Crossing the Finish Line with Connor

This is a TREASURED video clip of Connor running alongside of me as I crossed the finish line and achieved my dream of becomming an Ironman Triathlete.

Words cannot describe the emotions and sense of accomplishment to have worked so hard and have overcome so many obstacles in the pursuit of this goal. And to have Connor cross the line with me was priceless.

Absolutely a day that will live with me forever.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!

A great, candid shot of my world famous coach, David Warden and me only seconds after the finish. He got me through this and helped me accomplish one of the toughest goals I have ever attempted in my life.

Well I finally achieved my goal of completing a FULL IRONMAN!! I was joined at the finish line with my wife, my son, Connor, my great friend Kelvin Shields and of course, David Warden.

Throughout the day, I was supported at every turaround by my great friend Kelvin Shileds who surprised me by driving all the way out to Tempe to be there. I was also grateful to have my world famous coach, David Warden to keep me focused on our carefully structured plan designed to finish "standing up and with a smile on my face."

Soon, I will post a photo log and hopefully find a way to upload a video of the finish where Connor jumped through the line to run the last 200 yards or so with me.

I will detail the race and the week leading up to the race, along with a lot of photos, in just a few days.

The highlight of the day was hearing the announcer say,

"John Callos.......YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!"

I really couldn't believe it.

All these months as documented on IronAmbition, and it all came to an end in just 13 hours and 58 minutes. Sounds like a long day, but it really only felt like a 3-hour workout.

One little tidbit though: At mile #2 of the run, I was thinking, "What? over 24 more miles to go? No way!" But before I really knew it, I had somehow progressed to mile 22 and only had less than 5 miles to go. At that point, I knew that I would be an Ironman that night.