Awesome finish!!  That was worth staying awake for!  Great job, Christina!!

So proud of our girls!!! Can't wait to hear all about it!

CONGRATULATIONS, SUZY AND CHRISTINA!!!

Thanks for tracking Christina and me all day long.  It was certainly not the day I'd hope for, but it's the result I was able to give.  Like Dino said, the big problem was my back from the first mile.  It started on the second loop of the bike course.  It was extremely windy and I think my form was probably poor as a result.  This has happened to me a couple of times before, but it's always been able to recover after a few miles.  Three Tylenol later, no relief.  The thought of walking an entire marathon was devastating, so ran until I couldn't take it and then walked.  To say I am not disappointed would be a lie, but that's IM and life.  Very hard to put all your eggs in one basket, be in the best shape of your life and squander the opportunity.  Enough of the boo-hoo. 

On the positive side, it was great to meet Christina.  It was great to hang out with her in the secret spot before the swim and yell words of encouragment on the course.  It makes me realize how cool it is to have a group like this where you can communicate online for years and then meet up like you're good friends.  CONGRATULATIONS CHRISTINA.  YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!

Huge effort today by both of you, I love you attitude, you're tougher than anyone I know. I agree that this MG is awesome, knowing I had people following my splits every time I crossed a timing mat in my marathon made all the difference and in my last few km's I kept your advice to stay tough to the end in my mind.

Fantastic job both of you. Super proud of your amazing efforts to overcome.  That's why we love ironman!!!!  

 Christina..........YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!!!!!

Suzy........third times a charm! 

Christina, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!!!!

Congratulations!! Super tough day. But then, it always is. As my daughter and I keep saying over and over and over, "If this were easy, everybody would do it."

You are both a true inspiration.

Well done, Suzy and Christina! Way to persevere! Rest up and celebrate!

Terps - I'm so thrilled for you! Congratulations on your comeback!

For those of you who aren't my FB friends, here is a picture of Christina and me in the "secret" location:

Two beautiful, wonderful ladies ready to embark on an EPIC day!  Love it!

“Challenges make life interesting, however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful”

by Mark Twain

Congratulations to Suzy and Christina on their incredible achievements this weekend! You guys are true fighters that never, ever give up and I am so proud of you.  Amazing resolve and willpower!  Enjoy the recovery, ladies.