Photo time

Saturday evening we were out winding down the big day at Don Drysdale's in Keauhou (the LA Dodgers pitcher who threw two no-hitters in a row) and in walks Mark Allen, a legend of the sport and six-time Ironman world champion. I got his attention by going slack-jawed, bug-eyed and pointing at him and saying "That's Mark Allen!" so he very graciously came over to our table, shook hands all around and congratulated Jamie and I for getting it done. He has a great coaching business going, Mark Allen Online, and put five athletes on the podium. I have several of his pearls of triathlon wisdom rattling around my brain at all times, and called on a couple during some tough times on race day. That's me and fellow 45-49er Jamie Roth of Cochrane feeling the vibe of the greatest triathlete on the planet.

My race buggy, and my aero helmet. The Canadian flag was a big hit, even with some Americans.