Going Long
Marty is an amazing Hammerhead who along with Janeth are always helping other Hammerheads. His journey is a testament to true hard work and determination. Did I mention that Marty finished his first IM in 11:38:08!!!!!!
IronMan Florida
The dust has settled and members of our club are back to normal from the Florida IronMan in Panama City Beach. Being my first Ironman in itself is a memory that I will have for my lifetime.
By no means was it a walk in the park, but it is a good example of what good training can prepare someone for at this distance. Not a great runner by any means, I was able to complete my marathon and the race without much of an issue.
2500 athletes started the day and 1300 of them were first timers.
I have participated in 3 half Ironman races prior to this that have had 2500 racing, but we did not start at the same time. To see that many people on the beach at one time is a little overwhelming.
The beginning was crazy as I hoped for the best and wished everyone well before the cannon went off. It wouldn’t be until you saw your friends again on the bike and/or run encouraging each other. A nice thing about being on this club is that you have the support from the members as well as from the group you are competing with. Add your significant other and more friends that are cheering you on the sidelines makes for a nice day.
Billy Carballo told me before the race that something will likely go wrong and it is how you handle it that determines what kind of athlete you are. I over came being kicked in the face on the swim, flat tire at mile 44, lost a 1/3 of my nutrition as the tube came out of my bottle and leg cramps at mile 23 on the run. I still finished with a smile on my face a smile that will last a long time.
I will consider myself a beginner in this sport starting this past February and can say for someone considering this distance is prepare well and the outcome will be what you expect. Stay positive, focused and stick to the plan.
Marty
Proud to be an IronMan
IronMan Florida
The dust has settled and members of our club are back to normal from the Florida IronMan in Panama City Beach. Being my first Ironman in itself is a memory that I will have for my lifetime.
By no means was it a walk in the park, but it is a good example of what good training can prepare someone for at this distance. Not a great runner by any means, I was able to complete my marathon and the race without much of an issue.
2500 athletes started the day and 1300 of them were first timers.
I have participated in 3 half Ironman races prior to this that have had 2500 racing, but we did not start at the same time. To see that many people on the beach at one time is a little overwhelming.
The beginning was crazy as I hoped for the best and wished everyone well before the cannon went off. It wouldn’t be until you saw your friends again on the bike and/or run encouraging each other. A nice thing about being on this club is that you have the support from the members as well as from the group you are competing with. Add your significant other and more friends that are cheering you on the sidelines makes for a nice day.
Billy Carballo told me before the race that something will likely go wrong and it is how you handle it that determines what kind of athlete you are. I over came being kicked in the face on the swim, flat tire at mile 44, lost a 1/3 of my nutrition as the tube came out of my bottle and leg cramps at mile 23 on the run. I still finished with a smile on my face a smile that will last a long time.
I will consider myself a beginner in this sport starting this past February and can say for someone considering this distance is prepare well and the outcome will be what you expect. Stay positive, focused and stick to the plan.
Marty
Proud to be an IronMan
