Why oh why?

So I was asked why do an Ironman? That's a good question to answer. For one, I used to watch the Kona Ironman when I was kid and always thought how crazy hard that must be. I even remember the Magnum PI episode where he does the Ironman.

I mean to push your body to the maximum for that long of an event. It's just epic to think about. I never really pursued it because I just felt I had no chance with the swim.

As I was running more and more, I decided that a runner really can't be called a runner unless they have a marathon on their resume' of accomplishments. I don't know why I think that but a marathon is the ultimate endurance test of a runner. Back in 1998, I decided that it was time to go for that. I decided I wanted to go under 3 hours because even though I wasn't world class fast it would be good to say 2 hrs something when talking to fellow runners.

I used a training plan and stuck to it no matter what. I almost died on my 30 mile run in the 95 degree heat with just one bottle of water. I was young and naive but I managed to get to the starting line in 1998. I ran the marathon and suffered during the last 5 miles but in those miles I told myself to just suck it up. I didn't train for 8 months and suffer to not make my time. I made my time exactly.

I've done 2 additional marathons since then each of them worst than the one before with the last one pushing me over the edge to cycling full time. It was just a couple of years ago that Elena wanted me to run around the yard with her that I decided I needed to start running again. I wanted to be able to keep up with Elena.

I thought it might be fun to try a couple of duathlons. It was hard and painful but it was fun. So I started thinking back to the Ironman. I started reading more about how all kinds of people suck it up and complete the event. I could suck up and complete what I believe is the ultimate of ultimate endurance events. To say that you've done an Ironman just means so much to me. I mean I'm still in awe of people who have done it and I want to be part of that club.

It's all about pushing yourself and yourself alone. It's not really about anyone else but you need support from everyone else in your life in order to complete the goal. I talked to my friends and Amber about it. Amber said I should do it. So...I'm gonna make the attempt.

I've been trying my best to overcome my weakness in the swim but it's tough going. I never really knew how to swim at all. I never put my face into the water to blow bubbles until just 2 weeks ago. It's a major learning experience and scares me. I mean if you're tired and can't finish a marathon you start to walk, maybe sit down but you don't have the chance of drowning.

I'm becoming more calm in the pool as I swim practically everyday. Today, was the first attempt and continous swimming for a length of time. I swam 30 minutes without stopping. I was quite happy as my swim pace stayed constant throughout. I keep reading and watching online videos to try to help with my swim technique but it's still new.

Anyway, so I decided to do an Ironman to say I've done one. My reason is because I want to show that I can endure the entire distance. I can't wait to cross that finish line but it's a long ways off. I just need to stay focused when the pain and suffering sets in during the training and during the event.

Well off to bed for me...I get to sleep in til 6am tomorrow...Woohoo!