Leading over 80% of the race was one step closer to taking it all.

I am back at home in Danville, and starting to unwind from all the travel. Kona was great this year. The whole experience was awesome starting with training in Hawaii in September to the 2 weeks before the race training in Kona. It was a great transition for me from my last bit of training and the taper and mental prep heading into race day. Race day came, and I was feeling very relaxed and calm about the day ahead. I never got caught up in the hype and stress of the event. My attitude was much more relaxed and the little things didn't bother me. I was there to enjoy myself and my family and race the best I could. I knew there was nothing more I could do to get ready for the day so I was confident with the preparation I put in and what was awaiting me that day.

Taking risks and pushing yourself is the only way to get to the top. I took my share of risks and pushed myself through some difficult times. I was not the first to cross the finish line but had my best finish in Kona by finishing 9th, as well as being the first American across the line.

What a week of training. I decided to do my Ironman training a little different this year. Not your typical Ironman prep. I joined some of the top UCI Pro cyclists in the nation for a stage race in Utah. The Tour of Utah was a 6 day Tour with 6 stages. It started on Monday with a flatter 112 mile road race. It was very eventful with a wind and rain storm that blew through the first part of the day and put all of us in difficulty. There were times that you couldn't even see the rider that was right in front of you because of the dust storm blowing around. The race finished strong and very fast. I did well and finished with the group.