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Ann Marie

@theironann

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Triathlete, Traveler, Adventurer

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Throwback Thursday to one week ago when I finally got to fulfill a bucket list dream. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be able to swim with and/or touch a dolphin. Those who know me well, know that i absolutely love them and am always happy and excited to see them. Last week, while in Hawaii, I was finally able to make this happen!

I have mixed feelings about dolphins in captivity, but after learning about Dolphin Quest and the work they do with dolphin conservation and research, I felt better about using them for this experience. Although pricey, I was more than pleased with the education and time we spent with the dolphins and felt it was well worth it.

We had the privilege of spending time with Nimbus and Ipo who were both born and raised through Doplhin Quest. In fact Ipo, is Nimbus's son! The dolphins were very gentle with us and more than happy when we fed them as well. We got to learn about their history, their anatomy and research projects that are being done. We also got to give them a treat, we got to "swim" with them, do some tricks and I even got to "hug" Nimbus! You can see the absolute joy in my face in many of these pictures.

Many thanks to Holly for making this happen and joining me! Also thanks to Ron for being our photographer

#dolphins ##liveagreatstory #bucketlist #adventures by @theironann

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2 days ago

When my friend @myersrpi finally earned his legacy spot, I decided I would go back to Kona again, but this time as a sherpa/supporter. Ron and I spent many miles training on the bike and we did several races together as well, including my qualifying race for Kona. It was a special bonus that I also got to cheer on @valiantendurance athletes @lauren_vallee and @dj_duro from my former team and @teamjusttri members @irontriguy and Ed.

I started the day volunteering in transition and was out there in the calm and rain before the racers arrived. Fortunately I was able to see everyone in transition and give them a pre race hug and cheer. I then watched everyone line up and start the swim from the pier, which was pretty awesome. I caught a few female pros coming back in and once all the athletes were in the water, I headed out to the course to watch them bike out.

Fortunately, we stayed at the host hotel so I was easily able to go back to the room for multiple clothing changes, food, and a quick dip in the pool while the athletes were out on course, and in particular on the bike.

I was pretty busy on the run course trying to see everyone multiple places on the course who were spread out with different paces. We were land locked because the car was at the hotel with no easy way out and I didn't have the foresight to rent a bike. But, I did what I could on foot. I believe I was able to see most of them 4-5 times. And I stayed out until I knew all of them had finished. I didn't see much of the pro race but I heard it being announced throughout the day.

Kona is a truly magical place and I am so fortunate I was able to make the trip again. It was an amazing day and it was so fun to support my friends racing, reconnect with other friends that were there supporting and watch the day unfold. Special shout out to Blaine Egan who earned top American time for amateur athlete! And a big congrats to all my friends that toed the line and finished a very challenging race. #ironman #triathlon #konaworldchampionship by @theironann

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5 days ago

On Friday I had the opportunity to attend One805 which is a local fundraising event for first responders held on Kevin Costner's property. The line up included DJ Samantha Ronson, George Thorogood, Alan Parsons, The Four Tops and The Temptations, featuring original member Otis Williams. Wonderful venue with great music and friends. I especially loved watching Otis Williams looking like he was having so much fun on stage! And the surprise guest appearance of Chris Pratt introducing the Temptations by @theironann

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20 days ago

Day 4 and final day of my trip included driving over the Tioga Pass into Yosemite. I spent most of the day exploring the upper part of Yosemite, which I had not seen before. This included a hike around Tuolume Meadows and Soda Springs and then paddleboarding on Tenaya Lake. On the hike, I quite literally and randomly crossed paths with a friend from Columbus who I hadn't seen in decades! A quick trip down to the valley to pay homage to El Capitan and Half Dome, and then I had to head home. Yosemite is easily one of my favorite places in the world and I am continually in awe of its beauty. #adventuring #hikingadventures #californiaadventure #liveagreatstory by @theironann

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a month ago

Day 3 was exploring some of the natural wonders around Mammoth Lakes, which included a hike around Devil's Postpile, Rainbow Upper and Lower Falls. After that I headed over to Hot Creek Geologic Site, which was crazy. The Creek was quite literally was boiling from volcanic magma far beneath the surface! I ended the day with a scenic drive around June Lake, Silver Lake, Grant Lake and Twin Lakes. #adventuring #trails #californiaadventure #liveagreatstory by @theironann

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a month ago

Day 2 of my trip was all about the lakes. I started with a hike in Little Lakes Valley from the Mosquito Flats Trailhead to Gem Lakes and back. Hands down one of the prettiest hikes I have ever done and included 7 different Lakes along the trail. After that I did a short hike at Convict Lake. Hit Mammoth Brewery for a some live music and then headed back to camp and ended the night with a communal campfire and s'mores! #trailtherapy #hikingadventures #californiaadventure #liveagreatstory by @theironann

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a month ago

Over the long holiday weekend I took the opportunity to explore more of California. This state and all of the different geographic regions is pretty amazing. Day one included the drive up 395 with stops at Alabama Hills and Mono Lake. I also had a bonus stop for 1.5 hours on the 395 for a brush fire, which closed down the highway. #adventuring #trailtherapy #californiaadventure #liveagreatstory by @theironann

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a month ago

I have officially lived in Santa Barbara 3 years! September 1, 2023 was my first day as a resident here and I have no regrets. #liveagreatstory #adventures #santabarbra by @theironann

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2 months ago

Fun weekend in Santa Barbara that included Hiking and TGIF with @sbnewcomers , volunteering for the Santa Barbara Triathlon and a Girls Night Out at @vegavineyardandfarm. I am truly blessed to be living here and surrounded by wonderful friends 🧡 #liveagreatstory #adventures #santabarbra by @theironann

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2 months ago

Fun weekend that started with a trip to Ojai to see Ani Difranco perform at the Libbey Bowl and ended with a picnic at the beach at sunset last night. Ani is probably one of my all time favorite musical artists and I enjoyed her show on Friday every bit as much as I did when I first saw her thirty years ago. Big thanks to @lokuzi for making me aware of the show and joining me in Ojai. And a sunset beach dinner with @pyropinup and @nmwynn63 was the perfect ending to the weekend. #adventures #liveagreatstory by @theironann

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2 months ago

Perfect summer day yesterday! Started the day with @sbnewcomers Happy Hikers on the beautifulCold Springs Trail. Ended the day with a fun boat party hosted by @f45_training_goleta and @f45_training_santabarbara by @theironann

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3 months ago

On Friday I had the opportunity to go out to the Channel Islands National Park again! Short, guided kayak cave tour followed by a hike. We were blessed with some amazing weather and views! I am so grateful I get to live here and that this is only a ferry ride away. Also fun to play tour guide for an Ohio friends that I hadn't seen in awhile. #adventuring #Kayaking #hikingadventures #nationalparks taken in Santa Cruz Island by @theironann

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3 months ago