I Love my (Half) Ironman!

You may have noticed that I've been M.I.A. for several days. (if you didn't notice, don't tell me...let me believe I am loved!) I've been on 'Tour de Texas'...spending much too much time in the car...but what a TRIP!! I'll have several posts about all the happenings...but I must start with this...

Hubs has been training intensely for a his biggest event yet...a Half Ironman.

1.2 mile swim

56 mile bike

13.1 mile run

Throw in a little vomit and you have yourself a major sporting events for hardcore athletes.

Hubby has done a couple of Sprint Triathlons with the ultimate goal of doing a full Ironman someday...so this was another stepping stone on the road to 'The Big One'.

The goal he set for himself was to finish the race in 7 hours or less.

I had one baby running a fever the morning of the race, so we weren't around for the start...or the bike portion.

By the time the kids and I got up and at'em, I figured he should be running, so we hiked across the 'gardens' to find a portion of the running course. It couldn't have been a better set up, for the spectators at least, because the course was a four loop run around the grounds...so I was sure that we'd eventually see daddy on the run.

We found some shade to hang out in and the kids were given cowbells and peanuts by a volunteer who fell in love with them...so they were entertained while we waited for dad.

We stayed there for about 40 minutes without seeing him...and silly mommy failed to bring cash for refreshments that my eagle-eye children, who spotted Dippin' Dots and cookies. We decided to walk back to the car for money...

Along the way, we heard a familiar voice yelling, 'Ella, Ella!!'

It was Daddy!!!!

He had just started his run and stopped to give us all kisses.

We rang the cowbells and cheered him on, it was awesome for all of us!!

We continued on to the car...sweating along the way. We decided that we'd eat lunch and swim in the indoor pool for a while. (Daddy would be running for hours!) After swimming, we walked back to the finish line to see if we would find daddy. Soon after we got there, the kids found a playground while I kept watch for hubs. Pretty soon, I saw him. I tried to get their attention, but they were SO happy to be playing. Hubs said that was his last lap...he was about to finish!!!

I gathered the children and headed for the finish line...we missed him crossing, but whooped and hollered when they called his name at the line. It was so awesome!

He was cramped up when we got to him, but we were SO proud!

He finished his first Half Ironman race in 6 hrs 27 mins!!!!

Here is the group he's been training with:

The best finisher from this group??? A GIRL!!! Second from the left...and with a migraine that day! Wow!

Babe, you have always been OUR Ironman, but we are so proud that you rocked it out for everyone else to see!!