Tim is an Ironman... Again!

Playing catch-up here. As some of you know, Tim competed in his second Ironman race right before Thanksgiving in Arizona. His goal for the first one was to finish. Which he did very well. His goal for the second one was to finish in under 12 hours. Again he achieved his goal. Actually better than he thought, he finished in just under 11 and 1/2 hours.

It was truly an interesting experience to see what all of the training time and effort were for. I have never felt more like a big fat toad in my life. Being around all of those extremely fit folks. And most of the spectators were also involved in some sort of sport and super fit as well. Oh well... didn't really affect me that much - I still ate Oreos!

Our day started quite early - we arrived at the course around 4:30 am. Here's Tim before the race.

Getting ready for the race. I thought Grace needed a lot of "equipment." You should see someone compete in one of these deals. I was the Sherpa once again.

Catman!

I had taken a book to read, but never got the chance to open it. I spent my entire day doing 1 of 4 things:

1. searching for my spectator spot
2. looking for Tim
3. searching for a bathroom
4. making friends with people around me so they would watch my chair while I was searching for that bathroom

Here's the beginning. Interesting to see. I think out of all of those folks, I only saw one idiot without a wetsuit. Just to be sure you know it was not Tim!

Next I headed off to find my viewing spot for the bike part. I got lucky and camped out next to a group of folks with a tent. They were local and had lots of people stop by. And they were fun. I was quite proud of myself for snapping this one.

And then on to find my last spot for the run. I saw him on the first loop. But missed him on the second one. He threw a sponge at me. I didn't know it was him, but did confirm with him later. This was taken on his last loop, he was quite tired.

Finally to the finish line. I don't think they said his name. So I didn't get a shot of the time clock. Looking at this one, you wouldn't know he just completed 11 and 1/2 hours of hell. At least it would be hell to me. I don't even want to do anything I enjoy for 11 and 1/2 hours. Much less exercise. They have catchers at the finish line. Some folks cross the line and just collapse. I think these folks are also doctors or EMTs. Just in case.

And finally a shot of us. I am so proud of him for his accomplishment. Remember that I haven't really exercised since I became pregnant. At this point, that would have been around 15 months. So the next day I mentioned how sore I was from all that walking, hoisting, and lugging. He didn't really have any sympathy for me!