I write this letter to share my Ironman Arizona experience and to pay tribute to those who helped me cross the finish line, because without them I could not have done it.

First, a little background: I started racing biathlons in Arizona in the mid '90s at the tender age of 16 after being hit on my bike that left me with 21 broken bones, collapsed lung and a paralyzed right arm - age 12. By the time I was 18 I was placing 1st in my age group in races here and there. After about five straight years of this, and sixty races later, I burned out. My nutrition was way off, and I was trying to finish up college. So I took a break from '98 to '05 after developing this crazy notion to move from Arizona to Manhattan Beach, CA for a change of weather, with the idea that I could resume training there. Well, once I landed in Manhattan Beach in I discovered that the cost of living was double what it had been back in AZ, and that meant it was time for a J.O.B. However, I never lost the taste for racing, and in '05 I entered a biathlon in AZ in order to re-ignite the competitive flame. I placed 2nd overall, which encouraged me to set my goals even higher.

So, in '06 I set two goals: One, to run a marathon, and two, to compete in the Arizona Ironman. I ran the marathon in October and went right into twenty-one weeks of training for the Ironman. I hired Coach Tony, who provided me with my first training log and launched me on my way. Within a few weeks of training, however, I had a vision that I wanted to train in Kona, HI.

With Coach Tony Troccoli blessing, I departed on Christmas Eve for Kona to start my Ironman training with a new intensity.

I knew in my heart I was there to train with a swim coach, but I had no idea who would find their way into my life. On day two in Kona I sauntered into the Big Island Running Store and saw a bright postcard on the wall, portraying a beautiful lady who looked like a champion. Lo and behold, the gentleman behind the counter made sure to brag that it was none other then 2004 World Masters Swimmer of the Year and local hero, Karlyn Pipes-Nielsen. He proudly mentioned that she even worked at the store once a week and would be there the next day.

That next day I went back to the store and walked right to Karlyn and said, without introduction, these exact words: " I'm here to see you. I want you to be my coach."

She was kind enough to sit and chat with me for a good forty-five minutes. I told her that I'm signed up for the Arizona Ironman, and that I only have the use of one arm. Her smile became vibrant, my heart started pounding. I could see a team forming here. It was meant to be.

We met a few days later at the Kona pool and boy was I nervous; needlessly, it turned out, because Karlyn has such a gift of making you feel comfortable with yourself no matter how good (or not so good) you are at swimming. After our first session I was already saving a ton of energy and was able to swim twice as much as I had in California.

I was hooked. I told her I wanted to see her at least two to three times a week. I wanted to learn everything she could teach me and I was ready to be a sponge.

Kona became my training compound for the next twelve weeks and the place where I would meet some of the most amazing people I'd ever met anywhere. I had no idea how much inspiration I was giving others while being inspired myself by them. My routine was set in stone: I woke up and trained in the morning, I ate clean and pure, then studied Karlyn's DVDs and watched Ironman tapes till my next training session in the afternoon (Coach Tony's schedule for me). I was in the zone. I didn't want to merely participate in the AZ Ironman race; I wanted to compete.

This is why I also hired Karlyn's amazing husband, Eric, as my bike and running coach (2:56 at Boston this year - you rock Eric).

Eric and I connected like brothers. He is one of the nicest, most professional, dedicated and patient people I have ever met. At any given moment you can call him and find him in a positive and uplifting mood. He is the driving force behind me wanting to be the best athlete I can be. He brings the best out every session.

Three months went by too quickly, and I headed to the mainland for the big day. I landed in Los Angeles and jumped on the phone with One Arm Willie - Willie Stewart. Five months ago Willie had given me a great pep talk, telling me I would be able to do the Ironman with no problem. Mind you, I had never before swum a lap in my life! He was the motivator I had been looking for all my life. If you ever have the chance to hang with him (if you can keep up ), do it. Your life will be changed.

In Los Angeles I did one final swim session at Loma Linda University with Willie the day before heading to AZ. I'd gone to Loma Linda to be fitted for a special arm brace by Dr. Michael Davidson. Davidson has a heart for challenged athletes. Many of you may know him as the man who gave Rudy Garcia his legs. You can see in Michael's eyes that he truly cares about making a difference in the lives of those who have lost a limb.

Arizona is where I was born and raised, so of course family and friends all wanted a piece of me. I told them that I couldn't spend time with anyone until after the 15th. I needed to maintain focus during race week.

Race week was awesome. Some of you might have noticed me gracing the cover of the sports section in the Arizona Republic (link ) Channel 12 News did a piece about me. However, my favorite moment was speaking at Iron Prayer. To share my struggles and victories with those present was truly a blessing.

(A couple of quick shout-outs here: Stan and Lincoln - thank you. You two are awesome! And Heather Gollnick - you're an inspiration to everyone you meet. The minute I saw you I knew you were special. Thank you for answering the Lords call. You have the most beautiful kids I have ever seen, and your little daughter makes my heart swell with joy. Your husband must be very proud.)

I was also able to share my experiences with the Arcadia High School girls' softball team the day before the race. What an truly incredible experience to be able to inspire young athletes.

It seemed that everywhere I turned I was shaking someone's hand and getting encouragement.

By race day I was confident. Granted, I had never done an Ironman distance race before then, but I knew I had put in the work. I had trained on the Ironman course in Kona for three whole month. Whatever AZ brought, wind, heat, rain (hey, it could happen, even in AZ), I felt I was prepared.

I found it interesting that you can show up on race day at 5:30 and somehow within a few minutes it's 6:30 and time to get in the water! I had no clue how my swim was going to go. My coaches were telling me 1:30; I told them I would be happy with 1:45. Bam! the gun went off and I was in the middle of the pack. I noticed my pace was the same as the athletes around me. Nice!

For the first mile I experienced something no one had warned me about: I was kicked in the jaw three times, hit, bumped and pummeled almost the whole way. I knew I was doing well because not many were passing me. I felt I could have gone faster, but man oh man there were swimmers ahead of me who would not get their motor going, so I stayed back ( maybe this was a blessing ? ).

At the turnaround I let it rip and felt like a champ. I got out of the water at 1:29 for 1600th place. No problem. I carefully strapped my bad arm on my bike and I was out. I knew my transition time was way too long, but I was determined to play it safe so I wouldn't be sorry later. When I eventually got out on the course, it was me vs. me. I made sure I greeted as many athletes as possible and tell them how great they looked as I passed them ( or got passed ).

Loop one, I went at a scenery-enjoying pace, loop two, I got the legs warmed up, and in loop three I decided to save the legs for the next phase, the run. I didn't break a sweat on the bike for fear of losing my legs on the run. All I could hear was Coach Eric's voice saying " hold back - hold back ". I kicked back and took my time on the bike, and later found out I had passed over 400 bikers - not bad (at least I wasn't in last ).

Off the bike and on the run, my legs felt great. Again, I made sure I talked to as many athletes as I could while passing them. I even asked how their legs were feeling, because mine felt like a champ and I wanted to make sure this wasn't abnormal. I held back early as I wanted to make sure I could last all twenty-six.

I felt amazing. I could feel all the prayers and from the hundreds of people I had met on my journey, and boy did I feel like this was my day. I went from 1600th out of the water to around 770th place. I felt like Pac-man out there. All those athletes I had the pleasure of talking to had inspired me, as well…we were all in this together! I even had the pleasure of engaging in 30-45 minute conversation with athletes from Seattle, Kona, Tampa and Phoenix. What a way to pass time.

At two miles to go my legs felt like they were charged up, so I let 'em go. The day was about to come to an end; I had no idea what my time was going to be and I didn't want to know until the finish line…which I crossed at a time of 12:38.

I did it, but not alone.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers out on the course. Without them, there would be no race. They are truly amazing, and were full of encouragement and smiles for all the competitors.

To my family, friends and countless emails from spectators. I'm forever indebted to you. To my #1 Fan : My 81 year old Grandmother - thank you for being my  ^ Angel ^. To Coach Tony - Thank you for giving me the confidence that was needed to continue my journey. Karlyn Pipes-Nielsen and Eric - you're a true blessing. When I crossed the line all I could think was " The greatest reward to a coach must be when their triathlete performs well ". Thank you - thank you - thank you ! I have to thank the guys at Tri Lab in Redondo Beach, Ca for building up my machine. Thank you Gary at Element Six Bikes for the machine. To the crew at Landis Cyclery in Tempe, and the gang at Bicycle Showcase in north Scottsdale thank you. A special thank you goes to my sponsors: Gerry Morton CEO of EnergyFirst.com. Check out their web site to see what kept me fueled up. I owe a debt of gratitude to Odin and his lovely wife Nancy at Makai Chiropractic (ART) in Kona, Hawaii. Team Enduranc e FCA - God is good! Team Possibilities - thank you for the support. Emilio DeSoto - thank you for supplying quality tri-gear since I was 16 years old, and for having the kindness and heart that you do. To Tai at Tai Graphix thank you for creating my awesome Tri-Gear.

Thank you to my production crew at Inspire Pictures. Without you this dream would not be caught on tape. See you in Australia December 2nd for the Western Australia Ironman!

And finally, But - not - last - I would like to thank God for giving me the strength to persevere.

This is my Ironman story. We are in pre-production on the true story of my life, called "Chasing Me." Check out www.chasingmemovie.com, and please keep in touch.

Next up :

San Diego International Triathlon June 24th 2007
San Francisco Marathon July 29th 2007
Big Kahuna 1/2 Ironman
Australia Ironman December 2nd

See you at the races!

Jason P. Lester
www.jasonplester.com