What a wonderful way to start a Sunday. Up at 5:30 a.m. to see the sun rise from Barbara and John's boat and watch the start of our fair city's 9th Annual Ford Ironman triathlon. Over 2,000 athletes from around the world came to compete. Competitors are vying for 72 qualifying spots to the 2010 Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and a $30,000 pro prize purse. One participant made it through the swim and was heading out on his bike only to have tire problems. He had to walk/run back for parts. We had the feeling he was not going to give up!