While Steve was waiting around the finish line, he said there was a VIP podium where a lot of the first, fast finishers were dancing and partying.
He said, to me:
"I wanted to go up there and tell them, 'You're not the VIP's. Those people dragging themselves in here and the ones still out there struggling to keep putting one foot in front of the other... those are the VIP's.' "
5 comments:
The finish line camera cut over to the dancing from time to time, when the finishers became more sparse. I wondered who those people with all that energy were.
Your husband's right, though. I didn't stay up late watching the video stream for the elites. I was much more interested in the Ironmen crossing the line with their kiddos and spouses, the 77 y.o. man, the guy with the double lung transplant, and YOU :)
Yeah Hubby! At least he was a spectator that "saw it like it really was"!
What Karen said.
The stories of the folks that came in from 9:00 pm on were entirely more engaging than the superhero phenomenon folks that strolled in between 3:00 and 7:00. Not that I wouldn't love to be one of those guys, but I much more identify with the others -- the ones like you! -- who buy their some of their gear at Wal-Mart (smiley fruit snacks!!)and save for months for a new tri toy because they don't have a sponsor and who are just regular people.
Hub gets a gold star for sure!
I agree. There is some drama for 1,2,3 place, and then who cares about the pros after that.
After that, it's all about the stories each age grouper brings to IM. Long training day stories, obstacles, support etc. That's the human element that puts a face on IM.
Without that IM is just another fantasy sport like horse racing.
Your husband sounds like a keeper! Hope there are more folks like him at next year's race. And I agree - it is the stories about how everyday folks worked hard and struggled to cross the finish line that are the most inspiring.
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