j have more respect for chrissie wellington at 15 hour mark then at 9 hour mark

especially since both she and Crowie just about ate the dirt after their races. Him for the record, her for the win and just crazy fast in spite of the pain and road rash. I'm sure both of them went to places that the vast majority of us cannot imagine during that race.

Yeah, and then to pull it together and congratulate people and keep congratulating them just hours later ... wow.

Chrissie's a true embassador of the sport.  If you have a chance to do a race that she does, it will be a great experience.  Even though you won't see her finish, she'll be there to hand you your medal and congratulate you.  She did IMKS 70.3 the last few years, not only is that a fun race, it's bonus time when she's there.

The interesting part was that she broke her ribs a few weeks before the race this year.  She was behind heading into the run but easily made up the gap after 6-7 miles.  She showed her toughness that day so I knew she was capable of putting together a good run yesterday.

x2..I have always had Timberman marked as my first HIM because of Chrissie and it was awesome seeing her on the race course (its an out and back both bike and swim..so she was finishing both as I was getting started) and getting my medal from her with her trademark smile was just the best experience.

Triathlon is one of the only sports that us common folk get to share the day with kings and queens of our sport.

Amazing race in Kona and I'm thrilled with Chrissie's win and showing all that she is a champion!

... and even more respect after reading this: http://triathlon.competitor.com/2011/10/news/the-truth-about-chrissie-wellington%e2%80%99s-injuries_41672

"She suffered a crash two weeks ago but concealed most of her injuries before the race, only admitting to having road rash and bruises. Wellington didn’t reveal that she also had torn pectoral and intercostal muscles, had been taking antibiotics for nearly two weeks and spent six hours in Kona Community Hospital days before the race."

holy $hit.  I knew she was tougher than I'll ever be.  I just didn't know how much tougher.

I drank beers on the stands at CDA and screamed for everyone from 8 PM to 12 AM!  How about some love for me???

Actually, this is one of the things that I love about Chrissie.  She understands that the age groupers are her fans and thus the means to her livelihood.

I sort of thought that was just what they did.  I worked the finish line at Ironman CDA and Craig was there on and off shaking peoples hands from hours 15-17.  I got to stand beside him quite a bit.

I sort of figured that was just part of the gig -winner congratulating others.  If not, Very cool of him.

I could tell watching her run she was in pain.  Her gait was off............of course I am a sports doc so I pick these things up a little more easily than most people.  Compare her stride to Rinnys...........HUGE difference.