Ironman Louisville 2017

I drove down to Louisville Friday October 13th and made great time to get there. I got to Ironman Village before 11am and watched the athlete briefing Nothing had really changed except the way they lined up the athletes in time corrals. I got the coveted IM bracelet and packet. I saw a few friends, bought a new pair of Hoka's and soaked in the atmosphere. I then tried checking into my hotel early. I was told I had to wait another 2 hours. I remembered a park that the Kentucky Derby Marathon ran through with huge beautiful trees. A quick search led me to Iroquois Park. 15 minute drive and I was in paradise. So quiet and beautiful scenery! A short walk
and I discovered the lookout point. Simply amazed to be in God's grace!



Went back to the hotel and got checked in. Just in time to walk to the restaurant where I was lucky to have dinner with other incredible Ironman competitors! I should've been more careful when I asked the waiter if there was gluten in the BBQ sauce and his response was "No, theres no WATER in it." He quickly tried to recover with, "I mean wheat." But then picked up the bottle and said, "You can't see any of it in here." I asked him to check with the chef and he said he did..why do I add this with such detail, because it later affected me. I had the ribs. With the sauce. My stomach was ok that night, but the next day my stomach was not right. DUMB decision. Lesson learned, gotta be more careful with pre-race diet. After dinner, I returned to the hotel room to put stickers on bike and helmet and bags. Separated stuff into bike, run, special needs bags and relaxed with my compression boots.

Saturday morning I went to Annie Mays Sweet Cafe where everything is gluten free! Their donuts are delicious! I tried to not over do the carbs. This is the only time I get fresh donuts, so don't judge me! Back to hotel and then to bike check in. This process seemed to go much faster this year. With bike and bags checked in, I got the best call. My wife and kids had arrived in town! Lunch at Chipotle then off to the hotel pool for some relax family time!
 I was feeling pretty good about the race and my stomach seemed to calm down. We then hit Spaghetti Factory for dinner and back to hotel for early bed time. The Ohio State game was a 7:30 start time. I watched the first half and then lights out!

I set my alarm for 4:50am. Easy to wake up on race day! Tri kit on, going over the race in my head. Ate a banana, peanut butter, and a donut. Stomach was still a little unsettled but I had confidence I'd be ok. I made my way to transition to put bottles in bike and bags. I almost made an error in which special needs bag to put the water bottle in. I was glad I caught this error. I got body marked and walked to swim start. I loved the new way to line us up. I figured I'd be around 1:10 for the swim so I lined up in the 1-1:10 people. I got to hang out with THE BEST CHEER SQUAD EVER
before the race started. Mike Sullivan and Matt Fadely found me and we walked to the start together.

Swim: Down the ramp and off the dock. Ironman #2 had started for me. The marina got a little congested at points. The turn buoy was crowded. Once we were swimming downstream, the river opened up. I sighted off the bridges and just kept stroking.
I smiled as I thought of my family and my daughter's laughs. For some odd reason, on the drive down, another driver did something stupid and I called him a "butt knuckle." I have no idea what a "butt knuckle" is but it made me laugh. When I told Heidi this on Saturday, it made her crack up. I guess I have the sense of humor of a 10 year old. I saw a guy swimming diagnol right in front of me and thought "that dude is a butt knuckle". Then I could hear Heidi's laugh. Made me smile while I was swimming. I then saw the people helping swimmers out of the water. I had once again made it through an Ironman swim. I'm still amazed I can do this. It wasn't that long ago I couldn't swim 25 yards without being out of breath.
Swim time 1:10 3 minute swim PR!
 I went to the best named volunteers, "wetsuit strippers!!" and they helped rip my wetsuit off. I then headed over the pedestrian bridge scanning for my girls.
Found them! Got the biggest smile on my face! Kissed Brittney, said hello to Savvy and then told Heidi, "I found this dude out in the water who was a total butt knuckle!" Other spectators laughed, but Heidi cracked up. Her laugh carried me!

Bike: I got in and out of transition as fast as I could. I found Vengeance and out to the street we went. I remember seeing Judy Stutes running her bike out just in front of me. I hollered out her name and she waved to me. I didn't think I'd see her again until the run. Saddled up and off we went. The tailwind going out was great. But I was concerned of weather reports that said our ride back in was going to be rough. First ten miles is easy. Then up a long hill and about mile 20 we enter the loop. The hills weren't as bad as I remembered. There are 2 long slow hills that I didn't peddle too hard and just worked up them. Some people set up sign's on the longer hill, "Welcome to Grandma's Hill" was the first sign. "She's a BITCH!" was the 2nd sign. That made me laugh.
I made it to where special needs would be on loop 2. I stayed calm but knew "the intersection" was coming. "The intersection" where I wrecked into the car that turned in front of me in 2016. I look up and see JUDY!! I speed up just a touch to get beside her. She tells me how she took her wetsuit off in the water during the race and then put it back on after stopping at the dock. She's so fast she took 2 breaks in the water and I only had a 1 minute faster swim time. I explain that the "intersection" was approaching and asked her to ride through it with me. We coast through with no problem, but her presence just made me feel safe. Judy helped talk me through the concussion last year and it was awesome to have her there with me to see me through the "intersection." I continued on through the loop and found the wind.
 The sun came out and it started getting warm out. I thought I had made it through loop one but I then realized I had more distance to go just to start loop 2. Finally made it to 56 miles, and started loop 2. Back over the hills, bombing down feeling the air blasting around me and just having a blast. Up "Grandma's hill" and I told the cheering people, " I never like grandma anyway!" One lady responded, " Hey! I'm grandma!" UH OH! I said "OOPS, Sorry!" We both laughed. I stopped at special needs,threw in my extra tire tube into my back pocket and grabbed my Bonk Breaker. Switched out my bike bottles of Infinit and realized, "I gotta PEE!" This is a good thing because I'm hydrated and at a place with porta potties. I ran to the porta potty and tried to get that taken care of as quick as possible. I mounted back up and focused on eating my Bonk Breaker through "the intersection". I was glad to be passed that point and not have to return. I then hit the stretch of people cheering in town. I see the RWB cheer squad at the end of the line of people. I continue around to Ballard Rd. I add this to REMIND ME in 2018. Theres a long decent on a main road, then a left turn onto Ballard Rd. Another decent that leads to 2 nasty inclines. If you aren't prepared, you will be in the wrong gear and fall over. Loop 2 I saw people walking their bikes over these inclines. I knew to gear down and counted, "1,2,3,4" over and over until I was over them. Counting the pedal strokes distracted my mind how steep those inclines were.
My right foot then started to catch fire. I've had this "hot spot" for some time now. Apparently, there's friction caused during my pedaling. I remembered the Cincinnati Triathlon Club was just a few miles up. These athletes set up their tent and go crazy cheering on the athletes.
 I    I remembered Jeff Williams from loop 1. The plan was to ask Jeff to hold my bike while I applied Chami Creme to my foot. When I got there, I asked Jeff for help. Jeff was wearing a Speedo. There were quite a few dudes only wearing Speedo's and pirate attire at the CTC tent. Then I saw Bill Deegan. Bill was dressed as a normal guy.



CTC took great care of me! Helped me find the lube (which was just hysterical with PIRATES in Speedo's yelling "Wheres the LUBE!"I got my foot taken care of, used the rest of the creme in other places that were getting rubbed raw and back off I went. About mile 80ish, Mother Nature thought we had had enough sun and she gave us THE WIND. The headwind was a speed killer. All I could think as I was going up hill in the headwind was.." This is how my dad went to school everyday. Uphill in a headwind." Made me smile. I try to be positive at every moment. But this part sucked. I reminded myself I was lucky to be able to do this and lucky for the support I have. A few athletes and I did the back and forth game as we would feel a little better, surge, then get hit with wind which slowed us down again. Legs were feeling tired but no cramp warning signs. Miles 95-100 is down hill. The wind still slowed us down and now the dark clouds had rolled in. I was praying I'd make it off the bike before the rain. I got drizzled on. I turned right on River Rd and had about 10-12 miles left. The wind was swirling. I remember a "leaf tornado" I rode through.  Then a small branch broke off a tree and smacked me in the mouth. I actually yelled "Ouch!" I thought, "Are you serious?? I'm kicking my own butt here! 104 miles in and I get hit in the mouth! By a freaking tree branch!" Again I had to remind my tired self I was just lucky to be here and not further out where the rain was probably going to be much worse. I finished the bike in 6:04. My goal was a 5:45. I hadn't planned on horrid wind. This was still a 14 minute bike course PR. Happy with results in that weather. Handed bike off to volunteer and into transition. I didn't want to mess around in there. I did put a band aid on the hot spot and greased up my left foot. Run shoes on and off I went!

Run: I start off feeling great.
Weather temp  cooled. I run better in chilly air. I see my beautiful wife and kids and my parents cheering me on! A quick stop for a kiss and high fives, then off I go. Then the stomach issue sets in. OMG where is the porta potty??!!! Scanning, there isn't one. And I'm not going to make it another half mile. There just happens to be a small local hole in the wall bar to the left of the course. Let me tell you, A guy in a tri suit doesn't fit in well in this bar. One guy sees my face and yells, "Its in the back!" THANK GOD! I was worried I was in for a long "run". I feel bad for whoever went in there after me. I think I'm good, so I start back moving forward. Then the OMG I GOTTA PEE feeling hits. I didn't think I over hydrated, I'm still not sure thats possible, but it was fierce! I almost didn't make it to the next porta potty. This happened 3 more times in the first 7 miles. It was like gallons of clear pee. Finally, the stomach settles down. I'm disappointed in my first 7 miles. I'm way behind my "over the moon" goal. I'm not even sure if I'm on pace to overall PR. But I keep moving forward. I love this run course because you get to see other racers on the loop. High fives and reports are given. I make it to the turn around and fumble with my run special needs bag. I packed way too much stuff for my jersey pockets. I dropped items, I didn't refill my Infinit because I was spilling it. It was a cluster. Next year, I worry less about special needs stuff. Another lesson learned! I see my family again. I apologize for making them wait so long. Because you know, I'm racing an Ironman and they are just glad to be there. I was at a low point here.
 not always do i take great pics, Brittney titled this one the "o" face
Seeing them perked me up.

I asked Brittney to walk with me and give me a report of where my friends were on the course.
We walked maybe half a mile and she went back to my parents and kids. I start running and ask this lady how is she doing? She says she thinks she can run my pace (which wasn't all that fast at this point) and asks if she can run with me. I've learned that having someone to talk to can take my mind off my legs. She introduces herself as Leslie, but her friends call her Sunshine. She has a beautiful and adventurous personality. We basically tell our life stories taking turns back and forth over the next 12 miles. Leslie is in the 55-59 year old category, but this wasn't about age or gender, this was 2 triathletes gutting out the back half of the run. She told me numerous times that if I hadn't been there, she would've just walked. She thanked me for keeping her moving. I thanked her for keeping my mind off my legs! We would high five and yell at friends on course and go right back to chatting it up.
Then I see this guy named PETER riding this bike dressed up with Christmas lights and a big stereo! Peter just likes riding his bike and jamming. He likes helping the runners by riding and jamming! I yelled out to him, "Can you play Runnin Down a Dream!?" He cranked it up! I sang the entire song and ran like I just started to run. Felt like I was floating! I apologized for my bad singing to Leslie but she said it just kept her moving. I want to add the I started using Red Bull and Base Salts after mile 7 which helped immensely! About mile 24, I started to fade. Leslie continued encouraging me to keep her pace. I was in awe of her stamina. She was kicking ass. At mile 25 or so, I told her I just wanted to slow down. She tried one last attempt to pull me along but I told her to find me at the Finish Line. Leslie went on to her 5th place finish in her age group! She got an award! I like to think I helped her get that! Then I made the left turn and heard the roar of the crowd. I was still 2 blocks away. The final right turn and there it was, " THE PROMISED LAND!" I said that out loud to myself (until you've done an Ironman, you just don't understand the brain fog). I saw the RWB cheer squad and made sure each person got a high five and thank you for being there. Then onto the red carpet. The bright lights! The people on both sides slapping the boards and making so much noise!!
This is the closest to ROCKSTAR STATUS I will EVER get. I high fives every spectator holding out their hand I could.
Until I tripped. Almost fell over, but I saved it! Spectators were like, " uh OH! WHEW! YAY!" Back to high fiving! Then the strangest thing happened again. Just like last year, I pass my family who is cheering for me. I never saw them!

 I think I'm so fixated on the Finish Line that it all blurs together. You can see Heidi reaching out to me here! My eyes are my evidence that I was just fixated on the finish line!

But then I heard the announcer, "MATTHEW KENNARD  FROM DAYTON, OHIO..A POLICE OFFICER!!!! YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!"

At that point, nothing hurt. I was damn proud of myself. A year of dedicated training. Getting myself into better shape. Remembering the fat, lazy, stressed out old Matt, now a TWO TIME IRONMAN!!
Then I saw my beautiful wife and kids!


I was so freaking happy. I checked the watch, 12:54 overall time. 21 minute course PR!!! Not bad in those weather conditions and an unsure stomach in first part of run. I took a picture with my catcher who i think was surprised I was in such a good mood. I told her I was a finish line catcher in 2015. I got my shirt and hat and pics taken. Talked to a few people and waddled over to hotel. 2 blisters was worst damage other than extremely sore muscles. Brittney and my mom offered to go get my bike and bags for me. I took a shower while they did that.
Once cleaned up, and a bite to eat, I was able to go back to the finish line and see teammates and friends finish their race!

Ironman only gives you what you earn. You can't get away with not training for this experience. Ironman will humble you. You have to be dedicated. You have to give up some things. BUT man is it ever WORTH IT!!! The feeling is incredible!

I have to thank some people. #1 is Brittney. You are ever so supportive and I love you dearly for it. Having an endurance athlete spouse is a gift not all athletes have. You understand the struggle, the training, the dedication. We do an amazing job working together to do all that we do and I can't wait to see what the future holds for you!

My kids. They may not read this now, but I pray they do later. Heidi and Savannah your laugh and smile can carry your daddy for miles. I'm so proud of you girls. Way smarter than me and just incredible kids. I love you girls and thank you for being there cheering me on.

My parents, no matter how old I get, I always want to make you proud. Thanks for coming down and supporting me in this crazy sport. I love you guys!


Kevin Sturm, Kalen Knippling, Chris Tech, Bill Deegan, Mike Brown, Brian Forrester, Jamie Viers, Colleen Perry, Judy Stutes...My training partners! The people who pushed me. The people who joined me on long rides! The people who swam and ran with me! You all rock! I thank you for accepting me and teaching me how to get better in this sport we all love. I love training and racing with you all!

Mike Sullivan, Josh Otstott, Traci Schommer, Sean Walsh, Matt Fadely, Sara Barry, Justin Bifro, Kendra Olchefske, Katie Kracus "nice kit!", CTC... seeing all of you on the course always lifted my spirits! The high fives, the yells, the smiles, the hugs...I appreciate all of you. You helped me accomplish this goal. I pray we get to race again soon!

Triathlon in it's simplest form is 3 sports put together to make 1 event. But it's way more than that. It's a community of amazing people, who push their limits. Who sacrifice "fun time" for training time. We swim in cold water, we bike in heat, we run when our legs are tired. It's not me vs you, it's me vs the course. We all help those who come to play by the rules. We pick each other up when we are down (or bonking). Triathlon is a phenomenal experience no matter the distance, but to me, IRONMAN is the test I adore and respect the most. It will beat you down. You will have a down moment. Can you drag yourself out of it? Will a team member show up right when you need them?? Do you have the relentless pursuit of forward motion??? Ironman will test you. Prepare for it, and IRONMAN will REWARD you!