Author: RB

2015…the journey

My first post of the new year.  I’m not sure what has taken me so long but it’s not for lack of want.  I’ve been trying to figure this all out since I feel like I started my blog too late.  I’d like to be able to back date some posts (not sure if I can)  as I know there are quite a few details missing about this journey so will try to fill in the blanks as I go along.

The bottom line, my training for IMTX has started to ramp up.  I know I’ve come a long way since I wasn’t officially released to run by the doctor at this time last year.  However, I still have a long way to go.  Nonetheless, what an incredible experience.

Last year, my wife and I volunteered for the Outrival Racing run station during IMTX.  I wanted to get a feel for the experience and feel we did.  My wife and I were exhausted after our 4 hours of running back and forth to fill ice buckets and water coolers.  I was dripping with sweat and couldn’t believe that some athletes had been at it for up to 11 hours by the end of our shift.  There were numerous instances that left us awestruck with the most significant coming when I handed water to a guide and his athlete who is blind and deaf.  If seeing that doesn’t get you inspired and/or bring a tear to your eye, then you better check your pulse.  It really puts my weight and knee obstacles into perspective.

We met some very nice people while volunteering.  Our Volunteer Captain, Jody, did an incredible job organizing everything and making sure we were ready for the athletes.  He and his wife also did IMTX a few years back so I enjoyed hearing about his experience and could’ve listened to him for hours.  I loaned a few items to him for the race so met with him again afterwards and toward the end of our conversation, he made a particular statement that has stuck with me ever since.  He said crossing the finish line was incredible and something he’ll never forget but it’s the journey of getting there that is truly amazing.  “Enjoy the journey,” he says as he shakes my hand and we go our separate ways.  Oh yeah, then he yells from the other side of his SUV that he’ll be supporting me next year.  I’m looking forward to it.

Inspiring Friend to Open Eyes

A few years ago, an acquaintance/friend of mine opened my eyes to a challenge I never thought possible. You see, I give him that title because I see the guy one time a year at a fantasy football draft so our discussions and camaraderie is limited at least until that particular draft day.  At a draft party, he randomly shares that he signed up to do Ironman Texas. Many responded with the usual, “why”, “yeah right”, etc. but I just listened thinking wow. His response to those questioning, “oh, I’m doing it or I just lost $650.” Many months go by and I think little of it then I get an email from the Commisioner of our league congratulating him and forwarding a link to a newspaper article done on him to which my memory was sparked.  Holy cow, he did it…he was an Ironman!

Now I realize there are thousands of Ironman out there but this one is different. You see, he and I are of similar build and not your typical triathlete stature to say the least. We’re both over 6′ tall and big guys. Now I won’t share his weight but let’s say that when he started it was north of 300. Becoming an Ironman didn’t happen to guys like us or at least that was my narrow minded way of thinking. It was then that my eyes were opened.

All this time I thought you had to be fast and thin to do this sport. I mean we’ve all seen Ironman World Championships in Kona on TV and there aren’t many guys our size or at least any that get the airtime.  Thank goodness for the expansion of the sport and my vision. There is an Ironman event in my backyard and it can be done even by Super Clydesdales like us.

For years, I’ve always referred to him as Coach.  Not because he coaches for a living but rather it’s short for his fantasy football team name, Da Coach  (yes, he is a big fan of Da Bears).  Well, now I guess it takes on an even deeper meaning because in another aspect, he did provide me with the motivation and guidance one expects from a coach so thanks Michael.

Why?

I was excited that I finally created a blog, not because I did it but rather that it actually worked as easy as I had hoped. So it seems my jubilation didn’t automatically extend throughout the house since I tell my wife and her response was, “why?”  Great question right?  My response was simple, “to document my experience.” Then she smiles and says, “ok honey” and falls back to sleep.

As you’re aware, there are numerous blogs out there about everything but especially when it comes to the sport of triathlon (or maybe that’s what it seems since that’s my hobby as of late). The primary reason for me creating this blog is to document my path to becoming an Ironman. I started a journal from an app I downloaded earlier this year but didn’t do very well keeping up with my thoughts and also feel it’s too private. Like I said, this is to document my journey but if my experience can inspire others, as a friend inspired me, then that is much more meaningful than keeping a private journal/diary.

Is this really working already?

This is my first blog and post so not sure if it’s really even working yet.  If so, this was as easy as I read about at startblogging.com.

You can say I’m a newbie to all of this but then not even sure if that term is still being used.  Nonetheless, I’m excited and hope eventually I’m not the only one reading my posts.

Please bear with me as I try to figure all of this out.  I realize the layout is all a little boring at this point but I’ll be working on it.

**my comments and suggestions on this blog are strictly my own opinions and even those at times are like a windsock**

Ironman Texas 2015

November 12, 2014…it’s official.  IMTX here we come.

This just got real.

I finally decide to sign up for IMTX.  My Coach, Karen, asked me earlier in the week if I had signed up because it was filling up.  Not yet but I’m planning on it.

Well, on Nov. 10th, I decide I’m doing it.  I’m biting the bullet and signing up.  I mean, this was my goal all along right?  I can’t doubt myself, my knee or anything.  Be like Nike and…

So I go the website and what?  General is SOLD OUT!  Are you serious?  I quickly email my coach and fortunately, our team has some slots so she said I was covered.  YEAH BABY!  Even though I was covered, it just didn’t feel real yet.  Well that was until today when I get the email from my team looking for payment.  Now it just got real!

Anyone that has signed up for an IM or even a 5k race can relate to the same feelings that I have…excited, nervous and scared all rolled up into one.