Ironman St. George = B-R-U-T-A-L

That is not to say that ANY Ironman race isn't brutal, because, come on!, we know they are. But this one in particular was astoundingly difficult. Difficult??!! What am I saying??? It was insane. They have already labeled it the most difficult course in North America. And Andy did it!

So, I am a terrible wife...I was not there to see him to start. Yes, I am ashamed. I drove down early in the morning with my Mom, knowing we would be late but would catch up with him on the bike. The swim was in Sand Hollow Reservoir and he did fantastic. My mom and I tried desperately to see him on the bike thanks to the guidance from good friends and many Blackberry's put to use for me to track him, but, alas, we missed him by minutes. So we saw him get off the bike (after the 112 mile ride I might add) at T2 and start his 26.2 mile run. It was painful to watch, but he did so amazing. His final time was 12 hrs and 9 minutes which he is very happy about. He came away feeling great, and hey! at least he wasn't the one with the broken collar bone!

This was such a fun race...for me. My mom was my savior and it was so great to get to hang out with her for the day, (Even though I about killed her dragging her around the coarse all day) I got to see and catch up with good friends that made the long waits so much more fun, (Love you Michele, JoAnn and Bill!) I got to see my awesome friends conquer the race, (Steve, Rob and Todd! I am bursting I am so proud of all of you!) And especially, I got to see Andy in his element. Andy...you are an incredible person. You inspire me in every way and I am so lucky to have you. I love you, babe!

Waiting, waiting, waiting.... I show up early at the check points and then I spend the whole time wondering if I've missed him.
This is at about mile 135...5 more to go!
Getting some sugar before starting the run!

Finish line!

Andy on the megatron!