Road to the Ironman – Post #19 January 25, 2010

Obsession or passion or inspiration? Which one does it take to be an Ironman?

Dictionary terms for each:

Obsession = The domination of one’s thoughts or feeling by a persistent idea, image or desire. The idea, image, desire. feeling itself. The state of being obsessed or the act of obsessing.

Well if I where to ask I got a boat load of that! In fact I am sure I could power a small city with my obession say Buffalo.

Passion = Any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling. A strong amorous feeling or desire, a strong fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything.

Based off that definition I got that too.

Inspiration = A thing or person or event that inspires.

Three for three. Some of you have heard my story of volunteering for the Ironman Wisconsin last September. To say it was life changing may be stepping over the line, but boy it was close. The whole experience of the day was something I will never forget, but being there from 8 pm to midnight catching the Ironman finishers took it to a level few people get to enjoy in a lifetime. Some have even poked fun at me for saying this but I am sticking to my guns. There are only a few times in ones life that one experiences pure joy and everything for that moment it perfect, this was one of those precious moments. To be the first person the Ironman finisher sees and talks too as they fall into your arms is something that can be only experienced by doing. In one moment they are in such pain and the next hearing those magical words “You are an Ironman!” makes all that pain melt away. My time is coming. My hope is that I can keep those memories burned in my mind when I hit a low spot in the race and there will be a few in a 140.6 mile race.

Well this post is kind of on the gushy side, sorry. Hopefully you have a better understanding on how emotional and a life changing experience this will be for me. To Kim, all my friends and family I thank you already for the support you have shown. I am already throwing out the invite to come up to Madison on September 12, 2010 to experience this. It will be a long day for all but to experience a day that centers around what is right with world may just prove inspirational to you too.

Running totals:

Running miles treadmill: 63.35 miles

Running hours treadmill: 9:30

Running miles outside: 0 (getting the itch!!!!!!)

Running hours outside: 0

Biking miles: 137 miles

Biking hours: 7:00 hours

Spinning hours: 4 hrs.

Swimming laps (25 yard pool) : 746 lengths or 373 laps

Swimming distance: 18,900 yards or 10.74 miles

Swimming hours: 6:30 hours

Weight lifting hours: 4:45 hours

Stair Master miles: 7.41

Stair Master hours: 1:00 hour