Comments on: Ironman Hawaii http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/ Professional Triathlete Sat, 04 Feb 2012 09:34:54 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Ted http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1877 Ted Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:24:11 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1877 I think you summarized it best in your last paragraph. As athletes, too often we forget to sit back and say..."wait a minute, I am doing this because I want to." We have tunnel vision and forget the beauty passing by around us. The routine (training, work, or otherwise) wears on us all, you are only human. I think you summarized it best in your last paragraph. As athletes, too often we forget to sit back and say…”wait a minute, I am doing this because I want to.” We have tunnel vision and forget the beauty passing by around us. The routine (training, work, or otherwise) wears on us all, you are only human.

]]> By: Adrienne http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1870 Adrienne Thu, 29 Oct 2009 03:03:18 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1870 Hi Michael, I saw you on the run out there in Kona and I remember thinking to myself, is Michael Lovato really walking? At that point in my race, I was down in the same mental lull that you found yourself in (now that I read your blog). It took me 2 weeks to publish my race report because I was in such a funk after the race trying to figure out what it was that was so bummy about it all. This being my first time at Kona, I had no idea really what to expect, but it was comforting to read that an athlete of your caliber went through an almost identical wave of emotions at the race that was supposed to be the race of your year. Thank you for publishing such a great race report - regardless of whether the race was the greatest, your attitude about it captures the inspirational person that you are. Oh, and just an fyi....I captured an awesome pic of you and Amanda at the underwear run.... in an non-stalker sort of way, I wanted to capture the awesomeness of the fun run and pics of both your butts happen to be on my blog. Hahaha. Happy vacation, happy training and here is to an amazing 2010! ~Adrienne Hi Michael,
I saw you on the run out there in Kona and I remember thinking to myself, is Michael Lovato really walking? At that point in my race, I was down in the same mental lull that you found yourself in (now that I read your blog). It took me 2 weeks to publish my race report because I was in such a funk after the race trying to figure out what it was that was so bummy about it all. This being my first time at Kona, I had no idea really what to expect, but it was comforting to read that an athlete of your caliber went through an almost identical wave of emotions at the race that was supposed to be the race of your year. Thank you for publishing such a great race report – regardless of whether the race was the greatest, your attitude about it captures the inspirational person that you are.

Oh, and just an fyi….I captured an awesome pic of you and Amanda at the underwear run…. in an non-stalker sort of way, I wanted to capture the awesomeness of the fun run and pics of both your butts happen to be on my blog. Hahaha. Happy vacation, happy training and here is to an amazing 2010!
~Adrienne

]]> By: peter west http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1847 peter west Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:50:57 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1847 michael u have the essence of a champion, fundamentally that is all that really matters, good luck next year. peter michael u have the essence of a champion, fundamentally that is all that really matters, good luck next year. peter

]]> By: Robert http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1828 Robert Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:56:26 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1828 Michael, We are proud to work with you and Amanda both. You are class acts and big talents. Its great to read that you keep your head up high following a disappointing performance in Kona. That great fitness you took into Kona will no doubt show in an Ironman or two next season. Michael,
We are proud to work with you and Amanda both. You are class acts and big talents. Its great to read that you keep your head up high following a disappointing performance in Kona. That great fitness you took into Kona will no doubt show in an Ironman or two next season.

]]> By: Nick Rose http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1827 Nick Rose Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:26:04 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1827 ML, what a superb report, I have followed you on Twitter for a while now, love the attitude in the race, love the fact that you pushed and pushed and the honesty in the RR is very refreshing. Glad you had the time to enjoy the race as well. I am sure you will be back for it better next year. Ironrosey ML, what a superb report, I have followed you on Twitter for a while now, love the attitude in the race, love the fact that you pushed and pushed and the honesty in the RR is very refreshing. Glad you had the time to enjoy the race as well. I am sure you will be back for it better next year.

Ironrosey

]]> By: Andy http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1824 Andy Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:55:56 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1824 Wow, Michael. What a great report. So glad you finished, sorry it didn't go as well as hoped. Turn the page and set your sights on next year. As always, I'll be rooting for ya and hope to share a course or two with you next season. Happy belated Birthday too! Wow, Michael. What a great report. So glad you finished, sorry it didn’t go as well as hoped. Turn the page and set your sights on next year. As always, I’ll be rooting for ya and hope to share a course or two with you next season. Happy belated Birthday too!

]]> By: Spokane Al http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1822 Spokane Al Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:10:08 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1822 Thanks for your honest, thorough race report. There are lessons in your experience for all of us. I always enjoy reading the stuff of both you and Amanda and will continue to cheer you both as you recover to carry on the battle once again. You always come through with your joy of racing, training, life and living. Keep rocking buddy. P.S. No aero helmet - was this because of the heat or just a personal preference? Thanks for your honest, thorough race report. There are lessons in your experience for all of us. I always enjoy reading the stuff of both you and Amanda and will continue to cheer you both as you recover to carry on the battle once again. You always come through with your joy of racing, training, life and living. Keep rocking buddy.

P.S. No aero helmet – was this because of the heat or just a personal preference?

]]> By: Jamie http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1815 Jamie Tue, 20 Oct 2009 01:51:26 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1815 I remember how pumped you were about your new plan for Kona at the pre-Rev3 Trakkers dinner this year, so I was sending you tons of good vibes all day. It was hard seeing you suffer out there, but glad you are taking it all in stride and keeping the focus on 2010! I remember how pumped you were about your new plan for Kona at the pre-Rev3 Trakkers dinner this year, so I was sending you tons of good vibes all day.

It was hard seeing you suffer out there, but glad you are taking it all in stride and keeping the focus on 2010!

]]> By: mike greer http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1798 mike greer Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:49:49 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1798 Michael, you are and have always been a truly first class act. You are the same guy that refused to give up at Buffalo Springs Ironman 70.3 a few years ago, after a bad bike crash, and finished with great class. We missed you this year and hope to see you return to the canyons of the Llano Estacado in West Texas. Mike Greer Michael, you are and have always been a truly first class act. You are the same guy that refused to give up at Buffalo Springs Ironman 70.3 a few years ago, after a bad bike crash, and finished with great class.

We missed you this year and hope to see you return to the canyons of the Llano Estacado in West Texas.

Mike Greer

]]> By: Carole D. http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1795 Carole D. Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:03:32 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1795 Ten pounds in one week!! Way to go, ML!!! :-) Ten pounds in one week!! Way to go, ML!!! :-)

]]> By: Mark Sortino http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1783 Mark Sortino Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:32:25 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1783 Michael, Fantastic report. This was my first time at Kona, and I had a similar day. Not only are you funny as sh!t, you're honest and write from the heart. Speaking for Age-Groupers everywhere, we are lucky to have you in this wonderful sport and way of life. Thank you! Mark Pensacola, FL Michael,

Fantastic report. This was my first time at Kona, and I had a similar day. Not only are you funny as sh!t, you’re honest and write from the heart. Speaking for Age-Groupers everywhere, we are lucky to have you in this wonderful sport and way of life.

Thank you!
Mark

Pensacola, FL

]]> By: David Criswell http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1773 David Criswell Sat, 17 Oct 2009 12:14:03 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1773 Great report Michael. I followed your race on Ironman.com and it was great to see you finish despite the difficulties. You are a first class athlete. Great report Michael. I followed your race on Ironman.com and it was great to see you finish despite the difficulties. You are a first class athlete.

]]> By: Doug Hartman http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1767 Doug Hartman Sat, 17 Oct 2009 06:05:42 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1767 Thanks so much for sharing this. You are good for the sport. Thanks so much for sharing this. You are good for the sport.

]]> By: Pantani (also in Colorado) http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1764 Pantani (also in Colorado) Sat, 17 Oct 2009 03:21:19 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1764 Hats off to you Michael. Not many guys would have written so candidly. Hats off to you Michael. Not many guys would have written so candidly.

]]> By: Kevin Dolan http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1763 Kevin Dolan Sat, 17 Oct 2009 01:32:01 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1763 Michael. Your passion for the sport and your perspective of keeping things fun and positive and fighting through difficulties is inspiring. Especially, when you compare the attitudes of entiitlement that sometimes shows up from some of our more prominent professional athletes from other professional sports( usually team sports). Your honest description of your race day efforts and your feelings is something that every athlete can learn from , we are lucky have you share your insight on the sport and your race . Michael.

Your passion for the sport and your perspective of keeping things fun and positive and fighting through difficulties is inspiring. Especially, when you compare the attitudes of entiitlement that sometimes shows up from some of our more prominent professional athletes from other professional sports( usually team sports). Your honest description of your race day efforts and your feelings is something that every athlete can learn from , we are lucky have you share your insight on the sport and your race .

]]> By: Jen http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1762 Jen Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:22:15 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1762 Michael, Great race report...it is so raw and real. And to come from a pro who is willing to share your day with us is even more amazing! Not only did you share the great moments, but you shared the low points of your day...and those to me say more about your character and determination! You're human and that is what comes through in your race report. Thank you. I love how Amanda was there when you needed that pick me up and for her to tell you to 'find the joy and fun it all.' Go give that girl a hug, kiss, and a smack on the ass, cause she's an awesome wife. Congrats on your race! You will kick some major ass next year in Kona! I think it will be you and Leito - the 2 American's chasing each other for the line! You are truly an amazing athlete and are such an inspiration to all of us! Jen Michael,
Great race report…it is so raw and real. And to come from a pro who is willing to share your day with us is even more amazing! Not only did you share the great moments, but you shared the low points of your day…and those to me say more about your character and determination! You’re human and that is what comes through in your race report. Thank you. I love how Amanda was there when you needed that pick me up and for her to tell you to ‘find the joy and fun it all.’ Go give that girl a hug, kiss, and a smack on the ass, cause she’s an awesome wife.

Congrats on your race! You will kick some major ass next year in Kona! I think it will be you and Leito – the 2 American’s chasing each other for the line!
You are truly an amazing athlete and are such an inspiration to all of us!
Jen

]]> By: Charisa Wernick http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1761 Charisa Wernick Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:17:25 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1761 I absolutely love that you did not throw in the towel and you stuck it out. There are so many pros who would have just saved their legs for another day and when racing is your job, it is even understandable for them to save their legs. I admire your desire to make the rest of the race enjoyable and fun - even though I am certain there were times out there on that run when it was anything but. Thanks for sharing your race! I absolutely love that you did not throw in the towel and you stuck it out. There are so many pros who would have just saved their legs for another day and when racing is your job, it is even understandable for them to save their legs. I admire your desire to make the rest of the race enjoyable and fun – even though I am certain there were times out there on that run when it was anything but. Thanks for sharing your race!

]]> By: Adeline Khoo http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1760 Adeline Khoo Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:15:06 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1760 Michael, For those of us who have also had bad days in an ironman, it's such a pleasure to read such an honest race report. Especially from a pro. It was great talking to you before the race and you looked just as prepared and ready as you were for the other races that we've met you at all year. I know it didn't turn out the way you wanted but I just wanted to say I yelled out for u a couple of times on the run and all those times, although your run looked laboured and you clearly looked like you were in a world of hurt and pain (sorry!!) ever single time you managed to muster up a smile/wave/nod to the crowd when you heard someone yelling out your name and that says ALOT about you as a person. The only other person I've seen consistently doing that is Chrissy. Thanks for always appreciating the spectators and people out on course cheering. :-) It was pure concidence that I was also one of the volunteers who caught you at the finish line and while it was clear that you were mentally and physically exhausted, had a bad bad day and the last thing you wanted to do was talk to anyone, you managed to say hi to me and I know you personally thanked all of us who helped you out to the back. After 8 hours of catching people at the finish line on Saturday, I can tell you I'm sure everyone thought about it but not everyone had the pressence of mind to say thank you. It was a very nice thing to hear after a long day. There is definitely a glory in pushing through the way you did and FINISHING what you set out to do even if things didn't happen to go your way. You could have easily quit but you didn't. I know you will be back for a greater 2010 with all that you've learnt from 2009! See you out there! Adeline Michael,

For those of us who have also had bad days in an ironman, it’s such a pleasure to read such an honest race report. Especially from a pro.

It was great talking to you before the race and you looked just as prepared and ready as you were for the other races that we’ve met you at all year. I know it didn’t turn out the way you wanted but I just wanted to say I yelled out for u a couple of times on the run and all those times, although your run looked laboured and you clearly looked like you were in a world of hurt and pain (sorry!!) ever single time you managed to muster up a smile/wave/nod to the crowd when you heard someone yelling out your name and that says ALOT about you as a person. The only other person I’ve seen consistently doing that is Chrissy. Thanks for always appreciating the spectators and people out on course cheering. :-)

It was pure concidence that I was also one of the volunteers who
caught you at the finish line and while it was clear that you were mentally and physically exhausted, had a bad bad day and the last thing you wanted to do was talk to anyone, you managed to say hi to me and I know you personally thanked all of us
who helped you out to the back. After 8 hours of catching people at the finish line on Saturday, I can tell you I’m sure everyone thought about it but not everyone had the pressence of mind to say thank you. It was a very nice thing to hear after a long day.

There is definitely a glory in pushing through the way you did and FINISHING what you set out to do even if things didn’t happen to go your way. You could have easily quit but you didn’t.

I know you will be back for a greater 2010 with all that you’ve learnt from 2009! See you out there!

Adeline

]]> By: Carole D. http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1757 Carole D. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:00:37 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1757 Hey Michael, Thanks for the email reply, as always! Your insight into your prep, race and consequential result is great. It's so amazing how challenging this sport is even after so many years of experience and racing! It certainly can be one thing that keeps the fires burning. Enjoy some playtime and congratulations, again, for being a true champ. Carole Hey Michael,
Thanks for the email reply, as always! Your insight into your prep, race and consequential result is great. It’s so amazing how challenging this sport is even after so many years of experience and racing! It certainly can be one thing that keeps the fires burning. Enjoy some playtime and congratulations, again, for being a true champ.
Carole

]]> By: Rich Poley http://www.michaellovato.com/blog/ironman-hawaii-2/comment-page-1/#comment-1756 Rich Poley Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:49:58 +0000 http://www.michaellovato.com/?p=994#comment-1756 OK, it's agreed this year you won the race report. Next year you win the race! Very nice piece of writing! You got me out there on that course with you feeling those feelings. Everyone has been there but few write so well about it.You captured it perfectly, and seem to have bounded up over it stronger and better than ever. I expect to see you on the podium next year for sure. Great job! OK, it’s agreed this year you won the race report. Next year you win the race! Very nice piece of writing! You got me out there on that course with you feeling those feelings. Everyone has been there but few write so well about it.You captured it perfectly, and seem to have bounded up over it stronger and better than ever. I expect to see you on the podium next year for sure. Great job!

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