It really should be required. Ironman should make all athletes volunteer or cheer for at least one race per year. Because the only thing more humbling than finishing an Ironman is watching 3,000 other people fight through the ups and downs of a 140.6 mile, all-day-long race, in effort to cross that line and hear those magical words “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!” Talk about inspiration!
I was in search of just that kind of motivation when I traveled to Panama City Beach to cheer for friends racing Ironman Florida last weekend.
The sunny sky is deceiving - it was FREEZING!
I got to witness Kathryn CRUSHING the course and nabbing a Kona slot!
And see Linda pass nearly the entire field in route to a 2+ hour best time!
And listen as IronMike and Jon-Jon both heard “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN” for the first, but definitely not last, time.
IronMike blazing through the run
Jon-Jon and I went to rival high schools, but I try not to hold it against him
I walked away with a new appreciation for the sport (and amazingly, NO hangover!)
The Dynamo Multisport Crew, post-race
Now I’m more motivated than ever to make the most of the next few months. I know solid winter training is the key to fast spring races. Bring it on!
BONUS!
So it turns out the good people at TYR caught Diablo blabbing about our bet ON CAMERA! Check it out! (I’m thinking maybe it was divine intervention that led to his mile 21 collapse?!)
And just in case you need a laugh — here’s me stumbling through my own interview! Hope I don’t get too famous…
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for being such an awesome “athletic supporter.” I will most certainly return to favor at one of your upcoming races!
haleychura.com is a must-read. the tat would have been sweet.
http://www.ipltracker.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/mongoose-bat.jpg
Not only I missed IronMike on the course but I NEVER saw you! I saw Diablo a couple of times and even chatted for a few min. right after the leaders started the run, for the looks of the post you must have been in your role of papparazzi somewhere on the course. IM talk will need to be postponed, good thing I have a whole year! great read by the way and I agree it is a must do experience to witness an IM race, and volunteering was even better!
Darn it! I was hoping to run in to you down in PCB! Thanks for posting that everyone should be required to cheer/volunteer – SO TRUE! Anyway, I had a blast…sounds like you did too! I’m IN for IM FL 2012! It’s been a long 5 years…that’ll be 6 years come Nov ’12…since I’ve done an IM! Wish me luck!