On Sunday, July 26, 2009, The Other Brother completed his third Iron Man competition, in Lake Placid, NY.
Overall, he did well. He had set out do to a sub-12, which means that he wanted to complete the 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run (a full marathon for those of you playing the home game) in under 12 hours. This year was a training year filled with injuries for The Other Brother, so his stride was off a bit.
Of course, adjusting goals and creating new ones is part of life, so going into the race, The Other Brother wanted to do a “PR.” No, that’s not a media savvy term or something that can land you in trouble for saying, it means Personal Record and that is exactly what he did.
I am sure he will post his reflections on his blog, but from his older brother’s perspective… damn he’s fucking cool! It was an honor to be part of his entourage, along with JNM, Our Parents, The Woodstock MD crew, Lady Friends and Sister In Law + Folks.
I am in awe of him. His prowess, his discipline and his determination to do this race. He never looked like he was in pain or at a loss of hope or faith or whatever gets one through the exertion of 140 miles of endurance.
By the numbers:
- In 2005 (Wisconsin), he finished in 13h:25m:06s
- In 2007 (Lake Placid) he finished in 12h:47m:13s
- In 2009 (Lake Placed) he finished in 12h:31m:01s
Comparing apples to apples, in 2007 on the same course, with the same amount of people finishing (2,051) he improved a great deal. His overall rank in 2007 was 891, this time he finished in 785th place. Oh and 2,258 people started the race.
So, what do these numbers mean? It means he finished in the top 38%, up from 43% last time. Some of you may not be impressed and I am not one who is easily impressed -but I am.
But you didn’t come here for numbers. If you did, then you need to sit in on one of my fun, exiting conference calls! No, you came here for the pictures:
Mom… you can CLICK HERE to see the pictures REALLY BIG, and yes, I will make a CD for you. 
You can congratulate him here.
