1. You had a tough day at Ironman Cozumel. Briefly, what was your goal going into the race and what went to plan and what didn't?
With a season coming to an end and seeming relentless time and energy demands all season long, I really let my expectations go. I even forgot to THINK about the race until 2 days before the event.
I somewhat understood that with my support efforts in Kona for Jackson and RTS, that I was really not in optimal shape.
Also, getting a brand new bike and setup 1 week out was going to be a risk but I just couldn’t wait to ride the new Ventum.
Also, Cozumel is a paradise to me and nothing would sway my vibes heading into this luxury-event. My goal was to squeeze myself like a sponge and really do what my wife told me… “Make sure you keep going even when you do NOT want to”. That was all I could do after my lower abdomen really hit some sharp stabbing pains after the 13 mile mark. There wasn’t anything left in terms of “competition” at that point.
I was committed to finishing so I could set an example, respect the course and spend time…doing what IRONMAN athletes do; get shit done. Finally a top 10 swim which I always know I’m capable and the bike was mostly all solid until some leg cramps due to the new position but still came off the bike in 11th.
For me, that’s a great day given the outcome of painfully walk/jogging the final 12 miles.
2. You've raced Cozumel many times throughout your career. What keeps bringing you back to the island?
Cozumel is a quiet place for my soul. With so many race destinations of such beauty being completely dominated by tourism, Cozumel is an island where I feel only 40% of the actual island is totally dedicated to tourism. The rest is really wide open, untouched beaches and endless clear-water. For me, the warm breeze, relaxed vibe and Mexican authenticity really makes this a special place. Also, anything goes…no one judges you and everyone wants to help. I love that about this place.
3. What was the most ridiculous thing that happened to you during this race?
The most ridiculous things that happen in a IRONMAN race in Mexico are always focused on lack of information and drafting on the bike. This race was no exception.
Regardless of the amounts of races that happen here, the shuttle from T1 to the swim start has NEVER taken the right turn and we end up dropped off in some random area and find our way to the swim start.
Also, sometimes it feels like the race officials are reluctant to call penalties for the very obvious drafting that seems to occur in the pro race. I can say I saw and heard many penalties were called but I still saw between 15 and 5 meter distances in a long group of 15. I mean, at times the headwind was so strong it was such an accordion, I can’t say anyone was truly doing this on purpose but it was still something that happened. We all deserved a penalty at some point in this race so I guess, maybe that equalized some of the nonsense. Finally, one more thing happened before the swim start…when a giant boat was just, suddenly moving one of the swim buoys and our entire group was split by a 30ft boat…luckily the motor was off but still, that was insane.
Will I go back? Always and I believe my best races are still to come.
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