After we saw Fuzzy bike through Verona, we headed back to Madison to catch the start of the marathon. We stopped by the room to pick some things up, then headed to the “Run Out.” There was a couple across the chute that were cheering on all the runners. They were clapping and saying “Good job, runners! No more hills! It’s all flat from this point out!” I realized that they were wearing “finishers” jackets, so I congratulated them. A little later on, Jan commented on the fact that we were at the 10 hour mark, and they were already finished and showered and changed—they were pros! I thought the fact that they stuck around and cheered was super cool.
We were expecting an appearance from Fuzzy at about 5:30pm for the start of the marathon, but at right about 5:00pm, I saw this beautiful vision in the distance:
Yay Fuzzy!
We had a quick chat, learned that he was feeling great, and then he took off!
Goodbye, Fuzzy!
Since Jan and Jeremy had to head back to California, we decided to celebrate with a delicious cocktail from Merchant, which is where Fuzzy took me for our anniversary this year. Super yum!
After we parted ways Kristen and I went to go pick up Fuzzy and Shaun’s bikes and race bags. There was a check-out system for friends and family of the athletes, which was brilliant, because it saved a lot of time at the end of the night. We were able to get things quickly—those Iron Man organizers had a GREAT system in place. I got a nice grease temporary tattoo out of it:
From there, Kristen and I got a much-needed meal. It was great catching up with her, and also, our food was amazing. When we finished, I estimated that Fuzzy was most likely at about the halfway point, so we walked directly out of the restaurant and waited for a few minutes. And then, there he was!
Smiling and looking adorable, I might add! He even told me that he expected it to be about another 3 hours (it was about 8:00pm) and he told me to go get a beer. So sweet! He was worried about me! I told him that I was fine, and to have a great second half. He took off yet again!
From then, we waited for Shaun to finish, which he did!
Two-time Iron Man!
Kristen and Shaun
Then, was the waiting game! I was a nervous wreck! But then, right before 11:00pm, I saw my amazing husband!
And then, I heard this!
Fuzzy, YOU are an Iron Man!
He did it He did it He did it!! I was (and am) the world’s proudest wife! His time was 15 hours, 53 minutes and 50 seconds. INCREDIBLE.
Proud Iron Man Wife!
He ate some food, and we headed back to the room to soak in the whirlpool that was waiting for us in our room, and we shared stories of the day. Then, we (well, I) got a nice night’s sleep. Fuzzy was keyed up and then kinda achy. We still had activities to do in the morning, such as go shopping for a “Finisher’s Jacket of his own. :)
Best Friends and Finishers.
(Still more to come soon.)
Your temporary grease tattoo is totally hawt!