Inspiration – Triathlon Super Clydesdale

Tri and Tri again

Well, it has been some time since I’ve posted anything. Part of that was due to time constraints and other by design.

After a few weeks of recovering both physically and mentally from IMTX and discussions with my wife and Coach K, I decided to “tri” again pretty quickly. The email from Karen came about 2 weeks after IMTX and basically what I remember from it is how she started it by saying, “you should be pretty pissed by now.” She was exactly right. I put in the time but made some very dumb mistakes which I mentioned previously. She encouraged me to continue the journey but it was the discussion with my wife that truly made my mind up. She supported me immensely in whatever decision I made but she too did not want this journey to end and wanted me to become an Ironman. I knew this was a goal I wanted to accomplish and didn’t want to wait another year for IMTX to roll around.

That was it…I would attempt again this year. Me attempting an Ironman was a huge challenge but doing 2 in one year? This made me nervous but my mind was made up. I was set and after much deliberation between IMFL or IMAZ, my decision was made for me when the only slots available were for IMFL through Endurance Sports Travel. Signing up was the easy part. Getting motivated for all the training took some time. HA!

Initially, I started this Ironman journey to get in better shape for my family and me. I wanted to show my boys that “Anything is Possible” if you put your mind to it and work hard enough. After not finishing Texas, it then became one of life’s lessons for me to teach my boys’. I had to show them that no matter what, we do not quit just because you fail. Get up and do it until you succeed. Fortunately for everyone, I was able to do just that when I crossed the finish line about 10:52 PM at Ironman Florida.

I can now update my profile by deleting wannabe Ironman and replace with I AM an IRONMAN!

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.