Ironman 2010

This weekend I had the privilege of watching Troy and two of his best friends, Jon and Greg, complete the Ironman Triathlon in Penticton. A 3.8km swim, 180 km bike and 42.2 km run is the groundwork for this race, and being a part of this moment for these guys, who have spent just under one year training was most definitely a humbling and remarkable experience.

The morning began at 4:30am with a half eaten breakfast and much anticipation for the 7:00 race start. Monica and I dropped off Troy and Greg and made our way to the first of many lines we would encounter that day... Starbucks was about 50 deep, and a Venti Americano was in serious order.
We set a game plan and found our first lookout over Okanagan Lake- which at this point was literally a sea of black wetsuits. Unable to actually locate our guys, all we could do was send out the positive vibes... and Ironman 2010 began.

Me and Monica... early....

Swimmers prepare at the start line

1 hour and 16 minutes later, after finding our next cheering site, Troy whipped by us on his bike and we all felt a sense of relief as we gripped our "Dalts 569" signs and mentally checked off one stage of the race: complete.

Showing our support with chalk

Proud Moms

Watching the athletes move from the bike to run was probably my favourite part. It was during these moments where we as fans became a part of the race. As we called each athlete's name and cheered them on it was evident in some cases that we were bringing these people back to their intention for the day- allowing them to run a little lighter despite being tired or overwhelmed by what they had already accomplished. It was amazing and inspiring to see the diversity of the people all completing this same event and the way their faces would change upon hearing the sincere encouragement being shouted by complete strangers standing on the side of the road. We were a sea of adoration to each and every participant.

But I have to say that everyone else disappeared when Troy crossed the finish line at 11 hours and 51 minutes. Those countless weekends spent riding to Squamish, swimming lengths at Kits pool, and running a 1/2 marathon what seemed to be every third day, all added up to this one moment. He did it.

Not only was I so proud of him, I was also completely convinced that we are all capable of whatever we set our mind to. And if this race teaches anything, it is that. It really does, in my opinion, take a lot to look at a feat like Ironman and think, “yeah, I can crush that”… but that is exactly the key. And even though I have heard Troy tell everyone, from myself to his Mom, that we could do this race too, it wasn’t until I witnessed it, that I realized that the human spirit is a lot stronger than the human body… and if you’ve got that on your side, there is literally nothing you cannot triumph over. Congratulations Troy, Jon and Greg!!! You guys KILLED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Start of the marathon! TROOOOY!

Waiting for Troy to come in

Iron. Men.