Swimming in June and a recap FFH @ Ironman Raleigh 70.3

There we were this am in the low 50s-- 22 of us as I counted, at 6 am. Main set had us in and out of the water, squats, pushups, scissor kicks and lunges bookending sets of 100s. In the "gentle" droplets of rain.  And the swimmer with the biggest smile on his face?? Chip Burke. Who came across the finish line for his first 70.3 @ Raleigh on Sunday-- euphoric by photo.  His goal was to finish strong, not to crash midway through. He had no medal expectations or world record goals, he suspected it wouldn't qualify him for the Olympics.  But he trained hard and differently, all with the goal to maintain fitness. And he was still glowing this am, despite the chill and what must have been some tired muscles. For this swimmer (me)--- being a part of a team isn't about creating all of the energy and drive every day to get in the water, to go for that run, to finish that last ID consult during the day strong by myself--- being a part of a team of athletes allows for us to borrow from each others auras. And today--- Chip-- you could have powered the sun. So congrats to all of our triathletes, we are really proud of your example. And mostly, we hope that you had fun!

David Roger:

finished strong with a time of 5:58:50 in a very competitive 45-49 AG

Bill Demchek: 3rd OA in the 55-59 AG w. a time of 5:23:23

Chip Burke: finished his first Ironman 70.3 with a smile and more energy than 90% of the day's finishers

Jim Meyers:

helped Team Pittsburgh Flying Fish Heads to a 1st OA Relay Championship, with his outstanding bike split

Debbie Guild:

was an intrigal member of the Team Pittsburgh Blister Sisters Relay who took 2nd OA ... to Team PGH Flying Fish Heads:)