University of Alabama Law

I'm in. Class of 2011.

Play Tri Half Ironman: Irving, TX - Race Report

It had been quite a long while since I did a Half Ironman, so I was very much looking forward to this race. I felt like I had forgotten the intensity at which to race a Half IM, so I was very fearful of blowing up too early. The weather forecast was calling for 25 mph winds and 38F at the start. Awesome! Fortunately, though, the temp was in the low 50's, which was much more manageable. The winds, however, were beginning to howl.

I exited the water in 4th place after what felt like an easy swim, most of it done with a small group of 3 others. At the turnaround they put on a surge and I was dropped. I definitely need to work on my "snappiness" in the water. I exited 2 min down on the leaders, and 40 seconds on the group I swam with. Unusual for me to be so far behind, but I was more focused on doing my race than on being in the mix, so 4th was ok by me. I had gloves and a jacket by my bike, but skipped it all and just went out as quickly as possible. I was cold for the first 10 minutes, but warmed up pretty quickly.

I rode alone for about 30 minutes, when Justin Daerr passed me. I tried going with him, but within a couple of minutes I realized I was pushing 15% higher watts to keep up with him, so I backed off. He went on to have the day's best ride - he was on fire! I stayed in 5th place for the remainder of the bike, riding alone.

The winds REALLY picked up on the second loop of this truly urban race course. It was difficult at times to be on the aerobars.

On the run, I lost my gels when leaving transition ( flask fell and broke) so I had to count on the on-course nutrition - unfortunately, not all aid stations had gels, and my 38-someting minutes first lap was all in vain, as the pace crumbled for the second lap. With 4 miles to go I saw that was securely in 5th pace, and just jogged home to save myself for the week of training ahead.

I think the quick pace of the first lap was too much on my body as have been having a foot problem all week. I can barely walk on it, and am hoping it will go away quickly.

My many thanks go out to my super supportive sponsors, without whom I would not be able to race for a living. I'd also like to thanks RaceShots.net for the photos provided for this blog and for my website - they really know how to place themselves in the race course for some amazing shots. And also thanks to the Clines family who so graciously made me very very much at home for the short time I spent in the Dallas Metroplex.

It was a good start of the year for me, and I am looking forward to the next races: The Alabama Coastal Triathlon (May3) and the Tri-America New Orleans race (May 24).

Maine Natural Health

Maine Natural Health specializes in products for healthy living. Making products for humans and pets, you can see at the forefront of their line of products two lines:

1) Whey Protein: In various flavors as well as various mixes, including a formula developed for Endurance athletes ( a whey protein supplement that contains high doses of ribose), one for weight control, and one for powersports.

2) Omega 3 Fish Oils: Also in various flavors (natural, lemon, mint, vanilla or tangerine), MNH make sthe highest quality and highest potency pharmaceutical grade natural oils in the market.

Ever since I begun working with them, I have increased my whey protein consumption slowly, and am up to 4-5 servings a day. My favorite recipe is a miz of almond and hazelnut milks with 1 scoop of the Post Workout formula and one scoop of the CaveMan Formula. In the morning, before a workout, I use the Pre Workout Formula.

Check them out for yourself: http://www.mainenaturalhealth.com/

Niklas Group

Niklas Group is the newest one of my sponsors. The company, based in Calgary, Canada, specializes in building high quality homes that are modern, and yet, very comfortable.

Since 2000, Niklas Group has been active in the building and development of sleek, modern, urban oriented homes. Niklas Group strives to exceed client expectations by focusing on quality, style, location, and unique features in each and every one of our developments.

You can find out more at http://www.niklasgroup.com/

GHC (Global Healing Center)

I begun working with Dr. Group mid 2007. Using his expert advice and a combination of products GHC makes ( including the famous Oxy-Powder), I have been healthier this season than ever before.

Dr. Group is incredibly knowledgeable about the human body and has helped me open my eyes to healthier ways of living that can make me a better athlete and a healthier person overall.

GHC has a vast line of products available, and I would highly recommend any of the products that are available on the website. I have tried a number of them, and there is nothing I dislike about any of them.

To find out more, please visit: http://www.ghchealth.com/

Yankz!

The surest way to speed out of transition, Yankz! come in a vast array of colors. I have been a fan and a loyal user since 2001, both of my training shoes and my runners.

You can find out more about Yankz! here: www.yankz.com

AquaVee

AquaVee is a product that allows athletes to swim in virtually any pool. In less than a minute, and using the plugs that attached to the border tiles of the pool, you can be ready to perform a swim workout in a pool where you ordinarily wouldn't be able to train in.

I like mine so much, sometimes I set it up even though I have a perfectly good 50m. pool at my disposal. I love the strength workout it allows you to get, as there is no forward movement, thus increasing the resistance through the fluid medium.

The suction cups are strong enough to hold on to the tile and will simply not come off while you swim.

Whether you are a frequent traveler, have a small pool at home, or are simply looking to get in shape, this is a product you should definitely look into: http://www.aquaveeonline.com/

Northwave

Northwave makes a very nice line of cycling and triathlon shoes. My choice is their Tribal Carbon for Triathlons, the Vertigo Carbon for road, and the Raptor Carbon for MTB ( which I am slowly improving at).

Their Spring line of cycling gear is also terrific - you can see all of it at www.Northwave.com

Edge Composites

Edge Composites makes tremendous wheels. I have been incredibly satisfied with the stiffness and aerodynamics of their 68mm tubulars, and I also have a front 38mm in case the winds kick up too much.

Later in the year, there are plans for a 110mm, as well as a disc. Given how great the 68mms ride, I can barely wait to get my hands on that set.

You can find more info on Edge Composites here: http://www.edgecomposites.com/

Pyro Apparel

Pyro apparel makes custom sublimated cycling ( and now triathlon) clothing. Below is a shot of my custom cycling uniform for 2008. All of my sponsors are featured on it, so it's a great way to always make sure they are visible whenever I am on my bike.

Also, this year we did a runing top as well, and the intent was the same sponsor visibility near 100% of the time.

To find out more about Pyro Apparel, please visit: www.pyroapparel.com

Amazon Thunder

Amazon Thunder has a vast line of acai berry products that are 100% organic, unrefined, pure and natural. I have been a huge fan of acai for over a decade, but only recently this amazing little berry made its way into the USA.

Since I begun working with Amazon Thunder earlier in the year, I have been taking in some acai on a daily basis, and definitely believe it has made me a stronger, healthier athlete. I have even noticed I have not gotten sick as much this year, which is so common amongst endurance athletes. If you are serious about your health and your performance, I highly recommend you give it a try. It makes for a delicious smoothie!

You can find out more about Amazon Thunder at: www.AmazonThunder.com

Shave Secret

Shave Secret makes a shaving oil that is perfect for triathletes. It dramatically reduces dry skin, rashes, nicks, cuts, ingrown hairs and shaving bumps, for the smoothest shave ever!

It is mde of natural ingredients only, with a hint on menthol. Shaving with it lasts considerably longer than with a standard shaving cream, and it is far smoother. After shaving with it, my legs feel like the outside of a cucumber. :-)

They have different size packages so you can have small ones to pack to races, and a larger one at home.

For more info on Shave Secret, visit: http://www.shavesecret.com/

Spin Skins

I have been (nearly) flat free for quite a few years now. Every once in a while a larger-than-life piece of metal will ruin my streak, but aside from that, I can practically ride without a spare tube kit since I so rarely flat. This can only be said due to Warwick Mill's amazing Spin Skins. Their lightweight, yet strong tire liners do a tremendous job in protecting riders from being stranded on the side of the road.

In fact, I have been on a ride with other guys and everyone went through a pothole, and I was the only one not to flat, even though I was second in line. They make that much of a difference, and I highly recommend it: not only to avoid losing precious time in races, but also in training, and avoiding the headaches that come with flats.

You can find out more about them here: www.SpinSkins.com

Cahaba Cycles

The Malki family has done a tremendous job promoting cycling, health and fitness in the state of Alabama. They just opened their 4th store in Trussville, and their managers, employees and mechanics are incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They are also all around great guys to hang out with. I always have a blast when I am there.

I am truly lucky to have their support and would highly recommend Cahaba Cycles if you are looking to buy a new bike, some cool bike gear, or if you need your bike tune up by some folks who really know their way around a bicycle.

You can find out more about them here: www.CahabaCycles.com

Kiwami

Based out of Montardon, France, Craig Watson's Kiwami is the most amazing triathlon clothing I have ever worn. I have been with the company for 3 or 4 seasons now, and each year I am more delighted to see the advancements and developments made in the racing line.

If you watch closely, the majority of the athletes in an ITU race are wearing a Kiwami suit, regardless of who their actual clothing sponsor is.

For 2008, my entire race kit will be red,black and white, and the Kiwami race kit is no exception. You can check back in the future and see for yourself on the photos I post.

You can find out more about Kiwami here: www.Kiwami.fr