Thank you!

I want to thank everyone! I had the best support crew in the whole race! I heard you all (or so I think) and even made a mental note of everyone out there! I had some time on my hands during the run!

So here's a shout out to the Super Fans:

Swim: Jess, Gary and Linda Smulka, Kelson & Jen, Schnecks, Wolfgram and Sherri, The Brozeks, Rybarik and many others probably, it was hard to tell, I was swimming!

Bike: Jess, Gary and Linda Smulka, Kelson & Jen, Stephen & Emily, Rachel Grimm, Danny, Greg Blake, Chris Hornung, Wolfgram and Sherri, Steve Reeds, Frehner, O’Donnell, Lee, Vale, Wayne, The Mundys

Run: Jess, Gary and Linda Smulka, Kelson & Jen, Stephen & Emily, Katie K, Zarun & Lidka, Frehner, O’Donnell, Wolfgrams, Greg Blake, Shelley, Marne, Melissa C, Hez & Tad, Ryan & Jill Shiroma, Steve Reeds, Danny, Zahorik, Wayne-o, Jerry, Jess & Kieran, Vale, Plymale, Chuckles

I couldn't have done it without all of you guys. Every go Mark or go Larson brought a smile to my face and extra motivation to go even harder! If I missed you, please let me know, I tried hard to get you all but there were times on the course I was totally zoned...

Also I was happy to have the support of alot of people who couldn't make it in person. Whether it be asking about training, congratulating me, following along on-line or via cell phone or baking me some congratulatory cookies it was all appreciated more than you know!

I also have tons of people to thank:

Jess- You've been my everything through this whole experience. From the morning where I decided if I wanted to do this all the way through the Taco Bell drive thru. Awesome! I love you!!! And to think the Ironman is only the second most important thing I get to do at the Terrace this year!

Gary, Linda, Mom and Dad, Family- You gave me top notch support the whole time! I even used some of Linda's Ironman tips! Thanks so much for everything!

Jerry- Top notch coaching and above average mechanic work. I guarantee very few people trained the way I did. We were able to balance a bike racing season and a successful Ironman both. Amazing.

Riding Pals (Gun Show, Baraboo, Team Schwinn, Chainsmokers)- This season was the most fun I've ever had riding bikes! I climbed mountains, rode with a world champ, eluded tornadoes, had my first ever road crash and hit 55mph. Awesome!

Tri advisory committee (Alvarez, Harms, Brozek, Nagle, Green)- You made me look somewhat like a triathlete. I forgive you! Thanks for the advice, I only half looked like a rookie!

Bruno- You rocked! The fact we both were doing the Ironman I believe pushed us both to go that extra mile to accomplish everything we could.

There are many more I can and should thank but man am I tired! The Ironman was a once in a lifetime experience! I invite anyone and everyone to pick a very large goal, work hard and accomplish it. There aren't words to describe the feeling of doing the Ironman for a first time. I am very fortunate that Madison has an Ironman so I could do it in front of lots of friends and co-workers. Mark Larson- Ironman. It's something no one can ever take from me. I don't know if I can ever top that feeling athletically and I don't know if I even want to. Thank you to everyone who is still reading. I can't believe it is over. Now what? Fortunately for me I've got alot left to do, starting Saturday with a trip to Florida and also finishing off all those wedding plans I made Jess wait until after the Ironman to do! Next year I will be focused on bike racing. I've got other big goals to accomplish in my lifetime but those are for another day, another year and another blog...