Dream Race

What's your dream race? Mine would be this one. Ironman World Championships. 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking, then a marathon to finish things up. It is crazy. And I think it would be awesome. It's called a dream race right? In my dreams, in a perfect world...I see myself amongst the sea of green caps. I also would need a team of therapists, nutritionists, and coaches to piece my body together the whole time. I have done two triathlons, and I LOVED every minute of it. It was intense, and amazing. The whole transition thing always proved a struggle for me since I am not one who can whip off a wetsuit and pull on shorts, a shirt, and bike shoes...while dripping wet. Kind of like when you were little and would run to the bathroom with a wet swimsuit on, and then try to pull that swimsuit back on without looking like it's on sideways and backwards. I did each triathlon in Austin with two of my girlfriends, and if that doesn't create a unique bond, I don't know what does. Especially standing together at 6:00 in the morning writing each other's race numbers all over each others limbs in permanent marker....and trying not to laugh while others are SO serious! Or walking back to the car when the race is over like you've just ridin' a horse for 12 miles. ;) And sometimes when you are driving home your friend has to pull over and let you drive because she feels like she is going to faint (Hi Wendi!!)....and then proceeds to lay on the floor of your house while your husband and children hover around her to make sure she is ok.

Mirinda Carfrae

 So this is the winner of the 2010 Ironman. She finished in 8:58.  I watched bits and pieces on Saturday in awe. She ran her marathon in 2:53....that is after the swimming and biking. Wow. There is something about this race that I just love. But the real hero of this race was Kathryn Curl, the 66-year old finisher from Idaho Falls, Idaho got to the line in 16:59:13. Wow. She to me is just as amazing as the winner. She represents you and me, and the average person who sets a goal for herself and has to accomplish it on her own. She doesn't have a team of people massaging her after each long run, a nutritionist handing her meals to keep her body in top form, and coaches instructing her on how to shave minutes off her swim. And...she is 66. Seriously. That is just too cool. I bet she isn't scared of sharks either.