Ironman Wisconsin 2012

Another Ironman in the books! And no, I didn’t complete one myself (not sure that will ever happen) but I was once again honored to be part of the outstanding volunteer crew that puts this event together. It was my 11th year stationed at the Kohl Center side by side with my dad providing food, fluids, and most importantly, entertainment for the athletes.

Along with the aid of my awesome dad, I was also happy to have Peter (who for once was NOT competing in the event) and dear friend Travis Wells helping through the entire day.

Even better, we had our best group of over 100 volunteers YET! This year the challenge was to show up in the brightest neon outfit possible and just about everybody delivered! Not only did everybody deliver on outfits; energy, noise and work ethic were there as well! And thanks to the great group of folks who were the coveted “garbage pickers” we had by far the cleanest aid station (even if we didn’t win that award!).  And once again, a special thanks to the Edgewood Basketball Team for helping out into the midnight hour with the third shift.  You guys are wonderful!

On a side note, other than for the experience of the wonderfully fun and inspiring day I also run the aid station to raise money for the Huntington’s Disease Society of America, a charity near and dear to my heart. Every year Ironman Wisconsin donates to this charity for our hard work at the Kohl Center. For more information about the charity, what Huntington’s Disease is, and what we do, please take a moment to visit our website at: http://www.hdsa.org/wi or watch one of my YouTube clips at: http://youtu.be/HP9YrOrpt3A

If you are local, our charity is hosting our annual 5K run/2K walk at Vilas Park on Sunday October 14th. We have a wonderful (and of course crazy!) time with food, music, a great silent auction, and most importantly… a bouncy house! For more info on this event please visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/hdsa-wisc/thwmadison 

I do hope everybody had a wonderful and inspirational experience at the race and I’m looking forward to seeing all of you (some of you on the course!) again next year!

THANK YOU.

The "Dream Team" 

L to R: Peter, Shana, Travis, Daddy (George)

This bright family used their belly dance lessons for some great bell ringing!

Tiny neon shorts?  Why not!?

The costume winners of our team.  

Not only that, they returned to help with another shift!

More athletes are making their way through!

The crazy Verstegen clan during the night shift.

Edgewood College crew was a bit afraid of our slick dance moves!