2012 Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii is in the Books!

It was a hot sultry day in Kona, Hawaii when over 2000 triathletes raced into the record books yesterday. The day held many stories and we will highlight a few local ones and follow the Iron Nun. A great day was had by Dr Ron Tribendis from Frisco. Dr Tribendis is my friend, coach and favorite go to chiropractor. He finished well in 9:52:48. Della Irby from Copell had a great day on a hot and hilly course and finished in 12:11:36. And Laurie Lukanich from Grapevine finished her first trip to the World Championships in 13:57:41. Great job! Janet Dixon, CPed, got the lucky duty to be sherpa extrodinare for the day! Jealous! Proud of all of my peeps! Kona is an extremely hard course and did I mention it was a hot day? Unfortunately, Sister Madonna Buder at 82 years young had to drop out on the bike after a little over 8 hours in. Her toughness and perseverance is an inspiration to all! I figure the only way I will ever personally get to race in Kona is to qualify in the over 70 year old category or the lottery! All the athletes should be proud just to get to Kona and amazed at the awesome finishes! The season is now officially over.....What's on the horizon for next year? Hmmmm.....stay tuned!

Lance Armstrong Targets Ironman

Armstrong an Ironman?

After returning to top-level cycling, Lance Armstrong has set a new challenge by saying he intends to compete in the Hawaii Ironman.

The 38-year-old Austin resident was targeting the 2011 or 2012 event in Kona, Hawaii, depending upon whether this year or next will be his final Tour de France.

"I will be in Kona 15 months after the final Tour," Armstrong said Friday. " I'm not saying that with any expectation; it will require months and months of getting back into swimming and running. But I want to just do it, just for fun."

A swimmer as a child and promising national-level triathlete in his late teens, Armstrong has also run in marathons. The Ironman event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike leg and 26-mile marathon.

"I don't know I could be top three, top five or top 10, but anyway, I want to come and finish," Armstrong said.

Ambitious goal, but he will probably do it. It takes the average runner almost 3 years to train and compete their way to an Ironman. Most people never get to Hawaii unless they get in through the lottery; but knowing Lance Armstrong I'm sure they will find a spot for him just for the publicity. What he doesn't fully realize is the carnage that is seen among the best athlete's in the world at Kona. Even the tough barely survive.

My hat's off to you Lance. Ambitious goal and a "no quit" mentality are neede to survive Kona!