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True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ
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It's nice to see that there is still a good amount of Aloha Spirit left at Ironman.

Shuresh is a stud in my book, I don't care what his time was (from the Forward Motion Race Club home page)

My First Ironman Written by Suresh Donthineni

  • I have been doing triathlons for the past 5 years. Just like most of us, I got my introduction at Tri for Fun. Right after the race in August 2006, I joined FMRC and met a lot of wonderful athletes and started doing more triathlons, and progressed to Sprint, Olympic, and Half Ironmans. I have also done half marathons and marathons etc. But, I knew I had to be physically and mentally ready to do the full Ironman. I pulled the trigger last year in November and signed up for IM Arizona.

    The goal for IMAZ -- finish the race with a BIG SMILE......

    The training started in May 2011. During my base period, I did the Vineman 70.3 in July. The goal for Vineman 70.3 was to test out the nutrition and equipment for the IMAZ. I finished Vineman 70.3 in 6 hours 30 minutes and I equated that to 13-14 hours for the full Ironman, and felt good. Between July and November, I did a lot of training with FMRC colleagues, and got hand held by XXXX, XXXXX and a few others. I knew I was in good shape going into the race, and was well coached by XXXXX.

    I drive to Tempe three days before the race with 6 months worth of supplies. There's excitement in the air with over 2500 athletes and all the wonderful stuff you can buy (boy, this is an expensive sport!!). I get registered and spend time in awe of how fit the other athletes were, and whether I am fit enough to compete and finish the race. Over the next couple of days, all the FMRC group met for lunches, or short rides/swims etc. At this point, I am feeling a little nervous, but good.

    Race day arrives, and I am in good shape. Bike's in order, T1 and T2 equipment is in order, the bike and run Special Needs bags are in order. I change into the wetsuit and jump into the lake. The water was cold and we had to tread water for 5-10 minutes, before the gun goes off. As I was treading water, Ernest Knapic pops up right next to me, and informs me that it's a dog-leg right, and also to watch-out since I was going to get hit (Thanks for that great advice Ernest). The gun goes off, and we are off. Within the first 100 yards, I get hit on the back of the head pretty badly by someone's elbow. I get hit three of four times, and now I'm disoriented and confused. The first thought that goes through my head was -- I need to give up the race.....and it has only been 100 yards of swimming.

    I hang in there for a few seconds and look around and find a little open space. I slowly make my way into that spot and start swimming slowly, just to regain my confidence. Everything is going smooth, and the beasts have gone past me. There needs to be a USAT rule that if your biceps are bigger than 40 inches, you cannot do triathlons!!! My swimming is going good, slow but good. I have now finished 1.5 miles and am getting very cold, and am keeping my head out of the water a little longer so I can absorb the sunshine on my face. I finally get out of the water at 1 hour 50 minutes or so. The volunteers help me out and ask me if I am ok -- I was so cold, that I was not able to respond and just nodded my head to say 'yes.' Off to T1 and change into the bike gear -- bike bib for sure as it's going to be a long ride.

    The bike ride goes well, as it's a 3 loop course. The first loop is good and the return back is a little downhill and I can gain momentum. Second loop out starts good, but the return is tough since the wind picks up and we get cheated out of the 35mph downhill. The third loop starts and my stomach starts sending me distress signals. No porta-potties in sight. I turn around for the final lap and voila, porta-potties. I spend several minutes pondering the meaning of life.......and finish the bike leg in 7 hours 15 minutes. I paid for 17hours, might as well get my money's worth.....

    Off to T2. Change into run shorts and HAVE to keep the FMRC top. Run starts off good. I am doing 11-12 minute miles and feeling good. I thought, at this pace, I can finish in 14 hours, and still have a smile on my face. I am at mile 13 and still doing good. Mile 14, my left knee starts hurting. I walk a little, and try to run again -- no luck. I try it a few more times, and can't do it -- the knee hurts pretty bad. I give in and remember Mike Riley's advice (don't fight it -- take the day as it comes). I resign and guess that I have 11-12 miles of walking to do. It's only 7pm and I still have 5 hours to do 12 miles of walking. I can achieve that. I now find two other athletes who are in a similar situation. So, we start walking/limping together. Jimmy starts complaining that I am limping way too fast!!! (Jimmy is a really funny guy and if you are ever in my situation and need to walk a long distance, then walk with Jimmy since time goes by fast). It's 10 pm and we are at mile 24. 2 hours and 2 miles to go -- then we are officially IRONMEN.

    At that point, we run into John Davis, a 68 year old athlete from San Diego. This is his first Ironman. He apparently fell down, and tore some ligaments in his left leg. His left leg is non-functioning. He is surrounded by officials and some spectators. He cannot get any outside help. He is barely able to move, and you could see the pain in his face. Jimmy and I stop to find out what happened. At that point, it was 10pm, and we had 2 more miles to go. Jimmy and I look at each other, and decide to hep John and carry him to the finish line. John was in a lot of pain and was confused. On one hand, he wanted to finish (only two miles to go), but on the other hand it was too painful. We started carrying him, and he was walking on his one good leg. We stop every 15 yards for him to recover. Now, the crowd starts gathering around us, cheering us and getting us drinks etc. It takes us 1.5 hours to get to the chute. 400 yards away, and we can hear the crowds. At this point, I completely forget that I have a knee pain and we are completely encouraging John to hang on to us. 400 yards and 30 minutes to go. Plenty of time. We enter the chute and the crowd goes wild. Mile Riley comes down to greet us, and says, "John, the crowd has something to say to you"......and you hear the 400 or so spectators go, "JOHN, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN."

    Jimmy and I get John across the finish line at 16 hours 37 minutes.

    Although a lot of things didn't go as planned for me, I still achieved my goal -- I crossed the line with a BIG SMILE. And guess what, I got a PR too......

    As we enter into the festive season, please raise a toast to John Davis, an Ironman from San Diego.

    Happy Holidays.

    Suresh



Dave Stark
dreamcatcher@astound.net
USAC & USAT level 2 certified coach
Last edited by: karma: Nov 23, 11 21:24
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Bump for a great story.

Bob
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Very cool, thanks for sharing.
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Love it! All the elitists need to read this!

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My business-eBodyboarding.com
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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You. Are. Awesome.

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The secret of a long life is you try not to shorten it.
-Nobody
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Yes indeed this is what Ironman is all about.
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you. That could be any of us out there one day.
Always nice to know that someone has your back!
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [TriBodyboarder] [ In reply to ]
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I read it. I'm so fit I would have helped that guy all by myself. The OP needs to train a bit harder if he wants to get to my level

Eric Reid AeroFit | Instagram Portfolio
Aerodynamic Retul Bike Fitting

“You are experiencing the criminal coverup of a foreign backed fascist hostile takeover of a mafia shakedown of an authoritarian religious slow motion coup. Persuade people to vote for Democracy.”
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for sharing. Although I have done Ironman races for 29 years, IM AZ was the first time I volunteered and got to watch a triathlon live. I was amazed at the various levels of fitness and the various attitudes out there. Lots of young bucks with gladiator mentalities going to conquer the world (or at least qualify to conquer the world championships). Lots of people out there to PR. Some having good days and some not so good.
Because there were many first time Ironmen, I saw a lot of people out there that "looked' as if they had not trained much. Many struggled in the swim, others had a hard time finishing the bike, and others that were not ready for that long of a run after a long day.
I loved seeing those that were swift and finished strong. It was also heart warming to see the joy on the faces of those that had very long days but stuck it out and made it to the finish. A few had very short days a could not complete the race, some were fit and race ready, others were in over their head. The disappointment was all over ther faces. I felt for them also.
If you have a chance, go volunteer. It may give you a perspective that you did not have.
If you are a volunteer to bike handler, bring gloves. Some of you are just nasty on the bike.

Team Zoot So Cal
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [ericM35-39] [ In reply to ]
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ericM35-39 wrote:
I read it. I'm so fit I would have helped that guy all by myself. The OP needs to train a bit harder if he wants to get to my level

Pink font Eric!

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My business-eBodyboarding.com
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [Karl] [ In reply to ]
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Great srory.
Thanks for volunteering Karl.
I crashed on the bike and 99% of the people that went by offered assistance. Despite some thinking there are a lot of "elitists" in the sport I think the biggest percentage out there at all levels are great people.

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B.Oliver -My Blog...triguywithavx.wordpress.com
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Best race report I have read! And a very appropriate handle "karma", may it bring you plenty.
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Thanks for sharing, this race report made my day. Happy Thanksgiving


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Try Not To Puke on the Finish Line!
http://trynot2puke.blogspot.com
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [115InTheShade] [ In reply to ]
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As an old guy, I think that most of the "elitist" out there are just young, immature, and full of testosterone. Many of them will not last in the sport for a variety of reasons. As we get older, and slower, we have a different perspective. It takes some longer than others to realize this. The elitist should enjoy their youth. We will try not to get in their way.
This was a great story for Thanksgiving Day. Our health and abilities, and riches are true blessings worth being thankful for.

Team Zoot So Cal
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Dear Karma -

I was one of those spectators cheering you on and let me tell you that what you did was the most selfless display of sportsmanship I have ever seen. I have told the story as I saw it to my wife, kids and every other person who would listen the last few days since I returned to MN and every single time it brings tears to their eyes and smiles to their faces. I can say with confidence that you my friend are a lot of folks favorite triathlete right now (my 10 year old thinks you are better than Mccormick, Wellington, etc.) and will be for some time and that seeing your act was what pushed me over the edge and had me standing in line at 5am the next morning to sign up myself.

Thank you for your heroic act.
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Years of training, all that alone time, expense of equipment and events

I paid for 17hours, might as well get my money's worth..... Priceless!

BC Don
Pain is temporary, not giving it your all lasts all Winter.
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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You are my hero.

Don't know how many people (myself included) would forget about their race, their time and their ego in order to help someone achieve his/her goal.

Perfect story for thanksgiving day.

Cheers!
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [MicheTri] [ In reply to ]
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Awesome story! Thanks for sharing.

Bill

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"Lotta people go through life doing things badly. Racing's important to men who do it well . . .
When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting."
# ..Steve McQueen as Michael DeVaney in Le Mans (1971)
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Hi,

I am the son of the man that Suresh and Jimmy carried to the finish line.

It turns out my Dad actually fractured his hip as a result of the fall and underwent partial hip replacement surgery upon seeing the doctor in San Diego.

If not for their selflessness, my Dad may never have realized his dream of becoming an Ironman, as continued long distance running is now somewhat doubtful.

It happens that he was actually quite speedy in his first IM attempt, unknowingly leading his age group at mile 20 of the run.

I told this to him afterwards and he said something to me, as an aspiring speedy guy myself, that made me stop for a moment.

Even through the pain, suffering, and feeling of helplessness in those last few miles, he felt this particular experience meant more to him than should he have crossed the finish line first.

Thank you Suresh and Jimmy for your actions.

You embody not only what is good about the spirit of Ironman, but what is good about man himself.

-Jon
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [jodavis21] [ In reply to ]
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Great read! Thanks for that. True Ironman Spirit in all of them.

I hope your dad has a speedy recovery!
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Re: True Ironman Spirit !! - IM Race Report from AZ [karma] [ In reply to ]
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Just wonderful.
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