We just got home from a long weekend in Coeur D’Alene for the 2008 Ironman triathlon. Oh, and it also counted as our 15 year wedding anniversary trip. Somewhat apropos don’t ya think? Celebrating 15 years of marriage with a 2.5 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride topped off with a full marathon. The two events share a few similarities. They both require endurance, training, patience and long-suffering. There are moments of triumph and celebration as well as moments of humility and discouragement involved in both. Encouragement from your spouse is helpful. It’s also nice to get photos of both along the way. So here are a few pictures from our weekend.
Ralf was interviewed by a local news station before the race began. You can see the interview here.
Transition bags. Lots and lots of transition bags.
First event, the 2.5 mile swim. All 2,200 athletes getting ready for the start.
The media.
The rescue team in case there are any sinkers in the group.
And the gun goes off! All 2,200 athletes start at the same time!
In a flurry of arms and legs they brave the 57 degree water.
Finally, after 50 minutes, the first pros are out and on to the bike transition.
With a solid swim, he’s off.
Even with very little training this year he set a Personal Record on the bike.
Here’s the Ironman marketplace where I spent some of the 10+ hours, browsing.
Only 26.2 more miles to go!
Nearing the finish. He’ll be surprised to find out how well he did!
Recovery time. That awesome tin foil they get to wear keeps them warm.
He did awesome! Much better than he thought, finishing in 10 hours 35 minutes. He didn’t train as much as usual but still made great time. Although he hit the wall at mile 17 on the run and had a fender bender on the bike, he still really enjoyed the race, looks forward to his next Ironman and considers this race a great experience. All the while I followed his progress, hustling from one transition point to another throughout the day. I cheered him on as well as hundreds of his fellow racemates. I even made a cute sign to hold up.
An Ironman distance triathlon is a long stinking race! And fifteen years sometimes seems like a long stinking time to be married. But, with a lot of work, some encouragement for each other, and plenty of fun, we’re looking forward to the next fifteen years.
What a milestone wendy! And can I just say that your photography is looking great? It must be nice to look back on all the years… especially with all those stinkin’ cute kids of yours:)
WOW Wendy … that is so cool!
My brother did one IRON MAN in Hawaii some 15 years ago. I cannot even imagine the sheer energy to get through a race like that.
Happy Anniversary to you and your “IRON”man!
My only regret is that I could not get Wendy to buy the shirt that said “I don’t do Ironman. I do an Ironman”. It was pretty interesting to see the type of spouses that were wearing that shirt – I don’t think they knew what it meant. : )
Oh well, I am very lucky to have such a great Ironmate as Wendy.
My two kids did this Ironman this year, it was my daughters first!!! I dont think she knew what she was in for. It took her 16hrs, with her brothers help (he stayed with her the whole time even though he could have gotten a better time) Happy anniversary!
Happy anniversary! Both events are quite the accomplishment.