Half Ironman

Jake starting the 13.1 mile run.

On August 9th Jake completed the 5430 Long Course race in Boulder, CO. This was his first half Ironman. A half Ironman consists of a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run.

What's the deal with the number 5430 you ask? I did! That's the elevation of Boulder.

It was a beautiful and hot day! The kids and I packed a lunch and headed to Boulder to cheer him on. We were in a rush to get there on time. I had the kids in their car seats put the key in the car and NOTHING HAPPENED!! I thought for sure I was having a bad dream so tried to start the car again and of course nothing happened!! UUUGGG!! It was so early I hated to go knocking on doors for help. Thankfully I saw our new neighbors garage door open. I tapped on their door and and he came to help. Why on why do they have to be our new neighbors!! I felt horrible. I couldn't get the car in neutral to back it out of the garage. SO neighbor D and I had to take the billions of strollers (ok just 5 but still + trikes + tractors + garbage cans + mower + boxes...you get the drift). Have I mentioned that this is our new neighbor that we really don't know well AT ALL. Well we moved all the stuff so he could fit his car in the garage and jump my car off. Thankfully it worked but man what a way to start the day. And what a way to get to know your neighbor. Now I feel we have bonded!! Come to find out it was all Jake's fault!!! Isn't it always (haha just kiddin jake). Jake put directions in my GPS the night before and left the key slightly turned in the ignition.

Oh and Spencer's comment as we drove off, "That was so nice of that neighbor man to come help you move all of that JUNK!"

Thanks Spencer for reminding me how embarrassed I should be.

Anyway, back to the Half Ironman. We had a fun time. Jake did great. We got to see him running and biking. We did miss the swim part of the race...you know the car thing and all. The kids ate their lunch and mine too! Spencer asked if he could share my granola bar and next thing I know the thing was gone!! Next time I know we need to take extra food and extra water.

After the race I got a little emotional when I saw Jake. I think I was in denial about what a big deal the race was. It made me get even more worried about the full Ironman. I mean who in their right mind would want to double this distance??? I could tell the half was tough enough!!

I swear after each race I feel like I've completed one myself. Taking care of kids during these things is tough work. This Ironwife was one worn out gal! Oh did I mention we also took a wrong turn on the way home. I told you it was a long day.

Thankfully the kids slept on the way home. Peace. Quiet.

Spen playing IN the sand. Just one of the many ways we entertained ourselves while waiting on Daddy to finish.

Campbell took a short snooze. Oh and Spencer is seen here "sharing" my granola bar or shall we say...taking it all for himself.

Jake nearing the finish line. He finished in 5 hrs 25 min. Good Job Daddy!

Spencer found a huge rock and presented it to Jake when he finished the race. It was so sweet. He kept saying it was Daddy's prize for doing such a great job.