Sherpa Debut

 Ironman Florida was officially my coaching and race-sherpa-debut. Ironically going into the race, I was definitely a little more nervous than my athlete. Anyone who knows Scott or myself would probably understand why.

Even as the non-athlete this round, I found myself almost more stressed out with everything going on....With blogger meet-ups, trips to the airport, volunteer meetings, and then keeping up with my new role it was crazy busy.

Thursday I was fortunate enough to meet up with several bloggers including: Chloe, Frayed Laces, Kristi, John, Garden Tri, and more. Sooo fun to have to the opportunity to meet new bloggers and catch up with friends. It's crazy how these friendships form! And KC too on race morning...

The sherpa part and coaching part went pretty well overall despite my racer's GI issues from excessive salt water ingestion during the swim. In addition to my support role, I was also fortunate enough to volunteer as a draft marshal thanx to Chloe.

After I got over the guilt of handing out my first penalty, it actually pretty fun being out there.  Catching cheaters was fulfilling in a sick sort of way but even better~it felt amazing to be out there cheering for my hubby, friends, and teammates.  In the end, I was ready to trade my motorcycle for the pink hotness in a heart beat. Ouchies. Although riding 112 miles on a Harley with this dude was....well.... Bad A**.

After my hoo-haa recovered the torturous 112 mile motorcycle ride, I quickly transitioned from race official to cheerleader.....busting out the pom-poms, cow bell, and hydration beverages.

 

Although sherpa-ing and volunteering was a blast, I don't think I will be trading my bike in for this anytime soon :)

Congrats everyone who finished you first iron distance race! You deserve it! Thank you for keeping us inspired! And especially to my hubby... who not only completed his first Ironman... but raised $1,748 for the Haitian orphanage Hands and Feet Project.

And as a sherpa and coach, I would have to say  that this guy has a little too much energy left over? Wouldn't you agree?