| At this point it hit me � even if I had to walk I�d finish this race soon. This would be the culmination of a lifelong dream, and I got a little choked up realizing that barring major injury I would be accomplishing it. This buoyed my spirits, and I was soon back to running between each aid station. This lap was ironically the easiest, mostly because of the building anticipation. My stomach had quit accepting calories, but I�d had enough early on to provide energy. Slowly the miles ticked by�20�21�22�23. I had three miles left. Each step was painful, but knowing that each was carrying me closer to the finish made the pain tolerable. 24�25. Only one mile to go. The race became a little surreal at this point. So much training had gone into this race, it was difficult to believe it was almost over. At 26 miles I reached the point where those competitors on their first two laps turned left to go back around the lake. I went straight, and turned left at the next street. There, a few hundred yards up the street was the finish arch. It was lit by floodlights, and the street was packed with fans. There was only a eight foot wide clearing to run on the street, because the spectators had spilled onto the road and were cheering loudly. The finish arch looked like the gates of heaven. Running that final stretch was incredibly emotional, almost spiritual. It was the end of a journey that had begun fifteen years ago when I saw this race on TV and said I�d do it. With tears on my cheeks and my hands held high I crossed the finish line and became an Ironman. Epilogue I ended up coming in second place in my division - finishing in 12 hours 30 minutes and 44 seconds, half a day that changed my life. In training for and completing this event I learned a great deal about myself, and experienced deep personal growth. To all of you who helped me on this journey, I celebrate this accomplishment with you, for it is only with your support and encouragement I was able to become an Ironman. Special thanks to Shelley, Joseph, Dave, Stacey, Mom, Dad, Ryan, Vaughn, Brett, Doris, and Ralph. And most of all, thanks to Lisa � my lifelong �gear girl.� I don�t deserve you, but my life is worth living because of you. I love you. Once again, friends and family, thank you. I�ll see you on the trail. Matt |