Ironman Experience

What a great weekend - I planned to watch the Ironman and do some shopping. All I did was watch Ironman, and meet lots of other supporters - including Mr and Mrs Brown Snr!!!! So somehow I've got to find an outfit to wear to a friend's wedding next week!
The weekend started with dropping the girls off at my sister-in-laws, at Morrinsville, and heading down to Taupo. I had managed to get a motel for the Friday night, but not Saturday - when I got there they up-graded my room - 1st time I've ever had that!!
I went down and had a look at all the bikes and the set up for Ironman - the pro's bikes were right by the fence, so I could see all the very flash bikes!! I forgot my digital camera - I picked up a throw away one, but annoyed me, as I could have posted them straight away!!
I got down to the venue at around 5.45 am, and watched everyone set up. Had a chat to Gina Fergusson's partner - unfortunately had told him my accomplishments before I realised who he was there with!!! Well I guess they'd not be able to race if it wasn't for the other finishers - the likes of marathons, half IM etc must be so expensive to run!!
I wandered down to the lake, and saw the Maori waka and ceremony, saw Sarah Ulmer, who was supporting her partner. Got a hell of a fright at the start (army set off a cannon!!!)
Watched the leaders get out of the water after 44 minutes!!!!
I caught up with an old friend who used to farm at Waitakaruru. He said the ironman competitors have named him didymo Dave, as he was responsible for the education around dipping the wetsuits - to ensure didymo doesn't infect our lakes and rivers in the North Island.
I went back and watched T1. I think I saw Kathy at this stage, just after she ran up the steps. She still had her wetsuit on - it was quite a long distance between the lake and the bikes.
One of the funniest things was a lady from America - it was her birthday too - she had pink everything, bike helmet, clothing etc - yes you'd think a real lady - well her arms were laiden with tattoos!
At this stage I was getting hungry, so headed to a cafe - along with 5000 other people - met a nice family and had breakfast with them. They had twin 6 year olds and an 8 year old with them. The friend they were supporting was hoping to finish within 10 hours - still it would have been a long day with littlies!
Went out on to the main road and saw the leaders come through the first lap - they were flying, especially with a tail wind! Saw Kathy come through, then Tineka and Alison. Yelled out for son's of ladies on sidelines too! Saw Peter (showpony) fly through too! By then it was lunch time, so grabbed a bite to eat.
I didn't realise the bike to run transition was in a different place - so found that and watched the runners. Met up with a lot of other people - it's a great atmosphere!
Got some great photos of Cameron Brown, Kieran Doe and Jo Lawn runnng past - I thought Jo was going to lose, she looked tired, man she must have a super tough mental and physical strength! I missed the men's finish, but got down in time to see the womans finish. The camera man's motorbike rider crashed into a barrier near the end - quite funny!
I met Mr and Mrs Brown - they were about to leave. They were very happy - in the past Cameron has left it to the last minute to win - harrowing for parents! This year it was obvious from 21 km into the run that barring any major problem he had it in the bag. I remarked that they were lucky - lots of other parents had to wait a lot longer for their sons and daughters to finish!
Cheered in the first couple of hundred finishers - including Peter - he was looking good. A great time too!
I went out and caught up with Tineka - who spotted I had safety pins on my top - which she needed - glad to be of help!! Knew I must have left them there for a good reason!
Saw Kathy come through and she had energy for a high 5. She was in good shape, and looked like a sure finisher!
Alison came through - walking, but pleased to see she finished too.
I decided at this point to go home. It was 7.30 I was tired and had just under 3 hours to drive home. So sorry to miss your finish everyone!
Didn't catch up with Sub6, he obviously caught up with Kathy's support crew - great tee-shirts! I didn't see them at all! Might see you on the start line at Rotorua?
By the way - the jury is still out on whether I do the 25th NZ Ironman next year - or not!