No we didn’t compete… nor would we want to… right now anyway
;-)
On our way toward Las Vegas, we saw signs for the St. George
Ironman that was going on May 5
th.
Of course we had to stop in and marvel at these amazing athletes. If you aren’t exactly sure of the iron
distance, it consists of a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 110 mile bike, then
finished off with a 26.2 (marathon!) run.
Pro athletes can finish this in around 8 hours, while “normal” folks
finished more in the 10 – 15 hour timeframe.
Many of these athletes train for 20 – 40 hours (a part time to full time
job) a week for months leading up to iron distance events, in addition to the
$700 price tag to participate in this event, so it takes a real commitment to
do one of these race.
 |
| Trying to Stay Cool on the Run |
The race started at 7AM and we didn’t make it to St. George
until 4:00, so we didn’t get to see the pro athletes finishing, but none the
less, we had the utmost respect for the many hundreds that were still on the
race course gritting out their marathon runs.
 |
| He Was Competing in a Full Fire Suit |
The St. George is a coveted Ironman for a couple of reasons,
one, the scenery is absolutely spectacular. And two, this race has similar
conditions (hot, dry and windy) and is a qualifying race to get in to the Kona
Ironman, which is the annual world championship for Ironman.
Here are two good weapons used in the fight against chaffage!
 |
| Cheap and Versatile Vaseline |
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| Wet, Soothing Sponge-Pads |
The race was a bit awe inspiring to watch, and certainly
humbling for us.
 |
| You. Are. An. Ironman! |
To see more pictures, click
here.
S
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