Been There, Done That, Made the T-shirt!

Disclaimer and note: The following post has excessive use of "!", so be forewarned.  I've yet to find another way to finish some of the following statements without its use.  So, if you're sensitive to this, please prepare yourself accordingly.  :-)

In case anyone missed the updates this weekend...Kevin's official finishing time -13:10:38

Breath-taking start to Ironman Wisconsin

Well, the family is back from Madison, and we're now trying to get into our Post-IM routine....  It's going to be kind of weird, and unfamiliar having him around so much on weeknights!    The past 5 days have been a whorl-wind of activities!  And it feels like we've been gone for weeks, not days.

Kevin was telling me on the drive home, that it's not uncommon for Ironman Triathletes to become depressed after their race.  The reason being, that they have spent the better part of the last year working toward that goal, and now some may feel a little lost!








I imagine that this is one of the reasons that the number of participants increase so much from year to year and why the available slots for the Madison race, at least, are known to fill up in a matter of days, if not hours! 

Between the triathletes completing their awesome achievement and the experience, as a supporter, in following the emotions of the day; I'm not surprised that so many people want to try to become an Ironman Finisher, again and again! 

Small but mighty Team Trapp supporters!

The planning and logistics behind the event is awe-inspiring!  I'm sure my numbers aren't exact, but there were approximately 2,800 athletes this year and the number of volunteers were in excess of 8,000!  That's a great ratio, in my opinion!

It truly is an event that caters to the triathletes, as it should be, and Kevin remarked the next day (Monday) that it was almost a spa experience....(note to self:  sign Kevin up for a day at the spa). 

The point he was getting at, was that the Ironman planners and volunteers do EVERYTHING for the athletes - they have it down to a science.  From efficiently stripping off wet-suits and equipping the athletes with their packed gear for the next leg, to getting motivational messages to them at the perfect time on the course.  And as Kevin pointed out "Don't forget my two lovely ladies that caught me at the finish line and literally held me up and walked me over to get my medal, then my picture, then food, then the med tent.  Best volunteers on the entire course."

There wasn't a single area on the entire 140.6 mile course that wasn't packed with volunteers to support, inspire, assist and prepare the triathletes! 

Boys on bike leg, cheering on riders and waiting to see daddy!

There are stories shared of the amazing journey of these athletes: their motivations, experience, attitudes and life-changing results.  And I'm very proud of the achievement my hubby has accomplished.  The outpouring of support from family and friends has been fantastic! 

Our boys were there every step of the way and Matthew was so excited to see his daddy cross the finish line!  (Michael stuck with it as long as he could, but fell asleep mere minutes before Kevin turned the final corner.)  Just last night Matthew told his brother, Michael,  that "when he grew up, he was going to be an Iron Man, just like daddy, and Michael could turn into the Incredible Hulk".  Michael, incidentally, was happy to acquiesce to this suggestion, as he LOVES the hulk!

Resting after incredible finish! 13:10:38

So even the boys understand that being an Ironman finisher is no easy task.  Only the super motivated, and super determined individual can achieve this super hero status!