2025 Ironman Texas - Race Report

Another Ironman is in the books and this one was my hardest yet.

Ironman Texas 2025 marked my third full-distance Ironman and my first time racing in my home state. I had high hopes and big emotions heading into race day. But if I’m honest, this was the most physically demanding and mentally draining training block I’ve experienced so far. More than excitement, I found myself longing to simply reach the finish line — and clinging to the hope that I could get there.

Race Morning

The alarm went off at 3:30 AM. Breakfast was my usual: a peanut butter and banana bagel and an iced coffee. By 5:00 AM I was in transition, checking my gear, and receiving the first curveball of the day. The water temperature had crept up overnight, making the race officially “wetsuit optional”. Not how I hoped to start the day, but that’s the nature of Ironman: adapt and move forward.

The Swim

I entered the water with William, a high school friend (also a fellow Ironman Chattanooga alum), but that was the last I saw of him that day.

The rolling start didn’t relieve the congestion. From the beginning, I found myself fighting for position, swimming over people, getting swum over, and never really finding my rhythm. Around the one-mile mark, I finally found some space, but the damage was done: I was already feeling sluggish and off pace.

As we turned into the canal for the final stretch, the crowd support was incredible. Spectators lined the sides, cheering, and I even spotted my wife, son, and mother-in-law walking alongside me. That moment gave me a much-needed morale boost in what otherwise felt like a rough 2.4 mile swim.

Official Swim Time: 1:32:34 

The Bike 

Transition was quick, maybe too quick. In my rush to make up time, I missed the sunscreen table altogether. A decision I’d come to regret.

The first 20 miles winding through the Woodlands felt strong. I hit the Hardy Toll Road feeling confident and dialed in. My fueling was on point, and I was sticking to my pacing plan. The headwind on the outbound portion was tough, but manageable. I stayed focused, knowing the punishing headwind would become a welcome tailwind on the return.

And when that tailwind kicked in — I pushed. Hard. I clawed back some of the time I’d lost and entered the second loop back on pace. But the sun was brutal, and my exposed skin was burning. I could feel the energy slipping away. By the end of the bike leg, I was cooked — literally and figuratively. The marathon was looming, and I knew it was going to be a long one.

Official Bike Time: 6:11:48

The Run 

Heat exhaustion was already knocking on the door as I started the run. My legs were heavy, the sun was relentless, and my knee wasn’t going to let me forget its nagging injury from months before. The marathon course is a three-loop, roughly 8.5-mile circuit and for me, it was a sufferfest from the start.

I settled into a run/walk strategy and soon found a new ally in Dana, a 12x Ironman who became my teammate for those grueling first two loops. We shared stories and steps as the heat bore down. She told me the verse she was leaning on that day was John 19:30 - “Tetelestai. It is finished.” She said it reminded her that the victory was already won, and that she could release the pressure and simply enjoy the day.

Her words and her friendship were a gift. She helped pull me through some of the darkest moments of the race when doubt crept in. I never got to thank her, but if you are reading this  THANK YOU! You’re a rock star!

By lap three, Dana and I got separated, but I wasn’t alone for long. I met Brad, a fellow Ironman who started his triathlon journey during COVID. We hit it off instantly, comparing stories and sharing laughs even in the middle of the suffering. He said we were trauma bonding lol.

It struck me how much of this “solo” sport depends on community. I couldn’t have finished this race without the people God placed along the way and I am better for having met them.

Official Run Time: 6:25:41 (ouch)

The Finish 

I crossed the finish line exhausted, sunburned, and deeply grateful. This was far from a perfect race. The swim was rough. The sun scorched me on the bike. And the run — well, it was a grind every step of the way. But I made it. Ironman is not just simply about finish lines, it’s about who you become along the way. This race was not my prettiest, but I learned a lot about myself throughout the day. Especially during the run, when I was throwing up (twice), I kept asking myself: “Why keep going?" A finisher medal and t-shirt wasn’t enough motivation to put my body through that. I didn’t need to prove myself to anyone. 3 things kept me moving forward, refusing to give up:

God – The ultimate finisher who strengthens us in our weakness.
Family – My wife and son specifically. Their love, support, and presence reminded me why I do hard things. I strive to be the best I can be for them.
Community – From strangers on the course to friends made mid-race, Ironman is full of people who encourage and carry each other to the finish. 

Official Finish Time: 14:31:34

Thanks for reading. Ironman Texas 2025 broke me down, but it also built something deeper in me, something I’m still unpacking. It didn’t unfold the way I hoped for, but maybe that’s exactly how growth works: unpredictable, uncomfortable, and always worth it. I don’t know what’s next, but I know I’ll keep showing up and chasing growth, grit, and grace.

Until next time!