Spring into Cycling Season

Over the last several weeks Spring has played some nasty tricks on the residents of western Oregon.  Two weeks ago we had incredible weather - dry with moderate temperatures.  That weather was enticing and enabled me to start putting saddle time in on the road bike.  I rode on three seperate occassions the week of spring break for a total of about 70 miles.  The courses I chose for riding varied by terrain and scenery.

One of my favorite rides involves a fair amount of  climbing over some gorgeous terrain out in the hill country of Sublimity, Oregon.  This ride is virtually free of traffic and offers ample road surface for riding.  On a scale of 1-10 of short , quick, blood pumping rides, I give this one a 10.

 

I started riding this day with no particular destination or course in mind.  As is typically the case on my rides, I just headed out the door, clip into my pedals and ride out into the country unsure of my direction.  Once I find myself riding out in the rolling hills, it's very difficult not to give into the curiousity of what is over the next hill or around the next corner.  I have to temper my sense for adventure and discovery by remembering it's only the start of spring cycling season.  There will be ample opportunities for discovery this spring, summer and fall.

The views this day were impressive to say the least.  I was surrounded by fields of lush green grass, scores of christmas trees, and Douglas Fir all set amongst the background of the snow peaked Cascade mountains.  I was definitely rewarded on the ride by the welcoming of a new season.  On the shoulder of one of the many hills I climbed, the transitional color variation between the grasses had the landscape popping from yellow to green with the majestic snow capped Mt. Jefferson towering over the valley.

It's rides like this that make me count my blessings that GOD gives me the strength and ability to experience his glory on a daily basis.  I am so thankful for these experiences that I must share the joy I experience with everyone.  Once I reached the top of the biggest climb on the ride, I stop and reflect on my surroundings and my life.  I breathe deeply and smile with eager anticipation of the riding season ahead and the glory of events yet to come.  I get back on my bike and prepare for a fast descent home to share my excitement with my family.  Spring is here.

Cascade Half Marathon

Watching the weather forecast for Western Oregon in January is typical if not down right predictable.  This week was no exception as the weatherman proclaimed....  "showers this week with a chance of heavy rain at times. Sunday looks to be the wettest day of the weekend".  You don't say Mr. Meterologist!

After living in Oregon for the last 12 years I have grown accustomed to the rain.  It's become a fact life in the winter months.  I don't let it stop me from being active outside and a little rain wasn't going to dampen my spirit today on my second running of the Cascade Half marathon.

I didn't have any pre-race expectations for time other than a loose goal of trying to finish around 2 hours.  When I ran this race last year I used it as a training race for the Hagg Lake 25k trail run in February.  I planned on that being the case again this year.  The longest I had run prior to this race was about 7 miles and I surely wasn't following a regimented half marathon training program to prepare for Cascade.  I just intended to go out for a long winter run in which proceeds from the event supported the local high school cross country team.  My fastest half marathon time to date was a 1:53:24 recorded on the Cascade course in 2009.

I arrived at the school just in time to watch the early start runners take off in the rain at 8am.  The rest of us would be starting an hour after them at 9am.  I went into the gym to pick up my race packet and was astonished by the turn out.  I stood in line among 400+ other runners eager to get our race numbers and get out on the course.  It was great to see this many people come out on a deary Sunday morning to run 13.1 miles in the rain.  I met up with Mike and Sean and we completed the packet pick up together.  Soon enough we would be lined up and ready to hit the rural roads for an out and back run.

After some brief last minute instructions from the race director and a quick count down, I hit the start button on my Garmin 310XT and away we went.  The one thing about this event is they also have a 2 mile and a 10K and everyone starts at the same time.  Needless to say the 2 mile and 10k folks set a pretty fast pace from the get go.  It's up the half marathon folks to remember not everyone is running 13.1 together; folks will be running back towards the finish line in no time.

Mike took off at a pretty good clip and I let him go.  It takes me 5K to warm up and settle into my pace and this race was no different.  My first 3 mile splits were 8:22, 8:22 and 8:28 - too fast for me - but I was sustaining it with moderate effort so I let it go.  Just after mile 3,  the headwinds began to blow directly at us once we ran out from the tree lined wind block.  Looking ahead I saw Mike about 100 yards in front of me.  I knew I could catch up to him.  It was just around mile 5 when I finally reeled him in.  "We're running too fast"! Mike said as I reminded him it was me who had to catch up to him.  Our second aid station appeared and Mike told me he would see me at the finish.  I was carrying my Amphi-pod water bottle so I skipped the aid stations.

Miles 4, 5 and 6,  I posted splits of 8:17, 8:10 and 8:17 - still too fast but I rolled with it.  I was carrying my I-Pod with me but up to this point hadn't turned it on.  I figured I would crank it up so the music could distract me from the nasty little nagging whinner in my mind telling me I was sore and tired.  It worked.  I got a real jolt from Limp Bizkit, Metallica, REd Hot Chilli Peppers, et al.  I picked up the pace and motored on after the turn around.  The next three miles posted splits of 8:02, 8:11 and 8:04 - I was feeling strong!  I was looking at my time and thinking I was going to PR on this race if I kept up the pace.  Time to put the face of determination on brother!

I was at mile 9 - only 4 to go but 4 of the hardest yet to come.  It was at this exact mile marker that I learned something about myself on this very course last year.  I reflected inward on that moment and cranked up my mantra and thought about true pain and suffering.  A half marathon is a walk in the park compared to the conditions our soldiers face in Iraq.  Move it!  I rolled off 8:10, 8:12 and 8:25.  This was it, I was within a mile of home.  What did I have left?  8:19 and the finish line was in sight.  One last push and I could hit stop.

I crossed the finish line in 1:49:15.  The savor of this Sunday would be setting a new personal record for the half marathon.

My thanks to God for the gift of my great life.

Whitewater kayaking on Thomas Creek

I have been a little lax at keeping up with my blog lately.  It's probably because I am taking some down time in the off season after the Ironman, the holidays were just upon us and work has been hectic lately.  I hope to start blogging on a more routine basis now that we are into a new year - 2010!

As fall turns to winter in Oregon, the rain starts to become a daily facet of life.  To most it's just considered another season in the Pacific Northwest.  To kayakers it takes on an entirely different meaning.  To us it means paddling season!  Over the last couple of weeks, I have had a chance to reacquaint myself with my whitewater kayak after nearly a year long hiatus from paddling.  My spirit flows as freely as the river on which I paddle when I am in my kayak and I absolutely love being on the river.  Today was no exception as I paddled  lower Thomas Creek near Scio, Oregon.

This little stretch is considered to be a class II+ section with ample opportunties for wave surfing and hole playing.  Various features along the river always keep me smiling on this run.  Today was no different.  Ideal flows for surfing are around 1600cfs and that was about the level the water was running when we put on the river.  Just below the put in we encountered a river wide log jam and were forced to portage on the right.  This strainer was fairly innocuous as we had ample warning that it was there and various options to skirt around it without any consequences.  It did however serve as a reminder of how much wood is in this stretch of river.  We remained vigilant for wood the rest of the run.

This run is by no means difficult for me, to the contrary. I often elect to paddle this stretch simply to relax and enjoy the various play features of the river.  Today my intentions were to play on every feature I could find.  Just below this strainer was the first play hole in which we all could surf.  We all eddied out on river right and then one by one proceeded to take our turn at playing in the hole. It was so much fun that when I did flip, I nearly forgot to roll up.  Sloppy could best describe my first roll of the day.

After hanging out at this hole for about 20 minutes we paddled on down river.  The weather was warm by winter standards and we worked up a sweat playing in our little plastic boats.  As we moved from one feature to the next our smiles grew wider! 

Experiencing the river with those that share you passion for whitewater is always an aspect of kayaking that I cherish.  I have met some fantastic people through paddling and enjoy their company on the water.  Today was a day I shared the river with good friends once again. 

After playing on various waves, holes, ledges and pourovers, we made our way to the old Jordan Dam which we portaged today.  As we scouted the dam we suggested to one another various lines that we could take to run the dam, but knowing what lurks below (major rocks) we opted to walk the road around the dam instead.

From the dam to the take out is only about 2 miles, but that last section contains one of the best play features on the entire run.  There is a great play wave center to river right with eddie service.  We all spent about 30 minutes there playing on the wave till our hearts content.  The wave was fairly easy to catch and had great pillow above.  I think the wave wore us out we played so much.

As is typically the case with paddling our day ended much too abruptly as our run came to end just under the Hannah Bridge.  Another great paddling experience for the memory banks.  Good times friends, good times.

Winter Trail Running

Over the last 3 years, my triathlon season has typically come to a close in mid September as the remaining races of the season are put into the record books.  This year's season extended into November for me with my last event being my first Ironman race in Arizona. 

In years past the winters in the Pacific Northwest held special meaning for me as the rains come in off the Pacific ocean and hang around for - oh, about 6 to 8 months.  It's hard to imagine anyone finding solace in the dreary, gray, wet winters in Oregon.  Most people dread this time of the year and can't make it through the winter without several ventures out in search of the sun - be the journey near or far.  Some will have to go to the cities of Phoenix, AZ or Palm Springs, CA for a dose of sunshine.  Those not fortunate enough to travel long distances chasing the warm rays of the sun will have to settle with a trip to the local drug store to purchase a lighted sun box.  These boxes hold mythical wonders for the sun deprived winter dwellers of the Pacific Northwest.  All that is required is an electrical outlet in which to plug in your articial Sun.  Flip the switch and voila' - instant Sun for as long as you can stand the artifical rays emitting from the compact contraption.

The sun box would drive me crazy.  I wouldn't be able to contaim myself long enough to sit in one spot to reap the sunny benefits of the box.  Instead, I choose to embrace the winter and celebrate in the liquid sunshine it bestows upon our saturated state.  For me winter in Oregon means two things.  Whitewater kayaking and trail running.  The kayaking will be addressed at a later date as I phase back into paddling and provide my readers with trip reports. 

The first trail run of the season took place yesterday at Shellburg Falls in the Santiam State Forest.  This campground is a little hidden gem off the beaten path and a great location for a trail run.  This run was reported to be a 6.5 mile run with some serious climbs, bomber descents, incredible views, minor creek crossings and a mixture of dirt roads and single track trail.  The course did not disappoint.

This race would be my first organized event since Ironman and the first true test of my recovery from that journey.  I had no expectations for this race other than to have a enjoyable day out in the woods, running with 3 of my co-workers.  It was a great morning, albeit a little chilly at 27 degrees before the race started.  After picking up our race numbers we all jumped around for a few minutes to keep our body heat elevated while we listened to the race directors course descriptions and instructions.  I was very excited to be kicking of the winter trail running season with this annual race.  I had run up in this area before as it is only 9 miles from my house.  I had always thought it would be a great location for a organized run and now I was running in the inaugural race.  I was elated to be out there on the trails in the woods with fellow racers who really enjoy trail running.  It made me feel like a kid all over again!

Three, two, one, GO!  The race is started and into the woods we head.  During the first quarter mile, we come to our first creek crossing, I see two signs.  One pointing to the bridge over the creek, the second leading directly through the creek.  I opt to attempt the leap over the creek.  I quickly realize the water is slightly warmer then the ambient temperature but only because it's not fozen and it's moving.  My feet are cold from the water but it's only a slight submersion of my right foot and a toe dipping of my left.  No worries, I am wearing wool socks. I keep the pace with the dog in front of me.  Up the hill we climb.  Labored breathing quickly gives way to focused foot placement and we are soon running downhill on a bomber descent.  I feel just like a kid again running down the mountains of New Mexico.  I am flying downhill trying to keep the focus of maintaining my place on the trail without tumbling out of control into the woods. 

As with any descent in trail running, an ascent soon follows.  I can't blow myself up on the fist mile I tell myself.  "Enjoy the day, take in the scenery and slow down Quigley!" I internalize. A road quickly emerges as we divert off the single track onto a logging road.  I know the climb up to and around the waterfall is only a quarter mile away.  As my co-worker Mike catches up to me, the stairs starting the climb to the waterfall are evident on our right.  We start our climb - a climb that wouldn't end for nearly the next 4 miles.

In trail running they say to walk up the hills and run the downhills.  That's good advice provided you  can do more than crawl up the hills.  At several points during our climbing session, Mike and I just laughed in exhaustion.  We made it a point to take in the scenery and look at the vistas.  Between the sun shinning and us working hard on the hill climb, the cold temperature of the morning had dissipated.

Once we crested the climb we took in the views and briefly caught our breath.  A couple more photos and we were off into the woods again. This section of the course was singletrack and oh so much fun to run on as our heart rates settle back down.

The single track eventually gave way to another logging road and more climbing.  This stretch seemed to go on forever at a moderate incline.  But it was an illusion as we eagerly anticipated getting back on the singletrack for what would be our last bomber descent of nearly 2 miles.  The single track trail finally revealed itself and we were once again flying downhill.  Through the trees we went, around corners, jumping roots, dodging fallen limbs.  As fast as our feet would carry us, gravity beckoned our bodies to pick up the pace even more.  One one occasion I nearly ran off the course and tumbled into the ferns before catching my footing and correcting my controlled free fall.  It's amazing how much joy and youthfulness a trail in the woods can generate from those that set foot on it.

The last section of trail didn't seem to last long enough as we quickly found ourselves on the logging road again and on our way to the finish line.  Our competetive spirit kicked in for an all out sprint to the finish.  After 1:12:25 out in the woods, our glorious run came to end oh so quickly.  Although the race had ended the trail running season had just begun.  If the remaning races are anything like this, the winter trail running season is going to be a ton of fun!

The Ironman Arizona Experience.

It's Thursday morning and I am saying goodbye to my sons as they load themselves into the van so my wife can take them to school.  Normally this wouldn't be any big deal but today is not any normal day.  I hug my wife and wipe away the tears that have welled up in her eyes.  I ask her why she is crying yet I need no answer. 

The last twelve months of our lives have laid testament to the sacrifices Tina and the boys have made for me while I prepared for the greatest physical and mental challenge of my life.  I was about to face that challenge in about 72 hours in Arizona. She told me how much of a good man I was as she hugged me tight.  I then bid farewell to Aidan and Flynn with tears in my eyes and asked them to be good this weekend.   They asked "Are you going to be an Ironman Dad?"  I sure hope so guys, I sure hope so.  One last group hug and they were off to school to start their day.

I doubled checked one last time to make sure I had the gear I needed to take on the plane with me.  Everything was there as I checked it in triplicate about four times.  I got in the car and drove to the airport.  The plane was late by an hour on departure but before I knew it, I was in beautiful and sunny Phoenix, Arizona.  The weather was incredible and I quickly changed into shorts and a tee shirt once I arrived at the hotel.  Now I see why the snowbirds flock to Arizona in the winter.  The weather there in November was much better than the winter rains in Oregon.  This was going to be a great weekend to tackle the Ironman.

The fist order of business after checking into the hotel and changing my clothes was to make my way over to the venue and the athletes village to pick up my race packet.  The hotel was only a couple of miles from Tempe Town lake so the trip there only took about 10 minutes.

Once I parked the car and made my way a few short blocks over to the entrance, my nerves really started to go haywire.  Everything I had worked so hard for over the last 12 months was about to be put to the test.  This was it!  I was here and about to walk through the Ironman archway into the athletes village.  What an incredible shock to the system.  But oh what a feeling.  Stepping into that village suddenly brought a sense of calm to me as I knew I was ready for what was about to occurr.  I quickly took inventory of the layout so I knew where everything was.  The vendor booths were enticing and informative and the amount of energy in the area probably emitted a glow that could be seen from the furthest corners of Arizona!  

 It was late in the day as I toured the athletes village and would have to come back tomorrow for packet pickup and to get my bike from Tri-Bike Transport.  No big deal, I was here to tackle the Ironman triathlon and didn't plan on leaving until I gave it my best shot.  I returned to the hotel and went to the local Safeway to stock up on food for the next several days.  Late afternoon quickly turned to night and I hit the bed trying to get as much rest as possible. Friday was soon upon me as I woke up to see the alarm clock read 6:45am.  In 48 hours I would be in the water waiting for the cannon to sound to start the Ironman.  Yaaaaa maaaan!

I grabbed a quick coffee from Starbucks and headed over to the venue for packet pick up and to meet my buddy Tevor Yates for a practice ride out on the course.  I got to the village early and again made my way around taking everything in, this time including the athletes practicing for the swim in Tempe Town lake.  The comments about how cold the water was were abundant.  The facial experssions of many athletes seemed to confirm that sentiment as they were flushed red from the cold.  Most swimmers only spent a few minutes in the 63 degree water on their "warm ups".

I head over to the packet pick up line at 9:45 to be greeted by a decent size line of folks anxious to get their race numbers and all their goodies.  No worries as I am still towards the front of the line.  Trevor shows up shortly thereafter and we just look at each other with these huge smiles in realization that we are finally here and the day is nearly upon us.  We make our way through the process and get to the end of the line where they verify the electronic chip we will be wearing to track our times accurately reflects the athlete wearing it.  It does and we are good to go.  One last check to make sure I have my 5 special needs bags and we're off to get our bikes and ride the course.

We have a good ride just to make sure our bikes are functioning correctly and we don't have any last minute adjustments to make.  We don't and we are good to go.  I spend the rest of the day just chilling out, trying to reserve as much energy as possible for Sunday.  I know my other friends and family members will be arriving soon and I am looking forward to seeing them and enjoying their company for the short time I will see them.  I head back to the hotel to meet up with Tony, my friend from Portland.  It's good to see him here to support me and we have a bite of lunch together.  After lunch I start getting my special needs bags lined up.  I load the special needs bike bag with Fig Newtons and various other forms of nutrition - too much nutrition.  In the end, I will only eat the Fig Newtons.  Again the late afternoon suddenly transforms into night and I am ready for bed.

Saturday is a busy day at the race site.  All the bikes and special needs bags have to be dropped off in the transition areas and it's the last chance to make any necessary adjustments and get one last warm up swim in.  I opt to test out the waters after dropping off my bike and special needs bags.  I don the wetsuit and swimcap and make my way over to the water.  Standing at the top of the stairs leading down into the water, I get excited.  I take a few steps and leap out into the murky fluid.  Suddenly my body is shocked by the temperature.  I try to adjust by remaining calm and swimming out towards the bridge.  Once I am in the water for a few minutes, I settle in.  The temperature is no different than the water we swim in up in Oregon so I am fine.  Water is murky and  the sun creates havoc by casting shadows.  No sweat - a quick couple hundred meters and I am out.

I head back to the hotel in preparation for meeting up with my brother from Dallas and high school buddies from Albuquerque.  We all get together around six that evening for some dinner at a gourmet pizza place.  It's good to see all these people here to support me.  A glance at my watch during dinner tells me I have a mere 12 hours to go until race day!  Holy crap I am thinking, this is it!  We finish our pizza's and salads and head back to the hotel.  I finalize plans with my brother to meet me in the lobby of the hotel at 5am.  I take 2 sleeping assist pills, confirm the wake up call for 4:30am and crash.

After a somewhat restful night, I hear the phone ringing.  It's race day!  Get your ass out of bed Quigley - time to roll!!  I get up and drink two Ensures right off the bat, followed by a bananna and bagel.  I drink water and take 3 electrolyte tablets to retain and replace some of the salt I am about to lose.  I feel calm.  I gather the remaining gear together and head down to the lobby to meet my brother.  The elevator doors open and the lobby is filled with athletes making their way over to the race.  My brother Don is there and we head out to the car for the short drive over to the site.  We get there to join the rest of the athletes and prepare for long day ahead.  I quickly check on my bike, inflating the tires to correct pressure and loading the fluids and nutrition.  I get my body marked with my race number and now I am ready to roll.  I meet back up with Don and give him my gear bag.  He asked me again if I am ready for this.  You bet your ass I am! I tell him.

I pull my wetsuit on and tell him I will see him along the way and at the end of the race.  It's really great to have him here with me even if I failed to metioned it to him. I know the next time I see him, my cousin Mary Louise will be with him cheering me on.  I smile at the thought of everyone here to support the athletes.  I head over to the swim start in the dusk and start to get a little teary eyed.  This is really it now Quigs!  The moment you have been waiting for is now!  The race director starts directing people to the water.  The pro's enter first as they have a 10 minute start before the age groupers.  Next thing I know I am standing on the edge of the lake with permission to enter the water.  One last check to make sure my googles are under my swim cap and I jump into the cold murky water.  My heart is racing as I swim up to the start line only to be forced to tread water for the next 20 minutes to the sound of AC/DC's For Those About to Rock!  Hell ya!  For those about to rock!  That's me!  Next thing I know the National Anthem is being sung and the sun is rising in the East - the exact direction we are headed.  I am pumped when the race director ask " Who's ready to be an Ironman?"  The participants and crowd goes wild! Next thing you know the cannon sounds.  My 13 hour day is beginning.

The swim can best be described as mayhem in a blender.  All the swimmers heading in the same direction towards that first buoy and all trying to get their "place" in the water.  Arms and legs are flying and bodies are crawling all over top of each.  Inevitably, you are going to get hit in the head, your legs pulled on and swam over whether you want to or not.  It's just the fact of a mass swim start.  I position myself about 4 rows behind the leaders and try to settle in for the swim.  I put my head down and focus on my stroke count and breathing.  Aside from all the commotion in the water I feel good.  No need to wonder how sea lions feel anymore swimming on the docks - I know for certain.  I try to sight my way to the first buoy but the orange glow of the rising sun makes it difficult.  Before I know it though I am making the turn and heading back to the swim exit.  I really feel good on the return with nobody on me anymore.  Well it's because I was off course slightly.  I look up to be instructed by a kayaker to head north to join the group.  I quickly fall back in line with the pack and before I know it, my swim is coming to an end and I am being helped up the stairs at the exit. 2.4 miles in 1:08:39

I am quickly stripped of my wetsuit and headed off to the bike transition and changing tent.  After a 7:05 transition I am at the bike mount line and on my way for a three loop course totalling 112 miles on my bike.  I am feeling really good now and having a great day.  As I head out of town I get emotional again realizing that I am living the dream right at this very moment in time.  I clear the tears from my eyes and think about my family.  The support they have provided to me is the motivation that is driving me now.  I recall the advice from friends Scott and Kelly to ride my own race and ignore those passing me.  "Harness Quigs, harness" is what Scott tells me all the time when we ride together and I smile as other pass me by.  "See you later guys, it's going to be a long day still"!

On the first loop out, the amount of drafting taking place was pathetic.  I had several pacelines whiz past me comprised of at least 20 riders at a time.  Go ahead you bastards, I thought.  Your bike splits aren't genuine if you have to cheat the wind by riding together.  I pull up several times to avoid the appearance that I was participating in this illegal formation.  The headwind was definitely there though.  All I could do on the ride out was put my head down and grind it out.  I choose to focus on the scenery instead of the wind which seemed to work as I reached the turn arounds fairly quickly when I did that.  I only stopped 3 times on the bike, which in retrospect helped me to refresh myself and have a good overall ride at 6:00. The bike portion of the event was fantastic for me and I really enjoyed myself although I did start to get tired on the second loop.  No worries again as I was living my dream and the second portion was just about completed.  Once I crested the top of the turn around for the third and final loop the wind changed direction.  I was now headed into the wind again for the last 19 miles of the ride.  I knew it was about over so I just smiled and motored on to transition two.

After 7:19 in transition 2,  I was off on the run.  I knew this was going to be the greatest physical test of the race for me.  I am not naturally gifted runner but I work very hard at it.  My feet were in some pain already as I used the wrong bike shoes on the bike and that resulted in a severe hot spot on my right foot.  Now I had to run 26.2 miles predominantly on concrete.  Oh hell!  Before the race,  I took a permanent marker and wrote "Tina, Aidan and Flynn", "Engage the Suck" and "Smile!" on the inside brim of my hat.  I would use that as motivation when the run really kicked the crap out of me as I knew it would.  I headed off towards the first aid station at just over 1 mile.  My legs felt like lead filled balloons.  I kept telling them to move but the resistance beat out the directive.  I just knew I had to keep going.  The run course was three loops around the lake and all I can say is thank god for the volunteers at those aid stations!  I consumed everything they had to offer and more.  Water, gatorade, pretzels, oranges, cookies, chicken broth, ice and enthusiasm!  I couldn't have completed this journey without those folks!

The first loop was difficult and the pain in my feet was incredible.  It felt as if someone had held a hot cattle prod to the bottom of them for 5+ hours!  I knew I had 2 more loops to go.  The heat was causing me some discomfort as well but I knew the sun would soon be setting and would give me some relief.  As the sun set I found myself at mile 17 and knew I was into single digits now to finish the race.  That's a trick I learned from Trevor.  "Get the marathon down to single digits Quigs and then really push and focus".  I managed to smile again knowing I had nine miles to go and looking at the brim of my hat.  But the pain was almost unbearable.  At one point in the darkness as I shuffled along the lake, I recalled Tina being in labor with our son Aidan for 19 hours.  That really put things in perspective for me and I started running again.  I used a lot of mind tricks to get myself through this race.  Mile 23 found me walking again and getting a false sense of the finish as you can see it from the hill top yet you still have to make a semi-circle to the east for another 3 miles to the finish line.  It was at this point that my good friend Greg Kantola caught up to me.  Greg's determination and drive is just what I needed.  We walked for a bit and talked about life.  It was great having him there with me, sharing my suffering.  He looked  at me and asked if I had any run left in me?  I told him I did but not yet and to go on.  I watched Greg fade away.  It was just boost I needed.

At this point I was less than 3 miles away from the finish.  I told myself to send the pain below and started to reflect on visualizing running through the finishing chute.  I got to mile 24 and ran along the grass to try to relieve the pain in my feet.  It helped a little but it also made me think about laying down for a quick nap.  Hell no!  If you do that you'll never finish.  Get your ass moving to that line buddy!  Next thing I know I am running again and I see Rudy Garcia -Tolson, a double amputee, running his first leg.  I nearly cried again seeing him out there.  I yelled out to him in support, pulled the brim of my hat down and mustered the fortitude to try and catch up to Greg.  I crossed the bridge and made it to mile 25.  I had 1.2 miles to go!  I told myself this was it and picked up the pace as much as I possible could.  As I got closer to the finish line, the crowd was going wild.  I drew on their energy.  I hit mile 26 and knew it was only .2 miles to the finish.  The crowd was going nuts!  I pushed every last ounce of energy I had into my legs and rounded the corner.  The lights were glaring and I heard Mike Reily announce, "Brian Quigley, from Stayton, Oregon you are an Ironman!"  My fists were pumping and any fatigue I had quickly vanished as I had just finished the IRONMAN!!  I was estatic and exhausted.  I ran a 5:50:27 marathon but could care less at that point.

After 13:13:34 out on the course,  I was an Ironman.

Two week taper to Tempe!

My long journey to the Ironman is nearly here.  Two weeks from today I will be in Tempe, AZ to participate in what amounts to a 3 part physical proportion final exam taken after 12 long months of training.  The test is comprised of three sections.  The first section covers 2.4 miles of swimming and will be an open water swim in which my fellow participants will be right there next to me crawling over me in the water.  I feel very comfortable with this portion of the test.  35.7 miles of swimming over the last 12 months has prepared me well for this challenge.

The next section of the test will be riding 112 miles on my bike.  In this portion of the test you are on your own and the only aid you can use is your bike.  I plan on bringing this one with me.

My biggest point of focus for this overall test has been cycling.  My cycle training over the last 12 months has consisted of riding 2505 miles.  Hopefully the weather in the desert will cooperate and the winds won't play havoc on us as we make our way over the bike course three times.  If the winds do decide to come out to play I will have to remind myself to stay in the aero position as much as possible to conserve energy for the run.

Ah yes the run.  Not just any run mind you but a full marathon!  That is 26.2 miles of running.  While this is certainly a long way on it's own, it's even more of a challenge after swimming 2.4 miles and biking 112 miles.  This is certaintly the portion of the test which will challenge me the most.  I have worked extremely hard on my running.  Over the last 12 months I have run 707 miles in preparation for the marathon portion of the journey.  My intention is to remain relaxed and keep a smile on my face and embrace the suck when it comes up.  Mr. Pain will present itself at some point along this test and I will just have to remember that I chose to take this test.  I can't let Mr. Pain be the ultimate administrator.  This is my journey and he can just get the hell out of the way.

The cool thing about taking this test is you can bring food and drink into the classroom.  In fact it's encouraged at several key locations along the course.  You can bet your bottom dollar that I will be taking full advantage of that benefit. 

So the day is nearly here.  I have trained as well as I can for this test while maintaining the other commitments I have in my life.  A ton of people have supported me along the way.  My wife and 2 sons have been incredibly supportive once I embarked on this journey and they are excited to see it come to a conclusion.  I appreciate the love and support you all have shown along the way.  I couldn't have made this long journey without my family.

All the test I have taken previously have been small steps in my journey towards Ironman.  The final step in the journey comes after I cross the finish line in Arizona.  My total training consisted of 3,248 miles covered in 400 hours.  Hopefully that will be sufficient preparation to close the chapter on my Ironman journey.  The next time you see this photo you should see my Ironman race number on the wall.  From aspirations to accomplishments!  Here we go!

It's nearly time for the show.

Work / life balance.  I hear that phrase a lot at my place of employment.  Over the last 12 months however I have modified the phrase  to Work / Life /Ironman balance.  As you know by now for the last 12 months, I have been training for my first Ironman triathlon and the event draws ever closer.  Twenty one days from today the juggling act of balancing work, family and ironman training will be put to the final test in the desert of Arizona.  After this week of training I can only tell you I feel as ready as I am going to be for the journey called Ironman.

This was my biggest week of training so far and I feel really good about my state of prepardness.  Over the remaining three weeks I need to keep working on visualization and relaxing my mind.  I have a tendency to over agitate my thoughts during training and racing.  I need to practice my mental containment and slow myself down for this distance.  If I get too caught up in the swim or the bike, my run will suffer.  I don't want to self sabotage my journey so I will work on relaxation techniques to keep me focused on the overall event and not just one discipline.

This weeks training consisted of 3 miles of swimming, 153 miles of biking and 27 miles of running for a total of 183 miles.  My longest swim occurred on Friday morning.  I had a great 2 mile swim workout and the reason was I remained focused and calm in the pool,  keeping the distance in my mind and visualizing a relaxed efficient stroke.

My longest bike ride in a number of weeks took place today as I rode 93 miles over varied terrain.  Here again it was almost as if a lightbulb went off in my head as I kept telling myself to relax and enjoy the ride.  I didn't focus on pace today at all and had a great ride.  My nutrition plans on the bike are pretty close to being nailed down as everything I consumed on today's ride was spot on.  The caloric intake and lack of any intestinal discomfort was just what I was looking for.  I felt strong once the ride was over.

My running was a mixed bag this week.  I had a couple of really good weekday runs including a night run comprised of laps around my block that simulated the run at Ironman and was 8.5 miles in length.  Just short of one lap on the IMAZ course that I will be running at night.  Again a very focused and relaxed run.  Saturday morning I planned on going 20 miles.  At the 10 mile point, that rain rolled in and for the next 3 miles I was completely drenched.  Conditions were miserable.  Considering it was Halloween and the kids had a party to go to and they were so looking forward to trick or treating, I cut the run short at 13.  I called Tina and her and the boys picked me up.  I had to sit in the back of the van on the way home I was so trenched!  The kids had a great Halloween.

Over the next couple of days I will make sure all the final logistical information and check list items are covered and before I know it, I will be on my way to Tempe for the big show!  

Now I am off for some well deserved SLEEP!