Tyler and Mimi Ford – Vemma

This past weekend was the Ironman Triathlon in St George, Utah. Mimi and I hit the road from Tucson, AZ  late Wednesday afternoon for St George, UT for the Ironman Triathlon. We spend the night in Flagstaff, AZ on Wednesday night then drove to St George, UT Thursday morning.

On Thursday was packet pick up and body marking. On Friday the athletes had to get their bikes racked at transition 1 (T1) and hand in their needs bags. Mimi and I want out to T1 which was the swim start and racked her bike then went for a swim. The water was a little chilly at 59 degrees.

I brought my bike so after the swim I decided to ride the bike course. All I can say is what a hard course for an Ironman; lots of climbing and major wind. The course was sure beautiful. For those that have been to Sedona, AZ the scenery was much the same.

Saturday morning was go time and Mimi’s goal was to win her age group to qualify for Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. Mimi had the perfect day of racing and WON her age group and is headed to Kona, Hawaii in October. Mimi was in her Vemma tri outfit throughout the race, drank tons of Vemma Thirst and slammed a Verve at about mile 20 giving her the boost she needed to finish strong.

During the day I had a cool job as race official on motor cycling following the lead pack of male athletes through out the bike course. I got to see the race unfold among the pro’s front row. Thank you Jimmy Riccitello!

Many athletes and Ironman staff said after the race “Ironman St George is the toughest Ironman course on the Ironman circuit!” The race had the 2nd highest did not finish (DNF) % ever for any Ironman race.

Also a BIG congratulations to John Poisson who has been taking Vemma for 2 years now. John finished 5th in his age group and qualified for Ironman Hawaii. Great job John!

Great job goes out to our fellow Tucsonans that finished: Ross Lamb, Susie Bacal, Pam Reed, Jim Reed, Franz Rischard, Jeffifer Rishard, Bert Dover, CM Peterson, Jeremy Breach, William Daniell, Ryan McGuigan, Alexander McCrohan.

For the results click here.

Below is some video coverage as the day unfolded.

Pictured below Mimi with her award at the awards banquet.