The ultimate Ironman: 15:58:48 and a lifetime of bragging rights

When the race began in 1978 on the shores of Oahu's Waikiki Beach, John Collins gave each racer for the inaugural Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon a brief set of

After finishing 15 Ironmans, the author got a chance to compete in the Super Bowl of triathlons earlier this month / Courtesy of Rich Donnelly

When the race began in 1978 on the shores of Oahu's Waikiki Beach, John Collins gave each racer for the inaugural Hawaiian Iron Man Triathlon a brief set of instructions, the last of which read: "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!" And after finishing on Ali'i Drive in 15:58:48, I secured my bragging rights.