IM Michigan 70.3

 Britt won’t let me drive so I’ll start this race report now. 

I have no idea why she thinks me driving after a 70.3 race that totally kicked my ass is a bad idea???

After crushing this race last year, then having 3 pretty successful races this year, I went into this race thinking it was ass kicking time. Charlie and I have been doing some tough bricks getting him ready for Ironman Florida. I was hoping we would get the same cool weather as last year. The lie detector test determined that would not be the case. I decided that this was the race where I would not wear my heart rate monitor and just push myself. My watch catches the heart rate but I didn’t mess with the watch. I just went and played triathlon with reckless abandon! Ok, not that crazy. After just setting a time trial PR last Tuesday, I knew my cycling legs were strong. Michigan is a fast bike course with few hills. The run is flat. Excellent course to test the fitness. 

I’ve said this before, but I really get energy from friendly faces. I was blessed to have my girls with me. I was lucky to have friends, Bart, Eileen, Tom, Colleen, Jamie, Stacey and Keith to hang out and see throughout the weekend. As usual, I met a few other athletes I got to talk to. One particular couple really stood out though. Andy Baker and his wife joined us and a few others on the lake viewing area at our cabin. Andy asks if he can sing us a song? It’s a triathlon song titled “Finish Line.”  This guy has made albums and is on Spotify. He breaks out a guitar and sings this song that hits me right in the feels! It was amazing! Andy and his wife (I only know his name because he said we could find him on Spotify under Andy Baker) got into triathlon in 2007 and have done a ton of races all over the world. Super nice, down to earth people. I videotaped the song, tried to upload to Facebook but it failed (will try again at home). 

The water temp was announced at 66.7 degrees. This is fantastic. Cool but easy to breathe in. Long sleeve wetsuit was great. Being this race was in mid September, the sun doesn’t come up until 7:45ish. So the pro men started at 7:50. Pro women started at 8.  Age group athletes started at 8:10. This is a late start for us. The weather has been hot the past few days and the forecast was to get warm quick and be almost 80 by noon. I knew this factor did not bode well for my run. Did I adjust my bike intensity to save legs for my run?    NOPE! Did I do this in the past and blow up? Yup! But you just don’t know your limits until you test them.  

I dove into beautiful Betsie Bay and had no problems sticking my face in and finding my stroke. Through the timing arch and away we went. I followed the swimmers ahead of me and stayed tight on the buoys. I felt good. I swam well. I sang Love Shack as it had played in transition while I was setting up. Got bumped a few times. I caught a few people who started before me. No real craziness here. I saw some seaweed float under me that was in a star shape. “Was that a starfish?” “No Matt. It was seaweed. There’s no starfish in here.” You never know what thoughts you’ll have in a 70 mile race. But that made me smile. Smiling is helpful. Your brain doesn’t think you’re working if you’re smiling. You’re just having fun. Make it around to 2nd timing chute and toward the swim exit. I did have a little trouble sighting the exit but kept swimming till I figured it out and soon enough I’m out of the water. Volunteer unzipped my wetsuit and off to T1 I go. I’m not messing around in transition today. I get that suit off, shoes and helmet on and out I go.

I start the bike. We go like half a mile and make a right turn. Soon as I turn, I see a male athlete sprawled out on the road with his bike taking up the whole lane. I think “man that sucks! He didn’t even bike 1 mile and he already crashed!” Go right around that guy and off I go. I absolutely love this bike course! We go out about 5 miles, hit a U turn and come right back through all the crowds! We then turn right and ride the scenic highway that goes around Crystal Lake. Just gorgeous trees, smooth roads and a community of people who watch and cheer us on. My legs showed we’ve been crushing pedals the past few months. I passed a lot of people going up hills. I never even dropped to small ring the entire ride (probably should have but oh well). There was one rider who had a BLUE and white kit that said Purple Patch on the back. I had a real problem this. Purple is my favorite color. I can not accept a kit saying Purple Patch being BLUE. It’s just wrong. Should be banned. Wrong I tell you. There was another U turn way out, going up a hill.. slowed way down, navigated the turn and got right back on the pedals. I hit the aid stations. The last one, I called out black gel (non caffeinated Maurten) and reached and grabbed, the gel slipped and popped up. I caught it! I yelled, “I caught it!” And these high school boys erupted in cheers! They were great! I mainly kept my computer on the map screeen so I knew of upcoming turns. I didn’t watch speed. I didn’t want to know speed when we hit head wind, I wanted to focus ahead when we got to bomb down hills. I hit 39.3 mph down the biggest hill. I heart bombing downhills. My bike did great. My quads did let me know towards the end that I had pushed them. I stood to push up a hill and was like, “ewwww, those quads are sore!” So be it. Can’t go fast without pushing those quads. I did look towards the end of the ride and saw my average was over 21mph. I’ve never done that in a 70.3. Strava confirmed this was my fastest 90k averaging 21.6. Bike course crushed!!

Get to transition and one of my neighbors had decided to throw their wetsuit over the rail where I was supposed to rack my bike. Seriously?? I’m hoping they had brain freeze and didn’t realize what they did. I tossed the suit onto the ground and racked the bike. Wheels were still hot from burning up the course ;). Decided to change socks, throw on the run shoes and get out of there. No messing around!

I immediately feel the blazing ball of fire in the sky cooking us. Great.  Clouds!! NOPE! Not a cloud in the sky. Ok, move your ass big boy. I see Brittney, Heidi and Sav! Lifts my spirits immediately! Told Britt I crushed the bike, she agreed and off I went. The run is like .70 miles out then back and farther out and around Betsie Bay. There is little shade. I got energy from the crowd. But the sun cooked me. The bike ride had taxed my legs. I stayed hydrated. I used my Base Salts. I did run the first couple of miles. Slow, but was running. Then out on the road, I walked. I quickly devised my plan. Run 2 cones, walk 1. The course had a ton of cones separating run and car traffic. I told myself run 2 cones but would run 4-5 cones before I’d walk to the next one. Then I get to the park we do a small loop around. I have to stop for a porta potty. Take care of business and out I go. Shortly after, my new running friend Keith catches me. Keith tells me he wants to run a mile with me. Totally picked me up! Super helpful! We talked and ran. Probably was my fastest mile. I never looked at mile splits. I knew they weren’t great. I knew I had to “eat the elephant “. Experience helped. I was in the suck but knew how to handle it. I saw my girls as I got back to the transition area. 

I told them this would be a long day. Britt assured me it was hot and I just needed to stay steady. Her belief in me was calming. I then went through the big crowd of people and saw Jamie, Stacy and Colleen. 

Got to turn around and back out I went. Lap 2 was full of leg twinges and short run games. Run to that tree. Walk to that shade. Run 2 cones. Hey! There’s Terry Gates! (Winner of the 70-74 age group!). There’s Tom! “Get it Tom!”  Back around the park. Back on the road. I walk next to this guy in an all white kit. I ask if he wants to run to the shade up ahead. “Nope, I’m power walking the rest of this.” He replies. Ok, see ya soon. I’d jog some. He’d catch me. We’d talk a minute, I’d jog, he’d catch me. I almost couldn’t believe it. Then he passed me. Bro was walking FAST. His plan worked better than mine! I give the guy props! I actually found the guy after the race. He said after walking 6 miles, his last 2 miles he ran pretty quick! Interesting!! 

I make it back to the crowd and I’m all walk now. Shins, hamstrings, quads, calves, and feet are all pissed. I’m spent. I finally see the red carpet. 

I always have energy for this! The absolute best part! NOT Today friends. NOT today. I see my girls. I high five them. I’m exhausted. I do NOT want to cramp in front of all these people. There’s no celebration. I don’t even think I smiled. I just walked under the arch to finish.

 I stop my watch and see 6:09. No where even close to last years 5:43. But it was a harder fight this year. The heat was for real. I struggled. I had to fight. I pushed. I persevered.I get my medal and hat. I meet my girls just passed photo place. Every layer stripped from me. 

I start bawling my eyes out. I’m exhausted. I’m disappointed. I’m proud. Legs hurt I’m over heated. I finished another 70.3!! All the emotions pour out for like 2 minutes. Then I pour a bottle of water over my head and on my legs. 

I go get another bottle of water. I smile. I’m good. I’m blessed to have such a great family! 

Bart Girdwood then finishes right behind me. He crushed the course in 5:50! He’s been having knee troubles and wasn’t sure how his day would go. He’s a beast! 

I start walking out and see a very short line to the Orca Cold Plunge tub. It looks like heaven to my very sore legs. The guy working it said the water is at 42 degrees. They let us go for 2 minutes so everyone can have a go one guy stepped in and said, “nope! Too cold!” And got right back out. A female athlete right in front of me stayed in for full 2 minutes. I had no idea how this would go but I had to try it. I got in and sat right down. 

It was COLD but felt amazing. Britt has a picture of me in it. Little ice cubes formed on my arms. Guy asked me after 1 minute how I was.  I said great, how are you?! Easy breathing and enjoyed that! After 2 minutes, right hip spasm as I stood up. Took an extra second to step out. Bart was a few people behind me in the cOld plunge and he lasted 2 minutes also!

To sum it up, it’s good to challenge yourself. It’s good to push over your limits and show yourself what you’re made of when things get difficult. You can have a plan, try to prepare and then fight through whatever obstacles stand in Your way. I didn’t necessarily set this up to show Heidi and Savannah we can fight through hard times, but they saw it. They saw me  decide to not quit. They saw me cry. They saw me freeze in the cold plunge. They are exposed to triathlon. Maybe one day they get into it, maybe not? At least they are exposed. Savannah did tell me how impressed she was when she watched the pro women dismount their bikes, rack the bike then throw in their run shoes in less than a minute. She was watching, intently. Taking it in. I love when my girls get to see strong women doing hard things! They won’t grow up thinking they need anyone to do everything for them. They also have a great example in their own Momma!! When Britt wants something done, stay outta her way! 

Can’t say enough good things about Frankfort, Michigan. Just a beautiful town with great people. I felt triathletes were welcomed to their town. 

My friends who were there, whether you raced, spectated, cheered …I am blessed to know you. I thank you for making my daughters feel welcomed in our group. I thank you for the support during the race. And after the race!

2024 triathlon season is done for IRONDAD! 4 70.3 races done and dusted.

2025 sees a busy time with Heidi graduating high school, having a graduation party and a college move in. Good timing as I’ve worn myself out!

11:17pm and Britt is still driving. She’s the real MVP! After driving me to the race , cheering me on course, then she drives 7 hours to get us home (I offered to drive some, she wouldn’t let me). I have the most amazing wife!

After getting to sleep in my own bed, I woke up today to a message from my friend Shawn. Today is his 5 year “streakaversary”. Which means tomorrow is my 8 year “streakaversary “! To run at least a mile everyday for years takes dedication, discipline and perseverance. Kind of goes hand in hand with triathlon. I haven’t run today’s clunky mile yet but I will. Today will be run streak day 2917.  My legs are already questioning me about running today but they need to just suck it up buttercup. The streak must live. I did have to side step down the stairs this morning. Legs, shins, feet are sore! Back and neck, also sore! Spirit is way better today. After talking with some people, and digesting what I accomplished yesterday…I feel much better. Did my run suck, yes. Did I quit, nope! I completed 4 70.3 races this year, after doing 4 last year. That’s a lot of racing. My body has responded well and I walked into car dealership today with a pretty normal gait. I’m considering this a win. Really blessed to have friends who earned a podium spot, friends who were there for me, friends who I helped, and a triathlon community who all wants everyone to succeed!

IM Louisville 70.3

 Louisville. This city has so many memories for me. 

It’s an easy 2.5 hour drive from Dayton. It’s where I took Brittney for her birthday getaway weekend. It’s where I worked the Finish Line of Ironman 2015 and caught my brother in law as he became an Ironman. I got to meet amazing athletes as they had just earned the title Ironman. I had a car turn in front of me in an intersection causing me to crash into them on my bike leading to a concussion and 5 staples in the back of my head (yes, I was wearing a helmet). 5 weeks after the crash, I lined up for my first Ironman. I swam 2.4 miles in the Ohio River. Biked the 112 miles and then ran a marathon to get to the coveted finish line and hear my name called as an Ironman. What was once only a dream with little belief in myself, became a goal and then a success. Louisville always will have a special place in my heart!

I met an athlete named Daniel in spring of 2023 who said he had heard rumors of a 70.3 coming to Louisville. Then in late summer of 2023, the official announcement came, Ironman was bringing a 70.3 back to Louisville. I asked no questions. I was in. Had to do it. Then I saw mid August race date. Yuck! Going to be hot and humid, no doubt. That’s ok, I gotta do it. Wouldn’t miss it. Down river swim! Hell yeah! Fun bike course! It’s only 1 loop of roads I know, perfect. Only gotta cross my crash intersection once, no problem. Run ends at 4th St Live! Super exciting!! Let’s do this!!

Coming off an amazing experience in Oregon 70.3, I was prepared to tackle Louisville. Charlie and I kept our consistent training up and had a nice 5 day taper to be ready. Way too much talk on the Facebook about algae blooms in the river possibly canceling the swim. Not in my control, can’t stress about it. Water temp was in 80s, wetsuit not going to get used. Booo! Weather was looking warm, but not overly hot, YAY!! I had over 20 people in the tracker app that I knew were racing. I love friendly faces in the races I’m in!! Knowing that my training partner Charlie and arch nemesis Marie were racing were also big factors in keeping me motivated! 

Race day arrives. Charlie and I stayed at a hotel half a mile away from transition. We met at 5am outside the hotel and walked it to transition. We set up our transitions and got the shuttle up to swim start. Some shuttles before races are eerily quiet. This shuttle was loud! It’s 6am and people are chatty! Fun feeling that energy! So we hit the porta potty one last time and then we line up. I move up to the front more than Charlie does for the simple fact I know the sooner I start, the sooner I finish. The heat and humidity builds throughout the day so the early I finish, the better. Waiting on the ramp to start the swim, I watch a bunch of fish jumping around in the river. The wind was blowing opposite direction of the way we were swimming. The water looked as if the current was going against us. I tried to believe it was an optical illusion. Can’t control it, can’t stress over it. The Kentucky Derby bugler started off the morning with My Old Kentucky Home and the call to start the race. We also had a moment of silence to respect fallen troops. The National Anthem played, the cannon sounded and swimmers jumped into the 82 degree river. About 7:05, I jumped into the Ohio and immediately got water all up in my goggles. Not great. Thought they were tight enough. Oh well, swim big boy, swim! Stay calm, focus on the yellow and orange buoys, just keep swimming. River is wide so there wasn’t much contact between me and other swimmers. Swimming is weakest discipline in triathlon and man did it show in a river with no current and no wetsuit! Had a turtle make fun of me as it flew past me. Buoy to buoy, bridge to bridge, just kept swimming. I was almost getting tired when I finally saw the red turn buoy! That made me smile! I knew I was almost done when I made it there! I swam all the way up to the stairs and started getting out when I realized there was a railing under my left leg. I hit the inside shin of left leg on the railing. Ouch! There’s still a small bruise from that hit today. Volunteer helped me out of river and off I went. Peeled my swim skin off and got into my bike shoes as fast as I could. I had no idea how far ahead of Charlie and Marie I had started, but I didn’t want them to even see me in transition. We were all racked close together. I got out of there as quick as possible and was not thrilled with the distance Ironman made us run our bikes to. It was way long. Finally get to the street and mount up! Start pedaling and make my way down River Rd. Wind is blowing us right down the road. Feeling good. About 6-7 miles in, I’m noticing my shoulders and arms are sore. I’m readjusting, stretching and trying to get more blood flowing through my arms. That swim was challenging! Took more out of me then I had figured. Keep pressing those pedals Matt. Now we make up time. Charlie and I had ridden the course 3 weeks prior. We knew the hills and the roads. We knew there was no reason to brake on the downhills. No sharp turns. Bike did an amazing job of handling the up hills and flying down hill. I was very happy to average 21 mph on the course with good elevation gains on it. The headwind on the way back was not helpful, but I didn’t fight it. No reason to burn a match for a few miles. Make it to dismount line and have to run even farther than before with the bike. We could have ridden the bikes down the path, but that’s not what Ironman planned for. Finally make it back to transition and get the trusty steed racked. Helmet off, bike shoes off. Decide to switch socks. Race belt on. Off we go. People are lined up on both sides seeing runners starting their run. I see Brittney and say hello. Then I see the Rogue crew on the left and give high fives all the way down the line. Time to get this run done! Then a left hand turn down River Rd and “Whoa!  It’s warm!”  There is few clouds hiding the warm sunshine. My legs are good, but a little tired from the ride. The decision between try and run fast or become “Steady Eddie “ is easily made. Just stay consistent and steady, don’t overcook the heart rate. Let’s get to that finish line! I see Shane Karr just ahead of me. I’m thinking we’re in same age group and I had just beat him in Oregon..by like 3-4 minutes. 3-4 minutes can be easily made up with right motivation in a 70 mile race. I really didn’t want to pass him early on. I had no idea where he started in the swim but if he had it in mind to beat me today…I didn’t want to motivate that early in the run. I was just a touch faster running at that time. I went shoulder to shoulder with him. Asked how he was feeling. He said good but his run has been a “dumpster fire” this year. When I hear athletes say things like that, it usually means they are about to light it up and show good results (Charlie and Marie!). I tell Shane I hope he has a good run and I pull ahead. I’m praying he doesn’t pass me later. Then we hit Cherokee Park. Brittney and I had reconned Cherokee Park the day before. I had a good idea of what awaited us runners. But I still underestimated the hills of Cherokee Park. The hills were steep at times. The hills went up, turned and then went up again. Finally we hit a down hill. I thought we were going down the park now. The hard part was over!  One minute later….NOPE!! More hills! Going back up! Wrapping around the elevator shaft that brought the locals to the top of the mountain! (That may be an exaggeration). It was tough. 64 miles into the race and climbing hills, challenging!! There was shade , that helped the temps. But this run course was difficult. I was not the only athlete walking up some of this mess. I did get right back to my running as soon as I could. Cherokee Park is beautiful and gorgeous homes to gawk at, but I was happy to leave it! Back to the road towards downtown and full sunshine again. Long stretch! Lots of ice used in hat, down suit and in my bottle. Just stay cool and hydrated! Mile marker after mile marker down. Just keep running. Make a turn to see Sean Walsh jabbering away on his cellphone. I point at him and say, “that’s alright Sean, I’ve been racing for 6 hours to finally see you and you just talk on the phone!” He’s got that look like “aw man, I gotta get off this phone call”. There’s a quick turn around and Sean tells me I’m almost there. It’s always good seeing Sean’s smile. Then I’m running up 3rd street. I know I’ve got 2 right turns to get to red carpet and my favorite Finish Line ever! I can hear the noise of the crowd. I can feel the energy! I zip up my shirt and take off my hat. I motion to the crowd to get loud! I ask them to get loud! I’m getting high fives! I’m scanning the crowd for friends and family! The smile on my face can’t be beat! Loving those vibes! Then I see my dad waving his arms on my left! My mom and dad drove down just to see me finish. Brittney was with them. I stopped for a second or 2 to high five them and then finished the job! Brittney had another wife of an athlete who said, “well he certainly is fun!” I live for that rock star feeling! I believe the crowd loves it when they have someone to cheer for who shows the appreciation for their effort! I get my medal and finishers hat. I try to calm down as  Brittney, mom, and dad find me on the railing. I ask how Charlie is doing. Brittney tells me Charlie and Marie were both kicking ass and closing on me quickly. Charlie finishes almost right behind me. Marie finishes right after Charlie. (Yes, they both had faster times than me, I only finished first because I started the swim earlier). Charlie and I briefly talk with both our families before exiting out into the crowd. 

After racing 23 70.3 races (I’m still shocked I’ve done that many) I’ve learned a lot. One main thing is that every 70.3 finish is a good finish. 70 miles by water, wheels and foot is a long way. Throw in the obstacles of warm water, no current help, hills on bike and run courses and Louisville became quite the challenge! Tough course!! My official time of 5:58 made me very proud that I was under 6 hours on such a tough course. I was also proud of all the people I knew who crushed it that day.  It’s a wild life to train and prepare for these events. It’s a wild day to finish the event. But it’s so much FUN!!! 

I can’t thank Brittney enough for being the Sherpa that she has embraced. It was funny (probably looked bad) checking into hotel with me rolling my bike in and Britt toting 2 suitcases , a small cooler and a book bag. I offered to take something but Britt said she had it. She then knows my day before race needs of bike checking in and staying out of the sun. Early dinner and early to bed. She takes care of hotel check out and helps get gear back to car after the race. Sherpas are saints! I’m lucky my wife helps and supports me!

That’s my report. If I left something out or you have any questions let me know.

September 15th…IRONDAD takes the family to Frankfort, Michigan for one last 70.3 of 2024!

Ironman Oregon 70.3. “What if?”

 As I sit in the Phoenix airport on a delayed flight, I find myself with time to type! And I just so happen to have an amazing race to type about!

Oregon State Capital 

Short back story, last year I did 4 70.3 races that were all lake swims. Lake swims are fine, but I follow a lot of races and athletes and I became quite jealous of down river races and current assisted finishing times. I’m competitive and haven’t really set any personal records in awhile. 2 races jumped out at me. Maine and Oregon. Both are known to have fast current assisted swims. Oregon reported a 12mph current. Pro athletes were swimming 15 -16 minute swims.  I’m usually a 38-40 minute swimmer in a 70.3. I haven’t raced on the west coast since Whistler, 2018. Oregon was chosen. 

I signed up as soon as it opened. Made hotel reservations in Salem as soon as I could. There are a few options in Salem but not many. Then the planning began. As this is a race report, I won’t go into detail about our waterfall tour 

Multnomah Falls

 Horsetail Falls

or Crater Lake National Park

but they were epic experiences!

I always try to be transparent. The good and the bad. The rough part of traveling cross country for triathletes is getting all our race stuff, mainly the bike!, to the race. Tri bike transport goes out of business and I have to make new plans. I do not have the skill to break down and reassemble a Tri bike. I contacted Scott’s Cycle in Salem (which happens to be a block away from transition). Adam happened to answer the phone and was super helpful! He explained how to ship my bike to the shop, they assembled it and agreed to meet me right after the race to get the bike in the shop because we had a super early flight the next day. I also wasn’t able to pack some luxury items like recovery boots or my Hyper Volt (1st world problems!). But they would’ve been nice to have. Traveling is expensive. Bike shipping is expensive. I wanted my girls to see Oregon and share the experience with them. Costs times 4 add up…but we created such core memories! My work vacation was limited to before the race which caused the site seeing before the race, instead of after. I don’t recommend having days of 15,000-20,000 steps of hiking 2-3 days before a 70.3 mile race. But we make do. And I’m not flying all the way out here to not see amazing scenery!!

Ok, enough whining. Day before the race, I get checked in with no issues. Volunteers seem to love us from the jump. I tell them I love their state and its beauty.

Brittney, the best Sherpa ever, agreed to run the 1.5 mile distance with me from transition to swim start. 

To be honest, a 12mph current made me a little nervous. 

Willamette River

Over shooting the exit creates a big problem. Swimming over the shallow area sounded bad. Doing a practice swim did 2 things, 1. showed me I could handle the current and how to “superman” over the shallow (I’m talking less than a foot deep” area. 2. Messed with my competitive brain because it took me 31 minutes and I felt super slow. I had to step back and remind myself I was basically by myself, trying to sight and worried about the exit. Race day would be much better. Brittney walked my stuff back to transition, because she’s awesome. She then got in a run on the run course in the park.

 I get my bike from Scott’s, Dawn even pumped up my tires for me! Adam gives me his personal cell number for after the race. Stickers on bike and bike checked in. Lunch with my girls and the rest of the day is spent napping and staying off my feet. My shins had been hurting from a lot of walking, I was treating them as much as possible. I had also made a few friends at the hotel who agreed to let me ride with them to the race.

Race day, the best day!! 4am alarm. Met Peter, Sam and Taylor at 4:45. It was Peter’s anniversary! These guys were from Utah and had driven 11 hours to get to Salem. 5am we are parked.

One aspect of Oregon 70.3 I absolutely love is no messing around getting the race started. 6:15am start time. We are told we all walk the 1.5 mile walk up to swim start together, once you walk down the ramp, you jump in and swim! You better be ready. 

The week before race day, Oregon was having temps in the 100’s. Day before the race was about 90. Heat is my krptonite in a run. The forecast called for cool weather to start and slowly warming up. A small shower was possible but most of day looked great. We could see lightning during transition prep. Announcements were made the storm was moving away from us. 

Like salmon swimming upstream, we all walked together to swim start. The nervous energy filled the air. The lightning in the distance was intriguing. There was no talk of stalling or cancelling. Just let’s get it started! 

Down the ramp I go, and into the drink I splash. I hit start on my watch and notice it had went back screen! I only just selected triathlon! I had to hit accept and then start, as I was in the water! Small problem fixed, now swim! Some people were swimming all the way across the river! I had heard the current was strongest in the middle. That is where I aimed for. The middle also solved the shallow area problem from the day before. All the swimmers around solved my sighting issues. Seeing the rocks on the bottom flying by showed me I was flying down the Willamette River! Watch buzzed every 500 yards letting me know where I was distance wise. At 1500 yards, I started moving closer to shore. At 2000 I thought it was time to turn…swim ended up being long. I followed the swimmers to the turn and then swam all the way to the exit. Easy peasy baby! Looked at my watch and saw 23:40! Hell yeah!! Add in the few seconds of watch fiddling and exiting the water, 24:00 official time! Fastest 70.3 swim for me! Water temp was 72, athletes always want to know water temp.

Up the steep ramp, turn right and see another favorite sight!!  STRIPPERS!! Wetsuit strippers that is. I go to end of line and pick out a big guy! He has strength. Strength can remove a wetsuit quickly!! He does a great job yanking my wetsuit right off! I make my way to the bike, get shoes on, helmet on, and get out of there. 

One thing I’d change was not testing out the bike after it was disassembled, shipped and reassembled. I didn’t plan for that. I had to just hope the bike would be good to go. I hopped on and started pedaling. Not pushing hard, trying to let heart rate settle. There’s a few turns and railroad tracks you gotta watch to not eject water bottles!

First 10 miles flies by. 

I knew there was only 1 decent hill on the bike course. It came around mile 13.2. I knew to down shift when I saw the turn. I’ve been training on hills. My cycling is solid. This was not a tough hill. Unfortunately, my gears started grinding. What should have been easy pedaling became hard enough that I stopped, in the middle of the hill. I had not came all this way to get a mechanical issue end my day! I checked the chain, it was fine. Tires not flat. I spun the pedals and changed gears…they were fine. I took a deep breath. I knew every race threw a different problem and it’s not the problem…it’s how you respond. So I got back on my bike, tried like hell to get pedaling but going up hill with zero momentum is rough! I refused to walk up this hill. That would bruise my cycling ego. I tried again and again. I finally stomped the left pedal and leaned forward. Trusted my balance and got going. Not real happy about that as it slowed me way down, but that’s triathlon sometimes. I then worked the gears to see if I could figure out how to avoid it. Finally decided that I wouldn’t use the small easy gear up front unless I absolutely had to. Then I trusted the bike to keep moving! And moving we went! I knew I was averaging about 20mph and keeping heart rate close to zone 2/3 border. Slight headwind on way out then a 180 degree turn and tail wind coming back. Most of trip is a 2 lane road. Bike course was congested in places but kept the race fun! 

Mother Nature wanted in on the fun! After my mechanical issue,  I then saw a big bolt of lightning, then heard a good rumble of thunder. “The storm is moving away from us.” Made me smile. Another bolt of lightning! I’m talking impressive bolt. Then the rain fell. It wasn’t a hard rain, but my shoes and socks got soaked. I kept a good speed but was safe about it. No need to crash or slide out. Rain let up and clouds covered the sun. I hit this big field, and the sun rays were streaming down through the clouds providing a kaleidoscope of colors! It was beautiful! I again smiled and thought about how lucky I am to be cycling in Oregon and seeing God’s beauty! Just incredible! I asked the clouds to keep doing a great job hiding the sun!

After the tight U turn, I came hauling back. Wind was helping me. Bike was doing its thing. I stayed fueled. I used Base salt. Legs were good. Just keep pedaling! I am happy to report I did not see any major wrecks or injuries. I was told there was at least one “pile up” of 5-8 athletes who wrecked but I didn’t see that. When I was getting close to the hill that gave me issues before, I went full bore and used as much momentum as possible and went right up and over it with no problems. Big sigh of relief. Let’s just get to transition! 56 miles rode. Let’s go for a run!

T2 I took time to switch socks. The rain and pee had my cycling socks squishy. Dry socks to start the run just feel better. No issues racking bike. Packed my back pockets with energy chews and pickle juice…and my lidocaine stick roller. Never have carried that before! If my shins flared up, like they did in Chatty, I had a plan. Didn’t know if it would work, but was willing to try. 

Leaving T2 is usually fun, because all the spectators are there and they bring energy! But you gotta temper your speed and keep heart rate in check. I smile. I wave. I ease into the run. I cross the “taco bridge”. Out to the figure 8 course I go. It’s an out, 2 loop then back run. 90% shaded. No real hills but it goes up and down in points through Minto Brown park. Gorgeous trees and well kept park. Aid station volunteers were awesome! Lots of options. Kept using my salt. Maurten gels kept me moving. Talked with a 55 year old lady from San Francisco for a mile. Then talked to a guy from southern Oregon. More I talk, less I think about legs. Then I remind myself of my question…” What if?”  Taken from David Goggins. “What if “…” What if today is my day?” “What if I cramp and I just run through it?” “What if I throw caution to the wind and just go for it?” “What if…” Then the hunt continues, where is the next mile marker sign? Just find 8…found it! Now go find 9! Pickle juice shot was supposed to be at 7, I was feeling good at 7, so kept pickle juice until mile 8. I do not like pickle juice at all, but I swear it helps. I got to mile 11 before I needed a walk break. It was a short break. Shook out the legs. Broke out a Honey Stinger energy chew. Asked myself, “ what if you get your ass in gear?” I started running again. Not real fast but I wasn’t walking. 

I’m just past the split where the 2nd loop starts and the way to the finish line starts. I cant remember if I caught up or if this female athlete passed me. But I heard her tell another guy she was on her 2nd loop. The guy said we only have a mile left! The lady looked at her watch and said, “I’m on mile 7.” The guy said “you missed the turn.” She seemed confused. I told her she needed to turn around and go back to the split, she had indeed missed the turn. I can attest, the turn was well marked. Maybe she was tired, or not paying attention or just missed it??  70.3 is long enough..she added a bonus mile!

Then I saw I was catching 2 guys who were shoulder to shoulder. One wearing an AP racing kit (same as me) and another wearing a Plush kit. (Back story ; a few years ago a team called Wattie Ink broke up. The team split into Plush and what is now AP Racing). Just for small talk and giggles, I said, “I’m so happy to see Plush and AP getting along!” Both of them laughed. There really isn’t any animosity between us athletes. We talked for about half a mile. Plush kit slowed down. AP stepped it up. I tried staying with him but he was just a little faster than me at that time.  The last mile or so is in full sun. No shade to be found here, but you know when you cross the “taco bridge”, you are almost home! 

 Taco bridge

The crowd starts to really bulk up. Then you see the red carpet with the M dot logo! I’m pumped! Waving my arms and cupping my ears to get the noise level up! Rock star treatment engaged!! Huge smile! Relief of no cramps! I did it! I came to Oregon, saw the course and the beautiful landscape, overcame a bike mechanical and persevered! Right before the actual finish line I see all 3 of my girls! 

 High five my kids  Brittney is on this side of flag

Heidi and Sav get high fives! I tell Britt I’ll be with her in just a minute! I hear the announcement of my name! I cross that finish line all smiles! Volunteer takes my timing chip. A girl about 5 years old places my medal around my neck! I thank her and her mom for being there! 

There’s a picture at the finish line. 

It shows different athletes feelings and energy levels at the same place and time. There’s a man with a yellow hat bent over looking like he may fall over, exhausted. Then there’s me, flexing and smiling! We both had just beaten the course, went over 70.3 miles in water, on wheels and then on our own 2 feet. 

My girls had moved down to see me past the finish line. 

I did a “PR Dance” as this was my fastest 70.3 ever (thank you river current and proper mindset!) Heidi knew I was closing in on the finish line when she the guy wearing the same kit as me. But she said that guy was huffing and puffing. Then she sees me coming around the bend pumping up the crowd and goes, “there’s my Dad!”  She said I have a certain energy at finish lines that now many do.

 So proud of my girls and so grateful they were there to support me!

Overall, Oregon 70.3 is my new favorite 70.3 course. I loved every minute of it. Highly recommend, 10 out of 10! 5 stars! 

2 days after the race, I read that one triathlete, a father and husband, did not make it out of the swim alive. This isn’t the first race someone has died attempting this sport that I’ve been in. I never heard what exactly happened, but it’s a sobering reminder that this hobby, this exercise challenge…can be dangerous. To take every day with grace and gratitude. Hug your loved ones!

I get 3 weeks until Ironman Louisville 70.3! The place I became an Ironman! Also the place of my worst bike crash! Time to be smart and Safe!

If anyone has any questions or wants recommendations for Oregon, hit me up! You won’t be disappointed!!

Ironman Chattanooga 70.3 2024

 Triathlon season is back baby!! That’s how I’m starting this one. Just super excited to be back in tri season. Winter was spent with consistent training and added in 2 days a week of strength training to try and slow this aging process. 10 weeks ago I switched to a more run focused training plan to try and PR the Indy Mini. The sudden hit of humidity derailed that plan 2 weeks ago. What it also did was teach me that when I set hard time goals and put unnecessary pressure on myself, I lose the FUN of endurance sport. It’s not news to me that heat and my run pace don’t get along. Knowing that Chattanooga is always hot and humid, I knew I needed to chill and just try and be steady. Have FUN! 

Sunday before the race, I’m feeling good. Recovered from Indy. In good shape. Bike fitness was decent. Run fitness good. Thankful for a down river swim! Race week! Let’s do this!

Monday, race is 6 days out. One last 40 mile ride to get bike legs ready. About 8 miles into the ride, I hit a hard bump going pretty fast. I was on the bike path for crying out loud. I’ve ridden Vengeance for 7 years. Put her through many races and lots of miles. All the wear and tear plus that hard bump led to a broken fork. Handlebars didn’t break all the way off. I didn’t crash but the race bike I’m so used to, not operable. My neighbor came to rescue me and drive me home. Off to the bike shop who confirmed Vengeance was inoperable. I also got referred to Creekside Cyclery who is a Scott dealer. They have been amazing to work with and my new fork is ordered (from Europe).  You don’t want your kids getting hooked on drugs? Get them into cycling. No money left for drugs!

Ok, 3 days before I leave and need a bike. I’m lucky I had 2 options. Road bike or trainer tri bike. Both would suffice. Chatty course is fast and tri bike is faster. I’ve trained all winter long on trainer bike (Christy). Off the trainer Christy came. New tubes and tires put on. Rear hydration cage moved over. TubesNLube checked Christy over and made sure gears were in order and tires lined up, no brakes rubbing. Problem solved. I’ll admit, I freaked out a little. The bike is usually the longest part of the race. Not riding Christy outside in a few years and now relying on her for 56 race miles was shady. I got in a good shake out ride Thursday which made me relax. Christy was ready to be called up to the Big Leagues!

Friday was travel day. Had a nice Tennessee Highway Patrolman remind me to not drive over the speed limit. Got into Chatty just in time to check in and get my packet. Bike stickers on. Bib on race belt. All systems go. Dinner at Community Pie for amazing thick crust GF pizza!

Saturday I knocked out run streak day 2796 with Brittney who ran further and found the beautiful bike path along the river. Got the bike checked in. We headed to Ruby Falls and enjoyed the cave tour. It’s very cool to see, even if you’ve seen it before. I was happy to do something with my beautiful wife and be out of the sun.  Lunch at Tony’s Trattoria for Tettrazini! After a nap at the hotel, we decided the rocket fuel for Sunday was located at Community Pie! Brittney loves the “New York “ style pizza and I never get thick crust pizza at home. Absolutely amazing Saturday. Brittney knows how these race weekends go. Lights out for an early alarm. 

Race day! The best day!! I slept decent. Woke up ready to go have fun. Sean Walsh was in town and had said, “when I see you on course, you better be smiling!” It was the reinforcement I needed to enjoy the day. I walked the mile from hotel to race site. Set up transition. Made sure tires felt pumped up and didn’t mess with them further. Once bottles were filled and transition was set, I got on the bus to swim start. Sat with a guy who raced Hawaii 70.3 and Nice,France IM last year. Good talk with a fast guy!

I walked a lot further to the front of the swim line than I normally do. I knew the river current would help me. I also hoped the width of the river would help spread out the swimmers. Water temp was 72.6. Wetsuit legal. Game time!

3 swimmers were told to go every 3 seconds. We jumped off the dock feet first and your race has begun. I swam to the middle of the river. It’s supposed to have the most current there. I could feel it helping me but I had to work some. I just got in my groove and kept swimming. The boathouse we start at is 1.4 miles from the exit. It kind of equals out, longer swim but current assisted. Very little contact with other swimmers until I made my way toward exit. It’s a BIG step up to get onto exit platform! I had to hoist myself up and throw a knee onto platform. Volunteer grabbed my hand and helped me up. Then a short run to my favorite “aid” station! The STRIPPERS!! Wetsuit strippers gotta have the most fun. Athletes run up, lay down with wetsuits already half way off, and strippers yank as hard as they can! Amazing experience!

I stuff my goggles and nose clips into my swim cap and roll it into the wetsuit as I run toward my bike. Long run to the bike! Bike socks and shoes on. Nutrition into pockets. Helmet snapped. Off I go. One major difference between Christy and Vengeance is one less bottle cage on Christy. The decision to rely more on Maurten gels and less on Infinit fluids was based on necessity. One gel every 10 miles. Drank some Infinit. Used Base Salt to prepare for later. 

Bike course is a blast. Wind was low. LOTS of bikes out there. Got crowded early and often. The only “tough” hill is right after a left turn about 26 miles in onto Andrew’s Lane. I was prepared and geared correctly. I passed 6-8 people up that hill (they passed me back on the run). Then we get to bomb down the road for a while. Free speed with the proper tri bike! Christy was cooking. Legs were feeling good. I was smiling. Then a few cars showed up on the bike course. The roads were open but these drivers did not want to go slow and caused a few traffic jams. I had to warn a rider or 2 of incoming cars so they didn’t become hood ornaments or unalive themselves. I had to burn a match getting around a car that was just in a bad spot and refused to go slower.

Bike mechanical issues and crashes are typical in these races. I always hate to see riders on the side of the road but it’s worse when they are in middle of the road or surrounded by paramedics. One female rider donated a decent pool of blood to the road and was being helped by paramedics into the ambulance. I saw this but tried to focus on my own safety. Didn’t realize the red stuff was her blood until I was next to it. I rode a little safer till the end after that.  Goal was to get to finish line without injury. Bike time was 2:46. Christy did amazing. I was ready to run.

I saw Brittney as I rode in. Ran the bike up to the rack and switched socks. This took an extra minute but dry socks felt better. Shoes on. Grabbed my belt and hat and off I went.

Staying in safe mode, I switched my watch to heart rate screen. Had to keep heart rate down at the beginning of the run. I know what happens if I go too hard early on  and it’s not pretty. Brittney wishes me good luck as I started the run. About a mile in, I hear the booming voice of Sean Walsh. I see his pretty face. He says “Matt Kennard you are going too slow.” I explain my heart rate disagrees and I listen to it. He laughs and we hug. Smiling friendly faces are so helpful on course! First 2 miles are up and over a highway bridge in full sun. It’s warm and getting hotter. Then we go to the bike path. There’s shade there! Wonderful cooler shade! But man is it packed with runners running both ways. There’s like 2700 registered athletes for this race. It’s popular. There’s only so much room on that path. I was more thankful for the shade than the fact we were packed onto the path. Volunteers were fantastic with providing fluids and food and positive energy!

Then we hit this big ass hill. There’s a lot of walking going up this hill. Me included. Once up the hill, we turn right onto a bridge. There was a ton of people. But no noise. So I called them out on it. “This many people and y’all are quiet??” That got them going! Their energy picked up my energy! I have no idea if spectators know how much they can help athletes. The bridges we cross are LONG! The sun is cooking us. Just keep running. A right turn off the bridge goes downhill to an underpass. Complete shade! For like 75 glorious feet! Then back out to the road. A tri team brought out a tent with some excellent music  Then we hit the last bridge of the loop. Wooden footing has seen better days  closer to the end finds more and more spectators.  I find Brittney! She gives me great motivation and says I’m killing it  I’m feeling good and know I have one more loop in me. I take in my last Pickle juice shot. I keep using ice and drinking as much fluid as possible. The Bromance race saver sack was an integral tool in keeping my head cool. 2nd loop goes a lot like the first. “Just be steady Eddie” I think to myself. Some runners who passed me early on, are coming back to me as I stay steady. Bike path is packed but still shady. Hill somehow got longer and steeper but I make it over. One big change occurred!

When I turned right on the first bridge, a “human tunnel” has formed. They had taken offense of me calling them out earlier! This human tunnel was LOUD!! It was incredible!! So much energy! Absolutely amazing! So much fun! Ok, it was HOT AF at this point. The bridge had cones and flags. I used these as run to and you can walk to the next points. Somehow, I’d run even further than what I agreed to. Around 11 miles in and my shins started tightening up. I’ve dealt with this before. It sucks. I prayed they didn’t cramp. I took more Base Salt. I used a pack of Honey Stinger chews. I refused to go into the dark hole  

A few weeks ago, an athlete threw shade at my football team by saying he didn’t want to be “Ohio Soft.” He had no intent of pointing that at me. I took this as a motivation factor. “I’ll show you Ohio soft!” I refused to let tight shins slow me down. I stayed steady. Then I came up on that tri team tent again. Their loud speakers was booming 90’s rap. The Dr Dre Snoop song that includes the lyrics, “my beeper keeps beeping, but I’m just like a clock when I tick and I tock, but I’m never off and I’m always on till the break of Dawn “ was rocking! They were grooving! I started grooving! I was rapping out loud. Fueled my fire! Helped get me to and over that last bridge. The spectators were hyped up and loud now! I love going toward the finish line! Downhill I ran and I could see it. Brittney was on left side. She got a kiss before I finished. I looked behind me to make sure I wasn’t blocking any incoming runners. Then I opened up my arms to full little kid airplane mode and smiled as I made my way across one of my favorite places ever, The Finish Line! Another 70.3 done and dusted! 

I hadn’t even looked at my run splits. Had no idea where I was at with overall time. Then I saw 6:05 on my watch.

6:05 is my slowest Chatty time of 3 races. My competitive brain wanted to be disappointed. My more experienced brain took over. This was a longer swim than before. This was on a different bike. I had no cramps. I was walking decent. No injury. I’m older. I had FUN! It was a challenge that I conquered. I have an amazing wife who supports this wild lifestyle. I’m a lucky man. 84 degrees with 90% humidity. I’m pleased with everything. Very successful weekend!

 Every race has things that remind me of my family. We passed Heidi Lane on the bike. The run course goes around 2 nice sets of tennis courts. I saw a Purdue tri kit (Purdue is a high on Heidi’s list of potential colleges”. Then there was a spectator with a blow up bear. All things reminding me of my now high school senior! Cant believe next year at this time we will be having a Graduation Party!!

Can’t thank Brittney enough for all the help and support to make these races happen. The head mechanic Chris at TubesNLube did a spectacular job of making sure Christy was race ready! All the spectators, volunteers and safety forces at the race were fantastic!

IRONDAD takes the Kennard family to Oregon in July for the next 70.3!