Finding Ultra (22 page)

The Bad News Bears.
At my first Ultraman in 2008, I depended on this trusty crew
(FROM LEFT)
: Chris Uettwiller, my dad, and the irrepressible LW Walman. None of us had any idea what we were doing. And that made it awesome.

Hang Loose.
Cruising during Ultraman 2008. Things were much simpler early in the race when I had just one simple goal: finish.
(PHOTO BY RICK KENT)

Post-Crash Face Bash.
No, this isn't a Botox treatment. Rather, I'm in the ER after landing on my face during a training ride while prepping for Ultraman 2009. To this day, I have no feeling in my lower lip. But I still like kissing my wife.

Please Tell Me It's Over.
Seconds after completing Day Two of Ultraman 2009, I collapse in pain and relief. After crashing my bike just 35 miles into the 170-mile bike leg, I somehow found the wherewithal to finish, despite a very battered and swollen knee.
(PHOTO BY RICK KENT)

Trapper Sets the Pace.
Crewing my run on Day Three of Ultraman 2009, my stepson Trapper works overtime to keep me hydrated and on pace.

Blessed.
Celebrating with my family just moments after completing the Day Three 52.4-mile run at Ultraman 2009. Don't let the smile fool you. Moments later I was flat on my back.

Slow Down: This Is Molokai.
Jason Lester
(FAR LEFT)
and I
(FAR RIGHT)
prepare to embark on the marathon leg of EPIC5 Day Three on Molokai along with locals Rodney Nelson (a schoolteacher,
CENTER LEFT
) and high schooler Akona Adolpho
(CENTER RIGHT)
.
(PHOTO BY REBECCA MORGAN)

How Many Did You Say? FIVE!
On the fifth and final leg of EPIC5—attempting to complete five iron-distance triathlons on five islands—Jason Lester
(LEFT)
and I
(RIGHT)
ham it up with five-time Ironman Champion Luke McKenzie
(CENTER)
, who dropped by the Kailua Pier to see us off to a good bike-leg start.
(PHOTO BY REBECCA MORGAN)

Done Deal.
Jason Lester and me in Kona, just moments after we completed EPIC5. No TV cameras, no real press, and nobody there to congratulate us, save our crew and a few good friends.
(PHOTO BY REBECCA MORGAN)

Jai-loha!
Julie with Jaya, Mathis, and Tyler, hiking the lava-encrusted beaches of the Big Island, 2011.

Hey Sanjay, Over Here!
Sanjay Gupta
(CENTER)
visiting our home for a piece on CNN. He's supposed to be interviewing me, but of course all eyes are on Julie. She tends to have that effect on people.

Standing Tall.
Genius photographer and friend John Segesta took this shot for the cover of Matt Fitzgerald's book
Racing Weight.
(PHOTO BY JOHN SEGESTA)