Amazing.  I can’t even put into words how awesome yesterday was, how moving, and unbelievably incredible was the event.   Be prepared, this post will most likely be long and full of pics

My day began extremely early with body marking.  This was a blast!  Everyone was very friendly and personalities varied from the quiet to crazy & outgoing.

Gathering in prep of body marking

Once this was finished just shy of 650 (when the pros started), I made my way to the swim start to catch the 700am start.  Ten minutes later those wearing wetsuits started.

The plan after the start was to walk to the swimmers exit.  While walking back towards this area, I ran into my friend who was there to watch her husband compete.  I used to work with them when I was in Georgia and was ecstatic that he just happened to sign up for Ironman Texas as his first Ironman.  Out of all the spectators, to find her coincidentally was awesome.  We hung out on the Grogan’s Mill bridge to watch the swimmers swim by underneath us.  We were able to see Tim when he came through which rocked.

We found Tim!

Go Tim Go!

Once we saw him and tracked him down the waterway for a bit, we made our way to transition to catch him leave for the bike.  Very moving seeing all the people stoked to get out on the bike.

Get it Tim!

We left the scene for a bit for a walk around Market Street and to grab Starbucks.  Of course we weren’t the only people with that idea!  Once Kim’s sis-n-law met back up with her, I left to grab some rest since I was going to be volunteering til midnight.

On my walk home I realized they’d be biking right by my place, so I jumped on Ironmanlive.com to see the status.  When the lead rider was close I went back out to catch him.  At this point, Hecht was he leader with  Jordan Rapp & Rasmus Henning behind him 10-15 minutes back.

Mathias Hecht, current leader, heading towards transition

Jordan Rapp & Rasmus Henning

After waiting for #2 & #3 bikers to come through, by the time I made it to my place Hecht would be running by shortly.  I waited and was able to catch him run by.  It was awesome!

Random course pics

When I was “Security” for one of my volunteering shifts, I was able to catch Mary Beth Ellis on her way in for the win.  She looked awesome!

Mary Beth Ellis about to take the win

Unfortunately I was stationed there after the men’s winner passed who was Jordan Rapp.  He blew past Mathias Hecht on the run.

After a handful of hours working crowd control close to the finish line, I made my way to medical at the finish line.  This was absolutely amazing!  I can’t even state how much I loved this area.  To see the finishers cross and to hear Mike Reilly say “YOU ARE AN IRONMAN” gave me chills all night.  I seriously contemplated doing an Ironman……………then 5 seconds later reality set in.  That’s crazy talk!

Other side of the finish line

The finish line during the last 30 minutes was electrifying and actually intensified with the last 5-10 minutes.  The energy was palpable!  LOVED IT!

Before I close out, I have to mention this guy.  He ran the entire course in full firefighter gear.  He wears the full gear to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and to spread awareness for the cause – Code 3 for a Cure.  His 2012 mission is to complete OVER 20 full distance triathlons and break the Guinness World Record currently held at 20.

Fireman Rob

At the end of the day, I was exhausted and my legs were killing me from literally standing and walking all day.  I can hardly imagine how the athletes feel.  Congratulations to all those who finished and to those that even attempted the race.  Conditions were brutal.  I look forward to participating again next………….as a volunteer

My day as told by t-shirts

Jordan Rapp & Chrissie Wellington signatures! Chrissie handed out metals all night – she was there for her book signing.