As the Long Course athletes finish up, Ironman competitors make the final transition, from the bike to the run. After a grueling 5-8 hours over an undulating bicycle route, the event turns deadly serious. These valiant athletes have gone non-stop over a period of time which would have taken up 2 back to back NFL telecasts. Facing the reality of running 26.2 miles, athletes drink in both Gatorade and growing crowd support. They smile and run westward, towards the setting sun.
Runners return to the halfway point changed.
Gone are the quick thumbs-up, smiles, and brief, innocent flirtations. Some hesitate before starting the 14th mile. Each fights the demon inside telling them to quit. Drawing on inner strength, they slowly start west. There is no sun anymore.