The Ironman is the ultimate goal of every triathlete, a daunting race that consists of a 2.4-mi. swim, 112-mi. bike and 26.2-mi. run -- a marathon -- yes, all in one day. Seven of us decided to compete in an Ironman together -- we could train together, talk each other through our doubts and fears, encourage each other through the months of training leading up to the race and during the race itself.

We chose Ironman USA in Lake Placid, NY, not only because it was nearby but because the midsummer time slot would give us the whole spring and early summer to train and because the course was not as difficult as some other Ironman races. Christian Rountry had to drop out with a bad shoulder, but Devon Carranza, Claudia Cummings, Audra Farrell, Les Jones, Ronn Seely and Gerry Valentine did the race. Some of us didn't finish and will be back for more; others had the race of our lives and can safely close the Ironman chapter behind us -- NOT! Five of us have agreed to post our results, and four of us have written narratives of this incredible race, which follow below.

The race took place July 29, 2001, a cool and cloudy day in the Adirondacks. For the record, here are the finishing times. Yes, those are hours, minutes and seconds.

• Ronn Seely 11:39:39
• Devon Carranza 12:45:40
• Les Jones 13:56:58
• Audra Farrell 15:57:16
• Claudia Cummings -- did not finish

• Claudia Cummings' Tale of Ironman Woe
• Audra Farrell Breaks A Toe, Not a Leg
• Les Jones Story: One Tragedy, One Success
• Ronn Seely: Ronn Man the Ironman