Ben "The IronMan" Postlethwait

A few weeks after my Linkan was born, Ben started training for an Iron Man. What is an Iron Man? Well, it's a triathlon on crack really. It's a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride followed by a 26.2 mile run. Yup, ya heard right...a marathon at the end. So where was this crazy idea born? Well, we have to rewind the clock to May 2008. We had just finished running the Bolder Boulder 10K with Sara (Ben's sister) in Boulder, Colorado. This is the coolest short distance race ever and about 50,000 run it every year. Try it sometime! Anyway, we were walking through the vendor tents and happened upon an IronMan tent. The nice lady gave Ben an IronMan luggage tag. As we were walking away, he said to me, "I can't have an IronMan luggage tag if I'm not an IronMan. It's not right." As Ben tells the story, he finishes by saying that in that moment, the voice in his head said, "You can't do an IronMan." and to the voice he said, "F you." :) Normal people would believe the voice of doubt in their head but not my husband. What I love and adore about my crazy husband is that he doesn't let anything stand in his way. He inspires me. Some would say it's just a stupid race but it's much more than just a race. It's about conquering doubts and fears. It's about discipline...and enduring pain and discomfort because the reward is great.

Close to 20 friends and family joined me in Oklahoma City, OK on September 25, 2010 to cheer Ben on. We can't thank them enough for coming. We love you all! Not only did Ben finish the RedMan race (which is an accomplishment all by itself!), he placed 1st in the Clydesdale Division (Male over 200 pounds). The spectators had a fun day hanging out, catching up, and cheer leading. Ben was overwhelmed by all the support and we just can't thank everyone enough for coming to OKC! I am so proud of my man. He is my hero and now, my IronMan too. :)

The race has just begun! Sara and I were there to see him start!

In the transition area, changing into his bike clothes.

The bike race is his strongest leg. He says he has the Postlethwait legs and thighs to thank!

Running alongside Ben, reminding him of what he said to me to encourage me about an hour before we met Linkan for the first time.

Grandma and Linkan.

Linkan and Aunt Sara.

Modeling our TeamPost t-shirts.

Just across the finish line. Yay!

Family shot with the Finisher!

Group shot of all the family cheerleaders.

Posing with Brian, Keith and Norby!

Ben and big sis, Sara - the two Triathletes

Pooped after a LONG day!

Post race BBQ at Keith's house! We stayed there for the weekend. We had such a great time hanging out with him, Jayme and Kennedy! Thanks again Keith!