In a Van, Down by the River

I just spent 30 hours in a van with five amazing people just so we could watch and cheer for about 2500 ridiculous athletes as they completed IronMan Arizona. The trip was long, but the miles flew by fairly painlessly, as the company was splendid, the laughs were many, and we knew the reason for the trip was monumental and inspiring and not to be missed.

I don't want to spend a lot of time talking about it with words. Instead, I'd like to share my top photographs of the weekend, the images that attempt to capture the spirit of the event and the athletes and the thousands of friends and family supporting their athletes. Words like "inspiring," "awesome," "incredible" and such get thrown around a lot in describing an event like this, but I have to tell you, until you see it in person, you can't understand how words like that fall short.

Without further delay, IMAZ 2012 in photos.

West Texas sunrise, from the van window. 

Pit stop somewhere between here and there. Hard to remember. Never to be forgotten. 

Ritas for lunch? Why, yes, that sounds lovely. 

Residents of the Frunner Compound before a morning run through the desert. 

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes!! 

Surprise!! So hard keeping a mystery passenger a secret. So worth it to have pulled it off!

Machines. 

Pre-race excitment. 

At the start. Such a powerful scene. 

Lead swimmer and escort. 

Never let it be said we don't bring the cheer!

Swim done. Time to bike. Such determination! 

Team Drum

Small breather on a tough day. Rocked his first IM. 

All smiles with 10 miles to go.

With Joy in Her Heart. Beautiful and strong. 

Aid Station. There were more volunteers than athletes. 

Finishing the race was not the best thing that happened to him this day. She said "Yes!"

You are an Ironman! 

Amazing group of people. Amazing weekend. So lucky to have been a part of it. Can't wait for the next one.