IronMan Conquers Providence...Sandusky, You're Next

Hello friends and family of the IronMan. This is Gary, guest-blogging for Shawn this afternoon. We just returned from the Providence 70.3, and Shawn did a great job in difficult (VERY HOT) conditions, and finished the event in a great time. I will leave it to Shawn to add his own thoughts about the ups and downs that he experienced today, but I wanted to get a few of my photos and videos from the event up here as soon as possible.

I hope everyone enjoys these, and please take a few minutes to congratulate Shawn on a terrific job today. We're all proud of you buddy...keep pushing hard and having fun!!!

Here are Shawn's split times for today's 70.3:

Swim: 40 min, 37 sec (pace 2:07/100 meters)
T1 - 7 min, 41 sec
Bike: 3 hours, 21 min (pace 16.7 mph)
T2 - 4 min, 48 sec
Run: 2 hours, 35 min (pace 11:50/mile)
Total time for 70.3: 6 hours, 49 mins

70.3 miles !!!!!!

It is time again!!! As I pack this morning and I get ready to travel to Providence I am reminded what the last 11 months has been all about. What started as a 4 month challenge turned into a year long challenge. A challenge that was extended because I thought we could do more. I am happy to say that the goal of $5,000 to help fight cancer is now in reach.

So here we are at the next to last event of this year long campaign. After this weekend we will only have 140.6 event miles left of the total 443.2 event miles.

We have covered a lot of ground together. We have seen donations from all corners of the United States and in between. It has been truly an amazing journey. So now it is time to finish strong.

The gun goes off tomorrow morning at 6:00. The Providence IronMan 70.3 is dedicated to all of the family and friends of Gary Morrey who have fought or are fighting cancer. Thanks for the support.

Swim 1.2 miles, Bike 56 miles, and run 13.1 miles.

Love you all!!!

Shawn

The Swim

One of the most common questions I have been receiving this year is how do you train for a 2.4 mile swim. Well to be honest I really was not sure. In February I started by doing laps, lots of laps, and more laps in the pool until I finally started to just get really tired of the pool.

So a couple of months ago I came up with a new game called Chase the Kayak.

OK so it is really not as fun as it sounds. With the help of Gary and Kay we take the Kayak(s) down to the local reservoir. The Kayaks take off and I in my wet suit try to keep up. The Kayak adds a little safety to the swim. It makes sure the boats can see me plus I have support next to me in case I do get in trouble. So far I have not won this game yet. They always seem to go faster then me for some reason. Thank You Kay and Gary for the support after September I promise to actually get in the Kayak and paddle next to you. I the meantime I will be the thing behind you chasing you!!!!!