Ironman Rob

 For the past four or five months Rob has been burning the candle at both ends because he and his good friend, Gavin, decided they needed a big goal in their lives.  (Mid-life, almost-30-years-old crisis?)

We toyed with the idea of biking across the country, but didn't think it would go very well with 2 babies in tow.  Another marathon didn't seem like a big enough goal to Rob.  So, after some discussion and not very much planning, they decided to train for an Ironman triathlon!

Since there aren't very many couch-to-ironman training plans around, they decided they should start with a half-ironman.

Training began.  And thankfully after a few months of 5 days a week of early morning workouts, long Saturdays of training, lots of peanut butter banana protein shakes, and a slightly frazzled wife Rob decided that he would have to postpone the full iron man training until he has a little more free time...maybe it will be his almost-50-mid-life-crisis?

They slept on the floor of a member of our church's house the night before the race.

So they signed up for a half-ironman race in the bustling metropolis of Muncie, IN  on July 7th.  They took off work to drive 18 hours, arrived at the race, and were told that due to a crazy heat wave the race was being shortened and wouldn't be the full 70.3 miles. 

Early Morning pre-race

They were a little bummed. 

But they did the race, got some cool gear, turned around and drove (18 hours) home, and then a few weekends later they set up their own 70.3 mile course in (burning hot) Houston so they could REALLY sport their medals with pride. 

Two Awesome Ironmen!

Rob has now sworn off any and all exercise--especially if it means he has to get up before 6am.  But I'm really proud of both of them and really grateful he's done!  :)