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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: Ironman Pushes Locals to Their Limits (Photos)

An avid local cyclist shares his experience from the Avia Ironman 70.3 Vineman Triathlon in this photo gallery!

July 16-18, 2011 Windsor, CA: George and Kristen Larios Take on the Half Ironman

My wife and I decided to sign up for our first Half Ironman race back in November 2010.  We knew it was less than 2 months after our wedding and we knew that we wouldn't be able to train much but we signed up anyway.

Fast forward to this last weekend. While most here were stressing (or not) about carmageddon or getting caught up with the last installment of the Harry Potter franchise, we were at a safe distance in Northern California. We rented a house with family in Forestville, made it to the pre-race expo on Saturday in Windsor, then woke up early on Sunday and got prepped to race from Guerneville.

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This was our first Half Ironman and subsequently our first Half Marathon. But certainly not our first triathlon. Kristen, my wife, and I have been doing triathlons for about 3 years now.

I ended up having a great time despite pain-in-the-saddle and leg cramps on the bike and on the run.  Finishing was pretty sweet and I look forward to the next opportunity to do this distance again.

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Questions about multi-sport? Endurance events in general?  Put them in the comments!

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