The morning of Ironman New Zealand I woke up to the first clear day of the week. All week leading up to the race the weather was cold, windy, and rainy. Weather which I was used to in the San Francisco area. The first nice clear day and I had a feeling it was going to stay that way. (Contrary to how the New Zealand weather can change every 5 minutes.)

The race started pretty steady in the swim. I was very comfortable with the pace, and I ended up leading the second pack of swimmers along side Andrea Fischer, with Cameron on our toes. It seemed like no one wanted to set the pace and lead the pack so I had to take it on myself. I would have rather just followed someone else’s feet. I exited the water in 49:30 feeling good and ready for the ride.
photo credit: rob docherty / digitaltriathlon.com

I was off on the bike with Cameron Brown and just settled into my pace. I wanted to set an easy pace to make sure I had a steady race all day. I got in a lot of calories early on in the bike (maybe a little to much) at around mile 50 on the bike Steve Larsen caught up to us.
Steve and I ended up breaking away from everyone else. We road for the next 50 – 60 miles together trading off the lead. I felt comfortable with the pace Steve and I were riding. We must have traded for the lead a dozen times. With 25 miles left on the bike we had at least 5 minutes on the next rider (Cameron Brown). With about 12 miles left to go I started to get really hot from the heat and humidity. I had to continuously spray water over my head to try and cool myself down. I decided to slow my pace down a little, and let Steve go off on his own. Finally making into T2 I took my time before I started on the run.

photo credit: rob docherty / digitaltriathlon.com

Starting the run my stomach was really cramped and tight. After the first 6 miles my stomach started to settled down. Those first 6 miles were the hardest time I have ever had in a race. Mentally it was so tough and physically I was over heated and couldn't cool my self down. I felt extremely weak in a way I never had before. After walking through the first 10 or so aid stations trying to cool down I was feeling like I wanted to drop out.

I really didn't think I could finish the race. I had no idea how I could possibly run 20 more miles. I just tried to focus on each minute and not the whole 20 miles left to go. The 2nd half of the run I started to feel better and probably ran it 15 minutes faster. Through a lot of praying and self talk I was able to finish and hold onto at least a 5th place finish. “I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me.” Philippians 4:13

This race I learned a lot about mental toughness and how important heat and weather acclimation is to a successful race. For such an early race in the year I am very happy with the place and effort that I put out. I am looking forward to applying everything I experienced in New Zealand to better prepare me for the rest of the season.

My next races are Ralph's Half Ironman in San Diego April 6th, and Wildflower in May. See you at the races!!

I want to thank my sponsors who helped me put my races together.

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TYR for the great training suits and race gear.

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Litespeed for a great new bike that is lighter than anything I have ever experienced.

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Gu, Penta water, and Champion Nutrition for the nutrition that fueled me to the finish and help with my speedy recovery.

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Oakley, Time, Computrainer, Reynolds, and Polar for the great gear.

Special thanks to my wife Karis for helping me get fit and all your support. I Love You.

Chris Lieto