Tim O'Donnell

Cold. Cold. Cold

2008-02-20T19:22:00.000-08:00

Day 2 of Enduracamps Winter Training Camp is in the books:

Tues Night - 60 Minute Spin + 30 Minute Easy Run
Wednesday Morning - 60 Minute Track Workout. (Outdoor, -10 Degree Wind Chill) Followed by a 2200m swim
Wednesday Night - 45 Minute MTN Bike Ride...Just as cold as this morning.

Day off from Camp tomorrow, but still have masters swim in the morning.

Great camp, but the weather makes it pretty tough. I just keep telling myself that I am "making deposits into the pain bank" that will come in handy ths summer on race day.

I will post photos as soon as I get them from Pat.

Tim

08 Schedule

2008-02-17T15:05:00.000-08:00

So, its only been about 3 months since my last post, so time for an update.

Early season training is going well...finally getting back into the grove in the pool. Putting some solid (and very boring) miles on the treadmill each week. KCM Spin class provides a nice work out twice a week, but I am ready to get back out on the road. Was able to get in about 45 miles on the bike yesterday. It was cold, but enjoyable.

Updated 08 Schedule:

Week of 2/19 EnduraCamps Winter Training Camp
3/29 Olathe Half Marathon
4/20 Lawrence Half Marathon
5/10 Wichita River Run (10k)
5/18 Heritage Park Sprint Tri
6/1 Flint Hills Olympic Tri
6/15 Ironman Kansas 70.3
7/13 Shawnee Mission Park Long Course Tri
7/16 - 7/20 EnduraCamps Summer Training Camp (Omaha, NE)
8/31 Ironman Louisville

I will find out on 4/15 if I "won the lottery" and get to race in Kona this October. If I dont get into Kona and if I don't end up moving to Ireland for a new job this fall I will add either IM Arizona or Silver Man (140.6, Las Vegas) in November.

Should be a great season. Main goals are to go sub 5 hrs in Lawrence and sub 11 in Louisville.

Sunday Evening Update

2007-12-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

I updated the link section on my blog...a few race websites, a training camp site and my profile on Loop'd. More to come in this section in the next few days.

The next few weeks are going to be hectic:

-This week - 3 days of work travel
-Next week - Christmas at my house, then a 4 day trip to Chicago / Madison
-Week After - week in Miami for the Orange Bowl to watch the Fighting Mangino's
-Week After - week in Chicago works annual "Sales Kick Off" event

-Week After - I finally start to get my lazy ass back in shape.

2008 Race Schedule

2007-12-10T12:31:00.001-08:00

Here is what I am planning on for 2008:

Date Race
3/29 Olathe Marathon
4/20 Lawrence Half Marathon
5/18 Heritage Park Triathlon
6/1 Flint Hills Triathlon
6/15 Ironman Kansas 70.3
7/13 SM Park Triathlon
7/16 - 7/20 IM Training Camp - Omaha, NE
8/31 Ironman Louisville

IM Florida Finisher Video

2007-11-27T20:40:00.000-08:00

My sister, Trisha (who I was raising money in honor of) crossed the finish line with me. This summer she will race in Ironman Kansas 70.3 and I wouldn't be suprised if she does a 140.6 in 09.

08 Plans

2007-11-14T19:25:00.000-08:00

Starting to think about 08 plans already...

Feb 10 = Psyco Wyco 50K Trail Run
May 4 = Big O Half Iron
June 15 = Ironman Kansas 70.3
September 1= Ironman Lousiville

Would love to find a Mid / Late July 70.3 to add to the schedule, but need to fidn one near KC. Maybe Pig Man again depending on when it is scheduled. I want to enter more of the local sprint and Olympic races in the greater KC area than I did last year.

I also entered the Kona Lottery...so I guess there is a small chance I will get lucky enough and get to race in Kona. Not going to hold my breath, but it sure would be cool.

Ironman Kansas 70.3

2007-11-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

Very exciting news....there will be an "ironman" brand race in Lawrence, KS this summer. June 15th to be exact.

check out www.ironmankansas.com for more info.

Registration opened this morning. No idea how quick it will fill up, but I went ahead and signed up first thing just to make sure I got it.

More IM FLA Photos

2007-11-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

IM FLA Photos

2007-11-07T15:48:00.001-08:00

IM Florida Report

2007-11-07T15:46:00.001-08:00

No huge report...I am tired and getting sick, so only a short version today.

Race went well. Finished in 12:03:01. Missed my goal by 3 minutes, but I am happy with my time.

Swim - 1:10
Bike - 5:56
Run - 4:48

Final amount raised through the Janus Charity Challenge = $20,300!!!

I think that placed 6th or 7th overall. Still no word on how muhc of a match we are going to get from Janus, but I think it will be $750. This money will go a long way for Stepstone and the women & children who benefit from their services.

(but I will break 11 hours at Ironman Louisville next September)

It is go time...

2007-10-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

#142 is packed and ready to go.

7 AM flight out of KC through Memphis, in Panama City by lunch time.

According to weather.com we are going to have perfect weather...low of 55, high of 78 and sunny. That would be very nice, hopefully we will get that lucky

As of 9:10 PM, CST total dollars raised for StepStone in Wichita is $19,790. Has to be good enough to finish in the top 10 and get extra money from Janus. Slight, Slight chance I could sneak into the top 5 and get a larger doantion. Either way the charity is going to get a lot of money that will go a long way. Thanks to all who have donated.

Next report should include photos of me post race - medal around my neck, drink in hand and less than 12 hours showing on the race clock.

TJO

8 days left

2007-10-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

Just over a week away from IM Florida. I am feeling pretty good and very excited for race day to get here. Weather forecast looks great so far, but who what it will be like on race day.

Last weekend I was in San Fran to watch my sister and sister in law run in the Nike Women's Marathon. It is a really cool event. The participants get to run a really cool course. A few big hills, but nothing too bad.

I also got to meet Sarah Reinertsen at the Expo. Sarah is the individual who motivated me to take up this sport. Watching her during her first attempt at IM Kona was very inspiring, so meeting her was really cool. We only spoke for a few moments, but she was really nice and she seemed to be very proud of the fact that she motivates and insprires people of all abilities.

She has a pretty cool website - you should check it out to learn about her story - alwaystri.net.

Final Prep...

2007-10-14T14:22:00.001-07:00

Under 3 weeks now till IM FLA. Starting to get pretty excited...watching KONA on the internet yesterday sure helped. Those athletes are unreal.

Ran 18 miles Friday after work. Might have been my best long run ever. I know you are supposed to go slow on these workouts, but I was feeling great and decided to get ater it. Ran the 18 miles at a pace of 8:12 / mile. I think that is on pace for a 3:36 marathon.

Next week Trish and Tash run their first marathon in San Fran. Looking forward to the trip, seeing them run, doing a little Left Coast running myself and hanging out with the boys. Should be a fun trip.

Extra Motivation

2007-10-07T18:32:00.001-07:00

I have been telling everyone who will listen for quite some time now that I am participating in the Janus Charity Challenge as part of IM FLA this year. I am working to raise $$$ for StepStone, out of Wichita, KS.

StepStone provides transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. As I write we have raised over $7900!!!!

I know there are very few people who read my blog, and most of you got the email about why I chose this program to support and why it is so important to me...but just in case you didnt get that email, shoot me a note at odonnell_timothy@yahoo.com and I will fill you in.

Other wise ---- click the link below, open your wallet and help us out.

http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/fl07/timodonnell

Getting closer...

2007-10-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Down to 26 days to IM FLA and I am very fired up.

Had my last BIG volume training weekend these last few days. Rode 102 miles today. Last year, leading up to IM WISC my last 100 miles took me 6 hours. I did the 103 today in about 30 minutes less, so that is very encouraging. Have been training on rolling hills south of KC all year, so I am excited about the dead flat course in Florida.

I really think going sub 12 is with in reach. I may or may not hit that goal, but I know I am going to leave it all on the course. I read a quote in Runners World a while back that I really liked. To paraphrase..."if i am still standing at the finsh line, hit my over the head and knock me down, since I obviosuly didn't work hard enough"...I like that guys style.

Redman 70.3 Race Report

2007-09-23T04:30:00.000-07:00

The race yesterday went pretty well. Set a Half Iron PR of 5:32! After my swim I wasnt very optimistic about ending with a good time, but things ended up OK.

Swim - 40 Minutes...well behid my goal time of 35 minutes. Water was pretty choppy and you had to fight it on the way back into shore. Had my goggles knocked off 3 times and almost threw up one from taking to too much lake water. Was finally able to get into a goove on the way back into shore, but it was a little late. The good thing is that not too many people had a good swim so I wasnt that far behind.

Bike - 2:49...Nice bike course, out and back, shaped like a giant "L". Had the wind at your back twice and in your face twice. You could really fly when it was at your back.

Run - 1:58...By this time it was getting HOT. Out and back course around the lake and a nearby gold course. Great volunteer support and plenty of well stocked aid stations. The temp was getting into the mid 90's, so they were all well needed. Felt really good other than about miles 11.5 - 12.5 (stomach cramps), but by that time you could see the finish so it was easy to go hard for the last few minutes.

Solid race that I would recomend to enter.

Final Stats:

5:32:02
Age Group Place: 9/24
Sex Place: 37 / 212
Overall Place: 39 / 305

Photos to follow whenever I get them.

3 days

2007-09-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

I am looking forward to heading down to OKC for the Redman Half in 3 days. The last few weeks of training have gone well and I have been able to get out on a few easy workouts while still resting the legs.

I plan on a nice EASY run tomorrow morning...there is a 3 mile loop nearby I will run before work.

redmantriathlon.com has an athlete tracker on the front page. My bib # is 1046.

It is going to be hot, but the race will be fun. Race Saturday morning, eat and drink with the parents on Saturday night, rest on Sunday, then the miles get BIG for a few weeks...less than 7 weeks till IM FLA.

I plan on 2 100 mile rides and 2 or 3 20 mile runs in my final prep for the race. Fun stuff...

10 Days....

2007-09-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Ten Days till the Redman 70.3 in OKC. Training has gone really well these last few weeks, so I am excited about the race.

Current weather forcast is high of 83 and partly cloudy with 0% rain. That would be wonderful weather, lets hope the wind is at a minimum that day as I have heard you are not very protected from the wind on the course.

I hate to taper, as I feel lazy, but it is necessary to rest. Saturday will be a 40m / 5 mile brick and Sunday will be an EASY 10 miles. Will go for an easy run in Chicago on Tuesday before my meetings, swim 1500 on Wednesday and go for an easy 5m run on Thursday. Reset on Friday.

Enough to keep the blood flowing and to stay active, while allowing my legs to rest up for a busy day on Saturday.

Goal is to break 5:30...

Swim - 35 Min
Bike - 2:45
Run - 1:45

That leaves me 25 minutes leaway for tranisition and extra time during the race. I think it is very realistic.

Tim

IM Wisconsin

2007-09-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been a year since IMMOO 06. What a loooooong day that was, but well worth it.

Congrats to all of the KC Multisport finishers of Ironman Wisconsin yesterday. They had great weather and there were some great times. I beleive that everyone finished as well. Great Job!

Hopefully the handful of us who are racing at RedMan in a few weeks and then at IM FLA in 52 days will have the good fortune of nice weather as well.

Watching everyone online yesterday really motivated me to work hard for the next 52 days in order to get myself ready for my big race.

My original goal was 12 hours...then after a rough day at Pigman I thought about lowering my goal to 13 hours. I am going to stick with my original goal - it will be tough, but I think I can do it!

Tim

Ironman Louisville 08

2007-08-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

I just entered IM Louisville 08. Shockingly it took less than 5 minutes to register, I must have beat the rush.

Pig Man 70.3 Photos

2007-08-20T17:49:00.001-07:00

I do all the work, the kids get the all glory...

Pre Race with Seano, IPOD & Jake

Support Crew aka Team Madison...

Getting out of the lake...

Race Report: Pig Man 70.3

2007-08-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Short version - swam OK, rode well, didn't run well.

Full version -

Swim: came in 3 minute or so over my goal time on the swim. Learning how to swim in a straight line in open water would help a ton. No need to swim any extra distance in these races. Race was wetsuit legal, so that was nice. Swim split = 38 minutes & change

Bike: Beat my goal time by 8 minutes. I was pretty pleased with my ride. Course had a few more hills than advertised, but nothing too bad. Had a great fan base on the course. I think I saw the family 4 or 5 times, that always lifts the spirits. Weather was pretty nice, but was begining to warm up by the end of the ride. Bike Split = 2:54...19.3 MPH pace

Run: Ouch. It wasnt my day on the run course. Nothing much to say about that. It got fairly hot and I didnt have much energy left. Bonked hard. Run Split = 2:26...11:13 pace.

Need to pay more attention to my nutrition, both on a day to day basis and in days leading up to the race. I think that will have a big impact on results.

Final Time = 6:03. Not the best race, not the worst. Just need to do better next time.

Heat...

2007-08-05T15:35:00.001-07:00

OK - so Kansas in August is way to hot. Started a 70 mile ride about 7 AM, and by 10:30 - 11:00 the heat index was over 90. The temp on my Cateye registered 100 at one point. Ouch.

JoCo Bike Club puts on great events, but from now on the long rides / bricks will be starting the minute there is enough sun to be safe on the roads.

Got in a 16 mile run with Fish on Saturday morning then just short of 70 today. Planning on about 45 M Bike / 8 M Run bring next Sat then a 8 - 10 slow run on Sunday to get ready for Pig Man in 14 days.

Should be a fun race. 4/5 other KCMers will be there to compete. Team Madison will be there and I am sure we will have fun celebrating IPOD's 3rd birthday. WIll be nice to have the boys at a race this year.

Back in the groove...

2007-08-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Time to get use to the 5 AM (or earlier) wake up call again. With 90 or so days left in the season for me, there is really no reason to skip a work out. Or even put one off until later that night.

I decided to switch from the Master swim class on Tue / Thur mornings to open water swims in the evenings on those days. No matter how many times I do it, I am still not 100% comfortable out in the middle of a lake. I think a few weeks of work at Kill Creek before Pig Man and then a few more before Red Man will pay off in the long run.

Not growing up as a swimmer all the mornings in the pool can really take their toll on you.

Ryan (see Team Madison blog link on the right) and I are making plans for 08. Looks like we are both going to solo Brew2Brew in April (46 miles), then I will compete in IM Louisville in Aug and we are both going to run the Chicago Marathon in October with hopes of going sub 3:10:59 and getting into Boston the following spring. I am guessing I will find a few 70.3's to mix in for good measure.

9:46 PM...time for bed.

Countdown to future races this year

2007-07-29T09:52:00.001-07:00

Pig Man Half Iron - Cedar Rapids, IA = 21 Days

Red Man Half Iron - OKC, OK = 55 Days

Ironman Florida - Panama City, FL = 96 Days

I better get to work...

Prairie Punisher Duathlon

2007-07-29T09:45:00.001-07:00

So, its only been about 3 months since my last race and blog update, but I finally entered an event yesterday, so know I have an update!

I finsihed 4th in my age group at the Prairie Punisher Duathlon on Saturday. Havent been able to find race results online, but here are my times according to my Garmin 305.

15K / 9.3 Mile Run = 1:12:25 w/ a pace of 7:45

61K / 38.13 Mile Bike = 2:02:05 w/ a pace of 18.7

5K / 3.18 Mile Ru = 26:05 w/ a pace of 8:13

Total race distance = 50.72
Total race time = 3:42:52

Overall I am ok with my time and definatley happy with my effort. I am not in the best of shape, but I felt I worked hard on the course and gave it all I had. I thought I could have kept my bike pace at 20 mph, but the heat started to take a toll on my later in bike section.

One of my goals at IMFLA this fall is to complete the bik in 6 hours, which is an average pace of 18.7 MPH. So, hopefully with another 90 days of training on rolling hills I will be able to maintain than pace (or better) on a flat IMFLA course.

Random Photos from the Big O

2007-06-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Just found these two images online...Pre-Swim of the Big O

Updated Race Schedule

2007-06-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Prairie Punisher Duathlon: July 29 - KC Area
15K Run, 61K Bike, 5K Run

Pig Man Tri: Aug. 19 - Cedar Rapids, IA
Half Ironman Distance

RedMan Triathlon: September 22 - OKC, OK
Half Ironman Distance

Ironman Florida; November 4 - Panama City Beach, FL
Ironman Distance

You have earned....

2007-06-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

San Fran 26.2

2007-04-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

Well, Trisha (sister) and Natasha (sister in law) have finally caught the bug. They are both running the Nike Women's Marathon in SF in late October. Plus, they are both participating in Team in Training, workign to raise $3800 each for cancer research. Will make the event even more memorable for them both.

Training for this will be a big challenge for them, but I know they can do it. Just need to committ to yourself that this goal is a priority and not let anything allow you to lose sight of the goal...FINISHING!!!!

Tash will be providing random updates on the Team Madison blog. Link to that page is provided from this page.

Ironman California Finisher Video - 2007

2007-04-19T19:34:00.001-07:00

Ironman Wisconsin Finisher Video - 2006

2007-04-19T19:31:00.000-07:00

Janus Charity Challenge

2007-04-19T18:59:00.000-07:00

Last year, with the generous support of family and friends, we were able to raise over $7500 for Make a Wish of Kansas as part of my participation in Ironman Wisconsin. Through those efforts, a young man from Derby, KS is going to have a dream of his fulfilled.

This year, I am racing at Ironman Florida in November. I have two very ambitious goals: finish the race in less than 12 hours and raise $15,000 for StepStone in Wichita, KS. StepStone is an organization that provides support and transitional housing to women and children who are victims of domestic abuse. This money will go a LONG way towards helping these victims get back on their feet and live a safe and normal life once again. My training is at full speed so it is time to begin raising money as well.

With that in mind, I am asking you to do two things:

1. Take a moment to click on the link below to learn a bit more about the charity and why I am doing this. If you think this a good cause and are in a position to make a donation that would be wonderful. You can make online donations or you can mail me a check. Either way is fine.

http://januscharitychallenge.kintera.org/fl07/timodonnell

2. Help me spread the word. There more people we can share this with the better. If you have family, friends or co-workers who may be interested in supporting this cause, please forward this email on to them. If you think your place of work might be interesting in donating as well, please let me know and I will be happy to contact them directly.

Every little bit helps. Thanks in advance for your support.

Tim

Not a lottery winner

2007-04-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

I was not one of the lucky 150 who were selected for Kona. There is always next year. Maybe one day I will actually qualify.

So...I my tenative plan for the summer / fall

June - ???
July - Midwest Mayhem and Midwest Mudder in lawrence, ks
August - PigMan Half Iron in Cedar Rapids, IA
September - RedMan Half Iron in OKC, OK
November - Ironman Florida in Panama City Beach, FL

kona bound?

2007-04-14T19:40:00.000-07:00

I find out tomorrow at noon if I "won the lottery" and get to race in Kona this fall.

Would be an amazing opportunity to get to participate in this event. I am keeping my finger crossed...maybe one day I will actually qualify, but for now I will take a lottery entry with a smile.

Once I know which full I am racing, I will update a summer / fall race schedule online.

If I dont get in I will be racing in Florida in November. Either way I am looking forward to taking on the Ironman distance again this fall.

Also - next week I will be kicking off my fund raising efforts & participation in the Janus Charity Challenge. I will be raising money for Step Stones, a group out of Wichita, KS that provides transitional housing and support for women and children who are victims of domestic abuse.

In 06 we raised about $7500 for Make a Wish of Kansas - I am thinking of setting my goal at $15,000 this year. Will be working on this project with my family and we have a number of groups in mind to target as well as family & friends. Just like last year, I am sure this will keep me motivated and make the event even more special.

Ironman California 70.3 Race Photos - Part 2

2007-04-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

Finally done...time shown is pro time, my time is 65 minutes faster.

A few of us were in the chute at once, so I didnt get to break the tape myself

Leaving a VERY cold swim...about 60 degrees

Ironman Californa 70.3 Race Photos - Part 1

2007-04-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Leaving T1 on the bike - still pretty cold outside.

Nice and relaxed on the run...this was on lap 2.

Post race...happy to be done and to be awarded finisher medal and gear

2nd half of the bike

About mile 1 of the bike...leaving Oceanside Habor

Ironman Cali - Pre and Post Race Photos

2007-04-02T19:36:00.000-07:00

Oceanside Pier - Thursday

Balboa Island, Orange County, CA - Friday

LAX - Sunday Morning...long, long lines. Missed flight #1

LAX - Still waiting in line

Post race on Saturday...dad parked about 2 miles from the finish, so I was really happy to walk back to the car.

I will try and upload my finished video when I am able to download it from the web.

Ironman California 70.3

2007-04-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

The race went really well. I finished in 5:37:32...well undr goal of 6 hours.

I am pleased with the race and my effort. I do think that I could have bettered my time by 10-20 minutes.

I had trouble spotting the bouys on the swim and wasnt keeping a straight line, pus saltwater taste horrible.

My new bike performed really well. Once I get more time in the saddle I think I will be able to push it a bit harder.

Ended up running 8:24 miles on the run. Not bad, but I was hoping to be closer to 8 flat. My pace was up and down, so I need to stay more consistent in my pace.

Great way to start the season. Taking this week off, then going to bust my ass to get ready for the Big O Half here in KC on May 6th. I think a goal of 5:15 is realistic.

Photos to come when Dad emails them to me.

New Ride

2007-03-09T09:27:00.000-08:00

My new bike is finally on the way!!!
2007 Cervelo P2C / wMavic Cosmic Carbone race wheels.

Cant wait to get on the road...

2007 Races - UPDATED

2006-11-05T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am now entered in the following 2007 races:

-Half Iron California - Oceanside, CA - 3/31/2007
-"Big O" - Half Iron Distance in Olathe, KS - 5/6/2007
- Ironman Florida - Panama City Beach, FL - 11/4/2007

Also thinking about entering the Pig Man Tri (Half Iron Distance) in Des Moines, IA later this year when entry opens. Will wait and see how the first two races go and if Ryan enters the Big O with me before I make that decision.

Prettty aggressive schedule...I am going to be tired for most of 2007. Social life? Who needs one...

October Workout Plan

2006-10-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday - REST
Monday - 800m Swim (Upper Body Weights + ABS)
Tuesday - 30 Min Spin / 5m Run (Lower Body Weights + ABS)
Wednesday - REST
Thursday - 800m Swim (Upper Body Weights + ABS)
Friday - 60 Min Spin (Lower Body Weights + ABS)
Saturday - Long Run - 10+ Miles

Recovery Time is Over

2006-10-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Time to get back on the horse and start working out again. I have a rough outline of my plan for October 06 - November 07.

Nov - Strength / Light Train
Dec - Half Iron Train / Strength
Jan - Half Iron Train
Feb - Half Iron Train
Mar - Half Iron Cali - 3/31/07
April - Recover / Strength
May - Half Iron Olathe - May 6
June - Half Iron Train +
July- Half Iron Train +
Aug - Half Iron - Des Moines, IA
Sept - Iron Train
Oct- Iron Train
Nov - Ironman FLA (pending entry)

Dean's Version of the run in Wichita

2006-09-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

5 DOWN, 45 TO GO…
Wichita MarathonNumber of Runners: 21Time: 4:23:18Weather: 62 degrees, gale winds and driving rain
I’d like to personally thank each and every runner for your bravery today. The weather was nothing short of intense, with driving rain and torrential downpours. Kansas is know for its wind, and today was a monumental display of Mother Nature in all her glory.
With the long drive last night and just a few hours of restless sleep, I was hoping today would be an easy one. Such was not to be the case.
The rain began just before the start, and when we entered McConnell Air Force Base at mile eleven the showers had begun to intensify. We were met at the gate by twenty military officers and personnel who ran the eight mile section through the base with us. And that’s when things got really interesting. By mile 14, the rain was coming down sideways, stinging your face and body as it hit. The wind was whipping across the open expanse, making forward progress nearly impossible in some stretches, and blowing you off course in others. Trying to open your eyes to see where you were going was a painful experience, so we ran with our heads down, tracking off the line in the road to keep your bearings.
The group showed a grit and resolve that goes beyond words. During the peak of the torrent, we would just exchange periodic glances as a way of reaffirming our commitment to keep foraging onward. No words were necessary. When the rain finally did let up at mile 21, running the last five miles together seemed more like a victory march than a run, as though we had prevailed through the worst conditions imaginable and emerged intact and still moving forward.
Three first-time marathoners crossed the finish line. How they were able to accomplish this remarkable triumph in conditions that tested even the most experienced runners is astonishing. They say the human body can only go so far, well today the human spirit showed us all that nothing is impossible.
Thank you to the great athletes and people of Kansas. Heading down the highway toward the next marathon, your spirit lives on in my heart.
Warm regards,Dean

Photos from IM WI 06

2006-09-22T07:06:00.000-07:00

Endurance 50 - Wichita, KS 9/21/06

2006-09-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today was cold, wet and rainy - but I think we all had a great time.

Everyone was pretty pumped up after a pre-run pep talk by Dean about 15 minutes before we began the run.

We started right at 7 and mother nature acted up right away, but we all kept plugging away.

One of the highlights of the day fro me was at mile 11 when we entered McConnell AFB and were joined by a dozen or so Air Force men and women. It was greta to run with them on their base and have the opportunity to thank them for what they do for all of us. They ran with us from mile 11 to about mile 18.

By the time we left the base we knew we were on the down hillside of the marathon, so I know I was excited. The group spread out a bit, but we grouped back up at the end and about 10-12 of us all crossed the finish line at the same time with Dean. There were a couple of dozen family and friends cheering us on.

By this time, we were all excited when Dean suggested we take the post race festivities inside to warm up.

All in All - it was a great expereince and one that will rank near the top for me.

2006-09-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I survived Ironman Wisconsin….finished in 14 (h):16 (m).
A few quick notes on the race:
-It was the largest race in the history of Ironman with over 2600 people
-Weather was not exactly “ideal”…after wind chill factor, temperature was 50 degrees at best. Plus it rained ALL DAY. Rained pretty hard most of time, actually. I was worried about it being too hot, not it being too cold was I was unprepared with cold weather clothes.

SWIM
-Water temp wasn’t too bad, the wetsuit really helped. Surprisingly, I was very calm at the start. People describe the group start as a “washing machine” or a “blender” and they are not kidding. At one point I had someone’s right arm come over my right should, yes…they were completely on top of me. Due to the strong winds, the water was pretty choppy. Choppy enough that you wouldn’t be able to water ski on it. Once you get into the swim a bit you can find some open space and get into a groove. I got out of the water in 1:14

BIKE
- 112 miles in rain and wind isn’t the most fun. The route was pretty hilly and due to the wet ground, you were unable to take advantage of the free speed on the downhills. I think I topped out at 42 MPH and when your brakes are wet and they don’t work very well, riding at those speeds can get pretty hairy. I was fortunate not to wreck or get any flats. All in all the bile took right about 7 hours. To give you an idea as to how cold it was, when I got into the transition area my hands were solid blacks of ice. I was able to un-velcro my cycling shows and change from my cycling shorts into my running shorts, but my hands were to frozen to put on my short, socks, shoes, race number, etc. Had to get a volunteer to help.

RUN
-The rain still had to let up so I knew I was in for a long run. The course is an “out and back” half marathon course that you run twice. Pretty solid course around downtown Madison and the UW campus. The people of Madison and the family / friends of the others in the race provided great fan support. Your race number also has your first name on it, so you have strangers shouting out your name and encouraging you on. Plus the volunteers at this event are amazing. They both made the run much easier. I am not sure what my time was, but I think around 5:30.
All in all…it was a great experience. I am sure it will take a few days to sink it, but it was pretty cool.

Thanks to all of you who encouraged me over the past months.

Special thanks for Mark Smith (of Dick Smith Ford in Raytown for helping me get into the race after it was full…Ford is the title sponsor of the event)

Very special thanks to those who donated to my Make a Wish fund raiser! We raised almost $6500 and have been able to fully fund a wish for a 15 year guy from Wichita.