In my quest to share the top 50 reasons to love Ironman during the year of my 50th birthday I have arrived at #45 today and this is a good one and a kind of unique one.
Getting to the Ironman start line healthy and ready is a HUGE challenge. The amount of work, time and money is quite daunting but obviously I say it is worth it. What does all of this get you? A welcome from Mike Reilly at the finish line.
Mike is the announcer who will call out your name when you get to the finish line and say, "Dan Williams, you are an Ironman!" Let me tell you he is fired up for you, genuinely fired up which really matters. You have been out there all day and for me half the night and to hear your accomplishment validated means so much.
Mike is also there in the early hours of the morning helping all the athletes get ready, giving instructions, reminding everyone to enjoy their day, thank the volunteers, and relax. I am thinking he must be awake and announcing for at least 20 hours straight. I am not sure how many races Mike announces each year but he has been there for most of my finishes.
For that effort Mike, I say "You are an Ironman!" Thank you so much for doing what you do!
Recent Comments