After his first, rather disoriented call from the medical tent, George called me back about 45 minutes later sounding much improved. I went to the medical tent to help him carry his stuff back to the hotel, then went to the transition area to pick up his bike. The crowds were huge, especially since I had to pass the exit for the finish line, and there were people celebrating and people not celebrating. This is the bittersweet part of Ironman. When you finish, you feel bad for the non-finishers. When you don't finish, well, you just want to go home.
George had a good day until a few miles into the marathon. The swim worked out perfectly for him: he only got kicked hard once in the jaw. The first 56 miles of the bike were "fun" and the rest solid. No worries. He started the marathon with a few 9:40 miles and felt like it would all work out.
Then, not so much. By mile 15, he knew things were bad. Really bad. He was dizzy and disoriented, so he sat down. When he would stand up, his vision would gray at the edges. When he approached the medical staff, one of them said, "You realize if we touch you, it's a DQ?" His fingers and toes were tingling and he said, "Yeah." He knew when to stop.
The medical staff at an Ironman are top notch. These people take outstanding care of the athletes. Students are assigned to see that no athlete is left alone, ever. The nurses, doctors, and medical technologists are attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly. I was amazed at how quickly George was back on his feet, and he sang the medical staff's praises over a burger at the Cooper Tavern.
I'm proud of George for going so far. I'm even prouder of him for realizing he needed to stop before he hurt himself. And now, we are both going to bed. It's been a long day full of accomplishment, and we have a long drive tomorrow.
so proud of your hubby!!
ReplyDeleteI wondered about the assistance part--can family members give the athlete food or drink?
ReplyDeleteWhat an accomplishment! To tackle something like that, train and sacrifice for it, and then realize that, for your safety and the safety of others you need to drop out...well, that is a heroic thing to do. I was there with you in spirit, and glad George is okay.
ReplyDeleteHey, Susan, I've noticed quite a few Iron Couples finishing. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteI would think that for an athlete like George, it would be as hard to stop, as to keep on. I'm sorry he wasn't able to finish, but am so glad that he realized he needed help. You guys get some rest, and hope to see some more photos tomorrow! Hugs...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that he is feeling better; I about freaked when I saw your earlier post about him going to the medical tent.
ReplyDeleteBut hey, now you both need to come back to Madison, right? :)
Hi Susan! Thanks for the link to your blog to see the updates. What an accomplishment to get so far. I am sure it was bittersweet, but he should be proud. Getting through one is good enough, he is a maniac to even attempt six! Hope the drive home goes well tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteMegan T.
One of the finishers just proposed to his girlfriend. She was along the barricades just a few yards from the finish line. She was totally surprised, but she said Yes! He had carried the ring the whole time.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad your hubby is okay...an amazing accomplishment and I am sure he will try again. Hope you both get rested up and had a safe trip home.
ReplyDeleteHi there, so glad that George is ok, sad for him that he didn't manage to finish but what a star to acknowledge when it's time to stop. You must be so proud of him. Way to go and well done George!:) xx
ReplyDeleteFinish or no finish...George is truly an Iron Man! Anybody who goes through all that training and actually takes part in the event (and knows when it is time to stop) deserves that accolade. Thanks for sharing your exciting weekend with us.
ReplyDeleteKnowing when to stop is a great accomplishment, too. There will be another race, although I understand that it is a disappointment. We are usually on the Big Island in October, and walk up to the Queen K highway to watch the Ironman bikers go by (and come back, too!), and cheer them on. We haven't driven to Kailua-Kona to see the swim or marathon because parking would be a nightmare, but we watch on internet/TV. I am in awe of anyone who competes! Especially some seen here -- bikers using their arms to pedal special bikes, bikers who have lost limbs, and last year, a blind man on a tandem bike. Kudos to George!
ReplyDeleteWow - just read the updates on the Ironman. Congrats to your husband no matter if he finished or not! Glad he took care of himself instead of an ego!
ReplyDeleteGlad he has you to take care of him too :)
Maria