IRONMAN

FEATURE STORY

Game Time!
It is almost time to get in the Pacific with 1900 other people and swim way out there. I get a little nervous just typing these words, but I have done the Ironman before and have done my homework this time so it should go well. Still, you never know what sort of challenges you will face.

Almost exactly a year ago today I did some final handcycling with Ricky James and timed a 5-mile section along the coast highway from Carlsbad to LaCosta. I came through in 18 minutes and change. Yesterday during my final shakedown I did it in just under 13 minutes. Twice. Im as ready as Ive ever been. Ive been training for a year and seem to be peaking at the perfect time.

The biggest improvement since the last time I raced is with my bike. Its more laid back and much stronger. To take it a step further, I had Willy Amaradio from LIGHTSPEED help me make some carbon fiber parts to improve the rigidity and comfort, while saving weight and making a bit more slippery in the high winds the Big Island always seems to serve up. The result was exactly what we had hoped for. Thanks to Dallas Baker over at Pro Tec for always squeezing me in and mounting stuff. It's not a works Honda, but it's pretty good. All that is left to do is stay loose with a couple swims and a spin or two, pack and fly over there on Wednesday.

The race is Saturday the 10th and once again I got butterflies thinking about it. Its been a long time since I was this nervous, but in the years to come Ill be missing this kind of endeavor so Im grateful for the ability to have at it one more time.

I also want to give a shout out to Lucas Oil for tossing in some support. They sponsor a lot of wild stuff that doesnt always have to do with oil, like boxing and bob sledding. Now they can add the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon to their growing list. Also Cytomax, and Bell helmets. Cytomax products are key for my pre, during and post workouts to get the most out of the time I put in. Im stoked to be in a Bell helmet since I wore them during my MX days. Most people dont realize it, but Bell made the JT ALS-2 helmets so Im back in my familiar lid. Todd Jacobs has been with me every step of the way and has given me the best advice and tools to do well over there. I've been very lucky to have him as a friend. I've also had a training partner in Kurt Henricksen. It's nice to ride with someone, especially since I'm practically invisable. I've had a lot of support and will use that as leverage to really try hard next Saturday and bring it home!

If youre interested in following the race, there is a live webcast on www.ironmanlive.com and I was told my race number is 212. I emailed Rick Johnson to let him know I am running his first pro number. Pretty cool.

Here is a photo of the bike while I was checking out the carbon fiber foot supports the other night in the neighborhood. Those Jordan socks offered some nice cushioning in case there was any rubbing with the prototypes.

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photo by Gina. We spent the first part of our honeymoon at Ironman back in 1986 so she's probably secretly hoping I win so we can go someplace new next October..