Their Friends Become Our Friends

Of course, I love my children. I also happen to really like them. And fortunately, without exception, I like their friends too. So, when Maggie told me that her friend Claire and her brother had signed up for the Louisville Ironman competition, we offered for them to stay with us at Farm Dover. It turns out that their parents, two sisters, and a brother-in-law were coming to cheer them on. The more the merrier, is what I say. And so this past weekend was a very merry one.

On Wednesday, Claire and Will arrived from Chicago, and on Friday, the rest of the gang made it, coming from Evanston, Ann Arbor and Charlotte. Our parking "lot" was full and every bed taken. Friday night we hosted a family reunion dinner. Saturday, the family ventured into Louisville to check out the race course, see the town, and have dinner at The Blind Pig.

The competition was yesterday and everyone was up and out early. Claire and Will jumped into the Ohio River around 7:30 a.m., swimming 2.4 miles, then hopped on their bikes and rode 112 miles before starting a 26.2 mile run in the heat of the afternoon. Just before 6 p.m., Will crossed the finish line at Fourth Street Live to cheering crowds; Claire was not far behind. I was worn out just watching them.

Claire at about mile 80 of the bike ride, still smiling.

I can't tell you how much I admire Claire and Will -- and all the nearly 3000 athletes that competed. Just to finish is such a victory -- and Claire and Will both finished in the top tier of their age groups. The grueling length and the harsh race conditions didn't stop them from smiling every time we caught a glimpse of them. Yes Claire and Will, you are Ironmen!

I snapped this photo just minutes after Claire crossed the finish line. They don't even look tired.

The whole family, after the race.  From left to right: Maggie, Beth, Claire, Bill, Will, Laura and Chad
Back row: people who wish they were part of this great (and talented) family.