Triathlete Stud Part Deux

Peoples, my fine peoples. (Oh, wait, I am not going to channel Bolder from Boulder. Benny would understand. He's got a huge heart. But Nytro scares me.)

Popular demand (and my paralyzing need for female approval) has dictated that photos from the Ironman 70.3--Buffalo Springs Lake adventure be shared. Ladies, I am taken, so you will have to restrict your admiring sentiments to these photographs. Yet, I am willing to bear up under commentary that would make a lesser man feel like a piece of triathlete beefcake meat.

No need to thank me. I'm just here to . . . well you know the rest.

This is the swim start. I'm in the white cap. Did you see me? This is the only picture taken of me exiting the water. I'm the hobbit in the white cap behind the cave troll in the foreground. Nevertheless, it is proof positive that I did in fact complete the swim. (Note the physically challenged athlete to the left of the picture that I mentioned in my race reports. Those guys were everywhere and they were totally inspiring.)

Here is Greyhound and Carmen Tequilo climbing out of the transition area, and here is a shot in the aero bars. Here is the run out (gee it looks hot), and here is the return to the park late in the half-marathon (it is hot). HERE IS THE FINISH! WOO HOO! Finally, a picture of me with my lovely parting gifts--the finisher's medal made from some unknown precious metal.

I mentioned some of my team mates and companions in the race reports, so here is M&M on the bike and running through the finish. She will do Ironman Western Australia this year and is probably most responsible for giving me the confidence that I could do this distance. Finally, Robo-Christy at the swim exit (note the smile), on the bike (note the high wattage smile notwithstanding the 7.5% grade) and Robo-Christy on the run (she's still smiling). If you search her photos, you will note that she is also smiling at the finish, and had her medallion photo taken (while smiling) with a lady she undoubtedly chatted up (while running 8:09 pace) on the run course. At least we know of one triathlete wearing the USA gear that is guaranteed to be smiling at the ITU Long Course World Championships.

Finally, Natascha Badmann who finished a leeeeetle bit before I did, and Luke Bell who finished in under four hours. Only a little faster and we could have performed experiments in relativity or time travel or something.

Seriously, the experience has become more and more fun as it gets further in my rear view mirror. I can't wait to get back to training after a little rest and recreation.