Thanks a Million!

Wow, Jen did it! She swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles, ran 26.2 miles and reached her goal to raise $9,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Now she truly is an "Ironman!"...or is it an "Ironwoman???" And to all of you who supported, encouraged, prayed, and helped her raise money for this wonderful cause, we want to say "Thank You!" The world, our community, and our family have been blessed by each of you. You've always been there for us, and we will always be here for you.
Thank you again from our heart and home.
With love,Linda and Doug Harmon

Thank You, THANK yoU, tHank-YOU

June 23, 2007 in Coeur d'Alene

Here we are in Coeur d'Alene Idaho the day before the Ironman. It was beautiful. Jen is standing outside the restaurant where we had dinner with the "Team in Training" athletes, friends and family. Doug and I, along with Rob, Kellie, and Dani made our flights to Spokane and traveled by car to Coeur d'Alene. Jen's sister, Kellie and niece Dani, traveled all the way from Austin, Texas. We were all so excited to be there.

June 24, 2007 Ironman Race Day

Here we are at 6:30 am at the site of the swim. Lake Coeur d'Alene was cold and windy! The conditions for the swim were crazy!!! In fact, the water was so choppy they made the swim optional. If athletes wanted, they could skip the swim and start their bike at 9am.

Of course, Jen didn't think twice about doing the swim, however after the first lap the race officials actually considered canceling the swim ...one of the officials said it was insane out there!


Jen was up at 3:30am and ready to go. There were plenty of friends and family ready to cheer the athletes on...we just bundled up and prayed for the wind to die down....which didn't happen until later in the day.
If you can see all the white swim caps in the distance...that's the 2000-something Ironman athletes, ready to start at 7:00 a.m.

Swim 2.4 miles

They're off! What a mass of swimmers. Jen's in there, somewhere!

You can see how windy it is by the flag on the boat.

Here she is coming out of the water

swim to bike transition

Jen making the transition to the bike.

There she goes....and it's a "V" for victory!

What a great smile...Jen, you are amazing!

having fun while looking for Jen

As Jen bikes 112 miles, we have fun with Rob and Dani.
Thanks Kellie and Dani for coming all the way from Texas.

Run, Jen, Run...26.2 miles

Biking 112 miles, two flats and a dropped chain later, she's thinking about the 26.2 miles ahead of her. I'm exhausted...how's she doing it?
One foot in front of the other...and still a smile on her face. She's tired but determined to finish.
When she "hits the wall" Kellie and Rob walk beside her. "You can do it!" With no more strength, she chokes down some more energy "goo." She feels like puking, but manages to overcome and keeps moving. It's been about 14 hours since she started.

The Finish Line--She's an Ironman!

After 15 hours and 7 minutes, Jen crosses the finish line with her dad next to her!!! YEAH....

Doug congratulates her for all of us. "Way to GO, Jen...you're an Ironman!" We're so proud of you.

Coach Paul congratulates her....all your hard work and training paid off. You did it!

And here she is...the ever funny, always smiling..."lip-gloss" Ironman Jen. We're so proud of you.