I wrote this long before the race, but right now, Tanner and I should be about mile 780 ish. That was my goal, make it to mile 780 by the second daybreak Pacific Time. Hopefully we are around Lareto which is mile 800. Hopefully I made it about 280 – 300 miles in the second night (last night) and made it through the bad 20 mile long rocks in the dark (yikes!) before the Military checkpoint at San Ignacio.
If I am at mile 780 or better, I should be able to finish about 7:00pm tonight. The two tougest parts of the course (580-600 and 778-830) will be behind me soon.
Now it’s the second full day. Most of the night riding is behind me. I hope to finish before dark. I have at least 330-350 miles to go if all goes as planned. 18 miles from the end is a section called “The Waterfall.” No water involved. It’s a steep downhill with rock ledge drop offs of 2 and 3 feet. I hope it’s not dark when I get there.
By now my back, hands, shoulders and knees are in extreme pain. I have blisters on the bottom of my feet. My butt is raw. I am playing every mental trick I have to keep going. My team is worried about me. I am going slower. I am still moving forward, watching the clock, doing mental calculations. I get reports on Tanner’s location when I see my truck. I pretend he has a magnet on the back of his bike, pulling me forward.
This is the plan (except for the pain part – that’s not planned, just an unavoidable reality). The last 300 miles I should average about 30 mph – so you can do the math as to when I may finish. I don’t know what time I will start, but I probably have to finish by 11:00pm to be the oldest finisher in Ironman history (53) and for us to be the only father and son Ironman finishers ever, let alone in the same year!
Send me some good energy. I will fight.
Google earth the course-imagine you and your son finishing and what that will look like and feel like. Get deep into that and the rest will take care of itself. You got this ?
GIT-R-DONE
Larry & Tanner,
My brother Don and I have been following your progress since the beginning of your journey and we will till the end. Our prayers are
with you both for a safe and successful triumph to the end.
God speed.?
Larry and Tanner
I am with you guys “not literally ” but it spirit , thoughts and prayer .You are almost there .Safe and Strong Finish ??
Larry and Tanner
Don’t Give Up -Don’t Give In -Keep Moving
You both will be in my thoughts today.
Like you told Maryanne ….” tell Bob that huge job is like the Baja….one check point at a time ! “ And it got me through to the finish line.You already know what to do…..you teach this 🙂
Thinking of Both Larry and Tanner sending prayers and be safe
Go Go Go Go Go Go, Never Quit! GOOOOOOOOOO!
Keep going! you guys have this!
Larry &Tanner adapt and overcome
God speed to both of you.
Bob Garbo
Larry keep it going you can do it! I,m enjoying your journal entries and would have loved the challenge if I was a little younger.
Boys you got this!!!!!!!!!!
We are all proud of your accomplishment here!!!!!!
Take it home for you…..
Also you need to get back home soon so you can take Nancy off the list….
HURRY!!!
Larry and Tanner, I`ve been sharing your exploits with my family and friends. Amazing foresight, effort and dedication as to every aspect. Prayers and all good energy be with you for a safe and gratifying journey. You both represent the embodiment of modern day heroes engaged in an epic quest! Proud to be your friend. Mark
Sending energy to you now Larry. At this point, when you’re reading all these old comments, Tanner has had to drop out. I don’t know if you would have been made aware of that. Upsetting either way. So you are on your own, giving it your all. You can do no more. Good luck .
Dig deep !!! Keep going !!!
You’re ROCKIN’ it Larry! And you manage your blog as you go. While you’re trying to find inspiration for that last 300 miles, just remember how many you are inspiring. Namaste.
its on the way God speed
Larry, you’ve got it!!
You guys are awesome. Sending you both good vibes.
Go and kill it!!!!
You maybe a little crazy but love it! Can’t wait to hear the whole story! be safe.
I am confident you can make it! Our thoughts with you…
Great that a father and son will take such an adventure
and have bonding time. Awesome, God speed, What an
inspiration.
You got this Larry. May the force be with you. God know you have motivated plenty of us… You got all my energy going your way.