my ultimate Hawaii Ironman Race Report:

It was hot, I went for it on the run, I blew myself to bits, I spent 7 miles getting to know myself really well, then I thought of Jasmine waiting at the finish line and blew doors home over the last 10K to finish in 10:40.  It was not my fastest time in Kona, but it was not my slowest.  After 28 of these, it was good for me to take some chances.  I love this race, it's clearly difficult, but it's all about the experience.  When you see what others are going through it makes your race seem incredibly insignificant.  Throughout the week I met cancer survivors, athletes without legs, arms, athletes of all ages, first timers, diabetics,  20 timers, women, men, teens, people from all over the world.  Amazing people who made the decision to train for an Ironman race.  Here's some advice for you the next time you're in a jam like I was at mile 19:  Just turn your brain off and get going... it actually works.

Seeing as I had some down time between miles 13 and 19,  I gave my ironman racing history a quick review and after 29 of these suckers, here's how it looks by the numbers:

2.4 miles of swimming x 29 =  69.6 miles

112 miles of cycling x 29 =  3,248 miles

26.2 miles of running x 29 =  759.8 miles

When you look at what I've been doing with my free time over the last 25 years, things start to add up.  That's when I realized that this is all about the experience, the people I meet, the people I surround myself with, and the places I get to see.  I still like to kick butt, but it's good to get your butt kicked once in a while too.  It gives you perspective, a reality check, a better understanding of what you're all about.

Always make it count,

-Vinu

PS... rumors of my retirement have been overly exaggerated.  I have not decided to come out of it yet