Volunteering and spectating at Ironman Wisconsin this weekend was one of the most incredible, inspiring, and yet incomplete experiences of my life.

Getting to spend an hour in the transition area before the race was neat. Lots of athletes making last minute preps before heading out to the swim. Everything was so calm, just in the minutes before the race and while the swim was taking place. I got to watch the swim starts from corner window on the main floor. I do wish I could have seen more of the swim logistics—into and out of the water, wetsuit strippers, etc. But through the day I got a really good feel for the rest of the course logistics surrounding transition.

Change room turned out to be a lot of fun. The first pros through were incredibly quick. The first 2 or 3 actually came in with their wetsuit still on. After having the suit stripped, the only equipment in their bags was helmet and glasses. In and out just like that. The big rush hit T1 eventually and we were swamped. Didn’t take long to get the hang of it—understanding what the athletes were going to need whether they said so or not. I learned a lot by being there and seeing the things that took the most time and slowed athletes down. Learned a lot about what not to do. Definitely an experience that will benefit me greatly (both logistically and mentally having confidence) and it was a really rewarding experience as well. Many athletes were surprised to have so much help. One of the neatest things was seeing a 57 year old man, blind from birth, come through the transition. He sorted through his own gear bag and didn’t need much help at all—probably less than most athletes. He had another athlete doing the course with him for assistance. They used a bungee rope to guide him on the swim, which took him 1:50. They rode a tandem bike, and on the run they held a small rope. I watched them finish the race just before 10 pm, and it was truly inspiring.

After the morning shift in the change room I broke for lunch, then came back to watch the bikers start coming in. Ben Hoffman just steamrolled the hills for a 4:38 bike split. I watched the first hundred or so bikers come in until things got busy and I went back to help in the change room again. Much different atmosphere than the morning. Rather than athletes frantically trying to get out, you almost had to convince them they were ready. I left in time to go catch the overall winner. No doubt who the best athlete was for the day. I ended up watching many hours of the finish on and off, finally leaving at 11pm. Many moments of inspiration watching the finishers in their final 200 meters.

I called the experience incomplete because rather than leaving me happy and satisfied it left me with a heart rate that hasn’t slowed down, and a burning motivation to be in the race. I almost found it hard to watch the finish, because it made me want to be running down the chute myself, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve already played that out in my head. It’s great to have a visualization of the race now, but I will be playing that in my head for the next year. And the voice over the loudspeakers—“… you are an Ironman!” 4 words that will burn in my mind for the next year until they are announced preceded with my name. That is my hope.

I am registered. I was in line by 6am Monday, and the doors opened early at 8:20 instead of 9. I confirmed my registration online later in the week. Time to get busy.

Great experience. Can’t wait until next year!