Next step

On wednesday Scott did his trade mark hair cut.  Trent wanted in. Nice mo-hawks. The next step to the ironman was yesterday. it was packet pick up day.  you go to tempe and walk around and check out all the athletes and check in.  when you check in you receive your "packet". really it is a bag.  in the bag are other bags that you fill with stuff that you might need during the race.  then on race morning you turn in the bags to the different transition areas and they keep them for you for emergencies.  for example you might want an extra shirt for the run because most likely your previous clothing will be drenched.  in the bag is also your swim cap, a license plate border, your strap for your timing chip, official rules and instructions, and your bib number.  there is also a sheet of stickers that has your number on it.  these numbers are for you to put on your bags, your bike and your helmet.  they want to be able to identify you.   

Then last night was the dinner for the athletes and a presentation followed by the mandatory athlete meeting. I went with Ricky to this. It was fun to see the motivating movies and hear the stories of how people got to do this event and WHY they are doing it. One man there had lost 170 lbs. and was now participating in an ironman. that is incredible. there was the oldest athlete at 79. he was hilarious. evidently he does ironmans quite frequently and he rolls right in under the cut off time of 17 hours. THAT IS AMAZING!! Also yesterday you were able to make signs for your athletes and they will place them along the running trail for support.  Here is one of Ricky that Kristen made for him. THANKS KRISTEN!

Today is prep day and bike check in. Get the bike, your bags, and backpack ready. it is also relax day. ricky is going to go check in his bike in tempe then head to his moms house. he is going to hang out there and spend the night out there too. we figured he could get more sleep and relaxing time being away. you never know what happens in this house in the middle of the night and I dont want him to have to get up 100 times with a child.
YEAH!! Rickys 1st ironman is now 1 day away. He is on the nervous side. the one amazing thing ricky can still do with all the nerves is HAVE FUN! He loves it. He will do great. I am so proud of him and this enormous accomplishment of discipline and determination. and to stay healthy! I LOVE THIS BOY!!