"Rick Bassett, you are an IRONMAN!"

I have to admit, it was pretty emotional to be at the end of this event as the contestants crossed the finish line & reached this amazing goal! There were men & women of all ages & walks of life - professionals & amateurs. Such an impressive physical accomplishment - a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, ending in a 26.22 mile run...a full marathon at the end of all that swimming & cycling!!! That just sounds brutal to me - but Rick did it with a smile on his face the whole day - seriously, every time we saw him!

The night before the race...

Ready at 0 dark:30am to begin the race with the 2.4 mile swim...

Taking off on the 112 mile bike ride...

Starting the marathon - a 26.22 mile run!

Rick's biggest fans...

The kids were so excited waiting for Rick to run by them on his first 13+ mile lap - here he is 1/2 way through his marathon. When they saw him they erupted into cheers that turned everyone's heads! It was so fun! Paul must have grabbed my camera for these shots...

I got this one on my cell phone - look at Rick's smile & the proud look on Leah's face!

A stranger across the street took these because he thought our little cheering section was so cool...
after Rick ran by, he came up & asked for my email to send them to me. I love nice people!

I wish this next pic was more clear, but I love it anyway! This is Rick crossing the finish line! As tears are streaming down our faces, the announcer belts out, "Rick Bassett, from Lehi, Utah - 33 year old father of four -  you are an IRONMAN!"

Such a very long & rewarding day! Great job Rick - it was an honor to be there to support you!

T.S. Elliot said, "Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."