• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Ironman Spectating

November 5, 2012 | family, fitness, running

 

Good morning from sunny Florida! I haven’t really talked a lot about this trip because I wasn’t sure the logistics of it, having someone watch the dogs (we have some people house sitting for us) etc. Well now I can tell you it is going to be a crazy trip! We left Friday and went to Panama City beach for two nights to spectate ironman Florida, which my sister was racing in. Then we left at 5 am this morning to drive to Orlando to be at Disney. I am running the Wine and Dine half this coming weekend, and then after that I will be staying on a few days for a work conference, Bobby will fly home before the conference and I will fly home after. So I won’t be home until the night of the 16h. Whew! It will be almost Thanksgiving!

Anyway, we are at Saratoga Springs with my parents and we are absolutely loving it so far, it’s a great resort! Anyway, more on that later, but I wanted to share some photos and a recap of the ironman weekend!

Friday late afternoon we got to our condo, the Shores of Panama. My mom booked this six months ago, and when we walked into our two bedroom condo unit we were less than impressed. it was old, beat up, smelled, had stains all over the carpet, etc. and it was on the 3nd floor right next to a bar with live music. No bueno. My mom called to have us switched and they claimed they didn’t have anymore two bedroom units so we agreed to go to a one bedroom unit with a sofa sleeper so we could get a better room. So we hauled all our stuff up there, and we loved it, it was much nicer and had beautiful views of the gulf.

We cranked the AC down, and started unpacking…then we realized it wasn’t getting any cooler….and then we realized the air wasn’t kicking on…at all. So we called down, and went to dinner while a maintenance person came. We walked next door to a great place called Pineapple Willy’s. It had outdoor seating on the gulf and excellent food, highly recommended.

After dinner we walked back to the condo to discover they couldn’t fix the air, and we would have to move again. Fail. However, they put us in a very nice three bedroom unit which we really enjoyed, but we were exhausted after all the moving around and were just ready to relax!

We got up super early to walk down to the start of the race. It was a gorgeous day.

We watched the swim start then walked up to transition and were able to see my sister running from the swim to the bike.

After that, we headed back to the room and Bobby, my dad and I headed to the hot tub and pool, then out to the beach to walk around.

We did not envy my sister out on the bike while we were relaxing! We went back up to the room for lunch and to watch some football, and then headed down to watch the bikers come in.

We were tracking my sister online and were actually able to see her come by right before getting off the bike. We then headed back up to the room for awhile before heading to the finish line. We found a great spot in the shoot and I screamed my head off cheering for everyone with my awesome sign with everyone loved (and some people even came up and took pictures of!)

Oh yes. I did.

Before long Christy came flying by and was officially an ironman! Yay! After a year of training is was over, and we were a bunch of tired spectators.

It was very cool to watch the ironman, but I have absolutely no desire to do one. Some of those poor people coming across the finish line….did not look like fun. I of course got excited to race in general, and can’t wait for Wine and Dine!

QOTD”: Ever raced or spectated at an ironman? Do you want to do one?

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miz says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:30 am

    I LOOOVE watching the ironman on television and would adore to see these amazing athletes in person.

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:36 pm

      it was cool to see everyone around us so fit lol!

  2. lisa fine says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:30 am

    Wow, an Ironman! I’m with you though – I don’t see myself doing more than a half marathon, or maybe a sprint triathlon.

    I want to push myself, but not that hard. Hehe. (Though maybe I should try a full marathon, just once?)

  3. Lindsey says

    November 5, 2012 at 6:42 am

    WOW what an amazing accomplishment! I love to watch one! I think in my head I’d like actually participate but Im thinking Id be more fitted to watching!

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:36 pm

      seeing how exhausted they were….major turn off lol! But def a great accomplishment!

  4. Steph says

    November 5, 2012 at 7:09 am

    I’ve only ever watched on TV!
    We were in Kona this past summer and saw a lot of athletes training! It was amazing! My husband would love to do an Ironman someday but as for me, we’ll see how I feel after my first Half! A tri is on my bucket list for sure!

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:35 pm

      oohh kona how fun!

  5. Lesley says

    November 5, 2012 at 7:24 am

    I don’t have any desire to do one either. I feel like Fezzik in that I only dog paddle, and I’m not that great on a bike. I don’t know when I’d have time to train either. I’ll stick to running since that’s already in my schedule.

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:35 pm

      amen!

  6. Heather (Where's the Beach) says

    November 5, 2012 at 7:36 am

    That’s awesome. We have a friend who did that one 3 years ago as his first Iron Man. I think it’s amazing but I would never want to attempt one!

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:34 pm

      haha that’s how I feel!

  7. Mindy @Road Runner Girl says

    November 5, 2012 at 9:08 am

    Wow! Congrats to your sister! What an amazing accomplishment! I’ve spectated and volunteered at a local triathlon but it’s nothing like the Ironman! Have so much fun in Disney! I’ve already been stalking your Instagram today lol!

  8. The UDG says

    November 5, 2012 at 10:24 am

    Your sister is a beast! Congrats to her! LOVE your sign. 😉

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:34 pm

      haha thanks!

  9. Heather @ Better With Veggies says

    November 5, 2012 at 12:52 pm

    Spectating an Ironman can be hard work, but it does always leave me inspired to sign up. It’s a long, hard, tough day – but there’s nothing like the feeling at the finish line (or even the last few miles). Congrats to your sister!

    • Heather says

      November 5, 2012 at 5:34 pm

      it was a long day going back and forth trying to catch her lol

  10. Danielle says

    November 6, 2012 at 12:02 pm

    I would actually LOVE to do an Ironman one day…I think I’m going to make it a long term (5 years?!?) goal! I’m hoping to start with a spring triathlon this summer and go from there.

    I’m headed down to Orlando Thursday for the Wine & Dine Half…hope to see you there!

Trackbacks

  1. VZW Monitor says:
    November 5, 2012 at 2:02 am

    […] Comments 0   Good morning from sunny Florida! I haven’t really talked a lot about this trip because I wasn’t sure the logistics of it, having someone watch the dogs (we have some people house sitting for us) etc. Well now I … Continue reading → …read more […]

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day
  • 5 Reasons to Try a New Way of Travel
  • Experience Superhero-Sized Fun at Gaylord Opryland DC Summer
  • Digital Nomads: Safely Working Remotely While You Roam
  • Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) as a Travel Ball Mom

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 Ready to escape to para 🌴 GIVEAWAY ALERT!🌴 

Ready to escape to paradise? I spent a few dreamy days at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers, and I’m giving YOU the chance to win 2 FREE nights at this beachfront oasis! 😍☀️ #margaritavillepartner

Here are 5 things I didn’t expect to love so much (but totally did):
1️⃣ Fins Up Beach Club — live music, great drinks, and cabana vibes for days!
2️⃣ The Rooms — bright, coastal decor and ocean views that make you feel like you’re living inside a vacation postcard.
3️⃣ The Spa — a total hidden gem. My massage was next-level relaxation.
4️⃣ The Restaurants — from casual beachfront bites to more elevated dining, the food alone is worth the trip.
5️⃣ The Vibe — laid-back luxury with the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. It’s always 5 o’clock here! 🍹

✨ Whether you’re staying overnight or popping in with a day pass, Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach is pure island bliss.

🎉 Now YOU could win a 2-night stay!

🏖️ Prize: Complimentary Two-Night Stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
⚠️ Blackout dates apply.

How to Enter:
✅ Like this post & follow both @HeathersLG and @margaritavillefortmyers
✅ Tag at least 2 friends in the comments (extra comments = extra entries!)
✅ Comment: Are you a pool or beach person?

🌟 BONUS (not mandatory) for 5 extra entries: SHARE this post on your stories and TAG me so I can see it!

Good luck — and remember, it’s always island time somewhere! 🌊🍹

Redemption Details:
Winner must book by August 31, 2025
Valid for travel between August 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026

Must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway closes midnight July 25, 3025. Not sponsored by Instagram. 

#MargaritavilleResort #FortMyersBeach #BeachClubVibes #CabanaLife #SpaDay #BeachGetaway #ResortGiveaway #FinsUp
I’ve had an interesting first few days of being I’ve had an interesting first few days of being in my 40’s. A bit of a nerve wracking medical week I guess you could say. 

Have you ever had an MRI? Do you suffer from hearing loss? 👂 

#thisis40 #hearingloss #mri #inmy40s #40andfabulous
✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad Sin ✨ This is what radiance looks like ✨ #ad 

Since turning forty, I’ve been all about simple changes that help me feel strong, healthy, and confident — inside and out. 

Adding Organixx Collagen to my coffee each morning has been one of the easiest ways to support my skin, hair, and joints while juggling busy mom life. It blends right in and makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself every single day. 

Because for me, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling my best, staying active, and showing up for the people and moments that matter most. 
Radiance starts from within, and @organixxco helps make it part of my everyday routine.

🤩Use code HMONTGOMERY to save 10%! Link is in my bio.

 #organixx #organixxcollagen #CollagenRoutine #GlowFromWithin #BusyMomLife #ThisIsWhatRadianceLooksLike
I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met I LOVE @disneyphotopass photographers! We have met some of the kindest most fun cast members while getting our pictures taken. 

If you don’t get pics taken with them often you probably won’t get this reel, and that’s ok. IYKYK. It’s all in good fun! 💚

What did I miss/forget?😆

#disneyphotopass #photopassphotographer #disneypics #disneyfunny #disneymeme
Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀ Follow me for more parenting hacks. 💁🏻‍♀️

#backtoschool #parentinghack #backtoschooltips #backtoschoolshopping
I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like t I turned 40 today. 🎉 Hitting a milestone like this has me reflecting—not just on what I’ve accomplished, but on who I’m becoming.

I’ve always been driven to achieve, to push, to prove. But lately, I’ve been learning to celebrate presence over performance, connection over perfection.

Today wasn’t about checking a box or hitting a goal—it was about pausing, feeling grateful, and eating a ridiculous amount of cake with people I love. And honestly? That feels like growth.

Here’s to 40: more aligned, more grounded, and still a little extra. 😉

#thisis40 #40andfabulous #thankyoujesusfor40years #birthdaygirl❤️ #40andoverclub
Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 Big milestones always Turning 40 tomorrow. 🎂 

Big milestones always make me pause and ask:
What am I proud of?
What needs to shift?
Am I becoming the woman I want to be?

💡 As an Enneagram 3, I’ve always been wired to achieve — and for a long time, that meant shaping myself into whatever version I thought people would like best.

There are tables where it’s clear I’m not welcome — and that used to wreck me.
But at 40? I don’t do cliques. I don’t do shrinking or contorting to be accepted. 👀

I’ll always be kind. I’ll always be respectful. But I’m done dragging a chair to tables that were never built for me.

I’m moving over. Making space.
Creating my own table.

✨Who’s in?

#ThisIs40
#OwnYourStory
#ReelTalk
#Over30Club
#ChristianWomen
#PersonalGrowthJourney
#enneagram3

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d