And then it was over

I’m super sunburned from working yesterday’s California Ironman, my heel is killing me, and I’ve never been more motivated after watching people from all walks of life, in all shapes and forms, compete in that race.  Kahuna rocked his 1.2 mile swim (41:58), his quads were aching after 56 miles on the bike (3:16:28) and by the time he had 4 miles left on his 13.1 mile run (2:02:21), he was hurting, but he’s the proud owner of a finisher medal, hat, and tShirt.  He finished 12 minutes slower (6:12:55) that what he was hoping, losing 12 minutes combined times in the transition.  He move up in his rankings with each event and has already said he knows he can finish at 5 1/2 hrs next time.  The slate is now clean and it’s time to start training for the next event.

I was so lucky in my “jobs” yesterday.  I worked what is commonly known as the “Hot Corner” where every athlete cycles and runs into and out of and was standing directly across from the swim start so knew exactly when Kahuna’s wave started.  I got to see him head out on the bike and both loops of his run.  I was also at the finish line when they shouted out his name and got a sweaty hug after the medal, tShirt and hat gauntlet.

 It was so cool standing there watching Andi Potts and Craig Alexander come cycling and running by and I even recognized Miranda Carfrae, Michellie Jones, and Samantha McGlone by their faces (2nd, 4th, and 5th respectively).  They were some very determined looking ladies.   Andi Potts beat Craig Alexander by 3 seconds and the crowds were deafening as they ran toward the finish line.  There were some gorgeous bikes to drool over and it was one huge party from beginning to end.

As mentioned earlier I’m sunburned.  The day started out chilly and overcast and the sun waited until almost the end to completely come through.  It was a perfect day for a race.  Today the wind is up and cold.  Perfect timing.

I met some wonderful women while working registration on Thursday evening and all day Friday.  I have a new cycling training partner just about lined up, and got myself talked into registering for the Women’s Subaru event in October.  My bike frame arrived while I was working on Friday and Kahuna couldn’t wait to call and tell me he was jealous and was thinking of keeping it for himself.  It is a beautiful brushed-aluminum finish and will be so sexy looking with black tape and tires.  He even started building it on Friday while I was working on Friday.

After standing all day yesterday, I’m really doubting my heel is ready for next week’s race, but I want to do it soooo badly.