I did it!

I promise more photos and more details but I wanted to let you know that I finished and had an awesome time. The non-finishing picture shows me in my finisher's t-shirt the day after the race. Supporters wrote all along the course messages; my dad wrote this one near the last turn on the run down Ali'i drive.

Possible finish time

If you're watching online, we're predicting Heather to finish around 7 pm Hawaii time. You can watch it at http://coverage.ironmanlive.com/tracking.php?20101009

The Run

I didn't see Heather on the bike so I can't say how it went. She had a split of 6:28 which I think she's happy with - we'll see when all is done. I was working the aid station for mile 1 and 9 and saw her come into the aid station with a big smile on her face. She even got me wet! The nerve of some sister! I finished my volunteer shift and walked down the road a bit to meet her. She proceeded to ask for my socks - which I gave to her. Her feet must be killing her right now. I have a strange feel an ice bath for her feet might be in order. She's looking good - only 15 miles to go!

The Swim

Heather had an awesome swim! She swam a 1:02 and was even announced as she went through transition. She's eighth in her age group for the swim and 72nd for all women (including the pro's). The weather here is fabulous (if you're not running a marathon). The rumor is that it is 100 degrees on the Queen K and it is only 9:30 am.

On a different note, the women's pro race is wide open - Chrissie Wellington pulled out of the race due to illness.

Here's where you can track here: http://coverage.ironmanlive.com/tracking.php?1286653038

Race morning

After a night of restless sleep (okay - even I am nervous/excited for Heather), we awoke to hotel doors opening and closing at 4:40 am. Heather performed the march of the lemmings to bodymarking and then went to transition to do last minute fixes. It is now 5:30 am - one hour before the pros start. Heather is ready to go!

Following Heather tomorrow

Tomorrow, the race begins for Heather at 7 am Hawaii time. I'll do my best to keep the blog updated as best that I can. I will be volunteering out on the run from 11:30 to 3:30 so there might not might be much posted then. To follow her online, you can go to http://kona.ironmanlive.com/ - look for race coverage. You can look up Heather one of two ways - last name or by her race number - 1463.

Walking into Transition

The first wave of check in for the bikes and transition bags began at noon today. From what Heather says, it was a long, long, long line. Fortunately, Heather was in the second group and did not have to wait long to get through. Although she does look a bit pensive.


The first checkpoint checked for her helmet and race number to make sure that she was a participant. The second checkpoint involved someone checking over her bike. Between the first and second checkpoints, there is an entourage of people at the gates checking out what kind of bikes and race wheels go by. It looks like they are checking out who is walking through, marking race numbers - but all they are doing is collecting data. At the third checkpoint, Heather received a personal escort to the place to rack her bike, was told where she could use the restroom, and where she could find her bags tomorrow morning.

The Bike & Its Wheels

Heather has allowed me to take over her blog now :)

Heather's support team is thankful that her bike is now in transition. As many of you know, Heather is meticulous when it comes to race preparation. She wants to know that she is prepared for anything that may happen, even flat tires. Heather had tried to practice changing the race wheels. And practiced. And practiced. But she could not take off the tire. Her dad couldn't take the tire off. And the professional and well-experienced mechanic (who trained Heather in February how to take the tire off) couldn't take the tire off. After two or three walks to the mechanic in the expo, it was decided that a new and more mailable tire was needed. So new tires were put on that she can take off if need be. In all, it took about three (or maybe four) trips to the expo.

Yesterday's Picture with Faris Al-Sultan

Picture with Faris Al-Sultan the 2005 champion...maybe I'll run in a speedo like him (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faris_Al-Sultan).

Hawaii Ironman

As many of you know, I had the fortunate (or unfortunate) luck of winning a slot in the Hawaii Ironman (most people qualify via other races by finishing at the top of their age group). The event is tomorrow - starting at 7am HI time, 10am CA time, 1pm east coast time.

You can follow the race online at http://ironman.com/events/ironman/worldchampionship/?show=coverage and type in my name to see how I'm doing. If you have no idea of what an Ironman is, this is a good place to learn. My goal is to finish before they close the finish line at 12am HI time. Other goals include having a good time and keeping a smile on my face throughout.

I've asked my sister to work in the blog in my absence (I need to keep both hands on the handlebars). My number is 1463.

Thanks all for the well wishes. Sally, I am so looking forward to the cupcakes at the finish...

-Heather