The road to the Ironman – I have met a legend in this sport.

There have been a few times on this site I have reported on George Hood, the gentlemen going for the world record in spinning at 300 hours or 12.5 days. One of the best things I have taken away from watching and being a part of George’s experience are the people that come in and ride with him. Some come a half hour some come for an hour and some even ride 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 hours with George.

Before I talk about the new person I have recently bumped into, George Hood once again is an inspiration to all those who set a goal no matter how high and simply go for it. As a reminder George is not only doing this to break the record, but he is also raising money for the local United Way (Aurora, IL) and money for the fallen and injured soldiers coming back from the two wars we are currently involved in. If you are or know of anyone who is or has been in the military especially the Marines pass this story along, www.ridegeorgeride.org.

OK now onto this legend I recently met, but it did register with me until yesterday who he actually was. For the past month or two there has been this gentlemen riding with George, named Bob Scott. There were three things that struck me as amazing about Bob right away.

1. Bob is approaching 80 (that is correct I said 80), but you want to talk about a fit guy! His legs look like he should be in his 30’s.

2. Bob has completed 11 Ironman’s. I am just looking to survive and complete my 1st!

3. How humble Bob is! Here is a man with a lifetime of experiences, who can say LOOK AT ME WORLD AND WHAT I HAVE ACCOMPLISHED, but simple that is not in his nature.

Some of the things I listened to, sparked some memories so I did a little research on the internet about Bob (in this case technology is great). Who is Bob you might be asking? Bob currently is one of the fastest in his age group. Having competed in a handful of Ironman championships and setting records in his age group. Oh by the way he is in full training for IM Louisville this year. Now I understand my friendship has just begun with Bob and I cannot wait to hear of more of his stories and experiences. As time moves on he and George will provide me with the needed inspiration to finish IMWI 2010. How he simply describes the finish in Hawaii would make the toughest dude well up and cry with emotion.

Thanks George!

Thanks Bob!

I am truly blessed for knowing each of these men.

OK it has been a week since I updated the numbers so with 167 days to go (111 to the 1/2 Ironman in Racine, WI) here we go.

Running totals:

Running miles treadmill: 179.88

Running hours treadmill: 26:53

Running miles outside: 36

Running hours outside: 5:10

Biking miles: 541.60

Biking hours: 27:40

Spinning hours: 5:30

Swimming laps (25 yard pool) : 2,102 lengths or 1,051 laps

Swimming distance: 55,550 yards or 31.5 miles

Swimming hours: 17:30

Weight lifting hours: 14:45

Stair Master miles: 65.87

Stair Master hours: 8:15

TOTAL HOURS – 104 hours and 45 minutes

Looks like the weather is finally going to be spring this week and that means the bike will finally get to meet the pavement!