Kona Ironman: Dustin’s Race Report
A Note from Fatty: Before I get to Dustin’s race report (I guarantee it’s a must-read, and you may want to have some tissues handy), I want to remind you: today is the last day you can donate in the Tour de Pink contest, where you can win a $10,000 Giant TCR road bike, complete with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Or a fantastic set of top-of-the-line wheels. Or a GoPro HD camera. Or a lot more. So go donate now, already.
A Note About Who’s Riding for Team Fatty in the Tour de Pink: I’ve asked Heather S to represent Team Fatty at the Tour de Pink. Here’s a little about who she is, in her own words:
In the beginning of 2010 my husband Erik and I were learning how to be parents of 2 after Genevieve’s arrival in August 2009. In May 2010 we celebrated my 31st birthday. In July 2010, I participated in the San Luis Obispo Triathlon for the 2nd time and beat my goal time. In July 2010 we celebrated Annabelle’s 3rd birthday. In August 2010 we celebrated Genevieve’s 1st birthday. In September 2010, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
While there is a lot of cancer in my family history, I certainly did not expect to get breast cancer at 31 years old. Breast cancer is for women older than me – women who have already had a chance to watch their kids grow up, celebrated their 40th and probably 50th birthdays, and maybe even be grandmothers! Right? Apparently not.
After my diagnosis I got right to the research – in true Heather fashion. What is this cancer? What is the absolute best way to kill this beast? Just as importantly: were there other young people out there like me who had to face this challenge?
That’s when I found the Young Survivors Coalition (YSC). This organization has a website where an amazing community of young women (diagnosed at <40 years old) gather to support each other. We laugh, cry, celebrate, mourn, question, teach and learn from each other. Aside from the priceless support, this is the place I got the best information; the most up to date information out there. Hundreds of women with similar breast cancers researching and sharing information from their doctors, etc. Can you imagine the wealth of knowledge?
YSC holds a special place in my heart because I can’t imagine going through all of the ups and downs of diagnosis, treatment, surgeries and now the struggle and blessing that is survivorship without this community. Cancer diagnosis and treatment can be lonely, alienating and depressing – but I knew I could (and still can) always turn to my YSC sisters for someone who totally “gets it.” I hope YSC can provide this opportunity to young women for years and years to come.
I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine a better representative for Team Fatty at the Tour de Pink. Heather (and her husband Erik, who’s going to ride with her) has promised to take a lot of pictures and will send us a ride report when she gets back.
And I’m thinking maybe Team Fatty needs to have a larger presence at the Tour de Pink next year.
Good luck, Heather!
Kona Ironman: Dustin’s Race Report
I first want to start with a thanks and an apology. I want to thank you all for your support and fundraising support. Michelle dreamed big and all of you helped me and her friends and co-workers deliver in a huge way. I want to thank you for the support.
What I want to apologize for is taking so damn long to finish. I read that a few of you stayed up until I finished … I’m kind of speechless on what to say about that. All I can say is thank you for caring that much. I’m humbled. For those who posted to the comments, thanks for making me laugh and smile.
Getting Ready
Okay … Race Day! I got to bed later than I wanted. Like 11pm. I woke up at 4:30am, ate a PB&J sandwich, tested my blood sugar, and sat on the balcony looking down at the Swim start. As I sat there I was surprisingly calm. Just very focused on what I needed to do.
Jump to 5:30am. I ate a banana, tested my blood sugar again, and went down to do the thing I hate most for a triathlon: Take off my shirt and get numbered up on my arm.
So this is the World Championships and the majority of people got to come here through being incredibly fit and qualifying because they are incredibly fast. So why do I hate getting numbered? Well I’m overweight and just about 98% of everyone else needs to eat more. I feel intimidated. Not that I’m trying to win, but when my time is that of people over twice my age and they have six packs, well … I’m a little insecure.
After getting numbered I went up to my room to test my blood sugar again; my sugars were stable.
I grabbed the most important thing of the day: an urn of Michelle’s ashes and placed it under the swim skin at the small of my back.
I went down to my bike and pumped my tires up to 110. The heat of the day would bring them up to around 120 when I was on the bike.
From there I walked over to the swim start and got ready. I saw my friend Holly and she helped apply the Tri Slide to help me avoid rashes. Right before stepping down in the water, I applied even more … I did not want a rash in my pits!
It’s about 6:50 now. I saw the woman is responsible for letting me in the race to fulfill my promise and much much more. I went up to say thank you and then started out to where everyone was wading in the water to start the day.
The Swim
BOOM!!!! The canon hits you like shockwave and we are off. I opted to start at the back to avoid from what I heard was the roughest Ironman start around. Well, either I wasn’t far enough back or it is that rough, because people are climbing over me, I got kicked in the face, elbowed in the face and then I said ok, I’m going to be a bit more aggressive and use my size to my advantage. I started swimming elbows wide and thrashing around like a hooked Marlin. It worked; people were staying away from me now.
I have this problem: I don’t swim in a straight line. But the benefit of that is about a little over halfway, a giant school of spinner dolphins swam right underneath me. I thought of Michelle and how she loved dolphins.
Then that awesome thought was soon replaced with a burning in my left arm pit. I think the tri slide wore off because it was Michelle telling me to get my ass focused again. Then I thought of AK chick and how funny it was she called me David and thought I worked for SRAM.
So I finish the swim, washed off and changed, and made sure I had the urn. I checked my blood sugars and I’m at 58–a little low. So I eat a banana and grab some Perform before getting onto the bike.
Well, finding my bike wasn’t difficult at all. There weren’t many bikes left.
The bike started great for the first 50 miles, I felt good, I saw on their way back that Craig Alexander was right with Lieto on the bike and at that point on the bike course I knew Crowie would win!
I started the climb up to Hawi. It was ok at first but then with about 5+ miles to go the winds picked up and picked up a ton. At this point I noticed a major problem. The only bolts I did not check to see to make sure they were tight, came loose.
My friggin right cleat!
This is bad because this is the side I have issues with my knee. I didn’t want to clip out because I was afraid of breaking bolts or losing them so I let it slide around the rest of the ride.
Anyways, I get to Hawi. Winds are blowing and I get my special needs bag. I stop to pick what I want and check my blood sugar. This was the fourth time I stopped to check my blood sugar; it was spot on at 100.
Once I started pedaling again, I thought of Zac_in_ak. Michelle had this saying she wanted people to know … it was “If you want to do something, do it before it’s too late”. I had this painted on my top tube to remember.
And I wanted you Zac to know to do what you want and don’t let Diabetes prevent you from doing a tri.
I’m now about 20 miles to go, headwinds are fierce and surface temperature was reportedly around 135 degrees. all I know is it was hot, headwinds suck and pedaling with a loose cleat is not great for pedaling efficiencies.
I caught a second wind (maybe it was a third or fourth wind) with 5 miles to go and was feeling good. I went into transition about 4:10 in the afternoon. I opted to use the PT in transition to help me release the tension/pain in my right knee. Transition time is not great but I need to do what I need to do. I test my blood sugar again and it’s spot on (I was absolutely amazed I was on track with my blood sugars.)
I make sure I move the urn of Michelle’s ashes into my running short pocket.
Marathon
So this is the part of the race I feared most. I am not a runner! Luckily you are moving slower and around a lot more enthusiastic people cheering you on. This takes away from the pain.
That is, it takes away from the pain until mile ten when you get onto the Queen K and for me its nighttime and no one is around. I know I have to push it because the later and later it gets, I know my math has been wrong.
I was expecting to finish around 11pm. So I’m at about mile eleven and I’m in pain … bad pain. The entire ball of my feet on both sides are blistered. Someone had suggested I take an orange peel and stick it under the sock over the blisters to soften the pain. It seemed to work a little.
I’ve now made it through the energy lab and I was running a little and walking a lot. I have about 6 miles to go and I know I have to run a lot now because my math sucks or my blisters are slowing me down too much.
I ran a lot. More than I ever have. Okay, maybe it was more of a shuffle but I’ll call it a run. It’s 1.2 miles to go, It’s 11:25p.m. and I know I’m going to make it. I pulled the urn out of my shorts and ran with it in my hand the last 1.2 miles.
Coming into the final .2 miles is an experience I’ll never forget. Friends and people I don’t know there for me and everybody cheering you on like crazy. The final 100 meters or so were a blur … but spectacular. As I ran up the ramp I tripped but caught myself and held Michelle’s ashes up in triumph. It was her, my friends and you guys that gave me all the motivation I needed.
After I was greeted by friends and Crowie. Then these older ladies walked me to the after race area. But I made them take me to the water where the morning started with the swim. I took off my shoes and socks and walked down the steps to the water. They were asking me to come back but they didn’t understand I had important business to attend to. I went into the water, opened the urn and sent Michelle’s ashes into the water.
At this point, the weight and pressure of the promise were lifted and I was now done with the race.
After
So it’s three days later. I have some serious issues with my feet. They are bruised and blistered and I can’t really walk.
But although I finished with people over twice my age, I’m proud of what I’ve done. I had never before this day swam over 1.4 miles, rode over a 100 miles or run/walk over 13.1 miles.
Thank you all for your support and love! Thank you for sharing in my experience and thank you for being an excellent group of individuals. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. People like me can arrange products to give away, Elden has the soap box, but without all of you we have nothing!
~Dustin
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.12.2011 | 8:38 am
Count me in as part of that “bigger presence” next year!!! Now back to the blog.
Comment by Dan.weise | 10.12.2011 | 8:45 am
Truly awesome and quite the accomplishment. Well done! Well done.
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.12.2011 | 8:52 am
Dustin,if my faux pas made you smile and gave you strength, that makes me feel better. I’m so touched that you thought of me in one of the most important races of your life and I’m so glad you encouraged Zac (in AK). I am amazed by your courage and perseverance. What an amazing experience. We visit Kona often (Alaskans have to get their sun and warm weather fix) and I knew exactly where you were talking about on the bike and run. The winds in Kona can be incredibly fierce and the hot pavement is not kind to your feet.
Congratulations on your amazing finish! You ARE Ironman. It may sound corny, but I KNOW Michelle was looking down and protecting you and helping you finish that race.
I made a donation, it’s small, but I do believe every dollar counts. And hopefully, you’ll forgive my faux pas. I didn’t think you worked for SRAM…I saw the grand prize was a Giant and I just bought a Giant cross bike and so therein lies the confusion. :) Also, I am an airhead. If you ever met me, you would understand. And the David is cause I had Wife#1 and her wonderful hubby Davidh (the marin one)on my mind from reading their comments and reading Fatty’s report on the Gran Fondo. And sleep deprivation didn’t help. :) I digress…awesome accomplishment!
Comment by Bragi Freyr Gunnarsson | 10.12.2011 | 8:55 am
Forza Dustin!
Comment by Heather | 10.12.2011 | 9:01 am
Dustin, your story is so touching – and close to home. You are a true inspiration! The reason Michelle chose you to be her partner, then live out her memory is obvious – congratulations on a great completion. PS – I LOVE your bike. Its beautiful!!
I am ecstatic to ride for Team Fatty in Tour de Pink this weekend. Thank you! Hopefully next year we can help you create the larger presence you are suggesting too – YSC is a great cause. I’ll be back next week with a ride report :)
Comment by Kim | 10.12.2011 | 9:02 am
Fan-f*cking-tastic!!!
You’re an inspiration, Dustin. I’m sure Michelle was there with you in spirit. I talk to my brother whom I lost to cancer on every ride that I do — and tell him to hold on when we hit the fun downhills!
Comment by Dripslobber | 10.12.2011 | 9:06 am
Heather…………YOU are amazing!
Dustin, you’ve left me speechless.
Comment by Wife# 1 | 10.12.2011 | 9:07 am
“But although I finished with people over twice my age…”
There is no BUT in Ironman! You accomplished something that a teensy tiny percentage of people on this planet will ever be able to do. The fact that you did it for love just makes it more of a sobfest for big old saps like me.
There are no qualifiers here… you ARE an Ironman.
I am not ashamed that I sobbed watching you cross the finish line, it was, simply put, incredible.
Comment by Fuzz Martin | 10.12.2011 | 9:15 am
Very inspiring, Dustin. What a great story. Phenomenal. Congrats on your finish and being able to lift the pressure of your promise off your shoulders.
Comment by KevinM_TN | 10.12.2011 | 9:17 am
I tracked your progress throughout the day … Absolutely amazing accomplishment and story … Thank you for sharing and thanks to Fatty loaning out his soapbox so you could tell your story … Michelle would be so proud! Bravo!
Comment by AK_Chick | 10.12.2011 | 9:21 am
Heather: can’t wait to read your report and see pictures! Thank you for representing Team Fatty!
Comment by Paul Guyot | 10.12.2011 | 9:25 am
So cool that Michelle chose Spinner dolphins to let you know she was right there with you from the beginning.
Allez.
Comment by Calilori | 10.12.2011 | 9:26 am
Wonderful and moving story….what you did Dustin is practically beyond words. I was good until the part about you finishing the run, but when I read that you had the urn in your hand for the final mile I could not hold the tears back any longer…and by the time I got to the end, well…that was the most beautiful and inspirational thing I have ever read.
Thank you for being an inspiration to us all, and sharing this moving experience with us all.
Comment by Lesley | 10.12.2011 | 9:30 am
Thanks so much for sharing your story in this way, Dustin. I am really speechless, but you should know even perfect strangers are proud of you and inspired by you.
Comment by evilbanks | 10.12.2011 | 9:32 am
Pure inspiration. Dustin, you rule brother. Congratulations.
Comment by carengio | 10.12.2011 | 9:35 am
Dustin – CONGRATULATIONS! but to be honest that single word doesn’t seem sufficient for all you accomplished!! Your (and Michelle’s) story has touched untold lives in helping us realize what we can achieve and by the difference you are making in this war on cancer! THANK YOU from the depths of my breast cancer survivor heart and soul!
Heather – YOU GO GIRL!! Team Fatty couldn’t have a perfect representative for the Tour de Pink ride! Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is gut wrenching but living your life strong is the best treatment! Here’s to having a no chain ride!
Comment by Liz | 10.12.2011 | 9:42 am
Go Heather! What a great representative for the team. Can’t wait to read your event report. I love your jersey; I’m going to see right now if I can get one like it. I am also a younger survivor and can relate to a lot of the sentiments that you articulated so well. I hope Team Fatty participates next year; I will do my best to be there too.
And Dustin, absolutely no need to apologize. What a heroic effort!
Thank you so much for your support for Team Fatty and I’m happy we could return the favor.
Comment by Bee | 10.12.2011 | 9:47 am
I don’t usually cry during race reports… that was amazing!
And I agree with everyone who tells you: you are an Ironman! Don’t let yourself feel slow, because you proved yourself in a tough, tough race. (And even worked it with diabetes. How amazing is that?) Thanks for a beautiful and inspiring story!
Comment by dvhansen | 10.12.2011 | 9:52 am
wow – what an amazing story. thanks so much for sharing, Dustin.
Comment by Liz | 10.12.2011 | 9:53 am
P.S. I think it’s a hoot that you are apologizing for being overweight (though the pictures don’t look like it) on a website called fatcyclist.com. Dude, you are among friends here!
Comment by Mark in Ottawa | 10.12.2011 | 10:00 am
Dustin,
Congrats on being an Ironman. Your race writeup is very much appreciated and gives us a small glimpse into what you experienced and were going through on that day. Your story is inspirational and you should be incredibly proud. (PS love the bike – that’s kick @ss!)
Fatty / Heather S,
Good luck on the ride! It sounds like Fatty found the perfect person to represent Team Fatty in the Tour de Pink.
Mark (in Ottawa, Canada)
Comment by Dave T | 10.12.2011 | 10:06 am
Dustin congratulation on achieving this amazing accomplishment and thank you for allowing us to follow your journey.
Comment by Jouni R | 10.12.2011 | 10:07 am
Truly inspirational. Congrats on your achievement, and for fulfilling your promise.
Comment by Christina | 10.12.2011 | 10:20 am
I cried…I’ll admit it. I am so proud of you! It was an honor to track your times and thank you so much for sharing your journey with us.
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.12.2011 | 10:21 am
Dustin- Believe it when she says she saw you cross the line, She didn’t get up the next day till 9:30. And sobbing…oh yeah, there was sobbing….or allergies.
Team Fatty at tour de Pink next year: If I read the site correctly there are only 100 slots on the ride this year. If we show up next year they will need to expand the field, Team Fatty does nothing small! Looking forward to it.
Well done Dustin, I think my allergies are kicking in…where’s a tissue?
Comment by Evelin B | 10.12.2011 | 10:31 am
Congrats Dustin. Awesome job!!!! and thanks for sharing your wonderful story!!!!
Comment by paul cusick | 10.12.2011 | 10:34 am
Dustin,
amazing job. Extremely proud of you.
Comment by Bike and the Fat Man | 10.12.2011 | 10:51 am
Amazing!!! All I can say is amazing!
Comment by Mike C | 10.12.2011 | 10:52 am
Dustin, Thanks for sharing your great accomplishment with all of us. Your story is truly inspirational.
Comment by Rob W | 10.12.2011 | 11:19 am
Dustin !!! Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration to me.
Comment by Nurse Betsy | 10.12.2011 | 11:25 am
DUSTIN YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!!! I was checking your times and praying for you. Thanks for the race report and for sharing releasing Michelle’s ashes. I was so touched. It was also a treat for me to watch you cross the finish line. I had to stay up, wouldn’t have slept if I had missed it. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Comment by eclecticdeb | 10.12.2011 | 11:42 am
I was fine….until I saw the picture of you in the water, sending Michelle’s ashes into the water.
You are an amazing man.
Comment by Erik | 10.12.2011 | 11:43 am
Liz: If you are looking for Heather’s jersey from the pic, you can find it at http://www.pinkribbonshop.com/pink-ribbon-bike-jersey-hincapie-gradient-womens.aspx
Comment by Doug (Way upstate NY) | 10.12.2011 | 11:48 am
Alez Dustin!
Comment by Hautacam | 10.12.2011 | 11:52 am
D — Thank you for sharing the story of how you kept your promise to Michelle. A beautiful tale of an incredible day. You are an inspiration.
Comment by GJ Jackie | 10.12.2011 | 12:32 pm
Michelle would be so proud of you. Well done, Dustin, well done.
Comment by mike | 10.12.2011 | 12:39 pm
great job. i must have gotten something in my eyes here at work!
Comment by Marco | 10.12.2011 | 12:40 pm
Congratulations, Dustin. What an amazing accomplishment and such so damn inspiring! Dustin…you’re the man!
Comment by NYCCarlos | 10.12.2011 | 12:53 pm
nice work man. I’m sure she’s proud of you.
Comment by Dror B. | 10.12.2011 | 1:05 pm
Amazing, Inspiring, and deeply touching recap of your accomplishment.
You should be proud, as I’m sure Michelle is!!
Comment by LauraS | 10.12.2011 | 1:27 pm
Dustin – spectacular performance! You are a true hero and Ironman.
Heather – you are in inspiration! There couldn’t be a better representative for Team Fatty.
Comment by Gabe | 10.12.2011 | 1:32 pm
Dustin. As a fellow type 1 diabetic, I am inspired and truly in awe of your drive and accomplishment. Thank you.
Comment by briebecca | 10.12.2011 | 1:37 pm
Where are the tissues?! Thanks for inspiring me. Reading this kind of stuff always puts things in perspective and remind me to live in the moment and live fully at that.
Comment by Christina | 10.12.2011 | 2:03 pm
I like what davidh-marin,ca is saying and noticed on the website that they have a virtual ride option. I’d say Team Fatty is the group to do a really big virtual ride, since we’re so experienced at going “nowhere” for a long ways. Why not a November or January Virtual Tour de Pink? That way we can stave off the winter slump while helping out a good cause. I don’t even need any swag.
Comment by Tim | 10.12.2011 | 2:37 pm
Well, I hardly ever cry but something about your report Dustin really got me; it’s so inspiring and comforting to see such honour, commitment, achievement, modesty.
Comment by Chuck | 10.12.2011 | 3:02 pm
CONGRATS DUSTIN !!!
Don’t stop inspiring people to reach their dreams!
Comment by Tammy Frame | 10.12.2011 | 3:04 pm
Dustin- I am so proud of you- I can still hear her laughing on the other side of my cubicle. She told me often about your times together. She was such an amazing person whom we will never forget. The way she made my Dylan feel so comfortable with his Creative side touched my core. Hugs to you and thank you for keeping your promise- you are ironman
Comment by aussie kev | 10.12.2011 | 3:17 pm
Allez Heather
Allez Dustin
Comment by Haven-KT | 10.12.2011 | 3:38 pm
Dustin, amazing job and amazing story.
I’ve been to Kona a couple of times, and while I haven’t been on a bike in the headwinds, I know what you are talking about– the sun on the asphalt and the lava beds creates a lot of heat, and the headwinds are BRUTAL out there.
I love that you took Michelle with you the whole way– that made me cry a little bit.
You ARE Ironman, congratulations for doing something a lot of people can’t or don’t get it.
And Heather– you rock, girl!!!
Comment by Patrick #4091 | 10.12.2011 | 3:46 pm
Dustin, you are an absolute legend, I’m so proud of what you have achieved.
Comment by cyclingjimbo | 10.12.2011 | 4:00 pm
Heather, you rock! Please know that you will have a lot more than your YSC sisters pulling for you.
Dustin, no apologies are necessary. You have accomplished what most of us only dream about, if we dare think about it at all. You and your story are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
You da’ (iron)man!
Comment by Bee | 10.12.2011 | 4:01 pm
Cristina’s idea of a virtual ride is fun! I love excuses to make my trainer feel like it’s not a trainer.
Fatty- just a bit of feedback- a few of my Facebook friends have read and loved the race report, but asked where the original intro story was. I searched and linked it for them, but just in case anyone else needs it, it could be handy if the intro to Dustin’s story was linked in the story above. Great story from Dustin, though. Very sweet.
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 10.12.2011 | 4:27 pm
Thanks for the tissue warning. Wow. Amazing.
Comment by Carl | 10.12.2011 | 4:45 pm
What a blessing it has been to have found this blog to follow for so many years now. If this stuff doesn’t make you a better person, nothing can.
I can’t wait to see what “bigger presence” Fatty has in store for us. Just think how much fun riding together for three days would be!
Comment by Maile in Florida | 10.12.2011 | 5:24 pm
Justin, I definitely stayed up watching the web feed until you finished. I knew you were going to succeed. I checked your splits (thanks, Ironman, for having such great web coverage!). I figured and re-figured what pace you needed to beat the cutoff, and I was certain you would do it…if only I stayed up to help with moral support . I was so happy when I heard them call your name at the finish line!!! You did great. You *are* an Ironman, and you did Michelle proud.
Comment by ScottR | 10.12.2011 | 5:32 pm
Congratulations, and thanks for letting us be a small part of your quest.
Comment by Lonster | 10.12.2011 | 5:59 pm
What an amazing accomplishment Dustin. Michelle would be so proud of what you did. Heather – Rock the Tour de Pink.
Comment by HeidiR | 10.12.2011 | 6:07 pm
Dustin – Congratulations, and Michelle would be so proud! I think I can safely say that we ALL are proud of you – an Ironman is a huge accomplishment.
Heather – there couldn’t possibly be a better representative for Team Fatty in the Tour de Pink! Good luck!
Comment by Jason | 10.12.2011 | 6:12 pm
Dustin
I often ride with a friend who has trained for local TRIs and I’ve seen his sacrifice. To me the greatest part of your story is not about your time but rather about your commitment to see something through to the end for someone who you love. Maybe we should all think about what we can sacrifice to show those who are still with us just how much we care.
Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.
Comment by Anonymous | 10.12.2011 | 6:16 pm
You are the WOW factor that makes these events!
Wow WOw Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow Wow
Congrats on this and all your future accomplishments!
You made a alot of us so proud and cry,
You did it.
Comment by LMNOP | 10.12.2011 | 6:51 pm
You totally rock Dude!
Think of us this Sunday when I run the S.F. Women’s Nike with my childhood cancer SURVIVOR daughter at my side :)
Comment by cece | 10.12.2011 | 7:02 pm
Crying again. So happy for you! What an accomplishment and mission you undertook!
Cece
Comment by Rob | 10.12.2011 | 7:19 pm
What an inspiring story! I bet it is great doing a triathlon in Kona. It is a shame that you had cleat problems. Nothing is more uncomfortable dealing with a loose cleat on a long ride.
Comment by Ronna | 10.12.2011 | 7:40 pm
Dustin, that was very moving to read, I was so impressed with your dedication and passion and love for Michelle. Great job, you are fabulous!
Comment by Jenni | 10.12.2011 | 7:42 pm
You are a stunning example of the way to love. What an incredible incredible accomplishment and touching tribute. May we all have someone we love, and who loves us, as much as you and your beautiful inspiration.
Comment by BamaJim | 10.12.2011 | 9:37 pm
Congratulations Dustin – impressive in every way.
Looking forward to hear more from Heather also.
Comment by Mary Tanner | 10.12.2011 | 10:15 pm
Absolutely fantastic report. You are an Ironman! And inspiration…
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.12.2011 | 10:36 pm
Well…I think Dustin understands what we think of him.
@Comment by Christina | 10.12.2011 |A virtual ride could be a Fatty thing, but a real get together would allow us to have PIE! And c’mon who doesn’t want PIE?.
100 FATTIES riding down the road, now there would be a sight to remember. Santa Barbara in October beats rollers anywhere, anytime.
Did you know(Elden) there are Avocado groves lining the roads of this ride route, heavy with fruit? Fish Tacos, Avocados, Cerveza, and the setting western sun after a long days ride. And for a Great Cause to boot.
And for those interested in a place to gather let me suggest the Cold Springs Tavern above Santa Barbara, an old stage coach stop http://www.coldspringtavern.com/
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.12.2011 | 10:37 pm
Sorry. I was trying to copy just ONE picture, not the whole spiel.
Comment by Dongoose | 10.12.2011 | 10:40 pm
Dustin- You and Michelle are my heroes.
Much Love.
Don
Comment by Kris Gemmell | 10.12.2011 | 10:50 pm
Mate…..
What an amazing journey you had out there! You couldnt have summed it up better then you did. Many dream to do what you did, and with every thing youve dealt with recently, just truly inspirational. I’m sure if you did work for ‘SRAM’ mate, it would be the reason the cleat came loose, dodgy stuff haha!! Hope the feet heal soon Dustin, youve already lost three days training before next years event ;-)and next year Crowie will have to get you a Specialized SHIV!
Kris
Comment by Alan | 10.12.2011 | 11:55 pm
Now you get to “brag for life”.
Congratulations, and you will probably be able to walk pretty soon too.
Alan
Comment by Mary | 10.13.2011 | 6:56 am
And that is what Ironman is all about…..way to go, Dustin.
Comment by BZ | 10.13.2011 | 7:25 am
Awesome race Dustin. F*ck Cancer.
Comment by HP | 10.13.2011 | 7:41 am
Congratulations on an awesome race. Reading about your finish & ritual spreading of the ashes made me cry. At my desk. Thank you for completing the race, raising the money and having beauty and love in your heart. When you get down to it, it’s all that really matters.
Comment by Maggi | 10.13.2011 | 11:16 am
Dustin, congratulations on your amazing feat! What a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to Michelle – thank you for letting us come along in spirit, and for sharing your story.
Comment by Elise Howes | 10.13.2011 | 12:12 pm
Darling Dustin – how can i NOT think of you as a dear wonderful person after reading your report? My heart was in my throat thinking about how Michelle was with you through it all, in body and in spirit…and how you let her go to keep the promise. You too fought the good fight. Michelle fought and lost, you fought and won. It’s never easy to reconcile how these things work out but you brought together FOR Michelle and WITH Michelle your win. I cried reading about it. Bless you for what you did, for sharing your story, for continuing to honor Michelle, and giving inspiration to all of us who hate to take our shirts off! Peace & love boomerang back to those who give it freely…may you receive an abundance of both! Elise, Denver
Comment by Christina | 10.13.2011 | 2:17 pm
@davidh-marin,ca- Yeah, but a virtual ride means I can use my travel money to fight cancer. Although, you do offer up an enticing ride!
I like the thought of a virtual ride WITH pie. Like we set our watches and all have a pie break, knowing that across the nation/world, other people are eating pie with you. It’s like RAGBRAI, only without all the corn and kybos!
I’m willing to help set this up :)
Comment by Ian | 10.13.2011 | 5:31 pm
amazing story. thank you for sharing
Comment by davidh-marin,ca | 10.13.2011 | 8:42 pm
@Comment by Christina | 10.13.2011 | 2:17 pm
Ragbrai and PIE!! It’s like cycling heaven!
I would love to see a Team Fatty group with the Team Livestrong crowd at next years RAGBRAI. I definitely think it’s a ride that could bring many Fatties together. Continue pitching it to Fatty and The Hammer, I KNOW he would welcome the chance to sleep on the ground for a week. Stress the bounty of pie to be found.
Comment by Jeremy | 10.13.2011 | 10:59 pm
Wow! Amazing and inspiring.
Comment by zac_in_ak | 10.14.2011 | 12:15 am
Dustin you are an ironman in every sense of the word! I won’t let diabetes slow me down I am starting a tri ebook and getting rollers this winter I’m gonna do it! I don’t know if I mentioned this but I am from Hawaii :) Your courage and persistence and love move me.
Mahalo and Aloha
Comment by nike factory outlet | 10.14.2011 | 12:47 am
Thanks for sharing a wonderful post.
Comment by pepe sal y rosas | 10.14.2011 | 5:56 pm
jsut i tray to find a motivation in my life after my divorce.i was rich and i did lose everything.home,love,wife,dogy,life,wonderfull life,daughter,son,my lovely city(MIAMI),work and today i am poor for life
Comment by Mathew pritchard | 10.14.2011 | 6:08 pm
Thats a very touching and moving story. Well done man amazing effort.
Ironman really is a great event.
Rock on
M. Pritchard
Comment by Giselle | 10.14.2011 | 6:24 pm
Amazing! You are such an inspiration…and I’m sure Michelle was so proud of you!
Comment by angie | 10.14.2011 | 6:53 pm
Wow, this is amazing! Congratulations! Such a moving story.
Comment by Dave Orlowski | 10.14.2011 | 7:56 pm
Dustin Congratulations on your great accomplishment. It was a pleasure to be on the course with you and know how many of us you inspired!! Enjoy the accomplishment and know you have started something great that will help others also.
Comment by Dave Gonzales | 10.15.2011 | 12:31 am
Dustin, Your story is inspiring. I have raced IM Kona three times in my life, and have gone back every year to volunteer since first seeing the race in 1997. Your story confirms why I return to this place each year, to give back and support all the athletes, who each and every one have their own story of courage, giving, and love. Thank you, David Gonzales, Registration Coordinator.
Comment by debi | 10.15.2011 | 2:06 am
Inspiring story!
Comment by Kenneth in Austin | 10.15.2011 | 7:48 am
Dustin, you’re accomplishment with the level of training you had is remarkable; I’m sure Michelle was watching you the whole way and is very proud of you. Way to go sir!!!
Comment by Duane | 10.15.2011 | 5:37 pm
CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE AN IRONMAN.
Comment by Kim | 10.16.2011 | 7:15 am
Dustin, amazing! Inspiring! Motivating! Incredibly moving! All the same words others have used to describe you and the impact of not only what you accomplished but also why. I’m not sure I saw this one; Hero. Congratulations for all you have accomplished and for having such a positive impact on so many people. I’ve no doubt you’d trade it all to have Michelle back with you – but what you’ve done to honor her memory will change many lives.
I’ve been debating whether I “should” sign up for a full Ironman. I think you’ve helped me make up my mind.
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Heather’s Tour de Pink Ride Report | 10.21.2011 | 8:01 am
[...] myself — I got to assign a person to represent Team Fatty at the Tour de Pink last weekend. Heather S seemed like the perfect choice, and after reading her ride report, I feel that way even more strongly (plus I want to participate [...]
Comment by Chuck Hagele | 10.25.2011 | 12:07 pm
Awesome – Thanks for sharing your journey and race. You carried a weight in your race and were driven in a way others have a hard time understanding. Thanks for opening up the process more. Cancer sucks and you are a champion!
Pingback by Fat Cyclist » Blog Archive » Buy My Book, Fight Cancer, Win a Dream Bike | 11.3.2011 | 10:06 am
[...] But don’t look at the components on that Matt Matte bike up there, because they’re all wrong. The winner of this bike is gonna get something quite a bit sweeter, because the next call I made was to Dustin Brady. [...]
Comment by Norrene | 11.7.2011 | 9:10 am
Proud of you Dustin. You’re simply amazing! Michelle would be so proud of you.
Hugs.
Norrene