11-17-14

Me: Howard is an IRONMAN!

So after yesterday's post, I went back to cheer on Howard. He was still on the bike in those brutal wind conditions. Despite getting blown around on the bike course, he pushed through and made it to the run transition. I later found out Howard had stopped on the bike course to help a guy who had crashed (the guy was ok but Howard waited with him until help arrived). What a Good Samaritan!!

Howard left the 112 mile bike segment and put on his running shoes for the marathon. He was tired but never stopped smiling. His boys, girlfriend and office staff & friends were on course cheering him on too. While on the run, the day turned to night and the temperatures dropped. Spectators were in hats, coats & mittens while the athletes kept running. Howard was having great run splits up until mile 21. He was on track to break 16 hours. Unfortunately his body started rebelling with quads that wanted to quit. He walked as fast as he could and with 1 mile to go I met him en route to the finish. He introduced me to another competitor who was walking beside him. Linda from St. Louis. This was her first Ironman. I laughed as only Howard would strike up a real conversation with others while doing a race. He's the friendliest competitor I know! We tried to run but it was hard. So we walked and then tried to jog again. More walking. With a 1/2 mile to go we knew he wasn't going to break 16 hours but he still had a chance to beat his last year's IRONMAN time. So with everything he had he jogged and then ran as he turned the corner for the finish line. The crowd was loud and the announcer louder; "Here come's Howard Farran from Phoenix, Arizona. Howard, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!"

It's exhilarating when you hear that and everyone is cheering crazily. What an accomplishment. Congratulations, Howard!! You were awesome all day AND you beat last year's time!!

This year's AZ Ironman had the most DNF's (did not finish) of any past AZ Ironman. Two of Howard's dentist friends who were competing in the event didn't finish. So, even though Howard didn't meet his original time goal he is so happy and so am I. It was tough out there but Howard was tougher!

Congratulations, Howard!! You are a 2x Ironman!