2010 Augusta Half Ironman

Let me just give you a quick refresher on what the Half Ironman really entails. 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run.

Some of you might say, "ehh, thats not to bad", others might say "ARE YOU CRAZY". I agree with the crazy part but I would like to say that I am sooooo proud of my fiance and glad I was there to witness every bit of it. I even got a little emotional each time I saw him complete the different parts of the course (more like relieved to see he made it through and was still alive). Its such an amazing accomplishment.

We drove down on Saturday so that he could sign in and set up his bike at the transition area. Saturday was hot! We did a lot of standing in lines and walking around Augusta that day. All athletes were required to set-up their bikes in the transition area before the race on Sunday. This area was amazing. There were probably over $1.5 million dollars worth of bikes located in this one area. Yes, thats right - MILLION. It's crazy how much some of these people and the pros pay for their bikes, well they don't pay - their sponsors do. Anyways, I'm sure they had tight security in this area over night. Below is a picture of a small portion at transition. There were over 3000 athletes competing in this.

One thing that was amazing and really made me sit back and look at my life were the disabled athletes that competed in this event. I hate to even label them as disabled. The ones that really stood out to me were a pro athlete that was blind and one that had only one leg. There were a handful of blind competitors actually. Most of these had a person with them that they were either tethered to or would obviously help them out in some way. But even so, they completed each part of the course just like everyone else. No exceptions were made. Can you imagine swimming 1.2 miles with a blindfold on? Just amazing! The guy with one leg swam with no help, got on a bike and rode with one leg 56 miles (don't ask me how but I saw it happen), and then got in another type of bike where he sat down and used his hands/arms to "pedal" on the 13.1 run course. As I said earlier, I don't even want to call them disabled. Yes, they might have a disability, but there was nothing that stopped them from crossing the finish line. Makes you think about what your accomplishing in life.

Robby's start time on Sunday morning was 8:06. We had to get up around 4:30 am to get ready, check out of the hotel and head down to find a parking spot. Then, we walked about a mile to transition so he could set up his area. This included his bike, helmet, running shoes and socks, a towel and anything else he needed for biking and running.

This was Robby on Saturday setting up his area, making sure it was exactly how he needed it.






We then headed back 1.2 miles to the start line so he could get his timing chip and then put his wetsuit on. That was an experience.

He's ready to go!

Robby's wave

And he's off. This is when I started running to the transition area - 1.2 miles - with a heavy backpack, chair and umbrella. I got my exercise in too!!

Coming into the swim finish - 41 minutes

And he's off on the bike!













Oh, I forgot to mention - it was raining almost all day. After running from place to place to make sure I got pictures of Robby, I gave up on trying to stay dry. I decided to hang out at the transition area while Robby was biking. It was a little over 3 hours so I just sat around, people watched, and waited for the leader to come in from the bike. It went by pretty quickly and I just got more and more anxious waiting to see Robby come in. More so hoping he wasn't stranded out on the bike course, or got a flat, or who knows what else.

He is way over half way done! On to the run.









This is when I packed up again and started my trek back up past the start line, towards the finish. Whheeww, it was work for me too!

Just a few from the run course! Doing great and looking strong.

So, long story short - Robby crossed the finish line around 2:35ish - which put him at a total time of 6 hours and 15 minutes. I can't imagine doing ANYTHING for that long of a period. Can't be more proud of him for finishing strong! Way to go baby!

They had complimentary massages and tons of food and drinks for them afterward. We hung out for a little bit then headed back to Atlanta. What a great weekend and I am so happy that I got to share in this moment with Robby. I'm sure many of you can't even imagine why someone would want to put their body and mind through something like this. Just try pushing yourself at something, it can be anything, and remember the moment you accomplish it and what goes through your mind at that time. Best feeling ever!



I have all the photos from the weekend up on my Shutterfly account. If you want, check them out here


Shutterfly Album


Oh and of course I have to add something wedding related - we are very close to choosing the date and putting a deposit down on the location for the wedding and reception!!! exciting :)