Ironman triathletes train for months or even years before they attempt an Ironman triathlon. Their families have to endure some tests as well.

It takes a special person to complete an Ironman, and a special family to support one. The training is almost as exhausting as the actual race for the triathletes and their families.

Niki Wood from Madison, Wisconsin was cheering on her husband.

"The first year is really rough. We have two kids so you've got to plan training time. He's very committed to getting up at like 4:30 a.m. five days a week and getting it done," Wood said.

Wood says her husband took three swimming classes a week, rode his bike every other day with a long ride on Saturdays, and ran miles everyday during lunch to prepare. They've also spent about $6,000 on travel and equipment, just to get to this point.

Scott Whittingham's wife also spent countless hours training.

"She swam 78 miles, ran over 300 miles, and biked over 2,000 miles in her training," he said.

When the families get to come cheer on the athletes they find it's not exactly a spectator sport either. Sometimes it's hard to make sure you're cheering for the right person along the 140.6 mile course.

"They go through here three or four times. So we just kind of stand by here to watch her," Whittingham said.

Kelly and George Lawrence were cheering on their 22-year-old son Ethan near the swim-to-bike transition area. He just graduated from Gonzaga and wanted to finish the course after a year of training.

"We're doing our best to hit every point we can and cheer him on!" Kelly Lawrence said.

It was worth the wait for George and Kelly.

"I'm so proud of you son!" Kelly shouted giving her son a high-five as he walked by with a big smile on his face.

That compliment is probably worth all that training, the early mornings and late nights, to hear those words.