Connecting with the Alaska Connection

Before our planned move to Wichita, we knew we might be making a side trip to Madison, Wisconsin. Last fall when our Alaska friends visited Austin, the ironman trainee said she was going to the Ironman Madison in September. Ken and I figured, being half way there in Wichita, why not take a little weekend trip? Ken lived in Madison for a short time as a child, I had not been there. I am always up for seeing something new especially since Ken remembered it as a nice place. As the time came closer to moving to Wichita, the option was kept open since we were not sure how long it would take us to prepare for the big move. 

Soon we came to realize, we were going to be in Wichita for a while. Helping with the baby was just too much of a good thing for the whole family. This made the decision to take the Madison trip easier. Besides, our Alaska friends are soon to be our best buddies, so we would love to support them in the athletic quest. The Ironman was on a Sunday September 12 and it would take us a whole day to drive to Madison. We planned to leave on Thursday. 

The drive was lovely, the weather was perfect. It was early fall and the temperature was moderate to cool. As we got further into Iowa and Wisconsin, it seemed we were driving through perpetual rolling corn fields. The sky was constantly deep clear blue, the corn golden, and the native grasses just radiantly shimmery. There were many old farm buildings standing the test of time showing to outsiders a bucolic lifestyle. The organization of the farms gave a nice tidy look, but I preferred the waving and erratic movement of the native landscapes. At this time of year-mid September-the prairie grasses were glowing, silvery seed head tops, large spiky clumps, and adding great texture to the wildflowers. Goldenrod with its bright yellow, roosevelt weed, and snow on the prairie mixed chock-a-block with the grasses. It has just been a perfect end of summer. (Above, prairie conservation site, goldenrod in full bloom end of summer)

Saturday before the race was the Madison Farmer’s Market. If I have a chance in any city to visit their market, I will be there. The Madison Market proved to be a good experience. Wisconsin is a large dairy region. I had so much fun tasting cheese! So many flavors and styles to be had. And all the veggies and fruits that were in season. Potatoes, onions, beans, squash, oyster mushrooms, bread, pastries, cheese, cheese, and more cheese. What made it even more exciting, the market was on the square around the capital building. And the building did not even have a fence around it...open to all. Ken and I procured everything to make dinner on this evening, fabulous fresh hearty food for the athletes. (Above, the Wisconsin capital building in the heart of Madison)

The Ironman was for crazy people! Those athletes are amazing with their determination and endurance. There could not have been better weather either. The support crew for our two friends in the race numbered about 8 or 9. We all staged ourselves so one group could alert the others where and when to see our athletes. It was an amazing day, clear blue skies, highs in the mid 70s, and lots of good energy around. We staged several viewing and support stops where we could cheer the athletes. This was an ALL DAY affair. I think the supporters get just as worn out as the athletes. So much walking, running, sitting, plotting. But it was worth it to see those athletes accomplish their goals.

(Above, Ken watching the swim portion of the Ironman. Madison has two gorgeous lakes on each side. Below members of the team Lindsay and Team Dana support crew, front, back, and boy its hard work being on the support crew!)

The whole crew and two athletes stayed at a farmhouse outside of town. The athletes had made the arrangements and we were so grateful for it. The house was two stories with many rooms. It was over 100 years old! Very charming and accommodating. 

Hooray for our brave finishers! Second from left Lindsay, and beside her, Dana!!!!!!