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Breaking News....Mosher Attempts His First Ironman Triathlon

I would like to thank everyone for the countless emails, texts, voicemails and notes of encouragement which helped get me across the finish line. Your support was with me throughout the entire 14 hour and 42 minute adventure. The advice I received from former Ironman athletes was to enjoy every aspect of the day. As I anxiously entered the water, I distinctly remember the emcee asking "......are you ready to be an Ironman today?" as they blasted "Beautiful Day" by U2 over the loudspeakers. The swim was like a salmon river run, competing for space with 2,550 other 'fish'. The weather was perfect for a leisurely, 7 hour 112 mile bike ride which happened to include over 4,000 feet of vertical climbs. My slow transition times of 15 minutes each included stopping to reassure my mom that I made it out of the water unscathed, thanking the numerous volunteers and high fiving any willing spectator. I witnessed supporters run up and down the steep hills, screaming their encouragement while d ressed as the devil, an angel, cheerleaders, cow (complete with udders), a cowboy with only a hat, boots and underwear; and numerous other "R" rated outfits. As a cyclist struggling to get up that insurmountable hill at mile 92, you couldn't help but laugh and forget the the pain.

Most of all, I will not forget the distinct honor I had to run the entire marathon with my good buddy Dan. At 63, Dan was also participating in his first Ironman. We pushed each other over our personal hurdles throughout the 26.2 mile course. We met each other's family along the way with his granddaughter running alongside us in her flip flop sandals on State Street. During those evening hours, we shared countless stories and focused on the day's adventure. Together, we became Ironmen with the song "I'm Too Sexy For My Shirt" blaring at the finish line.

I attached a copy of my finisher's photo and one of the swim. I also included an article I wrote titled "Midlife Crisis: Corvette or Cervelo?" (Cervelo is a brand of bike) for your entertainment and maybe inspiration. And yes, I signed up to compete in another Ironman next year.....Ironman Canada August 28, 2011....feel free to join me during any of my training sessions.

Thanks again for your support!

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