This weekend will mark the end of my Spud Muffin's (that's what I call my husband) race Season. He is a triathlete. In other words, he is crazy!
My husband has recently begun to race in Ironman Races. This is where what appears to be a completely sane and competent person decides he or she is going to Swim 2.4 MILES, then hop on a Bike and do a quick ride for oh just 112 MILES, then just for fun, run a full marathon of 26.2 MILES all in the same day! Yep you read that right. A total of 140.6 MILES.
When my mom was told of his intentions, her reaction was simple: "Why, you will just fall over dead." Thankfully he didn't. Way to support your son-in-law mom!
Oh I am not complaining that his obsession requires me to roll out of bed before the crack of dawn on race days, having slept in the clothes I plan to wear, and being rushed to the truck to head to our next adventure!
Ok I am complaining a little. A gal could at least be fed breakfast before being dragged off into the darkness! Geesh!
Don't get me wrong, there is something magical about triathlons. The excitement on race day is palpable! It is hard not to get caught up in the event. The training required is a feat in and of itself!
You may be surprised to find out that the competitors come in all shapes and sizes! They aren't all "Greek Gods and Goddesses". Nope most have regular old everyday physiques. Heck some are even down right pudgy. And that's okay. Triathlons are just as much about mental focus and drive as it is about physical ability. Maybe more so.
By the end of this week I will once again be dragged out of bed in the chilly morning and hustled down to a transition area in Wilmington NC for the Beach To Battleship Race. I have an important job. I am the head schlep and cheer leader. I help carry all of the "stuff" to transition and then once the race starts, I stand in strategic locations along the course and threaten my Spud Muffin with his life if he doesn't meet me at the finish line. I find this to be the perfect motivator. Whatever works.
It worked in his last Ironman in Louisville KY. Even though he was suffering from heat exhaustion and was throwing up along the whole run, he finished. That is all that matters.
Here is my sweet Spud Muffin's finish In Louisville KY. He is the beautiful bald Spud coming across the finish line at the 8:20 mark on the video. In case you want to skip straight to him.
To celebrate his awesomeness, I created a congratulatory card. I couldn't find one I liked in the market place, so I created my own. Hey I am an Artist! It's what I do.
You can pick these up in my Etsy Shop. Or if you really want to splurge on something nice as a gift, check out my Custom Triathlon Paintings.
So when y'all are nice and warm in your beds this Saturday. Think about me stumbling around in the dark half asleep trying to be the best schlep and head cheer leader ever.
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