James Hebebrand

I am James Hebebrand and I signed up to compete in the Great Floridian Ironman on Oct 24, 2009.

I trained all year with my close friend and teammate, Doug Delzell. We trained everyday including Sunday morning before attending Church. It was a lot of time spent outside my comfort zone, usual routine and without my family. Additional hours were spent training with more friends and teammates.

I have never worked so hard or have been so dedicated for a one day event in my life nor have I ever had such aspirations to attempt a feat such as an Ironman. I was blessed with supportive family and great friends to support and encourage me to go the distance for this competition.

We arrived in Florida a couple days early so I could wrap my head around what I had worked so hard for. Doug and I got up early on Thursday morning and headed to the bike course. We needed to see the legendary “Sugarloaf Mountain” and check out the rest of the ride. We left on our bikes and told our wives to meet us on the other side. Our wives picked us up on the other side and could not believe that we rode up that mountain without stopping. I cannot tell you what was going through my mind when we got to the top however I can tell you that I was glad that part was over. Little did I know what awaited us in the distance? We rode the rest of the ride in the truck and soon realized that we had a journey to complete. Later we attended the mandatory meeting was able to put together the rest of the day.

On the day of the event, I got up and ate a heavy carb loaded breakfast and prepared my body for the beating it would take for the next 13 hours. Doug and I arrived at 6:30 a.m. and prepared our minds and bodies for the event and prayed for our safety and completion in our huddle for the upcoming journey while thanking God for the strength and opportunity to compete.

I entered into the water at 7:30 a.m. and thankfully the water was cold enough to allow wetsuits. I took off for the first lap and exited the water long enough to hear the cheers of family, friends and spectators and then back into the water for the final lap. I came out of the water at 1:18:38 feeling strong and ready to start the 112 mile ride up and down the mighty hills of Clermont. Who said Florida was flat and only had one mountain?

I took off for the ride knowing what was ahead for me. I was loaded with liquid nutrition that was packed with electrolytes and highly concentrated amount of calories as well as Podium in my water bottles. I knew I was going to need to be smart as I rode since the weather was at record highs and with the humidity it would be dangerous if I did not keep myself hydrated. As I rode I was thinking it was hot and I could not wait to get to the run. As I rode I would see my wife, children and Doug’s family cheering me on and giving me updates on Doug. I was also happy to see friends and teammates in alternate areas along the way for yet more and much needed encouragement. I completed the bike portion of the event in approximately 6:15. I entered the transition tent to change my clothes, get some food, re hydrate and regroup. I lingered for about 12 minutes to make sure I was giving my body enough time to recover before I headed out for my marathon run.

I started my run feeling okay yet knowing that this is just the beginning. I started on the first of my 3 laps and past family, friends and teammates on the sidelines knowing I will see them at least 2 more times before I would finish with this event. I made great time on my first loop at 1:30 and pressed on for the second loop. I felt tired but fight back the fatigue and continue on. My second loop took me a little longer at 1:45 and as I passed my family I checked on Doug’s status. It was odd that we trained together yet we were competing separately and it felt strange to be alone through out this journey. Back to the final lap and I thought that was the last time on that part of the loop and the final lap will end at the finish line. I was eager to finish the marathon and felt fatigued. It was getting dark and the weather changed and was getting cool. I fought the fatigue and cold and stormed to the finish line where I see and hear the cheers of my supports and get a clear feeling of success.

They draped the metal around my neck and whisked me off for a finish line picture and then hydration tent for the final test. This test I did without any exertion and I passed. I lost a total of 8 pounds during this competition. I completed the long journey and now I am an IRONMAN and have earned the bragging rights for my lifetime.

My goal was to place in the top 10 of my age bracket and I placed 8th with the finish time of 13:08:56 and 50th overall. I feel great and I am done.

Official Results