"I had precious little time to prepare mentally as the announcer called for my wave to move down the dock into the water. Usually in a time trial start I'd have a moment or two to gather my thoughts before getting in the drink. The rushed start probably helped me contain the nervous energy that was coursing through my body. This was, after all, the FOSTER GRANT IRONMAN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 70.3 and I was no spectator today. I'd spent months upon months training for this day, for this moment, and it was time to execute the plan!"

Hi, my name is Chad Soileau and the following is my account of swimming, biking and running the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 on November 14, 2009 in Clearwater, Florida. The distances of this half-Ironman event consist of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run. The world championship is an elite, qualification only event that hosts the best of the best pro and age group triathletes in the world. Qualification takes place at any of the dozens of Ironman 70.3 events around the world where a first through third place finish in your age group secures your slot.

So, you may be asking yourself as you read this,  "Wow Chad! You went from a back of the pack, age grouper triathlete to placing and getting slots for the world championship?"

Well, maybe when I'm in my 70s and there's only 2 other racers in my age group I could maybe get a slot but I'm in one of the most competitive age groups in the sport of triathlon. Securing a slot to this race in the 35 - 39 would be next to impossible for me.

So , how did I, Chad Soileau, former super morbidly obese man, get a slot to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3? I think it best that I start at the beginning... I contacted Blair LaHaye, Ironman Director of Communications, shortly after the Ironman World Championship last year to see if my story would be compelling enough for a media slot to Kona. I knew deep down that I would never hold a candle to the amazing stories like John Blaise or Rick and Dick Hoyt but I had to try. Kona, the Ironman World Championship, is IT for a triathlete... The Holy Grail of triathlon. It's the top of the mountain for triathletes and to participate in that race is, for some, to conquer their own personal Everest.  Heh, I even find myself buying products strictly because they may have the word "Kona" on them, as in some weird way, hoping it would improve my chances of winning one of the coveted lottery slots.

I continued to train and race in the waning months of 2008, registering for Panama City's Ironman Florida last November. If Kona wouldn't happen for me in 2009 I would still get my Ironman on November 7, 2009 right?   That was my plan...

I got a call in April from Blair with an invitation to the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  Kona wouldn't be in the cards for 2009 but I was equally excited and beside myself for the opportunity being presented before me. An invitation to participate in the 70.3 World Championship, and more importantly, an opportunity for my story to be broadcast to the masses and hopefully touch someone? My decision was all but made before our conversation ended until I realized the date of the race... November 14th, exactly one week after Ironman Florida. I think Blair could hear the conflict in my voice as I realized there would be no way I could do both races. She told me to think about it and let her know.

My choice... getting my Ironman in Panama City at Ironman Florida or participating in the 70.3 World Championship. I struggled with the thought that if I chose to race the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 I would not be an Ironman in 2009. God has a way of opening doors and presenting unique opportunities, so there was no way I would pass up racing in the 70.3 World Championship. It saddened me that I would not be an Ironman in 2009... but after a bit of soul searching I realized that deep down it's not how FAST I get to be an Ironman it's more about my  journey. I guess I can make a direct comparison about getting my Ironman to my racing philosophy. It doesn't matter who's in front of me or behind me. I control my own destiny and I will cross that finish line. It's no longer IF I will be an Ironman it's WHEN and, rest assured, I'll get my Ironman at Coeur d' Alene on June 27, 2010.

I called Blair back later that day and accepted the invitation with great anticipation.  I called my coach, Will Jones of 4th Dimension Fitness, to get his advice on adjusting my racing schedule and devising a training plan for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  The "PLAN" was set and the months of training commenced.

Fast forward 7 months and hundreds of hours of training.   Kelli and I arrived at my nephew's house in Orlando early on Thursday morning after a LONG night of driving.  The two hours of sleep were welcomed as I knew the day would be  loaded down with interviews and video shoots with several local television stations.  The camera crews videoed me swimming, biking and running and even followed me through registration as I picked up my packet and weighed in.   (The highlight of the weigh-in?   13.5% body fat percentage!) 

After a long day of interviewing, my nephew Garet, his wife Sara, Philippe Kozub, Chris Boggs, Kelli and I attended the race's Welcome Dinner on the beach at Sand Key Park.  The dinner, held on the beach, was only steps from the Gulf of Mexico.   Flags of over 30 nations were represented by participating athletes.  A neat highlight of the night was the few moments where three inspirational stories of athletes, of which my story was one, was presented to the attendees.   It was odd to see my before and after pictures presented on a digital screen 30 feet wide and high as the announcer gave a brief overview of my journey.

What made it even more odd was Chris Boggs yelling out,  "THAT'S MY CAT RIGHT THERE!   THAT'S MY CAT!" as the pictures were on the screen.  (Love ya IRONMAN Boggs!)  The welcome dinner was really a special event that really displayed the electricity and just how unique the race was.

Friday, similar to Thursday was loaded down with interviews.   The highlight was my interview with NBC Sports on Friday morning.  This was the big one that will be part of the broadcast of the race next year.   The room was darkened short of spotlights that were beaming on me.  I could only see the bright white lights and nothing else.  I felt that I handled the interview like a champ, talking about what the race and more specifically what Ironman meant to me.   As I thought the interview had ended, I heard the producers whisper something about showing me a picture.  Kelli had given the producers a picture of my friend Hunter McAllister and I that was taken moments after I crossed the finish line of the Mardi Gras Marathon in 2007.  The picture, (to the left) simple as it may be of two friends, has deep meaning that I hold very dear to my heart.   Tears welled up in my eyes as I described the events surrounding the picture.   They wanted some compelling TV and some emotion so I guess they got it.  :)   (Read more about the picture and my experience at the Mardi Gras Marathon by viewing the race report)

The Friday interviews were complete and it was time to concentrate on the task at hand.  This was, after all, no ordinary race.  This was the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3!  It was time to reflect, relax, and get ready to execute the "PLAN"!

I wasn't asleep when the alarm sounded at 5AM.  I was up, dressed and ready at 5:03.  :)   Unfortunately my entourage which consisted of Garet and Sara, who stayed the night with us, and Kelli were not.  Garet was ready at 5:06 but the ladies I think needed a bit more time.   We decided that we'd give them until 5:20.  Well, that deadline didn't work out so well.   The glares we got said, without words, that they DID NOT want to be rushed.  In my defense I have no hair.   If I had hair I think I may have been ready at 5:04.

We made our way from the hotel to transition so I could get body marked and take care of any final adjustments to my bike.   The cameras were on me shortly after I arrived at the body marking station and it was like that for pretty much the rest of the race.  I filled my water bottles, grabbed my wetsuit and headed down to the swim start with Garet, Sara and Kelli.   Due to the tropical storm that passed through the area in the previous days prior to the race, the swim venue was changed from the gulf to the bay.   The waves and riptides in the gulf were unsafe for the athletes so the race staff decided it best to adjust the swim location.  NBC Sports also moved my swim start time up to the 3rd wave, right after the pro start.  I was originally starting with my age group at 7:30 but I would now be starting at 6:55.  After a few hugs and kisses from my crew I headed down the dock as my wave was moving to the water.  I thought it was amusing that the announcer kept wishing the "ladies" good luck as we moved towards the dock.  With the exception of Rocco Dispirito, one of the other media athletes, and I, the 3rd wave was all female.   I even had a lady behind me ask me if I was in the right wave.   Heh heh, I smiled, assured her that I had a vagina, and continued to shuffle down the ramp.

THE SWIM
I jumped off the ramp into the cold water and started my journey to the finish line of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  Time to execute the plan and for my 70.3 mile journey to begin!p align="justify"> The swim was a bit chaotic for the first couple hundred meters.   I bumped and prodded my way to get a bit of space but found that my best bet was to just drift off to the far left side and do my own thing.  I was able to avoid all contact with fists and feet to the face during the swim.  Having a working pair of goggles for the entire swim, unlike my swim fiasco at Redman 70.3, was surely a plus!  The water was rather chilly for the first 5 minutes and I noticed that my breathing was short and erratic because of it.   It wasn't until I reached the first buoy that I warmed up, calmed down and got into a rhythm that I was able to maintain for the rest of the swim.  Maybe it was because I peed in my wetsuit?   Not really...   but yeah, really, that was the probably the reason.  Heh.   The water got really shallow towards the halfway point as my hands were brushing up against the sea grasses on the sandy bottom.   I took the opportunity to stand up and adjust my goggles as they had slowly been filling with saltwater which was a little irritating to my eyes.   I cleared them, then dove back in the water and continued on my way.  The rest of the swim was really uneventful.   I had at least one wave pass me on the way back in.  Things did get a little chaotic with swimmers churning up the saltwater all around me but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle.   I exited the water at the funky little pirate ship, shuffled up the dock and jogged over to the wetsuit stripper station.   They yanked my wetsuit off in record time and pointed me in the direction of transition.  

T1
My big stumble, literally, of the day happened next.   I ran into the change tent as a volunteer opened my bike transition bag and started handing me my gear.   I slipped on my shoes, sunglasses, race belt and helmet, thanked the volunteer then rushed out of the change tent to my bike.  My bike was racked near the run exit which was on the far side of transition.   I thought I'd take a shortcut and run down a vacant row towards my bike instead of sticking to the wide lanes.  For some reason I didn't see the bright yellow, concrete parking barrier in the middle of the row.   Of COURSE I had to stumble and trip over it in dramatic fashion.   I went flying, landing on my knees and palms.   Hopefully this WAS NOT one of the moments that the NBC guys caught on camera.   I immediately felt a sharp pain in my right knee and noticed it was scuffed and bleeding.   Heh, only I could get road rash and I haven't even touched my bike yet!  I dusted off my hands and shook off the fall best I could.   I grabbed my bike and ran out of transition to the mount line.  The lingering pain in my right knee lasted the rest of the day but it wouldn't deter my efforts.  

THE BIKE
The bike went up and over the bay bridge twice which was really the only 'hill' on the course.   It was a pleasant surprise that when I got to the top of the bridge Philippe and Boggs were waiting at the top to cheer me on.  Both screamed encouragement as I crested the bridge and geared low so I could fly down the other side.   The bike course wound in and out of neighborhoods in Clearwater before making its way out of town to the turn around at mile 28.  I was averaging around 20 mph for most of the course and I was still being passed left and right.   The cyclists on the course today were world class athletes so there was no use trying to keep up with them.  I just vowed to race my own race and not worry about who was in front or behind me.   Even though I was going 20mph for most of the bike I didn't want to be last so you know me?  Hammertime?  No! No hammertime!  Hammertime bad and hammertime makes the coach angry.  :)

The only thing that really bothered me quite a bit was when I would be passed by 100 - 150 cyclists all traveling together in a huge pelotons.  I know there were plenty of twists and turns on the course that would cause some bunching but these guys were CLEARLY cheating.  I know the race officials were out on motorcycles but there was no way they could penalize 150 cyclists at a time.

I was visited by the NBC sports camera crew a couple times on the bike.   They rode up next to me on the motorcycle and spent 10 - 15 minutes each time getting footage of me riding.  I did my best to keep my 'game face' on and not look at them but I have to admit it was a little distracting.

I did my best to keep my heart rate at 120 for the ride but excitement got the best of me a few times and I know it spiked to 150+ for a few minutes here and there.  All in all I had a good bike.   I was a few seconds over 3 hours which was exactly what the plan called for.   I was on pace, as I sped to the dismount line, to have my 6.5 hour race.   My gastric system would have other plans for me for the run though...

T2
I handed my bike off to the volunteer, grabbed my run transition bag and headed to the changing tent.  I quickly put on my took off my bike gear, put on my running shoes and shuffled out the door for my 13.1 mile run. 

THE RUN
The 13.1 mile, two loop course went up and over the steep bay bridge before winding through the multi-million dollar homes that lines the waterfront near downtown Clearwater.  My knee was aching quite a bit from my tumble over the parking barrier in T1 but I realized this was no time to feel sorry for myself.  A little skinned knee wasn't going to keep me from my task at hand.  My primary goal for the run was to run the entire time and walk the aid stations. 

As I made my way outside of T2 I found it a little disconcerting to see the pro athletes making their way to the finish line.  Damn those guys are fast!  Right outside transition I saw Kelli, Garet and Sara.  They made me smile as they held up signs of encouragement.  The sign I remember most is the "Throw it on the ground!" sign that was a tribute to the SNL skit that we joked about the night before.  My buddy, injured pro triathlete Philippe Kozub jogged alongside shortly before the first of 4 ascents over the steep bay bridge.  he was supposed to be racing but he injured his Achilles in the weeks prior to the event.   My quads burned like fire on each ascent, as Philippe offered words of encouragement.  I did my best to shorten my stride and increase my cadence.   As I reached the top of my first ascent my stomach turned to warn me of the impending gastric funhouse that was to be.  I've had my nutrition down well and hadn't had any major gastric incidents this year at any of my other 70.3 races.  Unfortunately the gastric problems would arise for me at the World Championship and there was nothing I could do but just deal with it.  I would end up wasting nearly 40 minutes in the port-o-joys on the run.

I saw my friend, fellow weight loss extraordinaire and newly minted Ironman from IMFL the weekend before, Chris Boggs on the far side of the bridge. Philippe had told me that Boggs was on his bike somewhere near the turnaround. A big smile stretched across my face when I finally saw him as he shouted words of encouragement to athletes that were crossing his path.. When he saw me, in classic Boggs fashion, he started yelling at the top of his lungs,

"Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Chad Soileau of Team 464.  THAT IS MY CAT RIGHT THERE! THAT IS MY CAT!"

It surely made my laugh and forget about the pain, if only for a few minutes. For the rest of the race, on the far side of the course, Boggs rode to each of the aid stations to shout and 'announce' my approach. This helped me so much on the 2nd loop because it surely was lonely. The majority of the athletes were finished so I had the course to myself.

I saw my crew (Kelli, Garet and Sara) as I made my way to the halfway point of the run and the start of my second loop. After a kiss from Garet and a high five from Kelli I started my 2nd loop.  Wait, perhaps it was the other way around. :)

I struggled to keep running as I made my way up the final ascent of the bridge on the way back to the final couple miles to the finish.  Imagine my surprise when Ironman legend, Sister Madonna Buder ran up alongside me to offer words of encouragement and to get me to join her in chanting a Christian phrase to motivate us both up the climb.  Sister Madonna won her age group at the age of 79 years old!   She's completed over 325 triathlons INCLUDING over 35 Ironman distances. These moments, running alongside someone I considered an icon of triathlon and a personal hero were surreal to say the least.

The NBC Sports motorcycle camera crew visited me a couple times on the run for around 10 minutes each time. Both times they rode alongside me as I descended the bridge. I was all game face except the final descent where the cameraman started asking me questions.

"So Chad, how do you feel? How was your race?" he asked.

I shook my head, trying to find the words and almost needing to pinch myself as emotions ran unabated through my mind.

"Can you believe that I'm at the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3?   This is a GREAT day!   The GREATEST of days and I feel like a million bucks!   Look, right there in front of me...  that's Sister Madonna Buder!   I'm so happy to be here to participate in this event!  So very happy!" I said.

Both the cameraman and the motorcycle driver chuckled.

As I approached the huge Ford Motivational Mile message board Philippe warned me that Boggs has posted something.   I could only imagine and once again, in true Boggs fashion I read "Chad Soileau, 464 - YOU ARE THE SEXIEST SON OF A B*$#H OUT HERE!"

The last mile of the race was finally upon me.   69.3 miles complete and roughly 10 more minutes to the finish line.   Not many athletes were left on the course now so it was somewhat quiet.  The police were picking up barricades and traffic that was stopped for the race was starting to flow again.   The pros had long completed the race and many were probably relaxing with an adult beverage.   I continued on as I always do.  No stopping now.

Tears were in my eyes as Boggs rode along side me up to the finish line chute yelling at me to, "SOAK THIS IN!  THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!  THIS IS THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP!  NOT EVERYONE GETS TO DO THIS!   TAKE IT IN!  OPEN YOUR EYES!  HOLD YOUR HEAD UP!  THIS IS IT CHAD!  THIS IS YOUR MOMENT!" 

This was it...  this was my moment...  everything this year led up this...   all the swimming...   all the biking...  all the running...   I'm so very proud to say that I am a triathlete.   The cheers of the crowd and the announcer were muted in my mind as they often are at my finish lines.  I was inside myself, reflecting on the man I used to be just over 3 years ago.   The 464 pound man that I will never be again.   I ran down the blue carpet towards the finish line arch into the warm embrace of my family and friends.

My quote that I had printed on the back of my race jersey seemed fitting in the moments that led up to the finish line...

 

"Chin up.  Chest Out.  No regrets.  HANDLE IT!"   - Chad Soileau

I handled it.  Bib number 464 crossed the finish line in 7:11.  I finished the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 and had one of the most amazing days of my life.

So, what's next for Chad and Team 464?
My dreams of Kona are still alive.   I'm in the lottery again this year and God willing I may get my shot.  Kona aside, I WILL be an Ironman next year in June 2010 though.   My training actually started on November 23rd specifically for the event.   This year was my year of the "70.3" and next year will be my year of Iron.  June 27th, 2010 at approximately 10:18PM I will hear those sweet, sweet words... "Chad Soileau... YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"

I have so many people to thank for my experience and my opportunity at the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.  

One of my goals in racing the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship was to raise awareness to both childhood obesity and autism.   I chose to support the Rocketkidz Foundation and Families Helping Families.  Both organizations, in their own unique ways, are committed to helping children live up to their potential and live meaningful, healthy lives.     The blue band imprinted with the colored puzzle pieces that I wear on my left arm is to honor my girlfriend Kelli's son Aidan who was diagnosed with autism as a toddler.   I see and hear of his amazing potential every day and know that with the proper structure Aidan and other children like him can and will live happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. 

Thanks to the army of volunteers that truly made the race elite!

Thanks to the Blair LaHaye and her staff (Jessica Weidensall and Catie Case) at Ironman for the opportunity to participate in the race, share my story with the world and for making me feel like a rock star the whole time I was there.  You guys truly rock!  Special thanks to Chris Ward and Matt Ciesluk from Catalyst.

Thanks to all my wonderful sponsors who made my trip to Clearwater possible.  Patrick Fellow's from Mizuno, Aidan Gill, Mike "Godfather" Cashio from Heads and Tails Seafood, Dr. Andrew Hargroder & Mark Miller of Precision Cycling.

Special thanks to Quarq Power Meters for getting me converted to train with power!   I'm so much more efficient on the bike now after starting my training with power.

Boggs and Philippe you guys both helped me get through that run.   Philippe I didn't walk because of you man.   I wanted to but you wouldn't let me.   Boggs?  Thanks for being Boggs!  :)

Very special thanks to my mentors, primary sponsors and friends Llew Hughes from Royal Purple and William Jones from 4th Dimension Fitness.   You guys made it happen for me and I can't thank you enough.  I respect, cherish and value your friendship.  I'm so very proud to call you guys friends.

Most of all I want to thank my parents, family and friends for supporting me in my crazy hobby that is triathlon.   Garet and Sara thanks for coming to the race and hanging out.  I enjoyed the time I got to spend with you guys.   Kelli, your support, kindness and encouragement keep me going and, most importantly, keep me reaching for higher and higher goals.  <:*

Thanks for reading my account of the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3.   I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing (and living) it.