Kona Ironman

I'm watching the Ironman...I told Sara I'd meet her at Leawood City Park to play in the rain with some others but I haven't been able to stop watching. It just so happens that for the past 3 year's I've happened upon the Ironman race in Hawaii on TV. I always cry. Without fail, I always cry when I'm watching it. I am totally captive to the commentator telling of their stories and the writers who celebrate these people's stories and accomplishments. One of the best parts is they give the same if not more attention to the incredible stories of the "age groupers" as they do the professionals. And then, as if it wasn't good enough already Gumption from The Holiday soundtrack starts playing in the background. Of course that beautiful creation by Hans Zimmer should be the soundtrack to such a race.

2.4 mile swim
115 mile bike
26 mile run

I only know the parts written into the script of this event, and there's thousands of stories that aren't getting told that we'll never know. I'm going to tell you about the ones they did tell and you I hope you can feel better about the world when you finish reading.

The winner was Chris McCormack. He placed 2nd last year and has had quite an ego battle with his main competitor, last year's champion. I can't even remember his name but he was not my favorite person. I liked Chris better. The other guy unfortunately couldn't keep any fluids down and was out during the bike.

Chrissy Wellington placed 1st for the women. This was her first Ironman.

Last year's winner from Switzerland had a bike wreck and broke her collar bone. She was so strong and beautiful. I was sad for her. Her coach was also her life partner and made her stop racing.

Charlie Plaskon is blind and in his 60's he crossed the finish line with his guide and 4 grandchildren. In one of the interviews he said,"you can stay secure in your job or in your retirement or you can go pick up a challenge." Get it Charlie!!

Lolly Rodgers 65 years old, a great grandma who won her age group. Her doctor told her she had to stop running due to arthritis, but she said she plans to beat her time next year.

Scott Rigsby lost both his legs in a car wreck about 15 years ago. He's got double prosthetics. The commentator plays up the drama by repeating again that you have to finish by midnight to be an Ironman. Scott is an Ironman.

Lisa Bentley has cystic fibrosis and chooses Carter to cross the finish line with her. Carter has CF too and they met through Make a Wish Foundation.

Brian Boyle was in a car wreck with severe injuries taking months, actually years to heal. He's in his 20's. At one point in the hospital he was ready to give up and his family was afraid he would. His dad talked him out of it and things started to turn around. But this race to Brian's mom will confirm for her that Brian is back and will not give up on life.

Rutger Binky is a professional who placed 4th last year. This year he's been walking for 4 hours of the marathon. Most professionals drop out when they know they will not finish in good time to avoid embarrassment. The winner is showered and having dinner but Rutger "doesn't think it's respectful to the age groupers to quit when it's just not going your way." He finishes 898th.

If you don't get off your bike by 5:30 you are not able to start the run. That means someone has to be there to enforce the rules and tell people they are finished. I don't know the name of who that man, was but I appreciate him. He was so sweet and caring and gave such patient hugs when he had to disappoint the 57 year old teacher from Japan who misses the cut off by 3 seconds and the 70 year old woman who misses it by less than 1 minute. She is absolutely precious and it seems she is disappointed but grateful for that sweet man standing there with her. It is obvious from her demeanor that she is a combination of gumption and deep heart.

These are all the stories I can remember. These people are amazing. I no longer feel like complaining about being tired.