Back from Florida 70.3 Ironman

Well I'm finally back. It's been a very hectic past couple of weeks. Preparing to go on a trip without the family is even more stressful than taking them with you. All the preparation for others to watch my boys' was trying, to say the least. Getting, bills paid, banking done, paperwork in order, yatta-yatta--it goes on and on, but very much worth it. Just got back last night from my husband's triathlon in Clearwater, Florida. He completed his first ever (and probably not last) out-of-state triathlon. He qualified for it from the Vineman he did back in July. That means he did very well at the Vineman here, that he got to race against the best in the World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida. No pressure there...and World Championship it was! There were 52 countries represented by athletes from all over the world. From Europe, South Africa, China, South America, Australia, you name it, there was probably someone there racing. Another highlight was that there were all, but 5 states, that were participating in the race as well. Where were the other 5?! Watching and meeting other people was awesome. And met up with 5 other people that were from California, 3 from the bay area! The weather was awesome as well. Everyday reached around 72-75. We arrived in Florida on Wed., 11/7 and as the days passed by, so did the wind. It was cranked up on Thurs., making the ocean practice swims seem like, as one athlete said, a "washing machine" out there! Friday was windy, but not bad. By the time race day came on Saturday, the winds were just enough to cool off the atheletes during there trek, which they would want. And, of course, by Sunday, there was no wind anywhere, just like no athletes anywhere on the streets. It was a quiet morning after. As the days lead up to the race, there were athletes all over the place, very noticable was when they were out warming up on their bikes, working out any querks after piecing it back together from the shipped box. Everyone that came, had brought there own bike, strapped in and boxed up, and flew with them to the race. Everywhere it seemed like there were these big oversized, very oversized bike boxes. There were a total of 1,561 athletes, many with their families, loved ones, grandparents, etc. About 100 of them were men and women pros competing for a prize purse. Top notch got $18,000 buckaroos. I got to meet a couple pros. One I had met earlier in May at Wildflower, was Kate Major. Wonderful smile and laid back personality, she was great to talk to. Others that were there, were challenged athletes, who had prosthetics on one or both of their legs. Heart warming--it was, tear jerker-- it was, inspiring--all the way! Everyone together in one place from all over the globe. It inspired me to up my game now and go for the next level. So that's what I'm going to aim for now. Because of all of them, it made many smile and cheer for them as they cross the finish line. I may not of known them, but in some odd way, you felt you could just go up to anybody and start a great conversation with anyone, because you could almost relate to how they got there, through discpline, hard work, motiviation--that alone, makes you one big happy triathlon family!! Everyone cheered for everyone and patted each other on the back. There were engineers, moms, students, doctors, teachers, dads, grandparents, fire fighters, scientists, you name it, they were there. Just like you and me. Well, I'm very excited now, can you tell?! So back to what I always say, move today and be healthy and happy tomorrow and the next, and the next! Happy trails to all who tri to tri and try to move,until next time have a good night. Over and out, luv always, Loni.