Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Ironman Florida

As a spectator!

I know I haven't posted much so not sure who is even around to read this but this past weekend I went to Florida and cheered on my friend Kathleen as she competed in her 2nd Ironman. It was my first to spectate at and it was a ton of fun! She used Endurance Sports Travel to get her entry and for all our ground packages. I would highly recommend them as they did an awesome job taking care of all of us. Everything from airport transfers to food to CO2 cartridges. The weather was really pretty great, the water was great...well with the exception of race morning...the company was great...I can't wait to do it again. I'm still not sure if a full is going to be for me, after watching I was convinced not..but I've still been thinking about it everyday, so never say never. :)  And now for the pictures!
 When your not racing you get to sit on the deck and do this.....

And enjoy this view

And lay on the beach and soak up the sun.


 And then early in the morning you can get up and head out with "your athlete" to the get the special needs bags dropped off. 





And then watch in fear as 3000 people head out into these crazy waves! The water was really pretty rough out there. We actually saw several people that were walking out without even starting the race and many more we saw that were either pulled out or didn't make the 2nd loop.  Many people that we talked to after spoke having a hard time during the swim and from what I understand there was much losing of nutrition. 

 Kathleen after completion of the first loop of the swim course. 

This was the view from our room and the bike course below...in fact I'm pretty sure that is Andrew Starykowicz on his way to setting the worlds best Ironman bike split of 4:04:49. 
 Kathleen as she exits T2 with a big smile on her face!

 The fantastic Miranda Carfrae as she ran by me on her way to a 2nd place finish.

1st place woman Yvonne Van Vlerken with Miranda

 Kathleen after finish! It was a tough day out there for her but she got it done and we were so excited to see her finishing! Number 2 in the books for her! 


Men's first place finisher Andrew Starykowicz who has had a really crazy year and happens to be a pretty good dancer when Sexy and I know it comes on.

"I'm sexy and I know itCheck it out, check it outWiggle, wiggle, wiggle, wiggle wiggle yeah!"
All I can say is FUN! I loved the experience and would totally  suggest you go out and spectate at a race!