For immediate release: (from the Associated Press)

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – June 24th, 2007

Ironman Coeur d’Alene (CDA) was held today under windy conditions that made the 2.4 mile swim very tough. Last years race had very hot temperatures, while this years had wind, but mild temperatures. Competitors took on a 2.4 mile swim in Lake Coeur d’Alene, a 112 mile bike ride in and around CDA, followed by a 26.2 mile marathon run. One group competing in today’s race was a multi-sport team from Northern California, the Kain Performance Multi-Sport Team, or as they call themselves, the KainIron Team. KainIron had 9 eager and fit individuals toe the mass start line with 2500 other competitors. They have been training for this event for the past 6 months.

The day started at 7:00am under very windy and cool conditions. It was quite a change from 2006 when the lake was flat and it was already getting warm. The race organizers actually did give any competitor not wanting to do the swim, an option to do a duathlon instead. They had 52 takers for the CDA Duathlon (These competitors did not count in the overall results.) The mass swim start was a sight to be scene as the swimmers looked like a massive wave entering the water as one when the cannon sounded. The swimmers completed 2 loops of 1.2 miles before transitioning to their bikes to start the 112 mile bike ride. The first KainIron competitor out of the water was Mike Grimm in just over 1:00 hour. Mike looked focused and determined as he grabbed his transition bag and headed to the change tent. Shortly after Mike was KainIron’s Wes Meyer. Wes was looking to qualify for the Hawaii Ironman with a good showing today. After Wes the KainIron Team kept a steady flow of competitors coming out of the water. First woman out of the water was Sarah Sawulski. KainIron competitors were easily recognizable to the 20,000 or so fans lining the course throughout the day. (There was a sighting of a mystery 10th Kain member on the course as well...to date we have not been able to confirm this sighting.)

The 112 mile bike ride consisted of two challenging 56 mile loops of rolling hills. Making the course even tougher were the windy conditions. The bike course was changed from previous years, making it even more of a challenge with more hills. Very scenic, but very tough. KainIron Team Head Coach Pete Kain was out on the bike course at about mile 63 cheering on and offering support to the many competitors. KainIron Team member Mike Grimm held a slight lead over Wes Meyer at this point of the ride. First time Ironman competitor Tom Johnson was the next KainIron competitor to pass by Coach Kain, with Sarah S. and Rob Pennell shortly after. Rob had his chain break at about mile 10 into the ride and spent 20 minutes fixing it. Pretty amazing that he was carrying a chain tool! Charging up on this group was Ahmed Hassan, who had a good swim, even with the rough conditions. (He would later say that he swallowed half the lake during the swim, which gave him an upset belly for much of the bike, as well as motion sickness.) Ahmed looked strong and determined as he sped by. Next to pass was first time Ironman competitor Keith Kehl. Keith was enjoying his first Ironman and looking very strong. After Keith, Kim Potter came by with a smile saying, “I got through the swim. It was brutal!” After Kim was another first time Ironman, John Magee. Magee just looked at Coach Kain and said, “Slow and steady, that’s the plan”. He then said, “am I last?” Coach Kain just smiled and said, “no plenty more behind you, just keep moving forward”.

The marathon run consisted of two 13.1 mile loops that ran competitors along the lakefront for most of the run. The run segment of any Ironman is tough, but this years race had pretty ideal conditions to run, which made it much more pleasant. All KainIron competitors made it through the run and the race! Conditions this year were very tough with the wind, but mild as far as the heat. The bike course is considered tougher than the old course, but much more scenic. The race is tough, the training is tough, but the journey is one these competitors will never forget.

Ironman CDA Race Notes: 2007

Having a stellar day was KainIron Team member Wes Meyer. Wes competed in CDA in 2006 in his first Ironman and he came back thinking of a potential Hawaii IM spot. Wes stuck to his game plan and was strong throughout the day. He rode the bike course in 5:40 and came off in 9th in his age division. He ran great, holding his 9th position in his age group. He finished this years event in 10:11, well down from a year earlier when he went 10:53:27! (Note: He just missed a Hawaii IM spot. Spots rolled to 7th, he finished 9th).

Wes was the first KainIron competitor to cross the line. He was followed about 30 minutes later by Ahmed Hassan and Mike Grimm. Ahmed used a steady bike and strong run to close the gap and catch Mike in the final mile of the marathon. Mike finished 12th in his age group, while Ahmed finished 20th. Both Ahmed and Mike set Ironman PR’s on the CDA course today, coming in at 10:41 and 10:42 respectively.

KainIron had a few competitors coming in under 12 hours. Rob Pennell charged his way back after his mechanical problems to finish in a new Ironman PR of 11:33. He passed Tom Johnson in the final mile of the marathon. Tom came home next, just a few seconds behind Rob, in 11:34. Way to go Tom, YOU are an IRONMAN! Sarah Sawulski, competing in her second IM CDA finished in 11:52, bettering her 2006 time of 12 hours 13 minutes. She looked great throughout the day! Sarah was quoted in the Monday morning Spokane Review, saying, “I love to work out and Ironman is the pinnacle.” Sarah finished 13th in her age group.

Coming in under the 13 hour mark was first time Ironman Keith Kehl! Keith had a tough swim, but a strong bike and steady run to finish in 12:20! Way to go Keith, YOU are an IRONMAN!!!

Breaking the 14 hour barrier was Kim Potter. Kim was very nervous before the swim, contemplated doing the duathlon, instead of the swim. Coach Kain told her to give it a go and see how it goes. She had a good swim, even in the tough conditions, to finish the swim in 1:21. She then biked and ran her way to a 13:15. Way to hang tough Kim!!! The final KainIron member out on the course was John Magee. The swim had taken a toll on Mr. Magee as well. He said he strained his back while in the wavy waters. His goal was to make it to the finish line, which he did in a solid, 13:47!!! Way to go John, YOU are an IRONMAN!!! Can’t wait for the Magee re-cap!

This KainIron Team 2007 is a special bunch. Every team member has a story to tell, everyone is as happy for themselves as they are for their teammates. Getting to the finish line is a great accomplishment, but the friendships made during the past 6 months is truly a rewarding experience. Congratulations to all of the KainIron CDA Team 2007! You are all winners! Next up, our Ironman Lake Placid folks!! It will be here before you know it!

Now rest up and recharge those batteries! 2008 is just around the corner!

Way to go KainIron, you guys/gals rock!