It feels good to be back. After 10 months with no racing due to a stress fracture I am back in the game, and starting out well. Ralphs Half Ironman was my first race back to test my fitness and my progress before I head out to Arizona for the Ironman in 2 weeks. This weekend was a little rough due to the rain and cold weather. I can’t remember the last time I was that cold.

I woke up in the morning after being a little nervous for my first race back. It was raining hard and freezing. I had everything setup before the start of the race.

I dove into the frigid water, lined up on the starting line and before I knew it we were off. A little stiff from the cold water and the frantic swimmers around me was a quick wakeup call. I seemed to have forgotten how rough the beginning of the swim can be.

I was glad to finally get out of the water and on my bike. I started about 1 minute down from the front and was ready to move my way through the field. After about 4-5 miles I was just contacting the leaders when I was suddenly pulled over by an official. I immediately stopped so they would start the time for the penalty what ever it was. The official stopped and I asked why I was pulled over and he said that I failed to stagger. I was dumbfounded. I am so conscious of the bike rules because they are not that hard to follow. This was the first time I have ever been accused of a bike infraction. I was very intent in my position the whole ride to make sure I was staggered at all times. The first few miles everyone was all over the road avoiding pot holes and huge puddles of water. The sides of the roads were flooded as well. With everyone all over the rode it was difficult to keep up with the stagger. I served my penalty of 2 minutes on the side of the road and went on my way. A few miles later there was an out and back section where I was able to see the time gap that was created from the penalty. The leaders were over 3 minutes up on me by mile 10. That 2 minutes stretched its way to over 3 minutes. I was working my way through the field and caught most of the leaders by mile 35 and had one more up the road. Torbjorn Sindballe was still in the front, but I was reeling him in. I caught him by the 40 to 45 mile mark and went by him to continue my drive to the front. I came into T-2 with about 1 minute lead on Torbjorn and I knew I had my work cut out for me.

Coming off my injury last year I really have not had much time to bring my running up to speed. I have been training for the Ironman in a couple weeks and have not done much speed work at all. I felt comfortable in my run, but it was not enough to hold off the fast running Torbjorn. He has had the fastest run on this course in the past and I knew he would be very tough to beat. I was confident in my fitness and where I was in my lead up for Ironman Arizona. Finishing 2nd was a huge accomplishment for me in my comeback. Everything shows that I am on the right track to have a good year. I am very excited for a great season thanks to the team that surrounds me.

I want to thank my friend and Chiropractor Dr. Bergman, from metabolicfx.com, for his work on my leg and making sure that everything is in line with my body and nutrition. Cassidy Philips from TPmassageball.com for getting my muscles in race condition and showing how to take care of my body on my own with the use of his TP technology equipment and methods. Also to Speedo for believing in me and supporting me this year. Lance Watson with Lifesport for guiding me in my workouts and my overall year plan. And all my other sponsors: Trek bikes for the fastest ride I’ve had, Penta water for the water that helps with my recovery and keeping me hydrated, Powerbar for the race day nutrition, Zerorh+ for the cool optics to see through the crazy weather, Reynolds for the fast wheels, Fi’zi:k for the comfy saddle, Continental tires for no flats, Polar for keeping my heart rate in the right zone, and Ironman wetsuits for keeping me warm in that cold water.

I appreciate all your support and I look forward to great races in the future.

Chris Lieto
www.chrislieto.com