Ironman Kansas

So I went out to Lawrence on Sunday to watch the Ironman Kansas 70.3 tri. Two of my friends were doing the race: Rianman (aka Rian Sanders) and April Nooteboom. Both are veteran triatletes and role models to me in my quest to become an Ironman (or at least a half ironman). To put it bluntly, watching the race was, in two words, awe inspiring. Seeing the swim start as 2000 wetsuit clad triatletes entered Clinton Lake was an absolutely amazing sight; seeing them whiz by me on bikes that can cost more than some cars was a sight to behold and seeing them push through the pain to finish sooooo made me want to be out there.

Both Rian and April finished with great times. April in 6:24:29 and Rian in 5:56:50. It was April’s first half and Rian got a massive PR. Cutting 20+ minutes off a half is a massive achievement, especially in the conditions that they battled. While it was cool and crisp up until about 10am, once the clouds went away, it got incredibly hot and humid – not the kind of weather you want for any sort of race.

I have to share a few funny quotes from Rian that he uttered (or muttered) to me before, during and after the race. Mind you, he’s one of the nicest and most courteous guys I've ever met, so I’ll share some quotes (or at least paraphrased quotes from him)

• Prior to the swim start: (mind you his heat is already in the water and everyone is nervously awaiting the gun): “Marcus, I really hope you’re having fun. Hey, isn’t this cool? Look at…, Look at…, Look at…” Um, Rian, you’ve got a race starting in a minute…this is more about you than me. You might want to get in the water.
• Coming up a torturous hill when he’s clearly beginning to hit the wall and is beginning to slur his words. “Next tree…I’ll run. Branch (series of unrecognizable words)….run. Hey what time is it? Hey, how are you doing Marcus?” Rian, I hate to say it, but this race is about you…I’m doing just fine.
• At the end of the race after he seriously considered heading over to the medical tent: “Marcus, are you sure you want to do this crap? It hurts” Um…yes. And I’ll probably look a lot worse when I do it.
• After the race walking back to the car: When I offer to carry his 40lb bag of T1 and T2 stuff. “Hey, its ok, I can carry that.” Um, Rian, you just covered 70.3 miles and almost went to the medical tent – I’m sure I can carry your gear bag a mile.

Rian, sorry about the quips at your expense, but you were flipping hilarious out there and a massive inspiration to me. Congrats again on the massive PR.

April, you kicked some serious butt and looked great doing it. You’re a flipping inspiration to me!