Well this post doesn’t really have anything to do with metal detecting but I just had to let everyone know that I completed an item on my Bucket List on November 7th.

My wife & I traveled to Panama City Florida, without my metal detector, to compete in my first Full Ironman. This consists of a 2.4 mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, a 112 mile bike ride, followed by a 26.2 mile run. You have 17 hours to complete the event.

November 7th started out with me as basket case. Nervous was not even close to what I was feeling. The day started off mild, water temp 76.8 degrees. The swim was rough, many people got sea sick, others got stung by jelly fish. I did the 2.4 miles in 2 hours & 15 minutes.

Onto the bike, 112 miles. The was a head wind and then it rained, thus slowing my time. I expected to be off the bike in 6 to 6.5 hours, but it took me 7.5 hours.

Now the run, or should I say walk… It rained during this part too. I was exhausted. My mind putting serious doubt in me finishing in the 17 hours. I pushed through and finished in 16 hours, 43 minutes and 52 seconds!!!

So yes I can call myself an Ironman!!

Next time I will take my metal detector. So many of the 2500 people in the event were wearing jewelry when they entered the water. I am sure that some of it was lost! It would be worth a search of the area!!