IronMan Florida 2007
By: Kurk Thomas

The Iron Idea

The Journey to becoming an Ironman began for me over two years ago.  “Let’s do a triathlon” were the words that started it and for me, my two brothers Mark and Scott, and friend Justin Doucet.  At our first “real” triathlon, the 2005 Meat Pie Tri, we met Clint Guillory (also a first time triathlete,) and a number of other triathlon veterans from Lafayette .  We were welcomed with open arms into the Lafayette triathlon community.  We were also encouraged to attempt a half Ironman distance race, and the Ironstar triathlon at Lake Conroe was recommended.  After a year of racing and training, we were hooked, and set our goal to complete a full Ironman distance race.

Our sights were set on Ironman Florida 2007.  We all knew this one would be a huge commitment and the right training was going to be essential.  Jeremy Johnson was consulted and became our official coach.  He gave us a copy of an Ironman training program he and a few people from Lafayette used to train with.  It was a twenty week program, with a total of 3 off days.  For me, the year I turned 30 years old was going to be the year I complete an Ironman triathlon.

            During the 2007 year I competed in only two races, a half Ironman distance race in Galveston , and the Meat Pie Tri in Natchitoches .   Florida was my goal race and I did not want to hurt myself along the way.  Training started in June and consisted of base, build, and taper phases.  I have two small boys so my afternoons are for them which means I had to do all my training in the mornings before work.  I have driven up to Red’s thinking that I was going to be the first person there only to be mistaken.  Does the place ever close?  Weekend rides from Red’s were a staple in our training.  I also spent a couple of weekends in Alexandria for some strength training (the monster hills.)

            I drove to Florida with Scott and Clint on the Wednesday before the race so we would not be rushed.  I remember thinking to myself “what are we going to do for two days?”  You really need to be there a couple of days early so you have enough time.  We watched our diets pretty well especially the salt intake since I have a tendency to cramp on my races.  We had lots of fruit, Gatorade, and pasta.  I did not sleep much in anticipation of the race.  I could not tell if I was excited about doing it or if I was anxious about if I would finish.  When I did sleep, I kept having this reoccurring dream about my bike malfunctioning at mile twenty.  I must have drove Mark Miller at Precision Bikes crazy the last couple of days with questions and tune ups. (Thanks Mark.)

            The night before the race, my wife, Brooke, came in with the boys and we were able to spend a little time together.  We did not talk about the race because Brooke could tell I was nervous.  The boys stayed with my parents for the night and as I stayed up listening to some FSU students partying downstairs, I recalled everything that it cost me to get to this point.  To do the training, everyone had to sacrifice.

            Around three o’clock in the morning, I got up because I knew I would not sleep any more.  The day was finally here and the race would start in a couple of hours.  At the advice of Jeremy, I took in 2 ensures and one bagel, 1000 calories.  My stomach was feeling pretty good which is unusual.  On the way down in the elevator, we spoke to a guy who was on his second attempt.  He DNF last year and was quite nervous.  I thought to myself that this was a great story to hear before my first one (buzzkill).  We made it to the transition area and got our gear to the proper areas.  The Ironman transition area is the size of a football field and your gear is spread out between seven places.  This was a first for me so I really did believe I left something out somewhere.  Making our way to the start, we ran into a couple of Lafayette people that came to cheer us on.  This made it feel like we were in our own element. The temperature was to be 78 degrees, water was calm, and the wind was decent.  Finally, our first triathlon when the weather was not a major factor.

            The beginning of this race is almost as powerful as the finish line.  You are standing on the beach with 2500 other racers, they are playing inspiration music, and Mike Reilly is reminding you of all you have done to get here.  Helicopters were patrolling and filming and there must have been 5 large boats in the water.  I gave a good luck to my brothers, Justin, Clint and Jeremy.  Jeremy made his way to the front and we positioned ourselves in the middle.  When the gun went off, we were on our way.  The mass start is exactly what you expect, nonstop kicking and punching.  I protected myself as best as I could but there is little room to move.  I think that if you position yourself in the middle of the pack, the current created by the other swimmers will move you along with little effort.

            I got out the water sooner than I had planned.  I ran up to the wetsuit strippers and through the showers and to the changing tent.  I will never forget the heat that was generated from the amount of people in the changing tent.  It felt like a sweaty steam room.  It is nice in transition, that the volunteers get your bike for you, it saves from having to rush so much.  After I received my bike, I was on my way for a 112 mile journey.

            The bike course is flat like everyone says but there are some areas that make you move out of your saddle to climb.  They come at the right time and it feels good to stand up.  I turned my speedometer off and concentrated on keeping a low heart rate.  At mile 50 I realized that my bike was not going as fast as I originally thought.  I took in my nutrition close to perfectly but I was feeling a little uneasy in my stomach.  I made the mistake of resorting to water for the last hour.  After an exhausting 7 hours, I was finally off of the bike.

            The run started very well. I was happy to be off the bike and moving other muscles.  This was my first marathon and I did not know what to expect at the end. (Pretty smart, right?)  I said hi to the Lafayette crowd and kept on my way.  We saw Jeremy and John Fell and I knew their time was going to be fast.  Scott was running with me at first but his pace was a little faster then mine, so we parted ways at mile 6.  During the run I took in a couple of gel packs and tried to stick to Gatorade.  The support on the run is unbelievable with the amount of people camped out to cheer you on.  They must pay these people because I do not think I could stay that positive for so long.  Everyone is willing to help you out and get you what you need to help complete your goal.  The turnaround at mile 13 is about a quarter mile from the finish so you can imagine how depressing that could be.

Mile 18 was coming and I heard all the horror stories so I fueled up as best as my stomach would allow.  Mile 18 came and went and nothing had happen or I did not feel that much different.  I still had energy and experienced no cramping.  What gives?  Well, the wall just took a little longer to get to me. 5 miles to be exact.  Not five steps after the 23 mile marker, disaster struck.  My body was telling me to stop with only a 5k left.  I had to walk for a good half mile before convincing myself that I need to suck it up and finish what I had started. 

            The final turn was a beautiful site.  I was happy to be finally finished but more relieved that I made it in one piece.  The cheering of the crowd, the faces on my family, and that voice at the finish is electric.  The words were clear and loud, “You are an Ironman!” It was simply amazing.

            I think back over the events that transpired over this period. The people we met, the friendships that were created and the sacrifices my family made. I think back on the number of ironmen created by Red’s, Shannon , Bendell, and Lake Martin road. I think back to when I was training for Cajunman and thought to myself there is no way a person can complete an ironman. Now I am one of them. What an experience this has been. Thank you all for including me.

Props:

Jeremy Johnson and John Fell: you guys are unbelievable.

Mark Miller: thanks for the help

Chase and the “DON”: support with a slice of personality.

Clint Guillory: proud to be your friend.

My brothers Scott, Mark, and honorary brother Justin: for challenging ourselves

Brooke: more and more everyday.