries were life threatening. Another officer texted me about the crash. I knew the conditions outside were horrible. Putting myself in a crash only hurts the scenario. I wanted to head to the hospital, but It wasn't the right time.  2:30 am the text comes in, leg may need amputated. My head is swirling. I text with a few other officers. Were in shock. One person said the officer was talking, another said he was unconscious. The officer was in surgery.



Rewind to April. The 104th recruit class graduates. I am assigned to train this officer. When you ride in a car for 10 hours a day for 2 months, a bond forms. When you ride with me, you usually get a home cooked dinner made by my wife most shifts. This officer had become not only a part of my BLUE Family, but a part of my regular family. My kids loved having him here. My rookies are always super stars to my kids. I enjoyed training him because he was smart, could get the paperwork done quick, and loved getting into stuff. A hard working husband and father, who also worked diligently on physical fitness. We differed on fitness, I loved cardio, he loves the weights. But we respected each others work as people who work our tails off being pulled in many directions yet succeeding at each.

Add in the current landscape of the media creating this divide between the public and the police. The blue family have to support each other a little more just to keep us safe. We may be odd, but we are family. I've been a police officer just over 14 years now. Today was the worst day. I was afraid we were going to lose a brother. I was afraid this officer wouldn't survive. This world needs more guys like him, we don't need to lose him.

Add in another layer. My wife's cousin just got the word yesterday that after he passes his medical exam, he starts the next recruit class in February to become a police officer. His wife is happy he gets the opportunity to answer the calling of public servant, but can you blame her for being worried. We know going into this job that its dangerous. We may not go home at the end of the shift. Though we will go through hell to try and make sure everyone does. There are other recruits out there that may now be asking... is this really what i want to get into? Those who are meant to be police officers know the danger is real, and face it anyway.

Here's another layer. I come to find out later in the day that another 2 officers saved the injured officers life by securing a tourniquet around the top of the leg. I don't know one of the 2, but the other I know a little better. I won't name him because when I told him I heard he saved the injured officers life, he said, " all I did was what I was trained to do." He was may more concerned with the injured officer and that officers wife...than any accolades for himself. Add to the layer that this officer is good friends with the injured officer. Hero?? I think so.

Smaller layer...when I got to help out at the Academy, I was a role player during First Aid scenarios. 2 recruits ran in, had to decide what to do first, remove me from the scene then tourniquet my leg or vice versa. either way...that training paid off. It is a testament to our Academy staff for training these officers to save lives. No one knew they would use it to save one of our own, before the year was over.

Grief stricken, I had to go to the hospital. I at least had to show support to his family. I just happened to arrive as his mom came out into the lobby. She remembered me from the graduation party and she insisted I walk back and see her son. I accepted only to hope to raise his spirits or just show support. He was asleep. His wife sleeping right next to him. I have never been so relieved just to see a guy breathing. I learned he was looking like he would pull through with a long recovery in front of him. I made sure his family knew if they needed anything, I would bring it.

Facebook lit up from many sources with tons of prayers. I hope those prayers continue for this young officer as he needs them. This incident really showed me what the BLUE FAMILY is all about. I wasn't the only one at the hospital. When he gets a little better, that hospital will be flooded with DPD. I can sleep a little better knowing he is going to make it. But then I hear the falling rain and know the temperatures are falling. I pray this incident isn't repeated, that all public servants and the public stay safe tonight. Know that the media doesn't always get the story correct, sometimes they put out what they think instead of waiting for facts.

This is just how I see things. How this effected me. I swear I feel exhausted from the emotions. If anyone was affected by this and needs to talk, I'm here for you. Call me, text me or come see me. Love to my DPD family

I AM AN IRONMAN!

What a journey! A dream come true. A true bucket list item, a full year dedicated.. "to accomplish a goal so big, some find it impossible." I have learned so much over the past few days. On the simple basis of What is an Ironman, It is a triathlon consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, then a 26.2 run. 140.6 total miles. But the reality is Ironman is so much more. Each individual must have the courage to sign up for the race. To make a pledge that they will prepare for a day long race. To put themselves in any weather, in water conditions that will change, to trust equipment (goggles, wetsuit, bike, shoes) and fight mental and physical obstacles to get to the finish line. In hopes to hear their name called and introduced as an Ironman. Some athletes train alone. They don't want to be distracted, they want to do their thing and that's ok. Some are successful that way. I am truly blessed to be a part of a team that is nothing short of AMAZING.

Team RWB's mission is to enrich the lives of America's veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.

As a civilian, I love thanking our service men and women and helping them enjoy the sport that has changed my life in so many positive ways. Just about every weekend, RWB put a plan out to all members to meet up and swim bike or run, or any combination you needed. All abilities welcome! I remember the first training session I showed up to. Nervous and just hoped I would be accepted. I quickly learned everyone there was in the same fight, to just better themselves and work towards their goals. We all cheered each other on and offered helpful hints from past experiences. Some members form up Cheer Squads and will spend hours just cheering on other Eagles. Completely selfless. Just making sure team mates succeed. I can't say enough for these team members.

After a year of training, learning from 3 seasons of triathlon, a flying flip crash, hit by a car, 3 staples in back of head, races crushed, race missed (Air Force), trying to be a loving husband and father, working full time with court appointments added in, then the dreaded Taper...the weekend of truth was upon me. I started Thursday off with a massage to loosen up the muscles. Went home and packed. Packing for an Ironman is a chore in itself. Making sure I had enough nutrition and all my race gear, including 2 clothes changes. Watched my favorite movie  

 

a movie about a guy who puts his heart into the empire Rome, gets screwed by a jerk, loses his family, has to fight back to get revenge on the jerk just to die, but saves Rome in doing so. "What we do in life, echoes an eternity!" I was reminded about another saying in the movie, "When I give the signal, Unleash Hell!" Friday morning I packed up the car and made the drive. Met my training partner and great friend Kevin at a Louisville local restaurant, Bluegrass Burgers. Great bison burger with GF BUN! Then off to IM Village! We got checked in and had the IM bracelet placed on our wrist.

This bracelet allows access to transition areas and shows who the IM competitors are. Signed waivers, got our bib, timing chips and swim caps. It was almost unreal knowing the race was quickly approaching. 11 months seemed to fly by. The week before drug by ever so slow. Now the clock was flying. I got to try Normatec boots 

 compression system that massages legs

and speeds recovery. felt great! Met up with other athletes Kalen and Andrew for the 2 o'clock athlete briefing. Katie was stuck in traffic. This was one lesson about IM. Always come into the race city 2 days before the race. Ease all stress 2 days out. Day before race should be minimum stress, maximum relax time. I've been to athlete briefings before, but I learned a few tricks here about transitions and special needs bags. One big thing was to dump out all contents of transition bags. 

 

rows of athletes bike and run gear bags. IM does an amazing job of keeping all this stuff in order
When athletes pack these bags, we prepare to have what we need in separate bags for each event. We need our swim stuff first. So that goes in morning clothes bag. Bike gear and run gear are the other 2 gear bags. Then we are given the option of 2 special needs bags. (Got all that? There's a quiz at the end.) Back to briefing. If I wouldn't have been told this tip, I would've never thought about it. Made the transitions way easier though. Helpful hints about bike and run course were given as well. Kevin and I then drove the bike course. It was great to see the area we were going to cover 112 miles on our bikes. We made it to my intersection, the scene of the crime!, 

 looking much better than the last time I was here

The hair on the back of my neck stood up as I got out of my car and looked around. There was a road sign that said something about texting and driving causing crashes. I knew I had to ride past this place twice during the race. The bike course is out for 20 miles, a 36 mile loop done twice, then back 20 miles. I told myself there would be police officers blocking this intersection and I saw cones and barricades already there waiting for Sunday to be placed. After our ride preview, we met up with teammates at Hard Rock for dinner. Back to the hotel where Kevin and I got down to business placing bike and bag stickers where they belonged. Then filling the gear and special needs bags. This process took a long time to make sure everything was in its proper place. I had packed my stuff in separate bags which helped speed up the process but just another reason why an IM athlete needs to be checked in 2 days before the race. Ease the stress! Once the work was done, I still needed to run my mile for my run streak. Friday was day 20. I go out and find this charm..

Someone has welded a Ford Taurus onto a truck frame (we all know I'm not a car guy, so not sure I worded that correctly). Only in Kentucky, thats what I thought. It was crazy. I made Kevin come outside to check this thing out. I'm not even sure how the driver gets in it. I had to get my picture with it to give real perspective how high up this thing was. It was parked at a meter right outside 4th Street Live. 

Saturday morning, Kevin and I ran just over a mile to keep my streak alive then went to Annie May's Sweet Cafe for breakfast. Everything here is made GF! Donuts, french toast, breakfast sandwiches, cupcakes, amazing bakery! Back to hotel to get bikes and gear bags.

 Misty looking good and race ready!

Brittney was enroute to Louisville with our girls and got caught in traffic. Took her 1 hour to drive 2 miles at 1 point. (did I mention its crucial to get to race city 2 days before for the athlete) I would've been stressing so bad. I told her to relax and just get in when you can. Katie met Kevin and I to take our bikes to rack them. IM makes you rack your bike the day before because it would be mass chaos race morning if you didn't do this now. IM then has you place your gear bags in numerical order.

Volunteers showed us where each bike and bag went. Then pointed us throughout the transition area. Where we would be coming from, what order to get what then where to take bike or run out of. Extremely well done. Organized chaos of directing traffic of adrenalized athletes. After racking bike, I found my wife and kids! We had lunch together with Kevin and Katie. Then Brittney and I took girls to hotel pool. This was great for me the day before my race. It was super relaxing and just spending time with my family was a great way to be thankful for all I've been blessed with. Went to Old Spaghetti Factory and had a great dinner. Back to hotel and early to bed. Lights and television were off before 8:45. My alarms were set at 4:25 and 4:27.

I slept until 1 or 1:15, then couldn't fall back asleep until around 2:30. I was surprised when my alarm woke me up at 4:25. I turned off the 2nd alarm. I was up and ready to go. Breakfast of cereal with a donut. Got dressed and watched my motivational video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6xLYt265ZM ..I love this compilation video. Muhammad Ali is in it with his "How great I am" speech. I'm not usually one to puff up my chest and say "How great i am!" but when you face a great challenge, you have to believe you are great enough to conquer it!  I also believe in mental tricks. I didn't tell anyone except Brittney this before hand, I memorized Ali's speech. It was a weapon against the dark side of the mental battle. On race morning, a different section of the video "hit me" in a different way. at 4:40 of the video, Sly Stallone talks how "the world isn't full of sunshine and rainbows....it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You me or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life, but it aint about how hard you get hit, its about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward! That's how winning is done!" I replayed that section 3 times. I agreed that I can get hit by a car, but I kept moving forward. I knew this race would take its toll, but I would keep moving forward, no matter how slow, no matter what obstacle...just keep moving forward! 5:20 I met Kevin and Katie in the lobby. It was time to face the music, battle time, RACE DAY! The mile walk to transition from the hotel was filled with other athletes. When we arrived at transition we checked our bikes and turned in special needs bags. I waited in line for most important pre race tradition...porta potty! I waited around after but couldn't find my team mates. I walked to the swim start and located the BESST CHEER SQUAD EVER!

I waited for the start with my brother in law Jon and RWB. Wetsuit on and ready to go. The emotions in my head swirled. First I was excited, then scared, then tears came as I was so thankful Jon came just to cheer me and the others on after completing this challenge last year. The cannon went off. It was game time. I walked down the long ramp and the next thing I knew, I was in the drink! Swimming in the Ohio River. I stayed calm and relaxed. Found my rhythm and thought everything is going to be great today! Then i got kicked in the face. No lie, I took it as a sign that I needed to stay focused. I sang the song, "I LIVED" One Republic to myself through almost the whole swim. I believe that some of us are LIVING LIFE and others in this world is letting LIFE PASS THEM BY. I think I let my 20's pass me by, but now I'm LIVING. A few thoughts as I swam, "I'm freaking swimming in the middle of the Ohio RIVER!!! WHO does that?" I looked around and answered, "Oh yea, that guy over there, that girl on that side, all of us Ironman crazies!" "swimmers to my left, swimmers to my right, I must be ok where I'm at, Its like FINS, Fins to the left, Fins to the right and you're the only girl in town!" (2.4 mile swim here people, its a long way and better than thinking negative thoughts). I also thought about this blog. Putting in..then the SHARK came up to me and tried to bite my arm off! but I punched it in the throat!...I was smiling as I thought this, just swimming along. Never looked at my watch to see how long it was taking me. Just focused on the next buoy, the next bridge. The next thing I knew, I head Lady Gaga singing Poker Face. That was not in my head, I was done. There were volunteers in the water who grabbed our hands and pulled us into the stairs. The adrenaline dump was incredible. You couldn't wipe the smile from my face. Then I saw my good friends Matt and Mike cheering swimmers in. Mike took these

I was jacked up! I had finished an Ironman swim! This was all real and happening! And I was succeeding. I knew I still had a long road ahead, literally, but I could argue I was 1/3 done. I knew I crushed the swim in well under my goal time. I wanted under 1:30, I came in at 1:13. Life was GOOD! Then it became great as I found my beautiful wife and kids next to the walkway I was coming down. Jon was there also! I had forgotten to attach a picture of them to my run singlet earlier and had Jon hold the pic for me. Another mental trick that was awesome. A quick hello and kiss from my girls and off to transition I went. The volunteers got my bike bag for me and I did a full clothing change. The picture of my girls was in my back bike jersey pocket. I ran out and got my bike. I took my time to the mount line and saw RWB teammates and my family again. I remembered in the Race Ready meeting at Logic, we were told go to mount line, then walk past it and to the side. I watched a guy who apparently didn't attend this meeting ;)..fall over his bike in the middle of everyone right at the mount line. Volunteers rushed to help him up. I stayed calm, did as advised, took a deep breath and checked to make sure I wasn't in anyones way and off I went. The crowd was incredible. Pumped us up! Many people had told me to cut the race up into small pieces. I used that thought for 13 hours. In the swim I swam to the next buoy, the next bridge. I never thought how long 2.4 mile swim was, just get to the next point. The bike was the same. Get to the next part, I used Infinite in my water bottles, an extra scoop for good measure. I stayed hydrated. There was an info video that I had watched that stressed hydration, and said if you didn't pee at least twice on the bike course, you may be in trouble for the run. I drank my water like a man lost in a desert. I made it to mile 20 then turned into the loop. The bike course is 20 miles out, a 36 mile loop rode twice then 20 miles back. A lot of people will all you how hilly the course is. There are a lot of hills, but if you train correctly, you prepare, they aren't all that bad. Again I referred to my Logic meeting, gotta take it easy on the bike if you don't want to smoke the legs before the run. I was flying down hill! I was using a easy spin up the hills. Never thought I was working all that hard. Then came "the intersection". I was tense as I approached, talked out loud to myself that we were ok and saw the police officers and barricades. I got through and breathed. Smiled to myself and said, "Lets Go!" In LaGrange, The people come out to cheer the riders as we zoom through their town. I stopped around mile 50 for a quick porta potty break and kept my water tank filled up at every aid station. Mile 60 was special needs station. A volunteer and another guy cheering a different athlete helped me out. I ate a turkey and cheese sandwich, refilled my Infinit, unwrapped my 3 Musketeers candy bar and off I went. I was enjoying my candy as I went through "the intersection" again. Man I was glad I didn't have to go through that again! Back through the party scene. Then into this little section of the loop that was narrow and had a nasty little steep incline. Apparently 70 miles into the bike, my legs thought this incline got steeper than the first time around. I saw 2 people walking their bikes up it. I went to the easiest gear but still was working hard for a few seconds to get over it. I continued through the course. I was thankful I didn't have any flat tires. I offered to help a few people on the side of the road but everyone seemed to have what they needed. Time was passing by pretty easy. Then Mother Nature called, LOUD, I needed to pee. Which was great because it showed I was hydrated. But I had just passed an aid station and wouldn't see another one in 15 miles. Decision time. Stop and find a tree to hide behind? Cork it? I've read about people peeing on the bike, but I had never done it. I checked my watch. I was doing well. I didn't want to stop, plus there were people all around. So I became a true long distance racer and peed on the bike. I still blush typing it. The bike shorts needed washed anyway! I stood up and felt so relieved. I know some people who read this will be totally grossed out. Part of it was gross, but I did what I had to do to be comfortable. I laughed when I did it again a 2nd time around my 95. But I was hydrated. I stayed with my Gu gel every 15 miles until mile 90 when my stomach was a little queasy. I backed off the nutrition. I was on my way back, about 105 miles in when my left quad threw up the "were gonna cramp!" signal. UH OH. I sat up out of aero and tried to stretch it out. I slowed down and took it real easy the last 7 miles. I had no idea this would be the hardest part of the day. I just prayed. Thanked the good lord for the day and prayed for the athletes safety. I also prayed for my sister who is going through a lot right now and always for Julie G. 14 months old, brain tumor, has fought through way harder battles than swimming and biking. She is my inspiration that anything is possible as long as you keep up the fight. Rolled into transition 

and saw 

 

these guys are full of Eagle Fire! Made me feel like a rock star! The thought hit me, "I'm 2/3 done here!" A volunteer grabbed my bike for me and there's Matt and Mike again! Big hugs and high fives. Man the adrenalin was flowing like the Ohio River! Another volunteer grabbed my run gear bag for me and back to the tent for the last clothing change. FIRST off, I asked the volunteer to pin my picture I had in my back pocket to my run singlet. He did that perfect.

When I put the singlet on, all I had to do was look down and beautiful wife and kids were looking right back at me. Best mental trick, I think so. Run clothes on and Mike comes into the tent to help with anything I need. Outside, Matt's mom Anne sprays me down with sunscreen. I'm so impressed with the Fadely family. They are all triathletes who all volunteered in Louisville. Doug,Anne, Matt..Thank you!!! Now I hit my watch to start my run time.

I'm in a little bit of shock, I'm on the LAST LEG of an IRONMAN! I also remember my wife and kids are positioned around mile 2.

I hear my wife yell, "There he is!" I see them along with my parents and father in law. It means a lot when people give up their days to cheer you along. It's a huge boost of energy! No matter how old I get, I always want to make my parents proud. Not everyone is lucky enough to have parents there on course. A kiss from my wife, hugs to all, then off I went. I had a marathon to crush. But wait, mental trick alert! I run 4 minutes then walk 30 seconds. I didn't think about how far I had to go. I only concerned myself with the 4 minutes in front of me. Another mental trick that hit me last week, I typed out song titles and taped them to Gu packets. When I took in nutrition, I had a new song in my head. Triathlons forbid music players, iPods, cell phones, but you can sing to yourself. Anything to keep my mind off my legs. The run course is also a 2 loop course. You run out, turn around, run past U of Louisville, Churchill Downs, come back and look at the Finish Line then turn to go run the loop again. This can be mentally draining, but I reassured myself I would get back here. Mikey Cribbs had come down with his son and helped run me through this part! It was awesome having their support and seeing his son being a part of this huge event. I think he is a future Ironman! A great 12 year old volunteer gave me my special needs bag that had my PB and J sandwich and butterfingers in it. I love PB and J. But 13 miles into the run, it just didn't taste that good. I walked while I ate and found my family again! My dad offered me some peanut butter with hershey kiss on top cookies. In normal life, I don't curse around my kids. Competing in an Ironman is NOT normal life, "HELL YES I WANT SOME COOKIES!" blurted right out.

I looked at Brittney and apologized. She was too busy laughing, as was everyone else around. I gave the sandwich to my dad and told him to just throw that away. Savannah asked if she could run with me. Sure! She takes off like a rocket! I can't run anywhere near her speed!! I had to yell at her to slow down. All the spectators got a kick out of that.

My father in law corralled her and I told everyone I would see them again in about 2 and a half hours. The sun was starting to set. I learned about BASE Salts. I'm so glad I used them. Helped me out! I never cramped on the run. I was amazed. I wasn't running fast by any means, but I was running and not walking. I may have danced at an aid station with 2 ladies briefly then said out loud, " I better not waste to much energy here". Kevin caught me and passed me and told me he had lost vision in his right eye. Yet he was killing the run. Mike Sully Sullivan gave me hugs and high fives as we passed each other on the run. Team RWB was "EagleUP!" to every Eagle. I saw Kalen and Andrew who I had trained with and I was so happy to see them succeeding. I'm truly blessed to know so many AMAZING ATHLETES. Shaun Williams hollered out at me. This dude flies. Yet, Like Sully, takes the time and energy to cheer me on. Paul Curtain, Bear Spangler, Jimmy (chiropractor I just met) Shawn Walsh, all giving their best effort to cover 140.6 miles. I mean I saw someone I knew or had someone cheer for me every few minutes. This is free energy. Citizens were out cheering, the officers blocking the course would clap or cheer for us. I talked to other athletes just to get our minds off the legs. I found another father and son team. Iron Family. AMAZING! Mile 18 sign, Logic meeting they said, "Mile 18 is where your race starts! If you want to run fast, now you can GO!" I didn't want to run fast at that point, I just stayed steady. Mile 20, I smile. Judy Stutes had told me at mile 20..its just a 10k left. Mile 23. Judy said its just a 5k left. I can do a 5k anyway of the week. Mile 25 sign..."Holy shit, I'm about to be an Ironman!" All pain left the body. Euphoric. I see Sam and Mel Morgan with Justin Bifro. I hug these friends and thank them for being there, (i think, i was brain foggy) and take on the last left turn. They from RWB greets me and takes my water bottle. She is part of the BEST CHEER SQUAD RWB! I tell her I'm doing great. She points out Colleen who hands me Old Glory. Now for weeks, I've played this out in my head. Look around and make sure I finish by myself so the announcer says my name and those magic "You are an Ironman!" words.....Great Plan! Except what I didn't know was what happens when you hit the Red Carpet in IM Louisville. The super bright Lights almost blind you! The people cheering is louder than a rock concert. I'm flying the American Flag with me which just makes me even more popular among the crowd of crazies!! I see the arch. The Finish Line. The point which I have conquered a life dream. Conquered my IRON GOAL. There was no looking around. There was no taking it slow. There was only KICKING ASS! I ran straight in and heard my name...heard a few other names...but never heard the words. I realized its not about words. Its a journey, with a community, a dream, a goal, a lifestyle, showing my kids and others if you have a dream, and you dedicate yourself. YOU CAN DO IT. and IT IS SO WORTH IT!!!!! Jon put on my medal and I hugged him.

Who else but Mike and Matt got the next hugs! Mikey Cribbs got a big hug! Jon got my Finisher's hat and shirt and showed me to my family.

Brittney and I walked back to transition to get my bike and bags. Yes, thats right. After the mile walk there in the morning, then doing 140.6 miles, I walk another mile to transition and back to hotel. I'm really jacked up anyway so it did't hurt that bad. I removed my shoes to find 3 blisters. Those pics will not be displayed here. 2 were little... I then showered. As soon as I stepped out, I couldn't stop shivering. Brittney said I had a pretty high fever. I felt fine, just could not stop shivering. I wanted to go back and cheer on the final finishers. I had to warm up first. Then I saw my teammates all had finished. My body begged to just stay in bed. I asked for my peanut butter chocolate fudge and turned on my cell phone. 93 Facebook alerts. I've never seen that. The outpouring of love from friends and family was simply amazing. I tried to at least "like" every message. If I missed one, I do apologize. Let me take this time to THANK ALL OF YOU! Friends, family, teammates, volunteers, strangers, athletes, everyone who helped get me to that finish line.

Brittney, my beautiful supportive wife. You girl! You get a huge shout out. I could not have achieved this goal without you. You are simply incredible. Readjusting your own training schedule and accommodating when I needed to train for hours. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!

Lets finish this up. I slept like crap Sunday night. The blisters hurt just touching the sheets. My head was spinning. Emotions were outta whack. I ate a donut around 1 am. I was hungry and didn't care! Never really had dinner. IM had burritos post race, that I couldn't have. Morning came and I ate cookies. Then another donut. I figured I had calories to replace. Small headache and sore muscles, but I was walking good. We let the kids sleep in. Then packed up the hotel room. I walked back to the Village and got my Finisher's Jacket. Met up with the girls and father in law for brunch. French toast, eggs and sausage didn't stand a chance. It was delicious. Drive home was fine until about Miamisburg. The tiredness set in and all my eyes wanted to do was close. I probably should've stopped, but that not me. I made it home, thank goodness. I open the garage door and see 

I go through this door and

The Creeger family, our great friends who live behind us, who kept Sloopy for the weekend, decorated my house! THANKS CREEGERS!! Awesome job!

I told Brittney I needed a short nap before dinner. I laid down at 5, woke up at 8! 3 hour nap. Then I realized I had to run a mile if I wanted to keep run streak alive. 11:04 pace is pretty slow for me, normally. But man was I proud to be able to run the day after Ironman. Monday night I slept much better. Tuesday is when I realized, " This is what SUCCESS FEELS LIKE!"  

I have learned so much in the past year. Trials and triumphs. Obstacles, balancing, time management. True meaning of friendships, working together. Listen to all, make your own decision. Set a goal so high, some laugh at you. Work your ass off and accomplish greatness. Enjoy and celebrate your success. Then set another goal. Never quit. Ironman 2017 is October 15, 2017. I'm already registered to do it again. Join me?

The TAPER

The Taper. The good, the bad, and the OMG. The taper is the time period when the hard work is done, but the muscles need time to recover and reenergize for the race. The athlete still works out,  but lessens quantity. I had planned a 2 week taper. It kind of turned into a 5 week taper. but thats the hand I was dealt. After last weekends hour swim and 4 hour 70 mile ride, I knew I was good. This past week, I swam once, biked twice and ran 18 miles. I took 2 rest days! This kind of makes me laugh. Perspective changes when you train for months for an Ironman. I think back to when I used to just workout to get healthy, I averaged 2 rest days. Now I celebrate 2 rest days with a mile run on those days! I plan on a few rest days this week as well. At the time of me typing this (5:10) I hope that at this time next Sunday, I will be on the run in Louisville. But I digress. The taper will try and mess with you mentally. Not doing a long run or long ride is not normal. The question of "have I done enough" " did I put in enough work" starts to creep in. After my marathon and half ironman experiences, I have learned to rely on my saved workouts through Garmin to be easy to check and show me what I have done. As of today, I checked the last 365 days.

1318 miles ran

3,092 miles biked

121 miles swam

When I look at those numbers, I have put in the work. I have put the time in the saddle, miles on the shoes, and swam in open water and followed the black line up and back more times than I want to admit. But its been fun. Some of these are racing miles, some of these are miles my legs didn't want to do. But I have a goal.



and I wanted to be prepared. So I worked my tail off. I tracked calories. I asked questions. I pray I didn't annoy any of my friends who have completed 140.6. But I'm always trying to better myself and my chances of finishing this challenge. If there is a way to climb a hill better , I want to know. If there is a nutrition trick, I want to know. When I left yesterday for my bike ride, Brittney said, "Be careful!" I laughed. I haven't ever been so careful. Yesterday and today I took zero chances. I watched behind me like crazy. I have less than 7 days and I've been through enough. My energy level is right where I need it. I'm focused. Ready for this race. My runs have been normal but maybe a touch slower to watch every step. There isn't time to recover from another accident. It's game time, race week! Brittney asked if there were any special dinner requests as she knows race week nutrition is important. My wife is amazing. She has been nothing but supportive of this journey and has listened to me go on and on about IMLOU and what other triathletes have done. Seeing her prepare for Columbus Marathon as I prepare for IMLOU is incredible. Full time working parents of kids aged 5 and 9, both training for endurance events at the same time. I think thats pretty cool. We rock at time management and work together to make sure we both get the time we need. I also think it helps keep our marriage as strong as it is. We are there for each other. We cheer each other. We

each other! Thats LOVE. I couldn't be here without my jr. high sweetheart. 

This coming week looks like this:

Monday court at 9 am, work noon -10pm

Tuesday, bike ride early then work from 2-midnight

Wednesday, run early then work. Internal Affairs appointment (bogus complaint involving officers and supervisors, AKA another stress I don't need this week but must deal with)

Thursday, swim and massage then packing!

Friday I leave to Louisville!

Saturday is bike check in and relax day

SUNDAY IS RACE DAY!

Sunday you can track me on the ironman.com website and when I get to the last mat, you can start watching the live feed and see me cross the finish line live. its free. just be patient ;) Or if you want to drive to Louisville and be a part of the party, let me know! 6 days ...tick tock

Found My Confidence

I've been feeling better the last week or so. Starting to exercise again really helped. I'm a regimented person. I have my schedule, I do not like it when things come out of no where and my schedule changes. I restarted my run streak. Today is day 8 of running at least 1 mile a day outside. The last streak ended at 283. I aim to beat that. My body seems to remember running every day and my brain seems to think we're back on track. I've been swimming and cycling. I took Thursday off work so I could attend the Team RWB Track Meet. With the extra time during the day, I decided to see if I could ride for 3 hours. I got it done. It went well, but not great. After the training I've done, just staying on the bike path, by myself, got a little boring. At the track meet, we did 5 events. The 400, 800, the mile, shot put and discus. When I first saw this, my first thought was I am a ringer for the discus throw. I threw disc in junior and senior high school. I would participate in all the events, but my focus was the discus. After riding my bike for 3 hours, I was able to run pretty well. I won the 400, then the 800. I then ran the mile in 7:20 and won the mile. 7:20 isn't my fastest mile ever, but after 3 hours of cycling and 2 short faster races, I was pretty happy with it. Then the shot put. When I was handed the shot, it took me back to high school. I threw the shot and it felt amazing.

It wasn't a world record throw, but it was fun. Thats the key why I took off work, FUN. When you get hit by a car, or hit a car, while on your bicycle, your perspective changes. At least mine did. I had the opportunity to use 10 hours comp time to enjoy a day. Go to an event that I got to relive a little bit of what I enjoyed in high school. funny thing is, I was never in this good of physical shape in high school. I just had a lot of experience throwing discus. Well, I won the shot put competition. Then the discus was brought out.

I contain my excitement. I said, "Now THIS is what I came for!" I showed the other athletes how to throw. I even attempted a spin. I fouled. No surprise since its been over 18 years since I've thrown. But man was it fun! I did get a good throw of 77 ft in. I won the event that seriously caught my attention. I was happy to win but was more satisfied to compete with Team RWB Eagles who inspire me every day with their hard work and team first spirit!

I happened to find out that 1 of my main training partners Kevin (The Machine)  was doing a long training ride on Friday. We worked it out so that I could ride with him from Xenia to London and back. Riding 57 miles after 54 miles the day before taxed my legs, but Friday went so much better. When I ride with others, it takes my mind off my legs. I don't pay as much attention to distance or speed. Just putting in the work. Plus its a blast. We joke, talk and push each other to go faster. (Kevin pushes me, the dude is just fast on 2 wheels!) I had woken up with quite the sore throat. Just what I needed 2 weeks before Ironman. What else can happen I thought. I tried to shake it off and completed the ride. I did fine through 50 miles but felt awfully sluggish the last 7. Saturday morning was Brittney's long run day. The girl crushed a 22 mile run! Im so proud of her. When she got home, I went for my run. My sore throat and head just not feeling right limited me to 2 miles. I just wasn't feeling it. I had set up a few training partners to meet up at Cesar's Creek at 7 am Sunday. I prayed I felt better in the morning. I slept ok but kept feeling my scratchy throat. Alarm went off, TIME TO TRAIN. Or not, I briefly thought. The brain said "Hey man, were not feeling great." I said, "Hey brain, we got an Ironman in 2 weeks, we gotta go give this a try." The drawer under the stove refused to open so I couldn't get to my pan that I boil my oatmeal water with. My day was not starting off right. I know the doctor at Waynesville Urgent Care, I sensed I may be visiting her if I didn't start feeling better. I got to Cesar's Creek late.  Thats not like me. I've been dedicated to this training. My morning was just off. I was about 10 minutes late and the sun hadn't risen yet. Wetsuit on and down to the water we went. I swam 3 laps, just a little over 2500 yards. The start of the swim I felt bad. Negative thoughts crept in. Triathlons mental game was on. I told myself to go back to positive thoughts and just swim. The rest of the swim went good. The wetsuit helps me so much its not funny. After the swim, Kevin, Kalen, Paul and myself got the bikes ready. I took a cough drop which helped. The ride began and I was feeling pretty good. Today I had to face the uncertainty of riding on roads. I tensed up a few times. 2 cars turned, with plenty of room and time, in front of me. No close calls. No collisions. But I was still a little jumpy. Then a dog barked and started chasing, from its enclosed yard. I jumped at that also. I apparently have a lingering "cop eating dog" fear. I chilled out. I reassured myself all would be fine. If I heard a car coming from behind me, I slowed a little and sat up to make myself more visible. I practiced my race day nutrition today. I usually don't use as much on a training ride, but I wanted to see if my plan worked today. I felt great! Never crashed on energy. Was able to climb the hills and finished strong. 4 hours, 69.5 miles crushed. I was back! A swim then long bike, I completed a training session like normal! I rode that high all evening taking my family  out to play putt putt and dinner with my in-laws. 

A few thoughts from today:

Triathlon is so much more than swim, bike, run. Nutrition, what you eat 2 days before can make a difference on race day. Mental toughness, Your own thoughts can lead you to failure or success. Training, I've spent a lot of time, especially this summer, training. When you're training for an event that can take up to 16 hours, you better put in the time to prepare. I'm lucky to train with such amazing athletes. People who have gone the distance, and athletes who are going for their first 140.6 finish. 

Trail Closed sign actually means, "Bicyclists slow down! There's a part of the trail up ahead where you're going to have to walk around heavy construction equipment to get to the other side." Walking around the equipment was no problem. Can't keep us from completing our ride! 

Finally got my confidence back that I can complete this Ironman dream. I know I will see a dr if this scratchy throat doesn't disappear. Today showed my swimming and biking are where they need to be to get me to the run. Thats where I'm the most experienced. 2 weeks from right now, I should be finished. The announcer should say my name and tell me I've earned the title I've worked so hard for. I watched another training partner, Jonathan, cross the finish line of Ironman Chattanooga tonight. It was inspiring and very cool to know I've trained with that guy! The days are screaming by, final plans are being made. 13 days, tick tock...

Air Force 5k .... at Heidi's speed

Today was a fun day. Started off getting kids ready and off to babysitters. Got to the Y for my first swim in 2 weeks. Felt amazing to get back in the water! I was a little slower than usual, but I swam for an hour. Nothing hurt or felt tight. No dizziness! I believe I will finish this Ironman now. I have proven I can swim bike and run. 23 days I get to prove it. I got some other stuff done and noticed a Facebook post from Fireman Frank.

Frank travels around running races in FULL FIREMAN GEAR to honor his brother firefighters. He has added an American Flag with the Thin Blue Line in honor of all Police Officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Frank is a member of Team RWB and supports our military. I've followed Frank on Facebook and watched how many people Frank has inspired. Well, Frank's car died on him today. In Columbus, on the way to the Air Force Marathon expo. He had someone drive him here with as much gear he could bring. He needed a ride from the 5k to his hotel. I was honored when he called me and we worked it out for me to help him out. This guy helps so many, it was a no brainer for me. I was looking forward to running with Heidi. The girl might not train to run, but she likes to participate. She's been around the Air Force Marathon events for the last 6 years now. When she found out they had a 5k, she wanted in. She ran it last year. I knew it would be good for me to have another run that was nice and easy. Heidi ran almost 4 minutes before she asked for our first walk break. 20 seconds passed and I got us running again. I told her lets try to run 2 minutes then take another break. She liked that idea. And that got us through 1.3 miles. run 2, walk 20. then I heard the undeniable about to cry sound. Tough love daddy kicked in. "Don't cry. Just work through it." We walked a little more often. But she didn't cry! The running community, as always, kicked in and helped a runner in need. "Get it girl!" "Go Little Eagle!" "Your dad is old! you can beat him!" Heidi fed off of the other runners cheers to her. She would perk up and take off. My thought, "Pacing!! Gotta learn to pace!"  I was proud of her. Then we hit mile 2. I said we only have 1.1 mile to go. The pre-teen eye roll was precious.

Just precious. I had to laugh. "Are you ready to run?" I would ask, "No!" she replied. "Great, Lets go!" If I ran she would run also. Then she'd walk. I gave her a few seconds and again, eye roll, "Let's go!" So we turn the final corner and see the finish line. We see Brittney and Savvy waiting for us and what do you know, Heidi can run and smile! This is not a face I saw much during the race. But I was proud of her for finishing strong! 

I waited at the finish line for Frank to finish. I got a little worried after time went by and no Frank. Lightning and rain had started. Frank finally arrives at the finish line. Turns out Frank was out doing his thing, HELPING people. 2 Veterans needed Frank's help and encouragement. 1 double amputee Veteran was in the race and this was his first 5k with his prosthetic legs. Which kept falling off. I can't imagine, going through a race and your prosthetic legs falling off. Frank helped pick up a leg and handed it back to the veteran. Another Veteran, around 75 years old was told he wasn't supposed to ever walk again. This guy had a walker and was walking his first 5k. Now this isn't a "hilly" course, but it has some elevation change. Enough to throw off a guy pushing a walker. This veteran fell down before mile 1, but refused medical help. Frank helped this veteran up who would again fall down before mile 2. Frank stayed with this man until the SAG Wagon picked them up due to weather conditions and drove them to Finish Line. On our way out, we saw the double amputee finish the race. ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. We dropped Frank off at his hotel and wished him luck for tomorrow. This experience, being with a different pace group than what I'm used to and seeing Frank give up his race to make sure others finish safely, has brought up a lot of thoughts. There were some people who were giving it their all and struggling to cover 3.1 miles. But they did it. They made a decision to try. To better their life, better their health. I was super proud of my daughter! She has been shown you have to work, you gotta push yourself. Medals don't come easy and they're not given to quitters. She has learned twice this week, you don't cry, you work through a problem. That life lesson is invaluable. I'm proud Brittney and I give her this opportunity to try. Parents set the example kids follow. Frank's personality to help others all the time is admirable. We should all be a little more like Frank. I offered to bring him anything else he needed, but said he was all good. The veterans who struggled mightily today, I will think of when I think I'm struggling in Louisville. So many of us take our health for granted. Eminem has a famous song that says "Till my legs fall off", well guess what...That didn't stop a veteran today. He pushed through. He accomplished his goal. Final thought, this should be my 6th year running either the half or full AF Marathon, and its killing me to bow out knowing I have a bib. I remain calm knowing my goal lies ahead in 23 days. Good Luck to all runners tomorrow. I pray the weather forecast changes overnight as its looking ugly. 

"Your cycling is never dull"

Wednesday September 14, 2016

Today was another step toward recovering from the crash. I got the phone call last night that my bike was ready to be picked up. I was ready to ride. I've missed my bike. For those who don't know, her name is Misty. When I first got her, I knew I'd be spending a lot of time with her. I joked that Brittney would be jealous of the time I spent with Misty. Like a Mistress, of Triathlon. Mis-T. Misty it was. Once I got to the bike shop I was excitedly nervous. Then I saw her. All cleaned up, new chain, new bar tape, tires and wheels looking good! What a relief!

Off to the bike path I went. First ride back and I was still pretty sketchy about cars. Especially silver cars! But I put on my gear, including my new helmet!

I was ready to face this. No specific mileage or time goal. Just get a good ride in and make sure there were no lingering effects. I promised myself if I felt bad at all, I would stop. No reason to push things today. The started off great. Legs felt good. Air was warm, sun was bright! Not to many other people on the trail. Life was good. I was a bit more cautious at intersections today though. I completely stopped more often than usual. I made sure there were no cars going to hit me. I got to Xenia Station and continued south. Thats my favorite route. Plenty of shade. Fast going south, gotta work a little harder coming back. I figured an hour out and turn around. I just so happened to be close to mile 18. I'm a numbers guy. Numbers run through my head all the time. Not sure if thats a blessing or a curse, but its me. My Ironman bib number 1836, came to mind. 18 miles out and back equals 36! PERFECT! So at mile 18, I turned around and headed back. About mile 22, Brittney sends me a text message. My Garmin will show me the message. I saw "I hope you're not riding.."  Now I had a decision to make. Stop and read the entire message. Continue riding toward my car. Or continue a little bit to a stop point then read the message. I know my wife. We've been together for a long time. I know how supportive she is. I remembered the forecast said possible rain showers. I put 2 and 2 together and guessed the message stated something like, "I hope you're not riding toward the rain storm" or "I hope you're not riding in the rain." The sky was clear where I was. The sun was out. I made it back to Xenia and noticed the sky looked a little darker toward Beavercreek. I figured I had 9 miles to go and I would beat the storm. This section from Xenia to Beavercreek is downhill, but almost a false flat. So not a hill where you just coast, but a little effort carries you a long way. I passed 2 riders and started really pedaling. I checked my watch at 1 point and saw 23 mph. I was having fun! I slowed way down and stopped at an intersection. one of the guys I passed, rolled right up after I stopped. He thanked me for the ride. I was caught off guard at first. Hit me pretty fast he drafted off me. I said that was fun! He agreed. I said lets do it again! I took off. I heard him say he would try and keep up. I started flying. Loving the speed. Loving that free feeling. Then I felt the rain drops. Then the cloud burst! Holy rain was falling on me and soaking my socks, my shorts. My tires didn't stop as fast at the next intersection. I was glad I slowed down way before I usually do. The other cyclist caught up to me. We talked as we rode through the storm. His name was Ray. 30 years in the Air Force. Just retired. Has done 30 marathons. Injury led him to cycling. Nice guy. Sure enough, when I reached my car, the sky cleared up. Sun came out. Nice. Oh well, it may rain in a race, so good to practice. Got to my car and hit my watch. 36.36 miles. Perfect. So I check my messages. "I hope you're not riding in the rain." "Are you ok?" Brittney may have been slightly worried about me and my cycling. I offered back that I was soaking wet, but feeling great. She texted "Your cycling is never dull!" She isn't wrong. Then I checked another message. Katie found a 

video of the first "Airbag for cyclists".  No this is not a joke. Hovding. From Sweden. The video is pretty cool. I haven't researched this much, but I may be the perfect candidate for it. I'm super happy that Misty is back and that I had a good ride. I'm not sure that qualified as "easing back into it" but I feel fine. I needed that. 25 days till Ironman Louisville...tick tock

I'm Back!!

After a 9 day recovery period of no exercise, no work, very little activity. I finally laced up the running shoes. The past few days I've wondered if my balance had been restored. If I got off the couch to soon, was I dizzy? Does everyone feel that way after sitting for to long then getting up to fast?? The mental demons asked, are we losing fitness? are we getting fat? is this screwing up a years dedication? The angels, real life people, kept me sane. Told me that recovery was best and may be even better than training. I knew deep down  I had to recover from the crash. Today was the day, I finally got to test out my body. I was nervous that an easy run would hurt, my world may start to spin. Was I actually ready? I knew I had to take it easy. I considered a run walk run interval just to get through. The Lord provided a beautiful day outside. I started my Garmin and off I went. Usually the first mile is a liar, everything hurts and you think its harder than it is. Well not today! Today I leaned forward and the run felt amazing! My tail bone is still bruised from the crash and was the only thing that hurt. It didn't hurt that bad, but I felt it. I didn't have a set route, or set distance. I knew I shouldn't push my pace or run to far. If I started feeling bad, I would shut it down immediately. First mile beeped on my watch and you couldn't remove the smile on my face. 9:22. First run back from time off and this felt great. I gave my feet a challenge to pick it up a little. Not much, but a little. 9:08 2nd mile. I ran inside and grabbed Weasley and his leash. Little puppy was thrilled out of his mind to go run with Dad again! He and I ran another mile. at 5k I stopped. Feeling amazing, sweat starting to roll. I knew I shouldn't over do it. I looked around. The world wasn't spinning. I went inside and got Sloopy and walked both dogs about a quarter mile. Slope's back legs and hips limit her distance. Got back home and stretched out. I was hungry. Thats normal. No dizziness!!

So I'm back. I feel so relieved. I'm hoping my bike gets finished at the shop today so I can ride tomorrow. That will be another relief. But I will take todays success! As I was typing this, I get a message, the bib numbers came out! I check the list. There's my name and 1836 next to it. I cried. If only just a few seconds, it hit me. I have an Ironman bib number. This is real. I'm going to become an Ironman. My body will stand up to this test. My mind will pull me through. My Team RWB will carry me through.  26 days...tick tock

Hi friends! This is my first attempt at a blog, so don't beat me up to bad here. I've had too much time without exercise and others had suggested I try this route. I love writing race reports and the thought of this being able to be read by my kids later in life helped persuade me to do it. 

A quick recap to how I got here, training for my first Ironman. In 2009, I found myself 270 pounds of fat and lazy. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I didn't know what gluten was, but I was told to cut it out of my diet immediately. January 2010 hits with the typical ice and snow. My beautiful wife Brittney asked me to join her at a local gym so she could run indoors to avoid the weather. She had no idea the monster 

she had created. 

I lost 50 pounds in 2010. Became great friends with the StairMaster. Worked my tail off! 5-6 days in the gym, cardio cardio and more cardio. I watched my diet. I didn't start running until I signed up for the Turkey Trot. My brother in law, Jon, ran with me. We had a blast. Jon asked me to train up for a half marathon. I didn't know how far that was. 2011 I ran my first half marathon in Xenia. Then Indianapolis with Jon and the Flying Pig. The addiction to Finish Lines took over. The harder the challenge, the sweeter the finish line feeling. September 2011 was my first marathon at Air Force. I swore I'd never do that again! Fast forward and I've successfully completed 15 marathons, 2 50ks and a 50 mile run. I decided I wanted a different challenge and tried 

Here's a great idea, first you swim, then bike, and then run. As fast as you can. Talk about a challenge! I never swam for distance, or speed. I rode a bike growing up, but no real distance or speed. So I jumped in, both feet into the deep end. This sport is crazy. My first race, I almost quit 5 minutes in. I was scared I would drown. I had to talk myself down. Looking back, that was a sign. I've found myself in some hard spots. I had to make myself a deal to just swim halfway, then I could quit. at halfway, i agreed once I finished the swim, I was done. I was maybe 20 feet from finishing the swim and I got a cramp in my hamstring! I couldn't believe I survived my first open water swim to be defeated by a leg cramp! well that took a few minutes to pass. I got on my bike and said whatever happens, I'll just try and finish. No clue about proper nutrition, aerodynamics, how to run after cycling. It's taken me a while, but I'm much more educated now. and yet I have so much to learn! I know have 6 half iron distance (70.3 mile) races under my belt and a bunch of shorter distance races also. Some went great, some sucked! My first half ironman, I cried because my legs cramped so bad on the bike. I sat down to change shoes and didn't think i could stand back up. But i did, then ran 13.1 miles to finish. I learned triathlon will punch you in the face if you don't show up prepared. Even if you show up prepared, something else may happen. Equipment breaks, weather turns bad, stomach just doesn't agree with racing that day. There's so many factors, its not funny. Yet there are many athletes who train to get to that finish line. 2015 I started figuring things out and had 2 awesome 70.3 races (IM Muncie and Rev3/Challenge Cedar Point). I decided it was time to go all in for an Ironman.  

Louisville is the closest city to me that hosts such an event. Jon decided he would do this race as well as a few other friends. I found out about the volunteer option to be a finish line catcher. My job was to help the athletes as they finished their race. I got to put Jon and Mike Brown's medals around their necks and be the first person to congratulate them! Then an amazing thing happened. I caught a guy named Chris Gates and told him how much he inspired me. He told me his dad was in the race also. Fate led me to catch his dad Terry as well! I put their medal's on, walked them through the chute and made sure they were ok. Through social media, we "follow" each other. That was a great experience. Gave me a lot of knowledge about the race for 2016. Once I registered, it was game on. I talked to many athletes. Figured out a "training plan." It included swimming, biking, and running. But longer distances, a lot longer! Almost every weekend I was up super early, pool swim, open water swim, then a bike ride. Usually a run the next day. I remember being extremely nervous when I scheduled my first 100 mile bike ride. Would I have enough nutrition? What if I get a flat? How long is it going to take? Can I do this??? It had been a while since i was nervous for a training session! I crushed it. It was hard, I got hungry, I sang to myself. But I stayed in that saddle for 6 hours and felt incredible. Then ran a mile and a half. Amazing feeling to be able to run after a 100 mile bike ride! The months ticked by. 3 half iron races in 2016 (Richmond, Indiana, Muncie and Ohio). Everything was going great. I had one bicycle crash where I hit a curb, was lucky I was ok, dealt with little pain and recovered. I could start counting the 5 am alarms I had left. The race was 5 weeks away. The plan was to swim in the Ohio River where the race swim is, then bike the course. Great preparation , I thought. 24 miles into the bike course a 

turned in front of me and I hit the passenger side of the car. Concussion, 3 staples in my head, road rash and an amazing bruise. See, not everything goes as planned. Yet, I'm still lucky. Could've been much worse. My Team RWB teammate Kalen was right there and gave up her day to help me. Doctor said I had to take at least a week off training and work. I went home thinking this is no big deal, I'm fine. Until I tried unloading the dishwasher. The kitchen spun. My head hurt. I had plenty of people tell me that this was more serious than I thought. Going from 6 days a week of high intensity exercise, plus work and being a family man...to sitting on the couch doing nothing (recovering) was mentally tough. My neck and abs hurt from the crash. It hurt to sneeze or laugh. I was a good patient. Though it about killed me being so inactive. I couldn't stand seeing Brittney having to do everything. But she was an angel and insisted I chill. She knows how hard I've worked, how much time and effort I've invested in this dream. 9 days the staples stayed in my head. I was so happy when my doctor pulled them out (yes it hurt a little). Doctor gave me another week off work because in my profession, I may get hit in the head, and she wanted me healed 100% before I return. I was told to ease back into exercise and she gave me her blessing to go and crush the Ironman. so in 4 weeks from yesterday, I will be in Louisville. I will be prepared to the best of my ability. I will stay calm when something doesn't go the way I plan. I will fight all the way to the finish line. I will be the guy in the top picture, arms raised as my name is called, "Matthew Kennard! You are an IRONMAN!" I can hear it in my mind. I used to think those guys were crazy. That would never be me. Now, It's going to be me. I will crush this challenge. It won't be easy, but thats what makes it worthwhile. October 9th is approaching....