A Huge Thank You to CTC & rev 3 video

[watchman]

I have to say thank you to this club and many individuals in the club. So many helped me along the way these last four years. I am amazed at how helpful everyone is and has been. Many of you have told me little bits of info or encouragement that has helped. Some have added humor and helped me "lighten up". Or helped me "enjoy it" as Tiffany told me Saturday. ( I did by the way ... on all 3 parts)

Mark D, Ken B. Angie R, Matt and Jen C. Aussie Rob, Ray G. Rob R. Janet, Tiffany, Jen P. Brandon, Tim W, Ben, Debbie, George, Jim Eric B. Eric G. , Tim R. , Debbie, Phil, Patrick, James I. Jim D. Marie, Katie, Tim E. If I missed anyone it was a mistake. I am trying to remember everyone. Some I don't know who you are only posts and some I have met but don't remember your name.

I also have thank my Family and the Lord. I prayed for glass water and no wind on bike and according to the weather forcast all week it was not possible but that is how it was.

also for those not on facebook here is a video of the finish with 10 of my kids ahead of me with flags.

My feet hurt so bad I looked like a 90 year old running. My kids with me were the highlight and my oldest daughter who is getting married Oct 8 walking/ running) with me.

vimeo.com/28967092

as for the race. The swim went exactly as planned. I hoped for 1 hour 30 minutes did it in 1 hour 28 minutes.

The bike I hoped for 6 1/2 hours at 17 mph but did it under 6 hours 5:59 at 18.7 mph. ( that was faster than any half I.M I had ever done. I was happy about that. I passed more people on bike than ever before.

The run was my downfall. I made the mistake of walking all day Friday ( at cedar point with 8 teenage girls) then at the expo all day Saturday. I woke up Sunday morning with sore feet. That is my #1 weakness and by mile 6 I paid for it. I just could not step on the balls of my feet. I was surprised when I got home to find I did stay on pace for a 5 hour marathon until mile 10 but I had to start walking. Another mistake is I could have used slow cushy shoes or light thin fast ones. I chose the thinner shoe which made it worse. I was 1 hour slower than i expected. it was hard to watch over 100 people pass me the last 10 miles of run. I got stung by a bee at mile 12. That added to the challenge of not giving up.

I guess I will have to do another one of these to race where all 3 parts are right.

Thanks again everyone

and thanks for the Club at the finish yesterday

mike

[MattCollister]

Congratulations, Mike.

[mwood]

Congratulations Mike! To finish with your family at your side had to be very special!

Martha

[kenb321]

Mike, you do not look like a 90 year old running at the end of the video. You like a stud that just finished 140.6 miles of awsomeness!

[watchman]

Oh No! Martha I forgot your name on my list. i tried so hard to remember everyone over the last 4 years. Last year i watched you prepare and do an I.M. . We talked on a couple of bike rides.

Thanks for your example. you were one who helped think " Okay if she does this I am going too also".

another I just remembered earlier in the year was Brandi watching her hepled me get past the depression that came from Mussleman.

thanks again to all. hopefully I did not forget anyone else.

mike

[Janet E]

Congrats Mike on your first 140.6 finish! You earned it!

Great video with the family!

[gvale]

Mike, Congrats on your finish. Great video! If you think the race hurt, wait till you get the tatoo!

[jimdehner]

Mike congrats quite and achievement- you earned it

[watchman]

also

thanks Ken

you have a gift of encouragement

I might print that quote and frame it

also george I think 140.6 bumper sticker will do for me

mike

[Angie]

Congrats on your finish, Mike.... and thanks for the shout out. I am sure you will perfect this distance in the years to come. ANGIE

[brandy]

awesome job Mike. Thanks for sharing that video! I can't imagine what it was like to finish with your family Well done and enjoy the recovery!!

[Brandon]

Congratulations Mike. I agree w. Ken. Be proud of your ironman shuffle!

[mwood]

Thanks, Mike! Congratulations again! You did fantastic! I was cheering for you too at the Rev when you were getting your T2 bag, but you were so focused I don't think you heard me! The finish with your family I'm sure was special.
~ Martha