Ultraman Florida Day One..

So my journey of Ultraman Florida started February 2015 when I got an invitation to crew for my friend Randy Latza (RL) who was entered into this race, of course I was up for it and who couldn't turn down a week in Florida. I had no idea of what to expect and was so blown away by whole experience. I remembered having a discussion with Randys wife Mary who was going to sign up first. If I hadn't crewed for this race and witnessed the camaraderie and energy I do not think I would of entered. It did give me a good insight of what it is like to crew and seeing the course first hand. It is most definitely a different experience being the athlete.

Randy finishing UMFL 2015

Getting my race band from RD Sway Lively with Team Captain Mary Latza and Crew

This was a reunion with Jessica Deere and her crew. 

All coached by Chuck Kemeny

Athletes Photograph at Pre-Race Meeting

Team Limey heading out to the Swim Start

Thirty minutes before the swim start

RD Sway Lively leading a group prayer, very cool moment.

What is an Ultraman

Ultraman Florida is a 3 day athletic endavour guaranteed to test any athletes physical and mental limits. The race covers a total distance of 321.6 miles (517.5 kilometers)around Central Florida. It  requires each participant complete a 6.2 mile (10K) open water swim, a 263 mile (423 K)bike ride, and a 52.4 mile (84 K) ultra-marathon run. Day 1 is a 6.2 mile swim and 93 mile bike, Day 2 is a 171 mile bike, and Day 3 is a 52.4 mile run.

Pre Race

February 16th Tuesday

I arrived in Orlando on the Tuesday afternoon, I had left Nantucket on Saturday. I made stops in Philadelphia and in Myrtle Beach. Had given myself an extra day of travel to help me deal with any emergencies or bad weather. I emptied the car and I got in a 30 minute run, nice and easy just to get the blood flowing and stretch the legs out. I attended the meet and greet that evening with fellow athletes and crew. I had a lot to do on Wednesday

February 17th Wednesday

There was a practice swim set up at Lake Conway at 8.00am,I wanted to check out the water temperature, it was predicted to be around 61 degrees, I wanted to test out the booties and thermal skull cap. This was my first swim outside since November, I had been doing all my swims in the pool I swam a 1000 yards, the water felt good. I changed into my bike gear, I rode around 10 miles.  I wanted to make sure the bike was running smoothly and also wanted to see the first 5 miles of the bike course.

Two of my crew were flying into Orlando, I had to pick them up. I had crewed for Randy last year and his wife Mary (ML) was my team captain. I had seen Mary in action the year before getting Randy over the finish line. It was really good to see them.

Randy and I headed off to the designated bike shop to get my bike and my spare race wheels inspected, I had to get the bike inspected and signed off before I headed off to registration.

We all headed to registration to meet with the RD Sway Lively, team captain and athlete has to check in at the same time. It was beginning to sink in seeing the band around my wrist. 

We received the race binder which including all race the course maps, safety materials and all contact information for all the athlete and crew members. We all headed down to Disney to get some lunch, we ended up going to Morimoto which was freaking awesome.

We had dinner planned that evening with eventual women champion Jessica Deere and her crew. She had raced last year and had the same  crew. It was just like seeing old friends, we were all looking forward to the upcoming weekend. Jessica and I had kept in contact and we were keeping tabs on each other as we trained for this race

February 18th Thursday

I had planned to do a small brick workout, I met up with Jessica for a quick spin on the bike, one more final check to make sure the bike was race ready, we then head out for 25 minute run. I showered up and we headed over for the pre race breakfast meeting which was mandatory for all athletes and team captains. Steve King opened up the meeting welcomed all the athletes. RD Sway Lively then went over the rules and regulations, she gave advice to all the crews and explained leapfrogging the athlete. She had a captain for each segment of the race, each took there turn going over the course map, you get a detailed map of each turn. You had to obey all road rules as this wasn't a closed course. This meeting takes about three hours to go over the course.

Pedro who was fourth member of my crew arrived after the meeting. 

We went to pick up the van for the crew, I was focusing on fueling and hydrating. I was definitely getting more tense and jumpy. I wanted the race to get started.

The whole crew started focusing on getting the van race ready, having past race participants and crew was super important to me. In this race the crew is more important then the athlete, I basically want the crew to become the brains and me just focus on executing the race.

I went to get a haircut to try and take my mind of the race, it did help me calm down a little.

That evening we had an early dinner and discussed my nutrition plan, we also prepared my clothing for the next day. We discussed the communication plan to keep everyone up to date. I had set-up a Facebook messenger group, this was the easiest way to keep people informed. After dinner the crew started preparing the race nutrition and final preparations.. I headed to my room to make sure I was fully prepared and jumped into my Normatec leggings. Set my alarm for 4.30 am, we had to be at swim start by 6.00am, the swim start was at 7.00am. 

February 19th Friday

Swim6.2 Mile Swim and 93 mile bike.

Stage One

I woke up before the alarm didn't sleep that well, I made sure to lube necessary body parts. My pre-race nutrition was 4 cups of apple sauce mixed with 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 banana and Gatorade.I try to do this 3 hours before the race start, but will adjust if I can get my rest.

5.30 am We were on the road, we had about a twenty minute drive to the swim start. The majority of the athletes were already there, Mary had to confirm with the Race Director that I was starting.

6.00am I had a Picky Bar(200 calories) and a salt stick, Randy grabbed my bike and when I turned around he was dressed as a lime. He is well known for this and lightened my mood , and in that moment I was extremely appreciative he was on the team. 

You have to remember the longest swim I had done in training was 8500 yards and that was in a 25 yard pool, if I had any doubts about me finishing this race it was about the swim. I was basically having an internal dialogue within myself. The swim cut-off time was 6 hours 

All athletes had to report for photographs and for the traditional ohana prayer led my Sway Lively. All the athletes held hands in a big circle and she wished us safe passage over the next three days.

6.45am  One Mandarin Orange Gu with 8oz water I then got into my wetsuit, we body glided my neck, shoulders and chest. I put in ear plugs and thermal skull cap and then a swim cap to deal with the water temperature.

I had four bottles of Infinit drink mix with one scoop 140 calories per bottle, on the kayak, with a flask of warm water in case I started to suffer from the cold water. Each swimmer had a kayak escort. The plan was to take in 4-6oz every twenty minutes, if you don't fill the whole bottle up it will float on the water, which he would he would throw to me and I would launch back at him I only breathe on the left so it was somewhat easy to sight Kurt. If he wanted my attention he would put his arms up. My goal on the swim was about 4 and half hours based on my swim time in the pool and counting for fatigue factor.

6.55 am The moment was upon us, I got into the water and took a few strokes and peed in the wet suit. Felt nice and warm :) It was a beautiful morning, sun was coming up. Hugged a few friends before the start, was trying my best to control the nerves and just enjoy the moment. 

7.00 am The final countdown was happening and here we go no more talking about it, time to do it. I pushed forward through the water and started swimming, found my stroke. The water didn't feel too bad for 61 degrees. In a few minutes Kurt found me and he was given instructions to lead/guide me through the swim course, so all I had to do is focus on swimming.It was really important to me bring some fun energy to help deal with this challenge. Hence why Limey the Turtle was added to the boat and it actually helped me sight Kurt really well.

So first couple of miles went really well, I was relaxed and just focused on the task at hand. I got cold several times where we were going through some 50 degrees areas of the lake. Kurt and I were working real well, the first time we actually talked is when we went under the bridge for the second time. We were over halfway about 3.4 miles in, I felt good and I was in a good place mentally.

The next couple miles was mentally the most challenging for me, we were heading into an under current and bit of a chop. I was clearly struggling and at one point had a total meltdown under the water. My triceps were starting to get real sore and painful, I had no choice to suck it up and just push through. I made the mistake of looking up the lake and seeing how far the buoy was, it did not help me mentally. At no time did I think I wasn't going to finish, I was just fatigued and desiring to finish the swim. 

I couldn't been more happy to finish the swim, total time was 5.09, my goal was 4.45. But  I got through my weakest discipline, it literally took me about a minute to crawl up the ramp and walk towards Randy and Pedro. Whilst I was walking to the changing area they were undoing my wetsuit,gave me some water to wash my mouth out. I had a turkey wrap and a banana in transition, washed down a couple of salt sticks

https://www.strava.com/activities/502235749

Day One Bike

Within ten minutes the guys had me on the bike, I was very motivated  and felt the urgency to make up time. I was just happy to be out of the water. I focused on getting more food into me, the plan was for me  consume about 486 calories per hour which was a picky bar and my infinit mix, every 90 minutes I would take a salt stick. 

To keep track of me I had my cell phone on me, I wouldn't see my crew until mile 6 or 7. The bike course is clearly marked and there are volunteers around the course. It is not a closed course and you have to obey all traffic signs. I felt like I had stopped at every traffic light in the first 10 miles. There was an out and back by Orlando airport, I was able to see a couple of other athletes ahead of me, it actually settled me as I was concerned that I was so far behind after the swim.

Mile 12 got a puncture, luckily the crew was close by. They switched out the rear tire, updated my nutrition and got me going again. We winded our way to this major road, and we were in this swirling headwind. The only challenge here was that I was unable to get all my gears when we changed the wheel. I was struggling to get into aero position due to my triceps, this was my only physical issue. At one point I had the guys massage my arms and it actually helped. I clearly remembered this road from last year, and knew we had a left turn coming at mile 63, and to be honest it was all I could think about whilst we were in the headwind. 

When we eventually made the turn it was like a new lease of life, it also meant we had 30 miles to go and I knew then I was going to finish day one. This smashed all my concerns of not making it pass day one. Received a massage at end of day one, drank my recovery drink. We headed back to the hotel, the good news no rubs or body sores to deal with. I cleaned up, started hydrating, been drinking a lot of maple water. Kurt had dinner ready, jumped into my Normatec recovery system. We were starting to focus on Day two. Bike Day ONE 5:43 Total for Day one for 10:52:50 30/36

Day One Bike

Day one Done

Team Limey Day One Done

Think I said I love my bike. Great Team Photo

Hugs From Sway( Best Hugger)

Boston Marathon Race Report 2015 Team Hoyt

Boston Marathon 2015 Race Report

5k 10k 15k 20k Half 25k 30k 35k 40k
0:24:56 0:49:33 1:14:07 1:38:35 1:43:52 2:03:25 2:29:50 2:57:52 3:25:57

Finish: Pace Offl. Time Overall Gender Division
0:08:18 - 3:37:32 12602 8804 1697


So going into the race training had gone quite well, no question the winter weather had curtailed many of the runs outside. Also I was very conscious about running outside as a local runner had been hit by a car and unfortunately had died due the injuries that she received. She was running on the road due to the all the paths full of snow.

Race Weekend

So I drove up to Framingham to stay with my buddy Dennis and his family. Took the train into the city, got our race numbers, popped into McGreevy’s the traditional drinking spot for Team Hoyt and a couple of us went to the baseball game.

Saturday morning went for a run in the morning with Dennis, an easy 4-mile jog. I drove into the city to meet up with my wife and to check into the hotel and meet the other Team Hoyt members. There was a meet-up set-up so all the team could meet each other and get to know each other.

It was fascinating and moving to hear everyone very personal story, clearly this was more than a team it more like family. Many of the team were newbies like myself and others were returning for 5th year. There should be a disclaimer when joining Team Hoyt that this should be very emotional and moving. We received our running gear and we then headed over to a runners world presentation presented by Dick and Rick Hoyt.

It was again a very moving, powerful, insightful and gave you better understanding of what the Hoyts had achieved. It filled your sense of purpose and heart a little more, Yes You Can was real. That evening was a pasta dinner with the team, sponsors, family members, and great speeches by Dick Hoyt, Uta Pippig and Bryan Lyons.

Sunday was a free day to do as you wish so just relaxed, planned to go to bed early as we had to get on the bus at 5.00am. Organized my gear, hydrated with Gatorade and water all day. I didn’t sleep that well the night before so I was tired, I was in bed by 9.00 but alas I was restless and then at 12.30 am the fire alarm sounded and woke everybody up.

Race day I woke up at 4.30am, met up with the team a couple more team photos and we all headed off to the bus. We wished Bryan Lyons success on this amazing day, second person ever to push Rick at Boston Marathon.

It was raining and was predicted to get windier by the hour. A house had been organized for us to stay, as we were not running until 11.15am. We got to the house at around 6.30am, the plan was to head to the race start around 10.30am.

I stuck with my nutrition plan I had a banana, a powerbar and apple sauce with protein powder.
I was more than ready by to get the race started, I felt tired and anxious, and 10.30 couldn’t come fast enough. We able to watch the beginning of the race, it was our time to head to the start line and head to our corals. It felt good to be out in the fresh air, and get the legs moving.

We got into our corals and slowly we made it the start line, I took one GU just before the start, my plan was every 45 minutes to consume a GU. Then suddenly we crossed the start line with so many runners it took until mile 3 for the crowd too thin out and to really get into a rthymn, and open the legs out. My goal was too run around 8.00 minute miles for the first hour and then start hitting my goal pace of 7.49.

I felt comfortable and settled into a nice pace, I had to remind myself to be patient, I chose to run down the middle of the road as puddles were an issue. Whenever the crowd saw the Team Hoyt colors the response was remarkable, I really got a sense of how much love and admiration Boston as for the Hoyts. Sometimes it was so loud you couldn't hear yourself think

Mile 10 I was coming up to Wellesley, you could hear the students from a mile away, they did not disappoint and I was conscious of not getting sucked in and changing my pace, they certainly give you a boost.

Mile 13.1 looked at my time 1.44, I was happy with that, I did a mental check of my body, and mentally I felt good, no real sign of fatigue. I knew that hard part of the race/course was coming up.

Mile 17 I started to really feel my quads tightening up, I was hitting my first bad patch of the day. I felt really good going up the hills and had no issues, it was going downhill that I was started to struggle. My running pace was now around 8.15, at the moment i decided today was about enjoying myself rather then pushing myself so hard.

Mile 20 I had the need to go toilet badly, this is something I have experienced before, and I luckily found a toilet. (Need to find a solution to this)

Mile 21 I had left a bottle with Team Hoyt aid station with an infinit mix. (The original plan was to have this at mile 17). This allowed me not to stop at aid stations and save me some time. I did not walk any of the hills; I was amazed at how many peeps were walking those hills.

The home stretch overall I felt good but my quads had been getting more painful by the minute, I knew that I just had to suck it up. I did stop a couple of times to try and stretch them out. The crowds were just so nuts here, Team Hoyttttt.


At mile 25 I did see my wife and of course stopped, it is always amazing how choked up you get when you see your partner.

Basically I had a mile left to go from that point onwards, I put my head down, sucked it up and embraced the noise of the crowd. Turned left on to Boylston street and pushed it to the finish line. I had forgotten how far that home stretch was.

When I crossed that line I felt satisfied that I given my all, my quads were totally ceased up, it was a real struggle to walk.

Overall I was satisfied with the run, in hindsight I should have just focused on running in my training leading up to the marathon. I feel that I would of have been fresher. Three days after the race my legs felt good, I did feel fatigued but after several good night sleeps.

Running for Team Hoyt was an honor and a privilege, it was an amazing experience. the words YES YOU CAN will be have special meaning . The Hoyt’s are truly loved and I just got a glimpse of that from the amazing crowd support. It was a great weekend for sure. So many highlights from this weekend I cannot wait to do it again.

Rev 3 Quassy Triathlon-Revolution REDEMPTION

I have done this race for the last three years 2012 6.14 2013 6.50, I decided I wanted to really challenge myself so I signed up for the Olympic and HIM at Quassy. I wanted to test myself check my fitness and see how my recovery was.


Saturday Olympic

Swim 34.59 56/68 Division 309/371 Gender 455/598 Race

This was my first open water swim, felt good to be in a wetsuit, the swim at Quassy is just the best. I expected the sun to be a challenge and it was. Continue to sight trying my best to see the buoys, swim was uneventful and was happy with my time.



Transition 2.42 51/68 Division 287 of 371 Gender 417/598 Race

Bike 1.22.16 24/68 Division 174/371 Gender 209/598 Race


My goal was to back off on the bike take take advantage on the downhills, flatten the course when possible. I was using infinit and picky bars as my nutrition. Both worked well. I came into this wanting to work on my transition times. Jumped a few spots from transition, and clearly and caught a few on the bike. Average of 18.62 mph

Transition 2 0.46 23/68 Division 169/371 Gender 205/598 Race


Run 49.22 26/68 Division 154/371 Gender 180/598 Race


My plan was to be patient, try and save the legs for tomorrow and focusing on running at Z3 pace, second mile I ran a 7.09 so clearly that plan wasnt working. Wasn't surprised that there was some nasty hills and the race director was so kind to make sure that the last hill that is on HIM course was on the last mile on the olympic. I ran it and once i got to mile 6 I sprinted to the finish line. Got to see many EN team members, thanks for all the good photos Brenda and Steve.

My plan was to drink my recovery drink as quick as possible. I had a late breakfast at 11.00 went back to the hotel room cleaned up and headed for lunch. The good part about doing both races I was allowed to leave my bike there. Didn't have to worry about transition and putting my bike in on Saturday. After a fun lunch and meeting the crew, went back to the room and just relaxed. Refueled



Sunday HIM Woke up at around 3.00 am, drank my two ensures and went back to sleep. Alarm went off around 4.00, had my kit ready to go, breakfast in the lobby, in the car moving by 5.00am. Got a good parking place, relaxed in the car wondering how the body would respond today. Made it for the group photo and then headed down to the swim start.



Swim 47.50 76/91 Division 459/547 Gender 617/745 Race

The swim was quite rough lots of contact, I backed off just trying to get into a good rhythm. Found a nice pair of feet to draft unfortunately that did not last long. Felt good through the first 4 buoys, the middle section was just a challenge to make sure I was swimming straight and staying in line with the sun. As i turned the buoy to head home I clearly was getting fatigued, I was not happy seeing that I was still quite away from finishing the swim. I got over it put my head down and just pushed through the mind fog and fatigue.



Transition 1 3.09 71/91 Divison 428/547 Gender 574/745 Race

Bike 3.10was to keep my power no higher than 200 watts on the first 26 miles on the course, my nutrition consisted of 2 picky bars and 3 infinit water mixes. I stopped to go to toilet twice so I clearly was hydrated. Was super patient on the hills, took full advantage of the downhills. I was following Coach Ps webinar in my mind and executing it. I got to mile 46 and was in a good place, decided to just to attack the course at this point. I past the two areas where the year before I was lying on the ground with severe cramp, both of my quads convulsing. I gave those two areas a polite go fuck yourself as I passed. I was able to pass quite a few people on the bike especially in the last 15 miles. Started to think about the run, took my lats picky bar and the last of my infinit drink.


Bike 3.09 46/91 Divison 301/547 Gender 350/745 Race

Transition 2 1.36 46/91 Division 298/547 Gender 347/745 Race



Mentally and physically I felt fine, my plan was to stop at each aids station walk and then off I would run. I went into stealth mode, just focusing on myself and my own efforts. I relaxed on those few miles, I was wondering when the fatigue from yesterdays race would kick in. Took that corner at 3.5 miles, knowing that dirt road real well, focusing on my posture and just chugged up that hill. I got to my mile 6 and was still feeling great, past a couple of the my fellow revolution competitors. Saw Steve on the run, he was looking good. Got through the out and back, some short but steep hills to come. Saw Keith Wick around mile 8 on the down hill passing the entrance to Quassy. Mentally I was like lets go, clearly you are in good shape, picked up the pace. I was pleasantly surprised that my body was responding. When I got to mile 11 I was beginning to hurt, you supposed to be hurting I tell myself. Ran up that hill under the bridge shouting unwanted encouragement to the people who were walking. This is my second race lets go. When I crossed the line I didn't realize that I go gone under 6 hours. 2012 I did a 6.14 , 2013 6.50..

Run 1.53 42/91 251/547 289/745

I went to get my race results and I saw that i done a 5.56 on this course a 20 minute pr a hour faster than last year. I was surprised and shocked. REALLY LOOKING at my race position to pass 328 people from the swim to the finish line I am stoked, I also will continue to focus on my transition, quite remarkable how many positions you can jump up. Overall this was a huge success for me, it was a pleasure to meet so many en team members and all in there own right wonderful and talented.

Lake Tahoe Ironman Race Report

Lake Tahoe Ironman 2013 Race Report





We arrived in Tahoe on Thursday;I was able to check into race registration at Squaw Valley, before heading to for the team dinner to meet the team. It was a lovely evening, looking forward to seeing the photos.

Friday we headed down to Kings Beach to check out the swim venue, spectacular setting, I wanted to get in a swim and get a feel for the altitude. The water was so clear, I swam for twenty minutes definitely felt the altitude, I definitely had some concerns. Went to the Four Keys talk which was presented by Coach Rich Strauss, www.endurancenation.us it was a full house, it was a great reminder of how to execute and plan accordingly for this race.


That afternoon I jumped on the bike, this was more to make sure the bike was in working order, I biked towards Truckee, rode 13 miles and climbed about 500 feet, the bike was great and I felt really good. When I got back from the bike I ran for about 25 minutes, I wanted to open the legs, wanted to see how hard I can push before the altitude affected me. I was quite satisfied, and was really looking forward to the race.



Saturday was getting organized day (jump in the box day) control what you can control and the let the other stuff roll away. Big breakfast and lunch, focused on hydrating drinking gatorade and water. The big news was that there was a storm coming in, I had already read that they were expecting snow above 8000 feet. I dropped my bike/run bag in Squaw Valley, and then dropped my bike/swim to bike bag off. I had spent quite a bit of time wondering what clothing that I would need to wear on the bike. It was pouring rain when I dropped off the bike in transition; the lake looked like an angry ocean. I covered the bike up with tarp and double bagged the swim to bike bag. For some reason this was not in a covered tent, I feel this was a huge error by the organizers.

We headed back to the hotel, watched a movie and just to make things a little more interesting it had started to snow; it certainly made me concerned for the next day. We popped out for an early dinner, there was one other person was on the elevator, it was the one and only Mike Reilly, which I felt was a good omen for the race; I said I will see you tomorrow. He was kind enough to let me get a photograph with him, one of my many tri-geeky moments over the weekend. After dinner I did my final mental prep for the morning. I prepped up my race bottles and placed them into the fridge. Got into bed around 9.30pm and I drank a can of Ensure and tried my best to sleep, I did get some sleep.

Race Day I woke up at 3.15 am, drank another can of ensure, 3 boiled eggs two bananas, downed them with some water and Gatorade. I had a moment to myself to think about the day ahead of me, thought about all the people who have helped me get here and all the training that I done to get to this point. I chose to wear my tri-suit underneath my wetsuit and calf compression. We left the room around 4.30 am and headed down to Kings Beach, it was a 20-30 minute drive. There was no traffic and we were able to find a parking space about two blocks from Kings Beach.




I headed over to the body-marking area, it was getting busy, and it was taking a little longer as all the athletes had so many layers of clothing on due to the cold weather. I headed over to the bike ripped off the tarp and a small river of water under my bike appeared. Checked over the bike, all was good, the bike was covered in frost. Pumped the tires, placed all of my drink bottles on the bike and headed over to the North Tahoe building which they had opened. Was able to keep warm and keep my emotions /anxiety in check. Fellow EN members piled in as well.

Swim Time 1.36.02 Rank Division 206 Overall Rank 1566 Gender Rank 1195

The swim took place at Kings Beach @6200 feet; it was a two loop course. It was an epic swim setting, the sun rising, the moon so bright the steam coming off the lake, the snow on the peaks on the mountain. It will be ever imprinted on my memory. It was just so stunning and spectacular. The air temperature was a balmy 35 F and the water temperature was 62 degrees. I had a warm-up swim to get the heart rate up, get the arms moving. The water was shallow for about 100 meters and was super cold, once the water had got to knee length it felt warmer. I jumped out of the water just before the pros started and got in line for the swim start.

I had to kneel down on the beach as my feet were struggling with the frozen beach. I was just following other people’s example, it was quite a site seeing so many persons kneeling, and it was as though we were all praying to the gods for safe passage, I am sure many persons were. I then scored right in front of me was this pair of north face slippers probably size 8, but I squeezed me size 11 feet into them. As this was the new Swim Start Initiative, I chose to be in the 1.31-1.40 wave.

The first three or four waves went, it was our turn, I had eaten one gel and I had a back up stashed in my wetsuit. With the sun rising and the steam coming off the lake it was very difficult to see the yellow buoys. We crossed the starting line at 6.48 am., I took off running and we got to the first red buoy and I started the swim, it was quite chaotic, got kicked in the face by a guy swimming breast stroke, I got pass him and got into a nice rhythm, I was swimming with a group that I thought was heading in the right direction.

Then I heard a paddle boarder you are swimming off course, looked up and I was literally in the middle of the swim course. I sighted a buoy way over to the right and put my head down. I was annoyed with myself, tried staying relaxed, not freaking out, got on with it, kept sighting eventually got to buoy number 4, started drafting keeping the bubbles right in front of me.

Suddenly I had this swimmer just karate chop me right on top of my head, I looked at her and I was like what the fuck. We were both startled to say the least. I focused on my swim stroke, focused on drafting as much as possible. Second lap of the swim was less eventful; I found that I couldn’t push as hard on the swim as I wanted. 1) Swim stroke would go to shit 2) I found that my breathing was challenged. Stayed in my rhythm started looking for footprints below me, the water was so clear and the closer you to got to shore the water got colder. I stopped swimming and started running out of the water, looked at the clock 8.30 am, super stoked, and headed to the wetsuit peeler area.


T1 Transition Time 12.20


This area was just a cluster fuck; I found an empty space and sat down next to the toilets. The tent was full of people, due to the cold it was taking people way too long to change. I really struggled to open my bag due to my fingers being cold from the swim and the rope had frozen from the night before. Due to the rain I doubled bagged my clothing so luckily everything was dry. I slid on my knee and arm warmers, socks, bike jersey, pre-zipped jacket, gloves, sun-glasses, and helmet, bike shoes.

This awesome volunteer helped me get my wetsuit and gear packed up and off I went to get my bike. I also stuffed a tyvek envelope on my chest to help deal with the wind chill when going downhill. I was quite amused and confused that they had a bunch of volunteers offering to lather your face with sunscreen. I had to be super careful getting to the bike as I saw several people fall over due to the cold and wet conditions.


Bike time 7.29 Divison Rank 152 Overal Rank 1094 Gender Rank 898

I ride with a rear hub power meter, my plan was to focus on my watts per kg never going over 2.0, never going over 180 watts, keeping my rpm average around 80-90. My nutrition plan was 450 calories per hour; this was a combination of Carb-Pro and Infinit Powder Mix, 2nd Surge Energy Gels.I was also using Salt-Sticks in my water. I had also been taking several supplements B-12, calcium magnesium, Rhodolia Rosa and Optoygen (helps body adjust to altitude)


I headed out on the bike and Holy Crap my face was freezing, I was laughing even more that they were offering sunscreen. I started focusing on my numbers, focusing on eating and just relaxing on the bike. I got myself acquainted with Dollar Hill; this was 0.7 mile climb which we would do three times. I had to stop a couple of times to go to toilet, due to it being so cold at least I was hydrated. The welcoming sun started to warm things up and I was able to remove my first layer at an aids station. Coming out of Maris Parkway was super technical, you had sweeping right hand turn on to Brockway Summit this was a 2.2 mile climb with an 8-15 % incline which we had to climb twice, my average speed going up this hill was 4.75 miles per hour, and I was very focused on staying within my numbers.

It was bit of shock to be honest to see this hill; I stuck with my mantra of being patient. It was difficult to keep the wattage numbers down as I dragged myself up this hill. I could see my average watts creeping up and that was definitely concerning me. I did not want to be that guy on the run talking about how good of a bike I had as I walked the marathon.


The welcoming sight of reaching the crest and flying down hill was appreciated I went from 4 mph to 40 mph in a flash. As I started the second loop I flew pass the road to Squaw Valley around mile 60, I got to see Donna, so that was cool. I was doing my best to take advantage of the free speed here as this section was downhill most of the way to Truckee with a few rollers.


I was working on flattening the course as much as possible. I did remember telling myself to don’t over do it as you have another lap. I was able to be quite consistent on the bike. On the second lap my neck was beginning to get quite sore. I did not cramp up on the bike and I felt tired but not to fatigue. There was a headwind on the way back to Squaw as I headed up Dollar Hill for the third time, it just reminded of being back on Nantucket where wind is a constant companion.


I was done with this hill, as I crested that hill my computer was 8000 feet gained. My minds eye was now on to the run and I was preparing myself nutritionally, I was more than ready to get off the bike. The bike dismount area backdrop is just stunning, the mountains in the background. I happily gave my bike away to those awesome volunteers.


Here are my bike splits

4.2 mi 4.2 mi 14:13 2:02:32 17.73 mi/h
25.5 mi 21.3 mi 1:06:39 3:09:11 19.17 mi/h
41.1 mi 15.6 mi 1:16:25 4:25:36 12.25 mi/h
43.3 mi 2.2 mi 28:17 4:53:53 4 .67 mi/h
50.8 mi 7.5 mi 19:39 5:13:32 22.90 mi/h
72 mi 21.2 mi 1:08:17 6:21:49 18.63 mi/h
87.6 mi 15.6 mi 1:17:46 7:39:35 12.04 mi/h
89.8 mi 2.2 mi 30:13 8:09:48 4.37 mi/h
97.2 mi 7.4 mi 18:32 8:28:20 23.96 mi/h
112 mi 14.8 mi 49:10 9:17:30 18.06 mi/h
Total 112 mi 7:29:11 9:17:30 14.96 mi/h

T2 Transition Time 5.26


Got my bag real quick I got to sit down without moving and it felt f------good. Everybody had that glazed over look of riding 112 miles and coming to the realization that we had a marathon to run. I felt that I executed my race plans adequately on the bike, but you just never know. I quickly removed my cycling top, leg warmers, bike shoes, gloves and helmet. Rolled down my arm warmers, switched to a new top, bright orange hat, running shoes and placed my runner’s belt which had several energy gels attached to it. I decided not to run with a fuel belt best choice I made and ran with a bottle in my hand which had some salt sticks in there. Filled up my bottle, popped into the toilet and off I went for a run.

Run 4.27.06 Division Rank 99 Overal Rank 746 Gender Rank 625

I came out of transition and ran through the village of Squaw I heard my name and there was Donna, got to spend a little time with her. Time to focus on this run, my plan was to walk 30 seconds at each aid station and this is where I would refuel. I felt really good on the run, I was listening to all the advice to be patient, and I am renowned for running out of the gates and then struggling at the end.

The run course was a bike path with runners going both directions, you took a right turn towards the Resort at Squaw Creek. The scenery again was just spectacular; you then headed downhill out of Squaw Valley for the first real hill on the course. The majority of the run was run beside the Truckee River. I was on the lookout for any wild animals, it was that picturesque. The sun was going down, I was started to feel the cold, rolled up my arm warmers.


The first 10 miles I was just keeping a steady pace, if I found someone running the same pace I would stay with them. My biggest issue on the run was around mile 13; I was trying to find a toilet. I waited several minutes at a toilet and they still did not come out. I shouted how long it takes to go to the toilet, I bagged it. I got off the river path and headed down the hill to the next aid station. The same issue happened again; it felt like 10 minutes before the toilet door opened, the guy opened the door, I said something to him not very nice. I felt much more comfortable and was able to get back into the groove started passing people who were walking, headed back into Squaw Valley which would be the end of the first loop. I felt really good, I had prepared myself for running past the finish line, this is something mentally I was not happy about. I put my head down and told everyone to go fuck themselves under my breath and totally ignored the finish line. Did I say I hate seeing the finish line..


This was my rationale to deal with this scenario and scampered out of there. Mile 18 the second loop, I was still feeling good the nutrition was good, I was feeling the cold which I didn’t mind, it was getting dark on the paths now. It was cool to see the moving headlamps it was like a scene out of a movie.

Headed down to the hotel, I decided to pick up the pace for a mile; it didn’t hurt so I stuck with this pace. The last three miles it was super dark on the paths, people were walking together had to shout left many times to pass. There were so many people walking now, I estimated I passed about 100 people on the last three miles. As I said to Mike Reilly the day before, I would see him at the finish line. As I came through the village for that last time, I was super pumped, stoked to finish, happy to hear my name being called out as I crossed the finish line.

2.8 mi 2.8 mi 27:21 9:50:17 9:46/mi
5.7 mi 2.9 mi 24:41 10:14:58 8:30/mi
9.4 mi 3.7 mi 41:20 10:56:18 11:10/mi
13.1 mi 3.7 mi 43:36 11:39:54 11:47/mi
16.7 mi 3.6 mi 38:21 12:18:15 10:39/mi
19.6 mi 2.9 mi 28:52 12:47:07 9:57/mi
22.6 mi 3 mi 28:12 13:15:19 9:24/mi
26.2 mi 3.6 mi 4:43 13:50:02 9:38/mi

Total 26.2 mi 4:27:06 13:50:02 10:11/mi

There was no question this was a tough race, I would definitely do this race again. I knew going into this race this would be a challenging race. I felt I prepared accordingly, I am glad this was a tough race, it is an ironman. I have heard that too many ironman’s have become easy. We are supposed to be ready to adapt for any changes. Yes the cold added another element to this race. The organizers will get quite a bit of feedback about the parking on Saturday, the transition area on race day. I got to the race early enough on race morning; I was in the North Tahoe building staying warm from 5.15 -6.15am. I raced with a plan and it helped me by keeping focused, to say you finished the Inaugral Lake Tahoe has a nice ring to it.

Finish time 13.50