On May 18, 2025, I toed the start line for my third triathlon in less than a year — the Ironman 70.3 Chattanooga.

Four and a half months of focused training had led me here. Every swim set, every long ride, every brick workout… all of it was for this day.

I knew the course would be challenging, but I was ready. Or so I thought.

Race Morning: A Curveball

The morning started with news none of us wanted to hear: The swim was cancelled.

Heavy rains had pushed the river’s flow rate past safe limits, making it too dangerous for athletes. Months of swim prep, gone in an instant.

Was I disappointed? Absolutely.
Did it change my mindset? Not a chance.

This was still race day, and I was here to give it everything.

The Bike: Rolling Hills & Mental Grit

With the swim out, we headed straight to the bike start. The Chattanooga course is deceptively tough — those rolling Tennessee hills keep your legs honest from the first pedal stroke.

The roads twisted through quiet stretches of farmland, past riverside views, and up climbs that made my quads burn. I kept reminding myself to stay steady, not burn out too early.

Crowds gathered along parts of the route, ringing cowbells, holding signs, and shouting encouragement. It’s amazing how a stranger yelling “You’ve got this!” can give you an extra gear when you think you’ve got nothing left.

The Run: Finding the Edge

Coming off the bike, my legs felt like lead. That’s the magic (and misery) of triathlon — your body has to adapt now, not later.

The run course hugged the river, weaving through tree-lined paths and stretches of open sun. Every aid station felt like an oasis — water, electrolytes, and the occasional ice dump down the back of my jersey.

I broke the run into mental checkpoints:
“Just make it to the next bridge.”
“Just pass the next mile marker.”
“Just hold this pace for one more song.”

Somewhere in those miles, the pain turned into rhythm. My breathing found its cadence, my stride loosened up, and I knew — this was the push I came for.

The Finish: More Than a Medal

As I hit the final stretch, I spotted my family. My kids were jumping, my spouse shouting, and suddenly the aches faded into the background.

Crossing that finish line, medal in hand, I felt two things at once: exhaustion and gratitude. Exhaustion from leaving it all out there. Gratitude for the people who got me there — my family, my training partners, and everyone who believed in me on the days I didn’t.

Why I’ll Be Back

This was my third triathlon in less than 12 months, and despite the curveballs, it was one of the best race experiences I’ve ever had.

The swim may have been cancelled, but the spirit of the race was alive in every mile. The discipline, the grit, the camaraderie — it’s why I keep coming back. Not to menton that Chattanooga, TN has now officially earned a spot in my heart. The city, the people, the environment, the culture…it’s simply unprecedented and I feel connected to all of it. 

And yes… there will absolutely be another Ironman 70.3 in my future.

Because for me, it’s not just about chasing a finish time.

It’s about chasing the person I become every time I cross that line.