2009 was a season of highs and lows for me.

 

I started the season with an unexpected win at an XTerra Duathlon. It was my first event of such nature, so my goal was merely to make the podium.  I was ecstatic to not only begin the year with a win, but also to see I had the necessary power to compensate for my lack of skills on a MTB.

 

My next event was the Buster Britton Triathlon, where I was 2nd the previous year. Under torrential rains, I chose to play the safe card and rode well within myself to finish well outside the podium, in 7th place.

 

A week later I went on to successfully defend my title at the Alabama State Games - I was very proud to be able to so, especially after the poor result the week prior.

 

With the summer in full tilt, I headed to Macon for my 5th consecutive year racing the Rock & Roll Half Ironman. I was hoping to improve on last year's 2nd place, but after overheating during the swim I was forced to pull out. I simply felt like my brain was cooking inside my wetsuit after less than 10 minutes of racing. I am simply not sure what happened - it was the first time this had ever happened to me in an event.

 

I returned home for a training camp before heading to Mississippi for one of the true southern classics: the Heart O'Dixie Triathlon. This event has taken place for the past 30 years, so it was an honor to add my name to the illustrious list of winners, despite a 31 mph crash on the bike, 6 miles from the end of the ride.

 

In September, I flew to Maine to face the very best endurance athletes in New England. The PumpkinMan Half Ironman had a stacked field of well recognized pros. I was so nervous the night before I could barely sleep. Fortunately, the weather cooperated on race day and I was able to finish 5th, sprinting to the line, and securing a podium spot and a paycheck for the day's efforts. It is definitely an event I will return to in 2010!

 

In early October, I headed to the South Carolina Half Ironman.  I was in the best form of the entire year, and was confident that I was going to do well. Unfortunately, while leading the bike 8 kilometers in, I was misdirected at a 4-way cross.  By the time I was made aware of my mistake, I had lost too much time on the leaders and chose to pull out. I had come to SC to do battle, and not merely to finish.

 

It is always very frustrating to end the year on such a note, especially given my level of fitness, but I strongly believe it will only make the fire inside burn hotter and aid in my preparation for the upcoming season.

 

As always, a heartfelt thanks goes out to all of my sponsors and companies that make this dream possible. None of it would be possible if not for your help, support, and most importantly, belief in me.