Joy and Pain in the Half Iron Distance-- 1.2 Mile Swim, 56 Mile Bike, 13.1 Mile Run

Let me begin with JOY:

7:30 am.  Lake Tobesofkee, Macon, GA
First Attempt at the Half Iron Distance.

* Having a husband who happily takes two days off work, books the hotel, attends to your every need (and whim), and cheers for you all day!

* Swimming nearly a mile and a half in open water as the sun begins to rise over the hills surrounding Lake Tobesofkee.
* Realizing that you feel GOOD even if a great many people with your same color swim cap are WAY in front of you.

* Successfully mounting your bike while running!
* Sweeping past farmland, cattle, cotton fields, and sleepy horses as the sun grows brighter and the sky turns brilliant blue.
* Getting to say, "On your left!" to more than a few cyclists, and NOT getting a flat tire!
* Successfully grasping a water bottle from a volunteer as you roll by on your bicycle.
* Finally finishing that 56 mile ride!

* Beginning a half marathon in 90 degree heat and thinking, "Well, I'm almost done!"
* Aid stations every mile-- where you pour ice shamelessly down your tri suit (front and back).  "Aaahh!"
* Realizing you can put an ice water soaked rag on your head and feel marvelous . . . for about 2 minutes. 
* Giving thumbs up and "Way to go!" encouragement to your fellow sufferers . . . Ahem, triathletes.

* FINISH LINE  FINISH LINE  FINISH LINE!

And once all that is said, it is easy to forget the muscle cramps, saddle sores, and exhaustion that you lived with for 6+ hours on the day you did your first Half Iron Distance.