My Iron-daughter! Lake Steven's Ironman 70.3

I have added some of Keri's pictures in this post.  She is a talented and gifted photographer!  You will be able to tell which ones are hers! Thanks for sharing Keri.  I will probably do a post with all of her pictures just so I have them on my blog and in my blog book in the future.

Rise and shine.  It is time to get up after not much sleep!  Katie had the least sleep and she needed it the most.  It is so exciting to share in the successes of your children.

Packed up and ready to leave!

 Yes, it is very, very dark!

 Time for numbering!

 Oh, yes you are!

 Checking out the pictures already taken!

 We found this sign at the swim area.  HMMMM!

 Nice foggy morning.  The buoys were difficult for us to see they were so far away.  A 1.2 mile swim is a long, long swim.

 Steve came to join us in the morning.

 Time to suit up!

 

Katie has the best game face ever!

And then there is this!

 

 There she is ready to go!

Katie is right in front facing us.

 Dipping in the water!

 Ready, set, go.  I was already teary eyed.  So proud of her!

 Transition went great and off on the bike!  Keri got pictures of her face.  I did not.

 Love this picture!  Keri of course.

My picture!  I am not a pro just a mom. 

We could follow Katie online and we didn't see her time at 44 miles and we were really worried about her.  My stomach hurt and I just kept thinking if something happened I was her emergency contact so I would be called.  Turns out that the 44 mile time didn't post for some reason until later.  Whew, I was relieved.  She was still on her way. Her chain came off twice which slowed her down some but didn't even begin to stop her.  

 The set up at the finish line.

 This is what Katie was after.  The finishers medal.

The 56 miles on the bike is over and now the 13.1 half marathon.  Unreal.  It was so inspiring to see all these athletes pushing the limits.  So emotional.  As we waited for Katie to pass at our viewing spots my anxiety rose.  How is she?  Is she feeling OK?  When we will see her?  Always a relief to see her go by.

Often when we saw Katie on the run she would ask if she was going to make it, would she get a medal.  She knew she could go the distance she just didn't want to get cut off.  The cut off had already occurred earlier but she was still concerned about her time.  Go Katie Go was the battle cry.  

 She did it!  Finished!  This time is not accurate because it doesn't take into account her start time. See the Team Gleason supporters on the left.  Wow!  Katie ran across the two women that were running this with Team Gleason jerseys on a couple of times.  Hard to have much conversation during an Ironman.  I happened to see them as they were leaving and I introduced myself.  I told them Katie was still on the course.  I also said how concerned she was about the medal.  One of the ladies said she would give Katie hers if Katie wasn't given one.  So nice.  She was serious.  Kelly and Sarah did the course and their hubbies were there too.  All of them immediately said we are putting our stuff away and waiting to cheer her on. They did!  I don't know how long they waited but they didn't care.  As they saw her come into the finishers shoot they ran along beside her outside the shoot and cheered her on.  A moment to remember.  Tears!  We were all thankful for their support!  Katie didn't know they were waiting for her and she cried tears of joy.

 NO WHITE FLAGS

You did it Katie.  As I am writing this I am crying and celebrating your accomplishment!  I am so proud of you!  You did it!  You got your medal.  You are an official 1/2 Ironman finisher!

 This picture speaks for itself.

 Take a seat and give me a high five.

 Kelly, Sarah and Katie!  Thanks for the support.

 This man finished behind Katie.  He was ahead of her for a while and she passed him. Look at his smile.  Katie waited for him so she could give him a hug.  He said, "Hey, why didn't you wait for me?" So funny!

 Sisters!

The support crew!

 Katie's boss Dan, has been a huge support for Katie throughout all her athletic adventures.  He hung out with us and waited for Katie and gave her some encouraging words along the way.  He is a special man!  Thanks for supporting Katie, Dan!  We love you for it.

 The day ended with some food and sleep.  I cannot describe what it was like watching this event.  It was a life memory.  One of those things that you will remember forever.  I am so glad I had doctor's orders to skip my sprint triathlon in Chelan!  I would have seen the pictures and felt the joy but being there made it bigger and better!  Congratulations to Katie Renee Fuller for a job well done!  Awesome Ain't Easy and you were awesome Katie!  Beyond awesome!  Love you! MOM