My Ironman!

Way back on May 7th, Ben did his 2nd full distance and first Ironman brand triathlon. I am still so amazed at what he can do and what a big accomplishment it was. It was the St. George Ironman and I have to say it is the most challenging course they have and it's only the second year they've held it. He actually said it was 10x harder than the Vineman triathlon he did last summer in Northern California.

We got there a few days early and stayed with my sister Michelle and her kids who live in St. George. The day before the race and the night of we camped right where the race started at Sandhollow Reservoir. It was so nice being right where the race started and not having to worry about shuttling there at 5:00 in the morning. Plus, Kylee was able to keep sleeping in the trailer with Ben's Mom while I saw Ben start the race. Anyway, we got there the day before to set up camp and get Ben's gear all settled at the transition areas.



This was Kylee's first real camping trip and she was in heaven that we let her play and get as dirty as she could. We walked down to the dock where the swim finish was and let her play in the water to cool off.


The morning of the race was absolutely beautiful.
Me and my Benny-Poo before the race. Don't judge me, it was 6:00 in the morning and I didn't sleep much.

The professionals started the race 5 minutes before the age groupers. They did a water start where all the racers got into the water and lined up at the buoys where they started swimming once the gun shot. Doesn't really seem like much of an advantage for the ones at the front that got to tread water while everyone else got in.

Here's a cool picture from the helicopter of the racers getting in the water before the start. Our trailer is on right behind the buses. Can't beat that!

The gun shot and everyone started swimming. I was actually able to spot Ben as he got in the water and got video of him starting the race and swimming out of view. There Goes My Hero by Foo Fighters was playing on the loud speaker as the race started and I totally started crying. Perfect song to watch my best friend start an amazing accomplishment.

Another helicopter picture of 1,900 swimmers out there at once.

There's my man, #548!!

After heading back to camp and having breakfast, we headed to see Ben finish the swim. Kylee was pretty focused watching for her Daddy.

2.5 mile swim done and lookin' good!

Next, on to the 112 mile bike ride!

We went back to camp and relaxed for a little while. Ky was in heaven that she got to get as dirty as she wanted and no one cared.

We got all cleaned up and went to watch Ben on the bike. Some friends of ours actually live in St. George right on the course where the bikes went. We were able to sit on their lawn and watch the racers right in front of their house. It was perfect! This point of the day was 100 degrees so we were happy to have some shade and an air conditioned house. Kylee and I made some fun shirts to wear race day and cheer on Ben. She loved making it and did an awesome job with the puffy paint. We also made a bunch of posters and put them up around the yard.

I took her whistles with us and she had so much fun blowing them for the bikers that passed. She would whistle as loud as she could and yell things like "Go buddy go!" or "Nice job! Keep it up!"

There he is!!

He stopped to chat for a minute before finishing the last 6 miles of the bike. He told us the bike course was so steep that everyone, even the pros, had to walk their bikes up a couple of the hills!! So crazy! We actually just rented the bike he rode and he said it was giving him so many problems. The chain fell off 6 times in 14 minutes and then he stopped counting each time it did after that. I felt so bad that he had to waste so much time fixing it!

He got a big kiss from his Princess and set off to finish the bike and start the 26.2 mile run.

Starting off on the run. No worries, just a MARATHON after swimming 2.5 miles and biking 112 in 100 degree weather. HE'S UNBELIEVABLE!

Halfway done with the run and even smiling!

More kisses from Kylee to keep him going. He said with as hard as the bike was, the rn was even harder with all the hills. Crazy course!

Starting lap two!

Our neighbor did the race with Ben and they found each other when they started the run and stuck together the whole time. Nothing to motivate you like a running buddy!

Coming down the home stretch!! I couldn't keep back the tears watching him run down the finish with everyone cheering. It's amazing how many people stay out until the very end to cheer on the participants. Such a cool experience.

Ta Da!! Officially an Ironman!! I am so proud of him and what he did. He's my inspiration and keeps me motivated with everything I do. LOVE YOU HONEY!! (I was actually able to get pictures and video of every event including the start and finish. I'm going to put together a video and will post it when it's done.)