I want to start this blog out thanking my beautiful wife Brittney. This year has shown the importance of spouse support. Brittney has supported me every step of the way through 2 Ironman competitions this year. She was flexible when I needed to run long or bike longer. She helped make sure I had all my stuff and take care of Heidi and Savvy's things to make sure we traveled with low stress. Without Brittney's support, I would never have been able to complete this epic challenge.
The past 3 months since Ironman Canada has been kind of crazy. Taking my 2 week break off exercise was SMART! I put up a decent showing at USAT Nationals and then jumped right back into IM training. Chris Tech and I trained together almost every weekend. We push each other. Our cycling is so similar it's almost scary. Our runs are close and we did 2 or 3 long runs, including the 20 miler) together. He always had more energy at the end of the runs than I did. We crushed every workout we could and worked our asses off to be prepared for IM Louisville. Towards the end of this training block, I got super tired. I was exhausted from all the workouts and the stress of the impending race. I enjoy the journey of preparing for an Ironman, but my body didn't love going through the paces again after Canada. The thoughts of "Am I ready to do this again?" "Can I do better than ever before?" started creeping into my mind. I felt like I had prepared, but I was worried I was overly tired.
Finally the long training was over. Time to taper! Time to relax! Except then Sloopy showed she was ready to cross that rainbow bridge. That was emotionally draining when I needed to be chilling out and refilling my bodies energy. Then the weather forecast hit showing rain and cold temps. I'm not sure what I did to mother nature, but she tested me at every major race I did this year. Chattanooga was freaking hot. Whistler gets a heat wave and it was 95 degrees for the marathon. Now I go to Louisville and it's COLD and rainy??? Seriously??!! I pray the forecast is wrong and race day will be gorgeous. No dice! Saturday, day before race day, I went out to cheer on the kids for the Iron Kids race. Heidi and Ollie ran the entire 1 mile race holding hands. I stood there and froze. Chris and I knew the decision of what to wear the next day had to be made. I get cold easy. I was smart enough to pack full finger bike gloves. I had also packed 2 long sleeve sweat wicking shirts. I didn't want to add time to my transition times but I didn't want to freeze on the bike. I decided I would throw my warmer black shirt on before the bike to try and keep warm. If I would've known how cold it was going to get, I would've taken more time and put on longer pants. Saturday was also Chris' birthday. We had a great dinner with the Tech family and then back to the hotel to rest.
I set my alarm for 4:20 am. I slept decent and yet again found myself not really wanting to go fight the elements. I had the same thoughts in Canada. I had the good fortune of checking on 2 people I knew who were fortunate enought to race The World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii the day before.
Brian Irwin, on the Queen K highway, hit The Pose, in my honor during The World Championship Ironman in Kona, Hawaii!!I watched the video of Brian Irwin finishing and I was super motivated to go get my finish line! I rolled out of bed and got dressed. Put on warm sweat pants and 2 extra layers on top to stay warm before the race started. Met Chris in the lobby at 5:20. We walked to transition and got bottles ready. Checked tire pressure and met outside transition. Chris didn't seem all that nervous for this being his first Ironman. I think he hides his emotions much better than I do. We stayed under the overpass to stay dry for a while then walked to swim start. My plan was to start a little further up with the faster swimmers and so Chris and I said our "good luck" words of encouragement and then I walked up ahead. The race was scheduled to start at 7:30. About 7:15, I kicked off my shoes and put my wet suit on. Got all ready to go. The energy was buzzing. It was GO time! Except, no, it wasn't. An announcer announced the race would be delayed a half hour because rain made it difficult to see and the swim would bve cut short to a .9 mile swim. The current was so strong in the river that it was deemed unsafe to swim against it. I felt sorry for those who had never completed a 140.6 mile race. That's the distance we all train for. But we have to take the race the race director gives us. I thought this would just make it easier. What I didn't know was how difficult the weather conditions was about to make this task even tougher.
gotta start out the race in the right mood!The water was 67.5 degrees. Standing on the dock, the current didn't look that bad. I walked up and jumped in. Ironman #4 had begun. I started swimming out and we were directed out to the right. The buoys marking the swim seemed to be moving all around. I swore one buoy was floating up stream. Looking back, I believe the current was just pushing me past the buoy in a fast manner. The thought occurred to me that I may have forgotten to start my watch! This isn't a big deal, but I love my info. I'm in the middle of the Ohio River, its 43 degrees outside, and I turn on my watch and get it started tracking me.
Made me smile to do something as crazy as that. I should probably stay focused, but I wanted that info. Next thing I know, I'm approaching the stairs to get out of the river. All I knew at that time was my swim was fast. I had no idea it was 15:50 fast. Pros were swimming 12-13 minute swims. I was impressed that the volunteers already had my wetsuit unzipped before I was out of the water.
Strippers yanked that wetsuit off me and I immediately started scanning the crowd for my girls. Every time I saw Brittney, Heidi and Savvy, my eyes light up and my smile energizes me.
I feel incredibly lucky to have them always supporting me. Sure enough, my girls and Paige and Ollie were on the right side past the pedestrian bridge. Quick hugs and a kiss for Britt before I changed into bike shoes. Out of the tent and got my bike. As I walked up the ramp with my bike
, a loud roar went up. Now I know I'm good looking, and super popular
but this was a louder cheer than I was used to. Just to my left, I spotted an athlete walking up the ramp on BOTH of his PROSTHETICS. That's right, this guy has no legs but he's out of the swim and starting his bike at the same time I was. "Can't much complain about things when that guy is out here doing it also" I thought to myself. So off I go. It's cold. It's rainy. Before 5 miles, my socks are soaked. My legs are cold. Muscles are tight. Then the peeing begins. I had no idea this was the first sign of hypothermia. It was ridiculous how much I peed. I never stopped to pee. I just stood up and in a weird way, enjoyed the only warmth my legs felt. Apparently, when you can't sweat, and the body starts becoming hypothermic, the body releases all the fluid.
I chalked it up to being extra hydrated. I can tell you that riding a tri bike takes a stable rider. Shivering on a tri bike sucks. The faster I went, the colder I got. I never got any cramps so that was a bonus. But the dark mind tried taking over. "Maybe I'll crash in this rain and have a good reason to not race the rest of this" "This is crazy, lets just stop at the next aid station and.." My perseverance part of my brain was on a full frontal attack. I went back to my WHY. Why do I do this? Why do I train for this? Because I told my KIDS I would do this. Volunteers have come out to support us. If everyone quits, they have no one to cheer for. The ROCKSTAR feeling of the finish line!! Others are going to finish this, do you want to live the rest of your life knowing you quit?? Quitting isn't an option, suck it up buttercup! These thoughts made me continue pedaling.
looks like the emoji squinting eyes smile guyI then tried cutting the bike course into pieces. Just get to the loop. Enjoy the fast downhills. Pass some people on the up hills. There's my crash site! Just get through that.
you didn't think I was taking this seriously did you??Now let's go see who all is out in LaGrange. First time through LaGrange, there's not that many people out. I can't blame them, it's freaking cold and rainy out here! Ok lets get to Ballard School Rd and get those pesky inclines out of the way. I knew Cincinnati Tri Club Speedo Squad was due in Sligo. I couldn't wait to see them. What a boost of energy they gave me!
Justin, Macke and everyone out there cheered like I was winning! Made me smile so big! Then a few miles away was Colleen and the Rogue/ BIT Cheer squad!
it's just riding a bike..in the cold ass rain! for 112 miles...I tried hitting my bike pose and they went wild. Ok, just finish this loop and let's do it again! I then remembered I put dry socks in my special needs bag. I was good on taking in my nutrtion and was prepared to switch out bottles. Those dry socks felt so good! The 2 volunteers who helped me there were incredible. I made sure they didn't have to touch my drenched smelly socks. Back on the bike I went. LaGrange had more people out but the rest of the course was eerily quiet. To keep my mind busy, sometimes I sing. Usually its made up songs about my surroundings. Or about pizza. Whatever it takes to forget about my legs. I want to say it was around mile 80, though I wouldn't testify to that because my brain was wrecked with fighting fatigue and hypothermia, I started singing, "The wheels on my bike go round and round, round and round, All through Louisville!" You just sang that as you read it didn't you ;) Next verse was "The lemurs at the place go Poop Poop Poop, Poop poop poop, poop poop poop all down Heidi's jacket!" Side note, as you may think thats really freaking weird, Brittney and Paige took Heidi, Savvy and Ollie to an Animal Sanctuary where a ring tailed monkey was standing on Heidi's head, and pooped on the back of her jacket. True story. Then it hit me, it wasn't a lemur. It was a ring tailed monkey. So redid that lyric, "the ring tailed monkey...poop poop poop...all down Heidi's back!" I smiled as I knew Heidi would appreciate this when I told her about it. I've said it before, and I'll say it again..Just the thought of my girls' smiles is a big pick me up for me.
I made it back to Sligo and stopped for a picture with CTC. Everyone told me it was miserable conditions, and I agreed! I was told to keep up the hard work, and that's what I did. Finally made it out of the 2nd loop and started making my way back to transition. Rain kicked up again. Now the wind joined in the fun of beating me up. My body temp was low. I'm almost 100 miles in and I'm not quitting now. I got passed by some others but I was happy I wasn't cramping. I see a sign on River Rd that says "90 miles to nursing!" which was an advertisement for Xavier University in Kentucky. I thought, "I just rode my bike further than that!" Crazy sport I play. I turn right and see the line of people cheering those of us finishing our bike ride. I was thrilled to get off that bike. I was tired though. And cold. I had a plan to get through transition quickly but was nervous about what to wear for the run. Stupid cold weather!! Decided to keep the warm shirt and gloves. Did the best I could and got out of the there.
Running up the ramp
, my legs felt ok. Lots of people cheering me on. The run was altered due to construction downtown. It felt like it took me forever to get where my family was. I heard Savvy yell "DADDY!!" She busts out running towards me then turns around when I almost meet up with her. She ends up getting the best picture from FinisherPix!
I say a quick hello to everyone and thank them for being out there. I asked if Chris was doing well and was assured he was.
I tell them I can't wait to see them again and continue forward. Not even to mile 2 and what do you know, I have the incredible urge to pee again. I'm not even sure how this is possible at this point. But there's no porta potty in sight and I don't want to stop. Elsa sang "Let It Go." and I did. I couldn't believe I could pee as much as I did. I tried running my 4 minutes and walking 20 seconds which worked for a few miles. Maybe 6? I'm really not sure. I knew this course. I knew what it took to get it done. I played "The Tree Game." "Ok Matt, run to the 2nd tree, then walk 1. Then run 2 more trees....." Louisville is lined with trees along their roads and this worked to keep me moving. I kept looking for Jordan Johnson, Chris and Jascia. We were spaced out pretty well. Jordan looked super strong on the run. I just met him when Chris and I did our Louisville preview ride. On my way back in I finally saw Chris. Seeing my training partner and friend looking strong made me smile. A quick high five and a word of encouragement, we both kept moving forward. I get to mile 12 and see Sam and Mel Morgan. 2 super sweet people who are always encouraging. Quick hugs and a "I'll see you soon!". The way the run was altered, we had to come within a block of the FINISH LINE. Then turn right to start loop 2 of the run. It was almost painful to get that close to the finish line....just to leave it. A volunteer, girl who was 12 or 13, reminded me a lot of Heidi, was wonderful about walking with me while I refilled my Infinit and water in my handheld bottle. I had dry socks in there, but there was no way I was trying to sit down and change socks at this point. I figured my legs would seize up if I sat down. I thanked her for help and marched on.
Here is where some may question me and the Ironman rules. Ironman has a rule that an athlete must complete the race using only what the race offers or be self supported. I understand this rule as this keeps the playing field "fair." There have been examples of people using "pacers" on the run to keep their own pace from faltering. People having friends or family carrying nutrition on bikes while they run. As I leave run special needs, I spot my family at the same place they were at when I started the run. I yell at Brittney and get their attention. I'm still not sure how they didn't figure out where athletes turning point was, but I'm glad I yelled at them. Brittney starts to walk with me. WALK. I'm clearly not winning here, not feeling the greatest but still upright. I ask her to open a pack of Stinger chews for me. As soon as I hand them to her, 2 Ironman officials approach me. They explain that Brittney has to stop. I understand what they were saying but I'm really surprised they were enforcing this rule, on me at this point. After a few days passed, I relate this to police work. In police work, we use DISCRETION. I believe Ironman officials should maybe look into this DISCRETION. Just my opinion. I asked for my Stinger chews and Ironman officials explain she can't give them to me. Brittney is visibly upset with them and worried she has gotten me into trouble. I tell her not to worry about it and I'll see her at the finish line. Were the officials doing their job, yes. Is that the rule, No Outside Assistance, Yes. Were there people on bikes further up rolling along cheering on their athletes, YES. Brittney and my family watched one athlete sit down mid way through the run, do a full change of clothes and was fed by his family. Paige said she saw 3 athletes that were treated to warm meals at the turn around by their families. No officials seemed to be around to see these other "offenses."In Ironman Texas 2018, we watched videos of long lines of pelotons of people drafting on their bikes, but no officials penalizing them. So to end this portion, I understand the rules. I understand why they are there. But if you're going to enforce SOME rules, you better have enough officials to enforce ALL the rules on EVERYONE. Or start taking into effect time of the race, what these athletes are going through, fighting hypothermia and still moving forward!, and using DISCRETION as to who is abusing the rules (warm meals, 20 minute pit stops, pelotons of drafting) or minor infractions (a person walking 100-200 ft with an athlete and opening a pack of Stinger chews). Just my opinion. I'm willing to hear others out on this issue. I try to race as "clean" and follow the "rules" as much as possible and I try to protect the integrity of our sport. But there are times where ya gotta say, " C'MON MAN!!"
OK, Moving on... which is exactly what I had to do. I started running past to the next block where Sam Morgan was. I had to laugh when he came out and walked with me for about 50 yards. I told him about Brittney getting stopped. He told me the conditions of the day were extreme and told me to use the frustration towards Ironman as fuel. The next aid station had Blocks Chews. Just like the chews Brittney now I had that I wanted. So chews problem was solved quickly. The tree game kept me in the RELENTLESS PURSUIT OF FORWARD MOTION.
I look so happy! #fakenewsI had to remind myself to just keep moving forward. I remember hearing a guy at mile 14 say, " 12 miles from retiring from this!" I thought that sounded smart, retiring from this distance. Ironman is crazy difficult! I may retire from this distance soon, but not until after Maryland next year! The dark thoughts will always intrude you let them.
I saw Chris again and that dude just looked strong. He said he was getting a little tired but feeling ok. I tried running. I really tried. But it was more walking. I may not be giving myself enough credit for the running I was able to do, but dang it, I'm competitive! I wanted to run more than I was. My brain and legs just didn't have it. I don't think I had any clue how difficult this really was. The low temps, swimming, then biking 112 miles while fighting hypothermia then trying to run!! After a week, it's finally setting in that it's amazing I was able to complete this with no injury. There were times I felt dizzy. I never told anyone that. I just worked through it. There were stomach tightness issues that I had to stop taking in calories and let my stomach reset itself. I just kept pushing forward. Finally reached the turn around point. I knew now, the next stop was the finish line. I'd see Chris on my way back in. I think I was at mile 22. Big bro hug and told him how proud of him I was. Told him I'd see him when he becomes an Ironman! Mile 25 hits and I suddenly need a porta potty. It's dark, but hiding to pee wasn't cutting it. I had to walk to keep from prairie dogging
Almost a freaking mile until I saw the beautiful
I did what I needed to do,
My gut was fine, my legs weren't cramping, and I knew what was less than a half mile away. The ROCKSTAR Treatment. I got to the big crowd, hugged Sam, Mel, and Justin Bifro. Turned left and smiled. Turned right and saw the promised land! I knew it was my time. I started the motion to pump up the crowd who didn't let me down.
The crowd was LOUD!! The lights were BRIGHT! The red carpet felt so good under my sore feet. I knew my family were to be on the right side of the finish line. I must've gotten 100 high fives from that crowd! I'd hold my hand up to my ear and the crowd would just go nuts! They loved it. I loved it! I kept looking for my family. I kept collecting high fives and soaking in the moment. 38 years, and only 4 times have I accomplished such a feat. Then I see Pat, Chris' mom. She gets a big sweaty hug. I high five a few more people. I see the finish line. Nothing hurt. Everything was AMAZING!
true face of exhaustionThen I see them. Heidi gets a kiss, Savvy gets a kiss, Brittney gets a kiss! My parents get hugs! I make the understatement of the day, "That was HARD!" Then I go to where I hear, "Matthew Kennard from Dayton, OHIO!! You're an Ironman!"
That never gets old! Then, even though the lights are blinding me, I see Sean Walsh there to catch me! Sean and I seem to motivate each other to always get better, be stronger, and be positive role models for our kids. I look at Sean dead in his eyes and primal scream the scream of success! We hug! He puts the beautiful medal around my neck!
I tell him the conditions were horrible, and I fell apart, but he assures me I crushed it.
I take a few pictures with my family
Proud parents!
I'm so lucky to have her! This is how big I smile to be finished with an Ironman!and Brittney tells me Chris is minutes from finishing. I grab my stuff and make way to where I just hugged my parents as I finished. Chris comes running up and hugs his mom. I then get a big high five and hug! Paige and Ollie get greeted by their newly minted Ironman. Paige confirms what I already knew, Chris kicked my butt!! Beat me by 38 minutes!! Bro just smashed his first Ironman race!!
never mind us, just 2 Ironmen chatting about our raceBrittney and Paige have their own version about this pic
;)SassMasters Cheer Squad!
Absolutely crazy day. Ironman likes to say this challenge is looked at upon most as impossible. The training we put in on a daily effort can be grueling. People that aren't in the sport that try and comprehend what we do, can't make it in their mind swimming 2.4 miles. Let alone in the Ohio River. I've talked to runners who say that the marathon itself is a long enough race, they can't imagine running a marathon after biking 112 miles. The whole Ironman distance is just crazy. There's a reason you can brag for the rest of your life once you complete one. I hope I've shown my kids that if you want a big goal, you gotta work for it, everyday. And even if you run into obstacles, you keep pushing forward. Never quit. Just keep pushing forward. I saw Judy Stutes absolutely crush this race. and she was injured 6 weeks prior. So many people fought through hypothermia, a shortened swim, rain, bike crashes and were successful. On the flip side, of the people who actually started the race, somewhere between 15 and 20% of Did Not Finish. Thats a high number. People don't just sign up for an Ironman just for the fun of it. This was almost as difficult as Ironman Canada. I rank Canada as a harder race because the temps were cooking me and the leg cramps I had to fight through. Some athletes work better in heat, some work better in cold (Chris!) but we all have to make decisions. Decisions before, during and after the race that affects us. I'm including screenshots from Facebook posts from others as why they didn't finish. I think it paints a better picture of what people were experiencing. Maybe the thought, "well Matt, you finished the race, it couldn't have been THAT BAD??" crossed your mind. Read through these posts. But before that...
Thank you!!! Thank you to my wonderful children for being there for Daddy! Your smiling faces give me energy beyond belief! I want to always make you proud!
Thank you to my parents for being there! I also want to make you proud and having you there at the Finish Line was awesome!
hugging my DadThank you to CTC/Rogue/Team RWB triathlon club members! Y'all rock. Y'all motivate me to work harder, to get stronger. Cheer like the crazed monsters you are. Can't thank you enough.
Tom Cooper, thanks for the pre-race prayer. The calm and peace you bring my mind when it wants to start going haywire is just so much appreciated. Were 4 for 4!
Sean Walsh, dude, your pre-race messages are just so encouraging and gets me hyped up. Being there to catch me at the Finish Line is just so awesome. What a great role model you are for your kids!
Paige and Ollie Tech- We've practically became family and you ladies are always in great moods and cheering like wild. Paige has a no fear attitude and crushes races all while supporting her husband in his crazy efforts. Your support is greatly appreciated and I look forward to our future adventures!
Last but certainly not least, Chris "The Bike" Tech. I am seriously impressed with your efforts to learn to swim and be prepared in a 1 year time span for an Ironman. Your duathlon experience set you up nicely, but you came into triathlon like a wrecking ball. The long bike rides, the long runs. Rabbit Hash, Louisville preview ride in the rain, UDF at 5am. "what do you mean another 9 mile run?" Bro, we worked our tails off. You kept me honest, pushed me when I slowed down. Encouraged me when I tired. Made me laugh when you NUKED! I'm super proud of your success and glad I was a part of it. Can't wait to see what we do in Maryland! Congrats to you Ironman!
Gotta say thanks to Ashlynn Lucas for setting up my training plan and coaching me to be prepared. All of my main races in 2018, Chattanooga 70.3, Canada and Louisville had horrible weather conditions. Either freaking hot, or cold and rainy. Your training plan got me to the fitness I needed to get to the finish line. and get there with no injury. I appreciate you as well!
https://www.befiercelifestylefitness.com
Well, I think thats good enough for now. Ironman Louisville 2018 will always be remembered as the hypothermia Ironman. Lots learned. Crazy experience. I'm super blessed. I couldn't get everything in here, Brian Forrester I'm glad you're ok. To those who didn't finish, dust your self off and get back to training. There's always another race in the future. I'm enjoying the break from training. My body earned it!
