The Whole Ironman Experience

So, I told you about Chris' amazing Ironman run! (And yes, he's still riding that high!)

Today, I want to tell you all about the entire experience we had there...because it was all pretty fun!

:: We left Abilene Wednesday after work and stayed in Gatesville for the night...then we finished up the drive on Thursday. Once we made it to The Woodlands, we made our way to the Ironman Village so Chris could do his athlete check in and attend his mandatory athlete meeting. We also browsed at the Ironman shop, and he bought a t-shirt that had the big Ironman logo on the back with every single participant's name listed. We had lunch at a place called BurgerFi, and it was delicious! Then we checked in to the Laquinta, where we would spend the next few days. Chris did his recovery boots and we relaxed. That evening, we had dinner at a local pizza place and enjoyed a nice, quiet time together.

:: Friday, Chris did an easy workout and then our friends, Jordan and Lauren, arrived from Missouri!! They drove 8 hours to come and support Chris in his first full Ironman -- that right there is so amazing! Their excitement for being there was so contagious! It meant so much to Chris that they came down for the event. We headed over to the transition area so Chris could check in his bike. He also checked in his transition bags, one for the swim to the bike, and one for the bike to the swim. The bags held everything he would need for each transition. He got the lay of the land so he would be familiar with everything race day. Lauren and Jordan gave Chris some transition tips, too!

:: That evening, we met up with QLefty and his family, as well as Ruben and his family. Ruben is an athlete that QLefty and Chris met on Instagram, so it was neat for them to finally all meet in person! We had an early dinner at an Italian restaurant, and the guys talked race strategy and us girls chatted about our own stuff. Every single person at that table had met each other through Instagram -- that is really just so crazy to think about!! After eating, we walked around and took some pics in front of the Lulumon wall of athlete names - too fun! Before we parted ways for the evening, Chris presented QLefty with a nice bottle of wine and Ruben with a nice bottle of whiskey, as a congratulations and a job well done on all their training. We even had a stranger take a group photo of us all...all 13 of us!! Back at the hotel, we relaxed and Chris got all of his last minute stuff together...then we went to bed around 9:00, so we could get up at 4:15 the next morning!

:: Bright and early the next morning, we drove over to transition, parked in the HEB parking lot, and made our way to the swim start line. It was about a mile walk. We all stood together while the guys got into their wetsuits and stretched. We took photos and wished them luck and left them to get into their wave start. We all watched them start the swim from the bridge, and it was so neat to see them step into the water and take off! We made our way down the water to watch them come through the channel -- and we were so excited to spot them! It was not easy since everyone was wearing black wetsuits -- but QLefty was bare chested because his wetsuit bothered his collarbone where he had recent surgery. He was much easier to spot, and Chris was right behind him! We saw him in transition, as well, and then he was off onto the bike! We didn't make it to see him mount the bike, because the path was so congested...and from there, we had about 5-6 hours to waste until they returned.

:: Lauren, Jordan and I decided we wanted some breakfast, so we went to La Madeline right in that area. It was swamped with spectators, and was about a 45 minute line to put our orders in. Then about a 45 minute wait for the food. But, it was in the air condition, and it wasn't too bad of a way to pass some of our time. We enjoyed chatting! I really loved getting to know them both better. Our food was quite delicious when it finally came, and then we made our way back to the transition area. We were able to track our three athletes on the phone app, so we knew about the time they would be coming through. We decided to divide and conquer, and see them at a few different spots. I got some good pics of Chris coming in to the dismount area, and then he was off onto the run!

:: The run course is great, from a spectator's point of view...it was three loops, on both sides of the water channel. So we could see them on both sides of the water. Jordan had brought hammocks to hang in the trees, so we found a shady spot, set those up, and waited for our runners. We'd head down a small hill each time one of them came by, cheer wildly for them, and then head back to the shade. Those hammocks were awesome and such a great idea!!

:: When it was time, we headed to the finish line to see Chris come through! Lauren and I found a spot right near the finish line, and it was so fun to watch Chris come zooming through, arms outstretched and flying in like a plane! Then he started clapping, and Lauren and I were squealing as the Ironman Voice said, "George Baber, YOU are an Ironman!!"

:: We made our way to find him in the Ironman Village...he was smiling ear to ear with pride!!! That was so good to see. We had a few moments together and then Lauren and Jordan joined us. We went over to one of the booths so Chris could do recovery boots that we set up there. And afterwards, he had some snacks while Jordan helped him get his shoes back on. Then we made our way to the finish line again, to see Lefty and then Ruben cross the finish line. Sooooo exciting!! Our three Ironmen!!

:: We said goodbye to Jordan and Lauren later that evening so that they could drive back home for work the next morning. Crazy kids!! We then had breakfast with a lot of the group the next morning before heading home ourselves. It was such good, sweet time with friends, and it was amazing all of the support and love we all felt. I, personally, am an extroverted introvert, and definitely enjoy my alone time. For most races, I am by myself cheering Chris on, and I love those times where I can spend hours with just me. But this race was special and the time spent with these friends was special. I loved every minute of it!!