Here are bunch of pictures I took while over watching the Ironman World Championships last weekend. I uploaded to my Flickr account.

The tension and excitement in the triathlon world is beginning to build. We are a week away from the Hawaii Ironman. The World Championships of Ironman racing and a course that provides a huge challenge to any athlete lucky enough to be starting. In order to excel on this course an athlete needs optimal preparation, great tactical execution, a lot of courage, and a little dose of luck.

A re-broadcast of the Ironman World Championships is this Saturday from 2PM to 3:30PM ET on NBC. If you haven't seen it yet here's your chance. It's good, and not just saying that cause the Bro gets some sweet coverage :) YouTube Promo: http://www.youtube.com/user/IronmanTriathlon

I am back at home in Danville, and starting to unwind from all the travel. Kona was great this year. The whole experience was awesome starting with training in Hawaii in September to the 2 weeks before the race training in Kona.

As many of you know I went to the Ironman in Kona this year to support my brother Chris in his final prep, and on race day, meanwhile getting in some good training for Ironman Florida. Well, let me tell you it was quite a day out there full of excitement and plenty of emotion.

It turned out to be a day of attrition with many of the past champions and top contenders pulling out of the race due to injuries and ailments. Chris Lieto led the bike for 90 miles then was taken over by Sindballe who lead through mile 5 or 6 of the run. Lieto took the lead back at that time only to have it taken again by a man on a mission, Chris McCormack.

So it is race day morning in Kona, 1:30 A.M. Yes, you read it right 1:30, the race doesn't even start for another 5 hours, and I am up do to nerves. I swear The funny thing is i am not even racing!! Matt Lieto here, brother of Mr. Trifuel, and race day favorite Chris Lieto, checking in before the madness hits.