Magnificent May

May began with a trip to St George, UT for Ironman. Mike worked hard for this race. He began training for this race last October and has swam, biked and ran his heart out preparing. We visited St George three times for him to get on this brutal course and be ready for his big race. We arrived in St George on Wednesday and checked the course. Thursday we checked Mike in and went to the Manti Temple grounds. Friday we took it easy and helped mike with last minute preperations. The kids participated in the Ironman kids fun run. The kids got to run on the same course as dad and got to finish at the finish line that would be crossing. The kids were so fun to watch. Britt and Cami held hands all the way through the one mile run. After a sleepless night we took Mike to buses at 4am. Mom then went back and got the kids and Grandpa and headed to the buses to go out to the swim start at Sand Hallow Resivor. We met up with Aunt Robin and Uncle Kenny. It was chilly morning. Many swimmers had on their neoprene caps and wetsuits to keep warm. The participants were all lined up and some in the water prepared to start the race of their lives. Just as the sun rose over the mountain, the start gun went off. Mike did amazing in the water getting out right at his goal time and quickly transitioned to his bike. It was so much fun to see him take off, we then got back on the bus and went to see him on the bike with Grady, Meredith and family and Bryan and Kelly and family. It was really great to have them all their to help cheer mike on and share this special day with us. We saw mike on his bike and then went to finish line to see him transition to his run. After we saw him take off on the fun we tried to find some great places to see him on the run. The night before we took a drive around the running course and got to write on the course to cheer dad on. Dad also shared with us "our mile". Mike decided that the last miles of the run would be dedicated to each of us by taking one mile and thinking of us individually as he ran "our mile". We were excited to be able to see dad a few times on the run and then we headed to the finish line anticipating his finish. As Mike crossed the finish line, we all gave him big hugs and knew this would be a day that we would never forget. We are so grateful to all those who came and all those how cheered us on from far away. We felt your prayers and you support.

Mike Whitesides you are and IRONMAN!!!