UPDATE: Andy Granda's road to Ironman Texas

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - At 11:49 p.m., just 11 minutes before the official cutoff of the Ironman Texas, Andy Granda crossed the finish line—and made history. That night, Granda became the first deaf, blind man to complete an Ironman triathlon. Woodlands native Jarrett Hubert guided him in the technical aspects of each discipline, totaling nearly 17 hours of swimming, biking and running together.

Granda began his involvement in triathlons in his hometown of San Diego two years ago. He joined a local cycling club comprised of other blind athletes.

“It was called the Blind Stokers Club,” said Granda. “There were some members that were involved in triathlons. They’re blind, and they’re involved in triathlons as myself, so that really inspired me.”

Granda has had a guide to help him in each competition he’s participated in. However, he met Hubert only three months before the two started training together. Hubert replaced Granda’s original guide, who was unable to perform due to neck pain.

“We happened to meet at another competition,” said Granda. “It was a marathon in Sacramento, California. That was last December. He was guiding another deaf friend of mine, and I met through them.”

For Granda and Hubert, training was intensive. Granda said he had two main foci: CrossFit training and nutrition. He also coordinated with Hubert to run, bike and swim several times a week.

“I’d say four to five times a week, and it depends on the day how many hours,” said Granda. Altogether, their weekly training average was anywhere from 10 to 30 hours.

Granda is part of a much larger community of triathletes. In addition to the Blind Stokers Club, he is a member of the Tri Club of San Diego, four or five San Diego cycling clubs and the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF). CAF in particular, Granda said, has helped encourage him to become a better athlete.

By completing the Ironman, Granda hopes to be able to inspire other challenged athletes. In particular, he said, he hopes for more blind people to become involved in the Ironman.

Like any triathlete, Granda enjoys the adrenaline and feeling of accomplishment that come from competing. The Ironman fanbase is also a major encouraging force during the race.

“The whole experience is tremendous,” said Granda. “My favorite thing, just the race itself, is really tough. I guess [during] the running part, I really enjoy the fans. I know the finish line is coming when you see more fans.”

Granda wished to express his gratitude to all the people who have contributed to his accomplishment.

“I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way,” said Granda. “I’ve met many volunteers [and] sign language interpreters. I also want to thank Jarrett as a guide and his family for support, and my family and friends as well, of course.”

Though he successfully completed the Ironman Texas, Granda did not place. Next time, he plans not only to finish the race but to earn a ranking in his categories.

“I want to try again,” said Granda. “I did finish, but I’m not an Ironman. So I want to try that again. That’s my plan.”