That's right, it's Simon all the way on the right and he's broken out his kilt. Some things just never change. At least this time he is wearing his kilt in warm weather... the last time we saw Simon dressed like this was at one of our annual December Holiday parties. I guarantee it wasn't "Hawaii" warm!
Nancy told me that there was going to be a "fun" run before the Ironman and now, I believe her!
Thanks again to Nancy for sending me some real, (natural and intimate), pictures from Kona -- pictures that I didn't have to "fake" from the web!
Tammie, Liz and Orlando were there and, of course, our own Bob Miller -- Swim Coach, Lifeguard and Winner of the 2006 David Hasselhof Look-Alike Contest.
We'll get a little run in before the swim!
Let's hope that they come back for Summer 2007 (or Spring 2007 for those who are hardy enough!).
And, with 1,700 pro and age-group Tri's competing, it's not exactly a small, local event! Check out the 2. 4 Mile Swim start above and below.
The crowding eased up considerably as the 112 Mile Bike leg "rolled" on!
The 26.2 Mile Run followed... which leads us to our "local" Huntington results in which we still include Simon even though he now lives a few thousand miles away.
Simon Butterworth was 7th in his age group with an overall time of 11:37:46. (Swim Time: 1:21:58, Bike Leg: 5:57:50 and Run Time: 4:06:28).
Nancy Lipira was 5th in her age group with an overall time of 11:52:41. (Swim Time: 1:13:30, Bike Leg: 5:53:35 and Run Time: 4:35:53).
Mary Ellen Stajk was 10th in her age group with an overall time of 12:12:13. (Swim Time: 1:31:47, Bike Leg: 6:05:00 and Run Time: 4:25:47).
Congratulations to:
Mary Ellen, Nancy and Simon!
Needless to say, we will all be thinking of Nancy (and Simon) on Saturday, October 21, 2006. We wish them both the best of luck! 
Our old friend Simon Butterworth is already in Hawaii but emailed a personal message to Nancy, (which she is reading above), for the Kona Kick Off Party. Simon is our first "West Coast" (more or less) Huntington Master's Swim & Tri Team member and is waiting in Kona to greet Nancy.
FYI, Simon's Ironman Bib Number is 307.
Here's some great Ironman advice. If you see a big fish... swim faster!
Paval was there and was gracious enough to offer his services as Nancy's Personal Physician if airfare and a 5-star hotel was included. Michele offered her services as a private nurse and was willing to settle for a 4-star hotel. Anybody willing to settle for a 3-star?
Sorry Greg. Sorry Sal. My "stupid" camera decided that the best object to focus on was in the background. Operating automatic digital cameras and drinking at Meehan's just don't mix!
Ooops, Bob's not exactly Rockin' but he is drinking! (Now you know why I prefer taking the pictures instead of being in them! -- Mike)
Lynn FINALLY arrives with a big smile and a hug from Nancy!
Paul FINALLY arrives and gives Nancy, (with the "where you been?" hand gesture), a big Lynn-Like smile.
Honest, Sal wasn't watching the Mets Game the whole night! It only seems that way in this picture.
Does this put her in the "pro" ranks? Nah. Not with the amount that she got from us!
" If you see a fish any bigger than this... swim faster!"
Harry shows and explains to Nancy how all the locals will be dressed (the local tourists, that is!).
