OK, OK, I'll admit that in these two pictures (above and below), it is a little difficult to actually see Harry but he assures me that he is indeed somewher in both of these photos.
Can you find Harry?
There he is -- along with the proof that he finished the race smiling and in 10:27:56.
Congratulations Harry!
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!).
Were we nervous looking into the swirling waters of the East River? Yeah, a bit. Especially when a few of us spotted a five or six foot long hunk of wood with dozens of nails protruding from both ends -- and even a few in the middle floating not 3 feet from shore. Fortunately, most of the floating "stuff" was close to shore and by the time we reached 40 or 50 yards out, it was clear sailing (not counting the currents!).
Rob and Mike, happy and confident before the start -- some times, "ignorance is bliss".
Joan was there too -- always great to see a familiar face at events like this. 
It really was a beautiful day for a swim under the bridge and a very unique view.
Keep on swimming, they can't keep the East River closed ALL day!
If you look real close, you'll see Mike (front of this pack, left arm all the way out of the water).
We've already made our left turn under the Brooklyn Bridge and we're in the home stretch now heading for the finish line in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Ironically enough, Brooklyn Bridge Park is NOT under the Brooklyn Bridge but closer to the Manhattan Bridge in the background.
That's Rob above in the green cap getting ready to climb out as the 4th Place Finisher!
That's Mike above in the yellow cap climbing out...
Run Mike run. It was only a 20 yard transition "run" but it doesn't count till the chip comes off.
"When my wave started over on the Manhattan side just in back of me, the waves from the tugs were this high!" Mike E. September 9, 2006 around 1 pm after lunch at Grimaldi's at 19 Old Fulton Street in Brooklyn. That's right, I was eating pizza while the awards were being handed out. Who would have figured that I was gonna win! Not me, I, (along with everybody else) thought that it was just Top Ten -- no age group awards. Go figure, Hopefully they will mail the awards out.
Is there a prettier bridge in the world? Right now, Mike and Rob don't think so!
We're all in the pool... now let's get swimming!
When you're used to 25 yards at the "Y", the 50 meters at Dix Hill's Pool can seem endless. But not for "5K in-the-Bay" Carol. 
When your stroke is good, 50 meters can seem a lot shorter than it looks. Just ask Jim.
It's a "school" of lap swimmers!
I think that's Chris above. His left hand entry is looking good but that right hand and arm might be sneaking a bit to far to the outside. What do you think? And, is it Chris? We need names on our caps!
Jim got a loan of these... umh I'm not quite sure what to call them, (they are red), or even how to caption this picture. They belong to Tim so perhaps we should ask him.
