From B2B to Ironman Florida

Who knows where one decision can lead you? In May 2008, I teetered on my bike during my first few rides and struggled to complete 26 miles. 18 months and 2 Bike to the Beach's later, I stood on the beach in Panama City, Florida about to embark on the most difficult one day endurance event. What struck me at that moment was how fortunate I was to be there and how thankful I was that I said yes to that first Bike to the Beach....

November 7th, 2009 started as great of a day as anyone can ask for. Standing on the beach with 2400 other athletes, I wasn't nervous or anxious but wanted to get started and see what the day held. No question it would be a long one....

After watching the pros swim off, the age groupers stood poised to start the 2.4 mile swim. The gun went off and we were underway. After an exchange of luck with Ann Barton (who talked me into this), I told her I'd see her on the bike course and we were on our separate ways. Ann swam at Notre Dame so there was no doubt she would have a nice lead coming out of the swim.

The first quarter of the swim is a complete mess. Most of your energy is spent trying not to get kicked or punched and really isn't a lot of fun. After turning the first corner, the field starts to thin out a bit and I felt myself settle into a rhythm. What's unnerving about the swim course it takes you about a half mile off the coast, so looking down into the abyss only made the Jaws theme song play louder in my head.

The bike course in the Ironman is 112 miles and Florida is nothing but flat and hot. I spent the better part of three hours looking for Ann and was thrilled to see a familiar face. The second half of the bike is very fast, but it's nearly impossible for the boredom not to sink in....

Entering T2 (bike to run transition), I had a burst of rationality. Was I really going to run a full marathon (26.2 mi) after 112 on the bike and 2.4 in the water? YES...there was no other choice.

Miraculously, I found a comfortable pace and prepared myself for the road ahead. After a few miles, I saw a woman grab a beer from a spectator and chug it. Cissy and I were quickly fast friends and spent the first 20 miles pacing one another. A short while later, I saw my girlfriend, Dad, and two friends cheering me on. Armed with a kiss (from the gf of course) and a few high fives, I was back on my way. At the halfway point of my marathon, my watch showed me at 2:05 and I was feeling good.

One of my competitors, a 65 year old man who's name I didn't catch was feeling a bit better. We shared our personal stories and he confided that this was his 15th Ironman. He said he was feeling pretty good, wished me the best, and sped off ahead of me. It was humbling to say the least....

What was day was quickly turning into night and quickly my body wanted no part of being in motion. Around mile 20, my feet hurt, I was hungry but couldn't eat, and felt the overwhelming urge to be finished. I kept pushing and told myself the finish couldn't be far away. With a mile and a half to go, Mike and Jeff had ventured onto the course and offered some much needed moral support.

Steadily the distance melted away and the lights at the finish got brighter. I turned the final corner and heard "Kevin Houk, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!" Then they handed me a finisher's medal and a finisher's hat before pushing me to take a picture to commemorate the occasion. I've never looked more like a deer in the headlights and it's easily the worst picture I've ever taken.

"Nil Volentibus Arduum".....Nothing is impossible for the willing. With small steps and hard work, the unfathomable becomes the achievable. You just might surprise yourself....

Good luck in final preparations and fund raising. I look forward to seeing everyone Friday morning.