May 21st I am an Ironman

I want to thank all the supporters (well over 500 people) who helped me reach my goal of raising over $15,000.00 for The ARC www.theaddictionreferralcenter.org and also helped me achieve my personal goal to complete my 1st Ironman! 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and 26.2 mile marathon!

I have already signed up for next years Ironman Arizona on April 13th 2008 and I have hired a nutritionist Dr. Joe Klemczewski to help me better myself physically so I can improve my times on the bike and run and possibly the swim as well. I really enjoyed this journey and the sport itself.

I have also begun the process of putting together a chronological (kind of) text of this and other things that may develop into my first book which if published I will donate a large sum to The ARC and other charities like Middlesex Human Service as well.

I will end this blog with a lengthy read but I feel you may enjoy it. It was a snapshot of my day of the Ironman itself. It was a very moving emotional rollercoaster in a three fold way physically, emotionally and spiritually. I hope you enjoy it.

Best

Kevin

From: Kevin Brown
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2007 9:40 PM
Subject: IronARC Success Story from Arizona Final Update
Hello everyone!

I am back. I am a little sore. I am an Ironman!

Thanks to each of you that have helped me along this Journey for The ARC!

I will share my Ironman experience in as brief as possible but want to be sure to include some very important parts so that you may even feel a little of what I experienced on the road.

This Journey started for me back in August of 2006 when I decided to definitely do this Ironman. My best friend Joe Turcotte who has done 8 of these and is the ONLY American to do 5 Ironmen in one year (2006) was my trainer, coach and major inspiration to complete this event! Without him I never would have came close to the finish line. He is a great guy and dedicated hours upon hours of his time to support me along the way. Thanks Joey you know how I feel about you so I won't embarrass both of us by saying so! Oh the heck with it I'll say it anyway "you know I love you like a brother."

Next I would like to recognize the sacrifice and support of my wife Jennifer and all of our kids, Tana, Erik, Joshua and Toni who helped me all along the way to help me cross the finish line. They also gave me a really great card that Toni picked out to lift my spirits when I feared the water, my wife reminded me I am of Viking blood so that I could do it and trade in my armor for a wetsuit. My daughter made me a bracelet with stones meant to give you strength, endurance, good decision making etc and that I would persevere and come through which I wore throughout the bike and run. My son Erik who reminded me that I don't quit anything and my son Joshua who let me know that all my training got me here and to finish what I started. My parents, Marge & Erl, my brothers Rich & his wife Nancy and Mike & his wife Neuza and their families, My sister Elizabeth & her husband Jim. They are all a part of the foundation of who I am and strive to be. Thanks!

All the folks at The ARC Marie, Jerry, Janet, Ernie, Joan, Chris, Mike, Wendy, Bob, Donna S (for keeping up the website in fine fashion), Tom, Jose, Eddie, Guillermo,Rob, Sue, My Friday Night Group, My BBSS Group, The 3 Jims (W,D & S), Bob C, Bob S., Tim N., Mark B, Karen M., Dennis, Franco, Nikki, Bil, My Monday Night Step Group, and everyone else on this email. Fred- thanks for being a special bro and making that cool banner along with Doe, Kathy, Tawni, Keith, Joe, Don, Irish Mike, Krissy, Mike Z, Ernest, Don, Barb, Mark C, etc. etc.thanks so much for all your support.

A special thanks to Annemarie for allowing me the honor of carrying her daughter with me for the ride and over the finish line.

Last but not least the support of my boss Martin who understood the magnitude of the Journey and what it means to not only me but the many sick and suffering addicts out there that need help along with their families. Without his support I never would have crossed the finish line. Thanks also to everyone at Thurston Foods who sponsored me and helped me by their generosity and support as well. Now that I said something nice do I get to expense everything?

If I somehow forgot someone I apologize but I never realized how many friends I had until I went through this Journey.

Here are some final numbers for you to understand some of what the 30 weeks of training is about:

Total Training over 30 weeks:

Swimming = 235,000 yards or 131.93 miles

Cycling= 2,251.5 miles

Running (Jogging) = 647 miles

The actual week before the event we met up with Joe and he laid out to me what we would be doing all week registration, plans for workouts and especially focusing on swimming in the lake to get used to it, meetings, etc.

We went to Sedona the day after we arrived and the kids had a blast. This was their favorite spot though they say it tied the Ironman event itself. They also enjoyed a special trip to Sonic Drive In and Jennifer bought them official Sonic shirts which they got a big kick out of. (we have no Sonics in Massachusetts) The kids really enjoyed the Tots with chili and cheese and Erik had some sort of Frito Wrap (YUK) but he liked it.

The next day was our first day of open water swimming and registration. I know you all recall the last update that the swim scared the crap out of me. Joe helped me immensely this day and the next 2 days swimming to get me ready for Sunday. I was also able to share that with many other Triathletes as well which eased my fears quite a bit. We then got my bike over at Tri-Bike Transports to pick up my bike and rode it back to the hotel.

Friday was another open water swim day which felt better. We had a dinner event that evening with all 2500 athletes, their families and friends and got a taste of the Tempe and the Indian Culture, it was also a big pep rally gearing all of us up for what our day was going to be like for all 3 segments of the race. It was quite an incredible experience.

Saturday was a very laid back day of a ride down to the park, swim and then a short run around the park. We also dropped all of our transition bags with clothes, shoes, running gear etc in each transition. We had a nice Barbecue back at the hotel and settled in for an early rest. My wife and kids gave me a nice card and reiterated their support and confidence in me on what I was about to embark on just a few short hours away. Final preparation of my jersey that I would wear across the finish were made by attaching the special photo of Elizabeth Jane Kelly who died at 21 years young and my grandmother Agnes Fahey who has always been a huge inspiration to me my whole life. I thought of all the people who helped bring me to this point of my life especially my wife, my kids, my parents, my brothers and my sister. The list goes on and on. You all meant so much to me that night. Things seemed more vivid, more focused, more alive yet all surreal as well as in some sort of trance.

All of the training and preparation were in place and now was the moment to see if I could execute it into success.

The only way I can describe the actual day was truly the most spiritually charged, incredible day of my life. I was fairly calm give the task in front of me. I started the day as I do all days, on my knees, asking for help to make it through as healthy as possible. Joe and I gathered with our friends and family and changed into our wetsuits eager with anticipation of the start of something incredible. 2500 people all gathered in a small area of water about to embark on individual journeys together as one collective unit, it is truly amazing when you think about it, isn't it? The energy was building and the adrenaline was beginning. I was a part of something truly spectacular.

The first segment was the swim. We all carefully (well most of us) stepped off the dock and jumped into the water and began the 150 yard swim out towards the start. Fans were already screaming out to loved ones and it was only 6:45 AM. The gun went off for the pros and they started their journey to win. The rest of us waited to start with our individual goals. I felt surprisingly good wading around and looking around at the crowds and the water ahead of me. Most people were smiling, I probably looked like a deer with headlights coming at it. As the National Anthem was sung I suddenly realized that this moment was not with me being a spectator any longer, I was in this race and began to focus on what lied ahead of me. I recalled what my friend and boss Martin said and that was to "go for the gold". The gun went off and I began to swim. There were arms everywhere, legs everywhere, and we were sliding off of each wetsuits in a peculiar harmony. I think I know now what a school of fish feel like when they swim along. As the start was over the packs began to separate and soon we were all swimming in our own private Idaho. I noticed almost immediately that I tended to slant towards the right so I felt whenever I looked ahead that I was adjusting my direction to the left. I was a bit concerned as this would delay my time and I wasn't sure if I could make it if that continued so I tried to remain calm but focused on specific landpoints to guide me. I also noticed that others drifted to the left and we would sometimes collide and both of us would just keep going with a silent acceptance that this is how it is. As I did not wear a watch during the swim at the suggestion of Joe and hit the first turn some 1.2 miles down I had no idea how much time I had left to complete the first segment. I had 2 hours 20 minutes and my goal was 2 hours. The second leg of the swim was a little stronger and I felt like I was making good time when one of the kayaks was shouting out to me so I stopped and said what? She said I was straying off to the right a bit and wanted to steer me back on course. I thanked her and did so. As I came to the final turn I noticed a Native Indian lady nearing me, again she strayed left and I stray right. When we collided she was throwing her left arm into the water and my head was coming upon for a breath. Needless to say she gave me an incredible left hook to the jaw. She and I both stopped and she was apologizing and covering her mouth feeling badly. I laughed and thanked her as I let her know it woke me up as I was getting tired. We both finished the last 200 yards together. When I came up out of the water and onto the chip mat I looked up and saw my time. I was pleasantly surprised to see 1 hour 54 minutes 50 seconds on the screen! Suddenly 4 ladies came out of nowhere and peeled my wetsuit down to my waist, knocked me on my ass and stripped my wetsuit off while I held onto my Speedo for dear life. Who were these strange women? Just kidding, the volunteers all day were great (except once- I'll get to that later). They handed me my wetsuit and goggles and I started my run to the transition area to grab my swim to bike bag and get into the tent to change into those clothes and head onto the bike.

The second segment was the bike. Initially I started my ride out and being unfamiliar with the course just wanted to focus on the pace of around 15-17 mph as a goal. On the way out to Bee Line Highway I noticed the ride was surprisingly easy maintaining 17 mph and I didn't want to push it as I had 3 loops to do so I cruised out to the turnaround and started back and that's when it hit me why the first part of the ride was so easy. The wind was at our backs going out and coming back I had a difficult time maintaining any double digit mph. It was at that point that I knew I may be in jeopardy of meeting the cutoff time. As I made the first loop I came around and saw my family there cheering me on and Fred Becker and Doe Beauchamp were there with a cool banner that Fred and Doe had made for me telling me to swim like Mike Phelps, Bike like Lance Armstrong and Run Like Hell! This gave me a much needed lift to start the second loop. I had confidence that if I pushed it a bit on the second loop I would make up the time I had lost on the first loop. The second loop was better going out as I managed around 20 mph heading out and double digits for the most part coming back but when I came around to start my third and final loop I asked my wife how much time I had left and she said 2 hours and 35 minutes and I felt like I was in trouble because I had not done the other 2 loops that fast and this one was a little longer than the other two loops had been. I was pushing as hard as I could and maintained an avg mph heading out between 22-25 mph to the turnaround. When I came to the turnaround I was praying to the HP and Elizabeth whom I carried with me to please turn the wind down for the return. But to my dismay the wind not only had not gone down, it was worse as I was told by motorcycles going bye that it was hitting 30-35 mph consistently. In addition dust storms were forming and I couldn't see where I was going. I felt that at any moment I would veer off the road and get planted on a beautiful cactus and end my journey. I continued to press on and was feeling pretty drained. My quads were exploding and my left foot was burning so bad that it was becoming increasingly difficult just to turn the crank to keep up speed. I had 18 miles left of the 112 and about 1 1/2 hours left. If I could maintain 12 mph I could finish in time. I was still feeling like I could do it. The next 6 miles were devastating as I could only maintain 8-9 mph and I had almost resigned the fact that I was not going to make it. Just as I was mentally about to let it go and accept my fate and disappointment an older lady of 55 rode along side of me and she had a special message just for me from my HP and a girl named Elizabeth whom I have never met who was with me all day. She said "Too Bad to come all this way and not make the cutoff time huh? Follow me!" As she past me I looked at her name below her number of her Bib. Can you guess what her name was? Yes, It was Elizabeth. I was instantly filled with energy, the pain in my quads went away as did the burning in my foot. I finished the final 12 miles at an even pace of 15 mph and as I passed my wife and kids cheering me on she told me I had well over 10 minutes left to spare when I crossed the chip mat. I knew at that moment that this Ironman was in the bag. I was helped off my bike and headed toward the transition area to pick up my bike to run bag and change and head out for the marathon.

The last segment is the marathon. When I arrived in the change tent was the only negative experience I had from one volunteer. He told me I had to be done in 10 minutes or I would be DQ. I found out later he was inaccurate but from what I just went through and all the other great volunteers I had came across prior I decided to use his suggestion in a positive way and just start the marathon journey that much faster. I can tell you that for the next 5 hours and 59 minutes were some of the best hours of my life. I savored each and every moment as I knew I could finish this strong. I didn't care about time, I only wanted to take the time and enjoy the rest of this journey that started back in August 2006 and focus on what had brought me to this place, all of the people who have and continue to support me along the way, and I wanted to be a positive motivator for anyone on the course that needed support. I consciously made it a point to thank each and every volunteer I saw along the way to thank them for their support for without it most of us would not have been able to finish. In addition I tried to reach out to as many spectators as I could to thank them as well. Many times I was filled with tears of joy and of sadness for the many addicts and those affected by them who weren't here on this earth any longer. I thought about a young girl Elizabeth at 21 years young who passed along at such a young age yet I could feel as if she was standing next to me. As I thought of that a young lady of 23 whose name is Kelly Bruno ran past me with one leg and a prosthetic leg and she was well into her third loop and I thought of Peter Colombe who lost both his legs to Sepsis and asked her how she was doing and I spoke to her of Peter and she said if he wants it then he can do it! I was just in awe the entire marathon and felt really good reflecting about the day, the fears I had swimming which I was carried through, the bike ride (which is where I can most improve) and the finish of the start of something really cool.

Last but not least I did promise my friend Immacullee Ilibagiza who wrote the book "Left to Tell" that I would do one of these for her foundation so my next one will be to benefit those left by the Rwandan Genocide if she still wants me to do that. Her website is www.lefttotell.com if you choose to check it out.

I may be crazy but my plan is to do one of these a year as long as I am physically able to do so.................. please stay tuned

The Best to each and everyone of you and I will end this with a prayer from St. Theresa

Much love and blessings in your life is my wish for each of you as I have been given.

I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I do,

Kevin

Saint Theresa's Prayer May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be .
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

27 Weeks to go Great week of training!

(2) one mile swims in under an hour which is good for me. Over 40 miles on the bike and 25 miles worth of running(jogging) this week. Still ahead of my trainging schedule and feeling pretty good.

28 weeks to go

I have 28 weeks to go til Ironman AZ 2007 to benefit the ARC www.theaddictionreferralcenter.com I feel pretty good so far and have raised $340.00 of my goal of $10,000.00. Please go to my link at to donate www.kintera.org/faf/donorreg/donorpledge.asp?event=170458&supid=148195567

My beautiful wife Jennifer and I just after a the Rhode Island Marathon in Providence RI in 2003