9/12/2010 Rev3 Ironman Distance Race

On Sunday, September 12th, Matthew competed in his first Ironman distance triathlon at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The triathlon consisted of a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and then a full marathon- 26.2 mile run. Matthew did awesome! I was so proud to cheer him on and glad to be able to support him as much as possible.

This picture was taken just before the start of the triathlon. It was a chilly morning and Matthew wasn't looking forward to swimming in the cold water.

All the athletes anxiously awaiting the start

And they are off!

That's Matthew in the middle coming out of the water.

Alexa is waving and cheering for Daddy.

Matthew just finished the swim and is running up the bank towards the transition area where he will get on his bicycle.

We waited by the entrance to the transition area so we could cheer for Daddy. Gavin gave him a high-five! Our friends Travis, Kara, and Emme were also here to support Matthew (and to help me out with the kids). Travis is holding Alexa so that she could see Daddy and Kara is helping take photos.

Matthew is in the changing tent taking off his wet suit and putting on all of his biking gear.

Matthew ran out of the tent and grabbed his bike. Now he's got 112 miles to ride before running his marathon!

On his way out of the transition area

The finish line was inside of Cedar Point Amusement Park. They were tracking the competitor in first place on the big screen. It was also very helpful that there were computers available to family and friends so we could search athletes to see their stats. Since each athlete wore a time chip on their ankle, they were easily tracked throughout the course.

That is Matthew in the middle. He just dismounted his bike and is handing it over to a race volunteer so he can rush out to start his run.

Grabbing his bag that contains his running gear

This is Matthew at the halfway point in the marathon. Only 13.1 miles left!

He finished! Way to go!

And he's still smiling!

We love you, Matthew, and we are so proud of you and your accomplishment!

Here are Matthew's official results:

Place: 137 of 270 overall

16 of 30 division (30-34 year Male)

Swim: 1:32:43

Bike: 6:11:26

Run: 4:43:32

Total: 12:44:12

The start of the triathlon

The halfway point in the marathon

We were all waiting near the finish line for Matthew. Alexa grabbed his hand and they ran across the finish line together. It was so cute to see her little legs running as fast as she could!