K. Todd Storch

Great Thanksgiving with family

Had a great time this Thanksgiving at Terr and Robin's new home in Edmond, OK. Family, football, food and naps!

Ironman CDA Race Report

Bib Number:  931
Overall:  14 hours, 47 minutes, 34 seconds (official result page)

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This is a Flickr badge showing photos in a set called IM CDA 2007. Make your own badge here.

Curt's Kodak Gallery slideshow

Catherine's Picasa Album

Matt's pictures in my flickr photoset

This was the toughest, yet most satisfying day I think I've ever had.  As most of you know, I went into this race injured.  I had to stop running and biking for over a month to let my left tendon heal.  But, regardless of that crazy "taper" leading into the race, I had faith in the base training I had put in from December.

Barry, Matt and my family before the start

This was a fun, vacation type of trip because the whole family went.  We stayed at the Couer d'Alene resort, which I highly recommend if you are traveling with your family.  A fantastic facility and the proximity to the course makes for an easy day for the wife and kids on race day.

I think I saw Tara and the kids 7 or 8 times during the day and this was so uplifting!  Hearing them yell 'Todd' and 'Daddy' was one of the highlights of the day.

Swim (2.4 miles):  1 hour, 30 minutes, 10 seconds; 2:22/100m pace

The day started windy and chilly.  They made an announcement at about 645a that if you wanted to not swim and do a duathlon, they would count it towards the race.  There were white caps blowing towards the shore and this announcement did put a hush over the crowd.  Most of us just looked at each other and said, 'you've got to be kidding me...there is no way we are not swimming today.'  Apparantly, 60 or so made this choice and I believe over a hundred people pulled themselves from the swim after starting.

I really felt good during the swim.  It was a beating for the first 10 minutes or so...the typical arms, feet, elbows, etc.  But, I made my way to the left of the pack and got into the best groove I could.  I exited the water on the first loop at about 42 minutes.  I was really pleased with this due to the conditions.  I looked at my watch and the exit clock after finishing and I was around 1 hour, 22 minutes.  This made sense to me because I was expecting around a 1:15 with decent conditions.  Not sure where the 1:30 official time came from, but whatever. 

Bike (112 miles):  7 hours, 26 minutes, 3 seconds; 15.07 mph

Hill time

I had 3 different bike courses during the day.  The first phase was up until about mile 50, the second phase was until mile 80 and then the last 32 or so.

The first 50 miles were great.  No issues.  Had a good steady pace while following my heart rate.  I didn't look at my speed one time during the race because I was committed to watching my heart rate.  I knew that I had to take it easy due to my injury, so HR was all that really mattered to me.  I averaged 17.57 mph for the first 34 miles.  The first loop of the hills went fine and the cool weather and great scenery made for a decent morning.

Then, I really started to feel bad.  My legs went limp.  Really lost power in my pedal strokes and I knew I was in for a long, long day.  I have had this feeling before during long training rides and it usually was due to improper nutrition, or going too hard, too soon.  I mentally chalked it up to not riding for nearly 6 weeks before the race and concentrated on getting in more calories.  I ate an extra 340 calories (Peanut Butter Power Bar and Strawberry/Kiwi Accel Gel) and I think this helped.  It wasn't until about 30 minutes after a bathroom stop around mile 65 that I started to feel better.  One major lesson I've learned during long training rides and runs; you can fight through it.  It will and can get better if it isn't major pain.  Loss of power, stomach issues, leg problems, etc., magically get better if you deal with them the right way during training.

Around mile 75, I felt stronger and was ready to finish up the ride when my front wheel hit a small rock or something and I heard the dreaded "ppsssssssssssssshhhhh".  Flat.  Front wheel.  Dang it.  So, I had my necessary tools, but I've never changed a tubular with a flat.  So, I walked half way up the hill I was climbing and got to it.

It took one bike shim to wedge under the glue and rip the tire from the rim.  Then, it took all three shims to figure out how to get the spare on.  This dexterity challenge took me about 20 minutes from start to finish.  It wasn't setting records anywhere...but looking back on it, it gave me rest.  Probably exactly what the Ironman gods said I needed.

I finished the rest of the course praying that I didn't have another flat as I didn't have another spare tire and I took it easy around corners.  I sure didn't want to roll the tire off the rim with the limited glue the spare had on it.

Run (26.2 miles):  5 hours, 32 minutes, 18 seconds; 12:40 mile

Great pic right around Mile 1 (thx Beth!)

I was so ready to run after surviving the bike!  I knew I wouldn't be running a 3:24 marathon like I did in New York, but felt like I would be able to break 5 hours.  My plan was to run to each aid station and walk those.  However, after I saw the family around mile 1, I was in for 2 very painful miles.  My lower back seized up on me.  I've never dealt with that before.  Just grabbing pain, throughout my entire lower back.  I stopped 4 or 5 times to stretch, but nothing brought relief.  Only running downhill felt ok...

Once I got to mile three, I think my prayers and the 4 Advil I took in the transition tent took over.  I never felt the pain again.  Gone.  As quickly as it came.  Thank you Lord!

I was able to run to each aid station until about mile 14.  I was averaging about 9:30 miles, but then I really had to walk more than I was used to after 14 miles.  I walked the hills and stopped a few time before the next mile's aid station.  I tried to high five everyone I knew and all the kids on the course.  I really was a wonder crowd of people and they pumped me up for the entire run.

At mile 25, it began to feel real that I was about to finish my Ironman.  Making the left turn and seeing the 6 blocks to the finishline was amazing.  It felt like the entire city's population was on those 6 blocks screaming and cheering.  I took off.  I felt like I was running a 7 minute pace; my form felt great and I my shoulders were back and stride was quick (I probably looked horrible and was running 10 minute miles...).

I kept scanning left and right for Tara and the kids because I didn't want to miss them at the finishline.  Then, out of the crowd, Tara and all three kids jumped out in their "Ironmom and Ironkids" blue shirts with huge smiles!  We ran hand in hand down the finishers chute and crossed the line together and it was one of the best feeling I have ever felt.  I was able to see Ryan, Taylor, Peyton and Tara smile as we ran down towards the finishline.  It was a fitting finish because this Ironman journey was hard on the family too.  They were in it with me.  The long weekends of training, the countless hours of discussions, planning and being gone took their toll on more than just me.  They deserved that finishline as much as I did.  It was amazing.

One of my favorite pics...thanks Curt

I showered at the hotel and came back down to see the people finish before the midnight cut off and we made as much noise as possible for all of those Ironmen as well.  It was magic as the rain began to pour at 11:30p.

What an amazing day.  My closest of friends were there, other training partners and family; you couldn't ask for more.  I couldn't of made this Ironman a reality without my close training buds:  Matt, Curt, Todd, Dave, Barry.  Thanks for the countless hours of training support and text messages each week.  Jim, without the weekly training, I never would of been able to accomplish this.  Mel and Ron, thank you for the medical and mental help with my late training injury.  To all of the Dallas Athletes, what a great community of people.  It makes living in Coppell even more great.

Jim's IM Training Crew

And of course to Tara and my kids.  Without your support, this would of never been possible.

So, am I happy with my time?  No.  But, I am respectful of the distance and know that just finishing this Ironman is huge with the condition I was in 6 weeks ago.  Will I compete in another Ironman?  Absolutely.  Just don't ask me when.  I'm sure it won't be in 2008.  Training for 1/2 Ironman's is so much easier with family!

Beth and Tara did survive the training!

Some lessons learned:

• Get lifestyle nutrition dialed in before the next race.  I entered the Gulf Coast 1/2 IM at the perfect weight/body fat% and this race I was heavier.  I know it was due to the injury and time off, but a more structured plan throughout the training period could of helped me be 7-9 pounds lighter
• Continue to feed positive thoughts throughout training.  The mental game of the day was key.  If I would have freaked with the swim, the 2nd phase of the bike, my flat or the pain at the start of the run, it could of been over for me.  Continue to look for ways to stay mentally strong
• Continue to use swim coach in off season.  This season's committment to improving my swim really paid off.  I'm not done improving
• More hill training if the course is like this.  Need more than one weekend in Austin, or at least a number of Hilltop hill repeats to get the legs used to that kind of punishment
• Continue to use a coach for training.  Jim kept me on track with a plan
• More time in aerobars on long rides.  You can't spend 100+ miles in aero during a race if you don't train that way.  I think this lead to the back issues I had at the beginning of the run
• Keep the Advil/Alleve in the transition bags and special needs bags.  This was a lifesaver during the day
• Keep smiling and highfiving everyone I can.  Especially the little kids out on the course!

Family and Thanksgiving

We had a great time this Thanksgiving.  We spent the holiday in Sweetwater, TX where my mom, grandmother and other family live.

My brother and his family went as well, so under Mom's roof, we had 5 adults and 5 grandchildren; under the age of 11.  That's havin' fun!

My brother and I had a few early and easy runs, both less than 4 miles.  These were total recovery runs for me and it was nice to just enjoy the morning company of my brother.  He reminded me it was the first time we have ever run together.

Mom gave me a fascinating article she found about the Civilian Conservation Corps, which my grandfather served in 1933.  The CCC were the men during the Great Depression that built America's state and national parks, forests, bridges, dams, fish hatcheries, roads and lakes between 1933 and 1942.

My grandfather Jake, as we called him, made $25 a month.  He was allowed to keep $5 and the other $25 was sent back to his family.  Read the whole article here.

Now, back in Dallas.  Time to start the official training for Ironman and be thankful for my health and all that support my triathlon addiction.

What a great Thanksgiving.  I have plenty more to think about during the long Ironman training that officially starts on Monday.

Thanksgiving pictures here.

A Great Day!

Trophy time!
Originally uploaded by K. Todd Storch.

My son Ryan has just earned his Camo belt in Taekwondo. He has been working so hard to learn his form, his weapons and now, his sparring.

He is just passionate about Taekwondo. I really understand what that passion feels like and I decided to take Ryan on a road trip Friday afternoon.

There was an ATA Taekwondo tournament in Lufkin, TX on Saturday. This would be Ryan's second tournament and was stoked that we were going to take a "guy's road trip"!

We headed out late on Friday afternoon and stayed at the host hotel in Lufkin. We had a great time during the 4 hour ride and of course staying at the hotel was a huge hit for him.

We were at the tournament from 8a until about 2p on Saturday and then went out to my aunt and uncle's house down the road in Diboll, TX. Jim and Marion came out Saturday morning and cheered Ryan on to his 4th place finish in weapons and form.

This was a really big deal for him because he was the youngest in his belt division and coming in 4th out of 16 was a big accomplishment.

Dad was proud, but more importantly, Ryan was proud of his accomplishments.

So what does this have to do with my marathon/triathlon training? Well, to begin with, I had no issues missing my Saturday run (there was a time this would drive me nuts...). This was just too important to worry about a training run.

If you are freaked out about missing a training day; don't. Do what is importatant, get your training in and stay mentally sharp.

This was a "road trip" that I'll never forget.

Photos here

Ryan Earns His Orange Belt!

Yesterday afternoon, Ryan tested for his Orange Belt in Taekwando and earned it!

He also earned the "Junior Member of the Month" award for his job well done!  He is extremely pumped and his long term goal (which earned him a star in class) is to earn his Black Belt.

Blocking Moves

Defensive Moves

With His Belt!

Happy Birthday Taylor!

I blinked and Taylor turned 10!  Unbelievable my oldest is now "double digits" as she calls it.

We had a great time celebrating her birthday.  She wanted to eat at one of her favorite Italian food restaurant's, Sienna, in Valley Ranch.  My dad and step mom Joan joined in for the fun.

Happy Birthday Taylor!

Birthday video link here (youtube.com, 22 seconds)

Taekwando!

Ryan is really loving his Taekwando classes.  He recently earned his 3rd black stripe (first one in his class!).

I highly recommend these types of classes for kids.  The discipline, respect and all around support of school and family is a great way to help kids gain confidence and life lessons.

Took this video with my Treo 650.  Quality isn't perfect, but you get the idea!

What a Great Birthday!

  Birthday Loot! 
  Originally uploaded by K. Todd Storch.

What a great birthday!  I am so thankful for so many great friends and of course, my wonderful family.

I got to eat lunch with Tara today at a favorite place called Thai Chili.  Went to dinner with the family at our favorite mexican food restaurant, Guero's.

Had to wear the big sombrero while Happy Birthday was sung by the entire restaurant; the excitement on the kids faces was priceless!

Tara and the kids got me the awesome swim .mp3 player, a 2006 Discovery jersey, a new cycling mag, suntan lotion for my tri bag and one of funniest gifts, a "big bag of nothing" (family joke with the kids).

Also received a very cool book, a cycling statue and race wheel bag from Matt and Beth and the $'s from family will go directly to the new carbon race wheels (info coming soon).

Family and friends definitely have me pegged for gifts.

I'm very blessed and thankful!

Spring Break!

  Horse riding time 
  Originally uploaded by K. Todd Storch.

We had a great time for Spring Break this year.  Tara found a ranch West of Ft. Worth called Dancing Oaks Ranch.

We went out for Wednesday through Saturday morning trip and totally enjoyed ourselves.

Horseback riding, kids driving around on a golf cart, fishing, roaming and exploring and cooking outside.

We did come back on Friday afternoon instead of Saturday due to the rain that was moving into the area, but what a great family trip!

Pictures are ->here<-.

Cold Weather Weekend Workouts

If you are in Texas, especially the D/FW area, you know all about the 60 degree temperature swing this week.  From the mid-80's late in the week to the mid-20's this weekend.

Played havoc with our ride and runs for the weekend not only for the temperatures, but the mist/rain and wind.

Due to the upcoming weather, I got in my longer run from the weekend on Thursday morning (Motionbased workout link).

Saturday morning, I joined Curt, Todd and Dave over at Curt's house (photo) for a morning Spinerval called "Have Mercy".  I only had time for an hour and 15 minutes before heading off to Ryan's Pinewood Derby, but they got in the full 3 hours.

Sunday morning, Matt and I did the Spinerval workout "Mental Toughness".  A good hour and a half workout for sure.

Don't normally like to ride the trainer, but this weekend it was definitely necessary!

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tags:  triathlon | spinervals