9.13.09

IRONMAN!!

Everyone must see an Ironman at some point in their lives - even though I think these people are a wee bit crazy - I still think it is AMAZING and AWESOME that they train for this impossible event and succeed. This was my first year going down for the swim and it was freaking ridiculous. What you are looking at is probably over 1000 swimmers in Lake Monona. The sight and sound of this is something that cannot be conveyed in a picture. You must see this in person.

So, my friend Heath was doing his second Ironman this year and I was determined to see him at some point during the day. I parked myself within eye shot of his bike at the transition. I had my telephoto lens all set to go and I had an eagle eye on that bike rack, but I swear I saw everyone take their bikes from his rack, but him. Argggh! It was a bummer. We went home to take a nap (I left it to the Ironmen and women to do the exercising that day) and I went back out around 4:30 when I knew he would be around State Street for the run. I missed him on the first loop, but managed to catch him about 5 blocks from the finish. I walked with him for about a block to chat and tell him how awesome he did and then he ran into the finish. Btw, he really did do awesome. He finished an hour earlier than he did last year. AN HOUR! That is completely crazy bananas to me and I am completely in awe of him and all the other athletes that finish an Ironman.