10 Most Memorable Moments Of 2016

10. 2016 included more miles of swimming, cycling, and running then any other year of my life

52.25 Miles Swimming

2,011.59 Miles Cycling

802.78 Miles Running

9. My first experience with open water swimming was terrifying! I did all of my training in the open water out at Big Creek State Park and I can still remember the panic that I felt during my first time. Swimming in deeper water and not being able to see more then a few inches was mind wracking.

8. My second race of the year was the Dam To Dam Half Marathon. I ran the first 7 1/2 miles very well then I faded fast. I dealt with some heat exhaustion and ended the race very disappointed in my performance. This was also a memorable race because my parents were able to cheer me on.

Post Dam To Dam photo with my mom

7. Running the Bix 7 with my wife, Erin. This race was just so fun!

Fun at the Bix 7

 6. Crashing on my bicycle on July 19th. It had been raining that day but most of the paths had begun to dry. I slowed down as I approached a wet portion of trail but it didn't seem to matter as my bicycle flew out from under me anyways. It was very scary and very painful. 

5. In August, my 5 year old daughter, Abigail, ran her first ever race at Christ The King parish in Des Moines. She had a blast and even earned a medal that she is very proud of.

Abigail after her first race

4. At the end of September, my wife, Erin ran her first ever half marathon and I was lucky enough to run it with her. After training hard all summer, she did an awesome job. I could not have been more proud!

Erin after the Quad Cities half marathon
with her mom and our oldest daughter

3. In October, I officially ended my season by putting a team together to run the Des Moines Marathon Relay. 26.2 miles split between 5 team members made for a day of pure fun!

Des Moines Marathon Relay Team

2. On the 2nd weekend of July, I was all set to compete in my first ever triathlon. I was signed up for the sprint distance at the Accel Triathlon held at George Wyth State Park. After arriving plenty early to set up my transition area, I finally made my way to the boat ramp for the swim start. A few minutes before the race started, we were informed of a delay due to an incoming thunderstorm. After sitting in a car for a couple of hours, they finally cancelled the race. After all of the hard work and anticipation, I was devastated. 

Storm front moving in as the triathlon is set to begin

1. I'm sure it comes as no surprise that my number 1 most memorable moment of 2016 was competing in the Des Moines Triathlon on Labor Day weekend. After having my first triathlon cancelled, I was very nervous going into this race but I ended up exceeding even my own expectations. It was this race that made me fall in love with multi-sport and shift my focus from road races to triathlon going forward. There is just something so rewarding about training for and competing in 3 different disciplines, not to mention that triathletes tend to have better longevity those who are purely runners. 

SUCCESS!!!