Doug's Great Floridian Ironman 2009 Race Report

Doug Delzell

Heading into the Great Floridian Iron Distance Triathlon many thoughts would cross my mind over the last several months, things like "what have I got myself into?" or "should someone in only their second year of competition shoot for Ironman?" All of these thoughts would subside as I would join my training partner and great friend James Hebebrand who also was going to compete in this race being relatively new to the sport.

The training was long and hard but I would say the most enjoyable part as it felt good to be a team with James going through this together. We pushed each other hard. Sunday mornings running up to 18 miles before Sunday School and church. It always seemed like the race was way off until we woke up one Sunday morning to run and James said "Well, this is the last early morning run." Suddenly the race was here! We woke up the morning of the race and said to each other "Let's get this thing done."

The morning hours were passing quick and in no time we found ourselves on the beach ready for the day to begin with the swim portion. After a quick prayer from teammate Mike Roby we wished each other luck and off we went! Two laps of 1.2 miles in the lake, coming out of the water after the first lap I could hear Mike yelling out "It's all downhill from here Doug!" I smiled and threw my hands up as I went back for the second lap. I enjoyed the swim smiling with each stroke as I reflected back over the year and all the support from my friends and teammates along the way. Soon the swim was done and time for 112 miles on the bike.

The weather had record heat in Florida that day so the bike was hot with temperature guages showing up to 98 degrees. The hills on the course seemed to never stop. It was so helpful to see friends, family and teammates along the course all day. During each hill climb I would hear words of encouragement from my teammates playing through my head as if they were there on the bike with me. As some of the hills became so very challenging late in the race I could hear teammate Brenda Herrington in my mind telling me "Stay up there!" which helped me more than ever. Finally the 112 miles on the bike was over and I was so glad to get off the bike.

I drank several cups of water in transition before starting the 26.2 mile trek on foot. I could hear people outside the tent yelling and encouraging me to come on! Soon I exited the tent and started running. I felt great physically other than being just plain tired. The marathon consisted of 3 laps around the lake, and each lap seemed to become longer as the night went on. Finally I was on the final lap of the run. I was going to be an Ironman!!!

I walked what seemed like most of the last lap until I hit mile 23 when I decided I wanted to finish strong! I started running and was beginning to feel stronger the closer I got to the finish line. Suddenly I was on the last mile of the race! I could see the search lights and hear the finish line. I remember passing a couple of guys who started to run with me as we paced together towards the finish. As we started to see the finish line ahead the pace kept picking up as you could sense that each of us wanted to beat the other to the finish. The last 100 meters of the race was a sprint to the finish. I was able to out sprint the other guy to the end and was so excited to beat that last challenger of the race. I felt like a champion as I crossed the finish line at 14:51. Not only did I win that last 100 meter sprint but I was now an Ironman at last!!!

I owe so very much to my wife for being so understanding of all of the hours away from home as I trained and the endless support of friends and teammates that helped me get there. God has blessed my life and I thank Him for every opportunity He has given! Thanks to all!