2024 Ironman Chattanooga - Race Report

Well, friends, I just wrapped up my second “full” distance Ironman, and let me tell you, it was quite the experience — mostly because of Hurricane Helene, who decided to rain on our parade (literally). Due to her last second visit, the swim portion was cancelled, so instead of a refreshing dip in the Tennessee River, we kicked things off without even getting our feet wet.

Honestly, I was feeling a bit underprepared going in. Between dealing with tendonitis in my knee and juggling the responsibilities of being a husband and dad, my training schedule was a bit of a mess. Although it was more difficult to train for this race, I found for the bit of training time I lost, I gained a ton of motivation in my new mission as a father, husband and leader of my family. Fatherhood has ignited a new spark in me — I have a refreshed commitment to taking on challenges and pursuing hard things that mold me more into the man I want to be. One of the keys to parenthood is the ability to adapt and roll with the punches. This race was no different!

Rolling With The Punches:

Just a month before race day, Ironman sent out a little surprise: the notorious Chattanooga bike course was changing. No more extra four-mile detour through the scenic hills of Georgia! Instead, we were in for three loops on smooth Highway 27. A disappointing change, but what can you do? New courses provide new challenges.

As race day approached, we were all glued to our weather apps, anxiously tracking Hurricane Helene's movements like it was the latest blockbuster. Three days before the event, Ironman dropped the news that the swim was officially off! Disappointment? Sure. But it also gave me time to mentally regroup and adjust my strategy. No swim meant I had to change my fueling plan and mindset for the bike and run. 

The Bike: 

With no swim to kick things off, we launched straight into a time-trial bike start. I was bib number 238, which meant I got to start relatively early—an unexpected perk!

The rain began to fall as we lined up, and I thought, “Well, this should be interesting.” The rain cycled through rounds of mist and steady downpour, but honestly, it kept me cool and added yet another new element to the ride. I settled in and pushed my pace, averaging 21 mph for the first 30 miles. Things were looking good until mile 50 when my knee decided to chime in with some unwelcome discomfort. I slowed my pace to avoid overdoing it—after all, there was a marathon waiting for me at the end of the ride. Overall I enjoyed the bike and its many challenges – was even able to set a new PR.

Bike finish time: 5:35:17

The Run:

After spending a few extra minutes in the transition tent to dry off and collect my thoughts, I hit the run course. And guess who was there to cheer me on? My personal support squad: my wife, son, mom, and mother-in-law! Their presence injected me with a much needed boost of energy.

The first hill greeted me right out of transition, and I took it slow, knowing there was still a marathon to go. I found a few fellow runners to chat with, which made the first part of the run fly by. But as we approached Barton Hill, our little group started to disperse, each of us facing our own challenges and running our own race.

The first lap was tough, but the second half marathon is where “the race really begins.” My knees were starting to protest, my shoes felt heavier with every step, and the rain turned the trail into a mini-pond. With my head down and focusing on one mile at a time, my mind wandered back to those sweltering summer training runs in Texas; so surely I could handle this soggy stretch. 

Finally, I tackled Barton Hill for the last time. As I crossed the pedestrian bridge and heard the cheers of the finish line, the rain started to ease up, and the sunset peeked through the clouds. Running down the finishers’ chute, I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me. The Ironman journey is always about so much more than just crossing a finish line.

Run finish time: 4:43:47
Total time: 10:26:34

Final Reflection: More Than Just a Race

As I crossed that finish line and heard those inspiring words, “You are an Ironman,” I recognized this experience was about far more than just racing. It’s about purpose, faith, and striving to be the best version of myself for my family and community. At Kingdom Endurance, we don’t race for personal glory, but to bring glory to Christ our savior.

So here’s to embracing the challenges ahead—whether it’s biking in the rain or navigating family life. I’m ready to tackle whatever comes my way. If you are interested in taking on a new challenge, training in a faith-filled Christian community, and expanding the kingdom of God - join Kingdom Endurance, you won't regret it!