World's Best French Fries

Shortly after the race, my family encouraged me to get something to eat. I wasn't really hungry and the last thing in the world I wanted was pizza, but I went into the finisher's food court to have a look.

To my bewilderment and pleasant surprise, they had the most wonderful looking french fries that I have ever seen!

The best part was that they had these marvelous chunks or flakes of sea salt all over them! I loaded up a giant platter of fries and was shocked that nobody tried to stop me for taking so many!

I offered this platter to everyone and while they had a sample, they thought that the fries were far too salty for their taste. This just goes to show that my nutrition strategy must have somehow been off, as my body was clearly screaming for additional electrolytes and salt.

And I was more than happy to oblige with what I believe were the world's best tasting french fries!

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.