Lance and Team LIVESTRONG Take on Florida Ironman 70.3

May 21, 2012 by Tory Gibler (LIVESTRONG Staff)

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Haines City, Florida was taken over this past weekend by triathletes looking to complete the Florida Ironman 70.3. Team LIVESTRONG was in attendance as 64 athletes raced in their Team LIVESTRONG gear and had collectively raised a little over $136,000 for the foundation. Despite the heat and long miles, athletes were digging deep and delivering great performances.

Between the Ironman Village, the Ironkids race on Satruday, and the Florida Ironman 70.3 on Sunday, the weekend was full of LIVESTRONG spirit and enthusiasm. At the Village on Friday and Saturday, you didn’t have to look far to see a LIVESTRONG shirt, wristband, or other apparel sprinkled in the crowd. A group of 17 youth from Team TRIPOWER competed on Saturday in the Ironkids race, who raised money for the foundation and were a special addition to Team LIVESTRONG.

Lance Armstrong led the Team LIVESTRONG charge on Sunday and took gold within an impressive finish of 3:45:38. The other members of Team LIVESTRONG started at various times and were inspiring as they each swam, biked, and ran through the 70.3 mile course.

The team is composed of athletes with different backgrounds from all over the country. They had all trained for this day and had raised money for the fight against cancer. For some this was their first Ironman 70.3 or event with Team LIVESTRONG, others this was their first triathlon in over 25 years, and many trained for about a year for this event. The dedication of these athletes is unwavering, and especially in the fight against cancer. Many were racing in honor or memory of someone, most had a personal story such as a family or friend who has survived or lost the battle. Collectively they are an inspiring team that I felt honored to cheer for and support.

Personally, I am extremely thankful for their support as members of Team LIVESTRONG, and very proud of their accomplishment. Congratulations to all of the Team LIVESTRONG athletes! Interested in joining the Team for a tri, run or ride? Check out www.teamlivestrong.org