Heidi and Savvy's tri August 5, 2017

The morning started off getting bike tags and body marking.





Transition areas were set up!

Savvy's race was first up! Savannah loves the water and was ready for the swim!
 Last minute tips from the IronDad


and they're off!! Every swimmer had a lifeguard in water with them. Savvy was the only unassisted swimmer in her heat. There were 2 heats in the 5-6 age group.

Then off to T1



a small helmet buckle problem slowed her down but then Sav took off like a rocket!

after 3 loops, Savvy pulls into T2

off onto the run she goes!

watch the sprint to the finish!

IM Ohio 70.3

July 30, 2017

My 8th 70.3 triathlon

On Saturday I got my pre-race massage then headed to Delaware, OH. Easy hour and 20 minute drive. I got to Ohio Wesleyan Campus and started walking to stadium. I saw Matt Fadely who introduced me to a friend of his. Fadely said, This is Matt Kennard, he's kind of a big deal around here, everyone knows Matt." He was just joking, of course. But about 5 seconds later, Colleen drives by and yells "Hey Matt!" then Brenda was in the next car or 2 cars back and hollers out, "Hey Matt!" It was kind of funny because this other guy had to be thinking I did know a lot of people. I ended up knowing 25 other racers in this race. Seeing friends and teammates on the course is always free energy for me. I know someone will pick me up or I may be able to help motivate others on the course. I went to the athlete meeting which had a leg massage Reboot place next to it. So I got out of the sun and had the Reboot leg massage going while listening to briefing. I then got checked in. I found Kevin and we went to set up our T2 area with our run gear. I saw most people had kept their stuff in the bags. I wanted to go fast during the race. So I set up my stuff and used the bag to cover it up but was easy to access my shoes and belt. Off to the lake where we checked in our bikes. I saw Chris Purcel who drove from North Carolina to come race in his home state. Kalen, Katie, Liz were all getting race ready as well.


We changed our dinner plans and had good ole Bob Evans. I was wore out from the day. I was still sore from The Murph workout we did at the Academy on Thursday. I don't usually do push-ups, sit-ups and air squats, but we rocked out 20 sets in between mile runs on Thursday and I was feeling it. But I knew the weather was looking great and on race day, you either bring the noise or you don't. I was able to sleep pretty well for the night before a big race.

Alarm went off at 4am. Was out the door at 4:20 and parked by 4:30. A group of us walked over to the stadium to use the porta potties. I choose the one porta potty facing away from the others. I came out to a fork lift coming straight at me! The fork lift driver yelled, "It's a good thing you came out when you did!" He then lifted the porta potty I was in and whisked it away. As we watched the porta potty being moved, Colleen quipped, "There goes Matt's shit flying down the street!" That would've freaked me out! But it was funny! Back at the car, I got all my stuff together and waited for wet suit announcement. 75.9! wetsuit legal by .2 degrees! I'm a much faster swimmer in the wet suit, so I was thrilled. Loaded up onto the shuttle and it felt like it took forever to get to race site. Finally got there and set up bike nutrition.  I was feeling great, a little nervous, but not as sore as Saturday. Got body marked and headed to beach. Right before a race is electric. The energy of the athletes, the support from spectators. Such a cool environment!

My swim wave was 3rd. started at 7:08. I jumped in, found my rythym and enjoyed the water. A few bumps from other swimmers but not bad. Then we turned. The sun was glaring! I couldnt see buoys but I could see kayaks. So I sighted off them. I continued on my pace and was thrilled to turn away from the sun. I made it back to shore and was happy to have that done.

 I was surprised there wasn't wetsuit strippers to help remove wetsuits. But it didn't take me an extra 20 seconds to tear that thing off and get my bike shoes and helmet off. Stuffed my swim stuff into the bike bag and off on my bike I went.

After Muncie, I had been thinking a lot about going too hard on the bike and trying to save some energy for the run. But I always got back to the thought, I love going fast on the bike! Maybe it was just a mental thing? Maybe I didn't fight hard enough the urge to walk when I should be running. I started off the bike trying not to push myself. The headwind on the way out was there but not terrible. When we came back, the wind helped push us. What I experienced was flat corn field roads with no hills and not much to look at was boring. I was trying to go fast without killing the legs. But I was getting bored. I saw Mike Brown, Mike Sullivan, Matt Fadely and Sean Walsh all rocking out there rides! We all tried to holler out at each other but being safe and continuing forward motion was utmost importance. At about mile 43ish, I was bored and almost lonely. There were people passing me, but because of my early start, there wasn't many riders for me to pass. Then I hear this female voice say, well I heard something but do to wind i think it was, "Hey there Matt Kennard!" Judy Stutes had caught me! She pedaled up next to me and took off like a rocket. Knowing Judy started after me and was now ahead of me on the bike, I knew I was getting my butt kicked! I tried to yell "Keep it up!" to Judy but she took off quick! I tried to pick up my pace to see if I could keep Judy in sight. Mile 50 hit, then 55 and I knew it was about time to switch to the run. I dismounted the bike,

    switched into run shoes  off I went.



I was proud of my transition times. No screwing around that day. No fear of cramps, just GO! Out onto the run course I went. I knew I had a good bike split, but it wasn't as fast as Muncie. I felt great starting the run.I tried to hold back so I wouldn't use up too much energy early. About a mile out, I got into the first loop. I love the spectator support on this run. I got a lot of people to cheer for us athletes. I stuck to my plan using a GU packet every 3 miles. Then mile 8 hit and the temperature started to show itself. It got hot out there! My pace slowed. Between mile 9 and 10, I saw Colleen's kit and decided to catch up to her. Just talking to someone can take your mind of the pain in the legs. We then saw Jessica. I kept running forward, then walking. I gave just about all I had. I tried fighting the race walk monster. Mile 10-13 progressively got slower. I ended up with a 2:16 run time. Better than Muncie's run time! Seeing Liz and Brenda and Stephanie out on the run course was great because it was their first 70.3 race! Seeing other teammates crushing the course helped push me along. Then I saw CHEYLON! Chey provides this SMILE and INCREDIBLE SPIRIT that just uplifts me. I gave her a quick high five (i think, brain was fried at this point), and continued moving forward. I do remember singing out loud, "Runnin down a dream" by Tom Petty. Its my favorite song. I would think other athletes who were passing me thought I was crazy, but I bet they were just as fried as I was. Into the stadium I went. I was so excited because I knew my beautiful wife and daughters were awaiting my arrival. I didn't know my approximate finishing time. I just kept moving forward. Almost around the curve on the track and my left calf started to cramp! It was the only cramp of the day. I walked 5 seconds and then started to pick it up. I located my girls in the stands and blew them a kiss.



 Then I looked at my favorite part of triathlon, The FINISH LINE!! I crossed the line and hit stop on my watch. 5:46!!! I knew I had crushed IMOH. I was thrilled with my time and my effort. I got some love from my girls then we got some food and sat down. The time set in, the tears rolled down my face. That thought of where I came from to a guy who can crush a 70.3 mile triathlon. I was just proud. Proud to show my kids how to be active. I heard some teammates finishing their races. I gathered up Vengeance and loaded my car. I went back to cheer on teammates as they closed in on the finish line. It was an amazing day.


Run course had some hills, but nothing terrible. Bike course was flat and boring. The VOLUNTEERS were amazing! A girl about 8 years old was balancing water cups on her head for the runners to take. One guy, Scott Dodge, who lives on the run course had set up his sprinkler for us and set out a stereo! The people of Delaware took great care of us triathletes! All in all, I loved it. I had a blast. 2018 is my "year of new races", so I won't be back next year, but probably 2019 I shall return to IMOH.

Team RWB Won the triathlon club award on points! I was proud to assist in that achievement as well. RWB rocked it out!

Some of my friends first saw me do this pose on the bike, I saw someone else do it so I'm not taking credit for starting it. I love each version of the pose!

Ironman Muncie 70.3

This was my 4th year in a row at this race. It was my 7th 70.3 triathlon. These numbers still amaze me. I remember just starting triathlon. Ironman was just a pie in the sky dream at that time. But over time and with a hell of a lot of hard work and sweat and 4:45 am alarms, I have become stronger and even a little faster. Triathlon is a wild sport. So much to learn, so much to work on. How hard are you willing to push? Will you blow up? Will the legs agree to pedal hard for 56 miles then allow to run 13.1 after a 1.2 mile swim? Where do you plan on making up time? Does chilling 10 minutes on the bike save 20 on the run? Do you just go fast and try not to blow up?

Friday morning the nerves set in. Packed up half my house, which is what it feels like to make sure I have everything for a race of this magnitude. And I managed to forget my pillow. DOH! Once packed I got my massage, had lunch with Brittney and off to Muncie I went. The first nasty storm blew through as I was arriving. The parking lot was a muddy mess. I met Kalen, Katie and Nate at the athlete briefing and then we experienced the NormaTech boots  

After getting our legs massaged, our packets picked up, I attempted to leave. It took 3 different route tries to not get my SUV stuck in the mud. A minivan was stuck in the aisle in between cars. My SUV was filthy by the time I made it out. Off to the hotel to get my room. The 2nd storm arrived while enroute to hotel. The rain was crazy. Then the hail started. Flooding took over roads. This triathlete just hoped it was a cold rain to cool the reservoir water so we could wear wetsuits the next day! I went to my hotel room and brought Vengeance up. I tried a new to me trick, I used Saran Wrap to put my race number stickers on it. That way after the race, there is no sticky residue on the frame. This worked really well. Tires were pumped up and she was ready to rock!

Went to dinner with Nate, Mike, Kalen, and Katie. Always great company the night before a race with triathletes having similar goals. All of us had a 70.3 mile triathlon in front of us just hours away. Back to the hotel I went and got my kit and race belt ready.























Lights out at 9:30pm. Alarm set for 3am. Mike had the unfortunate luck of getting to registration and hour and a half later than me and the 2nd storm shut everything down. So he, along with many other athletes didn't have their packets. They would have to prepare stickers and other stuff before the race in the morning. We all know I like to get to races early to get good parking, now I would have competition! We left our hotel at 3:30am and were at the site around 4. This a picture of the moon still above the reservoir we swam in at about 4:30am.




















The announcement was made. Water temp was 76 degrees! Wetsuit legal by .1 degrees! WHEW! I put my nutrition bottles on Vengeance and carried my stuff into transition. Transition area was set up and back to body marking I went. Thats when I found Colleenand other Team RWB Eagles!




So I walk over to the high school aged girls who are doing body marking. I tell the girl my number and my age (37). I offer my left calf for my age and she says she's supposed to use right calf. I know which calf she uses makes no difference to anyone but me. I didn't want my tattoo covered up in any way. But whatever. She says she will write over it. So in Sharpie, she writes 47!!! Aged me 10 years! OMG!! Now I start wondering if I look 47???? After I see her mistake,  I politely go back to her and ask her to fix this.
 

Thats much better, I guess. After wishing people luck and a few trips to porta potty (yep, I took a poopfie)

I was ready to race!

My wave went off at 7:10. There were 2 waves ahead of me. The start of the swim is always chaotic. Lots of swimmers in only so much room. Bumping, kicking, and the occasional hits are common. I found my rhythm and just moved forward. One big reason I love IM brand races is the many buoys that help with sighting. 

We swam across the reservoir, made a right turn and then another right turn to head back towards shore. On the way back in, the sun was directly in our eyes. Sighting was difficult.  Tried staying in between the kayaks and was always happy to see a buoy. One swimmer actually grabbed my left ankle and held on for about 5-10 seconds. I thought my timing chip was going to get pulled off. I stayed moving forward but was happy to get that done. A quick stop at the wetsuit strippers (my favorite volunteer term!) and off to T1. Its a bit of a jog from the water to T1 in Muncie, but you take whats given to you. Mounted up for the 56 mile bike ride ahead. I had told a first timer a few days before, "Just don't smoke your legs on the bike! You still have a long run ahead of you!" 

Out on the course, there are photographers. I happened to see one up ahead. I struck this pose going about 18mph. I cracked up after the photographer took the pic and laughed himself. All I could think was how much fun I was having and how great I felt. The Muncie bike course goes out about 5 miles to a closed highway where we do 2 loops then come back the 5 miles to transition. I was all out rocking the bike. I was having a blast. I didn't look at splits or my speed, I just knew I was going fast! There was a tiny voice inside my head that questioned, "Are we going too fast? Don't we have a run left?" It must've been the wind, the other racers, and spectators that drowned that little voice out. Because I just kept hammering. I was passing people, I was using the harder gears to keep up my pace. Straight killing it! Then about mile 51, my legs started getting tired. Uh Oh I thought. Were not supposed to get tired yet. I let up on my speed, tried to stretch out the legs. I came back into transition and clicked my watch. 2:38 for 56 miles! Holy smokes, I just averaged 21 mph for 56 miles!!! That was far and away my best bike split. The race energy filled me to push myself. But triathlon is tricky. To be thrilled about my bike split was a double edged sword. Sure I went fast, but now I had to run 13.1.

I took my time racking my bike and switching shoes. My hamstrings were smoked. My quads didn't think pushing that hard on the bike was funny. My brain screamed at me that we knew better. I kept calm and started the run nice and slow. I used my run walk run intervals. People were passing me. I was ok with that. I kept telling myself, "Just work your plan. Don't worry about others." The Muncie run course is 6.55 miles out and back. Hills and little shade. After 2 miles, I felt a little better. The legs stretched out and my spirit lifted. I just stayed focused on moving forward. At the turn around, I was quite happy my legs were feeling good. My brain was getting foggy though and a couldn't remember when I took my last gel. Or when I was supposed to take another. Thats when I knew it was time to get more nutrition in me! In miles 8-10 I started catching people who had passed me early on in the run. That always helps my spirit. I saw teammates going the opposite direction and those high fives are gold! Absolutely incredible seeing so many friends and teammates out there crushing it! Then mile 11, my right hamstring started to warn me that a cramp was coming. Then the left calf said it didn't feel great either. I slowed down to try and walk it out then tried to pick up my pace. I drank Red Bull at the aid stations. Water and gatorade were drank. I was able to keep moving forward, but not quite as fast as I wanted. Then came the final hill. This hill is a jerk. Its just wrong to be put here at the end of a 70 mile race. I see THE BEST CHEER SQUAD EVER! My Team RWB teammates start cheering for me to get up that hill! This is the face I want to show people.

But this is truly how I felt



I was smoked. Everything was tired. I had used up all my energy. I was afraid of cramps attacking my legs. I allowed myself to finally look at my overall time on my watch and I knew a PR was within reach. I hit the top of the hill and the finish line chute was covered in people on both sides. They were cheering loud! I saw more RWB teammates! I actually kinda looked like I was running through the Finish Line! I stopped my watch and saw 5:53. I really wanted to break 6 hours. Muncie was my first 70.3 race in 2014 and it took me 8:17. Last year was 6:12. I showed real improvement (on the bike ;) and was proud of my effort and all the hard work I had done to get to this level of fitness. After almost 6 hours of hard exercise, I broke down crying. I was extremely happy (and tired). The flood of memories of Fat Matt, the hard work, the sacrifices. The SUCCESS! It all came out in tears. Once I composed myself, I cheered in my teammates and got some food. More teammates finished up and we celebrated our victory.  Now everyone was supposed to look overly tired in this photo, but I was the only one who followed directions. I believe after a few hours, we all felt this way. 

All in all, the race was great! Lessons were learned, fun was had. The best part of triathlon is getting to be around these amazing athletes. People with jobs, parents, students, who make time to better themselves and inspire others. I thank each racer, each volunteer, THE BEST CHEER SQUAD EVER, and all my friends and family who support this crazy life. I was so excited to call Brittney and share my joy with my PR. She told me she watched me finish with my daughters online! Brittney is incredibly supportive and I am one lucky guy to have her! Glad this race report is done, I have IM Ohio 70.3 in 2 weeks!


P.S. Just tri it!

Triathlon tips and tricks

So Triathlon season is upon us and my first big tri is rapidly approaching.

Ironman Muncie 70.3 is this Saturday July 8th. I've met some new people who are new to triathlon or new to 70.3 distance triathlon. So I thought I'd offer some of my thoughts on how to be successful in this crazy endurance sport. I want to ask those who have completed a 70.3 to offer their tips or tricks in the comment section. I was told to keep ears open, listen to advice, then pick out what works for me and not stress about the rest. I will complete this post in the way I'll complete this weekend. I am using this post as a pre-plan for me in hopes to help others. Whether you're running Muncie, Ohio 70.3 or any other long distance tri, I hope you find a little help here.

#1. Only stress over what you CAN CONTROL. You can't change the weather forecast or the water temp. (although don't think we haven't thought of dumping large amounts of ice into the swim water an hour before they take the temp)  Always take your wetsuit with you in case the race is wetsuit legal. If its not, you may decide to use it anyway and start in the last wave. Its your call. But don't check the forecast every 10 minutes the last 5 days before the race. The day before will give you a good idea, but it could change. Just be prepared to ride your bike in the rain, slow down a little, or have a hat/visor for full on sunshine on the run. Be flexible with the weather.

#2 Have addresses ready at hand of where you go to pick up your packet, transition areas (which may be the same as packet pick up) hotel address and maybe restaurant ideas for pre-race. 

#3  Make a list of all items needed and check it off as packed and loaded into your car. If it doesn't feel like you're moving out, you're probably forgetting something. I start my list with swim, then bike, then run, then nutrition. Then change of clothes. If you use something specific in training like Infinit in your bottles, take that. If you plan on using on course nutrition, make sure you slow down to not miss it while biking or running.

#4  If you use a watch or something that needs charged, like bike gear shifters, charge them up and take power cord with you. Just in case you need to charge something up over night. 

#5  Volunteers are amazing. THANK them! In the events I've been in, Muncie, Ohio, and Louisville, The volunteers will yell at you as you're coming in what you want. Yell back water or gatorade, or 1 of each! They will have what you want ready when you reach them. Then THANK them! These people keep us hydrated and motivated all day long. Some aid stations will have fruit, bananas or orange slices. Some will have candy. Coke or Red Bull is usually a staple. Whatever you choose, LOOK into the cup before you drink it. There is a small possibility you picked up the wrong cup or a bee decided to go for a swim in your drink. And if you drink that bee, it could be bad. Luckily, I spit the one bee out that actually made it in my mouth. Yes, it happens. Learn from me, LOOK in the cup before you drink. Try and stick to what you have trained with. If you haven't trained with coke, maybe save that for later if you start to feel energy crashing. The rush of caffeine helps pick you up but can mess with your stomach. Its a delicate decision.

#6  Your stomach. This crazy sport of exercising for hours on end can wreck a body. Hopefully you've been training to teach the body this is your "new normal" now and exercising for 3-5 hours is just what we do. If you read that last sentence and thought "what is he talking about?", I refer you to Cesar's Creek training with 40 minute swim, 2-4 hour bike followed by 15-30 minute run. The long training days is what teaches the body how to handle this. These training days are where you practice what nutrition works for you. I know when to use a Gu gel on the bike and run. I use mile markers. I also make sure I have Stinger waffles on me. You may get hungry. Use what you've trained with first! If you get hungry maybe try a banana or orange. But be prepared for the stomach to possibly start to hurt. Hydrate and walk it out, or slow your pace. Mental toughness may come into play here. Sometimes you gotta suck it up buttercup!

#7  Mental toughness. I remember showing up to my first Muncie 70.3 and seeing bikes and athletes that just looked more badass than at running races. I was in awe and didn't think I belonged. I was overwhelmed. I completed that race but learned there was a whole lot more to this than I had ever imagined. Don't get intimidated by someone with a aero helmet and fancy bike. I've learned some people try to buy all their speed and fail to train the engine, their own legs and heart. That being said, there are a lot of speed demons out there who will go kill this race. It won't be their first 70.3. If someone yells, "on your left!", move to the right as safely as you can. Do NOT be discouraged when the person who passes you has 68 on their leg indicating they are more than 2 decades older than you. Yes, this happens. Its just impressive. I figure they've just had more time to train than I've had. :) The mind may play games with you. It may tell you that you're tired or sore. It may say the swim is too long. Be prepared to fight that demon. Be prepared to say, "I just need to find my rhythm and make it to the next ....(buoy, street turn, light pole) then keep pushing forward. Have a motto, "Nice easy even effort" sang in my head over and over again tells my mind this isn't hard, its easy. I'm just moving with an even effort means the work load is separated evenly throughout the body and no part is worse than the others. Find your motto, fight the demon, and SMILE. When you smile, you tell the brain you're enjoying what is going on. Even if you're in pain, by smiling, it dampens the pain. The brain says were happy, it must not be that bad. Less stress, less pain, more energy moving forward. If you get in a bad spot, smile at it and let me know after your race how it worked for you.

#8  Other competitors. Don't be afraid to talk to other competitors. Before the race during or after. The triathlon community wants all to succeed. As long as you're covering the distance and not interfering with others, we all will cheer you along. Many athletes are nervous before the race. Its good to talk through it. You may be able to help someone chill out before the race starts. During the bike its cool to yell out to friends or others competitors nice job or good work. On the run, if you can find someone running about your pace, talk them up. Listen to their story, tell them your story, make a joke, if you can take your mind off your legs, you are winning. I've crushed 2-3 miles without realizing it because another athlete and I have kept each other from thinking how tired our legs are. If you happen to be part of a team, like RWB!!! Always give outran EAGLEUP! or EAGLEFIRE!! to other team members! It can perk you up while helping someone else.

#9  Goals. I've figured out that most of us are competitive in nature. We like to push ourselves. We have an idea of how fast we can go on each discipline. I like to be successful. It keeps me motivated to stay in the sport. So I set 3 goals in every major race. for example: goal 1- Finish the race, standing on my own 2 feet with no medical help needed. 70.3 miles is a LONG WAY. To be able to swim bike then run is incredible. We work our tails off to do it. So finishing a race of this distance is just impressive. No matter how fast I complete it in. Goal 2. Beat 6:12. Thats my Muncie course record. If I come in faster, I set a course PR. and course PR's usually mean I earned Dairy Queen that day. Goal 3. My "Pie in the sky everything went great and I finally run the entire run course without walking more than my intervals allow goal"  Beat 6 hours. I've beaten 6 hours on another 70.3 course but it was wetsuit legal and the run wasn't all that hot that day. Muncie's run has very little shade and is usually hot. My legs don't love running in the heat. I'm hoping this year that my run goes a little better than ever before. If it happens, great! If I beat 6 hours, I have earned Dairy Queen. If I don't beat 6, oh well. Life goes on and I focus on the next race. BUT I know I was successful because I hit at least one goal by finishing. If I come in officially at 6:01, I may get irritated with myself, I will complain about what I could've should've done different, but I will still get Dairy Queen later ;).

#10  Your family/friends/spectators. No matter what happens in your race, and you will tell as much as you can remember because its just so much fun!...THANK your family and friends for supporting you. We have to sacrifice time to train. We may miss out on family time or not get chores done as quick as we should (anyone wanting to mow my grass??) and we need to recognize those people who support us! If someone comes to your race just to cheer you on, they've given up their time to support you. They may get some beach time, but most of their time is spent waiting to see you in transition or a quick bike pass, or on the run. Seeing you finish your race may be great, but as Tom Petty says, "The waiting is the hardest part." So Thank your people!

Its late, there's a ton more I could say, but I think this list is a great start. At least this give athletes a few things to think about. Again, I encourage others to share their thoughts. If you have questions about any of the above, please ask! Someone else may be wondering the same thing. I love talking triathlons (thats no shocker) and I will answer any question about my previous experiences. My first Muncie I was way underprepared for the bike and it humbled me! Last year I rocked the bike but fell apart on the run. It's a learning experience. It's a ton of fun and just wild. I hope this helps at least one person in at least one way. When you get to your race.....CRUSH IT!!!

Blue Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

layers...to every story

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I AM AN IRONMAN!

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 compression system that massages legs

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

 

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

 looking much better than the last time I was here

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

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

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

 Misty looking good and race ready!

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

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

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

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

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

and saw 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I go through this door and

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

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

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