IRONMAN!

3am. September 7, 2008. Breakfast. I was 170 and took 4 units and ate the old boiled eggs that I had made for Bill Carlson as well as some cold leftover maccaroni and cheese. Breakfast of champions. I had slept 7 hours at that point and was really doing well mentally. I decided awhile back to enjoy this experience because it would in all likelihood be the only time I ever do Ironman. I was not really nervous...well, at least I wasn't scared. I was even able to sleep another hour. 5am. Michelle and Stacy stop by and pick me up and take me to Ironman. I need to take a moment to thank Michelle for dreaming up this whole project in a coffeeshop and then making it happen - and for supporting me this entire year with advice and smack talk - and for giving up her spot in Ironman to make sure that the documentary gets done right - and for giving up her house to me and my family for a whole week. The lady is amazing. Ok, back to the story. I go to drop my special needs bags off and who do I run into but John Moore - the guy who got me into this whole endeavor. We drop our bags - a quick code red - then go get marked. We wandered into the Terrace and change into our wetsuits and before too long we are at the start by the water with most of the other Triabeters. My blood sugar had risen to 210 then to 250 and that was perfect as far as I was concerned because I did not want to be low in the water. It was amazing to be thinking of this moment for a year and to have it be minutes away. We say a few words that I can't remember and then we all give hugs and get into the water. I look at Dave and we both say "amazing" - our one goal for this entire last year was about to start. We get into the deep green water and swim out to the start. Right away you lose everyone - its just a mass of identical people in red and blue caps and goggles. I swim over to the ski jump that was in the middle of the crowd and wait. Incredibly, a few minutes later I hear "Steve?" and its Dave - he happened to swim to the exact same spot as me out of the 2400 people there in the water. What a great thing to start with him - a Boonie. I remember being amazed that it was about to start - that the year was about to end. Then "BOOM!" and the water became chaos. I tried to prepare my mind for the start. I tried to visualize it. I failed. I didn't think it would be hard to breathe. I knew it usually takes me a few minutes to settle in swimming, and so I went with the chaos. I swam to survive. After awhile I was enjoying it and swimming smooth. The turns were a bit crowded and crazy but OK. And when I came around the first lap and looked at my watch and saw that only 30-something minutes had gone by, I knew I was going to make it and I think I actually smiled. I came out of the water a bit dizzy and went to Michelle's table and tested and had gone from 250 to 87 in 1:18. I ate a gel and got my wetsuit ripped off of me and ran up the helix to the transition. I took 4 units of Lantus (instead of the normal 12 in the morning - I did take my 12 Lantus the night before as usual), got dressed, forgot my sunglasses, and ran to the bike. On the bike I breathed a sigh of relief and ate a clif bar thinking that my usual habit of dropping while I rode was already kicking in. It wasn't. I checked a little while later and was 136. Then 235. Then 360. Crap. Overshot. I was worried about dehydrating and cramping and so I drank a lot. Then I peed a lot due to overhydrating and being high. But a few hours in and the blood sugar had come down and I was able to eat pretty continually (maybe 4 clif bars, bannanas, and a gel). The last 4 hours of the ride my blood sugar alternated between 80-130. I was happy to see that my plan and the training I had done (diabetes wise) was working. I was riding my nighttime lantus so I could eat fair amount on the bike and was hoping that it (the lantus) would be done by the time I was running. The ride was glorious - the crowds were huge - and the one hill was nothing compared to what we ride around here. I saw Russ and Reid and Benjamin who had driven up from Boone friday night after Russ ran the Cub (which was our favorite training run). Those guys drove through the night and got to Madison in somewhere around 12 hours. Amazing. I was so touched and amazed that they came to see it. Just another case of Triabetes Magic, I suppose - but Reid is wanting to do Triabetes 09 and so the Boone Diabetic Ironman saga will hopefully continue. Back to the race - there was some wind that pretty much sucked on the first 15 miles of the second lap but as the course turned it wasn't an issue and by the end it was blowing us in. And part way through the windy section I see Ashley and Zoe in the crowd. That was all I needed. Pain disappeared. Came back in just under 7 hours but was fighting a headache and nausea. However I was still peeing like crazy - so I was worried that my body was dumping water and I would begin the race-ending cramp session soon. Off I went on the run a bit nervous - I saw Maureen and asked her about it and she said to keep drinking and taking in salt/electrolytes. I followed that advice and was fine in the end. Only a few miles into the run I see Maureen's better half -John Moore - on a loop not far behind me and so I slowed down and waited for him to catch me. We met up in the Stadium and I asked him how it was going because I heard that he had a really bad swim. He said he got way low and started falling asleep in the water! Then threw up! He was worried that it was going to be over for him, but he ate some gel and swam it out..slowly. He apparently then rocked the bike. And now he was looking strong. I congradulated him and wished him good luck and thanked him for giving me the hat that convinced me to do Ironman (what can I say?, I am a pushover) He said, "nope. I got you into this - we are finishing together." I almost cried right there. Suddenly it was old times. Me and my buddy, John - off on a run joking and laughing and hurting. I hadn't seen him in a few months because he moved back to Colorado and so this was really the perfect reunion. It was brotherhood. And I knew that in 20 miles, this great journey would come to an end and I would not know when I would see this joker again. So I treasured it. My feet hurt and I felt like puking some, but I hardly remember that - what I remember is hanging out with my friend. We ran and walked through the next 13 miles or so and saw that Peter was doing great. Brian was fast, Steve Chop was doing well, Bill Carlson wasn't - couldn't keep anything down, but was plowing on, Joe caught up to us then moved on ahead, and Anne was doing fine. I kept asking about Dave. No word. Then about half way through John and I finally saw him and Steve Parker. He was having ITBand issues in his knee and couldn't run -but was powerwalking the entire thing. He laughed when he said "it hurts so bad!" and off he went - and over his shoulder he said "I'm finishing." I realized that no matter how bad things got, nothing would stop Dave...and at that moment it hit me that we were both going to finish this thing. After a year of training and doubt and "what ifs", it became only a matter of time. I was so grateful and thankful at that moment. I didn't, however, realize the price his feet would pay. I saw him and his feet the other day and saw his blisters. They encompassed the balls of his feet, his entire heel...and beyond up towards his ankle, all in between his toes... I'd say that greater than 50% of the skin of his feet was blister. The guy is amazing. (shudder) and back to the race. From that point on the finish was in the air and we seemed to get stronger. With 7 miles to go, John looks at his watch and says "we can finish by 9". I look at him and say "no I can't". And off we went. If we could keep a sub-12 minute pace for the last 7 miles, we would barely make it. The jokes kind of died down, I started cursing him for getting me into this and then crushing me at the end, he just laughed and kept running. Every mile he would look at his watch and say that we could do it. Every mile I would say that we couldn't. My feet really hurt and I assumed that I had some nasty blisters but I escaped without bad ones. I stopped eating. I only drank a glass of water, a cup of broth, and 3 pretzels at each aid station. My blood sugar hung around 170 - which is nice because after each aid station I would burp-gag, spit out a chunk or two, and continue on. I remember seeing the 20 mile sign and the 24 mile sign...and the 25. At that time we were flying... or at least it seemed that way. You could hear the crowd and music from 3 blocks away. And then we were there. I saw our Ironkids (diabetic kids who supported us and went on a 3 day canoe adventure just before Ironman) and they ran out to us - and I looked like crazy for Zoe. Nothing. I stopped and looked around to make sure and then assumed that she couldn't handle the noise and craziness - and off we went to the finish. Then out of the crowd I hear Ash yell my name - I turn and Zoe comes streaking out from the holding pen and grabs my hand with a great big smile. That was my moment. That was the instant of grace. The next 30 seconds are blazed into my memory forever. The 5 of us - Andrew (John's Ironkid), Jeremy, John, Zoe, and I ran down the hill to the finish of 14 months of Triabetes. John and I raised our hands together - I said "thank you" to John and whatever higher power gave me this experience - and we crossed the line....in just under 14 hours like John said. And like I thought, we were whisked away through the crowd and I never saw John again. There is so much about this project and this event that was life changing that I shudder to even think of chronicling it all. I think that I will continue this blog for awhile to write down and remember the great things. But I think that I will be done for awhile right now. Thank you Michelle, Peter, and Nate for being the reason Triabetes exists, all the Triabetics, Anne for listening to my whining, Ray and Nella for what I assume will be a fantastic film, all my training friends - like Russ and Wayne and David and Reid (soon), Dr. Matt and the incredible Diabetes Training Camp coaches Rick and Josh, the TONS of Boonies that bought T-shirts or just gave money to the cause which helped Triabetes survive until the sponsors came in, the local diabetic students and parents who reminded me that this is a project worth doing, my parents for helping me when the money just wasn't there to register, John for being a brother and teaching me what it means to Return with Honor, Dave for being a brother and for being the perfect person to run with, swim with, bike with, and laugh with - all for hours and hours and hours, and most importantly my wife Ashley for being there for every moment - the good and the bad - for picking up my slack this last year and for setting my mind right when I would spiral downward. Thank you all. My final stats were: 13:57:34 Total which was 267 out of 349 in my age group and 1449 out of 2206 finishers - my heartrate average on the bike was 140 (77%) and on the run was 139 (76%) which was perfect for me - 1:20:33 on the swim, 6:49:16 on the bike, 5:22:45 on the run, and Infinity on the experience.

Below is the Twitter account of the day from all the triabetes supporters:

Sat, 11:57:19 a.m. see everyone at the Welcome Reception - Grey’s Tied House, 3 p.m.! Sat, 09:13:45 p.m. Hello world! What a great day - and thanks for being spotters for these athletes! cya manana…. Sat, 11:52:37 p.m. man, why am I still up when I have to be up at 4:30 a.m.? Sigh….. Sun, 06:19:09 a.m. at HQ, getting ready! the BIG DAY Sun, 06:21:00 a.m. For those following us out on the course, send msgs to number 40404, and in the message body, type ‘@triabetes I saw so and so on here!’ Sun, 06:32:55 a.m. the sun is coming up. gorgeous! Sun, 06:33:54 a.m. 25 minutes until start…. clear sky’s; fingers crossed that it holds Sun, 06:38:05 a.m. the excitement is running hi! TONS of people at start… I can see them from the window! Jam packed. Sun, 06:38:26 a.m. http://twitpic.com/alkr Sun, 06:38:42 a.m. heading down in minutes…. photos on the way Sun, 06:51:25 a.m. Pros are off!!!! Sun, 06:53:19 a.m. Triathletes are getting into the water. 9 min until start. Many are in the water already Sun, 06:55:03 a.m. Wish sending photos was working. *Perfect* Start… Sun is up, mostly clear, high 50’s, a little breeze… Great! Sun, 06:57:38 a.m. Most of the athletes are in the water. Just heard a roar from then in the water Sun, 06:58:12 a.m. 2200 athletes in the water Sun, 07:00:05 a.m. Holding the line… Boats getting out of the way… BANG…. Crowd goes crazy!!! They are off! Sun, 07:00:29 a.m. It is like white water! WOW Sun, 07:01:17 a.m. That is impressive Sun, 07:04:53 a.m. http://twitpic.com/almc Sun, 07:07:34 a.m. http://twitpic.com/almg Sun, 07:12:33 a.m. Swimmers are spreading out now Sun, 07:14:32 a.m. Pros are coming around for their second lap Sun, 07:22:39 a.m. http://twitpic.com/alo0 Sun, 07:23:11 a.m. Mandatory bike-lust picture (sorry!) Sun, 07:24:38 a.m. Crowds spreading out over a half mile ok the lake.. Some very colorful shirts, some with slogans not appropriate for a family news feed Sun, 07:26:47 a.m. http://twitpic.com/aloa Sun, 07:27:43 a.m. http://twitpic.com/aloe Sun, 07:29:15 a.m. Hot air balloon coming over the lake where the swimmers are Sun, 07:29:36 a.m. Here come the pros…. Sun, 07:31:57 a.m. http://twitpic.com/alon Sun, 07:33:22 a.m. Lots of coffee being consumed by this crowd Sun, 07:34:59 a.m. Ah, coffee, crowds, little kids all over the place doing what the do best (being cute)… And the smashing pumpkins blaring from speakers Sun, 07:45:55 a.m. those on the course who have cameras? call Adam (or come to HQ) and we’ll get them up on the web! Sun, 07:51:08 a.m. unscrewing safety locks on 8 story windows so we can get our banner out on the side of the building so people can see it… life is good Sun, 07:54:07 a.m. who is writing about triabetes today? send the links in! Sun, 08:00:04 a.m. getting prepared for bill carlson (bib # 1574) for coming out of the swim Sun, 08:04:50 a.m. bills IN! SMOKING time Sun, 08:05:22 a.m. He just ran by the triabetes supply table at the transition area Sun, 08:08:30 a.m. @SEAGER Still in the water…. bill just came out Sun, 08:12:34 a.m. I don’t know bill’s swim time exactly, but it was somewhere between 60-65 minutes…. for 2.4 miles? (swoon) Sun, 08:16:49 a.m. Bill swam in 1:03 Sun, 08:17:01 a.m. athlete updates live at: http://tinyurl.com/68osuu Sun, 08:18:02 a.m. you need these bib numbers to track people: Ann (2079), Steve Ahn(778) Dave (501), Steve Chop (1148), Bill Carlson(1574)…. Sun, 08:18:50 a.m. Brian (740), joe (1767), Aaron (204), Peter (426), John (543), Larry (1836), Steve Parker (1149) Sun, 08:20:18 a.m. you can hear the crowds 5 blocks away on the 8th fl of a building…the transition is happening! Sun, 08:20:59 a.m. message @triabetes if you would like specific updates on an athlete Sun, 08:22:08 a.m. Peter is in!!!!! That surprised us here as no one knew he was *that* fast Sun, 08:23:12 a.m. 1:61:52 for peter. Peter, you are a GOD. Smoke the bike buddy! Sun, 08:25:01 a.m. Steve Ahn is just in… right behind peter… Sun, 08:26:06 a.m. ok, so this is a group of gods…. sharks really Sun, 08:34:27 a.m. the adrenaline is pumping at HQ…. Sun, 08:34:37 a.m. bunch of athletes just came in, in a row Sun, 08:34:54 a.m. Steve parker: 1:30 (go steve!) Sun, 08:35:30 a.m. joe: 1:25 (nice joe!) Sun, 08:38:14 a.m. steve chop: 1:31… Sun, 08:38:56 a.m. lots of IronFans (triabetes supporters) on the ramp between swim and bike Sun, 08:39:23 a.m. they exit the lake and have to run up a helix car ramp up 4 stories to the top of a parking garage…. it is just lined with spectators! Sun, 08:39:43 a.m. The noise is unbelievable! we can hear it blocks away, and those who are there say it is wild Sun, 08:40:31 a.m. Dave’s out! 1:32…. great time dave Sun, 08:44:28 a.m. haha… just received a note saying dave’s alive. you bet he is!!! Sun, 08:45:00 a.m. Perry’s out. 1:40. All right perry! Sun, 08:45:29 a.m. for many, the swim is the toughest leg; while it is the first, so you are fresh, it can just take a lot out of ya… Sun, 08:45:49 a.m. the word is that they are looking QUITE good Sun, 08:46:16 a.m. Larry Smith is out! Sun, 08:46:32 a.m. brian is out! Sun, 08:48:37 a.m. oh oh… we are getting word that brian came out with peter…but the tracker doesn’t show him having come out of the water. We’ll find him Sun, 08:53:00 a.m. everyone is out Sun, 08:53:36 a.m. anne is out at 1:46 Sun, 08:54:00 a.m. larry was out in 1:41 Sun, 08:54:14 a.m. and John came out with Ann at 1:46 Sun, 08:54:48 a.m. the triabetes table at the transition area says that brian did indeed come out quite early…. but the tracker isn’t showing that. Sun, 08:54:59 a.m. shoot! I hope his chip is working! Sun, 08:57:49 a.m. so all athletes are on the bike course… time to go grab some coffee! brb Sun, 09:09:22 a.m. word from @ClaudiaLaycock is that anne picked up bike and is through the transition area Sun, 09:09:44 a.m. she was on Aaron’s heel Sun, 09:19:22 a.m. a bunch of family and volunteers have been stopping by; getting directions, extra tee-shirts, and saying hello. Feel free to do the s a.m.e! Sun, 09:22:35 a.m. dave dropped some kit (not sure what…) in the transition area…and asked michelle to look around…so that is what they are doing Sun, 09:43:06 a.m. families are popping up out of the woodwork at triabetes HQ; nice folks Sun, 09:43:42 a.m. the triabetes folks at the transition area are back; they are completely jazzed. Everyone was looking fantastic Sun, 09:51:09 a.m. to put bill’s swim time of 1:03 in perspective, the pro’s were finishing it in 55 minutes; bill was only 8 minutes behind them. hot Sun, 09:58:37 a.m. NOTICE: Brian Foster’s chip is NOT working. if you see him, let him know. Sun, 10:01:45 a.m. the weather is changing… it was getting quite warm but now it is getting a hazy and overcast…. fingers crossed that it is not a storm Sun, 10:03:16 a.m. people have asked about blood-sugars. Only one athlete was a little low…everyone else was just about *perfect*. Sun, 10:04:51 a.m. bill and Brian just passed Mt. Horeb Sun, 10:09:01 a.m. NOTICE: brian foster knows his chip is not working… he needs to tell an official or transition person (someone in green) Sun, 10:22:12 a.m. Hello to Dr. Matt from the Triabetes HQ crew! Sun, 10:27:42 a.m. JR from insulindependence is on his way to HQ! Sun, 10:28:19 a.m. The finish line is getting setup (though we have some time!) Sun, 10:32:18 a.m. http://twitpic.com/am9b Sun, 10:33:11 a.m. Ah, some pre-race jitters on the sidewalk; no photo needed Sun, 10:35:20 a.m. http://twitpic.com/am9h Sun, 10:36:44 a.m. http://twitpic.com/am9s Sun, 10:41:46 a.m. http://twitpic.com/amat Sun, 10:42:15 a.m. Bill is headed back into Verona on Midtown Rd. Yeah Bill!!! Sun, 10:42:34 a.m. Folks relaxing at the starbucks right at the finish line; they are doing mucho business Sun, 10:53:52 a.m. They are putting a new chip on brian’s shoe Sun, 11:08:03 a.m. Peter and Brian are headed into Verona. Way to go guys!!! Sun, 11:09:02 a.m. Estimating bill hitting the next transition between 1:10 and 1:20 Sun, 11:13:50 a.m. estimating that P is going to finish the bike in 5:45. just tested in the 400s. run estimate=3:45 Sun, 11:14:38 a.m. race photos on the triabetes facebook page! Sun, 11:16:28 a.m. Steve Ahn on Old Sauk Pass- yeah Steve!!! Sun, 11:17:16 a.m. Multiple bill sightings throughout Verona. Keep the updates flowing! Sun, 11:18:04 a.m. @ClaudiaLaycock thanks for the update. Sun, 11:18:10 a.m. Bill is almost halfway- you’re a rockstar. Sun, 11:21:06 a.m. What a town. There are runners and bikers all over the place. Sun, 11:21:56 a.m. Streams of spectators on bikes heading to Verona. I’m not one of them; on a bus instead Sun, 11:22:58 a.m. Aaron just left Mt. Horeb Sun, 11:30:45 a.m. Triabetes pics: http://tinyurl.com/69rmu3 Sun, 11:31:25 a.m. @tricia with some updates (thanks!). Brian and pete still neck and neck, passing the half way mark Sun, 11:32:14 a.m. John Moore just went thru stagecoach Sun, 11:32:26 a.m. Chris letting us know from the bike course that there is some grade A partying going on. People are having a great time Sun, 11:33:31 a.m. Chop, Ahn, and Brady at Midtown. Sun, 11:35:07 a.m. The weather is cooling off a bit, with just a slight breeze. Mid to high 60’s Sun, 11:35:27 a.m. NOTICE: Does anyone know if Bill is near Verona? Sun, 11:36:31 a.m. John Moore on Timber now. Sun, 11:37:03 a.m. Parker is on Old Sauk Pass Sun, 11:39:19 a.m. Anne is on Old Sauk- way to go Anne!!!!! Sun, 11:43:30 a.m. It is a festival out here on the bike course! Thousands of spectators tailgating… Sun, 11:45:45 a.m. Bill just got on 92 Sun, 11:45:49 a.m. 16 yr olds on security detail… You don’t see that everyday Sun, 11:47:32 a.m. Steve anne just went by Verona HS Sun, 11:48:20 a.m. Steve Parker, Anne Findlay, John Moore on Timber Lane- keep it up guys!!! Sun, 11:52:41 a.m. An athlete is about 6 min behind steve ahn…. Missed who it was Sun, 11:54:49 a.m. Ahn and chop passed half way mark Sun, 11:55:18 a.m. Bill passed 92 about 5 min ago Sun, 11:55:55 a.m. Hang in there P!!! Sun, 11:58:36 a.m. P is on Hwy G Sun, 11:59:04 a.m. People have a lot of energy on the bike here… They are universally jazzed Sun, 12:02:51 p.m. Miles, you’re the man. Rock on. Sun, 12:03:33 p.m. John just passed Verona HS. Looking fantastic, and giving a good wave Sun, 12:10:31 p.m. John Moore passed Verona hs about 8min ago Sun, 12:12:17 p.m. Bill just cleared Mt. Horeb Sun, 12:18:04 p.m. Steve 3.0 just went by Verona hs Sun, 12:19:04 p.m. Larry is through old sauk pass! good work! Sun, 12:19:21 p.m. Steve just passed Verona Sun, 12:24:49 p.m. 501 passed Verona hs Sun, 12:31:57 p.m. Anne passed Verona, looking top notch Sun, 12:34:29 p.m. Dave passed verona hs 9 minutes ago Sun, 12:38:22 p.m. http://twitpic.com/amv1 Sun, 12:38:44 p.m. Hockey on the course; anytime anywhere Sun, 12:42:50 p.m. Larry and Aaron at Midtown. Sun, 12:43:36 p.m. Wind picking up on the course Sun, 12:43:45 p.m. Peter and Brian passed J and Garfoot Sun, 12:44:21 p.m. The speedy ones are going through Verona now Sun, 12:45:35 p.m. The water stop is awesome… They are doing running handoffs Sun, 12:48:17 p.m. Some are coming off the hill towards the aid station and they are flying Sun, 12:50:20 p.m. The volunteers on the course are awesome. Sun, 12:51:11 p.m. When they make a successful handoff, there is pleasantries passed and they are excited Sun, 12:57:45 p.m. Aaron just went through Verona aid station. Cruising! Sun, 01:03:52 p.m. Bill Carlson passed S on Timber Ln. Bill is on fire!!!! Sun, 01:05:53 p.m. Blair is staked out on Mile 66 Sun, 01:08:47 p.m. NOTICE: Blair has insulin at 102 mark Sun, 01:10:23 p.m. Blair you’re a rockstar. Sun, 01:17:36 p.m. HELLO WORLD: Bill Carlson has 21 left to go on the bike and requests a chili dog. Sun, 01:18:53 p.m. Steve Ahn headed to cross plains. Sun, 01:23:24 p.m. P is on Old Sauk Rd. Keep it up Nero!!! Sun, 01:25:36 p.m. Brian Foster is thru Old Sauk Rd. You’re the man, Big B. Sun, 01:25:55 p.m. Bill passed Verona aid station: at 102 Sun, 01:26:03 p.m. We can hear cheering here at HQ! Sun, 01:26:57 p.m. Brady is on Garfoot to Cross Plains. Yeah Joe!!!!!!!!!! Sun, 01:27:54 p.m. Anne is headed into Mt. Horeb. Sun, 01:28:42 p.m. John Moore on Garfoot headed to Cross Plains. Sun, 01:41:50 p.m. Peter and Brian just finished Midtown Rd. Sun, 01:51:33 p.m. Peter FLEW through vernona Sun, 01:52:01 p.m. Brian was one min behind looking awesome Sun, 01:59:24 p.m. Aaron is out Sun, 02:00:02 p.m. chop is at midtown Sun, 02:00:31 p.m. Dave passed Mt. horeb about 10 min ago Sun, 02:01:18 p.m. SHOOT: Aaron dropped Sun, 02:05:11 p.m. Ahn thru Old Sauk Sun, 02:06:06 p.m. Leaving Verona with a full bus of spectators. There is an unbelievable amount of energy considering Sun, 02:07:32 p.m. Next to cyclists on bus; they are smoothly passing us Sun, 02:09:13 p.m. Oh man! Cyclist crashed at intersection. She got up but her bike looks trashed. Oh that sucks Sun, 02:11:35 p.m. I missed the fried milk curds at Verona. I guess I haven’t lived yet Sun, 02:23:36 p.m. Update about Aaron coming Sun, 02:29:47 p.m. Adam, yer da bomb :-p Sun, 02:38:34 p.m. Bill exited T2!!! Sun, 02:40:01 p.m. Brady over the big hill and heading towards verona Sun, 02:41:32 p.m. Joe had a low bg (38!) that he had to deal with; slowed him up bit I’m glad he can still go! Sun, 02:45:29 p.m. john moore cruised through verona and blair reports he is looking gooooood Sun, 02:46:02 p.m. for those following and concerned about Peter, we have placed extra insulin (needles and vials, plus 2 extra omni-pods) at T2 Sun, 02:46:58 p.m. we are sending people to the start and end of the T2 transition to sync up with him… Sun, 02:47:26 p.m. SO, things are looking good Sun, 02:48:07 p.m. UPDATE: that was quick… it has been confirmed directly that Peter is *OK* Sun, 02:50:09 p.m. we are a bit behind on some updates…. Sun, 02:51:16 p.m. BILL: did the bike at 6:07 and is out on the running course Sun, 02:52:08 p.m. Peter: 6:10 bike… yikes! he is also out on the run Sun, 02:52:38 p.m. the times we are getting are about 10-15 min delayed Sun, 02:52:38 p.m. the times we are getting are about 10-15 min delayed Sun, 02:53:36 p.m. oh shoot… the word on Brian’s chip was that it was accidently left on his shoe :(. So we’ll have times for him soon.. Sun, 02:54:00 p.m. but when I saw him on Verona at 102 mile mark, he was about 1:30 min behind peter…and he was all smiles! Sun, 02:55:39 p.m. We cannot get information about aaron while he is in medical… they won’t allow that… We’re trying to get info from them…. Sun, 02:55:49 p.m. but he is with medical; so he is with the pros Sun, 02:57:56 p.m. anne is at midtown Sun, 03:00:02 p.m. Peter and brian are together on the run… arm and arm! on the course together Sun, 03:00:15 p.m. parker at midtown! Sun, 03:02:33 p.m. dave should be just behind parker Sun, 03:03:39 p.m. so for you number folks… peter jumped up his ranking by 250 spots Sun, 03:09:44 p.m. blair got some good photos of John from the bus back to downtown from verona Sun, 03:10:09 p.m. oh oh…. getting hungry at HQ… feeling grouchy! but what do we have to complain about Sun, 03:15:22 p.m. ok, fingers crossed here…. larry is going to be close to the cutoff time for the bike (5:30). Sun, 03:15:41 p.m. CHOP is on the run! woa, wasn’t expecting that… he made some great cycling time Sun, 03:17:20 p.m. steve chop made some fantastic time on the bike: 6:25. well done steve! Sun, 03:17:50 p.m. reports are flying furiously right now… we have our agents sneaking around (but with dead cell phones) Sun, 03:19:58 p.m. Miles is down at the medical working on getting information about Aaron Sun, 03:20:27 p.m. and miles sure can talk…because he got the race officials to clone brian’s bike/run time off of peter’s… they normally would NEVER do that Sun, 03:21:30 p.m. miles; what is your secret? Sun, 03:23:46 p.m. I’m taking my transition lessons from Chop; he FLEW through T2… obviously itching for more pain on the run. go steve! Sun, 03:27:49 p.m. word from our secret sources is anne is looking MOST excellent, and smiling. what is WRONG with these people? I’m in pain and happy? Sun, 03:29:11 p.m. the stands are starting to fill for the pro’s crossing Sun, 03:29:55 p.m. the movie crew is moving onto the running course (well, most of them anyway). and saw that sexy brian just run by! Sun, 03:30:52 p.m. bill wants a chili dog… well bill, it is on the house! Sun, 03:31:18 p.m. the HQ is starting to fill up; time to refuel a bit before heading back on the course (and plenty of bathroom stops for the little ones) Sun, 03:31:49 p.m. the little guys are troopers! This is a long day with bus rides, weird eating schedules, little sleep… and they are hopping Sun, 03:32:22 p.m. they want to know as much about their athletes as possible; I wish I had something more specific! Sun, 03:32:31 p.m. We’ll send them back out again and let them scream to their hearts content Sun, 03:33:00 p.m. ahn is in t2 Sun, 03:33:21 p.m. the crowd is going NUTZ outside Sun, 03:35:32 p.m. the pro’s must be close…the crowds outside are really going crazy; 5-8 deep on the sidewalks around here Sun, 03:36:05 p.m. the weather is holding out for us! slightly breezy, high 60’s, a bit hazy… we really lucked out so far (knock on wood!) Sun, 03:37:08 p.m. joe is in transition… but he is tightening up. Aleve to the rescue. Joe, you are doing very very well Sun, 03:38:00 p.m. Still working on finding about Aaron…. miles talked with the med folks and he isn’t with them (right now) and he isn’t in any hospital Sun, 03:38:39 p.m. We are wondering if he stopped at a medical tent but did NOT drop out after all…. We’ll keep you posted Sun, 03:38:56 p.m. drama, suspense, rumors… we bring it all! Sun, 03:40:43 p.m. Joe…. well done. HQ is very excited about your Transition. So is your wife Sun, 03:41:40 p.m. Larry is on Timber… he is just before the big hill… we are estimating 60-75 min until finish. SMOKE it larry! Sun, 03:42:18 p.m. Ray stopped in HQ… looking a bit sweaty but full of stories from the road. and swapping drives for the camera. Sun, 03:42:55 p.m. from ray… hard to shoot today…. shades coming in and out… messing up with the shots. Sun, 03:43:27 p.m. I’m getting in the way… asking ray too many questions…. oh, ray is telling me stories that I can’t really share. sorry! Sun, 03:44:13 p.m. I wonder if Ray got some of these stories on tape…. heh Sun, 03:44:39 p.m. john moore just came through transition Sun, 03:46:33 p.m. sighting of john moore from the 8th story. Sun, 03:47:36 p.m. ray got shots of everyone… and chatted them up Sun, 03:48:19 p.m. Steve Chop said all he wants to do is finish up and see his kids. Sun, 03:48:33 p.m. And pete wants a pizza…hahaha. Sun, 03:50:44 p.m. joe’s run just started…. I hope you are feeling a bit better joe! Sun, 03:51:01 p.m. ray almost got arrested! They didn’t have the proper credentials for the bike; they were threatened… but RAY…ray took it too them Sun, 03:52:06 p.m. john said he feels great and is not that tired… fast run to you john Sun, 03:52:57 p.m. ahn is fighting a headache…but clear pee. thanks steve (he lost his pricker, but is teating a lot now, went a bit high…but is clearing) Sun, 03:53:45 p.m. teating? I can’t spell! He is treating his high and is doing well. On the run and his numbers are coming back down Sun, 03:56:33 p.m. Bill said he was having a great day…. but that was after he lost it on the curb during transition… so I guess that is a good thing? Sun, 03:56:51 p.m. he is getting prepped for chili dogs Sun, 03:58:21 p.m. John is running very well… great transition time and he just jumped into the run… watch out Sun, 04:00:52 p.m. ohhhh… I’m looking at some of the footage from the course. Folks, you are in for a treat. the start footage is stunning Sun, 04:04:02 p.m. ray is very excited about the footage Sun, 04:05:02 p.m. the finish was spectacular… Sun, 04:05:12 p.m. (not that I saw it…but that is the word!) Sun, 04:09:53 p.m. brian is at picnic point Sun, 04:10:13 p.m. that is half way through the first loop… so pretty much at a 10k Sun, 04:12:19 p.m. Larry just went through verona… and going at a pretty good click Sun, 04:13:42 p.m. about 30-40 minutes to go until larry hits the transition. Go Larry!!! Sun, 04:21:04 p.m. bill is at the stadium; enjoying the screaming college students I’m sure… the roar in and around the stadium is supposed to be unreal Sun, 04:22:35 p.m. that puts bill about 3/4 through his first loop (of two) Sun, 04:26:35 p.m. oh! Ann is on the run! Sun, 04:26:51 p.m. wicked fast T2 time to boot Sun, 04:26:55 p.m. Nice bike ann; she made up some good time; jumping up in the rankings Sun, 04:29:42 p.m. michelle just came back…with some good stories Sun, 04:29:53 p.m. joe said “I got this thing” Sun, 04:32:14 p.m. aaron cramped terribly…. oh man, that just stinks (and that is saying it politely) Sun, 04:35:00 p.m. I missed out on the walking tacos…. frittos with chili. They are raving about it at HQ Sun, 04:39:36 p.m. brian is a crazy man out there today. Screaming for his cheerleaders Sun, 04:45:36 p.m. oh! brian just finished the half marathon. 8:05 mile. wowzers Sun, 04:45:52 p.m. oh! Dave just rolled into T2…and in VERY high spirits. Sun, 04:50:20 p.m. parker is in the transition! Sun, 04:51:10 p.m. Peter is now in the 2nd part of the marathon…. Sun, 04:51:15 p.m. his split is looking good Sun, 04:55:45 p.m. anne passed through spring and randall on the run Sun, 04:55:55 p.m. right near the stadium Sun, 04:58:36 p.m. ah, the damage of kids left unsupervised in the HQ… little rascals! Sun, 05:00:47 p.m. dave is though the transition! I’m calling to get the scoop from the inside source (his wife!) Sun, 05:01:47 p.m. and steve parker just under the building about 4:50 Sun, 05:03:34 p.m. brian is high on adrenaline right now… running across the street to give *anyone* in a blue shirt a hi-five. brian is an animal. Sun, 05:05:51 p.m. ok folks, cheer larry into T2!!!! Sun, 05:14:52 p.m. peter and brian are well on their way on the 2nd loop… it sounds like they are approaching or through the stadium Sun, 05:15:24 p.m. bill is approaching his first loop. Cheering for ya bill!!!! Sun, 05:26:41 p.m. NICE!!!!!!!!! Larry is in T2. go larry go! Sun, 05:27:21 p.m. all athletes on the course are now off the bike Sun, 05:28:08 p.m. @seager thank you for the updates! Sun, 05:29:53 p.m. it sounds like bill is finished with his first lap; he has been spotted on the course! Sun, 05:34:23 p.m. larry is out on the course and looking great Sun, 05:35:16 p.m. that is fantastic…. talking about gutz… he was close enough to the cutoff that they would have asked him if he wanted to stop the race Sun, 05:35:54 p.m. the fact that he is out on the course speaks volumes. Larry, hats off to you. Those watching; cheer him on like crazy Sun, 05:37:23 p.m. and larry had a great transition time; he focused and hustled out to the course Sun, 05:43:21 p.m. Sorry folks; trying to upload more photos but no luck. The view from hq is awesome Sun, 05:54:55 p.m. Ahn and Moore are on their way from the stadium. Sun, 05:56:29 p.m. Larry @ Spring and Randall 1st lap Sun, 05:57:08 p.m. Ahn, Brady, John back from Stadium Sun, 06:05:53 p.m. About 1k from the finish line, spotting for the crew. Lots of gritted teeth and determination Sun, 06:07:21 p.m. Heard that bill is still sick on the run, but he is utterly determine to finish…. And still cracking jokes Sun, 06:09:25 p.m. Sun is going behind the buildings. The temp is a bit chilly in the shade, which is probably just perfect. Sun, 06:09:36 p.m. Joe is c Sun, 06:10:20 p.m. Joe is coming in for his first loop… Looking tough and determined Sun, 06:15:03 p.m. The Boone boys (ahn and Moore) are running together, coming in for their first lap Sun, 06:19:19 p.m. Joe on his way back out for his last loop Sun, 06:23:55 p.m. Moore and ahn passed again, running together and cracking jokes between the two of them. Awesome Sun, 06:39:42 p.m. Peter is about to cross!!!!’ Sun, 06:40:25 p.m. He is looking determined but with a VERY relaxed smooth gate Sun, 06:41:36 p.m. Just saw Anne! Coming through for completing her first lap. She looked focused. Go Anne! Sun, 06:46:54 p.m. Dave is cramping badly, and is going to finish but was planing on visiting an aid station to stretch it out and maybe pick something up Sun, 06:47:31 p.m. Pete crossed and it was perfect Sun, 06:50:47 p.m. Brian seriously cramped but the man is back on the course and within a few miles of crossing. Guts! Sun, 07:06:22 p.m. It is now 12hrs into this most grueling of races, and most everyone still says thank you when you cheer them on Sun, 07:09:01 p.m. As they once said ( but for something totally different) nuts! Sun, 07:10:07 p.m. Brian is getting very close and is looking STRONG. Cheer him in Sun, 07:26:21 p.m. Brian is meeting up with his buddy Sun, 07:26:52 p.m. As he said, it was hairy there for a bit, but he made it Sun, 07:27:33 p.m. And yes he did!!! With a smile Sun, 07:32:29 p.m. Parker is looking very solid. He wants a faster pair of legs, but he likes the rest of himself. Sun, 07:39:24 p.m. Dave is now on his second lap. He is hurting quite a bit but everything is showing a massive dose of grit. Let’s bring him home Sun, 07:40:08 p.m. Parker came back around to start his second lap with a good pick-me-up Sun, 07:43:02 p.m. There goes dave for his second lap, with a power fist in the air Sun, 07:44:24 p.m. These people are crazy Sun, 07:44:48 p.m. Stating the obvious of course!! Sun, 07:46:13 p.m. No updates on joe except that he started his 2nd lap about 100 min ago Sun, 07:52:12 p.m. “wet water. Come get your wet water. The best water in Wisconsin” Sun, 07:54:25 p.m. There are 9 on the course. Bring them home! Sun, 07:57:52 p.m. It is dark out here! Fall is here Sun, 08:02:29 p.m. Larry is coming around for his first lap, and he is looking like he has only run a half marathon. It was *great* to see him Sun, 08:02:54 p.m. Bill is passing mile 23 Sun, 08:03:15 p.m. Go bill! The dude defines tough Sun, 08:05:55 p.m. Larry might have had a rough bike, but nothing is going to stop him now Sun, 08:06:42 p.m. He’s going to be testing soon, but all his kit is in working order Sun, 08:20:58 p.m. Steve chop is coming in with a singular focus. The man is finishing right now. Wow is he determined. Sun, 08:22:56 p.m. He saw me, kicked it up, and we were barely ready for him. He pulled that out of his suitcase of courage Sun, 08:28:56 p.m. The costumes are out! I’m sharing the street with batman and a roman…. Something Sun, 08:31:41 p.m. A guy I met on the plane, a stranger, is finishing!!! It is awesome what we are seeing out here Sun, 08:36:44 p.m. Chop gave it all at the finish line. He is ok and finished with …. Well, I’m at a loss to describe it Sun, 08:39:56 p.m. Chop had to visit the wiZards with IV’s and salt, and came out on top Sun, 08:42:51 p.m. Joe Brady is coming in…. With understated courage Sun, 08:43:35 p.m. Joe, our hats are off to you. Folks, give him a big cheer Sun, 08:44:56 p.m. Chop just wants to see his kids Sun, 08:56:09 p.m. Bill is coming in! He hit it hard and really pushed, but the last bit was rough. Yet he refocused and brought it home Sun, 08:56:51 p.m. Ahn and moore are on his tail! They might finish together!!!! Sun, 08:57:58 p.m. Trifecta! Steve and john ran it together, and looked so strong at the end Sun, 08:59:32 p.m. Bill, it wasn’t the race you wanted, but it was a thrill to see you push it. Kudos Sun, 09:04:37 p.m. Even batman is inspired Sun, 09:06:01 p.m. Here comes the rain! Well, sprinkles really Sun, 09:06:30 p.m. Ok.. Rain it is Sun, 09:21:55 p.m. This is awesome!!! In the rain comes Anne! With one focus… A lady with a mission. Bring it home Anne! Sun, 09:25:06 p.m. The rain is letting up Sun, 09:27:54 p.m. We hear that dave is working the miles off, with buckets of courage Sun, 09:29:26 p.m. The crazies are out!!! Sun, 09:39:42 p.m. The cheese heads are spotted! Now I feel like I’ve been in the cheese state! Sun, 09:41:38 p.m. 3 to go! They’re coming home Sun, 09:46:52 p.m. It is getting quieter on the streets, except for the finish line, which we can here blocks away Sun, 09:47:24 p.m. Stop light are blinking Sun, 09:53:17 p.m. These people are in such amazing shape, but it has been a mental game for hrs now. Sun, 10:31:05 p.m. Parker is coming in! He kept asking where he was going to meet his iron kid; nothing else mattered. The crowd is going to roar him across Sun, 10:34:19 p.m. The crowd at the finish line is loud! Sun, 10:56:33 p.m. Larry is here! He was running with his son and just looking so solid. Larry, happy 60th! Sun, 10:57:08 p.m. So solid, and going at a good smooth clip to boot Sun, 11:17:54 p.m. And there it is! DAVE finished Sun, 11:18:48 p.m. And what a finish it was! He couldn’t have smiled any bigger. PARTY Sun, 11:57:22 p.m. and then my batteries died after that last msg Sun, 11:57:34 p.m. Seeing dave cross was the icing. Sun, 11:58:19 p.m. The athletes are bed; we are cleaning up hq…and tomorrow the stories start Sun, 11:58:37 p.m. they’re yelling in the last of the athletes as there are less than 2 minutes until they close the course! Mon, 12:00:08 a.m. and there they go! The red flashing lights bring up a group of athletes…and they are going nuts crossing the finishing line Mon, 12:00:53 a.m. there it is!!! The end of Ironman Wisconsin 2008. 12 athletes with Type1. Hats off guys and gal. Mon, 12:01:00 a.m. night Mon, 03:03:45 p.m. Triabetes thanks everyone for twittering on race day! We’re glad you enjoyed the excitement and thank Sharendipity for headquarter use!