A view from the other side

As I mentioned before, I am married to a stud, and, officially, now an Ironman.  I do think it's funny that when you ask most kids who are the same age as our kids "Who is Ironman?" They'll probably come up with the famous Superhero.  But not our kids, if you ask them "Who is Ironman." They'll tell you "My daddy." Take that Robert Downey Jr.!! Hmm...does that make me Pepper Potts? I have been told I look like Gwenyth Paltrow.

Anyway, Dan has been posting about the race and I thought I would share some slightly random thoughts as an "Ironwife." :)

First, just because my husband has done an Ironman doesn't mean that I am in anyway shape or form interested in doing one myself. As I had printed on the back of my Support crew t-shirt, "I don't Tri, but my husband does." That is Truth--with a capital "T." If I were to try a "Tri," I would drown. Seriously, I would swim...er...doggy paddle...to the nearest kayak and have them tow me to shore. And, you know how good I look on a bike.

Second, I have goals too.  They may just not be as impressive. I was recently asked "So, what's on your bucket list?" On my bucket list I have "Go on "The World's Longest Garage Sale." Phew! I know, it's a lofty goal, but I really think I can do it.  And, it will take me A LOT longer than the 11 hours and 39 minutes it took Dan to complete his Ironman.  I am thinking 3 days should be good. If you want to join me, let me know and we will make it happen!! We may have to hit some smaller events before, you know, as a part of our training.

Third, I am a Master at making motivational signs. "Every time a cowbell rings, an Ironman gets his wings" is my current favorite. Or "In 140.6 Miles, I get my hubby back." There is also a plethora of "That's What She Said" jokes but I didn't think they would be appropriate and I didn't want to explain them to my kids. Just so you know, it takes true talent to be able to hold a sign and not spill your coffee.  It takes lots of practice, but it can be done. If you face just the right direction you can even use the wind to hold the sign up against your body which means both your hands can be free for coffee and a doughnut!

Fourth, don't take your children to the race. If it's a race that's longer than, say, 15 minutes, leave them at home.  If you didn't catch it from one of my other posts, I will tell you again...kids do not like to watch races. Since there would not be enough candy in the world to get them through an Ironman, we left them behind in very capable hands. Every time I saw a crabby and tired child being pushed around in a stroller at the race, I said prayer of thanks for those watching over my kiddos. I am forever in their debt. Besides, if they had come with we wouldn't have this video...and Simon, I felt your pain, buddy, I thought they all looked like daddy too!


Thanks to P & L for getting this unforgettable moment on video. I think I heard their cheers all the way down in Florida.

Finally, I am proud. Very proud. My man had a goal and he completed it to the absolute best of his ability. He had a shirt made for the run portion of the race that said "Marriage is the ultimate endurance race...don't ever give up!!" The Ironman is a big race and a huge accomplishment and I was so glad I could cheer him on. But, I am even more privileged to be his teammate in life.  I know that no matter what we go through, big or small, he won't ever give up on us. There is nothing that we can't do when we're together. Except for triathlons, we don't do triathlons together.

The Ironman and his Woman of Steel