10. Sharing pizza and chicken wings as part of Michael and Dave’s fat and carbo-loading last supper
9. Listening to U2’s ‘Beautiful Day’ after the horn blew at the start of the 2003 Ironman World Championships
8. Enjoying a leisurely brunch after the swim start in the knowledge that I was not missing any of the “Ironman action”
7. Knowing I had the “best seat in the house” on the back of Bryan’s scooter, riding around the bike and run courses
6. “Scootering by” a surprised Dave Bailey as he dominated one of the hills in the dead zone – “Get it Done Dave – you own this hill”
5. Chris McCormack’s broad smile when I yelled “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” as he slowed to a walk in the Energy Lab
4. Snapping a pic of Michael and Dave high 5’ing while passing one another on the marathon
3. Experiencing the enthusiastic crowd as the final athletes crossed the line before the midnight (17 hour) cut-off time
2. The look of surprise and excitement on Michael’s face when his name was announced as the winner of the fastest amateur bike split (a.k.a. Hammerhead award) at the Banquet dinner
1. Being able to count two world class triathletes among my biking buddies – inspiring and motivating!
Bonus moment…
Watching Dave Bailey giggle like a schoolgirl while being humped by a 300lb horny monk seal when snorkeling the day after the race
