Peter and Vicki's Travel Blog: Luke you are a true Ironman!

Saturday 21/05/2011

Well it wasn't the day we were all expecting but that's all part of the sport! No matter how well you are prepared for these huge races it's about what happens on the day! Luke, after doing so well in the swim and bike, and looking forward to the run of his life, started vomiting and so the race was over unfortunately but not crossing that finish line - bravely he saw the race out and crossed the line 13th. We felt his anguish, disappointment and pain! Great to see his friends and supporters rally around him at the end of the race.

We were very proud of him! His swim and bike were mighty! Pete and I didn't go out on the bike course but closeted ourselves in Starbucks and excitedly watch the bike unfold on IronmanLive and Luke's MetaBender site. Great commentating jobs done by Greg Welch and Luke and Amanda's friends, Matt Lieto and Hillary Biscay! The positives from the race - Luke fulfilled a Hawaii qualification of competing in an IM outside of Hawaii, and gained points towards qualification.

We were barracking for Linsey Corbin as well and unfortunately it wasn't her day either, sensibly retiring in the run due to a leg issue in the race. And what a beautiful runner Linsey is too! Don't want debilitating injuries that put you out of future races!

Both Luke and Linsey have other races soon, and being the professional athletes they are, they'll be now focussed on them. We see in this sport of Ironman that challenges and setbacks makes the athletes tougher, stronger, more determined and motivated! That's what makes an Ironman!

It was an interesting course and the swim and run were very spectator friendly in the picturesque The Woodlands. It was a very overcast, hot and humid day, so challenging for all the athletes, and us spectators, who darted here, there and everywhere cheering very one! The shower at the end of the exciting and eventful day was so good!

All the McKenzies' enjoyed an eventful dinner with Chris, Linsey, Tom and Betty. The meal at Chuy's Mexican was delicious, but our waiter wasn't having a good night! First he dropped the beers off the drink tray all over poor Betty, with Tom and Chis being splattered as well, then a while later when he brought out meals he spilt a bowl of honey-mustard dressing all in my handbag - and it was very runny!

The poor fellow was so embarrassed! While we weren't happy we had a good laugh about it! and no doubt a dinner and a night out we'll all remember!

Pre race prep at the swim start

The athletes enter the water at the swim start

and the ducks enter a get ready as well!
The bridge was a great spectator vantage point

Waiting for the gun

They are away!

Luke sprints up the canal towards the exit

Great being able to walk along the canal following the athletes

Luke - out of the swim, grab the bike bag and off!

Luke on the three lap run course

Luke making a pre recorded comment about the race on IronmanLive

Matty Lieto out on the course for IronmanLive - great job Matty

Pete out along the run course
The boxing kangaroo cheer squad!

Linsey Corbin heads out on the run

Run course - very scenic

The canal the athletes swam up to the swim exit, with the part of the run course up each side of the canal
Great for spectating!

Linsey on the run course

Luke on the run course

Benny Harper (KSwiss) and Luke at race finish

Chris Lieto and family chat with Luke
What a mighty bike rider Chris is! He blew them away on the bike course
but retired in the run because of a leg injury