RACE DAY!!! Matt's first HALF IRONMAN - Benton Harbor, MI (post 2)

First, let me start by saying that I could NOT be more proud of what Matt accomplished even just showing up to this race. Most triathletes spend months prepping for this type of endurance race and he registered less than 6 weeks before...WOW!

Secondly, this group of guys could not have been more supportive and encouraging for each other! They all had goals and specific needs but they each took time to help and encourage each other! We are so blessed to have them and their families in our lives!

Blake, Matt, Jason, Alex, Ryan

Well, the morning began early for Matt and since I had the kiddos, we stayed at the hotel to get everything packed up. It was a crazy kind of packing for being at the race, on the beach, snacks, drinks, clothes for trip home, and then everything in between! My biggest goal was to try and watch as much of the race as I could without the kids getting too fussy...and God answered my prayers! For the most part, they watched and cheered and LOVED ringing their bells for all the racers!

As we walked up toward the race, I grabbed an awesome spot to catch all the bikers. Blake is a speed demon and had already passed and then I missed getting a pic of Jason because I didn't recognize his suit...sorry!

Ryan

Alex

Matt

About this time is when I started tearing up every time I thought about Matt accomplishing this goal! My friend Whitney (Ryan's wife) was out on the running path and got this pic of Matt around mile 2... I started crying seeing him smiling at this point!!!

While Matt was on the run, we headed to the beach for some fun with the other kiddos...

We then headed up to the finish line where once again, I got an awesome spot to catch the guys FINISHING!!! Alex and Cameron entertained themselves with the sand...LOL!!!

Jason

Alex

Matt!!! Yes, I cried!!!

My emotions exploded as Matt had just accomplished such an amazing feat! Cameron and Alex were so excited to see him! 

After Matt collected his gear, we began the trek back to the car. Needless to say, I had one tired little girl. Alex was a champ and walked the whole way back! Thankful for the backpack carrier that my friend Jessica let me borrow as we got some great use out of it!

Here was the happiest person at that moment! He couldn't quit smiling and he has so much to be proud of! I absolutely LOVE that my kiddos have this man to look up to that they call "daddy"! 

Our drive home was fun...this gave Matt the chance to stretch out his legs and minimize cramping... #longlegprobz

As we were almost home, the sun was shining bright. It was just a sereal moment of God reminding us of just how blessed we are! His love and grace shines bright at all times and I'm so thankful He chose Matt to be mine! ❤️

Matt's FIRST Half Ironman - Benton Harbor, MI (post 1)

When Matt and I moved to Cape Girardeau, I never imagined he would become a triathlete. He got with a great group of people and over the next couple of years he began to race sprint and Olympic distances. In 2013, we both found a passion for CrossFit and though Matt wasn't racing, he began refereeing for triathlons. His love of triathlons never faded and in late June, he mentioned he wanted to compete in a HALF IRONMAN (swim 1.2 miles, bike 56 miles, run 13.1 miles)...yeah, no big deal (HA!!!) I did the  typical wife thing "great honey, you've got time to train" - thinking he would compete in 2016 BUT OH NO, boy was I wrong... Matt had decided to register for one that was just 6 weeks away...WHAT??? "Only 6 weeks to train and you haven't competed in 2 years?!?!?"  Well, I just made him promise to be smart and I would support him any way possible!

Fast forward through many early morning training sessions before the rest of us were ever awake to August 7, 2015...we loaded the car and caravanned with some of his racing buddies and their families up to Michigan!

Our trip there was pretty uneventful until Jason forgot his bike was on top of his car and he preceded to drive thru at Starbucks and nailed the sign. Thank goodness a local shop was able to get it back together as best as possible for him to compete... 😁

And moving on... 👍🏼 We spent the next day around the Athlete Village with friends and the boys. 

The walk to/from transition and race area was at least a mile from where we could park. So needless to say, I got my exercise carrying and pulling these 2 around all day on both days! 

The boys were able to get marked up and then I took the kiddos swimming so Matt could have a little "mental prep" time packing his gear bag.

After an early bedtime and good nights sleep, Ryan picked Matt up around 5:30a and off they went for RACE DAY!!!