half iron, full man

Paul just competed in his most grueling race yet. The "Utah Half" happened last Saturday (August 27th) and Paul, Jeff, Mike, Lorraine and (Melissa's mom) DeAnne all competed and -most importantly- compLeted the half iron man distance triathlon. The race started around 7 AM and i was so grateful to my mom watching Caitlin in the morning so she didn't have to wake up early on her birthday. Although it was funny because Paul and I woke up at 4:30 AM in order to get there and get set up on time and i was commenting that i didn't even wake up that early a year ago to go to the hospital to have Caitlin! 

Anyways, back to the race. Paul didn't have quite as much time as he was hoping to train in all three events to get ready for this so he set a goal time of 6 hours. I'm happy to report that he blew this time out of the water by finishing with a time of 5:23! He finished 10th in his age group. He had a really solid swim, a killer bike time, and a tired but good run time. All of the other competitors had really great times too, Jeff finished 17th overall and 2nd in his age group and Mike finished 4th in his age group. It was fun for them to all compete together (and against one another). It was also fun for us spectators to have so many people to cheer for and take pictures of. 

I'm really proud of Paul for accomplishing this goal.  He's been wanting to do it all summer so i'm glad that he was able to complete it and do it so well. He is definitely one of the most determined people i know so there was no question but it is a really big accomplishment. 

Total: 70.3 miles swim: 1.2 bike: 56 run:13.1

 So here's how it all went down in pictures:

 packet pick-up and pasta night carbo-loading at our house the night before

 (way-too) early morning set up

 good luck!

 Team Dickson

 figuring out the swimming route

 look at that form! paul has been working really hard to improve his swim stroke but he still has to swim with a snorkel because it hurts to twist and breathe where he broke his back.

Done with the swim. Jeff's out, Mike's out, Paul's out...

 on to biking! (Paul's favorite event)

 Lorraine was so happy the whole time. 

Check out all that intense biking! We were able to follow along in the car for the whole route. It was fun to catch up and cheer everyone on.

Jeff's off the bike, Paul's off the bike, Mike's done biking and then Lorraine and...

 the race is on

 "Team Dickson" supporters! (plus Stewart, we missed him in the picture)

 I love this one of Jeff crossing the finish line with Melissa and Madison looking on. This day was actually Jeff & Melissa's 6th anniversary.. what a good wife to come and spend the day supporting your husband! That's what marriage is all about!

 Cassie and Caitlin watching for daddy to cross the finish line!

 There goes Mike!

 that's my man!

 I love this picture of Lorraine giving all the high fives on her way to the finish. One thing is for sure: these boys love their mom and we are all so proud of her.

    Happy family happy finish.