[pcsronbo]

<p>Ok, the epic report is...well, kind of done. I'm going to add some pictures. Been farting around making a blog, so this is my first go at it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.geek2jock.com" target="_blank">www.geek2jock.com</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Warning. Go pee. Grab a beer (or wine), or three, and have a seat... It's long. And for those who've ever read my reports... that means REAL long. <span><img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="width:16px;height:16px;"></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm getting pictures posted to FB and such tonight as well, so I'm working on getting this all together before the real world devours me!</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[slow_n_steady]

<p>Awesome RR, awesome race.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You had me in tears at the part on the run before the special needs when you were questioning everything. It brought me right back to my own struggles with the run at IMC last year when I had many of the same thoughts. Way to push through it and get the job done. You are an Ironman for sure.</p>

 

[AdCo]

<p>Well done and awesome RR!!  More later!</p>

 

[pcsronbo]

<p>Ok, I'm done monkeying with it for now (I'm probably lying). Just added my LIT care package picture. I keep thinking of stuff to add!</p>

 

[miles99999]

<p>Great race report Ron.  Reading through it I couldn't help but think about how similar both your race and my race were.  Even the mid-marathon doubts.  You kept it all together, as we all knew you would, and finished your first Ironman!!!  I hope the recovery is going well and that you are going to be able to keep training through the summer.  Again, great job!!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://projectarizona.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Jamie</a></p>

 

[mrscoby78]

<p>So. Freaking. Awesome.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Congrats on popping your Ironman cherry!</p>

 

[Dougie Fresh]

<p>Fantastic race and RR, Ron.  You literally brought me to tears at the end of it -- very inspirational -- especially to a fellow geek! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been fun following you on your journey these past many years.  I'll never get over how you can become connected to the life of people you've never met but who share something in common.  It's funny how there are so many of us who just weren't jocks when we were younger for whatever reason and didn't find that inner jock until later in life.  It's our common dream and it becomes our common bond.  We aren't alone after all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>

 

[Thor]

<p>Left a comment on the blog. Nicely done, RonBo... and love the plea to Mr. Mike Reilly </p>

 

[Stitcher]

<p>Fabulous writing!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'm glad you had such a great experience.....it really is a family affair in so many ways.</p>
<p>I remember that having my dad walk with me the next morning to get the photos and finisher gear was one of the nicest things for me.</p>
<p>He was laughing at all the hobblers!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You stayed well within yourself and followed directions awesomely!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ya know.....there's a SUPER FLAT IM race down south.  </p>

 

[hobey]

<p>An epic report for a truly epic race. You raced smart and executed well, not that I expected anything different. Had me LOLing all through the thing but I nearly had to reach for the brain bleach when you were reapplying your Aquaphor. Most of the time that would get you arrested in Idaho. <img alt="icon_geek.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_geek.gif"> Good thing you weren't wearing your Viking hat.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was great seeing you & the fam. last Tuesday!</p>

 

[ksurp]

<p>I love reading your reports and this one was incredible.  Your  IM first timer experience really fires me up and reconfirms that there is an IM experience sometime in the next 2 years.</p>
<p>Having solid training, a race day plan, the flexibility to deal with problems, and exceptional patience are important lessons that I take away from your report.</p>
<p>The family t-shirts and portraits are awesome.</p>
<p>Congrats on a great race!</p>

 

[TriAndStopMe]

<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><br>
Way to execute, Ron. Every step along your journey, you determinedly followed your dream. Thanks for sharing!</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>Dougie Fresh</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/74480/rr-ironman-coeur-d-alene-2011#post_2006152"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p>Fantastic race and RR, Ron.  You literally brought me to tears at the end of it -- very inspirational -- especially to a fellow geek! </p>
<p> </p>
<p>It's been fun following you on your journey these past many years.  I'll never get over how you can become connected to the life of people you've never met but who share something in common.  It's funny how there are so many of us who just weren't jocks when we were younger for whatever reason and didn't find that inner jock until later in life.  It's our common dream and it becomes our common bond.  We aren't alone after all.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br>
Dang it, Dougie... I thought I was done tearing up!</p>
<p> </p>

 

[xflbk43]

<p>As always, great RR.  I felt like I was with you every step of the way.  This was your first IM, but you raced it like a veteran.  You kept your wits about you and were a master problem solver, which is what you have to do in these races.  I can just imagine what spectators though as you were applying lube while running, that had to look hilarious.  So, did you ever figure out what happened with your HRM strap when packing...gremlins?  Congrats on a great race and a great report, Ironman!</p>

 

[jenotter]

<p>Ronbo....what a fantastic report. I loved reading every part of it!! You had me in tears more than once. I'm soooooo proud of you - what an amazing accomplishment. You dug deep in those tough moments and pulled through like a champ. Well done, Ironman.</p>

 

[SpartyGirl]

<p>*sniff* - fantastically proud of all that you have achieved over the years but this race, this one was special.  You done good.  You done REAL good. </p>

 

[mmoonptdeux]

<p>Did I hear what I just heard on that video?!?  I loved reading confirmation at the end of that report that indeed, you Ronbo'd it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Reading about your race and what you accomplished with the support of your family and the Team LIT crew, especially knowing what you've gone through the past couple years - just simply, simply awesome.  You brought a huge smile to my face tonight, and again, huge congrats IRon(bo)man! </p>

 

[MountainGirl]

<p>Truly one of the best race reports that I've read.  I also confess to getting misty eyed watching your finishing video.  You have had such a long journey.   Man, you deserve this  <span><img alt="notworthy.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/notworthy.gif" style="width:29px;height:15px;"></span></p>

 

[em73]

<p>dude, you're f*cking amazing.  there's really not much else to say.  you planned and executed amazingly, everything from training to race prep to the race itself.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I'll be bookmarking this - lots of lessons for the oh-so-tempting 2013 plan.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>glad my brain dump emails helped!</p>

 

[TriBob]

<p>Awesome job and great report.</p>

 

[pcsronbo]

<p>Thanks all, I'm still riding the high, 16 days later. It's been an incredibly journey. As I close the door on this I open the door to another... what? I don't know. And that's the cool part. So many times we get stuck doing the same thing because of the comfort factor. IM took me out of that and into the big-boy game and I love it. Just another step in the journey of life. The more I reflect back, the more I think I will do another. 2013 probably. I've actually been laying out a 25 year plan. Seriously. I realized that with kiddos, there are years that are already simply out of the question to do this kind of a workload - unless, of course, I can morph my business to allow that time. I will work on that, but no promises. I expect to have more than one company in a few years, so who knows what complications that will add.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>so 2013 I may give it another shot. If not, 2016. If I never do another, I would still be happy. I climbed the mountain, I saw the other side, I know I did it.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Friday night I'm going to meet Craig Alexander (who won), he will be signing stuff. Any thoughts from the LIT Crowd? I thought maybe my finishers picture, and have him put "You Ronbo'd it mate!" or something</p>
<p> </p>
<p>thoughts?</p>
<p> </p>