IronWife.

I am an IronWife.

IronWives have husbands who think it's great fun to swim 3.8 km in the ocean, followed by 180 km cycling, and then top it off with a 42.2 km run.  All in one day.

(You get IronHusbands as well).

My IronWife supporter shirt last year

It's that time of the year again.

The first 4 months of our year spins past. Around 20 kg has been lost, double spinning classes has been done (no one in his right mind trains on the road in this city), a new bike bought, and legs are being Veet'ed tonight.

Our Ironman will be going for his 10th event this year!

The boys' choice for Dad's T-shirt last year

Every year we stay in this hotel room, right on the beach front at the start/finish line.  This year we'll be staying home, following the sms updates :-(

Hobie Beach

We'll miss being in Port Elizabeth.

This is what our day usually looks like:

Early morning - first thing checking out the palm trees (wind) and surf conditions

The boys and I don our support stickers and get down to the jetty

...and off they go! Two laps of 1.9 km each around the jetty. On a good day, the water would be a mirror; on a bad day, a washing machine.

While waiting for dad, this guy finishes his swim.
This is what real Ironmen look like. They swim, bike, run with amputations; with a disabled son in a buggy, in a team with local disabled kids.*

Out of the water after  90 minutes -  we're cheering from the balcony now.

Playing on the sidewalk, waiting for Dad to run past
We plan according to his splits - go for pizza, watch for dad, play on the beach, watch for dad, up to the room, watch for dad, down again for ice cream, watch for dad...

Keeping refreshments ready when our Ironman arrives!

Heroes of the day in horrible weather

More heroes - IronKids

Last year was a 14h38 day in storm-like conditions. He's much fitter and lighter this year, so we're hoping for great weather. And a better time!

Go Fanie!!  Kona is waiting!

*Ed.  Have a look at Team Hoyt, a dad-and-son team straight from heaven. I dare you not to cry while watching. And here's a link to Ironman 4 the kids

Yes, it's great watching the winners come in, especially when it's a local boy. It's great cheering your dad, husband, friend in. But the real Ironmen, the heroes, are those guys, struggling in at 16h, 17 h, painfully, slowly walking in at 17:30...that 's 23h30 at night! And there will be people waiting, along the route, at the finish line, to cheer them in as well, as the announcer welcomes them, announcing their name, with "YOU are now an Ironman".