(think of this as an anti-IronWidow post)
With all the talk of Louisville and Canada (some people having awesome finishes, others having ‘bad’ marathons, etc), I thought it was necessary to put the accomplishment of toeing the line at an IM into perspective. IT IS INSANE/INCREDIBLE! A few friends that do IMs are all talented, but moreso are focused and hard-working people that I respect greatly as human beings and athletes. One of those friends had results that did not meet his expectations yesterday; I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to devote that quantity of time and still face the vagueries/whims of the race Gods. At other distances, athletes can overcome injury or other adversity to perform without too much effort (or come back the next week). An Ironman is laying your soul on the line, and anyone who can commit that fully to any endeavor is undeniably courageous and admirable on the most basic levels of human strength.
The juxtaposition of mental and physical resiliency is life-affirming even to an outsider that will never attempt the distance. The demonstration of human spirit is what makes you Ironpeople amazing (that and the rocking bods). Some will dismiss it as a selfish pursuit that is ultimately meaningless, but for me, the confluence of bravery, will, and stubornness that toeing the line requires exemplifies a quality that is uniquely human in its essence, and requires a passion that most will never exhibit towards any pursuit in their entire lives. That, to me at least, is meaningful.
If anyone has a message to Ironpeople, or to a specific person, feel free to post (or not).