An Ironman, a Mom, and a Baby...

Last week, we returned from our first family vacation. Ryan, Henry and I successfully and enjoyably travelled to Seattle, Washington for our first vacation as a family of three. This family vacation was planned while we were still a family of two (with one in the oven). After Ryan's finish at the New Orleans Ironman 70.3 in April, he wanted to give it another try and improve his time. We sat down and looked at the various locations available, and times of year. Lake Stevens, Washington on August 16, 2015 was the chosen race location and date. The vacation was set for an Ironman, a Mom, and a Baby.

Lake Stevens was a much better location for the race, better than New Orleans. The area was beautiful, we were in a small town, and the weather was nicer. Ryan would agree, except for the additional hills during the race that New Orleans did not have. Even with the intense elevation change he did an amazing job, looked strong during the race, and finished strong and smiling. Henry and I were very proud!

Henry and I did not arrive at the race location until Ryan was already on the bike. Ryan's swim started around 6:30 a.m. and I was not about the wake a baby that early, nor would anyone want to be around this mama at that hour. We arrived at the race about 20 minutes before Ryan came in for his bike to run transition. At his last race, I posted myself by the bike portion, but Ryan didn't even see me as he flew by. This time, I stood by the exit of the transition from bike to run, I yelled, Ryan did not hear me, he was very focused on adjusting his watch, but then I pulled out the teacher voice and he finally heard me. :)

Starting the run. 

The run was a 2 loop course so each time Ryan went by I could throw my arms around, and cheer him on. Each time I would position myself somewhere new on the route so he never knew where his crazy wife, and son were going to be. :)

Still running...

Used the baby to push myself to the front of the crowd so I could get a picture of Ryan crossing the finish line.
Actual time due to wave start was 5:37:19, 19th place

Finished and smiling

Family photo in front of Lake Stevens.

All the cheering for Dad made for a sleepy boy. 

Benefits of traveling with an Ironman…he takes care of all the luggage, I take care of baby.

The Ironman, Mom, and Baby said goodbye to Lake Stevens and drove to Seattle for a few days of sightseeing, hiking, whale watching, and family time.