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Ironman in verse

This is what I wrote and secretly put under everyone's doors tonight:

The big day is almost here!
Long it will be, but have no fear.
You have put in miles and miles
And will finish amidst numerous smiles.
The hard work is over and done.
Now is the time for nothing but fun.
May your spirits be high throughout the day,
And may nothing come along to stand in your way.
Ironman is as much about the journey as the destination,
And you will be rewarded for all of your determination.
Hand-in-hand we will all jump in,
Eagerly treading water as we wait to begin.
At 7am the cannon will blast
But be sure not to go out too fast.
The cool water will run over your face,
As you are now committed to the race.
The Rural Bridge will seem so far away
But keep those negative thoughts at bay.
Once you turn around and head west
To the Mill Ave. Bridge you go, trying your best.
2.4 miles will be over before you know it,
And you will start to realize your thoughts of Iron are truly legit.
On to the bike, for three loops you go,
Be sure to give your friends a very loud “Yo!”
Your legs will get tired and your body will get hot,
But think of giving up? You certainly will not!
The desert sun will shine down bright
But will not deter you in your fight.
Once your 112 mile ride is through
Only a marathon stands between Ironman and you.
Your feet will never be so happy to touch ground,
And a new love of running you will have found.
Look around you and take it all in,
“I’m really doing this” you’ll think with a grin.
Three loops on the run, round and round,
Not a lonely spot to be found.
Your family and friends will be cheering for you,
Along with random strangers you never knew.
Thank them all, the volunteers too!
As they are all out there just for you.
One final stretch by the lake
Is all you have left to make.
You can see the lights, you can hear the roar.
Two left turns to go and you will soar.
Into the finishers chute you go,
Feeling greater than anyone else will ever know.
Raise your arms high above your head
As your fear of the day has just been shed.
You are finally there – the finish line.
Now the time is yours to shine.
When you dare to cross to the other side,
The person you once were is left behind.
What can never be taken away
Is the fact that you became an Ironman today.

Comments

shelek said…
A 1:12 swim! Smokin' start to the day! Congrats and keep it up!
TriMedic said…
Your times looked good, your swim time was awesome, your transition times looked really good.
Anonymous said…
Woo hoo from Houston! You're doing great! We're going put on our p.j.'s to "watch" the second half of your marathon.....go get 'em. You're almost an Ironman *2! :-)

Alaina & Greg
Cass said…
Kathleen,
You are awesome and are doing fabulous... Honestly, I'm getting ready for tomorrow but keep pulling out the laptop to see your progress. You're almost there!
Cassie
Anonymous said…
Great swim start, and your transition times are elite level, as expected. Ruthie and I just got off the phone while we watched the live feed together. You are doing great so far...keep it up! We expect you to cross the next run segment in the next hour...we'll be up watching for your finish!
Karen
Anonymous said…
Kathleen

You go girl!!! I just checked and you are on your 3rd running segment as I write this note. Congrats! Soon to be Ironwomen X2

Tammy
CoachLiz said…
Your times are awesome! I have been keeping up with the live feed and the highlights most of the day. Can't wait to see you tomorrow at the HRTC meeting!!!
md said…
You're doing awesome! great bike leg!
Keep going KC!!
Anonymous said…
Patty and I are watching your progress tonight. I'm very impressed with your swim time (beat me by a minute!), and you shaved 22 minutes off your bike leg! Wishing you strong quads on your run. You're hopefully cooling down and hydrating about now, but I know you're working through a challenging run. Can't wait to see your finish!
I see Luke had major problems in the run; I'm assuming with the extreme heat and resulting dehydration. Fred and Laurie appear to have had a great day. Congrats to all!

- Rick
Anonymous said…
Patty and I are watching your progress tonight. I'm very impressed with your swim time (beat me by a minute!), and you shaved 22 minutes off your 2007 bike leg! Wishing you strong quads on your run. You're hopefully cooling down and hydrating about now, but I know you're working through a challenging run. Can't wait to see your finish!
I see Luke had major problems in the run; I'm assuming with the extreme heat and resulting dehydration. Fred and Laurie appear to have had a great day. Congrats to all!

- Rick
Anonymous said…
Yeah!!!! Just watched you cross the finish line with Shellie. You were smiling and happy (loved the pink glowstick headband), and the clock said 14:40 - way to go! I was worried because my runner tracking didn't record your start of the third leg, but I had the live feed on and heard them call your name. Way to go, Ironwoman!!!
KC
shelek said…
Congratulations Kathleen! You and Shellie looked amazing crossing the finish together.

I wish I was there with you!
Jose said…
Hey I just saw you cross the line through the live feed.

Congrats!!!!

You are way to Awesome!
Anonymous said…
Yea! Kathleen! I saw you finish and you didn't even look tired! And with great race times to boot!!
M. Pate
Anonymous said…
All RIGHT!!!
14:40 is AWESOME! Especially in that heat! Almost an HOUR FASTER than 2007! Must be all the pink accessories.
Well done. We're very proud.
- Rick & Patty
CoachLiz said…
Way to go and beat my IMAZ time!!!

You are awesome girl!!! Congratulations!!!
md said…
way to go KC!!!! that is an amazing finish time!!! way to ROCK the course! I'm so happy for you!
Anonymous said…
CONGRATS KATHLEEN!! Checked in on you a couple of times yesterday. You are officially my hero! I can't wait to read your race report.
TriRed said…
Congratulations, Ironman! You did great under those conditions today. I hope your day was fantastic! Thanks for being such an inspiration to everyone!
Margo said…
Congrats!! Looking forward to your race report!
Anonymous said…
I totally forgot to tell you thank you for the poem. I read it twice before going to sleep Saturday night. Thanks for sharing this IM experience with me. Crossing the finish line with you was truly rewarding. Thanks for everything you did for the group.

Love you girl.

Shellie

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