heroine in silver nail polish

It was only four weeks ago we joined together to Stand Up To Cancer and support Tate in finishing his 3^rd Ironman. As you know, Tate raced in honor of his sweet grandma, Jackie Barrett. It is with a heavy heart we inform you Jackie went home to be with Jesus last night. She was surrounded by family and had been lifted up in prayer continually, by many of you. As Tate put it, “she was never in a bad mood,” even right up to the end. We consider it a blessing that she was ready to be with the Lord and made her desires known to her loved ones. Through her joys and struggles, she was a wonderful example of unwavering faith, hope in what is yet to come, and unconditional love to all that crossed her path.  1 Thessalonians tells us to “Rejoice always,” and she did just that. 

Unknown to all of us, but probably not to her, Ironman Texas was the last big endeavor for Jackie. A few months before the race, she pulled a few family members aside and told them regardless of her physical state, they would be going to Ironman with or without her. But despite lung surgery, brain surgery, and all that comes with it, Jackie mustered up the strength to go to physical therapy regularly, and on May 18^th she was at Ironman Texas to cheer on her grandson. We thought she might make it to the finish line; however, she was at the swim start, the bike/run transition, and the finisher’s shoot. It was a long 13 hour day in the Houston heat, but nothing was going to stop her from standing at the finish line, high-fiving her favorite Ironman.  And no one was going to stop Aunt Roxi from pushing Grandma’s wheelchair through the crowds, and probably over a few toes, to get to the “athlete only” area and steal a big , sweaty hug from Tate. Amidst the thousands of Ironman heroes there that day, Jackie had to overcome just as much, if not more, to be there. And she did it with a smile. She was loveable, selfless, and our own heroine in silver nail polish. 

Thank you for supporting Team Jackie Barrett, and in turn our family, in what was not only  Tate’s best race and a great cause, but also a lasting memory we will forever have as a family. We reach out to you once more to ask for your thoughts and prayers during this time. Although it is difficult, we have hope in the Lord that we will see her again. The best is yet to come for us! We hope to mirror as much grace and joy in a lifetime that this woman emitted daily.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

team barrett update

4/4/13 Update: 

Pat yourself on the back, Team Barrett because we have surpassed our goal!! We are so proud to announce we have currently raised $1,647 for lung cancer research and treatments. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We feel so loved and supported and know this gift will go a long way to help all those "Grandma Jackies" out there. Let's stand up on May 18th! See all of our teammates below.

................................................................................................................

<<< Gracias, Danke, Grazie, THANK YOU >>> 

I don't know how else to say it- THANK YOU to all who have joined Team Jackie Barrett, raising money for cancer research and supporting Tate in Ironman Texas! This year, Tate has committed to raising $10 per mile of the Ironman in honor of his grandma, Jackie Barrett, who was recently diagnosed and treated for Lung Cancer. I'm no mathematician {let's see...just move the decimal one place...to the right...yeah...}, but I'm pretty sure that's...

$1,406 for 140.6 miles

 So far, we have completed 59% of our goal! $837 down and $569 to go! That means we need sponsors for 57 more miles. Oh, what's that, you want to join Team Barrett, but don't know how? I'm glad you asked...

<<< To join TEAM BARRETT >>> 

Just pick a mile {or two, or ten} then click here to donate $10 per mile. That's right we only need $10  per mile, which is like the equivalent to skipping two lattes, sneaking your own snacks into the movies {sorry Meredith} or avoiding putting those 10 items in your basket from the Target dollar bin {let's be honest, you didn't need them anyway}. We really would be thrilled to have you join our team and to have EVERY mile covered, all 140.6 of 'em! Thanks so much for your support, especially on May 18th as Tate is racing for a great cause! Let's Stand Up to Cancer together! 

{To see more on the reason behind Team Jackie Barrett, visit an earlier post, entitled "Stand Up"}

Miles Sponsored:  

Swim

1- Katie & Tye Barrett

2- Katie & Tye Barrett

Bike

3- Katie & Tye Barrett

4- Katie & Tye Barrett

5- Katie & Tye Barrett

6- Katie & Tye Barrett

7- Katie & Tye Barrett

8- Katie & Tye Barrett

9- Katie & Tye Barrett

10- Katie & Tye Barrett

11- Evelyn Hancock

12- Evelyn Hancock

13- Evelyn Hancock

14- Evelyn Hancock

15- Vicki & Michael Potts

16- Vicki & Michael Potts

17- Vicki & Michael Potts & Iris Warren

18- Iris Warren

19- Iris Warren

20- Tyler & Erin Ellis

21- Tyler & Erin Ellis

22-Brad, Nikki & Caroline Ringler

23- Brad, Nikki & Caroline Ringler

24- Brad, Nikki & Caroline Ringler

25- Katelyn & Walker McWilliams

26- Katelyn & Walker McWilliams

27- Katelyn & Walker McWilliams

28- Wanda Picken

29- Bob & Wanda Picken

30- Bob & Wanda Picken

31- Bob & Wanda Picken

32- Bob & Wanda Picken

33- Kelsey Carpenter

34- Kelsey Carpenter

35- Kelsey Carpenter

36- Kelsey Carpenter

37- Kelsey Carpenter

38- Evelyn Hancock

39- Megan & Jordan Maxwell, Joan & Ken Self

40- Megan & Jordan Maxwell, Joan & Ken Self

41- Megan & Jordan Maxwell, Joan & Ken Self

42- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

43- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

44- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

45- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

46- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

47- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

48- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

49- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

50- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

51- Lynley & Shawn Tolleson

52- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

53- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

54- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

55- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

56- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

57- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

58- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

59- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

60- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

61- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

62- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

63- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

64- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

65- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

66- Bill, Janice, Flo & Lyn Nicholson

67- Sean Lively & Jayma Williams

68- Sean Lively & Jayma Williams

69- Sean Lively & Jayma Williams

70- Sean Lively & Jayma Willams

71- Sean Lively, Jayma Williams, Tommy & Marianne Walton

72- Tommy, Marianne & Kyle Walton

73- Tommy, Marianne & Kyle Walton

74- Tommy, Marianne & Kyle Walton

75- Tommy & Marianne Walton

76- Chris Mallett

77- Chris Mallett

78- Chris Mallet & Ali Foran

79- Ali Foran

80- Ali Foran

81- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

82- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

83- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

84- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

85- Bobby & Kim Nicholson

86- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

87- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

88- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

89- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

90- Mark & Kathy Carpenter

91- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

92- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

93- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

94- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

95- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

96- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

97- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

98- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

99- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

100- Jimmy & Shonda Smith, Mike & Michelle Bova

101- Meredith & Andrew Hall

102- Meredith & Andrew Hall

103- Meredith & Andrew Hall

104- Meredith & Andrew Hall

105- Meredith & Andrew Hall

106- Meredith & Andrew Hall

107- Meredith & Andrew Hall

108- Meredith & Andrew Hall

109- Meredith & Andrew Hall

110- Meredith & Andrew Hall

111- Meredith & Andrew Hall

112- Meredith & Andrew Hall

113- Meredith & Andrew Hall

114- Meredith & Andrew Hall

Run/Marathon115- Robby & LaVon Barrett

116- Robby & LaVon Barrett

117- Robby & LaVon Barrett

118- Robby & LaVon Barrett

119- Robby & LaVon Barrett

120- Robby & LaVon Barrett

121- Robby & LaVon Barrett

122- Robby & LaVon Barrett

123- Robby & LaVon Barrett

124- Robby & LaVon Barrett

125- Robby & LaVon Barrett

126- Robby & LaVon Barrett

127- Robby & LaVon Barrett

128- Robby & LaVon Barrett

129- Robby & LaVon Barrett

130- Robby & LaVon Barrett

131- Robby & LaVon Barrett

132- Robby & LaVon Barrett

133- Robby & LaVon Barrett

134- Robby & LaVon Barrett

135- Robby & LaVon Barrett

136- Robby & LaVon Barrett

137- Robby & LaVon Barrett

138- Robby & LaVon Barrett

139- Robby & LaVon Barrett

140.6- Robby & LaVon Barrett

Congrats, you made it to the bottom! Is your finger tired from scrolling? I know what you are thinking, "woah that's a lot of miles!" You're right, that's why we need you! Gracias, Danke, Grazie, Thanks again!

stand up

This message brought to you by yours truly, Ironman Tate: 

Anything Is Possible. As many of you know, my grandma, Jackie Barrett, was diagnosed with lung cancer in late October 2012.  Initially, it was feared the cancer had reached her lymph nodes; however, further tests revealed that the cancer was isolated in the upper lobe of her right lung.  I feared the worst, trying to make sense of why this was happening to my family, and more specifically, to my grandma.  Many of you can identify with this struggle, as you or family members may have experienced it firsthand. Prayers were immediately said for grandma by family and friends, including some of you who have never met her, and for that I am grateful. God is good all the time. In His sovereignty, He answered those prayers through a successful surgery in December 2012.  The doctor reported he was able to remove all of the cancer from Grandma’s right lung, and she is now on the long road to recovery.  Throughout this experience, I have been amazed by my Grandma’s determination and unwavering faith that all would happen, be it good or bad, according to God’s plan.  Grandma never doubted God’s will through this process and was a wonderful example of placing your life in His hands.  I am reminded that through faith in Christ…

Anything Is Possible.

This is also the motto of Ironman.  Triathlons, Ironman in particular, have become a huge part of my, and in turn, my family’s life over the past 3 years.  Two years in a row I have raced in Ironman Texas in the Woodlands with my father-in-law, Bill Nicholson.  For those of you who don’t know, an Ironman consists of a 2.4 mile open water swim, and 112 mile bike ride, and then a marathon, 26.2 miles, for a total of 140.6 miles, all in under 17 hours. It is the best and worst experience of your life.

Triathlon, by its very nature, is a selfish sport. It’s considered an individual endeavor, and you would think at times on the 140.6 mile course you would feel more isolated than ever.  However, thanks to all of you, it has never seemed that way. Many of you have followed me through my 3 year journey to Ironman. You have cheered me on, sent positive thoughts, worn bright orange t-shirts, and most importantly, lifted me up in prayer. You will never know how much your support means to me. This year, I want to make my third journey to the Ironman finish line more than just an individual endeavor.  This year it will be a team effort more than ever. It will be a celebration of life, a triumph of answered prayers, and a time to Stand Up 2 Cancer in honor of my Grandma and all other “Grandma Jackies” out there.

Stand Up 2 Cancer is a wonderful organization, created to fund cancer research grants and actively work towards finding a cure. This year a Stand Up 2 Cancer team, Team Jackie Barrett, has been created to raise funds specifically for lung cancer research.   I am looking for 140 teammates to join me in the fight against cancer at Ironman Texas on May 18, 2013.

What does it mean to be a teammate? Well, essentially for every $10 you donate, you will sponsor 1 mile of my 140.6 race. As a team, we will collectively raise $1,406 for cancer treatment and research across the nation! Feel free to participate to whatever degree you can, be it 1 mile, or for all of those over achievers out there, the whole bike leg!  If we get more than 140 team members, don’t worry, we will just have double sponsors on some miles. The more the merrier!

On May 18, I will jump into the muddy waters of Lake Woodlands for a leisurely swim, ride the rolling hills of the Sam Houston National Forest, and take a little jog along the waterways of the Woodlands. In doing so, we will celebrate life, serving an all-powerful God, and fighting for the good. Go Team Barrett!

Standing Up 2 Cancer one mile at a time.  Will you Stand Up with us?

To join Team Barrett, click here 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” –Hebrews 12:1-2

three-peat

You might be a triathlete if...

When asked how old you are, you answer 25-29

You think it's natural to do your business behind a tree.

You think a marathon is a cool down. 

You participate in the corporate race just to increase your bike speed. 

You go for an extra lap after completing the city-wide 5k to make it an adequate training day. 

Your wife is not worried you left for your run 2 hours ago. 

Your "cologne" you wear to work is called chlorine. 

You consider sugar water, goo, and salt tablets proper nutrition. 

You clean your bike more than your car. 

You know what a 'fartlek' is and say it with a straight face.

You never round up or down milage when asked how far you ran, because 0.1 is important too.  

You have a $4,000 bike strapped to your $2,000 car.

You consider Clif bars as one of the four food groups.

You can't decide which Zoot t-shirt to wear to your race registration.

You've peed on yourself by choice.

You've asked, "Does this spandex make my butt look big?"

{and lastly and most importantly...}

Nobody believes you when you say, "never again!"

This could not be more true. I believe last May, after finishing his second Ironman and shuffling out of the medical tent with an IV, Tate said we would take a year off. {I say "we" because we both participate- he trains, sweats and dry heaves, while I worry, pray and clap until my hands are numb. It's a team effort.} Well, that "year" lasted a short 8 months. These triathletes are hungry for more swimming, more running, more biking, more sweating, more exhaustion, and more thrill. Only one thing can fill this craving...

It's official, Tate and Dad are now registered for Ironman Texas 2013. 

We are going for a THREE-PEAT, people! 

Some of us were excited...

While some were nervous, but still supportive like any good wife would be...

And others just wanted a belly rub...she doesn't ask for much in life. 

Let the fun begin! Ironman Texas. The Woodlands, Texas. May, 18, 2013. 

See you there!

"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”  -Ralph Waldo Emerson

rest day?

Question: What does an Ironman do on his first day off? 

Take a nice, long nap? No.

Kick back and watch TV? Nah.

Relax after 5 months of training? Huh-uh.

Answer: He pushes stalled cars uphill and rescues golden retrievers. 

While house hunting, {more on that later}we encountered a fellow Wacoan, car stalled, on Austin Ave. As Tate and two other good Samaritans were pushing her car uphill she informed them, "Man, you think I would learn my lesson and fill my car up with gas. This happens all the time." Although they wanted to neglect the car and let it roll back down that hill, they pushed it the rest of the distance {there is a discrepancy here: Tate who was actually doing the work swears the distance equaled to 1/4 a mile or "one loop around the track," while I am certain it was 250 yards. However, I was in the air-conditioned car, so believe what you will.} into the closest gas station. While working hard in the 100 degree heat, Good Samaritan 1 looked at Tate's finisher shirt and asked, "Did you do one of those Ironmans or somethin'?" He smirked and replied, "yesterday." About that time is when I turned down my AC because it was getting a little chilly in the car. 

Earlier in the day was even more eventful. We dropped our poor Wrigley off at {un}HAPPY HOUNDS, "luxury" pet grooming and boarding, while we were in The Woodlands for Ironman weekend. What a horrible experience. Did you get that- HAPPY HOUNDS in Woodway, Texas. Don't go there. Ever. To make a long story short, we went to pick her up and there was no one there to be found except our poor baby left in the heat with a hot bowl of water and no shade...for over 4 hours! After many, many failed attempts by concerned parents to contact the vanishing HAPPY HOUNDS employees, we were on a rescue mission. We decided to steal our own dog back from the evil boarding facility. So that we did. Our Ironman {just one day away from collapsing at that finish line and getting that IV I was telling you about} backed up his truck, jumped the fence, stood on a picnic table and saved the day. Wrigley was freed! I hope those other three dogs were ok, but they weren't ours, so I think "rescuing" them would be frowned upon...and illegal. Silver lining: We got a free pet-sitting weekend. Thanks HAPPY HOUNDS! You stink. 

ironman 2012

"Anything is possible."

This was the official motto of Ironman 2012; however, over 250 people last Saturday would not agree, as they were not able to finish the race. One of our steadfast triathletes was on the fence of being able to finish...but we will get to that later. 

Saturday, 5/19/2012- 2,700 triathletes enter the water. After the announcement is enthusiastically made, "today YOU will be an Ironman," everyone cheers and the start gun is blasted. The swimmers move forward, plowing over each other in the water. It the most inspiring and contradictory sight of harmony and chaos. It is equally motivating and unnerving at the same time. Out of those thousands of swimmers, we just happen to luck out and see Tate swim right by us on the edge of the swimmers pack. What are the chances? "Go Tate!" He looks calm and collected. And he must be, because he will soon beat his personal best swim time. 

The guys exit the water. Tate first in 1 hour and 20 minutes, then Dad 3 minutes behind him. In "triathlon time" 3 minutes seems like 30...for spectators and competitors. As a spectator {and a wife and daughter} you see your first triathlete come out of that open water swim and think, "Yes, thank you Lord he made it out!" then you think "Where's the other one? Weren't they going to try to stay together? It's been what 10 minutes? Nope, only 1." But when you see your next triathlete come your way, nothing but excitement comes over you. As Tate and Dad exit the water and enter the transition area they have to be high on adrenaline...or high on something to be volunteering paying to this. 

Helment, shirt and cooling sleeves on. Sunscreen slathered. Bike shoes velcroed. They are ready to roll {literally}. Dad runs up to Tate's bike and they head out onto the bike course together. In the time they ride 112 miles, the Barrett/Nicholson support crew has time to eat breakfast, nail some motivating signs along the running course, shop, watch the entire 'Chimpanzee' movie and eat lunch before they make it back to the transition area. I can't even imagine doing the same thing, much less something requiring that much physical activity for 6 hours and 30 minutes. 

We camp out along the end of the bike course and watch intently as each triathlete rounds the corner, hoping it is one of our guys. They all look the same from afar- lean, athletic, sunglasses, helmet and no matter what color jersey you are looking for it seems everyone else is wearing the same thing. Dad rounds the corner first. He is looking good and as usual, poses for a pic with mom's camera. "Way to go!!" Hmmm, but Tate isn't behind him, which is fine, but also a tiny bit strange considering they were going to try to stick together. What I didn't realize until later was that Dad got a "red card penalty" {who knew that was real in triathlons} for drafting {which isn't everyone drafting during the first half mile when you are maneuvering around 2,699 other cyclists} within the first 20 minutes. Therefore, he left Tate to haul it to mile 30 where he sat in the "penalty tent" {again...really?} for 4 minutes with a stop watch in hand. 

From what I understand, the bike was ba-ru-tal. Wind + sun + no clouds= brutal bike conditions. And you can tell. As people are coming into the bike chute, they look beat down. And who wouldn't after 112 miles, right? Tate is no exception. He rounds the corner 3 minutes after Dad {or 30 minutes in tri time}. He usually is sporting a smile, from what I can only assume is from either finishing a leg of the race or wanting to look good for the camera...or maybe both. However, today is different. He gives me a look that says "don't ask, it was rough." He whizzes past us to meet up with Dad in the transition area. I'm pretty sure this is where his mom asks him how he's doing and he, for the first time in his life, ignores her...for her sake more than his. 

At this point, at least the worst part is over, right? Wrong. The marathon will be the most trying portion of the race. It is hot, the sun is beating down and that windy bike ride made these guys work twice as hard to fight through the wind. The Support Crew rushes over to our little camp site 2 miles into the run course stocked with all the essentials- a tent, boombox, camping chairs, sunscreen, cooler, ribbon dancers, clappers and water guns. Last year we were pure amateur spectators, but this year we have our game faces on and are ready to cheer/annoy the heck outta those runners.

It's not long before we see our guys come running down the street. We go crazy! Dad stops to strip off a layer of spandex {don't worry he has another one on underneath}. As I lean down to pick up the soaking bike shorts, I see Tate lean over and put his hands on his knees. "Uh, oh," I think. Anyone who watches those annual Ironman Specials on tv knows once you stop it is nearly impossible to get going again. Dad and Tate walk a few more steps past our tent then stop completely. At this point I am standing beside them, along with the policeman who has apparently seen Tate is not in good shape and has headed our way. He asks, "Do we need to call the paramedic?" Dad quickly says, "no, if they call an EMT, he is out of the race for good. Just give him a minute." At this point Tate is in the shade looking out of it. He is pale, looking through us, and about 1 step away from passing out. I get him a Coke to increase his caloric/sugar intake and start helplessly pouring ice cold water on his head. I don't know what else to do and unfortunately have nothing motivating to say. I feel helpless..as I am sure he does also. At this point, Tate tells Dad to go on ahead. As Dad trails off he tells Tate, "You have time. You can wait for an hour and I'll be back around." The race has a 17 hour time limit and we are at about hour 8 or 9 at this point. The run is also made up of 3 loops, which theoretically takes about an hour and a half to make one loop. I struggle to take a stance on the situation; unsure if I am supposed to be the motivating wife or the cautious caretaker.

Do I tell him to keep going or tell him he should bow out? I ask Tate if he wants to sit, and he tells me, "no, if I sit, I'm done. I won't be able to get back up." "Ok, well if you can't sit, do you want to try to walk a little bit and see how you feel?" He tries to take a single step and loses his balance, almost falling over before Tye and I catch his arms. Well crap. Can't sit, can't walk, so we stand for 15 minutes in near silence that is broken ever so often by fellow racers yelling words of encouragement as they pass by, "Hey man, take a minute, and get back out there! You can do it! You have time, hang in there!" Despite the fact my husband is in the middle of a heatstroke, the moment is quite heart warming as complete strangers encourage Tate on the side of the road. It's like they understand each other's pain, it's familiar and personal. After 15 minutes pass, Tate walks the fine line between heroic and idiotic, deciding to continue on. Tye walks with him up the street until the path turns and Tate disappears around the corner. As I sit in the grass to say a quick prayer, Mom interrupts me with my keys and wallet and says, "Go follow him in your car for a while just in case..." She doesn't finish her sentence and she doesn't have to. Katie, my sister-in-law, and I jump in the car {with no gas, but that is the least of our worries at the moment} and follow behind Tate for a good 2-3 miles. It is amazing. After turning the corner, he starts to jog! Talk about mind over body. After almost passing out, this guy somehow finds the strength to not only push forward, but to pick up his pace, passing other racers for over 3 miles! I honestly don't know if he will finish the race at this point, but I do know I have never been more proud of my husband at this moment.

After he enters the tree path, we can no longer see him anymore and go back to our cheer/camp site. Morale has dropped a bit in the last half hour due to certain events, but it doesn't take too long for us to cheer/ribbon dance/dance once again. Our heroes are back out there and we have to cheer on the rest of the loonies. Round 2: About an hour later, here they come! They are only about 15 minutes apart, which is quite impressive considering their condition. Round three: Dad comes by and is looking great! He informs us he will probably finish prior to 14 hours, which was his goal! 15 minutes pass, 30 minutes pass, and here comes Tate...running! Well, he classifies it more as a shuffle, but nonetheless, he is moving towards that finish line! I run with him for a few steps and then we are off to meet them at the finish.

We are not camped out at the finish line for too long before Dad enters the chute. As he turns the corner and heads to the finish I see the time on the clock. Wow, he is going to beat his time from last year. He crosses at 13 hours 45 minutes! "JOSEPH NICHOLSON FROM FAIRVIEW, TEXAS, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN {again}!!" Amazingly enough, he gets his finisher medal and goes straight to the food tent, sit down, get water, stand with the spectators and wait for Tate to finish. He's been on his feet for almost 14 hours, what is another 54 minutes? What a great teammate. 

14 hours and 39 minutes later we see Tate enter the chute with the first smile I have seen since the swim. He high-fives his way down the chute and musters up the strength to run across the finish line. "TATE BARRETT, YOU ARE AN IROMAN {again}!!" Although it is his second title, I think he earned it more this time than ever. As he crosses the finish line he collapses into a wheelchair {which they have lined up in a pretty little row} and tells the EMT "I'm done. I cannot walk anymore." Literally, one more step would be too much to handle. She helps him stand and puts his arms around her as he is awarded his medal from Chrissie Wellington {famous triathlete and the most smiley person on the planet}. He takes a step to get his picture taken and almost falls over. They decide to put him back in the wheelchair and take him to the emergency medical tent where he gets an IV and some magical, mystery medicine. 30 minutes later, he is almost as good as new minus a limp due tired muscles and a stench of determination.

We have two 2-time Ironmen, people! Thank you SO much for your prayers before, during, and after the race. I mean that. I know we had many friends and family praying for Dad and Tate and for that we are so thankful. On the previous post, I mentioned that Dad and Tate are not able to do this on their strength alone, which was more evident than ever this year. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and thank you Lord for your grace and provision during their 14 hours of need.

These two guys are my heroes! I don't know how they push themselves to accomplish the things that they do, but they do it admirably. They are strong not only in body, but more importantly in character and spirit. Thank you for being outstanding role models to us all, but especially to me on a daily basis. I love you both!  

the trime is near

Ironman Texas is in 55 hours. That's right. Tate and Dad have trained and trained...and trained, and now the anticipated race is finally already here! The the bike tires are aired and the spandex is packed. The guys hit the road to The Woodlands tomorrow morning. Last year, they finished the race in 14 hours and are hoping to beat that time this year. They start the 140.6 mile trek at 7:00 AM Saturday morning. Both of our heroes would tell you they physically and mentally could not do this on their strength alone. Thus, prayers are much appreciated and needed!
When you go to bed Friday night pray that in a matter of hours, as they wake up around 4 AM, that their nerves will be calmed prior to the 2.4 mile swim, and they will begin the day with the nutrition they need. Ask that they get through the water safely and calmly.
When you wake up Saturday, pray that they remain healthy, determined, and hydrated on that 112 mile bike ride.
As you eat dinner, pray that they have the physical and mental strength and perseverance to fight through the 26.2 mile run to reach that coveted finish line! Thanks for your support. I know it means so much that you are behind them all 140.6 miles and more.

IRONMAN TEXAS 2012 OR BUST! 

peace,
your ironmate

this weekend

This past weekend was fun. Really fun! As usual, when in Allen, we crammed a lot into just a few days. We went to a Mavs game, ate good meals and saw friends. The guys went on a 112 mile bike ride {the full distance of Ironman bike course} while my mom and I got manis/pedis, shopped, and went to Jess' bridal shower. Oh, also on the weekend agenda-

Dad got an awesome helmet tan

and

Wrigley got glasses! 

Believe it or not, those are the best {and only} pictures I took throughout the entire weekend. Luckily for everyone they are amazing and beyond post worthy. 

tall texan: part deux

What do these things have in common:

triathletes, men in Texas flag t-shirts, guns, pink snorkels, strippers

They can all be found at the Tall Texan triathlon 70.3! 

We had so much fun at last year's race, we made the trek back to Boerne, Texas for another exciting weekend of swimming, biking, running and antique shopping. The only difference between this year and last was that Tate was on the "disabled list" so he couldn't run and the man shooting the "start gun" left his Texas flag t-shirt at home. Double bummer.

thousands dozens of triathletes at the swim start waiting for the fog to clear

typical. Tate talking strategy and Dad focusing

and they're off

luckily, pink snorkel made another appearance 

 

well, that's always a comforting sight

trying to resist those {wetsuit} strippers 

ladies- no means no.

"kinda dizzy" while running to the transition area

wild bill out and about

starting the 56-mile bike. it was a rough ride from what I heard 

consisting of cattle guards, lost water bottles and "loose livestock."

touching sight: the tri dualthete cheering on triathletes

go dad! you're almost there...er...halfway there. 6 more miles to go!

the 2nd place athlete in his age division and his #1 fan

us

Way to go guys! Next race: Ironman Texas 140.6 May 19, 2012