Two and a half years ago I was standing on the beach at Panama City Beach letting the water of the Gulf of Mexico hit my feet as I was about to start my fifth Ironman race. Swimming 2.4 miles with 2,800 other people all at the same time - it is such an exciting time. Maybe a bit of danger - getting hit, kicked, swum over - but it is the challenge of it that excites me. Once you get out of the crowd in the swim and can get in a group of 5 or 10 people, it is so relaxing. One stroke after the other, sometimes peeking your head up to make sure you are swimming with the buoys, looking at the feet in front of you, making sure you are where you should be. The taste of salt water in your mouth - not so bad at first, but a couple miles later all you want is a sip of water to wash it out (maybe that part isn't so relaxing)!
Hopping onto the bike with a bit of chill in the air knowing you will warm up soon, trying not to go out too hard, getting in that nutrition, staying calm remembering it is going to be a long day out there. Taking in that nutrition when you planned to, heart rate in check - getting to the half way point on the bike and you are still feeling good wondering what the rest of the day is going to bring??
Mile 80 of the bike - trying to keep it steady, maybe getting a little tired but nothing big, looking forward to getting off the bike and getting those run shoes on, hoping the legs, stomach, and head are all in a good place to run well.
Come into the second transition thinking, 'lets get these shoes on and run.' Handing someone your bike, they put it on the rack for you, you go grab your run bag, head in the tent, change your shoes, grab some nutrition, and head out on the road. People cheering for you, getting excited, happy to be off the bike, back a little tight, but legs feel good, and there is still a long day ahead!
Some Ironman marathons feel so good and some feel so bad. Each one has its story, each one has its people you meet, each one leaves its mark! But it's the challenge of it all - it's the challenge that makes you sometimes say, "I don't want to do this anymore", or "I want to get back at it, I want to be challenged, I want to work hard, I want to work my hardest to achieve and overcome my goals and challenges."
That second reaction is how I feel right now. I've always enjoyed training more than I have the racing. But Ironman is that beast of a race that is almost like one big training day - one big challenging training day. Such a long build up to a race, hoping it all goes well - your nutrition, your pacing, your mental game. It doesn't seem that hard when you write on your blog or talk with people, but it is damn hard to put it all together on race day when you are the one doing it. I want to get back in, I want to be back to Ironman racing and enjoy it - enjoy the challenges and continue to meet some amazing people involved in the sport.
I've always thought your commitment to Ironman training is what you want to get out of it. How many swims, bikes, and runs will you get in? How many hours? How much rest will you take? What will your taper look like? Pacing and nutrition strategy? But maybe it's better to not over think it too much and focus on a good balance in life - fitting training and racing into your already busy life - making sure that it ADDS to the quality of life you already have, rather than taking time away. Big things in life don't bring sacrifice if you really want to do them. Make everyone happy, inspire through your actions, and remember to thank those who support your endeavors!
After a three year break, I'm looking forward to toeing the line at the Rev3 Tri - Cedar Point Ironman Race for my sixth Ironman. I have my goals for race day of course, but my bigger goals are to embrace the challenges along the way, enjoy the physical activity, figure out the balance approach to life, meet people, train with people, learn what motivates others to do such a thing, and sincerely appreciate and support the people in my life who support all my endeavors on a day to day basis - big or small! Time to get it rolling....
Awesome post Mike. For me, nothing about an ironman is appealing, but I can see the excitement, the drive and the motivation that ironman brings. I'm excited that you're on your way to #6. Had no idea you were going to Cedar Point (could've probably gotten you a discounted entry too), but I may have to consider the half out there now. Hope I can be part of the journey...the "short" training days and that big long one!!! You'll crush it just like you do anything in life that you put your mind to. Cedar Point is a great race as well....
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