Finishers Merchandise!

Getting to bed was a little painful last night. When we got to the house, Kim made me a bagel with peanut butter. I could barely eat 1/2 of it and just had to get to bed. I really needed a shower too - I just wanted to lay down! I got in the shower very quickly - this is typically painful after a long race because you find out exactly where your clothes rubbed you - YEOWCH!!! I felt like I was going to pass out, so I did what I could as fast as I could. I barely dried off, threw on some pjs and collapsed into bed. I remember taking some endurolytes and drinking some water, but that's about all I remember. I was exhausted!
As it turns out, once again I slept like a rock. I woke up fairly early, considering yesterday's events. And, I was surprised at how mobile I was. I really thought I'd be totally wrecked after this event. Aside from a purple toenail and some unfortunate chafing, I felt pretty good. I could see the look of surprise and relief on my mom's face, when I came waltzing upstairs. I wasn't up for very long when troy called and said he and Cathy were on their way over. Ya see, the finishers merchandise is not available till the morning after the race. So, we needed to get up there, as it very quickly gets picked over.
When we got down to the expo area, I went ahead and stood in line. Poor Troy is having a little trouble with his left leg - hamstring and calf are not wanting to relax for him. So, i offer to run up and stand in line. I'm standing there for a bit and then I hear someone say it's the line to register for next year's race. You cannot believe how quickly I jumped out of that line! :-)
We found the right tent and shopped for a bit. I had to order a finishers jacket that I wanted, 'cause they only had XL and S left. Cool that they have ordering as an option though. I also picked up a neat technical, long sleeved shirt that says finisher on it, and a visor with the Mdot - I feel like I can wear that now!
We also stood in line to pick up our pictures from the race. Everything is so expensive, but it's your first (and ya never know - maybe only) ironman, so you want the memorabilia. Anyway, our pics turned out well. We were making our way over to the tent where you pick up finishers certificates and we ran into Jared and his wife Amy. We all congratulated each other on good races and didn't get to chat too long 'cause we all needed food. We picked up the certificates, went back to the car and went to Denny's. Troy and I both ordered WAY bigger than what our stomachs could handle this morning. I wanted to chow down, but the ol' stomach had different plans.

They dropped me off at the house and I found my family all sitting out on the deck, enjoying the gorgeous weather and scenery one last time. We reminisced a little more about yesterday's events, and I showed them all the stuff I got and the pics. Then, my parents and Bailey set out on their road trip back to KC. It's kind of sad that we weren't all able to spend more time together, but I'm SO incredibly grateful that they were all able to come and share this momentus occasion with me!

Bill, Kim and I sat outside a while after they left and just talked about the event and my race and the preparation that went into it. My family was pretty impressed with how prepared I was for the event - down to the little details. I'm not saying they were impressed with me - they were impressed with Steve. And, though he's probably too humble to take the credit, he really did do an awesome job getting me TO and THROUGH this race. I mean, how cool is it to have your coach there for your first Ironman?

I had to take Bill and Kim back to Spokane for their flight this afternoon, so while we were driving to the airport, Bill talks again about the inspiration and such of watching this type of event. Honestly, if you've never watched a triathlon, you really should go volunteer and just go cheer at a local race. It's pretty neat!
Anyway, the question comes, "so, what does it take to get started in something like this..." I LOVE IT!!! I would love nothing more than to see my brother pursue a dream/goal like this. We talked a bit more about it, but I hope there's more to come when we're all home (are you in, Bill? ha ha)

I came back to the house and all was quiet. It's kind of sad. From the day I arrived, I've had so much support around me and there's been so much to do and see - now it's quiet and the race is finished. It's just different. I tried to get caught up on my blog a little bit. I know, I know...I'm writing way too much, but I want to remember so many of these details and I know many will leave as quickly as they came in.

Cathy and Troy picked me up around 5 and we headed back to CDA for the awards banquet. There was definitely a different energy in the tent tonight. Not as many people and not as much buzz, but certainly some pretty amazing people! The food was tasty and it was pretty cool to see all the age groupers get their awards. Then we watched the pros get their awards. Man, I'm telling ya - all of these folks - age group and pros had some impressive races!

The closing words of the banquet were from the race announcer - "You are an Ironman!"
We took some pics up on stage when it was over and then headed out. We stopped by a coffee shop and ended up sitting there chatting for a couple hours. It was great! It was the first time all three of us have just talked without any pressure, so it was fun hearing more about Troy and Cathy!

They dropped me off here tonight and again I was reminded that everything was done. It's crazy how you work for a year - toward something - and then it's over just like that. I did more typing on my blog, but could hardly stay awake, so I hit the hay!
Another great day in this lovely place!!!