Nerves
Tomorrow’s the race. To my surprise, I am not at all nervous.
No, I’m just kidding. I’m a huge bundle of nerves. But, amazingly, not quite as bad as yesterday morning.
Here’s why.
When we got into town, The Runner and I went to the Sand Hollow Reservoir, put on our wetsuits, and waded into the 58-degree water, as light rain and a few snowflakes fell around us. We then proceeded to go on a twenty-minute swim.
And it wasn’t bad.
Sure, my hands, feet, and face got cold, but tolerably so. And thanks to the neoprene swim caps I bought for us earlier this week (recommended by Lynette, an experienced triathlete friend of The Runners), my head wasn’t cold.
And all that insulation in the Aquasphere wetsuits that make swimming in a pool so unbearable? Well, that insulation makes swimming in cold open water amazingly good. As in, my arms, legs, and trunk were all perfectly comfortable.
After swimming for just a few minutes I found that I tend to pull to the left. That was easily corrected; I started thinking in terms of always swimming in a slight arc to the right and I wound up going dead straight. I sight every fifteen strokes or so, and am pretty much having to do no correcting at all.
So: I’m still a little freaked out about this race. But not as freaked out.
This time tomorrow, I’ll be in the water. Starting my race.
And somehow, typing that makes it seem more real, and suddenly I have a real need to go take a poop.
Follow The Runner and Me, and Say Hi
I now know both The Runner’s and my race numbers:
- The Runner (Lisa Rollins): 405
- Me (Elden Nelson): 1607
So tomorrow, go to ironman.com to follow our progress. If I understand correctly, you can even type in a message of support to us there, which we’ll be able to see during the run. And that would be pretty cool to see. I’m guessing we’ll both be needing some support by then.
Tomorrow’s the big day.
And typing that makes me need to put my head between my knees and breathe deeply, to keep from passing out.
Comment by GenghisKhan | 04.30.2010 | 8:12 am
Good luck and remember, all we, your loyal and loving fan-base, expect is for you to tri your best…
Comment by bahama mama | 04.30.2010 | 8:18 am
I’m rootin for you guys! You’ll be awesome and do just fine!
Comment by Dingbat | 04.30.2010 | 8:19 am
Tri hard, with a vengeance.
Comment by axel in texas | 04.30.2010 | 8:21 am
it is just a long bike ride with a swim to warm up and a walk to cool down. Be relaxed. Good luck!
Comment by Nate Kingdon | 04.30.2010 | 8:24 am
Good Luck Fatty! No Tri jokes. Just go kick ass and have enjoy the experience.
Comment by IronStu | 04.30.2010 | 8:27 am
Good Luck Fatty…or soon to be IronFatty. And good luck to the Runner too. I can’t wait for your race report!
Comment by NYCCarlos | 04.30.2010 | 8:30 am
Tri to have some fun?
:-P you’ll be fine big guy. Looking forward to a race report with no outhouse, wetsuit overheating, or ambulance stories.
Comment by Mo | 04.30.2010 | 8:33 am
Goood luck! have a great time and enjoy the day. You only get your first Ironman once!
Comment by etucker | 04.30.2010 | 8:34 am
Hope you both have a great race. Here are some inspirational quotes I use on race weekend with my TNT participants here in MD. They seem appropriate for you as well:
Big occasions and races which have been eagerly anticipated almost to the point of dread, are where great deeds can be accomplished.
- Jack Lovelock
Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.
- T.S. Eliot
We can’t all be heroes because someone has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.
- Will Rogers
Comment by mtnboy | 04.30.2010 | 8:49 am
Have a good time dude! We all know you’re so gonna finish in fifteen hours, so relax and enjoy!!!
Comment by Dave 1949 | 04.30.2010 | 8:49 am
Man you should not have gotten that number tattooed on your arm. They give you a new number at every race.
Have a great day.
Comment by Eunan | 04.30.2010 | 8:51 am
You better shave before the race, that facial hair will create drag – - you wouldnt want to not make the swim cutoff because u didn’t shave!
Ha ha, i jest.
Good luck!
Comment by bobbie | 04.30.2010 | 8:53 am
I’ll be rooting for ya’ll tomorrow!!
Probably not a good idea to lower your head & take a deep breathe when you’re pooping…
Just sayin’
:-)))
Comment by linteater | 04.30.2010 | 9:03 am
Good luck!
Comment by Christi | 04.30.2010 | 9:10 am
Good Luck to both of you!
Comment by Leslie | 04.30.2010 | 9:15 am
Good luck, and don’t forget to have fun!!
Comment by Mandy | 04.30.2010 | 9:18 am
Go get them Fatty and The Runner!! Best of luck to you both.
Comment by john | 04.30.2010 | 9:21 am
Good luck this weekend. Cynthia and I will be following.
Comment by Lisa | 04.30.2010 | 9:25 am
GOOD LUCK! I’m excited to read your recap. :)
Comment by Terry in Indiana | 04.30.2010 | 9:26 am
Your nerves will be gone as soon as you get going. Your body has trained for this, you’ll do fine! Good luck!
Comment by fult23 | 04.30.2010 | 9:28 am
Mr. and Mrs. IronFatty; I like the sound of that! Have fun, we will all be rooting for you both.
Comment by dug | 04.30.2010 | 9:37 am
here’s my message of support:
don’t embarrass me.
Comment by Alyson | 04.30.2010 | 9:42 am
Def. will be watching online ~ I know you two are going to be awesome! And Elden, just watching…umm, reading about your transition from cycling to running & swimming, has made my transition from couch to shuffling, seem so much easier.:-)
IronFatty Rules!!!
Comment by MattC | 04.30.2010 | 10:19 am
Fatty…Now that you have been out in the actual reservoir (open water) and realize that you won’t freak out, and that the temp is totally do-able w/ the hi-tek zoot-suits you have, you will do FINE! You have the constant sighting/course correction figured in already too…you are way ahead of the game! In fact, you should just sit back on the very outside for about the first 60 seconds during the swim start and just OBSERVE the frothing kicking clawing mass of aqua-humanity…it’s awesome in it’s chaos! Then begin your swim…do you have a mantra to occupy your brain for the 2 hours or so? (or are you using your awesome waterproof MP3 player)? Anyway…good luck to you both… I will peek in online when I get back from my weekly long Sat ride. And just think: by tomorrow night you will have a totally NEW UBER-hard adventure checked off your list of stuff to do! Finishing an Olympic IM…that is insanely awesome!
Comment by Rick D. | 04.30.2010 | 10:21 am
Nice farmers tan! Have fun tomorrow. :)
Comment by Professor Orange | 04.30.2010 | 10:31 am
Good luck Elden and Lisa! I’ll be thinking of you doing all those Miles to Somewhere while we continue to train for our 100 Miles of Nowhere. As to the IronFatty moniker, parallel construction will either make you FatMan, which is no good, or IronCyclist, which has a nice steampunk ring to it. Have fun!
Comment by Mainiac_Rager | 04.30.2010 | 10:52 am
Good luck tomorrow- the waiting is the hardest part. The rest is just doing.
Breath deep, have fun, and be kind.
Comment by You're definitely nuts | 04.30.2010 | 10:54 am
Still going through with it, eh? I hope you do well.
Comment by Jack | 04.30.2010 | 10:58 am
I am working on the wording of a message for during the run. Something like:
Go Fatty! The runner is catching you or maybe she already did.
I tried to search for your bib numbers at http://ironman.com/coverage/updates.php?race=st.george&year=2010 but did not find them. Maybe it will work better tomorrow after the race starts.
Comment by Derron T | 04.30.2010 | 11:06 am
I still can’t fathom that you would stoop to the level of “triathlete”, a word that rhymes with “mathlete” and yet it is somehow dorkier. I guess it is too late to get a refund, so go kick some people in the head while trying not to embarrass dug.
Comment by Chris | 04.30.2010 | 11:46 am
I’ve recently felt the desire to do an Ironman. Glad you’re doing it first. We’ll be cheering for you and The Runner here at Casa Ross. Stay calm, strong and be safe… both of you!
Good luck and all the best,
Chris [for the other Chris, too]
Comment by DC | 04.30.2010 | 11:46 am
If Your biker tan gets anymore darker the 0 and 7 when have to be done in white.
Good Luck!
Comment by eclecticdeb | 04.30.2010 | 11:48 am
I still can’t believe you’re attempting a full IM for your first triathlon. OLY is the distance for me — still haven’t worked my way up to a 1/2.
A full IM??? Nope, no, no way, no how, never, nada, zilch.
Even though it’s called a RACE, that’s really only for the pro’s. For us mere mortals, it’s really an endurance EVENT.
So, take it easy, remember to eat and drink, and just keep moving forward.
Comment by DC | 04.30.2010 | 11:50 am
“When” is of course a perfectly acceptable alternate
spelling of “would” :)
Comment by DC | 04.30.2010 | 11:53 am
Really can’t defend the grammer though.
Fatty,
That you are in the water with snowflakes coming done
and thinking nothing of it is impressive!
Comment by pgreen | 04.30.2010 | 12:05 pm
Good Luck to you both!!!
I will be checking on your progress tomorrow!
Comment by judi | 04.30.2010 | 12:23 pm
my IMKY # was 1609. cool. :) you guys will be GREAT.
Comment by Dan in Sac | 04.30.2010 | 12:25 pm
Too funny. Before visiting your blog today I wondered if you were even going to blog. As I typed your web address in the browser I thought “if he blogged today, he’s nervous.” And sure enough, today’s blog is titled nerves.
Anywho, have fun and remember that’s what these activities are all about.
Comment by Weezie | 04.30.2010 | 12:44 pm
Go Fatty! Good luck!
Comment by dwb | 04.30.2010 | 12:56 pm
Don’t put your head between your knees while taking a poop. Good luck!
Comment by Drdave | 04.30.2010 | 1:20 pm
Good luck
BTW, love the tan lines!
Comment by Chuck | 04.30.2010 | 1:42 pm
Fatty & Runner, kick butt!!! Stay Warm!!!
Comment by Susan | 04.30.2010 | 1:48 pm
You two will be awesome. I have never felt so relaxed as I did the morning of my Ironman last November. Go out, have a really nice dinner, an adult beverage, and just enjoy the feeling of knowing that you will accomplish greatness tomorrow. No matter what, don’t freak out, don’t stop, and try not to puke.
Comment by Daniel | 04.30.2010 | 1:54 pm
I’ll be following along! Enjoy it! Ironman is so much fun. Stick to your nutrition plan, take it a little easy on the bike, especially the first lap.
Go Fatty and Runner!
Comment by Lizzylou | 04.30.2010 | 1:58 pm
I am told that the need to poop prior to a long ride is part of our animal instinct. Lightening the body so that you can go faster. Hope that it gives you that extra edge.
Comment by Scott | 04.30.2010 | 2:05 pm
Follow the wisdom of Yoda and you’ll do great. There is no tri – only do.
Comment by Henry | 04.30.2010 | 2:21 pm
Best of luck to you and the runner. Just remember that you’ll be doing 1/3rd of it again next Saturday… except on rollers!
ps. Got my swag bag for 100 miles of nowhere today… super excited for my first century.
Comment by robert orler | 04.30.2010 | 2:28 pm
Enjoy yourself, hahahaha ok survive! remember when in doubt, swim on your back and look to the gods for support. Hey its only 15 hours!
Comment by asmathews (Alex) | 04.30.2010 | 2:34 pm
Good Luck Fatty and The Runner!
Comment by RANTWICK | 04.30.2010 | 2:36 pm
Hey, all the best to and the Runner. I’m pretty jealous of your ambition and commitment, even though it has made you a Tri guy (shudder).
Comment by roan | 04.30.2010 | 3:04 pm
hummm…U-guys not nervous but I am for y’all AND I’m not even in the race. But I hope you do well so I can check a Tri off MY list. Believe me I’m pullin so hard and checking in during tomorrow for your success that I can taste the victory already and how sweet it is !
My 100MoN swag arrived too…neat stuff ! I’ve already selected items to give to fellow cyclists…the T-shirt I’ve yet to earn though.
Comment by Chris | 04.30.2010 | 3:23 pm
I’ve followed your blog since you were a fellow Puget Sounder — so glad that you’ve joined the tri ranks and that you’ve stopped dissin’ us and our bikes! What a guy won’t do for love … :)
Good luck, have fun, suffer proudly, and leave it all on the course … We’ll be watching you — both of you!
Comment by Lisa | 04.30.2010 | 5:03 pm
Good Luck! Have fun!
Comment by Greg @ Greg Rides Trails | 04.30.2010 | 6:48 pm
Rock on, you’re going to dominate it Fatty!
Comment by joliver3 | 04.30.2010 | 7:08 pm
Good luck, Fatty and The Runner! I’m sure you’ll both do great!
Just wanted to let you know I got my 100 Miles of Nowhere kit yesterday, and was pleasantly surprised to find an iPod Nano inside! Thanks Fatty and Groundforce IT. My wife was making fun of the “manly orange color” when I realized that it’s a nearly perfect match for my Fat Cyclist v2.0 jersey! Coincidence? I think not.
Thanks again, and have fun this weekend!
Comment by AK Chick | 04.30.2010 | 7:52 pm
You’re so silly. :) But frankly, before most events, be they competitive or fundraisers, I find that I get the butterflies, feel like I have to poop, and also feel the need to put my head between my knees lest I pass out. However, once I’m on the course, I’m okay. You’re going to do great! Just take it one event at a time. You’re going to do great. Can’t wait to follow the results! Good luck to you and The Runner (not that she needs it). Hope that message thing is true. I’d love to type a message of support.
Comment by roan | 04.30.2010 | 7:59 pm
Fatty, I’m putting money on your finishing time, or at least I tried to but Las Vegas replied with uproarious laughing, “Fatty…WHO ???” I was shocked.
Anyway your finish time 16 hours 7 minutes.
Comment by James | 04.30.2010 | 8:32 pm
Good luck to the to the both of you.
Comment by Zed | 04.30.2010 | 8:57 pm
Just make that swim cutoff, Fatty!!! You’ll kill the bike, I’m sure.
Athlete #1643 should be riding a regular road bike too. I met him on a ride outside of town about a month ago and ended up lending him my aerobars.
By the way, if you aren’t already doing it, put your feet up for a half hour and then go to bed. It’s already 8:55 p.m. and WAY too late for someone who has to do an Ironman tomorrow.
Swim, ride and run hard, Fatty!!!
Comment by MVSC | 04.30.2010 | 9:03 pm
Go for it, Fatty! Remember to have some fun. Best of luck to you and The R.
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 04.30.2010 | 10:31 pm
Those are the prettiest numbers I’ve ever seen inked on a triathlete! Glad the trial swim went well.
Comment by Matthew | 04.30.2010 | 11:04 pm
Both of you will do great. Have fun and be safe out there.
Comment by Betsy | 04.30.2010 | 11:24 pm
Go Fatty and Runner!!!! looking forward to seeing your progress tomorrow! Woo Hoo!!!
Comment by Philly Jen | 05.1.2010 | 1:41 am
You need to poop; we give a sh*t. Big time.
Here’s hoping you’ll both enjoy yourselves and have a memorable, satisfying race. Pain is temporary, bragging rights are forever.
P.S. If any dude dares to draft off you, think of it as a golden opportunity to show off your mad whizzination skillz on the bike. *Especially* if he’s resorting to aerobars.
Comment by Doug (Way up State NY) | 05.1.2010 | 4:17 am
Good luck to both of you……..
Doug
Comment by chad | 05.1.2010 | 6:24 am
from fattys ironman athlete tracker page: “PROFESSION-I can eat more than you would expect.”
hah
Comment by The Right Honorable Rev. Sphyncter | 05.1.2010 | 7:47 am
I feel the need to poop before almost every event in my life. What’s so different about an “ironman”?
Comment by steventoby | 05.1.2010 | 8:29 am
whoa….Fatty out of the water in 1:20! Slow down, Fat Man, you are setting a smoking pace!
Comment by loveeveryminute | 05.1.2010 | 8:32 am
1:20 SWIM!!! Go Fatty! So Inspiring. Im tracking you today to keep my mind away from freaking out over my own triathlon (sprint distance) tomorrow. Got nowhere package..very excited!!
Comment by Paul | 05.1.2010 | 8:48 am
@ Philly Jen
“mad whizzination skillz”
LOVE IT!! LOL
Kepp it going Fatty!!! 1:20 and a 10 minute transition!!
Awesome!!!
(Too many !!!!’s)?
Comment by Jenn | 05.1.2010 | 8:59 am
“Rein it in, Fat Man”!! Pace yourself!
Comment by Jenn | 05.1.2010 | 8:59 am
Oh…but, GREAT JOB!! Keep it up!
Comment by Meaghan | 05.1.2010 | 9:02 am
Good luck Fatty! You nailed that swim! 1:20 is awesome!
Comment by Jonathan | 05.1.2010 | 9:06 am
2 hour swim plan??? What a sand-bagger!
Comment by Zed | 05.1.2010 | 9:48 am
So much for those swim worries, Fatty!!
Your first bike split is looking pretty solid too. 18+ mph! Just 90 more miles to go … plus a marathon.
Comment by Michael | 05.1.2010 | 9:48 am
Here is the link to check their progress.
http://ironmanlive.com/tracking.php?race=st.george&year=2010
Looks like Fatty did the swim in 1:20:46, and the Runner did her swim in 1:36:31!
Go Team!
Comment by Slowtrain | 05.1.2010 | 9:49 am
Go, Fatty, Go!
Comment by chad | 05.1.2010 | 9:59 am
fatty averaging 18.38mph through split 1.
Comment by eclecticdeb | 05.1.2010 | 10:08 am
Wow, Elden’s AHEAD of the Runner. So I guess no tushy grabbing will take place.
Comment by CrashCanipe | 05.1.2010 | 10:59 am
The Runner is kickin’ it on the bike in the first 22 miles. Her pace is faster than most of the women. I’m still in shock at Fatty’s swim.
Comment by dooglee | 05.1.2010 | 11:17 am
Go fatty
Comment by Sophia | 05.1.2010 | 11:24 am
Wow, great job on the swim! The runner has a great start to the ride too. Can’t wait to see your finish times.
Comment by Claire | 05.1.2010 | 12:24 pm
He is through the second bike split. Go Fatty!!!
Comment by Alyson | 05.1.2010 | 12:24 pm
Wow, you guys rocked the swim & are looking great on the bikes too!! Searched everywhere on Ironman.com but could not locate where to leave you a message???
So here will have to do!
** Go Fatty** Go Fatty*** Go Fatty***
Comment by johnhanrahan99 | 05.1.2010 | 12:37 pm
Allez Fatty!!
Comment by Mo | 05.1.2010 | 12:42 pm
For real? Look at that swim split!!! I rode the NC AIDS ride this morning and a guy with a Fat Cyclist shirt rode by. We had a good chat about you and how we hoped you weren’t drowning. (this prompted some explaining to the other riders). Looks like you’re both having a great day. Congrats!
Comment by Carl | 05.1.2010 | 12:42 pm
I just checked in on their progress also, before I checked the blog… Go Fatty & The Runner!!!
Comment by Katherine & Phil | 05.1.2010 | 1:01 pm
Fatty and The Runner – king and queen of the Ironman!
We’re checking in regularly to check your progress and cheer you on. Looking forward to reading the post race report.
Comment by Jabernat | 05.1.2010 | 1:10 pm
Wow! Split times are looking great. It is apparent there were no brats eaten yesterday. Hmmmm….there must be some waiting for you at the finish – it would explain the swim split! Way to go!
Comment by Tiffany | 05.1.2010 | 1:43 pm
Checking frequently throughout the day! Go Fatty and The Runner!
Comment by Whitney | 05.1.2010 | 2:49 pm
Just checked up on you two…OMG! That swim time is amazing. I have a friend who does tri as her sport of choice…last weekend she did Ironman South Africa and her swim split time was 1:18! WOW! Go go GO!
Comment by VA Biker | 05.1.2010 | 3:07 pm
Anyone figure out how to leave a message at the tracker site? I don’t see it.
Strong splits. No worries on missing the TC after the swim…
Comment by CrashCanipe | 05.1.2010 | 3:09 pm
Fatty is done with the run at 8:20 on the clock. He has 6:40 to walk his marathon if he has too to hit the 15 hour arbitrary time. I’m anxious to see where the Runner is placed after the bike since she has been cookin’.
Comment by HCH | 05.1.2010 | 3:10 pm
Profession – “I can eat more than you would expect.”… Just another reason why you’re awesome. Nice splits… keep it up.
Comment by Lord Sedgepig | 05.1.2010 | 3:11 pm
Good Lord Man! You’ve crushed The Runner in the swim. Believe me Mr Cyclist that is not the recipe for a long and happy married life.
Comment by MattC | 05.1.2010 | 3:15 pm
Wow Fatty is kicking A$S! Even a 5 hour run will bring him in just a shade over 13 hours! I think he must have really been pleased with his swim, knowing how much he was dreading it. Alas, we have no idea how he ‘feels’ just now…(awaiting his transition time from bike to run). He passed a few hundred people moving up quite nicely in the rankings on the bike, as we knew he would. Now he just has to SURVIVE the run…energy to you Fatman! You are doing better than I would have believed, what with your intensive training program!
Comment by steventoby | 05.1.2010 | 3:19 pm
FATTY’S FLYIN’! Keep it rockin’!
Comment by Sophia | 05.1.2010 | 3:20 pm
Wow, good job Fatty. Keeping track of you on line is so much more fun than doing this myself!
Comment by Zed | 05.1.2010 | 3:21 pm
So what are the odds on Fatty qualifying for a Kona slot?
Comment by windbreak | 05.1.2010 | 3:33 pm
Go Fatty!!! You passed my Florida friend somewhere at the 22 mile bike split.
Comment by CrashCanipe | 05.1.2010 | 3:47 pm
The Runner is in 26th place in Female 40-44 after the bike. She’s about 30 min behind Fatty. Fatty is close to the top 100 in the Men 40-44. Very well done so far. Although I can’t imagine how much they’re suffering right now, then again, so is everyone else.
Comment by eclecticdeb | 05.1.2010 | 3:48 pm
Fatty is SMOKIN’. I’m really hoping he has something left in the tank after that freaking AMAZING swim, and great bike. He barely spent any time in the transition — I wonder how many sandwiches smothered in mayo he was able to choke down?
Comment by roan | 05.1.2010 | 4:39 pm
Maybe they don’t like the name “Fatty”.After the swim & bike.
Group 40-44 men’s place #100 time 7:55:51
Fatty’s time 7:53:29 hummmm.
Comment by BrianM | 05.1.2010 | 4:46 pm
Roan, fatty spent 17:48 between T1 and T2 as well… and that time counts as well.
Comment by Penina | 05.1.2010 | 4:47 pm
Good that he is ahead of the Runner for now…I am pretty sure that before the night is through, she will catch up, and the two of them will have a romantic stroll (!) hand in hand over the finish line.
At least that’s my plan….
Comment by roan | 05.1.2010 | 4:47 pm
oops, I forgot about transition time, Dang !
But I’m very impressed with “the TEAM”.
Hope the Runner can catch him so he doesn’t have to wait to across the finish line. With transition time Fatty is ~28:27 ahead of her.
Comment by CrashCanipe | 05.1.2010 | 6:27 pm
The Runner has made up 10 minutes at the mid point of the marathon. They may end up finishing together yet.
Comment by Clancy | 05.1.2010 | 6:55 pm
Should see third run split any minute, assuming there is no walking. Come on fatty – kick it!! Runner is only ~18 minutes behind you (@ 2nd split) – don’t get beat by the girl! :)
Comment by CrashCanipe | 05.1.2010 | 7:15 pm
Wow, way to go Runner. She’s closed another 16 minutes and should have Fatty in sight now. I’m excited for them to finish together. Unbelievable job both of you.
Comment by Tiffany | 05.1.2010 | 7:17 pm
The runners’ 3rd split was a 10:30 pace. I struggle to run that on fresh legs, I can’t imagine after a 2.4 mile swim and 112 bike!! Go Fatty and The Runner, you two rock!!!
Comment by Clancy | 05.1.2010 | 7:20 pm
If my math is right, she was two minutes AHEAD of fatty at the third spilt. He’s tending too his wounded kidney right about now. :) Go Elden & Lisa!!!
Comment by Clancy | 05.1.2010 | 7:22 pm
Opps – 2 minutes behind – so yeah – Here’s to finishing together!!!
Comment by BrianM | 05.1.2010 | 7:22 pm
I hope I’m not the only one who got nothing done today because I was watching the online coverage. I guess I’ll just have to go for a longish ride tomorrow.
Comment by Sarah | 05.1.2010 | 7:26 pm
The Runner is really living up to her name–I’d be pretty happy with that split in a sprint tri!
Comment by The Germany's | 05.1.2010 | 7:40 pm
Remarkable, all the participants!
Comment by Ashley | 05.1.2010 | 7:52 pm
I did the math and if he does around a 1:40 for the last 6 miles he’ll be in around 13:50 or so…I’m watching the video coverage though it’s not quite live now.
Comment by MVSC | 05.1.2010 | 8:29 pm
go go go! we’re somewhere in the last 6 miles, amazed at your pace…
Comment by Atomic | 05.1.2010 | 8:34 pm
Woo! 13.34!
Comment by Clancy | 05.1.2010 | 8:35 pm
13:34 – TOGETHER – missed the screen grab!! Congrats!!!!!!
Comment by CrashCanipe | 05.1.2010 | 8:35 pm
Wow, just saw Fatty and the Runner crossing together at 13:34 on the delayed live feed. Congrats!!!
Comment by Annie | 05.1.2010 | 8:35 pm
Watched you both cross the finish line … congratulations … well done!
Comment by HCH | 05.1.2010 | 8:35 pm
Just crossed!! Major congratulations to you and the Runner!!
Comment by A fan | 05.1.2010 | 8:35 pm
13:34 — Great job runner and fatty!
Comment by Kyle | 05.1.2010 | 8:36 pm
Just happened to be watching the Ironman live when you and Lisa crossed the finish line holding hands — very inspiring. Way to go
Comment by Liz | 05.1.2010 | 8:36 pm
they crossed together at 13:34 holding hands! WOW! Yay Elden and Lisa! Congratulations!
Comment by Ashley | 05.1.2010 | 8:38 pm
I got the screengrab! :)
Comment by Ashley | 05.1.2010 | 8:38 pm
oops there we go!
Comment by Karen | 05.1.2010 | 8:39 pm
Fatty- You are an IRONMAN!
Comment by Rie | 05.1.2010 | 8:39 pm
Wow! Congratulations!
Comment by Professor Orange | 05.1.2010 | 8:40 pm
Congratulations Elden and Lisa! My wife says “you guys are all geeks!” for watching the live feed, but I’m happy to have seen such a sweet moment, crossing together, holding hands…and the commentator said “Elden and Lisa just met in the last mile…” Bravo!
Comment by Joel P. | 05.1.2010 | 8:41 pm
I am exhausted.
Joel P.
Comment by chainrings | 05.1.2010 | 8:42 pm
Congrats!!!
Comment by Kyle | 05.1.2010 | 8:42 pm
Good Job!!! Congratualtions!!!
Comment by Anonymous | 05.1.2010 | 8:42 pm
Congrats, and you finished with The Runner too! Good job both of you. What’s next? Race Across America?
Comment by Heidi | 05.1.2010 | 8:43 pm
Aw, you two – I have tears in my eyes! Heartfelt congratulations from Montana.
Comment by Deke | 05.1.2010 | 8:43 pm
Congratulations! Been checking in all day and can’t believe how great the two of you just did!
Comment by Ferd Berfle | 05.1.2010 | 8:43 pm
I had my doubts but I’m a believer! I’ve been following both of you all day. Totally awesome job. Very inspiring.
Comment by Tiffany | 05.1.2010 | 8:49 pm
Congratulations Fatty and The Runner! Truly awe-inspiring!
Comment by Anonymous | 05.1.2010 | 8:49 pm
Aww… you finished together! How sweet.
Great job both of you! Awesome.
Comment by jilrubia | 05.1.2010 | 8:51 pm
YAY! You did it! Congratulations Fatty and The Runner. You are amazing!
Comment by Court | 05.1.2010 | 8:51 pm
Wow, I have been keeping track in Australia. Congratulations! I am very impressed.
Comment by ChefJT | 05.1.2010 | 8:53 pm
Just checked the results and you both should be proud! Outstanding job.
Comment by Chris | 05.1.2010 | 8:54 pm
Congratulations Lisa and Elden — YOU ARE IRONMEN!
Comment by kaf | 05.1.2010 | 8:55 pm
Congrats to both of you! I’m worn out just following your adventure.
Comment by Thomas | 05.1.2010 | 8:56 pm
Congratulations! You guys rock!
Fatty, I’d suggest going with the story that you really had to hold back on the run so that Lisa could catch up with you.
Comment by Betsy | 05.1.2010 | 9:06 pm
Fatty and Runner Congratulation! Awesome job, strong work. Time for a cheeseburger and brew. Can hardly wait for the details.
Comment by Jeremy | 05.1.2010 | 9:08 pm
Congrats on surviving.
Comment by Peter | 05.1.2010 | 9:08 pm
Sweeeeeeeeet! You obviously didn’t have enough carbonated drinks at the last transition though. You finished waay too early given your estimate. Ha!
Congrats on finishing, and finishing strong! Hopefully you have a day off before needing to use your legs to push the accelerator and brake pedals on the drive home.
Comment by Alyson | 05.1.2010 | 9:09 pm
Incredible you two!! Rock on Mr & Mrs IronFatty!!
Am exhausted from following you online all day! It was very stressful and exhilirating! Need a nap and a double cheeseburger!! Lol;-} seriously, you guys inspire!! THANK YOU!!!
Comment by Whitney | 05.1.2010 | 9:10 pm
13:34:02 Congratulations!
Comment by Zed | 05.1.2010 | 9:13 pm
Congrats, Elden and Lisa! Now go take an ice bath!!!
Comment by Erin | 05.1.2010 | 9:19 pm
Well, now. Enough mucky-muck about Fatty not having any idea what it takes to do a triathlon, let alone an Ironman.
Comment by Mike | 05.1.2010 | 9:22 pm
Congrats on finishing it. Very impressive!!
Comment by chad | 05.1.2010 | 9:23 pm
you will sleep good tonight and this week! congrats big guy.
Comment by Carl | 05.1.2010 | 9:23 pm
Good job you guys!
Comment by Leigh | 05.1.2010 | 9:32 pm
Great job Fatty & The Runner!
Comment by OldManUtah | 05.1.2010 | 9:36 pm
Way to go Runner and Fatty!!! you are both Ironpeople to the Fatty family. What an inspiration. Rest you have earned it.
Comment by Mamasue123 | 05.1.2010 | 9:47 pm
Holy Crap!! (Not literally!) Great job both of you. Very inspiring, rest, celebrate, have a brew or two, you both should be very cheap dates tonight! What a great day for both of you.
Comment by SeanB | 05.1.2010 | 9:49 pm
Fatty and The Runner, Nice going on the IM. At first I thought I was seeing things, but your times were exactly the same. Uncanny! I guess she finally caught you on the run. I can’t believe you beat her out of the water, tho. Have you been sandbaggin’ it in your training? Seriously, you continue to inspire!!!
Comment by Chris | 05.1.2010 | 9:51 pm
Shut. Up. You did NOT have the exact same time. Please tell me my eyes are deceiving me at this late hour, after a long Saturday with kids and a glass of wine. No. Way. Congratulations to both of you! Chris [the other one] and I thought about you this morning as we slowly jogged six miles in Alpine. You two are both studs! Awesome!
Chris [for both Ross']
Comment by christymcb | 05.1.2010 | 9:54 pm
Congratulations Fatty and The Runner! It’s been a thrill following your progress today. What an amazing accomplishment and even more special that you finished together.
Comment by zeeeter | 05.1.2010 | 9:59 pm
Awesome job you two, many many congratulations! Really pleased to see that you finished with the same time :) I suspect that may only happen during your first year of marriage though!
Comment by Accident Prone | 05.2.2010 | 12:19 am
I cannot believe The Runner actually stayed with you! What a woman. I can honestly say I would not have waited for my husband. And now I’m thinking about what that says about me….
Comment by robert | 05.2.2010 | 6:17 am
CONGRATS ON THE FINISH
SUPER AWESOME